Treat Yo Self

I finally made a New Year's resolution that I think I can stick with - 2012 is the Year of Treat Yo Self!

Each month, I'm going to treat myself to something my wardrobe needs that I didn't buy quality the first time around or I was able to put off because I wouldn't use that much. (I quickly found that dressing for when I was in Texas, where it is hot most of the year and everyone drives so much, is very different than Chicago, where you truly need gear for cold weather and for walking everywhere.)

By the end of the year, I hope to have 12 pieces that will be around for many a season!

I will probably always be a $20 cute-shirt-from-H&M type of gal (no question when it comes to trendy pieces), but I'm really trying to think about cost per wear and embrace the "buy it once, buy it right" and the "quality over quantity" mentality.

January
For January, I bought the Hunter Regent Carlyle rain boot that I was debating back in this post. While they were a little more expensive than other options, I kept coming back to them and I love that they go with both my black and brown coats. 

Side note: I thought they were the perfect solution for both a snow boot and for rainy days year-round. They aren't as warm as I thought they would be (after seeing ladies wearing them all around Chicago this winter and doing a little research online I thought they'd be a little bit better), but I do already have Uggs for when I just need warmth and I plan to start pairing them with some warmer socks to see if it helps. I've been blessed with a mild first winter here, so I'm hoping if it's bad next year that I don't end up also buying a pair of snow boots!



So what next? Matchbook Mag's 50 Classics for Your Closet is going to be a great source as I decide what to buy each month, as I am definitely missing some things on the list!

February
The very first thing on Matchbook's list is ballet flats. I had a decent all-around black pair, but they were getting a little worn and I accidentally left them in a rental car several months ago. (Oops!) So for February, I just ordered these zipper bow ballet flats in black. I just returned a cheap pair of boots and a similar pair of not-quite-right flats that I purchased late last year from Nordstrom in exchange for these, so that helped me feel better after last month's splurge! Hopefully they are comfortable; otherwise, I will probably exchange them for this.

March, April, May?
The boots I returned where the quality was not up to snuff were a "they're cute and inexpensive and on sale" mistake. I now have my eye on the Frye Melissa Button. I've never spent so much on a pair of shoes, but I need to think about cost per wear -- the glowing reviews say they will last a mighty long time! (I have a Zappos credit that will make this one easier on the pocketbook, thank goodness.) I wish I had bought them last fall so that I could have been wearing them this whole time!

I am also thinking of jumping on the Sperry bandwagon, which could satisfy Matchbook's entry for loafers since I don't have anything like that. I previously thought they were maybe too preppy for my style, but I've had a change of heart as I've seen how adorable they are on everyone and their mom. I've heard that they are incredibly comfortable, which is what I need for the walking I'll be doing on upcoming trips to Chile/Argentina and Disney World! (Husband, these are practical.)

And just so I don't end up with a new pair of shoes every single month of the Year of Treat Yo Self, a trench coat is in the cards, too. I have a pink one from Old Navy that I got back in college that sits in my closet because it's kind of sad, so it is time to upgrade to a classic trench! 

If I were really subscribing to "buy it once, buy it right", I would get a beautiful Burberry trench just like Kate. I have no doubt that I would own it forever and could probably pass it down to the next generation (talk about cost per wear!), but a grand is just way. too. much.

I think I'm going to try this Calvin Klein trench instead - cute and functional, with a removable liner and hood (hard to find!).

I think I need to pace myself, but it's fun focusing on specific things that will improve my closet!


What's on your wardrobe wishlist? Anything you've splurged on that you're so glad you did? (Or vice versa!)

Oopsie

I was watching Ringer last night* and during an intense scene at the end of the episode I kind of kicked my leg up in the air (um, an act of self defense in case the bad guy wanted to jump out of the television at me?) and ripped my jeans up around the top of my inner thigh. I'm going to say it happened because they are skinny jeans and just don't have a lot of give, and not because I've been eating too much cheese lately.

They're my only pair of skinnies, and I've pretty much been living in them since it's turned to boot weather. I need to get a replacement pair (or two!) right away! The J.Crew matchstick jean is definitely on my list to try.

I also scored a $50 for $25 Groupon for American Apparel today. I've never bought anything there before, but I've heard their winter leggings are nice and warm and therefore have been on my shopping list. I used to be anti-legging, but I think they're now going to be a staple in my winter wardrobe.

* I tried explaining to a friend the plot of Ringer and I sounded ridiculous, but it's pretty addicting. What is the real Siobahn up to? How does Siobet keep from getting everything mixed up?

What about you? Any new TV shows you're loving? Any skinny legwear you want to sing the praises of?

Well I Love a Rainy Night

I don't mind when it's raining outside...as long as I'm inside and cuddled up with a blanket! (Bonus if my husband and/or dog is next to me.)

The past few days have been gloomy and rainy in Chicago, and I'm counting my blessings that I work from home and haven't had to deal with it. But I know my day is coming and it's only going to get worse as we roll into winter, so I need to get some rain boots sooner rather than later so I can walk through the slushy snow in style!

A friend ordered a monogrammed pair, which I think is super adorable, but I think they took over 6 weeks to arrive!

And of course, the clear popular choice these days is the Hunter wellie, and for good reason.

Source: mainenmasonjars.tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

But oh, so many colors from which to choose! I like the always classic black, and think they'd blend in well so it's not super obvious if I step into somewhere nice that I have on rain boots. (Although I hear no one cares what you are wearing come winter in Chicago.)

 

                                               

Doesn't Blair from Atlantic-Pacific look amazing in her red pair?

As a lover of all things blue, of course turquoise is a frontrunner.

via

The plus for the turquoise blue over basic black is that it goes with both of my main coats: a brown down parka and a navy trench-style wool coat that I love to pieces. (The brown one was purchased on crazy deep clearance last spring back in Dallas, because who needs one in Texas? If it turns out to not be warm enough, I'll probably replace it with one that is black or charcoal.) Hmm, red would also go with all of these colors...

And then these fancy Hunters would go with both black and brown:

Source: shopbop.com via Laura on Pinterest

Ah, what to do, what to do.

B-I-N-G-O

Whenever I'm on a cruise ship and enjoying a game of Bingo for the chance to win big! money! (and because I need to digest the massive quantities of food I've eaten at the buffet before I can waddle back up to the pool), I get a hankering to change careers and become what I was destined to be: a Bingo caller.

Here's my best one:
"I wasn't born a princess, but I've always wanted to B1. B1, the square is B1."

I just need these Bingo bobby pins from Tefi's etsy, and I'm ready to go.

Happy Friday!

Polka Dot Tights

When I was out Christmas shopping shopping for myself tonight, I bought several items that I am sure to return*. One item was a 2-pack of Betsey Johnson tights: black-on-black patterned and a bright purple. Why return them? I want new tights. If my dresser was a union member, it would be picketing for tights' rights.

However, my heart belonged to another. A pair of black-on-black polka dot tights:

via for me, for you found on Copenhagen Street Style

I've seen similar ones sold online, but I'm not going to pay shipping for a pair of tights. Then I saw that Express has them for $16.50, and I also have a $15 of $15 coupon that I didn't know if I was going to use or not. Cha-ching! Polka dots, here I come. (Please be available in-store.)
* I don't know why I am having so much trouble buying things for myself. I've been good all year, but my purchases from my last few shopping expeditions are all waiting to be returned: 3 pairs of shoes from Endless**, a ruffled cardigan (cute but don't need) and black sweater dress (looking for a better one), and tonight's items: a purple BCBG sweater dress ($30 from $240, but I may be too fat hippy to pull it off), a blue-green ruffled shirt (cute and will probably keep), and a UT hoodie (something warm to wear to watch the BCS National Championship game...total impulse buy, I have plenty of Texas gear, but it was only $16...).

** I totally love Endless and Zappos, but they probably hate me as a customer. I return way more things than I keep, as I never know what will fit or if I will like it in person. And they seriously mean it when they say 365 day return policy. I shipped back a pair that didn't make the cut for my wedding shoes but I did plan to wear in my friend's wedding 11 months later. I didn't end up wearing them then either, so back they went...about a week before my 365 days were up. Woo hoo!

Conscious Consumption

Did you know these kate spade goods were hand-knit by women in Bosnia and Herzegovina? I just finished reading this article in Elle about how kate spade new york, through a partnership with Women for Women International, employs about 300 women in this region to make these pieces.



Woman for Women International aims to help women was sruvivors rebuild their lives. While the women earn only $7-$15 per piece, the article states that this double the wages of comparable work. Participant Rabija Mujalo says "I earned nearly as much money knitting at home in my spare time as my son who works full time in a factory."


I definitely applaud companies that make an effort to be socially conscious. The author writes about how she's often felt conflicted working in fashion, "celebrating an industry of frivolity and creating enthusiasm for things that women don’t absolutely need." This is true; the best thing would be directly making a donation to a cause you're passionate about. However, when we do choose to indulge our desires - and we are lucky to be able to - consciously choosing products that help others is the next best thing.

Get $10 from RueLaLa

If you're not already a member of Rue La La, you can sign up using my invitation link here and get a $10 credit just for signing up. (Maybe I'll sign up again under a different email address so I can get the credit too...haven't gotten any yet!)

Are Your Towels Fancy?

I think monogrammed towels add instant luxury to a bathroom, but can be pricey. A while ago, I snagged these Ralph Lauren Lawton towels from Horchow on sale for $10, monogrammed. (I was pretty proud of myself. We had just gotten married, so I got a bath towel with a "Mr." and one with a "Mrs." for the master bath as well as some bath and hand towels in our new monogram.)

I've been hoping to get them at this price again for a while now, and it looks like I now have my chance to stock up with their current sale + ALLSALE 30% off promo code.


What do you think?
Do you enjoy a good monogram, or is it too much?
Do you prefer the single or 3-letter monogram?
Can I beat $10 for RL + monogram?
Do you prefer the "bath sheet" over the bath towel for extra coverage?
How many towels do you have?
What's your go-to towel, and in what colors?

Do You Love Craig?

I am always amazed by the great Craigslist finds of others - who knew what great afters you can make into seen-better-days befores?

Before

After

Love this office at Little Green Notebook

So I've been searching the site like a fiend for a variety of things on my to-buy list. (Entryway table, large framed mirror, mantel shelf, other coolness...) Do you know about CraigsToolbox? It shows the image previews with your search. Oh, how glorious! No more wasting time clicking into postings with crappy items! (Except my free trial has now run out, and I'm too cheap to subscribe. If I had loads of dough, I wouldn't exactly need Craig, now would I?)

Another reason I decided not to pay for the image preview is because my husband strongly doesn't approve of me buying anything off Craigslist due to shady happenings in the news. I was talking to him on the phone the other day (our main way to communicate these days since he is living out of town for his pediatrics rotation), and I mentioned that I found a posting for an awesome mantel shelf that will go perfectly with our fireplace - for only $25! - and I was really hoping someone hadn't already snatched it up. He got really upset and told me I cannot buy anything off the site. Rather than argue, I made something up about having to get off the phone. (If I every buy anything on there, I am fully planning on meeting in a public place and either bringing someone with me or telling others of where I'm going.)

So what's a gal to do? $25! I can't lie to The Hubs. Maybe sweet-talk someone else into actually making the purchase for me?

Have you found any great Craigslist steals? Are you ever surprised by prices being almost the same as retail? For example, I found a posting for this shapely mirror (swoon!) for $150. The ad says it's from Ballard Designs, so I had to check it out since I was curious to see the retail price: $180. It is new in box, but a $30 savings on something that much isn't enough for me to justify unless it happens to be close to my home. (This one wasn't; I actually hadn't even heard of the town.)
Meanwhile, I'll remain on the hunt. Don't tell my husband.

Here are some Craigslist searching & buying tips I found that might assauge his fears.

Virtual Shopping

source

I adore this photo - and I want her ring.

I actually have this cute Lulu Guinness handbag, purchased off eBay in a phase in college when I was enamored with the scripty LG on some of her wares, my initials before I was married:
LG! It was like it was just for me. (Although I think it's safe to say I would not have done as much bidding on eBay if my initials were LV or CC.)

The daisy bag is a little cutesy for me to carry (it works much better for me in its umbrella version that I uh, also own), and I think I've used it only a handful of times. I can make a mental note to try and bust it out come Spring, but it will still be something I do not get a lot of use out of.

Do you have items in your life like this? I like seeing it displayed with my clutch collection, but this image is just as pretty as the real thing. I'd rather store the photo on my hard drive and have the money back that I spent on it.

That's what I love about blogs - I am inundated with more things I want to buy on a daily basis than I ever have been, but I am so much less likely to actually buy now. I will check out the linked website, I will add to my cart, I will make a note to come back later, but I can't pull the trigger.

Virtual shopping can be as good as the real thing to me, better in some ways because no let-down sets in after the initial elation of buying something new and shiny wears off. There will always be another sale, there will always be another free shipping offer.

In fact, I think I may have an anti-buying problem. Is that possible? I have been trying really hard to distinguish wants versus needs over the past year, and I noticed the other day when reviewing my month-to-month spending in Quicken (yes, I am a personal finance nerd) that I had made one apparel purchase in the last several months - a $15 cocktail ring when on vacation. It's been so long that I have some definite needs right now - some new heels, work clothes, a few new basic tops - all staples. Therefore, I am going to embark on a mini shopping spree this month. I'll let you know how it goes.

HomeGoods is my Fave

I love browsing through HomeGoods; you never know what you're going to come across. I'm not in the market for much these days, but I like to pretend I'm starting from scratch.

These for a beachy-themed, feminine boudoir:



Maybe in the bathroom...


Placed next to a cozy reading nook...





Fun in an office...DH would love the Grateful Dead one.


These chairs are totally up my alley...


For the kitchen...I snapped up a black framed chalkboard this size here for $40 several months ago. Love chalkboards and memo boards in the kitchen for controlled chaos...


How are these only $30? I like these better than the lamps in my bedroom...too bad...


I am on the prowl for a large mirror for over our fireplace mantel. I was wishy-washy on this for
a while because I have a gallery wall clock that can't really go anywhere else but over the fireplace...but I've decided the mirror will look so much better and I can figure out something else for the clock.

That's my skirt in the reflection...like it?

I actually have this mirrored-edge photo frame. Of course, haven't done anything with it yet, but I love it.


You can't really tell here, but this frame is all mirrored, which I think is really cool. It's pretty big - about 8 x 10 with a small photo opening. If it had wall-hanging hooks on the back I would have snapped up a bunch - it would look nice hanging on the wall in a grid as a mirror / collage display.
I'm debating on this frame, but we just have so much stuff that I'm not buying anything. I read about how to get rid of the things weighing you down. I dream about a pending possible cross-country move and having our life pack neatly away into a manageable number of boxes. Maybe my rule can be if I donate/get rid of x amount of things, I'm allowed to bring one thing in. How does that sound?

Unintentional Knockoffs?

I don't believe in buying designer fakes (can anyone say Prado?*), but I also am not that interested in spending $865 on a pair of shoes:

1. I'd much rather spend that on an awesome trip or grow my nest egg.

2. So many things eventually end up on sale that I'd kick myself later when they do. (Case in point: Gilt.com, RueLaLa.com, et al. Just today I saw a cute pair of Giuseppe Zanottis for $200 marked down from over $600.)

3. And didn't you hear that flaunting luxury these days is vulgar?

But what about when you unintentionally buy something that's a knockoff? I was browsing DSW's sale today** and saw these:

$50, down from $100

They looked familiar, and then I remembered** that Mr. Louboutin makes these:

$865 (seriously, where does the $5 come from?)

Now, I don't doubt that the CLs are made of the finest craftsmanship and that the ones from DSW aren't exactly the highest quality. (And since they're fun shoes more than anything else, does it really matter? I couldn't even imagine wearing the CLs out in public for fear something would happen to them.)

But if I was shopping** at DSW, decided to pick these up, and then wore them out thinking I looked pretty cute, would I get judgmental looks from ladies who know better? (I do live in Dallas, after all.) How would I know?


* from Serendipity:
Eve: Prada! Ooh! Prada! I love this stuff!
Salesman: That's 20 bucks.
Sara: Eve, that's a horrific knockoff! At least my knockoff says 'Prada,' yours says 'Prado!'
Eve: Well, I say for a dollar I can buy a magic marker and fix it. I'll take it!

** I'm not buying non-essentials right now, so don't ask me why I was even looking.

Happy Earth Day

I often dislike seeing the inundation of ads for earth-friendly products, many of which don't seem to be so...and wouldn't it be more green to NOT buy that thing you don't need?

However, I've been wanting to pick up a reusable grocery tote for some time now, and I saw that Swoozies is selling these personalized "eco bags" for $10 this week. I love me a monogram, so I can't resist. (Does that make me hypocritical? I could probably rummage up some old tote that I don't use because it's covered with some company's logo that I got for free, but I want happy groceries.)

So which one to choose? Department (long) or grocery (tall)? What pattern? Choices, choices.

Busy Time Ahead

In my last post I mentioned that I'm going skiing in Lake Tahoe. Here's my packing dilemma:
- I'm leaving this Thursday from Dallas to go to Chicago for a St. Paddy's Bachelorette Weekend of fun secret-for-now activities

- Sunday I fly to Tahoe and meet up with DH's family for a week of skiing, casino-hopping, and taking in the breathtaking views

- Late Friday DH and I fly back to Dallas

- Early Saturday we drive down to Houston for DH's cousin's wedding

I am not a very good packer because I don't like picking out so many outfits so far in advance. At least the two places I'm going are both cold and cold. (What is the deal with spending Spring Break in wintry conditions? I'm a warm-weather gal.) I still haven't figured out how I'm going to pawn off all of my ski clothes for James's family to bring ahead for me, since I refuse to pay to check my bag for the weekend trip to Chicago. Since I'll have access to laundry at the condo, I should be able to re-wear some things I brought for Chicago throughout the week. I've got my outfit for the wedding ready to go, so at least I have that under control.

On a related note, I'm anxiously awaiting for the arrival of this green coat ordered especially for Chicago:
I didn't want to pay extra for expedited shipping and decided to take my chances on it arriving in time, but now I'm cursing myself for being so cheap. I'll be fervently checking the UPS tracking website for an updated status of my coat's journey come Monday.

Although I'd really rather be shopping for this right now:

Photo credits here, here, here and here