Online Shopaholic

Lately, I've been on this shopping kick that I can't seem to break, despite the rapidly depleting funds in my checking account. I tend to be a bit of a cheapskate when it comes to buying clothes, often waiting for a good deal or a sale. I also tend to stay away from online shopping as I am super-scared to buy something and then not have it fit, and then have to go through the trouble of returning it.

Recently, though, I hit up http://www.oldnavy.com/ and http://www.gap.com/ to buy some sale items for me and some new fall clothes for the boy. And now? I'm addicted.

I guess I shop so much at those two venues in person that I just know my size and I'm comfortable ordering and then, if need be, returning something to the store.

I am a taller girl, blessed (sorry) and cursed with long legs. This makes pants shopping a bit tough, especially of the velour lounge variety. In store, there are no options for "tall." And when I spend my money, even if it's only $20, on a pair of velour lounge pants (with matching jacket, of course), I want them to fit past the first washing. I have this tendency to shrink things. I'd rather buy pants that start off a bit too long and give myself a fighting chance when it comes to laundry.

When I saw these at Old Navy a couple of weeks ago, I just knew I'd found a winner!

Women's Velour Lounge Pants

Not only do they come in "tall" sizes and pretty colors, they are now on sale. I also just washed and dried this pair and they did NOT shrink! Which means that I can still wear them out of the house on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

*Apparently, we now have to post disclaimers. Old Navy doesn't know who I am. These are all my personal opinions and experiences.

Sandals!

I'll admit it. I've been obsessed with buying these shoes since I first saw The Possessionista featured a question about them on her site (Jennifer Anniston was wearing the cream colored variety) last summer, I believe. I searched high. I searched low. I searched everywhere in between. But when Dana (a.k.a. The Possessionista) said that the Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille was sold out? She meant it. So imagine my surprise in January when I saw the above shoe at my local Neiman Marcus? I was ecstatic! Thrilled! And I adored the new color! I then requested a pair in my size, tried them on, and was almost crippled with pain. My foot wan decidedly unhappy I had done that to them. So I left Neiman's dejected and flat, much like the soles of my shoe of choice that day.

Fast-forward to last week. I was browsing Amazon.com after a long self-imposed shoe and Amazon moratorium. I stumbled across THESE! What are "these," you ask? They happen to be The Steve Madden Fantastik Open Toe Espadrille. Since I know my size in Steve, I ordered a pair, along with a few others (a girl cannot have too many wedges for summer, no?).

Today, I wore them for the first time. My feet are in love. And more importantly, my bank account thanks me as well. You see, The Stuarts cost $365. The Steves? A smoooth $71.28! I picked up three pair of wedges that day, plus a mystery, for under $300!

I'm all set for summer!

Coats, part 2

A couple of years ago, I mentioned that I was in the market for a new coat. Well, guess what? I still am! I have yet to replace my old faithfuls, but it is time. In fact, I'm well past due on this.

So I've been looking around online and while I am not a particularly "trendy" gal, I do like certain trends that can be converted into relatively timeless pieces (Read, last another 10 years and still look decent).

I think I may have found my coats. At the prices listed, I can definitely have both!



The Sanctuary Frost Faux Fleece Lined Twill Parka pulls in the oh so current military inspired theme, while still being neutral with classic lines is definitely on my list. It retails for $198.00.



And the Weatherproof Faux Fur Topper above satisfies my need for something that is more formal, furry, snuggly, and animal print. It is a bargain at $138.00.

*Please don't buy these before I can grab them in my size! :)

Back on the Reading Wagon

Hey there! I haven't updated in a while, mainly because everything I've wanted to say, I've said over on Facebook and on Twitter. I haven't bought many new shoes, and I went on this no-reading kick for about two years. My skincare habits still run toward a merge of Obagi and La Mer (So. Worth. The. Money. People!). My clothes shopping and non-work style still run toward "Mexico Beach Chic." My work-style is laid back and casual, usually consisting of jeans and some sort of knit top.

Let's face it. I'm totally bo-ring!

But let's talk about this reading thing for a moment, shall we?

I literally took two years off. Well, with the exception of any Janet Evanovich book that has come out, I have read nothing! Nada! Zip! Zilch!

A couple of years ago, one of my coworkers lent me the first four "Sookie Stackhouse" books. If you watch True Blood on HBO, then you know the books (or at least the name). I read the first two in rapid succession, started the third, and then put it down. I attempted it several more times over the past couple of years, but it couldn't hold my interest. Then again, nothing could. Fast forward to about a month and a half ago. I picked it up and could NOT put it down! So I then devoured book 4. In a day! I then immediately went out and purchased every other single book written in the series, including the short story collection. Of course, I read them all very quickly, was done in record time, and needed something else to read. I'm always game for anything Janet Evanovich writes, so those were on my list. Add in the always-funny Jen Lancaster, and I ran through my "go-to" reads pretty quickly.

Now I'm on the hunt for more. I've started the light and fluffy "Donut Shop" mysteries by Jessica Beck. They are quick, easy, fun reads, and come complete with scrumptious recipes. It's funny how I used to be a romance junkie and now I cannot get enough of fun, quirky, sometimes dark mysteries.

Oh well. At least this English major is back on the reading wagon once again. Now to finally finish the stack of books previously purchased and just sitting and collecting dust on my bedside table!

I Am Addicted to Sunglasses!

I'll admit it. I have a problem. I am obsessed with sunglasses. I suppose it started in high school. The summer before my junior year (1990), my parents took me with them on a trip to Vienna. The trip started out as a cultural event. I climbed the hill that Richard the Lionheart climbed to claim his crown. I hiked up the steps of St. Stephens cathedral. We saw more art than I can even begin to say.

One of my mom's good friends was with us, too. After oh, the eleventy-millionth Rubens museum, she blurted out in all her Texan glory, "I'm tired of museums! If you've seen one fat butt, you've seen 'em all. Let's go shopping." And since everyone but my dad agreed, off we went!

I came home with a Louis Vuitton wallet that I still carry today. And a new pair of sunglasses. Kenzo sunglasses. The lens glass was etched just so that if you fogged them up with your breath, you could see their signature "K" very faintly.

I loved those sunglasses and wore the hell outta them for several years.

My obsession continued into college. I went to a party at a fraternity house. And I found a pair of Georgio Armani aviators. They were not in great shape, but hey! Armani! I asked around and no one claimed them, so I took them home with me, lovingly restored them, and wore them for a summer. They are still in my drawer. I still have all my sunglasses, actually. My collection has grown as my tastes have changed. Lately, though, I've been averaging one new pair a year. What I learned early on, was that if you were label-conscious, or lived in a place that was, sunglasses were the easiest and most inexpensive way to "wear" a designer. They still are!

In my top dresser drawer, you will find my Kenzos, the Armanis, two pair of Guccis, two pair of Ralph Lauren, Chanel, D&G, and Prada. Being the bargain-hunter that I am, I have only paid full retail on three pair.

And now, I've set my sights on the latest pair I must have... These Ed Hardy bad boys:

New Shoes! And a new book, too!

So, it's been a while since I've updated this baby. So it seems fitting that I tell you all about the goodies I just purchased with an amazon.com gift card my brother gave me for my birthday (two months ago)...

Above are the last pair of size 10 Aldo Condezza sandals. I have no idea if I will be able to walk in them, but aren't they adorable? I have a couple of pairs of jeans that are very long and these will look great peeking out from underneath. I hope they are comfortable...

These are the Steve Madden "Afrodite" Black wedges. I bought one of 5 pair in my size that they had left in stock. As with the above shoes, I hope they fit, aren't too terribly high, and are fairly comfortable. I already have outfits planned around them.

Finally, I preordered Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich. I have read every single one of her books. Each one has been a rip-roarin' page turner and I expect this one to be the same. The "Stephanie Plum" novels (like this one) also throw in a good deal of suspense and danger for good measure. I cannot recommend enough that everyone read these!

Happy Summer Y'all!

Skin Care

I have troubled skin. It's not a secret. It is also not a secret that I am open to suggestions and to trying something new. The one thing I've been completely opposed to, though, is La Mer. I can't really explain the "why" of it all, just that I've spent quite a good bit of time opposed to the stuff.

Recently my stress levels increased exponentially, and the stress, combined with my hormonal breakout patterns, plus my complete inability to keep my hands off my face turned my skin into a big ole mess.

Desperate times called for desperate measures. Two days before I left for Cancun, I stopped by my local Neiman Marcus as it was right next to the restaurant where I was meeting my family for dinner. I was early. I wandered over to the La Mer counter.

The wonderful consultant gave me this:

La Mer "The Concentrate." She made me a two week sample to try. Well guess what? My self-inflicted red marks faded! My fine lines were reduced! And my face wasn't peeling with a massive intensity like it does with Retin-A!

So I've saved my money. And tomorrow, during the Neiman Marcus "InCircle" event, I will spend $350 for a bottle of this. (and get All this cool stuff for free, too!)

I know it is insanely expensive. But it works.

Coats

I am in need of a new winter jacket/coat. After 8+ years, my two "old faithfuls" have just about run their course. They are both mid-thigh, sleek black numbers. One is an Andrew Marc Nylon/Microfiber job with a detachable faux fur collar and the other is a leather Bebe coat.

I love these two coats dearly, but it is time to move on. My only question is, to what?

And I thought finding the perfect shoe was hard...

Ciao bello*

*Or rather Ciao Bella! I have a new hair salon and new stylist. My new salon has a restaurant inside with chair delivery service! My new salon has great receptionists, a lovely seating area, infrared dryers, a world-class spa, and lots and lots of products to choose from.

I have a stylist who has an assistant. He has already taken the time to teach me new techniques for styling my hair and using different tools. I've had two luxurious scalp massages. I'm in love with this place!

For the past month, I've been taking vitamins that are supposed to support healthy hair growth (Hair, Skin, and Nails multivitamin, plus MSM to promote fast hair growth). I've also been using the following two products:

Joico K-Pak reconstructor once a week (more than once a week will actually reverse the positive effects)
Sudzz FX Enhance Sustain Conditioner** the rest of the week

I had my first appointment for color last Wednesday and I absolutely love it! There were two deep conditioning treatments (before and after) plus a protein treatment pre-color. He used a low-volume peroxide developer and used very little color. Surprisingly, I'm just as blonde as before, only my color isn't nearly as harsh.

I've run out of the Enhance conditioner and per my hairdresser's instructions, I'm now using the following products on my hair:

Joico K-Pak
Sebastian Penetraitt shampoo and conditioner**
Framesi Options Soothe leave-in conditioner***
Sudzz FX Zenyth Frizz Eliminator shine product

Not only can I see a difference in my hair, I can FEEL it. I have been so abusive to my hair over the past several years, that it will take a while to get it back to where it was. I've given up my flattening iron and my curling iron. I am using better brushes. And the 50-70% of my hair thickness that has been lost due to breakage and damage should be recovered within 6 months to a year.

Here's hoping miracles do happen and I can have healthy, BLONDE hair.

**So I've been having some image loading problems. I've given you the complete names of the products, though, so if you want to give 'em a try, go ahead and google them. I did.

***Wow. During my search for a picture to upload, I see that this product has been discontinued. Now the hunt is on for a new leave-in conditioner. Oh well.

Reading and then More Reading

While on my recent vacation in Mexico, I treated myself to some completely uninterrupted reading time. I was able to blow through several books and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed each one for varying reasons.

Book #1 was Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster.

This is her second memoir and a follow-up to her first memoir, Bitter is the New Black.

I laughed out loud more times than I could count. I love her wit and her ability to poke fun about everything around her, including herself.

After finishing Jen's book, I turned to a book that had lived on my bedside table for about six months, Whose Wedding is it Anyway? by Melissa Senate.

This is classic chick-lit. It was an easy read and had my favorite kind of ending for such a book... A happy one. I hope that doesn't spoil the book for you, but if you are purchasing books published by Red Dress Ink and NOT expecting a happy ending where the good people win and the bad ones lose, then you are delusional. Sorry.

I enjoyed it and it was a great beach read!

Moving right along, I picked up the book that was edited by Dooce, Things I Learned About My Dad (in therapy).

This was a collection of essays by multiple bloggers on fatherhood (being a dad, their dads, their relationships with their dads, etc.). I mostly enjoyed it, but I confess I'm not quite finished with it yet. I only have a couple of essays to go. It still hasn't pulled me all the way in, but since it is a collection of essays, I am only making a few-page commitment each time I open the book.

Finally, we get to the exciting one! Janet Evanovich, my favorite author, just released her 14th in the Stephanie Plum series, Fearless Fourteen. Appropriately titled, no?

Yesterday, I had to report for Jury Duty for the very first time in my life. I came prepared with my book and a magazine. While the jury duty experience is one for a different blog, let me just say this... Janet hits a home run once again with her series.

I started and finished this book yesterday. The pages practically turned themselves and I was on the edge of my seat, ignoring everything around me the entire time.

For those of you who don't know, this series centers around Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter in Trenton, New Jersey. She's Lucille Ball-ish in her antics and the cast of characters are written so vividly that when I read the books, I can almost see the characters acting out the story for me.

This is one series that I hope never gets put on the Big Screen. Hollywood could never do justice to the movie that plays in my head each time I open one of these books.

You may not like action/comedy/suspense/romantic adventure stories. If you don't, though, you are missing out on one Hell of a genre.

Go forth and buy the Stephanie Plum series. You will NOT be disappointed!

Finally! I've done some reading!

I ended up doing a fair amount of reading on my last vacation and finished two books and nearly finished a third. I have purchased the new Janet Evonovich and cannot wait to tear into it, either. I suppose since I have Jury Duty tomorrow, I may have ample time to get some good reading in...

New Shades

I ordered some new sunglasses last week via Ebay. They arrived Friday. The D&G 8041B's.

They have the perfect amount of sparkle! Love them!

I think I may have a sunglasses obsession. I tend to go gaga over a new pair every year. But to me, purchasing a new pair of sunglasses or a new accessory like a purse or pair of shoes is a great way to update a look without spending a fortune on clothes. Since my look tends toward simple and classic, most of the "sparkle" comes with the details.

Working on a New Page Element

Since half of this blog is supposed to be dedicated to books, I thought I'd keep a running list of the books I've been reading.

Unfortunately, that list is relatively short. The reason? I just haven't been feelin' it lately. There is simply so much other stuff going on that I don't have the attention span to sit down and actually read.

But I am really excited about some of the books on my nightstand, namely the Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson. There are four of these books currently taking up residence on my nightstand.

I have four books that I've started to read, but have yet to finish...

1) The book in the above link. It's fascinating and the beginning grabs me, but I cannot sit still enough to read.
2) French Women Don't Get Fat. This is a great book with some fabulous recipes, but I just stopped reading it.
3) Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. At this point I'll just have to start over with it. I loved Wicked and I want to read the sequel to it, too (Son of a Witch).
4) The Nymphos of Rocky Flats. This is a cool book. It's about vampires. And crazy shit. And I really want to finish it!

And then, of course, there is the remainder of the stack of books sitting on my nightstand... Untouched...

Let's Talk Foundation for a Minute

I have made it no secret that I adore Lancome foundation. Love the coverage, weight, and longevity. But when I started to read a book about skin in February, I began to look at my choices and try a few of the suggestions listed in the book.

That led me to Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation. The dermatologist recommended it by name, so I picked some up.

Love It. It is light, airy, provides full coverage (I apply it with a large powder brush), and has lasting power. Best of all, it's good for my skin and inexpensive! Can't beat that. I've been using it since about mid-February and have zero complaints. I still love my Lancome, but I think I'll put it aside for a while.

More From the Easter Shopping With Mom...

While visiting my family and on that shopping trip with my mother, I picked up this little number at Old Navy. I love it so much, I think I'll get it in a solid color, too.



I'm not one to wear many strapless tops or halter tops, but that is mainly because I cannot find one that is comfortable to me. That ended when I tried on this top.



FYI, Old Navy also has a great selection of white jeans and capris this year. Go. Get them.

Easter Shopping Trip with Mom

I've been coveting a pair of white jeans for quite the little while. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because they are bright and spring-like. Whatever the reason, while I was visiting my family over the Easter weekend, and while my husband and dad were golfing, my mom and I went on a little shopping excursion.



We went to the usual places, hit up a sale at the local Dillard's (hello BCBG for 75% off!) and Old Navy. All told, I ended up with about 8 new tops, including an adorable Old Navy strapless number that would go great with a pair of white jeans!



We decided to make one last trip out to a local botique, which is just about the only place in a 120-mile-radius to get brands such as 7 for all mankind, peace love mom, etc.



We found these white jeans and I fell in love:



You can find them online here: The 7 Website



They were a bit pricier than I was comfortable with, but thanks to Mom (who was also a bit appalled at the tag), I walked out of the store with them in a bag.



Last Thursday, my mom called me and was very excited to let me know that Oprah had just mentioned white jeans as one of spring's "must have" items.

Now she's on her own mission to get a pair.

More New Shoes!

These are my anniversary gift from Dr Pop.

Pretty friggin' sweet, no?

BCBGirls Saraff Slingback sandals. They have an unbelievably high heel, but are amazingly comfortable. The upper is fabric and the heel and platform are patent leather.

I cannot wait to wear these. Soon!