Infatuated with J Crew Spring 2009

I am so in love with J Crew's spring collection. I want one of everything, but since I'm not independently wealthy, I'll have to settle for none or maybe 1 or 2 things (since I know I've already purchased some other things that were such good deals, I couldn't pass them up).

Statement Necklace

Sunray necklace - $150
Would it be wrong to spend the majority of my shopping budget on this gorgeous statement piece? I'm thinking it could be a good investment if I can use it to dress up a lot of my spring '09 outfits. With this baby, you can make a T-shirt look fab!

Girly Top

Viscose ruffle-sleeve tank - ON SALE - $29 (from $42)
Besides cardigans, my other clothing staples are tank tops. I don't like sleeves, so cute tank tops are a must for me! This one, with the adorable ruffles, is a winner and the price doesn't hurt. Hmm...Maybe I should hit up the mall today before this baby gets snatched up?

Bright Bottom

Metallic-silk mini - ON SALE - $58 (from $78)
I feel like I'm finally getting my staple bottoms down, so now it's time to play. I normally don't do orange in my wardrobe (I have nothing against it, it's just not the first color I'm drawn to) but there's something about this skirt that I simply love!

Cutesy Cardigan

Cotton-cashmere ruffle cardigan - $68
Ahh...cardigan...my love. I don't have any...wait...I only have 1 short-sleeved cardigan and this cutesy, ruffly one would make a great addition to my current cardigan collection. I also this this cardigan would look awesome with that sunray necklace I'm currently craving.

Perfectly Pastel Pumps

Joley patent-leather peep toes - $198
I think I've mentioned before, but J Crew is one of my fave brands for shoes - they are so comfortable. I have learned the hard way that only their round-toe or peep-toe shoes are comfortable for me, personally, because I have wider feet. How gorge are these baby-pink pumps!? Love them...want them...

NOTE: Images by jcrew.com

Sephora Make-Up Shopping

Sephora is the devil when you're shopping on a budget, no? I want one of everything in there! I braved my shopaholicism and went to Sephora with a girlfriend this past weekend. I went for eyeliner and came back with some other goodies. They were all under budget, though. :)


I got the eyeliner I went for (Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes eyeliner in Black), new lip gloss (Korres - cherry), and a LORAC multi-plantinum palatte. I also got a free sample of some Sephora body cream in coconut, which smells delish!


Here's a peek under the covers.


And a closer look at the palette. I was torn between getting this palette and the other LORAC palatte, but the guy at the store pointed out that since I already have the Croc palette, I already have plenty of neutrals, so the platinum would be more fun.


Since I spent so much at Sephora, I decided to try to get as little as possible in the clothes department. I ended up just getting this adorable tank top for around $13.


Here's a closer look at the floral neckline. I love this part!

Have you gotten any good goodies lately? Are you shopping as much as you used to?

Shopaholic Regresses

So, I've been super good about not shopping lately...at least, that was until I ventured out to the mall to get some stuff for hubby this past weekend. While I was out, I figured I'd take a quick peek at some stuff in my fave stores and would ya know it...a quick peek turned into a weekend-long shopping spree. Tonight, I'm having to go through my goods to decide what I absolutely can't live without and what can be returned. The problem is, that I don't actually want to return any of it. Out of everything I got, I only got two trendy items and the rest I feel are classic items I can wear to work or play.

So, fellow shopaholics, I have two questions for you...

#1 - How do you make yourself return something that you don't actually want to return? You only feel obligated to return it because you spent too much?

#2 - How do you keep make-up off of cream colored coats and collared-shirts, like this:

J Crew Class Peacoat with thinsulate - $149.99 (from $250)

I got this coat yesterday at J Crew, plus I got an extra 20% in the store! Woohoo! Only problem is...I noticed that the collars graze my jaw and cheeks every now and again and I'm wondering how on earth my make-up (Bare Escentuals) will stay off!

Any ideas?

:) D

Is It Possible to Have Too Much Clothes?

I was watching Tim Gunn's Guide to Style the other day, and they featured a girl, Diana (click here for her episode), who had too much clothing without a good idea of how to put outfits together using all the fabulous stuff. I totally related to her situation b/c I am often bombarded with the amount of clothing I own and am sometimes overwhelmed trying to put an outfit together for work b/c there is so much to go through.

The show really got me wondering if it is possible to have too much clothes. I am the kind of person who always feels like they are missing something. I could always have a suede pair of brown boots...or a black pin skirt...or something else to compliment my wardrobe. I always feel like there is something missing from my closet. But perhaps even though there are items of clothing I feel like I am lacking...just maybe I already have too much clothing.

Here's my closet...yikes! Such a mess!


Yes, it's color coordinated, too:


Actually, I have pants in one group, then tops (left half - work stuff, right half - non-work stuff), suits, dresses, skirts. I also have jeans in a dresser, T-shirts somewhere else, a few standing bins of tank-tops, work out gear, and three bins of sweaters. I am feeling slightly embarrassed as I type this all out...sheesh! Perhaps my situation is worse than I originally imagined?

Anywho, I wanted to see what you guys think on this topic, so I created a poll. It's a bit reminiscent of the How Many Shoes Do You Have poll, but different enough for its own poll. :) Cast your vote!

Is it possible to have too much clothes?
	Yuppers!
	No, what kind of question is this?!
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Looking Chic in a Slow Economy

I don't know if you've been watching the news, but as my job is slightly related to banking, I have been all tuned in over the last few weeks. Seeing the markets taking a turn for the worse is a scary thing...especially when it gets you thinking about the security of your own job. I don't know if we're in a recession or not (different people will say different things), but I do know that the economy is slowing down and money is tightening up. I'm working harder than ever to pay off my credit card, and I'm taking serious cuts in my spending habits. I highly encourage you guys to do the same. Pay off your debts and start saving. There may be hard times ahead! It's better to be safe than sorry. I'm no financial planner or anything, but I've been thinking a lot about my spending habits and my lack of savings, and I just don't want you guys making the same mistakes (i.e. spending all your money on clothes) that I have. :)

Looking Chic in a Slow Economy
To work with my even tighter budget, I've decided to pick a couple items a season to make my "it" items. Instead of buying gobs and gobs of clothes, I'm going to try my best to buy one or two "it" items a season and use my existing clothes to finish out the look. Now, "What exactly is an "it" item?" you may ask. I think an "it" item is a different type of thing to every person. "It" is something you really want right now, something that is trendy right now, something that you've been wanting for a long time. To me, an "it" item is something kinda trendy or "of the moment" that will compliment my wardrobe or replace something that needs to be replaced. "It" is something that I intend to wear quite often for a given season (or longer) that will enhance my wardrobe but fit well with what I already have. I don't want to get an "it" item that will require new shoes or a new top b/c that will kinda null the point of trying to only get a couple items to begin with.

I recently purchased such an "it" item:

J Crew - Distressed vintage slim jean in worn indigo wash - $135

I got these jeans almost two weeks ago, with my October budget money, and I've already been able to wear them several times. I've been super-pleased with my purchase. They are very versatile, comfortable, and chic. :)

But, back to the money-talk...my dear fellow shopaholic-friends, please do think about your finances. I obviously don't know your financial situation, but if you're a shopaholic like me, it will be hard to slow down your spending habits. To me, slowing down on shopping can be like going on a new diet. Whenever I've tried to stop eating bad food cold-turkey, it's never worked. Whenever I've tried to stop shopping cold-turkey, it's never worked. I've been weaning myself down from shopping over the last few months and I think I've been doing pretty good! I've been returning to my old habits of shopping the sale racks and looking for good deals, and I've found some great steals! I paid off one credit card and now have one more, plus the iMac to go. The only other thing I'd like to do now is set aside some money for a rainy day. :)

Take care of yourselves. Happy shopping, happy saving!

Must Shop: The Leather Jacket

I've been wanting a leather jacket for FOREVER now, but simply cannot find the "one." I was actually willing a year or so ago (when I wasn't trying to be so darn responsible) to spend a couple or few hundred on an "investment" piece, but just never found anything I liked.

I actually really like this one I found at Urban Outfitters:

Silence & Noise Motorcycle Jacket - $128

The price isn't bad either. I'll have to check it out in person. I'm sure real-leather would be better, but my wallet would appreciate this deal more.

I haven't found any good middle-ground options, but if you're wanting to go "all-out", here's a gorge leather jacket by who else by D&G:

D&G Dolce & Gabbana - Fitted Leather Jacket - $1495 (ouch)

Have you found any good leather jacket options this season?

NOTE: images by urbanoutfitters.com and neimanmarcus.com, respectively

Sale Alert: Take an Extra 30% off J Crew Sale Through Monday

Listen up ladies...J Crew is offering an extra 30% off J Crew Sale items online & in-store through Monday. I ended up stopping by the mall today to check things out. I've been looking for some cute shorts, but they didn't have any good ones left. I went to the "popular" mall in town - people hit those sale racks up hard core!

I'm pretty happy with today's shopping. You guys know I've been working on keeping my shopping in check, which is always a challenge, especially when there's a good sale (things were an extra 40% off at the store I went to). I managed to hold myself back from buying a couple tank tops and some comfy khakis, and only got one thing - this madras skirt:


Baja patchwork madras mini - $49.99 (from $68 - plus an extra 40% off the sale price)

Click here to shop J Crew Sale

A Not Quite So Thrifty, But Still Affordable Spree with Urban Outfitters

So, I actually got some clothes from Urban Outfitters a couple weeks ago and before my Thrifty Shopping Spree at Forever 21. I actually went in just for those skinny black jeans we talked about before, but as usual, I found a couple other things to pick up while I was out. All in all, I think I did pretty good - I got the jeans I went in to check out, I picked up a simple scarf and then two tank tops and a Tee off the sale rack. Not bad, eh?



So, about those skinny black jeans. When I went in to the UO store, the SA pointed out two different styles: a more pant-like material and a more denim-material. It turns out that the first type are extremely skinny - very tapered at the bottom (hard to fit over the tops of heels) and they are very skinny - and I mean super-tapered! I ended up liking the denim pair more - they fit me better and had slightly more open bottoms.



Oh, and remember those scarves we were talking about before? I found a super cute one when I was in the store and figured I'd pick it up before they sell out. I love the fringe on it!



I scored this gray tank from the sale rack - only $10! It's super soft, nice and loose-fitting (so I can wear it with those skinny jeans) and has a cute little keyhole-detail on it.



I also found this interesting tank top on the sale rack - it has an asymmetrical design on it in different tones of blue. It's a bit hippy, but hey, what's wrong with that? I think it will look really good with white jeans or some sort of white bottom.



Oh, and check out this adorable mermaid T - this was also on the sale table for only $10 - yay! In general, I am not a fan of sleeves (not even short sleeves), but I am trying to learn to like them. With cute tees like this for such good prices, I think there's a good chance for me.

Ok, I have some serious outfits to get together now with these recent shopping sprees, eh?

Must Shop: Bakers Gladiator Sandals

Since signing up for my Style Diary account, I've been scoping out lots of super cute and super haute outfits. It's funny how sometimes you'll notice the same things popping up on different peoples' diaries. One thing I've seen all over are these Gladiator Sandals by Bakers:

Bakers Dorian - $49.95

I've seen so many cute outfits done up with these sandals that I'd really like to get a pair, but I will have to wait for August at the soonest to snag my pair. My July budget is fini!

NOTE: Image by bakersshoes.com

That Old Navy Dress

So, I definitely stopped by Old Navy this weekend to check out that dress (click) - especially after I heard it was on additional sale. It wasn't quite as cute when I first found it on the rack, but when I tried it on, I really liked it. It almost has a vintage-y style cut to it and it's def super comfy. I could use to take the skirt up a tad b/c I'm kinda on the short side, but all in all it's a nice, easy dress. If you do go to get it, make sure you stick true to your size or even one down - the back is a tad loose and can easily show your bra if it slips down too much - at least, that's what happened to me when I wore it today.





If you're looking for cheap clothes, Old Navy had tons of stuff on sales and huge markdowns on their sale racks. I was in a bit of a rush, so I didn't get to look for very long, but I did score a cute yellow and white striped henley tank for $10 while I was there (can't find it onine to link to it) and I thought this stripey dress was insanely cute, but since I've already gone over my budget this month, it will have to wait.

Happy Shopping!

Steal of the Day: Summer Day Dress by Old Navy

Check out this super-cute, most adorable, and very affordable day dress by Old Navy:

The Knit Halter Dress - $24.50

At $24.50, this dress is a total steal. If you're looking for a simple day dress to rock out this summer, this one may be it. It's also available in "Tulip Red" - a bright red color. The dress features ties around the neck in a halter style and ties in the back to cinch the waist. Too cute!

This one would have been perfect for any Americans celebrating the Fourth of July. Hmm...maybe I should get it for next year?

NOTE: Image by oldnavy.com

Make-up Addiction: Bare Escentuals

One of my bridesmaids and I had plans to go bridesmaid dress shopping this weekend, and I had planned to treat her with a facial (had received two complimentary facials awhile back), but when that fell through, I decided to plan make-overs at Sephora. I love make-overs...they're so fun! The only downside is that you usually end up wanting to buy at least one or two things that you wouldn't have even thought to get before the make-over (not to mention some counters require you purchase a certain # of products). I made appointments for us for a Bare Escentuals consultation mostly because my friend is super laid-back and wasn't particular about the line we tried, and I have been extremely curious about this whole Bare Escentuals phenomenom. I've been wondering what the big deal is for a while now and have looked skeptically at all the BE products every time I shopped in Sephora. So, this weekend, I figured I'd give the line a try with a make-over since I really like to wear make-up before I buy it to make sure it meshes well with my skin.

Well, go ahead and add me to the Bare Escentuals craze because I have to say that since my make-over, I've become a big fan. My skin has always been a bit acne-prone, so I've never been a fan of foundations and powders. In fact, I've tried wearing them from time to time over the years, but it never lasts long. I buy foundation here and there only to wear it a few times and then accidentally leave it in my make-up bag forgotten. I'm always so scared that heavy make-up will break my face out, and I've never liked the feeling of foundation and/or powder on my face. If this sounds like you, too, I highly recommend you schedule an appointment for a BE consultation of your own. Bare Escentuals features mineral-based make-up that comes in powder form - even the foundation and concealer is in powder-form! To boot, the foundation contains SPF15 to help protect your skin during the day. I would have gotten the starter kit this weekend,

but I ran out of money for the month of March and you guys know I'm trying to be good and stick to my budget. Let's hope April gets here soon, b/c I'm ready for a lighter option to even out my face.

NOTE: Image/item sephora.com

My "It Bag" for Spring 2008

Guess what came in the mail today?!


That purse I was talking about awhile back...remember? Oh yea - it's Ziordia's Brielle!

Isn't she gorge? Look at those ruffles!

Brielle is going to be my "It Bag" for Spring 2008!

This purse is one of the best purses I've seen on the web this season and the price makes it so much more affordable than other "It Bags" I've been eyeing lately. Anywho, the purse is uber soft and has all these nifty pockets inside - perfect for people like me who don't like to rummage around a big pocket-less bag.

You can get yours (or any other Ziordia purse at ziordia.com) for 10% off for the entire month of March using code ZSHOPAHOLICS10

Click here to start shopping

Trend Alert: Cutout Sunglasses for Spring 2008

Designers are going cutout-crazy for Spring 2008. First, we had the cutout wedges, now we have the cutout sunglasses. Here are the best cutout sunglasses I could find on the web (for some reason they jumped from under $100 to over $300 - I couldn't find anything in between!):


Forever 21 H81 1674 Sunglasses - $9.90


Calvin Klein Open Temple Sunglasses - $58.00

*My personal fave*

Dolce & Gabbanna - $330


Tom Ford 'Whitney' Open Side Sunglasses - $360

Does anyone have a Sunglass Hut coupon so I can get those fabulous Dolce & Gabbannas??

NOTE: Images by respective sites

New Name in Accessories: Ziordia

As much as I'm a fan of the big-name designers like Chanel, Dolce, Chloe, and Gucci, every once in awhile I want something a little less likely to be seen on every other arm at the mall. Luckily, new designers are emerging every day, bringing fresh looks to your attention. I'd like you to meet Ziordia - a fresh face in the world of designer accessories featuring yummy handbags and totes and clutches. Here's a little more info direct from the source:

Ziordia is a new line that was recently launched in Fall of '07 by Romar International, a 40 year-old award-winning design and development fashion firm headquartered in New York that has been recognized as a leader in design and innovation in both the apparel and accessory markets. Named after a small rustic town in the countryside of central Spain, Ziordia's Creative Director, Arlene Hildreth, chose the namesake for inspiration in design, paying tribute to her Spanish ancestry. Ziordia was created for the modern youthful and spirited women who buy for both fashion and function. The Ziordia woman loves to wear classic sexy styles and accessorize with eye catching trend pieces. She is up on pop culture, reads celebrity style magazines and the best fashion blogs. She works hard and appreciates a well designed handbag that is convenient and rich in style.


After years of listening to what customers and buyers look for in a bestselling bag, Arlene Hildreth wanted to make sure Ziordia offered a luxury bag that was unique fashion forward as well as very functional and made sense for modern busy women to carry. The inside of the bags are just as unique as the overall silhouette. In a saturated accessory market, when asked what makes the line stand apart, Arlene Hildreth said, "I spent a lot of time concentrating on offering the customer value as well as style. I have included in all bags a logo mirror, removable key fob, cell phone/PDA pockets as well as zippered front and back pockets for added security and convenience."


Peyton


Ruelle


Barcelona Amoretta (not yet available online)


Barcelona Amoretta (not yet available online)


Jorie

*Here's my personal favorite*

Brielle

Like what you see? Great! Shopaholics Anonymous readers get a VIP discount of 10% when they use ZSHOPAHOLICS10 at http://www.ziordia.com/. Offer good for the entire month of March!

Click here to start shopping! If you're lucky enough to get one, let me know. I'd be getting myself a little Brielle action if I weren't saving for my wedding! lol. Happy shopping!

NOTE: Images courtesy of ziordia.com

Chic & Sweet: Dior Ruffly Red Purse

I'm not sure if it's the fact that Valentine's Day is coming up or just that I have a thing for super girly things, but I am loving this super-cute, chic & sweet tote:

Dior Gipsy Ruffled Medium Hobo - $1755.00

Image/item eluxury.com

Nanette Lepore Spring Trunkshow

Nanette Lepore is a designer I think I could really get into. I got a jacket from the NP collection at the Neiman's Last Call sale a few months ago and I absolutely love it! Neiman's recently featured a spring trunk show with some really chic ensembles:


Plaid Halter Top & Studio Satin Skirt


Brocade Sheath Dress


Tie The Knot Jacket & Mistress Tank


Man Hunter Top & Ring My Bell Trousers

Which look is your fave? The first two are mine.

NOTE: Images/items by neimanmarcus.com

Love at First Sight: D&G Patent Strappy Sandal

Oh my goodness, guys! I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love!!! Do you remember those strappy Michael Kors I blogged about awhile back? Well, I was browsing the Neiman Marcus web site the other day when I happened to notice these fabulous shoes in the Dolce & Gabbana Trunk Show photos:


As soon as I saw them, I scavenged the web only to be disappointed by nothing even close to the style of the ones in the trunk show photos. Why aren't there tons of strappy shoes on the web? Not thin-strappy, but chunky-strappy. Why?!


Dolce & Gabbana Patent Strappy Sandal

Finally, tonight, I found them! I simply must go try these on as soon as possible! I'm not saying that I'm going to run out and buy them, because they are quite expensive, but I do have some spending money I could put towards getting these. See, I allotted myself a small portion of my annual bonus to go shopping and I've been wondering for weeks what I should get. It makes me kind of nervous to think that I may spend that entire amount on a single pair of shoes that will most likely only be in for one season but just look at them! If you can't tell from my MK post (linked above), I've been searching for a pair of shoes in this style for what seems like forever! I think super strappy shoes are going to be really big for Spring '08.

What should I do, ladies!?

Shopping For Rehearsal Dinner Dresses

There's something about weddings that makes you want to just throw all forms of budget out the window. Especially when you are browing the Neiman Marcus resort catalog, start thinking about Rehearsal Dinner dress shopping, and stumble upon such fabulousness as this:

Catherine Malandrino Sambala Dress


Yoana Baraschi Silk Petal-Collar Dress


David Meister Twisted-Waist Jersey Dress

I could always work the "beach-theme" and do a casual-chic dress code and sport this hauteness:

Diane von Furstenberg Jersey Patio Dress

Did I mention I'm having a destination wedding in the Bahamas, making these resort dresses even more perfect? Need I say more or shall I let my Neiman's card do the talking? lol. Juuuuust kidding. I'm trying to pay off credit cards, not run them up. There iiissss always my bonus, though. Hmmm...what to buy? What do you think ladies? What should I get for my rehearsal dinner dress? Should I splurge here? Maybe I should save my splurge money for some nice shoes instead? Although, a dress will be much more wearable...I'll probably be rocking flip flops for shoes.

NOTE: Images/items neimanmarcus.com