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

Want: Gap - The new V-neck cardigan

My dress code at work is business casual and my fave article of clothing for such a dress code is the cardigan - the ultimate layering essential, IMO.

This one by Gap is so cute - especially those little buttons on the cuffs!

Gap - The new V-neck cardigan - $44

I want one in every color, though I think I'll have to settle for just adding 1 or 2 to my wardrobe. I'm feeling the black and turquoise colors.

Image: gap.com

Dinner Date Outfit with Hubby

It's been a bit of a struggle for me to post as often as usual since I've been working on paying off my credit card, my laptop died, though I replaced a few months later with a Mac, and because I lost my photo editing software and can't afford to buy it again. Phew! It's tough to get in the mood to shop when you're trying to save every penny to get rid of stupid debt!

The good news is that I paid off my credit card (Yay!), but the new bad news (bad for shopping) is that we're saving for a house, so I'm still going to have to be tight on finances. I know I can still get some good shopping in on a budget, so I'm hoping to rekindle my love of bargain shopping.


Hubby and I went out for a simple date night a couple weekends ago so I got a little dressed up but not too much.


I got to wear some new booties I purchased recently. I almost wore skinny jeans so I could show off the shoes more, but I didn't feel them that night. At least you guys can see them. :)

Jeans - Banana Republic
Tank Top - Forever 21
Sweater - Ann Taylor Loft
Booties - Forgot the brand...will have to update later

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?

'Confessions of a Shopaholic' New York Premiere

'Confessions of a Shopaholic' star, Isla Fisher, struts her stuff on the red carpet at the New York premiere of the movie.


Doesn't she look fab? I love that dress on her!


What do you think about her hairstyle? It's like a play on the French-braid. I kinda like it, but I'd have to see it more to say for sure. What do you think?

So, has anyone seen the movie yet? Do tell! Was it good? Can you believe I haven't? I can't wait to, though!

Photo/Info from SplashNews (for both photos):
Caption: Isla Fisher at the 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' New York premiere at the Ziegfeld theater.
Copyright: © www.splashnews.com
Credit: Demis Maryannakis / Splash News

Casual Work Day

We are allowed to wear pretty much whatever we want to work, so long as we're not at a client site. Since I just rolled off of a project in corporate banking (with a very formal dress code), I am taking full advantage of my company's dress code. It's hard to not roll into the office every day in jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, and northface, but every once in awhile, I hear Clinton + Stacey in my head telling me to dress nicer no matter what.



Today was one of those days I attempted to dress up more than normal. The forecast called for cold weather, so I probably should have worn a bigger sweater, but I felt like wearing this, so I did. I love dressing in layers, but it was so cold today, I kept all these on, plus a scarf. Is it cold where you are and if so, how cold?

Turquoise long-sleeve top: Banana Republic
Brown Sweater: Target
Khakis: Banana Republic
Necklace: J Crew
Boots: Nine West

Casual Dinner Outfit

I went over to a friend's place to have a casual dinner - pizza, salads, snacks, and yummy banana pudding for dessert (thanks Michelle!). I tend to overdress for these kinds of things, so tonight, I tried really hard to keep my look casual while still looking chic.


I wore one of my favorite coats to the party - a tweed-y coat from Banana Republic. It was chilly outside, so I also wore my BR scarf.


For my outfit, I tried to do a J Crew-ish look - jeans with a simple sweater and a long necklace to dress everything up. I scored this Michael Michael Kors sweater recently at Steinmart. It was on the clearance rack for a mere $19-ish...can you believe it?

Btw, Michelle recently started a blog. Check her out at Pinque-en the City

Tweed-y Coat: Banana Republic
Scarf: Banana Republic
Jeans: Banana Republic
Camisole: The Limited (best cami ever!)
Sweater: Michael Michael Kors
Socks: Gap
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: J Crew

Kors Michael Kors - Bang Wedge Sandal - Yay or Nay?

Check out these funky wedges I found online whilst browsing the web tonight:

Kors Michael Kors - Bang Wedge Sandal - $225

It's looking like the super-tall wedge will be big this spring, so this is an interesting take on things. While the bigger wedges scare me a bit, I kinda like the v cut-out in the wedges of these shoes.

What do you think? Do you like these? Yay or Nay?

image: neimanmarcus.com

Anthropologie Does Spring Tops for 2009

Oh, Anthropologie, why do you taunt me so with your beautiful Spring 2009 tops? Look what I found when I innocently browsed to Anthropologie in search of chic placemats:


Curl & Twirl Sweater - $88


Tivoli Scoopneck - $88


Remember Me Surplice - $98


Esja Blouse - $68

Maybe if I'm a good girl with my budget this month, I will treat myself to one of these feminine beauties?

NOTE: images by anthropologie.com

Jessica Alba's New Haircut

Just when I'm starting to think that Jessica Alba has fallen off the face of the earth, here she is again!


What do you think of Jessica Alba's new haircut? I like it better when she does the long hair with the loose waves/curls. Her updos are pretty chic, too, though.


I also really like her outfit - it's so casual-chic. I think I could put nearly the same look together using stuff in my closet. Hmm...maybe I'll wear that to work tomorrow?

Photo/Info from SplashNews (for both photos):
Caption: Jessica Alba shopped on Robertson Blvd in Beverly Hills. She was proud of her new look. Her new hairstyle is very fashionable.
Copyright: © www.splashnews.com
Credit: King Paparazzi / Splash News

Holiday to Work Outfit

After regressing a bit with the non-shopping, I've been trying to will myself into returning that J Crew coat I got on that spree. So far, no luck. Although I was able to return half of the stuff I got, I wasn't able to convince myself to return some of the other items, including a cashmere sweater and this sweater dress:


Banana Republic cowlneck knit dress - $59.99 (down from $110)

I tried for a few weeks to rationalize that I needed to return some more stuff. I left all my clothes laid out on my couch as a reminder that I needed to decide on keeping or returning anything else. After admitting to myself that this baby wasn't going back to the store, I clipped the tags and wore this dress to my family's Christmas dinner. I also got to wear this earlier this week (Wednesday) to work. I love a great versatile clothes-item. It gives me more reason to keep it! Ha!

Sweater dress: Banana Republic
Knee-high boots: Ann Tayor Loft
Silk Bangle: 10,000 Villages
Black Tights: American Apparel

What Not to Wear Marathon Starts Now!

Hey guys!

Just wanted to let you know that a What Not to Wear marathon started on TLC NOW! Yippee! If you're home from work today, like me, check it out! If not, I think the marathon continues a bit into the night, though I did see they're playing the Real Simple show around 7pm-ish.

:) D

Suri Cruise is Getting Big!

I can't believe how big Suri Cruise is getting...and how well-dressed she is all the time! I bet her closet's bigger than mine and I've been collecting clothes waaaaaay longer than she has!



Katie looks fab, as always, but isn't it cute how both Suri and Katie have matching shoes? Aww...

Photo/Info from SplashNews:
Caption: Katie Holmes celebrates her 30th Birthday with Suri Cruise by visiting a private school in the Upper East Side. Holmes also visited 37 ARTS on 37th Street.
Copyright: © www.splashnews.com
Credit: Doug Meszler / Splash News

Banana Republic Chevron Striped Sweater

One of my favorite buys from last weekend's shopping spree is a simple black & white, chevron-striped cardigan from Banana Republic. I wore my new sweater to work last week, then switched out my black skirt for skinny jeans to go shopping w/ hubby.

   

I also got this large, floppy hat from BR during my spree. At $16 after sale price and reward points, I couldn't just leave it there!

   

I don't think I'll actually wear this hat with either of these outfits, but I had fun playing around with the hat for the photos. I also am not loving those boots paired with that sweater. I just wore them b/c it was raining outside. When I tried the sweater on at BR, I was wearing my BR jeans and simple black pumps and I like that look muuuuuch better.



Either way, I am loving this stripey sweater! This was a good buy at $40.99 - I'm sure to get tons of use out of it whether for work or play!

Have you found any good buys in the Christmas sales?

Out to Dinner Outfit

A good friend of mine, M, was getting people together to have dinner last night at Maggiano's (yum!) to celebrate her b-day. I wasn't sure what everyone was wearing, so I figured it'd be better to be overdressed rather than underdressed, so I started selecting an outfit with a dress in mind. My dinner outfit came down to a choice between two black dresses - one a little reminiscent of one of those Roland Mourets and one with a turtleneck and short-ish skirt. The weather was cool, but not too cold, and I always get cold inside restaurants that seem to have their AC jacked up a notch too much, so I went with the turtleneck dress by Juicy Couture. I couldn't really get a good photograph of the dress, so you'll have to excuse the one I've uploaded to this post.  The shape of the dress is a bit odd to photograph with bell sleeves, a loose body, and fitted hem that hugs the legs. I paired the dress with my pink pumps to add some personality to the look. All gussied up, hubby and I headed to the restaurant.

The restaurant was attached to the mall so I spent the previous night and the hour before dinner choosing, finalizing my selection, and actually making returns on those items I mentioned yesterday. My method? Last night, I gathered everything together and sorted the group one item at a time. I selected one item to keep and then one item to return and repeated till I had sorted the entire batch. I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself for getting rid of so much! "Old me" would have rationalized every single purchase and paid the punishment later with too many bills and not enough money. I have all my "keeps" laid out on my couch right now and when I look at everything, I realize in my head that I still bought too much, but I just can't bear to part with the rest. It was hard enough giving up half!

Hubby did reward me for my efforts, though. When we went to Gap to return stuff, the girl at the counter told me that one shirt in particular (a red/black ruffled button down - can't find the photo online) that I was returning was sold out at their store and likely unavailable at the others, which I interpreted as, "Quick! Grab this fabulous shirt and run. Run! Now! While you still can!  Before I buy it when you leave...bwa ha ha!" However, I fought my instinct to take off in my pink pumps, red plaid shirt in hand, and still returned it. Hubby actually found a men's shirt at Gap to buy, so he checked out while I went across the hall to Banana to make a quick return. When we met back up, he showed me the red plaid shirt, which he bought back for me. Awww...what a sweetie!?

Dress: Juicy Couture
Pink Mary Jane Pumps: J Crew

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

Banana Republic's Amazing Upcoming Sale

You guys know how infatuated I am with Banana Republic, so it brings me great pleasure to announce that BR will be having the most amazing, upcoming sale!



“Life of the party luxuries. No splurging required.

$25 off your purchase of $100 or more

In-store only

December 5-17”

Click here for holiday offer

As usual, there are a million things I'd love to have and now have more incentive to actually buy:

Cashmere argyle sweater - $160


'Olive' cutout oxford pump - $89.99 (from $150)


Cowlneck knit dress - $110


Long tie-front cardigan - $64.99 (from $98)

I've been really good about not buying any clothes lately, so perhaps I'm due a little splurge? *wink*

Anyone else out there as excited about this sale as me?

NOTE: Images by bananarepublic.com

Steal of the Day: DVF Heerlen Wrap Dress

I wanted to quickly share this Diane von Furstenberg Heerlen Wrap Dress on sale from today's Shop it to Me email:


Diane von Furstenberg Heerlen Wrap Dress (from shopbop.com) - $172.50 (from $345)

I love the colors and the cut is so ladylike!

NOTE: Image from shopbop.com

Britney Spears Does Womanizer on ABC

Britney Spears has been doing a flurry of performances of her new hit "Womanizer" recently. Britney performed on ABC's Good Morning America earlier today with a performance themed for her upcoming CD - Circus.



I have to say, I'm proud of her for straightening up. I like to be a positive person and always wish the best for everyone, so, Britney, you go girl!



What do you guys think of her comeback?

Photo/Info from SplashNews:
Caption: Britney Spears Performs on ABC'S Good Morning America.
Copyright: © www.splashnews.com
Credit: CB / Splash News

Shop it to Me = Great Deals

So, I bit the bullet and signed up for Shop it to Me today. I've been trying to avoid signing up, not because I don't like the site, but because I'm afraid I will end up buying more clothes than I should due to having so many amazing deals delivered directly to my inbox.

You may have noticed I'm a Shop it to Me Trendsetter by the image in my sidebar. Yup...I am...and I've been so good about not signing up for the service, but today, I caved. I think I've been showing an abnormal amount of self-control in my shopping lately, so I think I can finally handle the Shop it to Me emails. Can I tell you I didn't buy a single article of clothing last month? Not one! I can't remember the last time I didn't buy any clothes in one month.



Anywho, part of the reason I signed up for Shop it to Me today was because of my friend, K. K sent me an invite a week or so ago, which I promptly ignored (still fearing the amazing deals and what not). Today, I called K to catch up and she tells me about how they have Joe jeans on sale for $89. $89!!! I asked her to forward me the email. In the email were not only the Joe jeans, but a whole slew of fabulous sales of super cute stuff. After browsing the email a bit more, I promptly accepted K's invitation and signed up for my very own Shop it to Me Sale Alert. I've already received my first official Sale Alert email with my customized sizes and brands and you'll be happy to know I haven't purchased anything...yet. I'm due to buy something soon, but not today.

Katie Holmes is Classy Chic in Black & White

I think I am getting more monotone in my outfit selections as I get older. I used to like to wear super-fun, uber-colorful clothes, but lean towards classic silhouettes in basic colors, nowadays. I can't help but love this classy-chic look Katie Holmes sported recently:



I wish I could get a better look at the dress because it looks to have some detailing near the top. Either way, I like how Katie plays up the simple black & white ensemble with some patterned pumps. I also love the double-skinny-strap belt she has cinching in the cardi. Very chic, Katie!

Photo/Info from SplashNews:
Caption: Katie Holmes leaves her New York home for the theater dressed in a stylish black and white outfit. Katie unexpectedly had a Marilyn Monroe moment when an upwind lifted her skirt revealing a black slip underneath.
Copyright: © www.splashnews.com
Credit: New York Life / Splash News

Holiday Jewelry - Things That Sparkle

What girl doesn't love a good "sparkly", especially around the holidays? I'm a sucker for anything that sparkles...not literally, but for the most part, this is true. There are lots of fun jewelry designs out for the purchasing and here are some of my faves:


J Crew Crystal chain necklace - $55 - A great basic, and super-versatile necklace. The simplicity of the design lets you dress her down while the golden-wrapped-crystals let you dress her up.


Betsey Johnson Layered Heart Necklace (via Nordstrom) - $48 - This fun & flirty necklace would easily dress up your favorite fitted tee or play up your basic LBD.


D Celestine Limited Everyday Beauty Necklace - $38 - This is a necklace I make for my jewelry company, D Celestine Limited. This easygoing crystal necklace is perfect to add sparkle to your work outfit while keeping it classy. This necklace is available in other colors, just email me at shopaholicd at gmail dot com for details.


Juicy Couture Fleur de Lis Stud Earrings (via ShopBop.com) - $42 - The small size of the stud earrings let just the right about of royalty grace your ears for understated glam.



NOTE: Images by respective web sites. If you are the owner of any of these photos and object to the use of them in this post, please email me at shopaholicd at gmail dot com and I'll take them down as soon as possible.

Lucky Brand Sale Alert: 50% Off Any Item with Purchase of Jeans

Attention Lucky Brand fanatics!! Lucky Brand is having an amazing sale just in time for Black Friday. Why bother with the hassle of hectic-day-after-Thanksgiving-mall-traffic when you can purchase your favorite LB goodies online? Shop between 11/23 and 12/7 and you get 50% off any item with the purchase of a pair of jeans (see details below). In fact, if you shop on 11/28 between 6am and 12pm and you'll receive a free item with the purchase of a pair of jeans. Like you need any reason to buy yourself some Lucky jeans, right? But if you do, buy yourself some jeans and get 50% off a present for someone else. Or...buy someone else some Lucky jeans and get 50% off a special LB treat for yourself. Not too shabby, eh?



Having a hard time picking out the perfect gift? Check out The Ultimate Holiday Gift Shop (click) on Lucky Brand's web site to see their suggestions, grouped by category. I like the Stocking Stuffer and Luxury Lounge gift groups the best. I want the Thumbprint Geometric Scarf and the Chiffon Lace Top, myself.

In general, Lucky Brand recommends the following for the guy in your life: Track Jackets, Leather wallets and money clips, Sweaters, limited edition rocker tees, leather jackets and for the girl in your life: Jewelry, Hoodies, Cardigans, Spiritual scarves, thermals, handbags and jackets.

Check out luckybrand.com for sale details and a location near you.

NOTE: images by luckybrand.com

Hills Star Whitney Launches Site/Clothing Line Whitney Eve

Ok, so I'm sure you've all heard that Whitney, from The Hills, is going to star in her own TV show, The City, a Hills-esque show based in NY, but did you hear the latest news?

I just read on JustJared.com that Whitney has also launched a new web site (click here for site link), which features her Spring 2009 clothing line, Whitney Eve.





The collection seems to feature the same fun, flirtatious and feminine style that Whitney has been known to wear herself. So far, so good. I can't wait to see more of her collection.

What do you think?

NOTE: Image from http://whitneyport.celebuzz.com. If you are the owner of this photo and object to its use here, please email me at shopaholicd at gmail dot com and I'll take it down immediately.