And Then There Was Burberry

I woke today determined to get mine... whatever that may be. Following the rose-throwing attacks of yesterday, I was set to make things even today - I needed to feel better and beautiful, and save a couple dollars doing so. First stop: Banana Republic.

I had recently purchased myself a couple pairs of my favorite Banana Republic pants and a cape/sweater/shawl, only to learn this morning that all three items were now an additional 30% off the sale price. I waited patiently outside the front doors of Banana Republic and was greeted immediately at 10 a.m. by the store manager, who graciously helped me. We returned all the items and re-purchased them at the discounted price. Total amount of money saved: $150.

Next stop: Saks Fifth Avenue. Normally, I don't find anything I need at Saks, but I was in the mood to just browse. When I don't feel like buying, I go to Saks and trade buying for trying. I usually model something in the form of a Valentino handbag, but as I entered the department store all bets were off, for Saks was having a ridiculous sale. I opted for the gloves, handbag and accessories department. I need new gloves, so I figured what the hell...

I walked the isles feeling the cashmere and wool blends, trying on gloves and hats and debating the colors that would go best with the items in my closet. Black is obvious. I hate pink. Purple would be great, but the only purple gloves they had weren't to my liking. Maybe if I get a purple scarf the purple gloves won't look so bad. New approach: Find purple scarf.

Scarf FOUND! Scarf snatched by faster shopper. Dammit. It's a sign, I thought, and started toward the sunglasses case. I shouldn't spend any money on sunglasses - I break them or lose them. Always. But laying there on top of the sunglasses case was a rich purple cable-knit scarf. Hm. I picked it up and quickly realized it wasn't just any lush purple cable-knit scarf, but it was the Burberry cable-knit cashmere/wool purple scarf that I had adored.

It was just lying there, untouched and unharmed. No kinks in the yarn or pulls in the knit. Just the perfect extra-long scarf. And it was on sale.

Original price: $595
Sale price on tag: $359
Price with discounts: $108
Total savings: $487



I was on a high, so I held the scarf close and moved along to make sure I didn't miss anything else this spectacular. I grabbed one last item, which remains in the box. It's a gift for a friend who reads this blog often. One of her favorite designers was on sale today so I bought an early-birthday present (with returnable gift card) - I couldn't pass up the price, and this friend would appreciate a good sale.

New Day, New Shopping

They are calling it the bigger-than-Black-Friday shopping day. I am calling it, "get your ass out of bed and go shopping day!"

It's 8 a.m. and I've already purchased a white wool blazer and black sequin top. I've updated the flight and travel news blog (news: the DOT will reduce the number of flights allowed at New York's LaGuardia airport) checked my email for any last-minute content crisis (there are none) and called Dad to wish him a happy birthday (he was already in the car heading to the malls).

It's time to get up and get shopping - or at the very least, window shop my little heart out.

The $150,000 Wardrobe

While standing in the office today, my co-worker and friend The Missus turned and said to me, "You cannot wear those jeans." And so, we decided to go shopping after work. Unfortunately, we didn't do very well. I tried on at least a dozen pairs of jeans and none of them worked. We finally agreed, maybe I wasn't a "jeans" gal. Maybe I should stick with my dress pants and rock 'em the best way I can. But jeans, not so much. 

If I had extra money, or maybe I was the vice presidential nominee, I would have a $150,000 to spend on clothes and pay for a personal shopper to dress me. I don't have that kind of spending cash, but if I did, I can assure you it wouldn't be spent on clothes. Which brings up a new topic of conversation... 

In the midst of a financial crisis, if you were running for an office that helps balance the budget of the U.S. economy, would you spend $150,000 on clothes? (Cast your vote on the poll to the right.)

Only a Good Friend...

... would look at you and say honestly, "You can never wear those jeans again."

Update to come later tonight after my friend The Missus goes jeans shopping with me.

My Declaration to Cole Haan

It has been rumored that I am a Cole Haan Whore. Today, I formally declare the rumor to be true.

I have the Cole Haan Village Collection bag in brown and a few Cole Haan scarves, shoes and clutches. My friend The Missus once called me a Cole Haan whore when I walked into work with a new beige bag (which I ended up returning due to a fabric flaw I found after the purchase). I refuted the accusation. For starters, I do not purchase retail Cole Haan (I usually buy outlet or second-hand items) and for another thing, I am no one's whore... not even Mr. Haan's. I was in denial. But today, that all changed for the most beautiful bag in the world arrived on my desk from one very beautiful woman -- my Mom. It was a surprise gift and one my Mom knew I would adore. I've been eyeing this bag for sometime and walking away from it for various reasons; mostly because it's money better saved than spent.

It's time to admit I have a Cole Haan addiction. I walk into the Cole Haan retail store on Newbury Street for a fix -- the smell of the leather, the feel of the shoes on my feet, the new trends and the stylish accessories give me goosebumps. I rarely buy, but I always look.

As I sit here, my new bag in my lap carefully protected in its dustbag while I type away about far away destinations, I turned to my friend The Missus (who sits the next row over from me)and admitted the following:

"You've said in the past I'm a Cole Haan whore and I've argued with you. Today, I formally declare that I am a Cole Haan whore -- and I am proud of it. I am in love with my new bag."

MFTM has taught me a lot about fashion over the past year. We come from very different styles - she's more bohemian chic; I lean toward classic - but she's taught me to enjoy and embrace what I love and what looks good on me. Her husband cringes when make plans to shop; my bank takes out more insurance. Rarely do we buy the same things because our tastes are so different, but every once in a while there is an overlap. Today, we both paid homage to Cole Haan when she said, "I am in love with your new bag, too."

Side note: In what is a clearly a sign that the bag was meant for me, the color is aptly named "Pinot Noir."

New Obsession: Occasiontherapy Spritzers

These all-natural occasion-specific aromatherapy spritzers are the perfect little addition to your work bag. They are made with all-natural ingredients and pure essential oils so you know it's safe for your body.

I have the Working Girl Energizing Mist and Jet Set Girl Travel Mist and I'm addicted to them both. The Jet Set Girl is the perfect after-gym work-out mist, because it combines lavender with bergamot for a complete calming experience. It also doubles as a super room/linen spray when you're stuck in hotel rooms. Consider it...

Lauren's Hope: Fashion for the Medically Challenged

If I have to have a heart condition, I'm going to have it in style. I mean really... no one wants to have a medical condition. After a year of denying it I've finally come to terms with the fact: For better and worse, I have an irregular heart beat. Nothing uncommon, but yes, medication is necessary. So fine... I've accepted it and I'm taking my medication and bla, bla, bla.

This week my doctor lowered the next boom. "You really should wear a medic alert tag," she said.

OH COME ON!! The last thing I want to do is draw attention to the fact that I have this heart condition. Now I have to walk around parading it on my wrist or neck to "alert" others I have a heart condition. My doctor had a good point, though. I do travel a lot and mostly to foreign countries and God for bid something should happen, it's good to alert those who might not speak my language that I have a "condition."

Enter: Lauren's Hope. The company was founded for little Lauren Phillips, who at 16-years-old was very upset she had to wear a medic alert tag to identify her diabetes. Fashion is a big deal for teenagers, and so Lauren's Hope was born. The company makes "fashionable" medic alert bracelets using various different beads, ropes, chains and stones.

Check out a few of their fashions. Now that I've admitted I'm medically-challenged, I might as well wear my challenge in style!!

Behold the Power of the Exchange Rate

I'm really not an extravagant shopper. Yes, I do appreciate the finer things in life, but I'm also realistic that I can't always afford the finer things in life. But when in Rome, I purchased a pretty significant accessory from my friend Louis Vuitton. I debated it -- much to the dismay of the sales associate -- and finally gave in. But before I handed over my credit card I considered the following:

• Can I buy this in America at the same/cheaper cost?
• What is the exchange rate?
• What are the fees I'll incur on my credit card from an international purchase?
• Do I really want this?

The answers were not so easy. Yes, I could buy the bag in America but the price comparison was fuzzy. The exchange rate was tough -- the Euro is worth more than the dollar, but when you shop internationally it's tax-free for U.S. citizens (after a certain amount) so I would be getting money back. My credit card would charge me 3% for this transaction, but yes, I really wanted the bag.

I handed over the card, took my Louis Vuitton and walked proudly out of the store. I promised myself I wouldn't think about the cost of the purchase until I returned home.

Today, I checked my credit card bill online and I am thrilled to report that I saved almost $100 by purchasing the bag in Rome, as opposed to in the states. How? For starters, the bag was tax-free in Rome. While I did incur a 3% transaction fee, I got $74 back on my credit card, which cancelled out the fee, and then some.

Moral of the story: The dollar may not be so hot, but for big-ticket items it's worth doing the calculations and buying abroad -- you just might save yourself a few dollars.

Shopping on the Via Del Conditi

Dear God (or Work, whichever it may be),

Please don't let me lose my job any time soon, for today I made a very expensive purchase while shopping on the Via Del Conditi .

You see God (boss), like many girls I too have always wanted a real Louis Vuitton handbag. One that doesn't unravel at the seams like those you buy off the street and try to pass off for the real thing. One that when you look at it, you see the beauty of intriciate detail, not the fake red stitching or the gaudy gold plate used in copies. Today I bought myself my very first real Louis Vuitton bag, and I'm afraid it will a few paychecks to pay off this bill.

Many thanks for ensuring my paycheck,

Me

Starting Over: The Right Size

This weekend was my "Spring Cleaning" weekend. A little late, I know, but it's the first weekend I haven't been travelling so I embraced the idea of a good cleaning. After reading MFTM's blog about her new summer clothes, I was inspired to take the Spring Cleaning to my closet.

It's a somewhat bittersweet task.

Over the past year, I've gained some unfortunate pounds around places I didn't know pounds could exist. Part of this has to with getting older, part of it is due to laziness, and part of it is due to the cardiologist. Last March, I was banned from the gym while the doctors figured out what was wrong with my heart, and how to fix it. After about 4 months, and various pill cocktails, things got under control. One pill a day to settle the arrhythmia -- back to the gym. But after 4 months out, it's not so easy to get back in. Obviously, I gained weight and sadly I haven't taken it all off. Enter today: the opening of the closet.

Everything from a size 4 to a size 10 lives in closet, smooshed together as if by osmosis they might become one size that fits me. Alas, the fabrics have not meshed to create the perfect wardrobe and so it's time to start cleaning.

After my recent Europe travels, I've adopted a European way of the wardrobe -- staples. Just a few pieces here and there that go with everything. A few tops, a few pants, a few skirts, a few casual pieces and mix-and-match. More importantly, I've opened my eyes to my size. As one friend put it,

"Why keep clothes in the closet that don't fit? Get rid of them all, that way when you open your closet in the morning to get dressed you know everything in there fits. It's a much better way to start the day."

So true. Knowing your clothes fit -- no matter what your size -- does wonders for the mind. So does a new hair color... the red streaks are back and brighter than ever.

Me and McQueen

If there's one thing I truly admire about the U.K. -- besides the Crown Jewels, the Beefeaters, Princes Harry and William, London's ravens and the truly admirable cleanliness -- it's the fashion. Londoners have a unique sense of fashion. In fact, that's exactly it -- they are unique and they aren't afraid to show it, so they wear daring combinations and it turns out, those combos work. So when in London, go shopping. You never know what you might find.

Months ago I laid eyes on an Alexander McQueen scarf that I wanted -- needed! -- desperately. But, it was only affordable by taking out a loan and I knew that wouldn't be a wise decision so I succumbed to the idea of never having the new McQueen skull scarf. But today, me and McQueen were united. Thank you, Harrods, for bringing together two lost loves -- my wardrobe and one black/purple skull scarf at almost half the price I would have paid for it in the states. I almost opted for the black/red neck scarf. I was with our favorite fashion blogger The Missus, who pointed out that the longer silk scarf (pictured above) would wear well during all seasons and it's a great travel piece. And so, I wrapped myself in McQueen and it was true love.

Some things in Europe are cheaper (despite the bad dollar-pound conversion) and absolutely worth knocking people over in Harrods department store because you only have 30 minutes until the store closes and you're on a freaking mission to find Alexander McQueen. We would have had 45 minutes, but we spent 15 minutes trying to locate the washrooms, which were hidden behind the Marc Jacob's and Pucci racks on floor 2. And of course, we were sidetracked by the gorgeous Spring 08 collections...

The Perfect Wedge Shoes

Thank you, Legally Brunette, for reminding me about wedge shoes. Now I will travel to London in style and comfort thanks to you, and Anne Klein.

I forget about the new patent leather wedge sandals I purchased from Ms. Klein a few weeks ago and I'm thrilled to report, they are on my feet now and they are ultra-comfortable and mighty fashionable. I think the Queen would approve.

Fashion Focus: Carry-On Luggage

Traveler tip: Everything is always for sale.

Take for example the Tommy Hilfiger Latitude Luggage Collection. With all the upcoming travel I have in the next two months (and because I'm not quite confident in any particular airline's skills to get my luggage to my destination safely) I opted for a new carry-on bag. This is a very difficult purchase. A carry-on bag must meet certain qualities including:

• Multiple outside and inside pockets
• Inside pouches for toiletries (those not part of the FAA 3-1-1 rule)
• Additional pockets for electronics, converters and adapters
• Expandable width for last-minute additions before you fly, or last-minute purchases from your destination

I went to Macy's in search of a new carry-on bag and found a few to my liking, but most were too small or didn't have enough pockets. Then the nice Macy's employee brought me the $300 Tommy Hilfiger luggage. It was the perfect size, had the perfect amount of pockets and was even the perfect color. But $300?! Then I found out that Macy's is having a one-day sale this Friday and this particular bag would be 50% off... alas, I leave for New York tomorrow...

Without much begging, the Macy's employee placed a quick call to his manager to get approval to give me the bag at the 50% discount. I had an additional 20% off coupon and ended up with a slate blue, perfectly pocketed Tommy Hilfiger carry-on bag for my upcoming journeys.

Moral of the story: Just because there isn't a sale sign on it doesn't mean you can't get a bargain!

Top Cities for Shopping

Even in a recession, we all dream of shopping. It's our break from reality - to imagine the things we cannot have at 1/2 price.

Add some sweetness to the sale pot with some extra cash for travel. If one thing says "paradise found" it's a sale sign at a designer boutique in another country. For as powerful and usually-financially stable as we are, the U.S. is also the last to get the goods on the hottest designs, fashions and trends of the season. Sherman's Travel announced the top 10 cities for shopping and it got me thinking...in the dawn of a recession, are Americans really going to give up their savings for high-quality silk?

Some of the top cities include:
Bangkok - jewelry, tailored-made clothes, crafts
Buenos Aires - leather, designer duds (Armani, Cartier)
Copenhagen - fashion for your body and your home
Hong Kong - electronics
London - trendy boutiques

With the exception of London, the dollar actually fares quite well in these cities so it's not unlikely that one could afford retail therapy on vacation.

So, even though we're all broke by definition, it's entirely conceivable why someone would spend the last of their savings for a trip to one of the best cities for shopping. If we're going to go bankrupt, we might as well look good doing it.

Must-have: Cole Haan Village Collection Bag

I purchased a Michael Kors bag a few months ago. It's fashionable and big enough to hold my laptop (which is essential) but after a few days with it, I realized it's lacking pockets and the shoulder straps aren't wide enough to fit over my shoulder while wearing a jacket. So, in the end, while it's fashionable, it's not comfortable.

Today, I hit the Cole Haan outlet and found a great bag to use for upcoming travel. Tons of pockets - enough spots for a passport, cell phone, camera, chargers, sunglasses, etc. The bag itself can hold a laptop, books, notebooks, water bottle and makeup bag. Even better, the rolled shoulder straps are comfortable on your shoulder and offer enough room to open the bag at a moment's notice to grab what you need.

Some would say an expensive bag is a waste of money -- it's going to scratched in coach, spilled on and stepped on. While that's entirely possible, a real leather bag is thick and the leather lasts, which means you don't have to worry about your belongings ripping through the bottom of the bag while you run through airports to catch your connecting flights.

Point, Shoot, Picture

I splurged and bought a new camera today. Bill at Bromfield Camera in Boston talked me through my decision and I walked out with a Nikon Coolpix S600. It's Nikon's new digital compact camera and so far, I'm completely confused as to how it works. But, I charged the battery and inserted the memory card correctly so I'm 2 for 2.

I might have to break down and read the directions, but what I do know is that with a 10-megapixel, 4x-optical zoom and 3200 ISO features it's going to take some amazing landscape pictures in Tuscany.