STYLEnosh

ANOTHER SNOW/COLD DAY? GO WINDOW SHOPPING

That's window shopping online. Yesterday's cold rain and today's chilly winds, are encouraging me to stay indoors. And when it gets cloudy and cold, especially this time of the year, my mind wanders to the lovely days of spring. Today I'm specifically thinking about bright spring colored handbags. One quick click on the Kate Spade website and you'll be instantly transported to a beautiful world of hot hued handbags.

This Brooklyn Heights bag (in my favorite apple green color) is on sale for $116. Or how about this classic hobo bag in a lovely red color. The sale price is $142 down from $355! (Note: This bag is over 50% off so it is a final sale item.)

 

And if you're looking for something a little special, check out this timeless chain bag in pretty pink tweed. It's priced at $295. Nothing like a little splurge, right?

Image: katespade.com

COVETED SHOES: SCORED!

Okay, maybe I've been watching too much winter Olympics coverage, but I did score those Max Studio wedges I talked about last week. But instead of paying $40 at TJ Maxx, I stumbled across them at Marshalls for $15! This fantastic find is an example of why it pays to visit different stores and do a little comparison shopping. (Or it pays to stumble into Marshalls on a Saturday cause you never know what you may find on clearance.)

I also purchased these olive green sandals for $10. Though they are a little plain for my usual taste, I figured I'd wear them in unexpected ways like paired with cargo pants or hooded sweatshirts.

GREAT TWIST ON FAT TUESDAY: $5 OFF FLATS AT DSW

Take $5 off flats at DSW.com. Use promo code FLATS. Offer good until February 22, 2010.

DOES A CUTE, COMFORTABLE SHOE EXIST?

I came to a grim realization the other day. I really shouldn't wear high heels or pointy-toe shoes. My feet have painfully spoken.

I want to wear these...

But these days, my feet demand these...

Over the years, older women would tell me that they wouldn't dream of wearing the high heels I happened to happily have on my feet. Now I know what they were talking about. Many women reach the point when they have to select footwear based on function before fashion. Please don't tell me that time has arrived for me!

I just need sexy shoes that don't make my feet feel like I've got pieces of glass chard piercing my soul. If you have any suggestions, please share them. Don't leave me stuck in rubber soles forever.

Images found at zappos.com

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU'RE OVER ACCESSORIZED?

What a tricky question!

Here's my litmus test for determining if I have on too many accessories: if my earrings, necklace, rings or bracelet overshadow the actual outfit, then I've put on too many pieces. Take this picture for instance. At the time, I thought the earrings were a nice complement to the mandarin style jacket. Now reflecting back, I think they actual clash. Oh, and I have a necklace on too!

Big jewelry makes a big statement. And typically I'm all for making a big fashion statement. But I think too many large pieces can look like you're trying too hard.

A very stylish friend once told me to always remove one accessory after getting dressed. I think she got the notion from Coco Chanel. But who ever created it, it's great advice. My recommendation is: lose the earrings. 

What do you think? Are the accessories chic or cheeky?

ARE THESE BOOTS REALLY PRACTICAL?

I'm scratching my head on this one. I was reading Lucky magazine online when I came across this link for flattering knee-hi boots. Intrigued, I clicked the link and I was really surprised by the options they provided. With the tag line of completely walkable, I figured they must be walking in places that don't have snow and ice. Cause I can assure you that walking in these heels in tricky conditions is not a wise idea. Maybe they're talking about doing the old switch a roo. Wear you switch into your sleek winter footwear after you reach your destination. But I'll put this question to the people: Are 4 to 5 inch boots a practical option for winter wear?

LET'S TALK SHOES, SHALL WE?

I have a confession to make. You may have noticed that I haven't been talking about shoes these days. And that's not a coincidence. A few months ago I proclaimed that I wouldn't buy any shoes for the rest of the year. Since then, I think I've been subconsciously avoiding anything related to new shoes. I guess since I restricted myself from shoe shopping, I eliminated shoe information that would benefit all of you too. I know. It's selfish. So to atone for my shoe negligence, here's some noteworthy shoe sites you may want to peruse. And let me know if you buy anything. I promise I won't be mad.

HSN - Every now and then when I'm flipping channels, I inevitably land on the Home Shopping Network or HSN as it's referred to these days. A quick stop on the website and I discovered the Vince Camuto and Sam Edelman collections include some wonderful finds. Be careful if you plan on going to HSN. You could easily get lost in the huge selection. 

The Shoe Shed - This is an interesting little site. The best choices are in the Courts - Corporate section, which houses some cute pumps. The prices are decent too with most hitting under $100. 

Monkee's of Nashville - This quirky little shop isn't located on either coast as its name suggests. Instead it's nestled in pretty Nashville. I was impressed with this southern city's chic boutiques and obvious personal style when I visited a few years ago. Monkee's has a limited selection but there's definitely someone with an eye for fashionable shoes doing the picking.

via www.youtube.com

SPOTTED: SUPER CUTE SHOES!

I practically ran this lady down this past weekend trying to snap a pic of these fabulous shoes. This is exactly what I'm talking about when I say accessories can be the star of your outfit. This woman's look is fresh and sleek. The long, flowy white dress is simple. But the shoes are a definite head turner!

I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find out who designed these lovelies. But alas, no such luck. I would have inquired about their origin but she looked like she was anxiously searching for someone. It didn't seem appropriate to interrupt her and say, "I'm sorry but where'd you get those shoes!" If anyone knows the designer, please pass the info on to me. I'm not buying shoes for the rest of 2009 of course, but I just gotta know!

NO SHOE PURCHASES FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR!

Seriously. I have decided, in a fit of frustration and disgust, that I will not be purchasing any shoes for the rest of 2009. And no, this proclamation was not born out of some pressing need for fiscal responsibility. No, it's nothing smart like that. I'm just sick of pulling out shoes and pushing them back saying, "No not that one." Not the tan strappy heels. I wanted the tan wedge heels. I mean really. I can't afford to spend 15 minutes a day sifting through shoe containers. There's a whole world out there and I'm starting to think I'm missing out on most of it because I'm consummed with my shoe wardrobe.

No mas! No more shoe buying for the nosh for the rest of the year. I know many of you are clutching your stomachs from laughter pangs cause you think I've lost it and there's no way I can do it. Just watch me. And don't worry, I have plenty of people monitoring my purchases to ensure that I don't slip up and show up with a DSW bag.

What do you think about my half year rebuke of shoe shopping?

CAN YOU HAVE TOO MANY HANDBAGS?

After yesterday's post, I have a confession to make. Remember last week, I posted the sales for the week? You may recall that the Kate Spade outlet stores were offering an additional 50% off the lowest ticketed price. Well I did what any faithful Kate Spade aficionado would do. I grabbed a shopaholic friend and made the trek to the outlet. The Kate Spade store was at the end of the succession of stores and by the time I got there, I was ready to shop. I thought maybe I'd buy a bag, if the price was right of course.

Well, the price was a little too right. See these three bags? Yeah, I kinda bought all of them.

But wait, before you shake your head and wag your finger, here was my logic.

1 - Most people that know me know that Kate Spade is my handbag of choice. In fact, it's my signature bag. So if there's an opportunity to get one of these beautiful bags on sale, I'm definitely looking into it.

2 - This sale was fan-tabulous! That means it was so good I had to combine fantastic and fabulous. I originally planned to buy a bag online but I thought the deals at the outlet store would be more beneficial. And I was right. The bag I was eyeing online was about $144. The outlet store sale price was about $82. The original price was $275. I call that a significant savings.

And C - There's no way I could successfully disregard points one and two and not buy a bag or two. I hadn't purchased a new KS bag in three years. I was definitely feeling a little over due. Instead buying the hobo bag I wanted, I grabbed these three: a brown leather tote (perfect for my fashion magazines and writing journals), a bright yellow satchel, and a red clutch with fuchsia leather trim.

See how the red clutch transforms into a tote? Absolutely delicious!! I would hang my head in shame but how can I when I look so cute!

SN

SPOTTED: THE NON-RECESSION HANDBAG

Now here's someone I can appreciate. I love this LV satchel. I practically stalked this lady trying to snap a pic of it. The Monogram Canvas Louis Vuitton is a classic and paired with the shape of this bag, it's definitely a winning combination. (This particular bag is the Manhattan GM designed by Marc Jacobs if you're interested.)

Can I run out right now and buy this lovely accessory for my own handbag collection? Uh, no. Do I feel the need to cast the evil glare on her because she's displaying some form of financial prowess? Of course not. I know how to admire from afar and (with a camera phone of course). This bag is so deliciously ostentatious. I think I'm in love. 

SPOTTED: CUTE HANDBAG

I zeroed in on this sweet little handbag while waiting for some tasty eats at Thumbs Up Diner. (On a side note, if you ever come to Atlanta you must, must, must eat at this delicious eatery. Bring cash and be ready for some fantastic grub.) I love this particular bag because it's the perfect color (goes with everything), shape (looks cool hanging off of your shoulder, and size (not to big but large enough to hold a pair of flats when your heels start burning).

Seeing this bag confirmed my suspicion that I'm completely obsessed with hobo handbags right now. There's a great selection at Urban Outfitters.  And right now, you can take an additional 25% off of the sale prices. I love this woven bag for just under $40.