A fun and useful form

I have always wanted a dress form but kept putting it off because they aren't cheap and I couldn't find one that was cute. Finally I spotted one months ago at Pier One but still waited. Months later I had a coupon for $10 off plus a $25 gift card, AND the dress form was on sale. With the planets aligning like that, I couldn't resist. Now I finally have something that is ornamental but also purposeful. This model is called the Frenchy Mannequin.

Fall Chanel nail polishes are here, ready or not

Fashion is always at least one season ahead. I already scored the three Fall 2013 nail polishes from Chanel. It looks like green undertones will be a common theme as we move into fall. Alchemie is lighter than its predecessor Peridot, and Mysterious is a little closer to Vertigo than I would have liked, but nevertheless a cool polish anyway. Elixir is a well-pigmented rosy color and perfect for just about anyone. They should already be in your local department stores as well as your local Chanel boutique.

Pretty colored makeup

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for Chanel makeup. I like their makeup far better than their handbags and costume jewelry. There, I said it. That may be considered blasphemy in some people's eyes but the pigments they use in their delicious makeup just cannot be beat. Their prices will make you pause, but I think their quality makes it worth it.

Their new summer line, which is rich with blues and greens, caught my eye immediately. Usually I'm not too much of a sucker to buy a lot from one season, but I couldn't resist this time. And yes, I will admit that I had colored mascara eons ago. I guess everything comes back at some point.

The Metamorphose eyeshadow quad is beyond gorgeous, as is the blue mascara I purchased. It's currently on Chanel.com, but don't delay as I'm sure they will sell out. You can also stop in your local Chanel boutique for these items.

I also couldn't resist two of the summer nail polishes, Azure and Bel-Argus. They complement the eye makeup I purchased beautifully.

Overall, I'd say a collection not to be missed.

Furry, scary love

It's no secret that I've been a huge fan of Alexander McQueen for years. His untimely death I found to be extremely upsetting, not only because of the sheer tragedy but also because I had a feeling that the fashion house would either dissolve or it would never be the same from a stylistic perspective. Thank goodness Sarah Burton is keeping the design and idea of raw McQueen ideals alive.

I don't think I ever would have expected Lee McQueen himself to make something bordering on fluffy. This was pure Sarah.

McQueen came up with his skull clutches before Sarah Burton took over. While I don't own one yet -- although I know I must in the near future -- this particular style caught my eye and it has been top of mind for months and months.

This amazing clutch did go on sale at Saks, but sadly I missed it before it sold out. It's still available (unfortunately still full price) at Neiman Marcus.

Ah, someday.

Sometimes, you just must substitute

I have said many times that I'm a sucker for anything with studs or spikes on it. Just a little bit of edge really works for me. Unfortunately, sometimes a (temporary) smaller budget gets in the way of being a complete fashionista, and reality must be taken into consideration.


I really, really want a pair of smoking loafers, as they're called, and my favorite ones are by Christian Louboutin. As luck would have it, they're sold out on the website. On top of that, the price point is, shall we say, unfriendly at $1,295. But one cannot deny the infinite cool factor with these loafers. I found this pic on the Loubtoutin website. The style is called Rolling Spikes.

While I felt I couldn't live without these shoes, I may have come up with a suitable alternative. Granted, what I found isn't exactly Louboutin style and quality, but I'm hoping these will do in the meantime. They're by Steve Madden and they style is called Studlyy (not sure why they insist on this weird spelling). You can see them now at Nordstrom. For those looking for bling, they also come in silver and gold.

For now, I'm hoping I can just break them in. They're just not Louboutins, they're much cheaper, and the materials are a lot less forgiving. The pair I got is missing a spike, but I'm not sure if I'm motivated enough to take them back to the store.

I refuse to buy a dark colored coat for winter

So many black coats for the winter! As if winter wasn't dark and depressing enough. I can't remember the last time I bought a black winter coat. I just refuse. Years ago the darkest coat I purchased was a forest green wool knee length coat, but that was when I lived in the midwest and a coat like that was necessary. Currently I have a dark brick-colored coat, which is getting a bit old as it was purchased in 2006 (but nevertheless it's a nice coat). I also have a camel colored Tory Burch coat that I purchased either in 2009 or 2010, I can't remember which, for 50% off. It's a beautiful coat and has an exquisite texture. Even at 50% off it was expensive, but has been well worth that expense.

This year a coat caught my eye that is even lighter than I usually prefer. It's Michael by Michael Kors and I saw it in my most recent Victoria's Secret catalogue. It comes in camel and black too, in case winter white is too light for your taste.

Bordering on Christian Grey, only it's Louboutin

I love clothing and accessories with just a little bit of an edge. I like how it keeps people guessing. Anything with a stud or some type of hardware catches my eye, as does anything with a skull on it (in moderation). So what do you get when you put together black leather, buckles, a silver heel and toe? You get these pretties -- the Chelita booties by Christian Louboutin. The toe is a little on the Western boot side, of which I'm not a huge fan, but overall these boots have had me biting my lip since I first laid eyes on them. They're available for pre-order at Saks Fifth Avenue and right now it looks like they're not available anywhere else. I'm very tempted to go in-store and try them on if I can find them.