'Tis the Season

I don't know where 2010 has gone. I'm super bummed that I feel like I worked/stressed/hurried myself through summer. But before I get too down about time passing and me growing older (and colder with the upcoming Chicago weather about a day and half away I'm sure!), I do have a couple of things to keep me smiling. Ladies (and gent/husband), it's time for.... Friends & Family discounts! Woot woot! I am a sucker for the F&F sales every year, but since they're so perfectly tied to the holiday season, I at least use them to buy things for people other than just greedy little me.

I received my first F&F email notification/invite and thought I'd spread the joy:



Oh, how I love Kate Spade. I mean, literally, I love love love her. Her style at least. She mixes feminine and quirky in a perfectly harmonious way. I'm not huge into the handbags, but her clothes have ,r drooling. But with amazing style, comes the price tag. I mean this coat is to die for. But the price? Husband would kill me. And I'd kill my adorable little dog if she ever got hair on it or snagged it while jumping on me (she's cute -- and I'm not just saying that because she's mine, I swear -- but she is a giant FAIL in the manners department. Or wait, does that make me the fail?).

Anyhow, so the Studio Mona Coat is never going to make it's way to me greedy, itchy little hands, but check out the typewriter bag. I definitely don't have one of those, so Husband can't say I'm being a spendaholic.


And I still want one of those book clutches. Since I still want something months after posting about it, does that mean it's worth the splurge?


I don't know. Weigh in... will you be getting anything with this 25% off deal from Ms. Spade?

A wedding next week, what to wear??

I'm heading to New Hampshire next week for a wedding and a visit with the in-laws. Of course, traveling always comes with the big question... what should I pack?? It's been unbearably hot both here in Chicago and there in NH, so comfort is going to be a high priority, but since I get to spend time with so many people we don't normally see, I of course want to look cute and sassy.

The big event of the weekend is a wedding. I have the J Crew Lorelei Dress I bought last year, and have only worn twice. The dress is gorgeous, and quite flattering, though I'm always wishing it had straps. That being said, it's definitely a front runner. I'd pair it with my the Anthro Demi-Sec gold sequins cardigan made by Sanctuary and gold Corso Como strappy sandals.




So that's option 1. I truly think it's a lovely outfit, and next weekend would certainly be a good opportunity to get another wear out of the Lorelei dress. Yea? I give it an 8 out of 10.

Butttt, if I were to splurge on something new, it would hands down be the Anthropologie Mullany Dress. Oy, I'm smitten. I love the 50s styling, and the polka-patterns... and my mind goes wild imagining how I'd accessorize. I have these mint flats that I think would look lovely...




So, there is my dilemma. Thoughts? Do I save my pennies and wear the Lorelei or give the Mullany a try with those minty lovelies?

Happy Monday...

Beginning today and going through ??? Bloomingdale's is offering shoppers 20% off via it's Friends & Family promo. There are some great dresses/skirts that everyone should check out, including some from my favorite designers: Nanette Lepore, Leifsdottir (I mean, 20% off helps, but still, Leifsdottir, your prices kill me!), and the lovely Kate Spade. I mean how friggin' adorable is this top???







Here's the scoop:
Use code FRIENDS to take 20% off most regular-priced and sale merchandise.
Also, thanks to a heads up from Chloe, you can also take 10% off any purchase, and you can stack this on the 20% off! Use code HARPERS.
Lastly, if you spend enough, they'll ship it to you for free (aw, thanks). Get free shipping on all orders $300+, no code necessary.

Crossing my fingers for an Indian Summer...

I'm a major fan of the Shop-it-to-Me email service. Yep, I have been a subscriber for many moons now and every morning I look forward to the 'news' they'll share with me. Apparently some people find it annoying to get the email every day, but not me - I think it's because I'd be afraid I'd miss out on some amazing item that is on sale for 99 cents because I found out a day later than I could have. Yes, I have an itsy-bitsy shopping addiction.

Moving past my issue with over-spending, I want to share/gloat about two new and completely fantastic Kate Spade pieces I picked up today. Let me preface with the fact that I'm not a *huge* fan of Kate Spade bags - I owned a couple when I was in my early 20's but now I find them to be a bit boring/mundane and overpriced for the nylon material. But to each their own, so if you like them, by all means enjoy away - who is to say I know what I'm talking about! On the other hand, I've noticed Kate has been upping her ante on clothes and accessories. One of my fave (fellow Chicagoan) bloggers, Midwestern Cliche, highlighted a great skirt and dress a few weeks back and at the time all was sold out in my size.

Well, fast-forward 2 months, and behold the little treasures I found this morning on sale, and in my size.

Readers please meet the Easton Stripe Esti Skirt with Bow in Midnight.


I love the shape, the bow detailing and it's nod to nautical without being over-the-top. And for the sale price of $124, plus free shipping, this is a great addition to my lower-half's wardrobe. I am always light on options for my bottom half since it's so much harder (grrr) to shop for.


I also took home (well, clicked 'buy') this adorable, fun and simple Trapeze Top in off-white.


Notice the bow detailing?? Hello, pretty thing! Like many other's, I am a little obsessed with ruffles and bows - I need to hold back on buying things sometimes JUST BECAUSE they have a ruffle or a bow. I will not be wearing this blouse with the Easton skirt (too much bow-ness going on), but assuming I like the fit, I think it's a fabulous and classic staple to add to my closet.

Now get this, even though both items were on fabulous sale, I also qualified for free shipping - hip hip! Nonetheless, since I should be saving all money for wedding-related items, I still wished I had a 10% coupon code or the like. So I hesitated. And then for shits and giggles I did a quick google search and found a code that gave me $50 off an order of $200 -- holy moly, I snatched up that code (EDRESSUP for those who are interested), filled out the online purchase info and hit BUY. Seriously, how could I not???

What do you think? Silly to be buying skirts and sleeveless tops at the end of the summer? Chicago weather is already turning cold, but I'm crossing my fingers for a few more nice weekends (let it be cruddy all it wants during the week). And then I have the whole week in Charleston over my wedding... so I think it's fair to have spent the money... all in all I saved $300+ on the two items, didn't pay shipping and am on a shopping high. If you ask me, that spells out success.

I am going to keep my eyes on these shoes as I adore them and really want to add them to my ever-growing flat collection:
You like? I know, similar to my new Anthro embellished skimmers, but peep-toe and bronze. Perhaps I can justify?




That's it for today. Notice I've figured out to embed links? Wow, what a productive day for me.