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!

I was just commenting how JT hasn’t had a new song on the radio on the while and then this!

This is all I’m giving away…for now!

I really dread going to the gym this time of year. I know everyone else will be there, working on their new year’s resolutions and I don’t really like to wait for a treadmill (I’m still kind of intimidated to use the weight machines so I primarily use my gym membership for the classes and cardio machines).

Luckily I have discovered these new (they are actually from 2005, but new to me!) workout videos by SELF magazine available instantly through Netflix.  They are about 30 min workouts incorporating a variety of cardio, strength and pilates-inspired moves. And the best part is you don’t have to leave your house, trudge through the snow and cold only to cram next to some sweaty dude at the overcrowded gym!

I’m working from home today. Outside it’s still freezing and they are calling for snow, but these two things make me feel all warm and cozy:

Hi Everyone! Happy New Year!! I’m really excited for all the things coming in 2010, including this little blog of mine. The first new feature I want to introduce is my Cheapskate Wine Reviews! As you know, one of my 9 favorites of ’09 was Menage a Trois wine and I’d like to expand my collection of wines that aren’t a waste of money (If you’ve ever had a wine that tastes like bacon, you know what I mean). I’ll keep all the wines under $15 (because sometimes I like to be fancy and splurge on a $12 bottle of wine). I’m no Gary Vaynerchuk, but I’ll do my best to give you my no-nonsense review and maybe this will help me not to spend 6 hours in the wine aisle only to choose a bottle based on the clever label.

Ok – first up:

Redwood Creek Pinot Noir (2008)

price - $6.99

label says – “medium bodied with ripe cherry and a smooth velvety finish”

my take – this is a great, all purpose red, definitely goes down smooth with no bitter taste.  I would definitely purchase this one again and you can’t beat the price!

cheapskate rating – ♥♥♥♥ (4 out of 5)

Look for more Cheapskate Wine Reviews to come, I’m prepared to drink as much wine as I have to in the name of ‘research’ ;)

PS No one is paying me to give these reviews, but if wine companies would like to send me some free bottles, I would be totally ok with that!

Hi There! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Now it’s on to the new year. And with it comes a new leaf, a blank slate, a chance to become the person you’ve always wanted to be! It’s really strange how the new year does put a different perspective on things. It almost seems like the possibilites are endless, but in reality many of us fall short of the things we would like to accomplish.

I thought of a little plan that might be fun to try for next year. Each month focus on one goal or one aspect of your life that you think could use improvement. By focusing only on one thing, you will improve your chances of success. Here is an example of how you could break down the months:

• January: Eat a healthy breakfast everyday
• February: Cardio workouts 3x per week
• March: Organize clothing and prepare outfits the night before
• April: Minimize or eliminate unhealthy snacks/candy
• May: Strength training workouts 2x per week
• June: Organize junk drawers, linen closets etc
• July: Stick to a budget
• August: Incorporate more fruits and veggies into diet
• September: Update address book and improve correspondence
• October: Try new healthy dinner recipes
• November: Complete Christmas shopping

• December: Take time to mediate and minimize TV

Of course you can tailor it to fit your personal goals. I think I might actually try this! I’ll let you know if I tweak the months, and how I do. Let me know if you have any goals for 2010 :)

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.

Ok Raleigh…you win: