Saks Haul - Bags

I'm not as keen about purses as I am about shoes, but at 70% off, I didn't mind buying a few bags (well, 5 actually but not all of them were for me).

Foley + Corinna Jetsetter Jr. Tote

When I first posted about the sale, JG contacted me and asked me to find her a purse. I asked her to email me pics of the bags she wanted and it so happens that Saks actually had 1 of them.













Rebecca Minkoff Market Tote in Forest

Before heading out to the sale, I asked my mom if she wanted anything and naturally she said to get her a purse. She wanted something from YSL or Chloe but all the designer handbags were gone by the time I was done with the shoes. I've seen the Market Tote before and I really liked it so I figure it'll be a good choice for my mom as well. She liked it enough for it to be an early Christmas present.


Kooba Tracy Hobo in Chocolate (shown in Brick Red)

I couldn't leave without getting a little something for me! Lol. After scouring the section for handbags, I spotted this bag underneath a huge pile of other bags. It actually looks better in person. It's a little bit heavy and yes, it's another brown bag but I lovett!




The last two bags are kept under wraps for now. JJ's not that happy with one of them (haha) but that's not the reason I'm choosing to stay mum on them. I'll post pics when the time is right.

Saks Haul - Shoes

Sorry for the long delay between posts. I didn't mean to tease you with a peek and wait a week to post the actual haul.

Before I let you in on my purchases, you can read about the whole experience on JJ's blog or you can just check out the madness from these photos.



I can't stress enough how terribly insane nor how stressful the whole experience was but I'm glad I experienced it because I have 1.) new shoes 2.) new bags 3.) Christmas present for my mom and 4.) a story to tell. I guess when all is said and done, it's the story that counts the most (at least in my opinion).

Anyway, I'll start you guys off with the shoes (coz you know it's all about the shoes).

A family pic

Scissor Girls in Purple Suede - I got these on Wednesday, the first day of the presale. JJ asked Saks the day before when the presale was going to start and the SA told her it was going to start on Thursday. I happened to stop by that afternoon and the sale had already started (apparently Saks decided to push it up a day early much to everyone's surprise). It was madness and I happened to chance upon the left side of this pair on one end of the Shoe Salon. Some girl (who happened to yell at me for touching her pile) left the right side on the other end of the Shoe Salon because the SA probably couldn't find the mate so I took it! I was lucky enough to find a pair that was my size.

Scissor Girls in Black Leather - Of all the pairs I grabbed Thursday morning (JJ and I had to go back for more), I ended up liking the same ones I already purchased the day before. I actually didn't mind so much since the looked nice on my feet (lol).

Very Prive in Brown Glittart (Tortoise Shell) - this elusive pair is my favorite! I actually almost bought these full price the week prior but I was hesitant because I thought they were a little snug. I had the SA locate a bigger size for me but no luck. I tried these on again on Wednesday night and I figure it's really not that snug, I could make it work. I asked the SA if they were on sale and he said "NO". So, I put them down and paid for the Purple Scissor Girls. Thursday morning, as we all rushed to the shoe section, I noticed these shoes were on the sale table so I immediately grabbed it. Now, it's in my closet and I'm a happy camper. Yay!

Peek at my Saks haul...

More pics and experience recount to follow as I really need to study.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

SUCCESS!!!

will update later...arms are currently TOO tired to type...

and I still have an exam...darn...

Countdown begins...

21 more hours 'til I pick up my stash...CAN.NOT.WAIT.ANOTHER.MINUTE.

I think I'm going crazy...and I still have to study for my test tomorrow.

SALE SALE SALE

I'm so overwhelmed with all the sales going on, I think my head is starting to spin. Left and right, news of sales are going on. I think with the economy's current state (isn't it crazy that almost every other post goes back to the current state of the economy?), people are taking advantage of sales especially with the holidays coming up. Every website and every email I receive brings news of sales or additional mark downs. I guess it's the only incentive retailers have to keep consumers buying because if you go to the mall these days, it's scary how empty it is.

While I love giving presents, I'm not one who buys presents early (speaking of which I still have your birthday present K, sorry). I usually wait until a week before Christmas to buy presents. I think it's the extra pressure I thrive on. This year, I might have to take advantage of the sales...MIGHT being the operative word. We'll see. If I see a good enough deal, I'll let you know. In the meantime, these are the sales I know of:

Nordstrom - presale ongoing for Thanksgiving (must contact local SAs for info)
Burberry - 30% starting tomorrow
Saks - this weekend, and also early bird specials on Black Friday
NM - presale officially starts tomorrow but if you have an existing relationship with an SA then good for you, also extra 15% off if you use your NM card
YSL - 40% starts Friday (online and in stores although you'll probably have better luck in stores)
Revolveclothing.com - 30% off with code until Friday only (email me if you want the code)

Sample sales: (email me for info)
Marked Showroom - at the Cooper Bldg. this Thursday and Friday
William Rast/People's Liberation - this Saturday and Sunday
Citizens of Humanity - at the OC, this Saturday and Sunday
Seychelles and BC Shoes - warehouse sale this weekend

Enjoy!!! Oh, and make sure you share your finds with me!!!

WOO HOO!!!

I finally got my fur capelet!!! I'm so excited. I hope it's really soft and fluffy...

PS - it's vintage so think of it as recycling...

BNY Private Sale

This week only!!! The selection in stores wasn't that great but that doesn't mean you can't find anything. It just means you have to look extra hard. And if you don't find anything, go next door to Saks! The Saks Designer Sale ends today (supposedly).

Happy Shopping!!!

Holiday Shoes

Now that the holiday season is upon us, it's time to break out the glitzy shoes for all those holiday parties!!! I'm usually not a fan of embellished shoes because most of the time they look too ostentatious for me. However, once in a while, I come by a pair that is embellished but will look so perfect against the holiday backdrop that it makes me weak at the knees.


Take these Manolos, for example. I would have just passed this shoe off as another over-embellished evening sandal but something about it screams elegance. I still can't figure out what I like about this shoe but I can't stop staring.


This Fendi sandal is all about understated elegance. I love the champagne color because it easily goes with black or brown hues. The rhinestones on the strap add just a hint of glitz so that it won't overpower your cocktail dress. And, when the holidays are over, these babies go so well with jeans!

Oh Miu Miu...I'm still not sure about the comfort level of Miu Miu shoes because the pair I own hurt like a MF but these shoes are SO cute! I love the embellished heel. Like the Fendis, this shoe has an understated elegance that is so perfect for the holiday season. The rose copper color also makes the shoe stand out from the sea of silver and gold shoes of the holidays.


Shoes available at Barneys.

Are you ready?

In LA, the collection will only be available at the stores on Sunset Blvd. and in the Beverly Center. If you want a piece, you have to be ready to stand in line before the stores even open. Good luck!!

Bottega Veneta Trunk Show

I accompanied JJ to the Spring trunk show at Bottega in Beverly Hills last Saturday. Although I appreciate the workmanship that goes into Bottega pieces, their pieces are too serious for me. I tend to think that little whimsical details add to the character of any piece whether it's a purse, clothing or shoes. Suprise, surprise...Bottega's got me doing a double-take of their Spring line.

When we arrived at the store, we were ushered by JJ's SA into the back to look at the Spring collection. JJ and I were treated to a vision of orange. The purses came in all shades from a yellow orange to a bright copper.

This dress was my favorite of all the clothing from the Spring line. I love the loose draping details around the bust. The color is also a great neutral although I forgot what the print was. i think they were little flowers to match theembroidered flowers on the purse that the model is carrying.

This purse is Bottega's Montaigne in woven ostrich! Do I really need to expound? *Sigh* It was like touching a piece of art. Soft, buttery ostrich leather...a handwoven masterpiece. JJ's heart must have been racing (she loves ostrich). Available for pre-order, $7995.

My favorite purse was this hobo. Hobos (or anything remotely Bohemian) aren't really Bottega's style so I was pleasantly surprised when the SA brought this to us. The woven material blends seamlessly into the rich leather. This purse was hand-distressed and you can see the quality of the craftsmanship upon closer inspection. I almost ordered this purse but I figure the color is a little out there for me. It's a copper color and the distress marks are black and green. I'm still debating whether this is a keeper or just an impulse "want". Available for pre-order, $2480.


Photos courtesy of Style.com

Lauren Conrad Sophie Dress

I'm not a fan of Lauren Conrad or The Hills so when Lauren started her clothing line, I paid it no mind. I see her stuff on Shopbop once in a while and it's nothing mind-blowing. I think it's geared toward the Forever 21 crowd.

Yesterday, I was browsing the sale selections at Shopbop and I saw this dress. I think it's really cute. Very summer-y (yes we are suffering from a heatwave here in SoCal), very laid-back...perfect for LA. I was surprised that it's from Lauren's clothing line. I think the dress is a perfect balance of innocence and sex appeal. And all my friends know that I have a penchant for anything short. Needless to say, this has my name written all over it. Unfortunately, it's not available in my size. So, all you lucky girls who are a M or a L, grab this dress from Shopbop. It's on sale for only $89.40!!!

WTF?!?!

I was watching Gossip Girl last night and the last 10 minutes (or so) of the show literally made my mouth drop. A serious "WTF" moment...

So, who is Nate Archibald kissing this time?

Well, well, well...if it isn't little Jenny Humphrey. Euw.

xoxo...

Lace-Up Boots

I think I've mentioned my fondness for lists once before. Now that my birthday and Christmas are nearing, it's time to update my wish/shopping lists!!! These lists are for me to fulfill, by the way. I am not, by any means, expecting anyone but me to buy anything on this list (especially since most of these cost a pretty penny). And just because it's on my list does not mean it gets fulfilled. Some of the items on my list have been there for a while.

Anyway, I've been really wanting lace-up boots with heels lately. I still haven't really found the "right" pair although these are pretty damn close:

Givenchy Lace Up Wedge Boot, at Shopbop for $1225

I love how it's sort of like Mad Max meets the Wicked Witch of the West. It has that old granny boot feel yet it looks so "of-the-moment". Although it doesn't get cold enough in LA to warrant owning a lot of boots, these are almost a must-have. Givenchy has been turning out some cute shoes for these past few seasons. Impressive.

LD Tuttle The Bard, at Oak NYC for $692

You all know I love me some flat boots. These are no different. I love the tough vibe that these boots give out. Very adrogynous... With a mini, a plaid shirt and a leather jacket, I could be channeling Emmanuele Alt. I think I can make room in my closet for another pair of flat boots, expecially if they're as cool as these.

Last Shoe Purchase

Yes, after 3 LONG months, the ticker at the bottom of my blog has finally been updated. My long wish list finally has 1 item checked off.

JJ told me that I have the most specific wish list of anyone she's ever met. She said that I usually hone in on one specific item and obsess about it until I finally tick it off my list. Checking off an item off my list doesn't make my list any shorter because for every item checked off means there's room for one more item. Greedy, I know. But for now I'm satisfied with my new purchase...


I've been needing brown pumps for a while and after searching high and low, I finally settled with the L.A.M.B. Finsbury Crisscross Mary-Janes. I love the heel height! It seems a little uncomfortable but it should feel fine after it's been broken in. I also like that it's not my usual pointy toe pump. Almost all my pumps are pointy toe and it's nice to have something new to add to the closet. These shoes are really sexy. I can't wait to wear them!

More pics:

Dressing Up, Dressing Down

I had a conversation with JJ yesterday about dressing up for work. Because of the current state of the economy and the real estate market, our office is downsizing. I'm pretty sure that along with the employees that are being downsized, our corporate dress code and image are going as well. I told JJ about a dress I wanted but since we won't have to "dress up" for work soon, I feel like I didn't need to buy it. She told me that if I like the dress, I should just buy it and just because people aren't "dressing up" doesn't mean I have to "dress down".

She brings up a great point. In most women studies classes, it has been brought up that women dress for other women. JJ said that she wears what she wears because it makes her feel good. I wear what I wear depending on my mood, where I'm going, who I'm seeing. I guess I like to complicate my choices. It's no wonder it takes me almost an hour to get ready in the morning. Back to my point, I guess I have to learn to dress for me. When I was younger, I went to a Catholic school where we wore uniforms and makeup wasn't allowed. I was brought up in a fairly conservative environment where I wasn't allowed to really nurture my "girly" side. I didn't really wear makeup until college and to this day, I still feel a little guilty if I'm dressed better than someone else in the room. It is empowering to know that you look good, but my upbringing dictates otherwise.

Deciding to dress for me will likely alter the way I shop. I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing or a bad thing. I have to take school into consideration too. If I keep buying clothes/shoes/purses that I like and feel good in, how will school affect that? See what I mean about complicating my choices? There's always something else...

I've Seen These Before...

I was reading NG's blog and she posted about how much she adores these Aldo Boots, the Spana.

Spana, $120. Available at Aldo.

Do you see it too? I instantly recognized them as soon I saw them - Givenchy knock-offs. I guess in the current state of the economy, it benefits mass retailers to sell knock offs. It's sad that this doesn't get monitored or regulated. It allows mass retailers to take advantage of the designs created by style geniuses. Corporate greed goes beyond Wall St.

Givenchy Peep-Toe Wedge Angle Bootie, $1250. Available at Barneys.

Photos courtesy of Aldo and Style.com.

Project Runway...Why Kenley Didn't Win

Not that I'm sad Kenley lost, I'm actually elated. Well, not elated but satisfied of the judge's decision. Why? Let me count the ways:

1.) Attitude. Severely disrespecting Tim Gunn is a no-no. Who does she think she is? I guess losing is her comeuppance.

2.) Copycat. If you're going to be in fashion, you better know what other designers are putting out there so you won't be labeled a copycat. I guess it's one thing to produce a knock-off and it's another thing to take credit for someone else's vision. She might not have done it deliberately but she's still unapologetic about it even though it's pretty clear that her designs aren't that far off from ones that have already walked the runway.

Exhibit A:

(L-R Kenley, Balenciaga Spring 2008 RTW)

Exhibit B:

(L-R Kenley, Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 RTW)

Kenley needs to learn some humility and respect to earn the respect of others. She needs to study her fashion history. And she definitely needs an attitude adjustment because no one will want to work with her if she keeps acting that way.


Photos courtesy of Bravo and Style.com.

Spotted...ANTM alumni on Proj Runway Finale

I spotted 3 ANTM alums on Project Runway's finale.

ANTM Cycle 4 winner, Naima, was spotted during the model casting. She was not chosen.

ANTM Cycle 6 winner, Danielle, seen on Korto's runway show. She looks skinnier.

ANTM Cycle 9 contestant, Bianca, seen on Korto's runway show. She looks much better now than she did when she was on ANTM. Could be coz she wasn't talking...

Paris Fashion Week

I wanted to call this post "Fall Fashion Inspiration" but seeing as it's a little late for that I decided to go with "Paris Fashion Week" since the pictures below were snapped at that event even though I will be talking about my fashion inspirations for this fall season. Confused yet? Me too.

1. A little rock n roll goes a long way

If I have a choice, I'd dress like this every day. I love the combination of rock and roll and grunge without running the risk of looking like you tried too hard. The unfussy hair and the flannel shirt give the outfit a laid-back feel while the boots and the skinny jeans add a touch of sophistication.

2. A pop of color

I love the unexpected pop of mustard in this outfit. Most people tend to go with rich and dark hues when it starts getting cold. The pop of mustard is like a little ray of sunshine. Yellows are not just for summer people.

3. A statement piece

I la-la-love this coat. One statement piece is enough to draw attention. You can do it with a piece of jewelry, a funky shoe, or in this case, a cool assymetrical jacket. The beauty of this piece is that it draws the eye with its shape, not because it's overly embellished or plastered with logos. Note how she wore a muted color palette so the coat stand out even more...tres chic!

Photos courtesy of Jak and Jil.