I hit the mall the other day and witnessed a wonderfully beautiful sight: Spring clothing. The racks of shorts, tanks and skirts were like the (bright, patent leather) light at the end of a cold and dreary tunnel. I felt euphoric, giddy and a need to spend. I grabbed my friend’s hand and together we skipped from store to store taking it all in.

The colorful shoes.
The exotic prints.
The dresses.
The bags. Oh boy, those bags.

I would have loved to give my credit card a workout and my wardrobe a much needed pick-me-up – as I have found myself wearing only grays and blacks these past few weeks – but the price tags at Nordstrom, etc. were just way bigger than anything I could afford. I pitied myself and my dwindling bank account for a moment, but instead of throwing in the proverbial towel and heading home to sulk in a pile of black sweats, I went in search of equally fabulous, yet far more affordable, Spring pieces.

It was a cinch. Spring trends are all about bright colors, patent leather, and new shapes. Luckily for me and any other lady on a budget, these elements are all very easy to find at any price point. I scoped out my I Have to Have Them But In No Way Can I Afford Them pieces, admired and drooled over them, and then snapped back into reality and went in search of their less expensive brothers.

What I Lusted: Marc by Marc Jacobs “Posh Turnlock” Convertible Clutch

Price: $298 (Ouch.)

This bag adds much needed drama and excitement to the bar-standard black dress or shirt.

The leather is soft, the colors (I prefer yellow) are bright without being too much and the bag is perfect for going out – both in the fact that it will hold everything and can be worn as either a clutch or on your shoulder.

What I Got: Xhilaration (For Target) Envelope Clutch

Price: $17.99

This bag has so much in common with the one by Marc - the perfect size for going out, the perfect color to pop a typical ensemble, the ability to be worn both as a clutch or shoulder bag – for a fraction of the price. Just think about how much better you will feel about spilling beer on an $18 bag versus one for $300. Read More »

Someone has heard my prayers.

Maybe it was God, Maybe it was Marc Jacobs, I don’t really know and to be honest, I don’t really care but someone, somewhere has heard my begging and pleading and has done something about it.

A change that makes me so happy, I am twirling around like a 5 year old in my maternity style dress.

Magazines, newspapers, and TV shows alike have been abuzz with “What’s In and Whats Out” for your 2008 wardrobe. And thankfully (or perhaps FINALLY is a better word) I can throw my “Someone’s having a baby dress!” in the trash (and yes someone DID say that to me, to which I proceeded to jump off the nearest bridge)

While I have heard the phrase “return of femininity” the past three years (Fashionistas claimed the baby-doll dress was in fact feminine. I claim that it is a way to make me look like a fat-ass who is ready to pop one out). But this time, the trends for spring/summer are in fact, showing off that we are women.

Belted waists, bodice hugging dresses, flattering pants and a whole lot of bold colors and prints are what you will be seeing this year. Gone are the trapeze dresses. Leggings? So two years ago. Menswear for women, drab colors, skinny jeans tucked into booties, boxy pieces with no shape and oversized cardigans, that we all HAD to have, will be sent away like Lilo being sent to rehab. Read More »