splendor & folly

So lately, even though I haven’t been adding much to my wardrobe, I’m beginning to think I would like to switch gears.  I want to move more toward quality, investment pieces rather than cheapy throw-a-way items that start to unravel after the first wash (yes, I’m talking to you Forever 21). The only problem with this is my budget. Its really hard to justify spending hard earned dollars on clothes when there is always something more ‘practical’ to spend them on.

Thus I feel like I am having a Britney Spears moment. When it comes to shopping: “I’m not a girl, not yet a woman” (Please sing this in your head for the full effect). I’m kind of over Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe but can’t yet afford the offerings of Nordstrom, Shop Bop, and other higher-end stores and boutiques. I’m not saying I’m above shopping at certain stores now, I’m just going to try to buy only things I truly love. And if I’m buying less, I should be focusing more on quality.

Where do you like to shop? High-end? Low-end? Thrift? I’m ready to take suggestions and re-think my shopping just in time for spring!

 And with that, I’ll leave you with some gorgeous spring dresses on my ‘maybe someday’ list. They are by Shoshanna who I had never even heard of before today (see? I have a lot to learn!)

After breaking three pairs of sunglasses in my purse, I decided it was time to invest in one of these:

Case and sunglasses both from TJ Maxx for under $20 total.

Speaking of sunglasses – see if you can spot the difference – one of these pairs is $10 and the other pair is $350. Can you guess which is which?? Click the photos to find out!

1. How I Met Your Mother – This is without a doubt my favorite TV show. Although it has been on for five seasons, I just joined the Monday night party this year. If you haven’t tuned in I highly recommend netflixing it from the beginning.
2. Black Yoga Pants – Although I use them more for lounging on the couch than yoga poses, these are something I definitely could not live without. Mine are by Marika which retail for $40 on their website, but I scored them at TJ Maxx for half of that.
3. Apples and Cinnamon Oatmeal – I have been in a major oatmeal phase this year. I just grab a pack on my way out the door and whip up some deliciousness at work, which saves time and I still get in a hearty breakfast to hold off hunger pains until lunchtime.
4. Dolce & Gabbana The One – I first smelled this in a magazine and fell in love. According to the description, it is a warm, oriental floral with modern sensuality.
 

 


5. Post Secret - This website has been around for a while, but new secrets posted each Sunday make the beginning of the work week more tolerable.
6. Ruffles - This trend is everywhere you look, but you won’t find me complaining! I think ruffles can add just enough of that extra something special to everything from skirts to sweaters.
7. Menage a Trois wine – Thanks to Nichole for introducing me to this wine! It’s about 9 bucks and can be found at most grocery stores. It gets its name from being a blend of three types of grapes, Zinfandel, Cabernet and Merlot. Its fun to try new wines, but when I need a sure bet, menage a trois has never let me down!
8. The Library – Nothing beats free during a recession, or ever for that matter.
9. Gorjana necklace- When it comes to jewelry, my preference is understated. This necklace is the perfect subtle addition to most outfits (mine is silver). Other Gorjana pieces can be found at Revolve Clothing.

Hi, I’m back. I’ve been preoccupied with preparing for Christmas, but of course I’ve managed to shop for myself as well :) For those lucky enough to have an H&M in their shopping radius, they are having a major sale! Tons of outerwear, dresses, blouses and more for CHEAP (especially considering their already reasonable prices)!

I picked up this little number which I expect to get TONS of use out of. How have I been living without a lightweight black jacket? And bonus - I can finally participate in the military-inspired trend!

Currently you can only shop H&M online if you live in Germany (and a few other countries). But the website is still fun to peruse as it looks like most of the merchandise carries over to the US stores. Also, you can learn German!

1. Jacken = Jacket
2. Blazer = Blazer (but I’m guessing they have a much cooler way of pronouncing it)
3. Westen = Vest

Hooray!

It’s funny how your mood can affect the way you dress and vice versa. Today I’m wearing all black and I love it! I feel sophisticated and pulled together (despite the fact that I rushed out of the house in 20 min). I normally feel the need to add a ‘pop of color’, but not today! Here are some black beauties all under $50:

In keeping with my online shopping problem, I came across this adorable wire mesh rose ring on Ruche:

 

I don’t have very many rings, so if were to build up my collection here are my picks! All the below are from Kohl’s. They seem to have a great selection of rings for C-H-E-A-P! (You can click all the photos for links)

I’m glad I admitted it, its the first step. So I’m not exactly in a position to spend money on just anything that suits me, but for some reason this doesnt stop me from visiting online retailers, actually putting things in my ‘shopping cart’ and then proceeding to search for coupon codes and seeing what my total would be with shipping and everything. Somehow I’m able to come to my senses and close the window at that point. But if I’m ever having a low willpower day, I could be in big trouble!

BTW, Here are some of my favorite online shops:

1. LuLu’s
2. Rue La La (invite only, click for invite)
3. Ideeli (invite only, click for invite)
4. 6pm  (awesome deals on shoes)

Enjoy!

Instead of posting a picture of my outfit, I’m going to give variations of it! Today (casual Friday!!)  I’m wearing a blue tank, gray cocoon cardi, basic jeans and ruffle flats. You could mix and match with any combo below to get the same effect!

PS My flats are actually from Payless and can be purchased here for $23!

This is a little random, but I came across these green leaves on the  tree in our front yard the other day. They suddenly appeared amidst all the other dead, brown ones.

I got to thinking about all the little wonders that life offers us if we just keep our eyes peeled.

Like this little gnome stool…

Or this way too obvious signage…

Or this oh so precious baby buffalo spotted outside my workplace…

You just never know what the day will bring, life is good :)

This is the first edition of my weekly Holiday Handbook series, which will give you helpful advice and tips to navigate through the holiday season with style and ease! Look for upcoming volumes of the Holiday Handbook each Friday from now until Christmas (which is not very many Fridays away…where did the year go??)

Today I’m sharing lots of options for what to wear to those upcoming social events.  Whether its the office Christmas party or just egg-nogging it up with friends, you always want to look your best.  Look for dark jewel tone colors, rich fabrics and metallic accents. Here are a few that won’t break the bank!