Kate Spade Summer Purse Steal + Zoya

Guys, this purse is a total steal and everyone should get one, and that's basically the point of this post.  Well, also that I found some cute nail polish.  You should buy that too. 


Kate Spade Horseshoe Cove Scout in Natural/Black, on sale for $139 down from $278 at katespade.com: The story to how I just bought this bag is funny.  I was thinking of what I wanted for my 21st birthday, and one of the things that I was thinking about getting was a nice bag.  One of my good friends just bought one of the bags I was thinking about, the Mulberry Alexa, which is absolutely gorgeous.  It's also absolutely expensive.  So then I stumbled across a cheaper alternative, the Cambridge Satchel.  How cute are those bags?!  Adorable.  But the actual Cambridge Satchel website is super unreliable, and I don't love the colors that they have on Asos.  So then I stumbled across the Kate Spade Scout bags, and they happened to be wayyyy on sale.  Like half off.  And they come in an adorable range of colors, and have magnet clasps instead of actually having to use the buckles, and an adorable lining, and basically I love them.  They come in either all patent leather (for $50 more) or lacquered canvas with patent leather trim.  I ordered the black yesterday because I figured it would be the most practical and wearable (although I seriously debated about getting the pink version.  It's so cute!).  The interior is lined with a sweet polka dot fabric, and there are two main compartments, with a smaller zippered compartment as well.  The strap is adjustable, and the perfect length to wear cross-body.  What I really love is the size.  It's about 10" wide and 7" tall, which is just the right size to fit all the things I need without giving me too much space to fill with lots of things that I don't really need.

It also comes in Natural/Coral and Natural/Wheatgrass, and how cute is that pink.  I think aesthetically, for how much these purses cost (on sale!  so affordable!), these are a slam dunk.  The structured, boxy shape is very retro, the treated canvas has a summery feel, and the shiny patent trim adds a nice modern touch.  I'm really glad that I splurged on this, because I think it's the kind of purse that I can get a lot of wear out of, year round. 

Zoya polish in Wednesday, $8 at zoya.com: Zoya describes it as a faded, dirty medium turquoise with a green undertone and an opaque cream finish.  I actually got this a few months ago (ahem, I am the worst) and I've been wearing it allllllll the time, on my fingers and toes!  It's just such a fun color.  It's a slightly muted, greener version of Tiffany blue, and it's surprisingly flattering, especially against a tan.  It's bright, but it doesn't look childish.  It applies like a dream, opaque in two coats, and lasts a week on me (that manicure is 2-3 days old).  The picture on the left has flash, the picture on the right doesn't.

 Buy both these things!  They are great.

Images via pursepage.com, polyvore.com, katespade.com.

Tobi Redesign

I don't deal well with change.  Jezebel just changed their layout and it actually made me want to cry (it's so user unfriendly!).  However, I totally love the new Tobi redesign.


The layout is much cleaner, the pictures are bigger and clearer, there are fun new zoom functions, and basically all the extras have been stripped away to make for an easier, simpler shopping experience.  And to celebrate this new layout, they've given out a 25% off promo code!  Just use the code FRESHLOOK when you check out for the discount.


Also, keep an eye on their blog.  It's getting a revamp too, and yours truly may be posting on it sometime soon!

Sick Day Outfit

I'm still in the throes of this blah general sick feelingness that I think might be bronchitis.  Crycry.  The problem with this situation is that I just want to curl up in my bed and nap, but I have to go to classes and meetings and sorority stuff.  So the current goal is to wear clothes that feel like pajamas for when I can't wear actual pajamas.  Woohoo.  Here is my current dream "cozy but still cute" outfit.

KAIN Pocket Tank, $55 at tobi.com, Patterson J. Kincaid Patricia Cardigan, $218 at shopbop.com: These KAIN tanks are ridiculously comfortable.  The fit is slightly oversized without being too bulky, the fabric feels like silk, and they manage to be basic without being boring.  I'd pair the white tank with this soft red sweater.  It's just big enough to be cozy, the mixture of fabrics (wool, angora, etc) makes it very soft but also way, the big pockets are fun and practical, and the thumbholes on the sleeves are adorable and just perfect for when you're feeling blah and schlumpy.  Plus the cranberry hue is so pretty and will liven up even the palest of sad, sick complexions (like mine!  It might also be the complete lack of sun, but I'm pretty sure I glow in the dark at this point).

Ugg Australia Montclair Boots, $199.95 at nordstrom.com, 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Jeans, $113 at tobi.com: Confession: I don't like UGG boots.  I do own two pairs, but I only wear them inside, I promise.  But this pair is mildly acceptable for public consumption when it's cold out and you're sick and you just want to be cozy.  The lace-up detail, slim cut, and exposed cuff make this pair a little more fashion forward and flattering than the standard UGG boot, no?  The one thing I hate to wear the most when I'm sick is a constricting pair of pants.  There's nothing that makes you feel less cozy.  This pair, however, actually feels like pajama pants.  They have a nice high waist, and are super stretchy, plus the slim leg would tuck into the boots perfectly.

Kenneth Jay Lane Tassel Necklace, $39.90 at shopbop.com: Now, even if you're sick, you've gotta have a little bit of bling.  Just a little to make you feel less sad and blah.  I'd go for a simple pendant necklace, since it's easy but high impact.  This one is on sale (woot), and the organic feeling stone and festive tassel make it unique and glam in a sort of low maintenance way.

Images via shopbop.com, tobi.com, nordstrom.com.

How To Not Die of Boredom on Long Flights

I've been traveling a lot lately.  Back and forth from school, during break to Oregon and San Francisco, and what I realized is that if you aren't properly prepared for a long flight, it can be MISERABLE.  Example: my flight home from Boston to LA on American Airlines.  It was a long, long flight and I'd just come from taking a final, so I wasn't really prepared or on top of my traveling situation.  I didn't bring any food (for six hours!) and I have a stomach condition where not eating for that long is just unacceptable.  And I forgot to bring anything to watch/read, AND I dressed terribly for a plane.  It was a disaster.  So, I thought I'd put together some tips (for myself mostly) on how not to be so miserable on a flight.


1.  Dress appropriately.  This can be difficult if you're going from somewhere warm to somewhere cold or vice versa.  What I'd recommend doing is wearing jeans or a longer skirt/dress.  Please step it up from sweats.  If you're wearing shorts or a short skirt you will just freeze.  Planes are always too cold.  As far as shoes go, you could do Uggs if you have cold feet, or I'd recommend a simple leather boot, boat shoes, Conserve, really anything but heels or sandals.  Heels are just silly, and sandals will give you cold feet.  But the real key here is doing light layers.  That way you can prepare for any climate while not carrying too many bulky parkas or jackets.  I had only a parka and a tee, and in the parka I was boiling but in the tee I was freezing.  Such a fail.  Be smarter than me and do something like this:


Love Quotes Eyelash Fringe Scarf, $60.20 at shopbop.com, C&C California Striped Draped Cardigan, $171.50 at shopbop.com: I am a huge fan of big sweaters like this for flights.  You can leave it open or wrap it around yourself for extra warmth, and this one is big and cozy with a hood and a cotton-cashmere blend (just warmth enough).  It's so long that it can basically double as a blanket, but it isn't bulky or unflattering, AND it's on sale.  I always take a scarf on plane flights because they are fabulous multi-taskers.  If your neck is cold, wrap it around your neck.  Or you can wrap it around your shoulders, use it as a blanket, use it as a pillow, etc, etc.  Getting a scarf in a neutral color means that you can get more wear out of it (and this is also on sale).

2.  Snacks.  You always need to have snacks.  Airplane snacks are terrible and ridiculously overpriced.  Bring your own snacks, and be a much happier person.  I like to cover multiple snack categories so that you can satisfy most cravings.  I'd do something sweet/carby, something healthy, and something savory.  For example, a scone or two, some apples or carrots, and some pretzels or some sort of chip.  As far as drinks go, it's difficult because you can't bring liquids past security.  What you could do is bring powdered drinks, and then add water once you get past the TSA.  I love Crystal Lite's Green Tea Mango packets.  Delicious.  Or you could bring tea bags and get hot water from the stewardess.


3.  Entertainment.  The most important category.  I usually fly Virgin, which has fun personal TV screens where you can watch satellite TV or a selection of movies or TV shows.  And they have great variety, and always things that I like.  American has...nothing.  Blah.  In general though, you can either fall asleep, watch or listen to something, or read something.  As far as watching and listening goes, obviously bring your iPod, and either bring some DVDs or rent a movie on iTunes (do it before you get on the plane when you still have internet access) if your laptop has a good battery life.  If you like sleeping on flights (I so envy you if you can do that) then bring a traveling pillow and an eye mask.  It is hard to sleep with video screens playing and tons of windows open.  A cute eye mask like this one from Etsy will make your life so much easier.  Now, for the books.  This is tricky.  I made the mistake of only bringing the book I was reading at the time (The Decameron, yes, I am a nerd) which is very intense 14th century Italian literature.  But the problem is, that once you go through the whole drama of the airport and getting on the plane and taking forever to taxi to the runway, you won't be in the mood for something hard-hitting and dry.  You'll probably want something lighter and more fun.  The best solution is to bring two or three books that cover all of your reading interests, so something light, something intellectual, something action-packed, etc.  That way you won't be stuck with a book you can't bear to read and nothing else to do.  My current favorite airplane reads are White Queen by Philippa Gregory, an awesome historical novel about the War of the Roses--more fun than it sounds, I swear--and 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which is a fantastic semi-surrealist novel about colonialism in Colombia.  I realize that sounds really pretentious to have as a favorite book, but it's seriously one of the most entertaining, action-packed books I've ever read.

I hope that helps somebody!  Now if only I could take my own advice...


Images via shopbop.com, barnesandnoble.com,

Wootwoot Discounts

Hey y'all.  Sorry for the minor absence, I just moved back into school, so it's been a little chaotic.  Anyways, if you read the blog a lot you've probably noticed the little Tobi badge on the top right.  If you read it closely, you'll see that all of my readers get a 20% discount code (AWKWARD20) on any Tobi purchases.  And if you go to Tobi by clicking on the badge and buy something, I get a little commission.  I know, I'm a sellout.  I am also a financially challenged (ahem) college student who would love more money to buy fun things to review for my blog, which makes everybody happy.


And did I mention the 20% discount???  Loves it.
 

I'm An Enabler

I am the worst influence.  Especially on myself.  I decided I wasn't going to do any more online shopping.  I bought two things today.  I need adult supervision.  But when you see this amazing deal, I think you'll understand.  


Tobi is having a sale on all their KAIN Label products.  And not like a 50% off sale, but a 70-80% off sale.  With free shipping.  I KNOW.  KAIN is famous for their one-size-fits-all drapey, modal tees and tanks.  I got the pocket tank in Magic Spell, which is pictured but is a deeper, duskier purple in real life.  It was $15 down from $79 at tobi.com.  It sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?  Now, if I wasn't on shopping probation, I'd also get this Pocket Tee in Mauve, $25 down from $84 at tobi.com.  I love the ethereal, faded lavender hue.

There's also more than just Tobi on sale.  I'd check out this Elizabeth & James dress and this fab Olivia Harris studded leather bag.  Go get shopping!

Zoya 3 For Free

I love Twitter.  Via Twitter today I was tipped off that Zoya has an amazing promo code for the week.  Use the code FB2011 and you get three polishes (a $21 value) for free!  You just pay shipping, which is just under $7, so it's really 3 for the price of 1.  Which is still amazing.  You can use that code for the rest of the week.  The website is a little overloaded and slow at the moment, but wait it out.  It's totally worth it.  


So of course I didn't do the rational things and buy polishes that filled color gaps in my collection.  I bought pretty things.  Here's what I made out with.


Polish in Kelly, $7 at zoya.com: I love that this is called Kelly and it's not a Kelly green at all.  It's a rich grey with soft blue and purple undertones and a cream finish.  It's like a cool mauvey grey, and I love it because it's a neutral but it's an interesting twist on the usual neutral.  It's not boring.

Polish in Blair, $7 at zoya.com: I am such a sucker for metallic dark reds, and this one is named after a Gossip Girl character.  I couldn't resist.   Blair is a cool blackened red with subtle hints of purple and smooth metallic shimmer.  So. Pretty.  I want.  I like it because it's festive and wintery, but it's a different twist from the usual vampy purple.

Polish in Edyta, $7 at zoya.com: I've wanted this forever, and I completely forgot about it.  Yes.  So pumped.  It's a mixture of gold, olive, blue-grey and smokey grey with a sparkling metallic finish, and it's such a weird color but such a gorgeous and chic color at the same time.  This is going on my fingers ASAP.

Images via zoya.com.

J. Crew Post-Xmas Sale

I'm sorry I was such a fail this week.  I was in San Francisco from Sunday till today, and the hotel I was staying at claimed to have Wi-Fi, so I didn't plan any blog posts ahead of time.  And then I got to the hotel, and no Wi-Fi.  Cry.  Crycry.  But, on the plus side, J. Crew is having a great post-Xmas sale, so I thought I'd blog on that.

Dream Zip-pocket Cardigan, $49.99 down from $78 at jcrew.com, Panne Velvet Bell Skirt, $49.99 down from $78 at jcrew.com: I almost bought this sweater a few months ago, and now I'm so glad I didn't because it's on sale.  Yipee!  It's adorable because it seems like a normal little cardigan from a few feet away, but then you realize that it has a sassy little zipper and cute little zipper pockets.  It's a wearable basic, but with an attitude (and it comes in a ton of colors).  This velvet skirt is the perfect thing for holiday cocktail parties.  It's easy to style around, and it feel so luxurious.  I realize holiday cocktail parties are basically over but...consider it an investment for next year?

Glitz Stud Cami, $38 down from $169 at jcrew.com, Dulphine Bling-button Cardigan, $39.99 down from $69.50 at jcrew.com: This tank is such a ridiculously good deal.  It's a pretty pale pink silk with gorgeous sparkly embellishments, and it drapes so nicely.  You do wear it so many ways--dark jeans and boots, tucked into a high-waisted skirt with heels, etc, etc.  J. Crew's bling cardigans are so classic.  The cut is so basic and versatile, but the gemstone-esque buttons give it such a luxe, glamorous twist.  Play it up with some crystal jewelry for a really fab look.

Bonfire Cardigan, $78 down from $118 at jcrew.com, Drapey Sequin Tank, $44.99 down from $69.50 at jcrew.com: That sweater looks so cozy.  I want to wear it and snuggle up by a fireplace with some big shearling-lined boots and drink hot cocoa.  The marled texture gives the neutral hue a fun twist, and the exaggerated shawl collar adds so much drama to such a comfortable look.  I love this sequin tank.  It looks like a basic white tank, but once the light hits it you realize that it's entirely plastered with white sequins.  That subtle sheen adds so much visual interest to even the simplest of looks, a tank and a pair of jeans.

Images from jcrew.com.

Oh, Korres.

This is such a good deal my brain isn't even processing it.  Just look at how hardcore on sale these Korres duos are at the HSN website.  Not convinced?  Let's do some math.


That size of shower gel is $19.50, and that size of lotion is $29, so $48.50 together.  That's more than $30 savings.  Still not convinced?  What if I told you that Korres products aren't just eco-friendly, but they smell amazing and really, really work.


Korres Melon Hydrating Bath and Body Jumbo Duo, $16.95 at hsn.com, Korres Clementine Hydrating Bath and Body Duo, $16.95 at hsn.com:  Moral of the story?  Buy these as stocking stuffers for your friends.  Or for yourself.  Just stuff your own stocking.  Santa doesn't judge.

Images from sephora.com, sephora.com.

It's Sephora Friends and Family Time!

I LOVE IT WHEN MAKEUP GOES ON SALE.  I mean it's not really on sale in this case, but you get a 20% off discount code (FF2010) and free shipping over $50.  This sale lasts til 11/03/10, so get on that.  This is the perfect occasion to buy something you haven't quite been able to justify, because honestly, makeup never goes on sale.  Ever.  This is as good as it gets.  Here are a few things I've been eying. 


Philosophy Eye Believe, $30 at sephora.com, Guerlain Meteorites Luminizer, $56 at sephora.com: Eye cream!  I trust Philosophy when it comes to skin care.  This eye cream promises to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines with a bunch of ingredients that I've never heard of but that sound very sciency.  I can't deal with science, I just trust the long words.  But it has great reviews on the Sephora website, so it must be good.  I've wanted a Meteorites luminizer for such a long time.  They just look so chic and old-school on your vanity, the packaging is fab, and I love that they combine different colors to create different effects.  Blue and green to reduce redness, purple to reduce yellowness, etc, etc.  You can get it in gold, pink, or beige.  I'm thinking gold or beige.  The idea of adding pink all over my face terrifies me.

Dior Skin Shimmer, $44 at sephora.com, Benefit Hoola Bronzer, $28 at sephora.com: I am seriously craving this Dior Skin Shimmer in Amber Diamond (a bronzey-champagne).  The shimmer is so fine that it looks more like a lit-from-within glow than anything I've seen, it lasts forever, and this is pathetic, but the Dior compacts are so nice.  They have this really satisfying click when you close them that makes me want to have one so badly.  I've been looking for a good matte bronzer for a while now, and Hoola is the best option I've found.  It's totally matte, just deep enough to make a convincing contour, and doesn't skew yellow or orange.  I've had such good luck with Benefit's Sugarbomb that I'm dying to get another of their boxed powders.

Laura Mercier Secret Camoflague, $28 at sephora.com, Urban Decay Mattifying Gel, $28 at sephora.com: I've seen this Laura Mercier concealer in a bunch of YouTube beauty videos lately.  It seems to work as an imperfection concealer AND an under-eye concealer, which is fab, and you get two shades so that you can mix to match your skin tone perfectly.  I am in desperate need of a mattifier.  I can powder all day, but by noon I'm still an oil slick.  It's SO ANNOYING, because it makes you look gross and sloppy.  I've heard good things about this mattifier, and it seems to make pores look smaller too, which is always a plus.

Images from sephora.com, sephora.com, sephora.com, sephora.com, sephora.com, sephora.com.

Currently Craving: Blush Tees

I'm trying really hard to stay away from basic black, white, and grey tees.  Not that I have any issues with those colors, but I've realized recently that 90% of my shirts are v-necks in those colors.  Which makes for a nice wardrobe full of basics, but at the same time a little devoid of color and quirkiness.  Recently, during my fashion daydreams (yes, I have fashion daydreams, I know, I'm really cool), I've been craving...girly colors.  I know, it's scaring me too.  Girly isn't really in my dressing vocabulary.  My solution for any blah outfit is to throw a leather jacket on top of it.  But for some reason, I just really want a blush pink drapey v-neck.


American Apparel Sheer Jersey Deep V-neck, $22 at americanapparelstore.com, KAIN Label Pocket Tank, $80 at singer22.com: In an ideal world, I'd get that KAIN tank.  It's the perfect combination of draped and fitted, and the slightly sheerness sexes up the lilac hue.  But in reality, I'll probably end up with this American Apparel tee, a nice versatile deep v-neck in that pretty pale pink.  I'm thinking that a really light pink (not too Barbie-ish) will be a flattering, off-beat alternative to white or off-white.

KAIN Label 3 Strap Back Tee, $48.50 down from $98 at singer22.com: So in all my searching for pink and KAIN tees, I stumbled across this KAIN tee on sale at Singer22.  It comes in black, orange, and this berry-red hue (it's a little less glaring in person).  I caved on it.  I've always wanted a KAIN tee, it was on sale, I got my paycheck yesterday, and I love that from the front it's a basic scoop-neck, but from the back it's got a little extra sass.

J. Brand Midrise Straight Leg Jeans, $159 at shopbop.com, Frye Melissa Boots, $318 at shopbop.com: But back to the idea of blush tops.  I'd pair my blush v-neck with a pair of dark wash, slim jeans and a pair of dark brown equestrian boots.  I also happen to be wearing both of these, so they're on my mind.  The dark jeans temper the sweetness of the pink tee, and the leather boots add a bit of a rugged touch, while the dark brown doesn't compete with the pink for attention.  Throw on a glam statement necklace (maybe some crystals and chains) and you've got the cutest combination of girly and rock and roll.

Images from americanapparelstore.com, singer22.com, singer22.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com.

NYC Trip Day #2: Upper East Side and Midtown

It's day 2 of my spring break extravaganza in NYC, and even though the rain still hasn't stopped (I leave Boston and the rain follows me. WHY???!) so we had a chill day today and strolled around the Met. AKA the Metropolitan Museum of Art AKA my favorite museum of all time. I know it's cliche, but there's something about the grandeur of that building, and the way that they customize the interior space to fit the collections that its displays that really gets me. Seeing Greek and Roman statues in a sunlight Greco-Roman hall just adds so much to the experience. I'm a total art history nerd, and it definitely has something to do with how much I love fashion. The connection between a twelfth century reliquary and New York Fashion Week might not always be that clear, but it does exist.

Just look at the gorgeous interior architecture! How much does that set the mood for the sculptures? And did I mention that at the Met you decide how much you pay to get in? You can spend a dollar and the entire day there. There's another lovely ceiling detail from the European painting collection, and one of my favorite pieces, a Byzantine reliquary. I love the brilliant contrast of colors and the simplicity of the shapes against the intricate details.


Medieval sculpture absolutely gets me. This sculpture is less than a foot wide, and yet it has so much grace and so much detail without looking crammed or overwhelming. The lines really remind me of Donna Karan, with all the fluid draping. I know it's hard to see, but the thin linear detailing on these compasses is stunning up close. They remind me of some of the thin, geometric prints that we saw on the Fall runways.


This is Klimpt's Mada Primavesi, one of my favorite paintings at the Met. His painting style is so direct and provocative, but still refined and sensual. The subject here, the little girl, and the pastel color palette seems to indicate that it should be a lovely child's portrait, but there's something so challenging about the way that she stands and stares right at the viewer that it's almost unsettling. I know that it's a little morbid to have a grave effigy here, but I thought it was such a striking visual. It's so serene and peaceful, but the lines of the coffin underneath give it a subversive darkness. It's a piece of medieval art, but the way that the contours of her form peek out from the draping and that the palm slouches across her body is so unexpectedly realistic.


Madewell Lightweight Knit Jacket, $78 at shopbop.com, Scoop Flannel Shirt, $34.50 on sale: Even though I finally have a leather jacket (FINALLY! seriously) I'm still looking around for affordable options for you guys. This Madewell jacket isn't leather, it's a knit, which cuts down on a little of the edge factor but makes it a million times more affordable. What I like about this jacket is that it actually looks like a leather jacket, even though it isn't, and since it's a knit, it'll be really easy to layer around. So this is the flannel shirt that I got on serious sale yesterday at Scoop, and I love it. I've wanted a flannel for a while, these colors really work for me, and it's a really comfy, worn-in cotton that feels like I've owned it forever.


Marc Jacobs Pomegranate Splash, $68 for 10 oz. at sephora.com, Rick Owens Blister Leather Biker Jacket, $2,070 at net-a-porter.com: I finally got to sniff the Pomegranate splash! So excited. I'm a little torn about it. It has an aquatic cleanness that reminds me of the Rain splash, but with a dark, juicy undertone, with perhaps a hint of leather, that makes it a lot sexier and more feminine than Rain. It dries down with a hint of fruity/floral notes. According to Sephora, the notes are pomegranate, mandarin blossom, bergamot, rhubarb, violet, musk, vanilla, amber, exotic fruit accord. It sounds a lot sweeter than it is. I'd want to try the Apple splash and the Biscotti splash before I purchased, but I really like this fragrance. It is a splash, so the lasting power sucks, but you do get a lot for the price. Unrelated, but at Barneys today I finally saw one of the Rick Owens leather jackets. I've always liked them, but never really understood the price point. And now I totally do. That is some fantastic leather, and the cut...I just died. On the fourth floor of Barneys. Died.


On the way back to our hotel we stopped at Demel, an Austrian cafe in the basement of the Plaza Hotel. I actually found it on Yelp (loves it), and I wholly recommend it. Although it's in a well-light, marble shopping area, it feels intimate and salon-like, and extremely authentic. I went to Vienna a few years ago, and this cafe would not have been out of place on any street corner. Their hot chocolate was to die for, and they had an impressive array of Austrian pastries, including Sacher torte (SO GOOD). My tummy was very, very happy.


Image Sources:
Klimpt painting: metmuseum.com, Madewell jacket: shopbop.com, Marc Jacobs splash: sephora.com, Rick Owens jacket: net-a-porter.com, Demel cafe pics: yelp.com.