I ♥ New York (But I Hate Spending Money)

I am a huge fan of the Shopaholic novels. I completely agree with Rebecca Bloomwood when she talks about the feeling you get "when your fingers first grasp those shiny, new bags"; I can totally relate. But unlike Becky Bloomwood, I do not have lovely parents to bail me out or a financier for a boyfriend.

So it's hard to come to NY. First off, there's all these fab shops that you cannot find on the West Coast (TopShop and Uniqlo). Secondly, there's no tax on clothes (thank Jesus). And third, it's Christmastime which means sales galore. Then you add in the discoveries. I went to Bloomingdale's and found a great line from the UK, All-Saints Spitalfields, which has a little outpost in the department store and is filled with these intricately detailed dresses and tops. Plus, if you order online they have free shipping to the US!

Alas, I am on a budget (and a weight limit on the plane) and it's incredibly frustrating. So I'm trying to stick to the basics. Things I need (work appropriate pants and shoes) with one or two things for myself to make me happy (silver peeptoes from TopShop). To be honest, given what I've spent, I've made out like a bandit with the amount of things I've purchased but it's hard to look at some things and know they're still out of my grasp. If I can make it through February hopefully I'll get to do some shopping when I come to the East Coast again in May.

100 Issues for 100 Days: #4

#4 Lighten Up ...*

... It's just FASHION! In honor of Project Runway's return to the airwaves, I thought I'd talk about personal style. Lately, I've been working my way through the latest issue of Marie Claire. I say, "working my way" because it's surprisingly dense. I've never read an issue of the magazine before so I was surprised by the depth and breadth of the articles. And as I'm nearing the end of the issue, I'm find myself caught up in the fashion spreads and inspired by their cover girl, Ashley Olsen.

I'll admit, I've always been a fan of the Olsen twins. I grew up on Full House and although I was more of a "Stephanie" or a "DJ", I always had a special place in my heart for Michelle Tanner and I'd hunker down on a Sunday and watch many an Olsen twin flick on ABCFamily. But I've never seen either girl as a fashion icon, until now.

Although both of their lines Elizabeth and James and The Row are very high-end (read: More than I'll ever be able to afford unless that sugar daddy thing comes through *fingers crossed*), what struck me was Ashley's philosophy on style. she admitted readily to cutting up dresses or jackets worth thousands to create the right fit. And she holds on to every piece of clothing she's ever owned. And at the end of the day she wears what feels right to her. You have to admire that.

One thing that I'm really striving for this fall is to take more risks with my weekend fashion. Given my job it's a little hard to be too avant garde during the week but I'd like to try more out. Finding new ways to wear my clothes (I have enough) and focusing on buying new things that I need and not things that are trendy. I may never have the closet that Ashley Olsen has but I can adopt some of her quirks. And we all need to lighten up ... it's just fashion.

*I know this was a bit late but I got home and crashed after work. I'll update again later in the day.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday: How I Finished My Christmas Shopping in One Weekend

I am not one of those people who tramples their way into a K-Mart at 5 a.m. for a discounted television. Actually I kind of hate those people. I think that the whole Black Friday phenomenon is ridiculous especially in this economy. Buying a T.V. you don't need at a discounted price is still money wasted. That being said, there are some wonderful things about Black Friday and it's online equivalent, Cyber Monday.

This Christmas I decided to focus on gifts that have either heartwarming and sentimental value or gifts whose purchase will also be a charitable contribution. And I managed to find some great deals along the way.

At Dogeared, a jewelry and accessory site, I found beautiful necklaces that come with wonderful messages attached. They are also have an anniversary special of 20% off, if you enter the promo code "HAPPYBIRTHDAY" during checkout. Also check out their eco-friendly bags.

Tom's Shoes is offering free shipping for online orders and for every pair of shoes purchased, one is donated to those in need. The company hopes to donate 30,000 pairs of shoes to Ethiopia. They are currently at 9,000!

A great site for international gems and helping those around the globe is The Hunger Site. This website not only has items made by local merchants all over the globe but purchase of items goes towards feeding the hungry around the world.

When it comes to my younger cousins and siblings, I like to give books at Christmas. Barnes & Noble is having a 40% off sale and a free winter throw with orders over $75.

My favorite online boutique Le Train Bleu, is having a 40% off Cyber Monday sale. I finally purchased Elsinore Buckle Flats I wanted as well as a gold tank. Enter promo code "cybermonday" at checkout.

And finally, as much fun as online shopping is, it's also great to make something for your relatives. My personal faves are scarves, customized photos and "coupons" for days out and fun activities.

*For more Cyber Monday deals go to CyberMonday.com. Also most Cyber Monday deals last through Tuesday!

She Gets What She Wants

So in times of major financial crisis (shout out to Lehman Bros!) I do what any girl who's on the brink of brokedom does ... I window shop, or in my case Windows shop (It's so much easier and less tempting to look for stuff on the internet. Honestly, taking the time to fill in all your shipping and credit info is a big deterrent for me). For your perusing enjoyment, what I crave:

Vintage Christian Dior sunglasses from Barney's - So unnecessary and yet so cute. And a "bargain" at only $265.00. Charge it! (To my non-existent Black Card).

Cashmere from Bluefly.com. Probably the most affordable of my choices if I had any money to spare. I've always thought of cashmere as a very indulgent fabric and I would love indulge when the winter rains hit.


Mental stress may be getting me down but the physical repercussions are worse, I think a trip to Bliss SF is just what I need to get myself back on track. Lately my body has been a mass of aches and sores and the blissage 75 and reflexology sound like the solution. Some kinks you can't work out by yourself.


The Elsinore Buckle Flats from Le Train Bleu are another item that won't necessarily break the bank but I can't justify them either. Le Train Bleu is easily one of my favorite sites for shoes and discounted dresses. One day I will have the money (and the justification) to purchase on of their luxe coats.




I have an extensive wishlist at Anthropologie but right now I'd just settle for their Koi blouse.


Dahl by Alison Kelly (one of my favorite Project Runway designers) is a great line with some highly covetous pieces. One of my favorites is the Melinda top with its knit neckline. Though I wouldn't be ashamed to own the Blossom dress either.



Although I thought I'd left this stage of my life behind, lately I've been drawn to the more structured, slightly preppy clothing of my boarding school days. Following that, my new obsession is this short-sleeved peacoat from the Gap. It has just the right amount of structure with some sexiness and it will go right from the Bay Area's warm fall into its rainy winters.

And finally the biggest thing I covet: a trip out of this country. I love America but I could definitely deal with a vacation from it. Points of interest are Italy and Greece though with the current financial craziness (what's up, Bear Stearns?!!) I think I'll take my falling dollar to somewhere a bit more profitable ... Tijuana anyone?