Smalltownbeauty's Straightener Giveaway

Smalltownbeauty is giving away a straightener from misikko.com. Go to smalltownbeauty.blogspot.com for details!

Watch Me (Not) Spend

I've been spending a lot of money lately and I do mean A LOT. Here are my recent purchases:

1. Jeffrey Campbell "Haley Stud" flat in nude
2. Jeffrey Campbell "Prop" pump in grey
3. Calvin Klein "Lexa II" flat in black
4. Sam Edelman "Gigi" sandal in purple
5. Tahitian pearl bracelet from Macy's
6. Anna Sui dress on eBay
7. Betsey Johnson "Loop De Loop" clutch on eBay
8. Chalie & Robin dress on eBay
9. Frye "Liz Ankle" boot in black
10. Rebecca Minkoff "MAC" in Almond

Now I've already sent back the Frye boots and the Rebecca Minkoff bag. Also, the bracelet and the stuff from eBay are being paid for by my mom. However, I did buy 4 pairs of shoes in 1 day with my own money. That's ridiculous and I'm coming to the realization that it needs to stop.

Inspired by Already Pretty who just ended her 6 month shopping ban, I think it is time for me to have my own ban. I'm just trying to figure out the rules and the timing. There are a number of things to consider.

1. Graduation is coming up. What do I do with that money? Can I spend it or do I put it into savings?

2. Along with graduation comes big girl jobs. I don't have the proper clothing for that. However, I figure my mom will probably provide that for me. Therefore, the rule will probably be that anything my mother pays for doesn't count. Does that apply to any item? Might I just end up using this as a loophole and begging her for a lot of things?

3. I don't really thrift. I should and I'd like to do more of it but I just haven't gotten around to doing so. Will I be able to spend my small allowance on new stuff or can I only by used items?

4. When do I start and how long will it last?

5. What exactly is the goal? A trip? More savings?

I really need to get my spending habits under control in all areas of my life. I'm hoping that I'll be working so much this summer that I'll hardly notice the ban. I know it won't be easy but if I don't have time to shop I'll miss it less.

I'm still working out the kinks in this plan so I'm not on ban yet but I'm doing my best not to buy anything. With finals coming up, I don't think it should be too hard. School comes first, after all.

Hot damn!

It has been soooo HOT in Berkeley the last few days. Yesterday and today were both in the 90's. Now, compared to SoCal summers that's not too bad but we're talking April in NorCal. It's ridiculous. It's the kind of hot that makes you unable to do anything because not only is it hot outdoors but indoors too because there's no air conditioning in this half of the state.

The problem with this heat, besides the obvious discomfort, is that fashion goes right out the window. In the tug-o-war between comfort and fashion, on a hot day comfort wins. On days like today, all I want to wear is a thin, loose tank and shorts with my Rainbow sandals. My hair is thrown up to get it off my neck and I don't even attempt to put on makeup because it will melt off anyways.

This isn't to say that you can't be fashionable on a hot day. I see girls around campus who definitely accomplish it but when I feel disgusting the minute I step out of the shower, I simply can't be bothered to try. So I guess my question is, how do you deal with the hot summer temperatures? What are your go to outfits to look cute in the sweltering heat?

Does this mean I get 22 presents?

I am turning 22 in less than a month. Whoopee! Actually considering I have a project and a midterm due directly after my birthday, I'm not too excited. However, I do like presents so I'm compiling my wishlist.

1. Floppy hat from American Apparel $40
The only question is whether to get the black or the grey. The black is probably more practical but the grey is more unexpected.

Rain, rain, go away...

Last night it rained for probably only the third or fourth time of this year. On the one hand, I'm glad because we need this drought to end. On the other, I hate wet feet! Furthermore there is a dearth of waterproof yet still fashionable footwear. UGGs are mildly waterproof but they won't hold you over in a downpour. As for my J. Crew yellow rainboots with blue whales, they're cute until you're caught outside when it's not raining. Then you just look like a dimwit. Thus, I am considering shelling out the dough for these babies, the Sperry Top-Sider Sadie Tall Boot. They have a wedge heel, cute fold over top and best of all, they don't scream rainboot. I like the basic black but it also comes in winter white and black with a navy blue top.

Ch-ch-changes!

I've been a terrible blogger recently. The new year brought new challenges and this blog fell by the wayside. However, I refuse to let it die so with a new moniker to set it off I am going to put more effort into making this blog grow.

First up on the order of business is this picture from The Sartorialist.


Their coats are so utterly chic that I immediately went scouring the web for something akin to them. Most of the drop-waist coats I found were in the $500 range, which is so not going to happen at this point. Luckily, Express has one that is passable and it's on sale. Considering that I already have a black winter coat, I'm hesitant but I would so love to recreate this look.

Happy Holidays!

I hope that Santa brought you everything you wanted. I know he did for me but it also helps that I picked it all out and then simply handed it over to Santa to put under the tree. Yep, that's how it works in my house. My parents long ago learned that I'm impossible to shop for. My haul included:
-Black tuxedo blazer, black tights, and silver cuff from Express
-Two dresses and a top from Anthropologie
-Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb perfume
-sweater from Aeropostal
-A big pile of makeup from Sephora
-Jeffrey Campbell flats

Our method takes all the surprise out but it saves me from having to fake that I like something and then have it sit in my closet with the tags until I finally pass it on to Goodwill. Of course, it isn't fool proof, especially with things that I pick out online. Thus today, I went to return some stuff and do some additional shopping with my mom. I returned the flower print shirt to Anthropologie and picked up a purple shirt with a big bow instead. The green dress might have to go back too but I'll wait on that. The Aeropostal sweater from my sister also went back but my mom picked out some pjs there for my Christmas gift to her so that worked out. We also hit up Macy's where I scored a really cute sheer black top with silver stars on it, the MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Berkley' sandals I've been wanting for months and a BCBG cocktail dress for...wait for it...$39.99 (originially $280)! I did a little happy dance inside when I found out the price. Woot!