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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

2010 Commandments


I don't know about you, but I'm sure ready for 2009 to end. Year end means closing the books, wrapping up projects, and reflecting on the past 365 days. It also means resolutions, optimism, and hope for the next 365. 

Let's toast to new beginnings with a list of little promises you can actually keep in 2010.

1.)  Thou shall take more risks. Fashion risks, that is. Try a style you've been too afraid to wear. Go forth with confidence.

2.)  Thou shall make a budget. Itemize your bills and compare them to what you're bringing home each month. Now set limits on what you need to buy that are variable costs (groceries, dinners out, etc). Even if you don't record all costs, at least you'll have an idea of what you can afford each month.

3.)  Thou shall save more money. Refer to budget, look for ways to cut back, put excess money in savings account, do not touch.

4.)  Thou shall be kinder to thine self image. Don't look in the mirror and pick on your flaws - give yourself a little compliment instead. 

5.)  Thou shall cut back on booze. It's expensive, slightly unbecoming, and caloric to boot. 1 or 2 per night out will do.

6.)  Thou shall shop outside the box. Explore new boutiques in your area instead of your usual haunts. You might stumble on something wonderful.

7.)  Thou shall give thrift stores a chance. It's an adventure in creative shopping. There's nothing better than finding something unbelievable for a few dollars.

8.)  Thou shall dress better at work. Image matters - well dressed, sharp looking women go farther.
 
9.)  Thou shall wear lipstick. Red, bright pink, purple, coral - whatever. Lipstick can make your look shine. Trust!

10.) Thou shall make thyself happy. Whatever happiness means to you, try to pursue it this year. Enough said.

Happy New Year, Everyone!



Thursday, December 24, 2009

$0 Gifts, To me From me

Twas the day before Christmas when all through the house, a creature was stirring - but it was much more thrifty than a mouse. It crept to the closet where clothing was hung with care, in hopes that her parents would not be aware.

Yes, I shopped my old closet again. I thought that maybe I'd missed a few things last time I looked - and did I ever!

A lovely cloche hat with a vintage brooch - purchased long before Blair Waldorph made them cool again. You'll also notice the bracelet that matches a necklace I already featured, and a not-so-dainty old sterling silver ring with an intense blue stone.
An antique hair clip I wore for Freshman Homecoming (memories!).
A double strand jet necklace I wore all the time in college.
A ruffled, rosy purple top I forgot I had...oops. Will look great under a suit or alone.
A charming (pun intended) snake brooch atop an embroidered belt that reminds me of a guitar strap.

Enjoy your holidays. I hope this post finds you at peace and enjoying time with your loved ones. Don't forget to raid your closet!!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Luxury Discounts Abound

WARNING: Reading this post may cause impulse purchases.

If you love designer duds (who doesn't?) but don't have the dough for them (who does?), I'm bringing you my 4 favorite discounted luxury goods sites! I've purchased from 3 of them and just joined the 4th on a friend's referral.
Oh, how I love this website. theOutnet.com is the sister site to NET-A-PORTER. Via the website, Natalie Massenet, Founder and Chairman of NET-A-PORTER explains, "Great fashion won't disappear - it will go to theOutnet and we are delighted to create a vibrant, fun and edited destination for the global sale shopper to call her own." Couldn't have said it any better.

You'll find brands like Christian Louboutin, Sigerson Morrison, Balmain, and Stella McCartney to name a few - all at deep discounts (um 80% off? yes, please). Shipping is only $4.95 and they do have a return policy. Drop in often to find out about Going, Going, Gone Sales on select items. The price starts out at the original and keeps falling during the sale until the product sells out. If you have patience and are a risk taker, you could score a great buy.

I've already featured my glorious Brian Atwood tie-dyed suade boots in a post, but here they are again. I got them for 60% off!
2.) Yoox.com

My wonderful hair stylist dropped yoox.com on me, and my life has never been the same. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT enter this site after too many glasses of wine. You need full will power to resist purchasing. 

You name a high-end brand, they have it. Missoni, Tod's, Dries Van Noten, Gucci - all live on yoox.com. According to their website, "Thanks to a direct relationship with designers, manufacturers and authorized dealers, yoox.com is the virtual boutique of multi-brand fashion & design and is positioned among world's leaders. It is an infinite ever-changing source offering rare and innovative styles that are difficult to find in traditional shops." Aka - Yoox.com is legit. 

They also sell rare vintage items! Their discounts are great - if have you have a pretty good idea of designer price points, you'll enjoy it.

Here's my score from yoox - also featured here. Balenciaga mirror toe booties at a FRACTION of the cost, trust me.


HauteLook is a little different from my first 2 in that you must be a member to purchase. Don't worry, though, it's free! HauteLook hosts limited time sales - normally about 72 hours - on different men's and women's brands each day. They'll email you to let you know the latest. Discounts range from 50-75% off retail prices.

Shipping usually takes about 10-12 days...but it's worth the wait. They recently had a sale on Herve Leger in which the dresses were just over $400. They sell out FAST though so you have to stay on top of it.

I got up at 6am to participate in the William Rast denim sale. Don't judge me! I got these jeans for $75!
4.) RueLaLa.com

Fun name, right? RueLaLa is similar to HauteLook in that you have to sign up. Again, though, it's free. They do the same sort of pop-up sales that run for a few days.

I have not made a purchase here yet - I just signed up - but my good friend got a Badgley Mischka dress for $79 - had been over $350. Some upcoming sales include Prada, Vera Wang Lavendar Label, J Brand, and Halston. RueLaLa also has home decor lines for sale!

Budget some extra dollars toward a designer splurge and enjoy!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

SJP and Me

When I opened the January 2010 issue of Glamour magazine, I immediately fell in love with Sarah Jessica Parker's photo shoot. Some of her looks even reminded me of styles from this very blog.

SJP has been inspiring me since she first appeared as Carrie on Sex and the City. Was there subconscious inspiration in these looks? You be the judge. 
(pictures of Sarah Jessica provided by Glamour)

Sunday, December 6, 2009

All of this Cost $0

I found a new way to shop without spending any money. My parents still have a lot of my old things, as Chicago living doesn't provide much storage space. So over Thanksgiving, I decided to rummage a little, to see if there was anything I'd forgotten about. Inside my old closet, I found all of these items!
A vintage clip-on fur collar, a pair of butter yellow BCBG pumps(for spring), authentic 50's cat eye sunglasses, a gold and aquamarine necklace, and 2 fancy vintage bracelets.
















I also dug up this antique broach, cameo ring, and vintage gold charm and necklace.














Over the Christmas holiday, make it a point to go through your old things at the house you grew up in. If you find a few gems, it's like shopping at a store where everything is free! What Fauxshion lover wouldn't dream of that?

Thursday, December 3, 2009

McQueen vs. McQueen - Round 2

McQueen vs. McQueen is back with 2 more totally different looks. The fabulous leather skirt once again proves it was worth buying. If it's something you absolutely can't live without, go for it! Just don't break the bank, of course ;)

With the Band




















































East Coast Holiday
































Another Faux-Fly collaboration. Head on over to her latest post to see more!