Resolution Schmesolution January 3, 2010

This year I resolved to stop shopping so much (I know, what was I thinking?), a resolution I promptly broke on New Years Day for this lovely thing of beauty.   My first fantastic buy of the year was the Maxx New York Barrymore Magazine Tote.  True to its name, its big enough to fit magazines, folders and books, plus the rest of my life that I tote around with me on a regular basis.  The structured style and winter white make it very polished and appropriate for work, but the studs give it a fun edge.

Before you laugh at me and my resolution that lasted about 4 hours, I don’t think I completely failed.  I snagged my new favorite bag for at TJ Maxx for only $39!  (original price tag:  $225).  I would like to point out that this is a whopping 83% off the original price.  If I wasn’t a TJ Maxx convert before, I definitely am now.  They’re carrying a lot more expensive bags at fantastic prices.  I also have my eye on a purple Michael Kors bag that wants to come home with me.

There are two morals to my New Years Day story:

1. Shopping less was a silly resolution; I am convinced it cannot be done.
2. You can’t really feel guilty for any purchases you make at 83% off the original price.

Happy New Year and Happy Shopping!

The Jet Setter December 27, 2009

Coach Sydney Leather Dome Satchel

Liz Claiborne Jet Setter Satchel

I love Coach.  The only problem is, my paycheck doesn’t.  I was lusting after the Sydney Leather Dome Satchel, with its whopping price tag of $698, when I stumbled upon the Liz Claiborne Jet Setter Satchel.  It has a very similar style, complete with gold hardware, and has the same gray/ mushroom shade that is my new favorite neutral.  However, this price was much friendlier at $40.   The shopping math:  I saved $658!  I love my new bag, which is perfect for hauling my life to work, and also for schlepping through airports and on overnight trips with its shoulder strap.

Best of Forever 21 December 26, 2009

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Tuxedo Blazer December 13, 2009

Love Blake Lively’s tuxeo blazer?  Me too!  I was thrilled when American Eagle came out with a much less expensive version.  This is a crisp, classic look that I would pair with skinny jeans and heels like Blake Lively did here, or a black pencil skirt for a retro suit look.  Throw it over a black, white, or silver sequin top with skinny black pants for a great New Years party look!

Kiss Ring

Isn’t it great when you see something in a magazine or on a celebrity and you’re like “Hey, I have that!”  My friend Veronica and I both bought this enamel kiss ring for 99 cents at Claire’s while we were on vacation.   They are bright and fun and we always get compliments!  Then we started seeing our rings in magazines and on celebrities like Christina Aguilera.  It just makes our bargain buy that much more fun!

Solange Azagury-Partridge is the genius behind this ring, and has since created it a rainbow of colors.  (Can I just mention that I want them ALL?!)  Her jewelry designs are whimsical and creative and will put a smile on your face every time you put them on.  She invokes memories of cartoons, video games, and anything else you loved from your childhood in a grownup, sparkly, sophisticated way.  Her website is as entertaining as her pieces are beautiful.  It features animations for each of her designs.  Check it out at http://www.solangeazagurypartridge.com/ .

If her Stoned necklace doesn’t make your heart beat a little faster, you can’t call yourself a jewelry lover.