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!

"I've got to admit it's getting better"

The sales are getting "a little better all the time." Stores are really hurting for business. Saks sent out a 15% discount coupon for fragrance. That never happens. Makeup and fragrance are the two things that just don't go on sale. Saks also is marking hundreds of designer items 70% off. Go now before someone else snags the good stuff!

As for me, I won't be racing to Saks but I did luck out with the latest Anthropologie sale. The dress I've been dying to have is on its way to my parent's place, along with a green frilly dress and a floral empire waist top that I'm not sure will work but I bought so that I could qualify for free shipping. Hooray!

Gilt (groupe) and regret

I could have bought both these:
and these

for less than the price of what I will probably end up paying for one of them. Gilt group had a Cynthia Vincent shoe sale AND I MISSED IT! Excuse me while I hug my teddy bear and cry.

Black Friday Haul

You will never find me lined up at 3 am in front of a store on Black Friday. Well, never say never. I guess if Nordstroms or Saks did something akin to what Wal-Mart does, then yes, I'd be up there with the craziest ones fighting tooth and nail. However, they don't. There are discounts but nothing so tempting as to lure me out of bed in the wee hours of the morning. Instead, my Black Friday was a pretty casual affair. My mother and I went to Victoria Garden's and poked around. I found a grey boyfriend cardigan on sale at Anthropologie, a tank at American Apparel, 2 pairs of jeans at Express, a carry-on size suitcase at Macy's and a dress at White House/Black Market. The suitcase was a pretty good deal. It's Samsonite and has the wheels that go in all directions. I wasn't really on the hunt for luggage but I've been needing one this size. As for the dress, it's dreamy. I don't normally shop there but there was a sale sign so I stepped inside. On the rack it didn't look like much but on, it's gorgeous. It's a black strapless number with chiffon pleats on top. I would post a picture but it's no longer online at the website. I'm thinking it might be a good New Year's Eve dress.

Taking a cue from my roommate

American Eagle normally isn't my style. I own a pair of jean shorts from them but otherwise, it's not a store I venture into on a regular basis. The stuff is cute but a little too All-American girl next door for me. However, every once in awhile they get something right. Last weekend my roommate came home with a grey hoodie from AE. It was cute but I didn't think too much of it until she had me touch it. It was incredibly soft. We're talking puppy ear soft. Needless to say, I wanted one. Unfortunately she's a petite 5'2" so I couldn't exactly steal hers. Thus, I trekked into SF and bought my own in brown heather. It's oh so cozy and perfect for bundling up. Although given the ridiculously hot weather in NorCal at the moment, I won't be wearing it for a bit.

Einee, meeny, miney, mo!

I want things and those things are not cheap. I don't have the money to buy all of them so I have to decide what I want the most. My choices are:

1. Macy's Tahitian pearl bracelet
About $270 minus $100 in gift cards
2. Cynthia Vincent 'Cora' boots
Originally $525, Sale $367.50
3. Foley + Corinna 'Glazed Mid City Tote'
Originally $440, Sale $310.80

Well, those are my choices so far. Unfortunately I keep finding new things to lust after.

The sky is falling...

The economy is tanking and while, I realize that this might have serious consequences on my potential career options post-college, for the moment I am celebrating. Why you might ask? Because retailers are slashing prices. With the holiday season approaching and growing concerns about stale stock, my favorite stores are letting items go for a fraction of the price. No where was that more apparent than when I was perusing anthropolgie.com and spotted the Manoush coat I loved on sale. Now I wasn't entirely surprised that it was on sale but the fact that it was $200 off was the big shocker! I had maybe dreamed of 25%, maybe even 40% off but never ever did I believe I would see it for a little less than 60% off. Needless to say I immediately called the nearest Anthropologie to put it on hold and picked it up that day. It's still as beautiful as I remember and now it's mine! Thank you economic crisis.

Home again, home again, jiggety-jog!

I went home this weekend and took advantage of Bank of Mom. On Saturday we went to the outlets in Cabazon. I got a pair of AG dark wash, straight leg jeans, two Calvin Klein bras and a black sheath from Theory. On Sunday before I went to the airport, we dropped by Anthropologie and I picked up two shirts on sale. I also tried on a couple of dresses that I really liked so I'll be watching those to see if they go on sale.

Ruffles and glitz, oh my!

I went to Anthropologie today to return the shirtdress I had ordered online. Of course, I couldn't just leave without checking out what was new in stock. Boy was that a bad idea! I (un)fortunately found two items that I am in love with. The first is the perfect pair of Sevens. I have a problem finding jeans but Sevens usually fit. These are the perfect bootcut, uniformly darkwash jean. They are incredibly flattering and also over $150. Ugh. Sadly, they a steal compared to the other item I'm now lusting for. This Manoush coat is undeniably stunning in person. The ruffles aren't overwhelming and the buttons shine perfectly. At the high price of $350, it also costs more than my paycheck. I will pray that it goes on sale but I just might be crazy enough to buy it at full price. Eeks!

Luckily, I did find something I could actually afford. It's no longer online but it's an adorable trapeze dress that I admired when it was $200 and again when it was $70 and now it is mine for $54. Score!

But if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need...

Okay, so maybe I didn't need it per say but since I was probably going to buy the Anthropologie 'Cupcake Shift' no matter what, I did need it to go on sale for the sake of my bank account. I got it for $69.95 which is a lot more sane than the original $138. It fits perfectly and I received a lot of compliments at work. Sadly, it's such a summer color that I don't know how much use I'll get out of it in the next few months but I'll try to whip it out every once in awhile.

I also ordered the 'Freethinker Shirtdress'but that will be making its way back shortly. It's cute and on someone else it'd be incredibly chic. I just don't have the bust for it. That and the neck part stuck out awkwardly.

You can't always get what you want...

I'm on the hunt for a variety of items for sorority recruitment and I have mere days to find them. Thus, on both Sunday and yesterday I went in search of the aforementioned items. Sadly I did not find the clothing I needed. Apparently navy dresses are not in style. It goes without saying that I found plenty that I did not need but now either desperately want or guiltily own.

First up was Anthropologie. I was hoping to find a dress in the sales rack. Instead I found 3 dresses at full price that I am determined to own and then a fourth online. The one I love the most is the 'Cupcake Shift'. It is a bright coral and utterly irresistible. I love that it has pockets! Sadly, the price is a bit steep for a solid color cotton shift. I'm hoping that the price drops but if not, I might just have to suck it up. The second dress is a pretty purple print and the third is a solid mustard yellow with buttons and detail down the front. To be perfectly honest I'm not entirely sure about the mustard yellow on my skin but it's a cute dress and I'll certainly buy it if it goes on sale. The last dress which I've only seen online is a navy colored dress with kimono like stylings. Since I'm actually looking for a navy dress, I might end up buying that one.

After lusting after dresses in Anthropologie, I headed over to MAC. Now I don't quite get all the hype over MAC cosmetics. I once bought the foundation powder compact and I hated it. MAC products tend to be way too heavy for my taste and I often think their staff look like drag queens. For foundation I now use Bare Escentuals and I highly recommend it. The only MAC products I still use are the eyeshadows. They simply have a wider variety of colors that almost any other company and I love the ability to make your own palettes. I picked up a pretty metallic green to change it up a bit and a light brown that matches my skin tone for blending. I don't buy makeup that often so I'm excited to try my new stuff out.

Adding to the collection

The summer might be fading fast but my feet are going to stay in warm weather mode for as long as possible. Especially since my DV by Dolce Vita 'Olive' sandals just came in the mail. They're super cute on and I'm glad I went for the 9 because I tried the 8.5 on in store and they were super narrow. Sadly the 9 are a bit long but I can just tighten the straps and they're fine.

I also stopped by Payless while my friend took care of some stuff at the bank. I really shouldn't go in there because I always walk out with at least one box. I just can't help it. The shoes are so cheap and the styles have improved so much in the last few years. This time was no different and I am now the somewhat guilty but still proud owner of a pair of purple suede-ish, tie-front, peep-toe heels.The great thing about Payless is that because the shoes are so cheap, you can afford to take a chance on something super trendy. This shoe is exactly that, trendy, and I'm not sure how I'll wear it but I like it and at $25 that's a good enough reason.

Meet my future husband(s)...

I think my vision of the ideal man is pretty standard. I want him to have a great sense of humor, be kind and respectful, know how to be romantic, be intelligent but not snobbish about it, have ambitions and the drive to make them come true, and treat me like his better half. And since we're talking about my ideal man you can throw in good looks and a sizable bank account. The part that might not be as standard is that I want my man to have style. I'm not talking about putting on a button up and trousers. Any guy can do that. I'm also not talking about the guys that buy designer everything because Sevens jeans do not equate style if you don't know how to wear them. Instead, I'm talking about a man who is effortlessly chic. What would be the point of me looking fashionable when my counterpoint walks beside me looking like a slob? I want a man who can look truly comfortable in a three-piece suit but then turn around and make jeans look chic. In fact, I can be more specific. The picture above is from The Sartorialist. It is of two men in Paris. Both men are stylish but in two very different ways. The man on the left wears a hodgepodge of different accessories but manages to make it look cool but not too done. The guy on the right wears a suit without making it look stuffy. Find me a guy who could pull off both looks and I'd marry him in a heartbeat.

I'm just not that into you...

I hate making returns but it's the understood consequence of online shopping. I have a tendency to hoard to-be-returned items and only deal with them once they threaten to take over my entire room. Of late the results of my online scouring have been underwhelming so I've been forced to concern myself with the matter of refunds and exchanges.

The first to go back was the Nieves Lavi dress from Shop Bop. I originally purchased it in a size medium. It arrived and it was immediately clear that it was huge. I exchanged it hoping that once it actually fit that I would like it. No such luck and now it is on its way back.

The second item going back are the Bombay heels from Max Studio. They were gorgeous online and in person. However, when I went to wear them for my friends wedding the buckle on the right heel broke. I suppose it is fixable but I don't want to pay full price for shoes that I have to fix 20 minutes after taking them out of the box. Once I get my lazy butt to the post office they too will be headed back and thankfully with a full refund despite it having been longer than the 20 day return policy allows.

Lastly, I'm returning one or both pairs of the Madison by Dolce Vita heels. Neither pair fits extremely well. The 8.5 is the perfect length but is tight in the toe box. The 9 is great as far as width is concerned but too long. I love them and I've wanted a pair of nude heels for so long but I hate the idea of buying shoes that don't fit me perfectly. I'm going to strut around the apartment a bit more with both pairs and see how it goes. Maybe the 8.5 will stretch a bit or perhaps with a heel grip the 9 will work. Otherwise it's adios to both.

Shopping for the City of Sin

It's been awhile but with starting a new job and going to Vegas this past weekend, I haven't had much time for blogging. Unfortunately, I didn't win big in Vegas so there will be no celebratory shopping spree. I did, however, get some shopping in before making the 8.5 hour drive to Sin City.

I hate shopping in a hurry. I like to take my time and debate things. I put things back, think twice and pick it up again. Yes, it can be annoying to shop with me but I like to know when I walk out a store that I am completely happy with my purchases. I don't buy things that I think are 'alright.' I want to love my clothes or I'll never wear them. I'm fine with going home empty handed if I don't find anything I love. However, I did not have the luxury of time during this trip. I needed comfortable black work flats and something to wear in Vegas in two and a half hours or I would be naked in Vegas (probably not as bad there compared to any other city but still something I'd like to avoid).

I first stopped by Nordstroms. I had seen a pair of Me Too flats that, while they were a bit square in the toe, looked extremely comfortable. I thought I'd be in and out in 15 minutes but the flats didn't work out. I have wide feet and my left foot was pinched. It might have stretched out but when I need to run around for 6 hours, I don't want shoes that might be comfortable. The sales man was extremely nice and pulled out every black, closed-toe flat he had in my size. I must have tried on a dozen or more pairs. I finally left with the Jeffrey Campbell 'Barcelona.' It's a simple, smooth black leather flat. It's flexible enough to accommodate my wide feet and I really do love their versatility.

After Nordstroms, I scurried across the street to the huge Forever21 in SF. It is three stories tall and always packed with a thousand teenage wannabe fashionistas. I rarely have patience for the crowds and the digging but I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on clothes for Vegas. Luckily you can find nice things in F21 if you look with a discerning eye and inspect each item for obvious flaws that will make it look cheap. I went from floor to floor filling my bag with possible items, waited in the long line for the dressing room and then spent a good 20 minutes trying on my goods. Most things either looked trashy on or did not fit but I lucked out with a dressy black halter with ruffles down the front and a dark lavender dress with a metallic sheen.

I ended up wearing the black halter with white shorts when we went to Tao. I think shorts might be my new go to wear for going out. They can still look dressy if in the right material and they're cooler than jeans and easier to maneuver in than a dress or skirt. I'm holding on to the lavender dress because despite it's origin it is very pretty and I'm sure I'll find a use for it.

Gimme some of that kale...

As any self-respecting fashionista knows, the 5th season of Project Runway premiered tonight. I have to say that overall it was a bit of a let down. They re-did the grocery store challenge from the first season and it's as if none of them had ever watch an episode. Tablecloths and trash bags? Seriously? I can't think of anything less creative or more likely to disappoint the judges. I don't understand how they couldn't have seen that coming. On the other hand, Korto's yellow kimono dress with the kale and tomato collar was beautiful. She knows how to put a look together and while the material for the dress wasn't innovative, I give her snaps for using fresh produce. Plus, if that was actually made out of cloth, women would buy it. I also liked the winning dress by Kelli, the skirt part especially. She was truly creative when it came to putting her dress together. It was quirky with the coffee filters and gold push pins but in a Marc Jacobs kind of way, not a bad way. She put a lot of effort and thought into her dress and it showed, especially in contrast with the designs of the lazier contestants.As for everyone else, I hope they step it up next time. Most of the other dresses were decent if not memorable. I was a little surprised that Jerry didn't perform better. I don't like all of his FORM line but the man has the ability to do some gorgeous work. If only he had done something that looked a little less like serial killer meets hazmat suit. I think if they had kept him around, he would have improved. The better person to auf weidersehen would have been Blayne's licious ass. I don't understand how a person can manage to be that annoying or create something so hideous and have the cojones to walk it down the runway.

There's not much casual about business casual

I have a summer job! Finally! I am going to be a hostess at a restaurant. This means I will finally be making some money. This also means I have a new reason to buy clothes because I have casual, lots and lots of casual but not much business. The official dress code is black bottoms and some form of nice top that covers the shoulders, preferably button down. Supposedly, it really isn't that strict and as long as you look put together and fairly professional, you can get away with most colors and such. However, considering that I'm just starting I want to at least give the impression that I care about following the rules. At least, until I know just how much I can bend them.

I have one outfit that got me through all of my interviews this summer and that was a pair of navy pants and a white wrap top from Banana Republic. Obviously that just won't cut it. Thus, I headed over to Bay Street, home of all the basic chain stores. I hit up Old Navy, H&M, Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, and Express. None of the stores are known for extremely trendy or hip clothing but when you need business casual basics fast, they will do. Unsurprisingly I spent a lot of money. I grabbed a black pencil skirt and a navy knit top from Ann Taylor, a navy and beige striped cardigan from Old Navy, a white top from H&M, a button down short sleeved shirt from Express, a beautiful beige cardigan and a white wrap dress from Banana Republic, and finally black pants, a black leather belt and a loose black cotton dress from Gap. It's a lot in one day but with the addition of a couple more tops I'll be able to mix and match to my hearts content.

The perfect cinch

I have a terrible habit of knowing exactly what I want. In the world of fashion this can be bad when what I want is exactly not what I am finding. Case in point, I am currently in the hunt for a pair of thin, graduated width, gold hoop earrings with a hammered texture to them. I've seen them sold in the past and I recently saw a girl wearing a pair but I can't find them anywhere. I've asked several jewelers who have gone through several catalogs and they've all told me that I'd have to have them custom made because nobody is currently making what I want. Catch is those custom earrings will put me out a good $300. Yea, maybe I'll just wait until they come back into style. That or until I make good friends with a gold smith who's willing to do it for cheap.

Luckily, there are times when I find exactly what I'm looking for. The wedding is tomorrow and as of Wednesday I still did not have a belt, so it was off to the city for me. My first stop was H&M where I bought a simple 2 inch wide brown belt. Not fabulous but if that was all I could find, it would do. I then hit up Macy's where I purchased a 3 buckle waist belt that was better than the H&M belt but still not quite what I wanted. From there I stopped by Nordstroms where I found adorable Jeffrey Campbell shoes (that I didn't buy) but no belt. After Nordstroms I wandered into Club Monaco, Express, Anne Klein and various other smaller stores but to no avail. It was getting late and my feet hurt. I was about to admit defeat but I decided to try one more store. Thus at close to 9 pm as the stores readied to close, I found myself speed walking through Bloomingdales in search of the accessories department. At first my tired, blurry eyes did not see it amongst the boring Michael Kors simple leather belts, but there it was, the perfect leather waist belt. It is brown leather with one buckle. It was the last one left and on sale. I don't really believe in fate but this was meant to be. It was such a relief to find it. I know it's a wedding and on that day it's about love, commitment and a number of other mushy things but not having the right belt would have bothered me. Now I'll be able to fully bask in the glory that is true love (yea, I just gagged a bit).

Finding the one...

Keep the faith, girls. It can happen. I was getting anxious about finding a dress for the wedding. I ordered the Nieves Lavi dress from ShopBop because it was further discounted but I was still on the hunt for a cheaper dress and in case, said dress didn't fit when it arrived. The pickings were looking pretty slim until I decided to check out a little boutique in Walnut Creek called My Roommate's Closet. If you've never heard of this store, the concept is that they sell unsold clothing from Bay area boutiques. However, they handpick their items so these are not your average five seasons old, lipstick stained, ripped zipper castoffs. Instead you have some truly nice items all attractively displayed. The store is small and when I did a once around I didn't see anything but I was determined. Then I saw it, a pretty little purple number by Sunner. I tried it on and with the aid of a waist belt, it was love at first wear. Revolve Clothing has it in red but the purple is so much prettier. It's a vibrant, deep purple and I've always wanted a dress this color. It was a little bit more than I would have liked and the sales associate got my hopes up by mistaking it for another dress and accidentally telling me it was around $70 but I bought it anyway because you don't turn away a good love. It needs a belt in order to unveil its true potential but this way I can create new looks by simply changing the belt.

Now my task is to find a belt. The ideal would be a wide tan leather belt with a couple of buckles or straps for detail. It also can't be too tight or it will cause the dress to pucker oddly on the side. I tried a stretchy belt at Urban Outiftters and I suddenly had angles on my hips where I would want curves. Lastly, I'd prefer for it not to cost as much as the dress. I think I'm headed for the city again tomorrow for a day of belt hunting.

Luckily, I already have shoes covered. I picked up these Dolce Vita wedges in the city today at DSW. They've been completely sold out online in the brown so I had to snap them up when I saw them. I also have these, the Bombay by Max Studio, coming in the mail. I fell in love with them a couple of months ago inside a Nordstroms but they didn't have the size and color that I wanted. I went to the Max Studio online store the other week and there they were. When they arrive, I'll compare the two shoes side by side with the dress and then decide which to return.

I love when an outfit seems to just fall together perfectly. If only it happened more often.

Reaching for new heights

Handbags and heels are my weaknesses. Hence the name of this blog. I obviously love all other attire but handbags and heels are where the biggest portion of my money goes. They can spice up any outfit and no matter how your weight might fluctuate, they will always fit and always make you look amazing.

I haven't bought a major handbag in awhile. I've been waiting because I don't know what I want exactly. However, I know exactly what I want when it comes to shoes. I need a variety of practical shoes, including a white pair of Vans slipons, low black heels, and a pair of cute but comfortable sandals. I think I may have found the solution to that last need. These DV by Dolce Vita sandals are adorable. The silver will match so many different outfits and while they fit perfectly with the current trends, they have their own little flair to them.

Unfortunately, not all of my footwear desires are this practical. I have a great love for heels. As far as I am concerned, it is possible to own 5 pairs of black heels and still need more. I recently bought these, the Dolce Vita Madison. They're so sexy. I've been looking for nude pumps for awhile so these are perfect. I just have to decide whether or not to keep them. Yes, I love them but neither the 8.5 or 9 fits just right. The 8.5 is too tight in the toe box but the 9 is a bit too long. I think with a heel grip the 9 will work but I can't be entirely sure. I do want them though and I can justify this purchase with sorority fall recruitment. They'll be perfect. Who cares if I'll tower over all the pledges? I'll be a giant but a giant with killer heels and hot gams.

Fashionably green

Etsy is a genius thing. If you haven't heard of it, you should definitely check it out. It's a website that allows crafty people to create their own little online shops and sell their wares. You can browse by category or if you're looking for something in particular you can go to the alchemy section and post a description of what you're looking for. With any luck, someone will be interested in making the item for you (for a fee, of course).

I have spent hours sifting through Etsy. A lot of the stuff is not my style. However, every once in awhile I stumble across a store that has something I love. My favorite of the moment is called valhallabrooklyn. She makes gorgeous bags and other goods out of recycled leather. We all know the whole "Go Green" movement is the new trend. It's funny to see in places like forever21 that you know aren't environmentally friendly but when it comes to quality stuff like these leather handbags, I'm all in.

Valhallabrooklyn has cute designs that she makes in various colors but my favorite are the one-of-a-kinds that she makes out of leather jackets. They're amazing because she manages to keep original features of the former jacket in the design of the bag.

These two are my favorites but unfortunately they've both been sold. I am hoping that she'll come out with some more like these because I seriously want one. Forget buying the latest Marc Jacobs. Even if it were limited edition, there would still be several hundred people with the exact same bag. With this, you get a bag that no one else in the world owns. The price isn't too bad either. At less than $300, they're a fraction of the cost of many designer handbags. Plus, they're quality. They're made of genuine, buttery soft leather. This is the kind of bag I could use everyday and while it might get a worn look, it would only be in a good way. One-of-a-kind, relatively cheap AND an everyday bag that can actually handle the love of being used every day? I can't think of anything better. Can you?

Avoid the big red bullseye

I am a broke college student. My parents and I have a deal. They pay for my education, housing, food, and necessities and I am supposed to pay for the fun stuff such as concerts, eating out, drinks, and shopping. It's a pretty sweet deal, I have to admit. The problem is that I am currently unemployed. This makes doing the fun stuff a bit more difficult and thus, I should avoid shopping. Really, it isn't too big of a deal. The big department stores are in San Francisco and the few stores in the immediate area of the university aren't all that tempting. So I was doing pretty well for myself. That is, until I went to Target today. That store always gets me into trouble. The thing about Nordstroms is as much as I like shopping there I know that I don't actually need any of it. I may want lots of items but I can survive just fine without another pair of Sevens or a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. Target, on the other hand, is full of things that I can easily argue that I need. I spent close to $90 there today on items that will probably be useful and that I most likely would have bought sometime in the future but I certainly did not need to buy them now. They all could have waited until I am employed and have sufficient funds. Well, except for the deodorant. I actually do need that immediately seeing as my old one has completely run out on me. Still, the point is that at Target you grab so many little things that by the time you hit the register it totals up to close to $100, which just isn't okay when you have no income. Therefore, I am self-imposing a ban on Target for the next month or so until I have money. Thank god the Botkier for Target line looks hideous or I might have had trouble enforcing my ban.

Not quite it...

I was praying for a ShopBop discount code and got my wishes. Sadly it's only good on non-sale items. I guess I need to be more specific in my prayers. Boo. However, if any of you are looking to save 20% at ShopBop the code is HEATWAVE08. It's only for today so shop fast!

Trying for second best...

Weddings can be a bit tricky to dress for. One must be fashionable but on the more conservative side. While there are arguably appropriate times to rock the gold lame mini skirt or the all sequin ball gown (perhaps at a drag show?), a wedding is decidedly not one of them. And of course, the number one rule is that you cannot show up the bride. In other words, you want to be the second best dressed woman in the room. She has had to deal with guest lists, catering staff, future in-laws and dress fittings. The least you can do is make sure that your outfit does not detract from the attention on her. (Yes, I do mean her. The bride is the center of the whole parade. The groom rides in the sidecar).

On top of the usual rules of how to dress at a wedding, I have my own. My friend, Lisa, is getting married in mid-July. It's a summer wedding, which means that I require a summer dress. Under no circumstances do I want to wear a black dress. It's not so much that it's a fashion faux pas as much as it's simply boring. I want a fun-colored dress of modest but not matronly cut. I like most bright colors within reason but I'd prefer it not to be yellow as I already wore a yellow dress to her bridal shower. This should be a fun task but the mother has put a limit on the price of the dress and let's just say that the whole process gets a bit more tedious when one has to stay under $100.

Things started off great at the BCBG sale when I spotted this cute teal dress for 70% off. I like the bright but not overwhelming color and the two patterns complement each other. Sadly, it was not to be as none of the stores in the Bay Area had my size. If you happen by a BCBG store anytime soon though I suggest you look for this dress because it is super cute in person and for $84 it's a steal.

I then decided to exhaust my designer discount options. This meant trips to Loehmann's, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, and Nordstroms Rack. I don't know what Loehmann's in NYC is like but I can tell you that the SF branch is depressing. Sure, there might be something beneath the piles and piles of hideous patterns and wretched cuts but it certainly wasn't a wedding appropriate dress. As for Marshall's and TJ Maxx, I walked in, looked at the rack of dowdy, box-shaped dresses and walked out. Nordstroms Rack was the only one with any potential but unfortunately most of the better dresses were in poor shape. There were tears, lost sequins, and makeup stains. I tried on a couple for good measure but they simply did not fit correctly. On the bright side, I managed to snag a pair of tan leather loafers that are oh-so-comfy and have cute little gold accents. There is one last option I haven't checked out, a Neiman Marcus Last Call in San Jose. It's far, especially with recent gas prices, but if I get desperate I might just have to make the venture.

For now, I have turned to trolling the internet. It seems that every online store is having sales. I have my eye on this Nieves Lavi dress at ShopBop but at $254.10 it's a little out of my price range. I just love the colors and pattern. It's eye catching. Plus the cut is perfect for a summer wedding. It shows some skin but not so much that I'll look like the town whore. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that the price drops or that I can find a discount code.

Of course, in the end I might just end up wearing that Marc by Marc Jacobs dress. I only worry about it being just a little too casual. It's a summer wedding but a late afternoon one. I'd prefer one that wasn't quite such a day dress. Plus, why not take advantage of the opportunity to snag a new dress?

Home is where the heart (and money) is

I love my parents and it's always nice to see them. However, like any other spoiled, materialistic offspring, there is a greedy additional reason why I look forward to my trips home. Namely, my mother is well trained and knows that mother-daughter bonding time means taking me shopping and dropping loads of cash. I almost always get some goodies but this time was an exceptionally good haul. My mother took me to the mall with the specific goal of finding me an acceptable 21st birthday gift. My birthday was 3 months ago and I had already received a gorgeous Mike & Chris leather jacket (50% off but that's another post) but my parents had told me that they wanted to buy me something that I would still use 20 years from now. Well, when my mother has a mission she sets right to it. We first browsed the jewelry section at Macy's where I found a gorgeous necklace with a single black pearl. I was in love but being fickle I decided that I needed to peruse every jewelry section and store in the entire mall before I made my decision. It took 2.5 hours and I looked at every possible stone and combination but I eventually settled on the pearl. I really liked some of the diamond pendants, particularly the journey ones but the pearl, I felt, was more unique. Plus, we were able to get it for a huge discount with the Macy's card, a discount coupon, and the jewelry sale they were having. I can find a diamond pendant that tickles my fancy anytime but a $850 pearl for $200, I think not. Along with the pearl pendant, I got a necklace, earring, and bracelet white pearl set for a ridiculously low price. It's not my ideal type but since I need white pearls both for interviews and for sorority recruitment in the fall it was a good buy.


Aside from the jewelry, I picked up a pair of BCBGirls black pointy toed heels (boring but again, needed for recruitment), 3 v necks and a boyfriend cardigan at American Apparel, a more professional silver watch by Kenneth Cole Reaction and $200 worth of makeup at Sephora to make a "travel kit." Lastly, I found an amazing deal. While browsing the sale racks at Macy's, I stumbled upon a Marc by Marc Jacobs wave print wrap dress. I was a bit worried because it's a small and I, of late, am definitely not a small but it works because it's a wrap dress and because no matter how fat I get my chest will always be minute. It retails for $198 but I got it for only $68! Needless to say it was a good weekend.

Let's start from the very beginning...

I like clothes. It's such a simple sentence but it has had so many repercussions. My fashion addiction is the reason why my bank account is pitifully in the lower hundreds. It is also the reason why my closet is cluttered with heels and assorted other goods that I love but, as an ordinary college girl, simply have no place to wear. I am the girl who goes to lecture but spends the entire time searching the web for the best deals on the clothes she cannot afford. It's a sad existence that I'm not always proud of but I can't seem to tear myself away. This blog is just one more step into the obsession.