A touch of spring in a handbag

Generally I'm not a fan of Coach and their monogram line. I tend to only like one monogram, and that's Louis Vuitton. I was outlet shopping today and wandered into the Coach outlet. This sweet tote was strategically displayed facing the entrance. When I see something that makes me smile, I am usually going to purchase it -- because I think that anything that does that is worth having.

Here is the Coach Daisy Floral Khaki Bleecker tote in pink.

Playin' the ponies

I have a few style weaknesses, and one of them happens to be ponyhair. And leopard prints. Coach really hit it with these flats and funky heels.

 

Shape of my Heart against my tile floor background

I was looking forward to using this special edition nail polish color. I ordered it from the Lippman site but it is temporarily sold out. As my luck would have it, I dropped it on the kitchen floor so now you can see what it looks like on tile instead of my nails. I pleaded with their customer service to replace it for me and I am waiting to hear back.

Definitely black, but not so basic

I find it amazing that I often don't have the "basics" that most people would consider critical to one's wardrobe. Until recently I didn't have basic black pumps. These beauties are a little different as they're slingback platforms, but I just couldn't resist snagging them from Bergdorf Goodman. They are by Christian Louboutin and the style name is the Cathay.

They're like potato chips ... one just isn't enough

I'm talking about Tory Burch flats. I get tired of them easily and I often sell them on eBay, but I always wind up buying more. I can't resist a good sale, and suddenly Tory Burch has them on sale. Prayers are answered! You can also find the sale in boutiques and I've heard that Nordstrom will price match the sale. Time to add more to the collection!

Something racy and lacy

Who can resist black lace? Seriously? No one! I am feverishly hunting down these Christian Louboutin Paola lace booties which must be added to my shoe wardrobe. Different renditions have been sold out for the most part at Neiman Marcus and Saks, both online and in store. Net-a-Porter has a similar style that is now sold out as well. I am hopeful that my sales associate has tracked down the right pair for me and I hope to acquire them in the upcoming week.

Happy 2010! Are you ready for a punch of spring color?

I know, we've just landed in 2010 and I'm talking about spring bags already. I can't help it, I actually found a buttery yellow bag that isn't garish or looks like part street sign. Yes, it's called Canary but don't hold that against this bag. I have been obsessed with the Coach Zoe bag and undoubtedly this obsession continues as they keep releasing colors that appeal to me. Looking for the perfect yellow bag that is subtle and far from offensive? One that won't make you look like you're 12? Here is the one for you. This is the fourth Coach Zoe bag I've purchased, but I haven't regretted a single one.

Hello Kitty Bling for your Ring

I am completely out of Hello Kitty's demographic, although Kimora Lee probably wants me to think otherwise. She has taken Hello Kitty and blinged it up several notches with her diamond jewelry line that originally sold at Neiman Marcus. Now she's gone more mainstream and taken her wares to Zales. While I was admittedly tempted by this iPhone case, my brain got the better of me and I decided to pass on a plastic $200 case. I was almost done in by the Swarovski crystals. Other people gave in because I see it's sold out on the site. If you want your Hello Kitty iPhone bling, check it out at Zales.

Still crazed for MBMJ Flights of Fancy?

I've been reading everywhere that the line Flights of Fancy (Marc by Marc Jacobs) is impossible to find. Difficult, yes, but impossible, no. Some items are even on sale. Now's probably your last chance to grab what's left in this line.

You can nab the key chain and mirror at Endless.com although they are not on sale:

And as luck would have it, the lovely cat shoulder bag just happens to be 50% off at Net-a-Porter.

Where's our winter rain when you want it?

There is a plethora of great boots available this season. Something for everyone. Although the sales aren't as scandalous as they were last year (ah, remember Saks at 70% off?), style has not been omitted. Most encouraging is the fact that designers are coming to grips with the fact that their customers (aka non models) have calves wider than #2 pencils. I continue to be impressed with what Gucci has been churning out and I am anxiously awaiting two more pairs of boots from the sale on the website. A lot has been sold out already so I'm glad I acted fast. The first is the Devendre and the second is the Prato (which I've also seen at Saks).

Oh lolly lolly pop

I didn't notice this scarf at first on the Gucci website. But isn't it the cutest thing? Anything that combines fashion + food is good in my book. And even better it's on sale on the Gucci website. I can't wait for this one to arrive in the mail.

Holiday sweater time

I know I have to be over loud holiday printed sweaters. I always thought they were cute but now I have learned that they are not necessarily the most chic looking thing to wear for holiday gatherings. This year I found a not-so-boring cashmere sweater that has a little bit of interest, just enough to give it some life. These sweaters are available at Macy's.

Hello, Lori? Yes, it's me, Marc ... again.

I have succumbed yet again to Marc Jacobs and his charms (or should I say his bags). His more affordable line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, continues to keep my attention. At the last Neiman Marcus Mid-day Dash, I came across yet another bag at a fabulous price that needed to be added to my collection. I've never had this many Marc Jacobs bags at one time. I'm going to run out of room soon. Time to expand the closet! This one is called the Classic Q Hillier Hobo in Electric Violet.

The cat's on the bag, and maybe out of the bag

I've really taken a liking to Marc Jacobs. His style is very whimsical. I fully expect him to be drafted for a budget priced line for Target within five years. Until then, he keeps on hitting the nail on the head with interesting designs that somehow other fashion houses miss, or think that they can't pull off. This is another piece of his animal line that came out recently. Currently available at Net-a-Porter.

Pass the Sugar

I never liked body scrubs much, they were either too grainy or too rough on my skin. What used to be easy to take care of skin is now sensitive, dry and dull. Hence the necessity for body scrubs. I've tried just about every brand out there and I think Fresh has the best one. The consistency reminds me of natural peanut butter -- the "sugar" part of the scrub can sink to the bottom while the moisturizing oils rise to the top. Don't let this fool you, though; separation is less than a minor annoyance. Try Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh, you can find it at Sephora.

Happy Halloween!

A redeeming mid-day dash

I have complained recently about the lack of wearability with items that have been on Neiman Marcus' Mid-day Dashes. Well I believe they have (slightly) redeemed themselves by posting items that people actually need and use. After all, I can only have eight closets stuffed full of ball gowns (insert sarcasm). I saw this bag at an excellent price and realized not only was the price worth it, but it would even be something that I would use on a regular basis. Calculated anticipated cost per wear actually made sense. Now I am anxiously awaiting in the mail my Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q City Bag. They even offered free shipping. I can only hope my order won't get canceled.

More skulls, right before Halloween

As many of us are figuratively chained to our desks during the work week, someone at Neiman Marcus online got the bright idea of a "Mid-day Dash." After hearing the grumblings of many others with regard to the utility of the items offered I began to think it was more of a "Mid-day Downer." Really, I already have a closet full of ball gowns to wear to my next 9 am status meeting, thanks. And the darling matching clutch that will hold all the files I lug around as well as a 15" laptop. Ah, sarcasm.

Leave it to someone at Saks to think of a better way to do this type of flash sale. This morning I got my exclusive email which gave me 24-hour access to merchandise that I actually could use. Casual dresses, jeans, larger bags, sweaters, scarves and sunglasses. All at 50% off. Now that's what I'm talking about!

And of course as I love just about Alexander McQueen puts out, I added a scarf to my collection.

You know it's fall when the faux fur comes out

I'm a little late for fall fashions as they were released months ago. But with the weather here, more days lately have been better suited to cotton cargos. Having just cracked open the November issue of Elle, I fell in teddy bear love with this faux fur vest. Sadly, as print publications fall dismally behind stores and internet, you may have to hunt for this piece of faux fuzz. Online (in limited quantities) at Kohl's.

Smell like a divine pistachio (without the salt)

I got a free sample of Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Souffle Body Cream the other day. It was hanging out on my desk and my hands were dry, so I gave it a try. It is creamy, light and beyond delightful. I had thought the mere mention of souffle and cream would render it much heavier and not as desirable. I've already made a note to myself to put it on my Christmas list. You can find it at Neiman Marcus.