I love this record baby, but I can't see straight any-mor-eeee

Blair's "18th Birthday" outfit is completely to die for for a classic ivory ruffle top and black skirt. It's the given, no-brainer classic outfit that you don't even think about, but you know it! In the back of your head, you know it. What the heck am I talking about, who knows.

But being 5'1" definitely doesn't mean I have sky-high legs to carry out most styles I want to wear, so I have to watch it vicariously through tv, or one of my managers at both jobs. D: I swear I don't mean that in a creepy way. I like to think I'm my office manager's personal shopper, I'm doing a closet consultation and helping her edit her closet, I just don't know when! Every day at the office, I swear there isn't a day we don't talk about hair/hair products, clothes, boots, makeup/beauty products, food, or about our other manager. Makes it sound like we don't work, but we do. Really!

I am not afraid to admit that I am addicted to a relatively incredibly trashy or highly unrealistic (what TV drama isn't?) TV show. Gossip Girl always tops it off for surreal styles, yes, I think it's better than Sex and the City, I mean style-wise. I never watched Sex in the City. I believe, once I turned 12 or so, I stopped religiously following TV shows until I got into college because I got back free cable channels... Despite the fact that the only show I'm addicted to, isn't even on cable. With the exception that did follow Korean dramas, I think I was addicted simply for the fact that it was subtitled.

For some reason a Wii and WiiFit appeared in my apartment, and I have nothing to do with it! Of course. I'm sticking to my weighted hula hoop that probably isn't doing anything. But au contaire! (?) Actually, my boyfriend got it brand new on sale, and he also believes I won't really work out without a WiiFit, I want to prove him wrong but--

I spent spent over 2 hours tonight playing WiiFit and completely worked a sweat, and this computerized game has me beat, which is pretty sad. I am completely aware that this will not help me lose weight, and I never believed it would, but I know he just wants me to be active and about than online window shopping for deals.

In addition to this WiiFit business, I've officially added one to two cups of Activia yogurt to my non-existing "diet," for common betterment. As well as really forcing myself to actaully drink 8 glasses of water each day to flush out my body like a normal human should.

In other things, "I love this record baby but I can't see straight anymore, doot do doo, just dance, spin that record babe"
I would have to say this stupid song is too catchy for its own good. Don't you hate it when the lyrics suck, but the song won't get out of your head? Or when the music video isn't like anything you were imagining it would be. The little things get the best of me sometimes. Like being able to control my breathing so I don't run out of breath when I talk to people. :{

Deal of the Day: 25% off everything at usa.frenchconnection.com, with code FRIENDS25, go!

This is on sale at www.asos.com, but I wish they had it in the US. It would be a cute burnt orange dress, all the stripes are actually short fringe layers so it has a casual but not over-done sassy feel--in a T-shirt dress cut. Fuss free, I think. I would order it if I wasn't trying to avoid international shipping like the plague, and avoid using my paychecks for myself.

Spend like the economy isn't at its worst and spiraling everyone else down into doom by swinging all these sales out left and right, and more frequently, and earlier than ever before. And its not even Black Friday yet. What gives? Oh. That's right.

Still on the hunt for my black flats. In addition to my craze for finding shoes to complete my "every need," I just realized I need to get with it for Christmas shopping. I can't see this ending well for my pocket. But at the least, I've decided to give Urban Decay Primer Potion for mini-gifts for certain gals that I think would actually put it to use. My gift list dwindles every year, yet all the money disappears. I will bake super cute mini-pies for the office this year. And I will be able to make sushi by the end of this year or I'll be darned! But then again, I'm not sure how I'm going to afford fresh fish without sacrificing gifts... kind of.

Oh god, I haven't gone to karaoke in several months. I am deeply deprived. Hopefully I get to go sometime during Christmas. Karaoke is awesome, well the Korean kind, where you get a room with your friends, not sing in front of a whole bar of strangers. And it's even more awesome when your friends know oldies. "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys. Hands down! However, due to a series of events, I don't have my singing partner anymore. So "Genghis Khan" will have to do since the lyrics are silly. But it's definitely not awesome to leave the place smelling like cigarette smoke of people who didn't even smoke cigarettes.

But oh boy! I'm looking forward to Christmas. Whoo hoo!

Scouring Etsy.

Oh em gee. oh em gee. oh em gee. oh em gee!

Blaaaargh. If there are obsessions to be named, it would be eating local, fresh mozzarella, certain boots, belts, enamel jewelry, ornate/vintage jewelry, cobalt blue, goregous leathers, and Snoopy. Except Snoopy is the only thing that I don't really spend on because I'm too busy being distracted by buying all these other random things or clothes anyway.

Deal of the Day: www.inthebagprovidence.com update!! FIFTY PERCENT off the listed price of their VALENTINO, Marc Jacobs, and Mulberry purses. You have to call to place the order, shipping is an extra $10, but at least tax is still free, and a fabulous purse or wallet is 50% off.
If you can afford it, go for it! It's a fab deal. Also, I think the sale lasts through next week? And then the 50% off will rotate to a few other designers they carry.

Here are some amazing or cute things I'm admiring on Etsy, of course, these are the sellers' pictures, not mine:

What can I say? Burnt orange is part of me a bit. But I'm probably half the size of that model, and the jacket would swallow me. But I love how the stripes come together on the sleeves.

A tad different from most of the feather headbands out there. The yellow pops!

Okay, this, I absolutely CAN'T resist. I googled around to see if anyone had anything similar and it was double the price, so this Etsy seller has just made a sale. Despite the fact I'm totally not adhereing to my ban, this would instantly change an entire outfit!
And I have all the right dresses (or so I like to think) to layer it over, similar to this, and other solids with higher/crew necklines. I'm sure the gold plates version would be easier to wear over many things, but gah, the piece above is just too killer not to snatch up.

This could also add a little snazz to something as simple as a black jersey long sleeve top, or henley, or anything basic really. At least in my opinion.

It's very difficult to actually find cute penguins. I adore the fact that it's a sushi chef, and how can one resist good sushi? Hopefully I can afford to go to Musashino's before the year ends.

Madewell @ Austin Domain

I am usually on the hunt for GOOD jersey, the kind that doesn't pill and look like it's been worn zillions of times, after just a few washes. And you know what, Madewell has that! I wish they had more choices, but having lots of colors is a good alternative. Their V-neck Pocket Tees that say "Hi-Line" are the best, and really survive the washing machine and daily wear and tear.
Hip hip hooray!
It's also nice to know that I can go to them to find basics in solids or stripes from tees to thermals and sweaters. Think of them as a better quality Gap. I would even say their "Hi-Line" tees are better quality than the J.Crew ones?

Deal of the Day: 20% purchases anytime with valid college student ID @ Madewell in the Domain. Turns out, the Madewell Austin location is the only location that gives the highest college student discount. The managers told me probably because UT students make up such a large portion of the population in Austin. Hey, I'm not complaining.
Right now, all sale items are an extra 25% off, so that with another 20% off sounds good to me. I got one xmas gift down thanks to this. Can't beat $11.

But another thing to note would be... if you're going to buy something there, you might as well wait for it to go on sale, unless its their classic denim styles (I don't buy their jeans, I am fond of high-waisted Joe's Jeans moreso), or unless you really don't want to chance not finding your size later. If you're an L or XL, you have nothing to fear, eventually everything gets marked down, even boots! I'm not entirely sure about belts though. There was a super cute, thin, double-wrap studded leather belt, not sure if that will make it to markdowns...

Personally, I'm a markdowns kind of gal for anything I buy for myself. Except (!) when it comes to belts.

So there are additional perks to being a Longhorn it seems. But don't expect much if you walk into Martin + Osa, it's 2% there. I'm not even sure why the sales associate was excited to inform me that college students get 2% off, but she was happy to tell me. Hopefully it's changed?
If I'm not mistaken, Madewell's parent, J. Crew, gives students 15% off. I think they give teachers the same percentage, or more too.

Crazy purse lady. Purse Fiend. Etc.

I wish I really had an appropriate collection (or at least backed up with a sumptuous bank account) to really exemplify my obsession. But, I'm too busy paying for food, fresh mozzarella, and figure-killing snacks on top of my basic living expenses--to really get down with it. Savings always means off limits, so that's not an option.

Amidst working weekdays at the office, working weekends at the store, and studying a full course-load of university studies... I shop and purge. Online, in stores, consignment shops, vintage stores, the list goes on, if I have time for it, this is what I do. Un-exciting, I know, but it's easy to break and shop while studying. Which then becomes a really bittersweet duo of activities, relentless studying and having a 1/4 changing closet. :{ Lately I've been finding things that I feel I can't be without, which cannot mean anything good for extra pocket money. Especially with Christmas lurking around the corner.

Anyway, back to my point.
Swooning.
Pining.
Pitter-patter.
I always do this. Oh but come on, girls always want pretty things. Dresses, tops, shoes, purses, jewelry, why not? Admidst the hunting, there are the ones that become the keepers.

Simply put, purses and clutches can be worn without feeling pain from heels. They're used almost as often as wallets, so I find it to be a practical obession. Do I need fifty purses? No. At this VERY second, I have 3 purses, and 1 clutch. They are all black, and 2 are patent. Blast! So you could say, I'm on the hunt for variety and color now.

Overall, I tend to have a thing for stuff people are more likely not to have (as long as they are functional), in the purses and shoes department. Which is why I more or less hate Coach/Gucci/LV things, EXCEPT Monogram Vernis Amarante pieces, the deep patent plum is just unexplainable, but those blast price increases would never make me a buyer at this rate.

Sometime soon I'll post my small current collection.

Pitter Patter

What I reallllllllllllly need, is a bigger purse (that isn't a school throwaround), which of course, led to the hunt for a convenient bigger, leather purse. I already have one black & gray patent purse, so no more patents for now. And my trusty non-patent leather Prada Pushlock, is black. So no solid black either. Behold!

This is travelbliss' (from The Purse Form) Mulberry Mink Ombre Bayswater, and ah, the leather is just luscious! There is nothing like a good leather purse, I feel bad for the mooing animal, but the feel of good leather is just divine, and so worth it (sometimes).

Some people don't like the ombre effect, but I think it's what makes the purse look a little different from all the other black, chocolate, and oak Bayswaters out there. Actually, the first Bayswater that first caught my eye, was how fab it looked on Lauren Conrad, but she had a Brown Patent Bayswater. And this grey patent Bayswater on this other celeb.

Besides that I can't find the brown patent one anywhere, but if I could, even though it's patent, I don't want another patent purse just yet. Hmm or maybe a navy patent one.... I used to think it seemed old-looking, or maybe a little boring, but I don't know. I love it when I see it on others. I've seen a couple people walk in with a non-patent Bayswater, and it's slouchy and perfect on them.

I see it as a great bag that can be used at the office or to run errands, still holding everything you need from knick knacks to documents, and the straps are long enough to fit well under the shoulder. It's like a tote bag, everyone needs a tote bag. Just... not an expensive leather one.

Not even a week, I broke it already :{

Last week, I had put myself on a second ban for all non-Christmas related personal purchases, to hold out for the Mink Ombre Bayswater that I can't stop dreaming about to fufill my need for a bigger purse. That is, until these two Chloes crossed my path. [Yeah, it hasn't been a full week yet, and I've already broken the ban, I'm probably hopeless].

With Christmas around the corner, I need the money for Christmas presents and baking more than scoring deals on luscious leather purses that I'll never come across again and regret not buying, later on. I'm debating within myself if I should gift these things to someone dear, but technically only one person understands my obsession for purses, and she's pining for something else.

I first spotted a Chloe going for a steal a couple days ago. And tonight, Lucretia's Chloe clutch made my heart pitter and patter. Just when I thought "oh, I'll just bid on it anyway, it's not like I'll win it."

Shoot, I did.
I absolutelyyyyyyyy looooooove it, and I'm totally ecstatic! I can't wait to get it! BUT, considering the ban I started last week, I was trying to wait to get the mink ombre Bayswater on sale the first day before Christmas if it does go on sale.

Oh, but I am in love! What's not to love about Chloe? The clutch pops, and it's buttery smooth leather, inside and outside. And it was a TOTAL steal! Practically 95%-ish off? [Pictures later when I recieve it] Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge thank you to Lucretia for parting with a beautiful piece from her collection! <3

The pictures below are of the 2nd Chloe that was equally, literally a steal. It doubles, as a clutch or a shoulder whenever one pleases. And it's lined in leather! So at least I didn't break my ban by going anywhere near the $500 threshold, heck, not even remotely close for TWO.
I know, my reasoning is off, but it is pretty.

Shoes that every girl "NEEDS"

Four details for building/having a basic shoe collection that saves frustration and pulls it all together, everytime you walk out the door.

Detail #1 - The toe box

• not tooooo pointy
• not tooooo rounded
• not mary-jane-ish
• a squarish toe box looks dated, or as if its for men
• a too pointy toe box, can be a bit much sometimes, unless that's your kind of thing

Detail #2 - The platform

• should not be visible, or should not stick out
• If the bottom/platform is sticking out (like with cowboy boots or men's dress shoes), that kills the clean look of any shoe, almost immediately. Or rather, it really just makes it look that much more casual, which isn't always versatile with dressier outfits.

Detail #3 - Embellishments

• Building a basic shoe collection that adds the finishing touch when you walk out the door, makes all the difference when the shoes don't have embellishments. I know, I know, the bow on top is really cute, or there's a buckle, or cute ruching, maybe sparkly things. But first off, just look for what you need. Sometimes the adornments make the difference on whether or not it works with your outfit.
• After you have what you need, you can run around and find other shoes with cute prints or details, if your pocket can handle it. Otherwise, you can walk away, and know that you have what you need. (Maybe all the cute shoes you have, are the very reason why you always feel like you have no shoes to go with your outfits, when you need the basic ones most.)

Detail #4 - Leather

• If you can spring for it, go for it!
• While satin evening shoes are generally very cute, they're not very practical, and maybe you're better off pulling the outfit together with nude patent peep-toe pumps than silk evening shoes, as an example.
• Personally, I don't think any cheapie is worth paying for if it's not even real leather, but that's totally up to you. It's just a nice plus if you ever encounter the need to clean it. There's not much you can do once you damage pleather of any kind.

Detail #5 - The fit

• If they feel tight when you first try them on and walk around, that is a bad sign, and you should know it by now! They're most likely not going to stretch, and you will be in for a lot of pain after wearing them about. If it's the last size, or on sale, don't fret. There will be others someday.
• Toe cleavage? I think it's a strange term. But, it's personally not my cup of tea. But if you like that, then ignore what I just said. If you don't like it, then just pass the shoe, and there will be others.

With that said, it might be difficult, but it might be easier to whittle down options for your...

Essential black heel: Peep-toes are fun, but if you really need a year-round, all-occasion pair, find closed-toe ones first. I say this from a business standpoint, I wouldn't want to wear the wrong thing to the first interview, regardless of employee dress code.

If it helps you, patent make the shoes pop more than blend, especially when you pair it with black tights or hose in the Fall. Of course, you should still have a matte black heel, since patent isn't universally acceptable for business attire just yet.

Essential black flat: Same details #1-4, and same as the essential black heel, except, obviously, the heel aspect. Just for when you don't need/want to teeter around in extra-height fuss when you're casual or dressy.

Essential black boots (or dark brown): Blacks, dark browns, taupes/nudes, greys, whatever floats your boat. Detail #1 is good to note to avoid square toe boxes, which make a boot look more dated or moreso for men. Detail #2 completely changes the look of the boot from being casual to being versatile.
Find one with a side zipper, if you want the ease of zipping it over your jeans without worrying about scrunching.

Suede = effortless-chic during the Fall especially, but it's tricky to clean... stick with neutral colors that work with your closet, chances are you won't wear those teal or purple suede boots that often, unless it's your usual style.

Essentials that can't hurt, if you come across them:

White sandals, I don't know how to describe it, it's just refreshing and neutral, but fun!

Red always adds a little sass. A little sass never hurt anyone.

Black patent adds a little something to any(!) outfit.

Nude pumps to eliminate those "what shoes do I wear with these instead of black..." outfits.

Strappy silver/gold heels jazz up evening attire while still avoiding the basic black shoe.

-----------------------------

Non-essential fun shoes for the budget-conscious. Just resist the following and focus(!).

• Fun colors you know don't really work with your wardrobe. Don't buy hot pink shoes, if you don't think you'll really wear hot pink shoes.
• Canvas shoes. I don't need to explain this.
• Suede is equally difficult to maintain though it feels quite soft, do not give in UNLESS it's an "in-love" boot investment for Fall, in my opinion
• Contrast stitching! This applies to everything, shoes, bags, clothes, etc. The only time I've seen contrast stitching as adorable, is on ribbons for gift wrap. Contrast piping (which is cute) and contrast stitching are two totally different things.

Wants for Essentials, but blast this ban!

1. Low perfect black flats, since my other pair got chucked back in May or so, due to pain. I've been so lost without black flats. :{
2. A black, cropped leather jacket. DONE [got a tan pleather one from the store, love it and I don't feel awful for spending 100s on a leather jacket since I definitely can't afford it right now] Technically I want a white leather one from French Connection online. But it's $570-ish. Eep.
   
3. Short, slouchy-ish, black boots with low heels. I've been lost since I chucked the other pair because I kept slipping and falling even when I'm just walking around the store.
   
4. Versatile tops in colors I don't already have.
5. Non-sleeveless dresses with pockets that hit a little above the knee, that can be worn at school/work/store, general enough but not boring. Which, is a little hard.
   
6. Cute sweater coat or cardigan that isn't made of jersey.
7. High-waisted jeans - DONE [I got 3 pairs of the Joe's Jeans Muse, I feel a lot more comfortable now, and they cost a lot less than I thought they would since they were all on sale, not that it justifies anything by being on sale.]

Deal of the Day: www.inthebagprovidence.com has all their designer purses on sale for an extra 20% off, free shipping, no tax. Use code JACK

Since July, I've been on one ban. No black clothes, dresses, pants, etc. Just, no black clothes. I have 4 black dresses with different lengths for different occasions, that's plenty. I need more color in my closet. So no more black. Do you have too much black in your closet? It's been tough, since the store keeps getting cute things in black too. Gah! But I've been good! In that department.

But in the mean time, I am on a second ban!
I'm officially banning myself from purchases for myself (except for that Bayswater). Hopefully (but completely unlikely), I'll not fall in love with the new things the store will get between now and Christmas.

Why?
I didn't find out, nor fall in love with the mink ombre Bayswater until about three days AFTER the 30% off Friends and Family sale was over. So I'm kicking myself for not catching up on the forum sooner (You could also say that the forum is quite the enabler, travelbliss' mink ombre Bayswater is soooooooooo beautiful). After hunting around, the ladies at the forum mentioned that Mulberry's seasonal stuff goes on sale the day before Christmas.

Thus starting my second ban. Just because I shouldn't be spending extra money on myself with Christmas coming soon anyway, it always brings a lot of necessary expenses I need for other gifts and related activities.

I'm half hoping the mink ombre bayswater won't be one of the bags that go on sale on Christmas Eve, even though I'm waiting for it to, just so I don't have to convince myself that I should get it.

Why Hello, Interweb.

This could be the start of a new relationship, you and I.

More often than not, I am (window) shopping. So to make it more productive for you and I both, how about I just share it with "you" instead?

Blogs, blogs, blogs galore. Everyone (and their mother, perhaps) has a blog! And everyone's always talking about something. I hope you enjoy it, or learn something new from me while I teeter around rambling about whatever style steal, wishful thinking, or thoughts on my radar.