Drum roll please...

No, this is not the beginning to Will Smith's "Summertime".

I am waiting with slight anticipation for a newly acquired Chloe Betty Hobo circa 2006. I have been working on this transaction for the last 2 weeks, and the package hopefully will arrive Friday or Monday. I can't describe what the color is yet, because I don't really know. Lighting in photographs can cause the color to look totally different. I am hoping that the bag is everything I thought it would be, since I would be getting it at 28% of it's original retail value. This is all a part of my on-going plan to downsize my handbag collection to the bare essentials and loading it with classic and timeless pieces.

I'll post the pic as an update when it arrives. Cross your fingers for me!

Super Deal, X2

When you find an amazing deal, my advice is: Take 2.

I was at Macy's shopping nervously on Friday afternoon for a birthday gift for my MIL (that's Mother-In-Law to you Singles out there). Now, whenever shopping for someone else, I always do a quick tally of potential gifts or items for myself - not necessarily an immediate purchase, but maybe one for a later date. I'm a believer that you never know when you may come across a steal on something fabulous.

On the 3rd floor Contemporaries area, I came across several racks with the "additional % off" signs; 2 long racks of which were in in denim (squee! for designer denim). I don't usually like the denim sale racks as they are often littered with the obnoxiously trendy styles that didn't do well during the course of the season OR sizes only pre-pubescent girls can squeeze into -- and reduced by a mere 35-40%. But once in awhile, you might find a sweet pair in a seasonal wash or a cut you don't have that is worth acquiring at a discount (ie. my Paige Premium Denim Robertson wide leg in Sunlight from Dr. Mojoe). The labels on this rack consisted of 7FAM, Citizens of Humanity, Joe's, Hudson, French Connection (blech), Rich & Skinny, and Anlo. The last label, Anlo, caught my attention as it has received some decent press since its debut. It's a line that seeks to be the middle ground between basic and the ultra-trendy.


Anlo "Roth" wide leg trouser jeans in Pacific wash, $198.

I quickly picked out a few pairs of different styled Anlo jeans to try on. The wide leg trouser jeans were really flattering. Then I noted the price tag, expecting to see something like $99. It was labeled at $49.50. I figured the additional mark down made these jeans a whopping $34.65 -- approximately 17.5% of its original retail price. Sold! I beat a quick trail back to the sale racks and found another pair 1 size up to take home as well.

Now, this is one of the only time I would advise anyone to buy more than one of the same jeans in 2 different sizes. (I do often buy multiple pairs of the exact same shoe when they are priced at their lowest.) We all have days where we would like our nice denim to have some give and this is when you can make that happen. To put into perspective, you can't buy jeans from the freaking Gap for $34.65, much less designer ones. So you get on that deal and pay quickly.

How much can I love these shoes?

Gucci Fall 2007 "Bonnie" Platform Booties, $995

I have this on and off relationship with the Shoe Department at Saks. It's like the boyfriend that you know is bad for you so you stay away as much as you can. But when you see him, something good always happens, and it's hard to resist going back for more. So there I was, doing a return before heading to a work function with my hubby. I am taking back snow boots that were going to be a little awkward for me to wear regularly (even though they were Uggs). I am feeling hurried because I only had 20 minutes to do the errand and get back on-time for this event. It was then the escalator brought me up to Floor 3, and I am hit with the sight of the Sale Racks, brim full of NEW markdowns. I am no longer preoccupied.

Being a seasoned shopper, I do a quick survey of the first rack, and realize that many of the "desired" fall shoes were included in this new markdown. I start working the rack starting with my normal shoe size and working up about a whole size (designer kicks sometimes run rather small) and pull out a few shoes to slip on. One of the salespeople who I have bought from before immediately came to my assistance, grabbed the bag with the return and let me do my thing.

After a good 10 minute survey, I pulled out two pairs to try - both Gucci and both booties - one of which was the bootie of all booties shown for this Fall/Winter season. The "Bonnie" platform bootie has been prominently featured in the catalogs and fashion rags. I definitely lusted after them but never thought about buying them. Until the minute the shoe guy brought it to me in my size.

They fit perfectly, which is the beauty of Gucci shoe sizing...they fit true to size. This was truly my downfall. Any actual consideration I was making about whether this would be a good purchase for me flew out the window. We have: Sale Price designer shoe + perfect fit = a new purchase.

I went back to meet hubby for the work event, but not before slipping this shopping back into the car first. Because my husband knows me so well, he asked how my trip to Saks went, and instantly could tell I didn't just make the return.

The Bonnies haven't been worn yet; I have to get the bottoms sealed before that happens. Right now I'm just content to admire them in the comfort of my home.

Hmm...Possible GTS?

One of my favorite purchases to make anytime of the year is the GTS, that's right: the Gift-To-Self. I find that I do this pretty regularly, as a self-sufficient female who appreciates some of the finer things in life (cue that Go Chicks music!)...anyway, I digress.

I found a possible GTS while considering a new color/finish to get in my preferred flats, the Tory Burch Reva. You see, Tory has expanded her brand to beyond clothing and the Reva flats. She's got handbags, accessories, etc. SO. I saw this while clicking through the Tory Burch site on the net (yes, while wearing my Yoga Toes):


Tory Burch Fall 2007 "Jordana", $495

I thought this tote was just fabulous, particularly in the crocodile finish with gold accents. Crocodile has been big and will continue to be a key finish for accessories. It adds a certain air of refinement and richness to anything, such as a wallet, belt, or shoe. Everyone needs a croc piece, just like I firmly believe everyone needs an animal print piece. In any case, though I have my preferred brands for handbags, this one caught my eye and the pricing is fairly reasonable considering the plain leather bags out there with less style for more money. So for those of you who are looking for some GTS ideas, consider putting this one on the list!

Catching Up

So much has happend in the last couple of weeks that I haven't been able to get a new blog post in. I started my new job a little over 3 weeks ago, and I feel like an entirely different person. My job is not the same as the last; there are more responsibilities and more balls in the air now. I'm still trying to familiarize myself with the properties themselves, and at the same time, take in more technical knowledge. CD says it's a little intense for the first couple of weeks, but I feel like I am far behind because I've been out of the business for the last 9 months.

So asides from having scores of appointments and business meetings, conference calls, and building my new workspace w/ the right tools and supplies, I've also been going out more, reconnecting with many people I used to be in contact with, and I've also taken to drinking my breakfast instead of chewing it. I recently discovered Jamba Juice, as there is a location across the street from my office. It's a good way for me to cut down on the caffeine in the morning and eat healthier than my usual staple of bagel & cream cheese.

When I do have a little spare time, I've been spending it tweaking my wardrobe. I got started prior to my first day at work by adding a few pieces of clothing here and there, along w/ some accessories (ie. shoes), and now as I go through what I have, I think about what else would help wrap things together. Fortunately for me, there are some incredible sales right now, and I have found some great deals. I have also found a few pairs of designer shoes on discount calling my name!

New York, New York (Part 1)

I recently embarked on a great 3 day jaunt in New York City with the ladies. Originally conceived months ago because Jen was feeling the urge to empty her bank account for handbags, we had a total of 6 (Jen, Jessica, Pam, Marina, Jodi, and Myself) departing for the Big Apple Friday morning.

Memorial Day weekend is the start of the Summer season for New Yorkers. If you are somebody or know the right somebody, you are spending your weekends in the Hamptons on the weekends as soon as weather permits. It's nice because the city becomes a tad less crowded than usual. We arrived at LaGuardia on-time and 20 minutes later were on our way in a spacious cab headed for the island. The Affinia Dumont, our accommodations for the trip, was located in Murray Hill, a quaint and unique residential neighborhood with a long and rich history of preservation efforts by its residents. We checked in, dropped our bags, and headed to find some lunch.

My original choice for lunch was Markt, a bar/restaurant with good belgian fare. Armed with my Zagats guide from 2006, I led us to it's Meatpacking District location only to find that the building is being rehabbed for a new office/retail complex. A native New Yorker would have known that the restaurant had recently moved to 6th & 21st. Sigh. Fortunately, it's hard to starve in NYC and we walked across the street to Vento, a casual/cool Italian trattoria with a great outdoor seating area. After filling our bellies with good food, we headed down 14th street to check out the bevy of high-end retail here. Among the stores we visited were: Scoop NYC (an expanded location sectioned off by "street", "kids", "men", and "women"), Diane Von Furstenberg, Tracy Reese, Charles Nolan, Theory, and the illustrious Jeffrey New York.

While we found some great pieces Friday afternoon, the highlight of our stop in the Meatpacking District was me spotting Todd Oldham while perusing the shoe department at Jeffrey. I love watching Todd on Bravo's Top Design. He started out doing fashion and has branched into furniture, photography/art, and interiors (check out The Hotel in South Beach). The guy was dressed like anyone else who was walking around the city: t-shirt, cargo shorts, backpack. You'd think it was just anyone, but nope...Todd Oldham! Spotting fashion designers is even more amazing to me than spotting regular old celebrities. I would love to see Isaac Mizrahi or Michael Kors in the flesh!

We wrapped up the first night in the Big Apple by dining at the swanky Lower East Side gem, Stanton Social. We started with cocktails that were divine (loved the Social Tea) and feasted on a variety of plates on the menu -- everything had a twist to it, and was, of course, delish! Marina & Jodi decided to hit Times Square post-dinner, and the rest of us took in one last drink at a restaurant/lounge called Thor, part of the Hotel on Rivington. This place had my favorite drink of the day, made with: Vodka, Red Bull, berry puree, and Pop rocks. I think there was another ingredient, but that is the gist. It was excellent!

Finally, in the not too wee hours, four tired but happy girls dragged themselves back to the hotel for much needed sleep...

Stay tuned for the next recap!

A typical Saturday afternoon...

This last Saturday, while my hubby was entertaining at the Cubs game, I embarked on my favorite pastime: shopping. I don't always buy, but I enjoy seeing what's out in the stores.

I shopped alone. I actually prefer to shop on my own for the most part. I can spend more time paying attention to something that I've read about in a magazine, or go to an obscure boutique. I can demonstrate great control by myself, but it is also then I can do the most damage. On the damage scale, Saturday was about a 4 in terms of items purchased and what purposes they serve, and a 6 for amount of money spent.

I do follow a few guidelines when I go shopping; mostly because shopping can be a tiring and frustrating activity, but I like to enjoy it for the fun aspects as often as possible while getting something accomplished at the same time.

Here are my tips:

1) Nothing says you have purchasing power than showing up looking decent.

My outfit -- H&M white striped 3/4 sleeve sweater, dark Seven For All Mankind jeans, Tory Burch "Reva" black flats, J. Crew black peacoat.

2) Always have some sort of game plan as far as where you are going, or what you are looking for.

I was looking for: blush, some new tops, and a leather jacket. Stores to hit: Bloomingdales, H&M, Banana Republic, Neiman Marcus, and Saks!

3) You never know what you will find, so keep your eyes open for deals/bargains/good finds.

I snagged a cream colored silk flutter sleeved blouse with painted dots on it from Banana Republic. They have finally gotten their heads out of their *sses and stopped doing vanity-sizing. I thought that was the worst idea ever, and clearly someone in management finally figured it out. It's a good work top, but can double as a going out top too.

I also found a great pair of Diesel jeans. I love jeans, and I own many, many pairs of designer jeans, but none by Diesel. The cut caught my eye when I passed by, so I tried them on. They are fantastic! The denim quality is excellent and made in Italy, the wash/cut quite flattering. I would have never thought of Diesel if I were looking for new denim, so it was a great find.

Lastly, a great deal was had at Coach, where I picked up a pair of brown python detail leather roman-style sandals for $69.00. It's going to look great with dresses, skirts, and jeans.

I didn't find my leather jacket; not too many people are showing the style I'm looking for, but I did find some blush and a bronzing shimmer oil from Stila, so all was well!

Can't wait to do it all again...next week? ;)

Girl in New York City

The last 3 days were billed as "End of My Singlehood" weekend where I, laden w/ several cute but not slutty outfits and a nice-sized budget, headed to New York City to indulge in all my single person habits of shopping, eating at fun restaurants, and having a few well-made drinks. Because said habits are actually quite harmless, I doubt I will cut back on them once I'm a married woman, but let's move on.

Friday (Day 1)
My friend, Jen D., flew out with me and after checking into our hotel (4 Points by Sheraton in Chelsea), we went to grab a bite at Corner Bistro. The place was divey and the burgers were crispy and good. We decided to walk around a bit after lunch and I just have to say this: if within 60 seconds you hit a street of never-ending shops, it's God trying to tell you something. We were on Bleeker, and it was good.

Highlights that day included:

- Getting fabulous boots from Sacco

- Almost getting kicked out of DKNY for taking this photo:

- Seeing Russell Simmons at Pastis

- Seeing a professional call girl working the room at Pastis

We rounded out our evening at the rooftop bar on top of a hotel, and went home fairly early to prepare for our big purse shopping day. Amusing sight on our way back: 2 trannies doing business by Penn Station.

Saturday (Day 2)

Something needs to be said about the availability of good food in New York...no matter where you go, there's always some great little deli around the corner, or a cute cafe for quick bites.

After getting something to eat, we headed down to Canal Street, where the daily business of wheeling and dealing was well on its way. I have been here at least once a year for the last 4 years, and it always amazes me how hard people hustle on this street. We visited a few spots (shady: back of a 1989 Dodge mini-van with wood paneling), but hit the jackpot when we met Benny. Benny is a cool dude with a killer retail location. We spent hours there, and came home with serious finds! My mother, from hundreds of miles away, managed to do some damage via cellphone. Bottom line is: If you need a fab purse, Benny's the guy.

Saturday night was a weird one for the books. After having a fun sushi meal at Nobu Next Door (which is probably more fun than Nobu itself), we decided to go to a few clubs. I had done some research on places people actually go to in New York, and felt like my selections were pretty safe. Who knew they would be jammed with lines out the door? You'd think in a big club/bar scene like New York, there'd be plenty of places for people to disperse? We didn't even make it into the 1st location because the line was down an entire city block.

Our next spot was a bar called Milk & Honey, supposedly real low key. We walked through LES to get to this place, and for those people who think LES is getting cleaned up? It's not there yet. What do we find when we get to the address? A scary door with a buzzer. The next 15 minutes were hilarious, and I'll just leave it at that. Random happening: When we scurried away from the "scary door", a weird pot-bellied, unbathed asian man in a whitebeater belched ever so appropriately as we passed him.

After that, we were all getting tired (since it was after midnight). So we hailed a cab and made our way back to the 14th st area where we had a ton of fun the night before. Here's where I tell you to beware of certain waitstaff late night if you aren't drunk enough. They are rude, incompetent, and just looking to start a fight with a potential patron. I was excited about getting a drink at a certain asian themed restaurant, but we had to leave before I punched the hostess/waiter. And I'm not even a violent person.

We surveyed our surroundings at this point and realized that any decent bar/lounge/club had a line. It was awful, and I realized that I didn't prepare enough for this trip. I would never let this happen for anyone else's party that I was planning. We finally sat down at a wine bar and did our champagne toast before dragging our tired (but cute) asses back to the hotel. Though it was a crazy night, I still think that we had fun on our adventure through some of the quirky parts of Manhattan.

Sunday (Day 3)

Thank God that Sunday is a day of rest. We got up late, lumbered down to Cafeteria for food (they made us wait...what else is new?), and got to see Dylan McDermott in the flesh while eating. Then Kim S. went home and Jen & I went back to Canal Street for one last look around. I actually think we were shopped out at this point. My luggage was seriously overweight from all the new purchases, and I was mentally exhausted trying to figure out how I was going to get it all home. Plus, I had shin splints!

We got to LaGuardia and had our last celebrity sighting of the trip: Kimora Lee Simmons (soon to be ex-Simmons) and her entourage, strutting down the terminal right past us! After that, we settled in at the gate, and hours later, made it back to Chicago. I didn't even get charged for having overweight luggage. ;)

What a trip!