September 2008

While that might sound like an oxymoron, I’ve found photographic evidence that proves otherwise.

I’ve been searching high and low for just the right rain boot to get me through the dreary Fall/Winter here in Philadelphia and when I saw this picture I was S-O-L-D.  I’ve been looking at Hunter boots for some time now but seeing this pic made me pull the triger, or in this case, click the “Add to Cart” button.

Regular price is $119 and WAY out of my budget, but if you wear a small size (Women’s 5-7), you’ve got a deal…

$59 +free shipping for the kids version at Zappos.  Get them in Eggplant, Navy or Black, pair them with dark skinny jeans or leggings on a dreary day and heat up the rest of your look.  Bring on the rain!

So, a little birdie just told me that 2 fabulous Maxx New York bags will be featured prominently on tonight’s episode of Gossip Girl.  While they won’t be  on my 2 favorite upper-eastsiders, keep your eyes on Penelope and Izzy!!

Sundays have inevitably become my day, since my DH is not only a HUGE Eagles fan, but also a season ticket holder.  So I spent the bulk of my day shopping up a deal storm all over town!  Here’s what I found:

Amazing Theory Blazer for $59 on Clearance at TJ Maxx.  And while this purchase did exceed my golden $50/item rule it was so worth it and see Grey Ankle Jeans below if you need more convincing.

Black Skinny Jeans with the most amazing fit for $16.50 at Old Navy.  I promised myself to full disclosure on this blog, so I will let you know that I am not above shopping in the kiddie section and that’s exactly where these babies came from!

Grey Ankle Zip Skinny Jeans for $24.50 at Old Navy also in the Kids section.  And,  this is VERY IMPORTANT, I always cross-check prices online (which you should always do) and found them there for $16 so I immediately went back and got my $8.50 back!

And the icing on the cake, my highly coveted pLeather Leggings for $42 at American Apparel.  Now, that’s a little pricey, as is everything at AA and I don’t promote ever buying basics here, but I have been obsessing about them for weeks so it qualifies for 2 reasons.

1. It was not an impulse buy

2. They will make me look like a rockstar and I have endless tops/tunics and Louboutin heels to pair them with so I don’t have to spend any more money to make an unforgettable outfit!

I’m also wearing one of the above mentioned unforgettable outfits on Tuesday night to a party so I will post the final look for your viewing pleasure.

Grand Total for 4 Must-Have Fall items:  $ 133.50

 I’m watching the red-carpet arrivals at the Emmy’s and I can’t help but notice that so many celebs are showing off their enviable upper bodies in glamourous one shoulder gowns. IMO, this is a total DO!  It’s sexy yet subtle at the same time. Here’s a great version from F21 that gives you the same look in a more budget friendly way.  Try it with opaque tights, ankle boots and a long cardigan for daytime OR pair it with textured tights (lace if you’re really feeling sexy), some killer heels and bold jewelry to play up the gorgeus peacock color for night.

But this look is not for everyone…if you’re busty or if you’ve been missing gym sessions lately skip it.  With all the attention on your shoulders and arms, tight and toned is a must!

In an effort to curb my spending on totally unnecessary items that I’ll never wear (you should how many things in my closet still have F21 tags!) I’ve decided to make a list of items that are essential-according to me- must have’s for this season.  I love Fall Fahion-especially the boots- like no one’s business and once the temperature drops below below 80… it’s game on!  Here’s my re-re-re-edited list of items that I am allowed to purchase:

1. Fur Swing Coat
2. Plaid Shirt Dress
3. Black Suede Fringe Boots 
4. Hunter Rain Boots
5. Black pLeather Leggings
6. Black Shrunken Blazer
7. Black and Grey Ankle-zip Skinny Jeans
8. Black Wool (cashmere maybe?) Coat
9. ?????
10. ?????

As you can tell, I’m very into Black and that’s only because I refuse to wear it during the Spring/Summer so the only time I can exhaust the color is during the Fall/Winter.  I left #9 and #10 blank because I prefer to write my lists in 10’s and I’m really not sure just what will go into those two blanks just quite yet, but I’ll let you know.  

As always, the bulk of these purchases will be made for well under what you would expect to pay and I’ll post my findings as I work my way down the list.  Happy Shopping!

Any good fashion magazine will give you great ideas on how to get a look for under $100, but then you end up looking like you only spent $100.  The real challenge then becomes, how do you look like a million dollars when you’re totally on a budget???  Well, here’s the lowdown on me:

• I love fashion.
• I love to get dressed up.
• I love to shop…for anything.
• I love to get “deals” (my husbands word, not mine).
• I don’t like to spend more than $50 per item.

These 5 pillars of mine pretty much drive the fact that I will shop anywhere and I will comparison shop like it’s a competitive sport in the Olympics.  I also believe that investing in certain critical pieces will always up the ante of your look and let you get away with wearing a $9.99 shirt from Old Navy.  And, of course, confidence helps.

I hope this blog will allow me to share my latest finds, address your fashion dilemmas and most importantly, that reading this will open your eyes to new trends, fun ideas and help you save lots of cash in the process. After all, looking good has nothing to do with money!