Stylish with Substance

I sneaked a tiny peek at J. Crew's Plaid City Tote in my Nan's catalog. Just my luck! I love the idea of plaid bags and this style is so sweet with allover-outer pockets. Personally, I'd wait out for a more school-girl Fall plaid to buy. And at $98, it's got to be me, and I've got to love it. But for a whimsical, summery look that actually doesn't have straw, this may be you!

11 1/2 length, cotton/vachetta trim. (Wedges not included.)

So smart! a cute makeup case with so many more uses; I use my Bath and Body Works cases for: a camera case, an iPod case, and yes---makeup. In pink and green, these Goldie argyle cases (with bows!) are the perfect mix of prep and girly pep. Perfect for beauteous you. At 8 1/4"L x 3 1/4"W x 2 1/4"H, these makeup cases cost $14 at Bath and Body Works. (Psst. The more rounded case (available only in stores) has an inside pocket!)

So smart! a cute makeup case with so many more uses; I use my Bath and Body Works cases for: a camera case, an iPod case, and yes---makeup. In pink and green, these Goldie argyle cases (with bows!) are the perfect mix of prep and girly pep. Perfect for beauteous you. At 8 1/4"L x 3 1/4"W x 2 1/4"H, these makeup cases cost $14 at Bath and Body Works.

(Psst. The more rounded case (available only in stores) has an inside pocket!)

I really needed a change: some new underwear; and by happenstance I came upon Jockey's new No Panty Line Promise® collection. These panties keep their promise of no lines even under fairly thin trousers. They're of "modal" cotton-like fabric that is comfy and smooth and they're my new basic, everyday undies. My faves are the bikinis with lacey leg openings, because they're the comfiest. They come in a variety of colours (including hot red) and Jockey also offers matching camisoles. I even found a leopard-print bikini, to feel special and for those rare, special nights. (Le sigh, I hope there are some fated for my days.)

Oh, yes, now I'm feeling a little more comfortable and looking a little better in cute bikini-underwear. As I've recently written, I'm working on getting a little cuter in those bikinis, too (though not yet for swimsuit bikinis!). But oh! do I wish for someone to appreciate seeing me in them. Oh! these Jockeys and I deserve the promise of a significant Love.

Last week, I posted a bag with funky woven material, luxe but with a nice pricetag from Banana Republic. But I found my own sensible treasure in the clearance table of Talbot's Accessories and Shoes. It's this woven leather hobo. Selling for under $50, if you can still catch it in stores, it's marked down from a Banana-rivaling luxury-brand price--and quality--of over $100. (Like I said, the Banana bag is sure to sell out before markdowns.) The allover weaves and nice details make it the suitable choice for the average fashionista. Plus, it's classic. If you can catch it at your mall, it's sold in tan, blue and rose.

What I especially love is its beautiful slouching from my belongings when held in my hand---perfection (not bulky or tacky, like most slouching). It's the best hobo I've tried, and I'm so glad I made it mine.

Whoo! I have a hobo! Whoo! I have woven leather! Whoo!

Louis Vuitton is so logo-centric, but their shoes are best when designed out of the promotional bag, different; chic and funky. This open-toed pump is fun, flirty and has some kick. Although there is monogram, we more notice the contrast of colors with bright plum and those polka-dot-in-effect perforations. (I wish I could get a look at the back detail. Mmh!) There is a high, high 3.5" heel to add vivaciousness and killer---further "can't have." But this is a dream shoe for the lofty thinkers. Although not a classic or It, it's a little bit of a good mixture for Louis Vuitton.

This Monogram Perforation Open-Toe Pump is available at eLUXURY.

How delicious this new crescent shape of the "Tortilla" is from Coach. And new it is, it's something unique to my eyes; actually a hobo with pockets. These aren't stocked in many stores, but are available to ship throughout the country. The problem with that is that I can't get an exact picture of the bag shape, but I believe these aren't typical hobos; but wrap around the back just enough to fit to a body if worn over the shoulder, thus creating the newly named shape. (Examine the store photo, yourself.)

This exciting new creation looks so luxe on its own, but they added genuine snake trim to the canvas fabric to up its worth. If you ask me, this original style is worth a lot without fancy leather (and I'd prefer to be able to buy one). But no, it's a top-priced item at Coach, at $798.

Shopping is not just fun, to have nice things, or the necessary right that it is. Shopping is a duty for me. I sacrifice myself for shopping, and not just by blowing cash (but that’s a hu.uge part).

I shop for my blog, it keeps me continuously gaining knowledge, it shows me products and many ideas. The shopping improves the economy (I think I do enough of it) and the blog, my friends, inspires others to shop, themselves. I am good for the country!

And I lose myself in shopping and in the blog. The blog inspires me to shop more. I have been evolving into a more sophisticated fashionista from the very beginning. Where do I end and where do the blog and malls begin?

And now I must shop more, my friends—I honestly must. I have a slight weight issue, but even at its slightness, I struggle to get and remain fit. I have been a computer person for too long—from just before my weight gain occurred, and I must retrain my body and mind to enjoy other activities more. Shopping is walking (oh, how boring old fashioned walking is!). Yes, there are other exercises, but you probably have heard that a lifestyle must be maintainable for weight to remain off of the body. I must enjoy a more active lifestyle on a regular basis. So no … I shop to be healthy (and I don’t always buy! … much).

This does mean that I sacrifice the blog for my own well being. But this is good. I want to live a healthy life, and most people agree that health and happiness are most important. I want to live a long life with doing work I enjoy, so a little sacrifice and less posting now will help me. In time, I will control a hearty balance of activity and sitting work. What I’ve done so far has been great, and I’m learning more and more how to juggle (and yet I still sleep!).

Things will get even better as time goes on, oh yes. For soon, I will be shopping for a new laptop—a light one!—and new, fancy go-anywhere Internet! Ah, to be on-the-go and to be able to stop on a dime and type! (I might have to start seriously saving first, though, hmmmm.)

Following in the much-overdone trend, is Louis Vuitton with these new styles that feature little padlocks (with no purpose and without key). Le Sigh.

Find these two bags, and hundreds more, for sale at eLUXURY.

*Update* While of course Louis Vuitton started as a luggage company and used locks on handbags long before these trendy It companies, this bag is different for using the lock as decoration only with no purpose. Also, LV is largely classic, and this is obviously trendy. Le sigh, anyone?

So luxe and drool-worthy from Banana Republic is this Tangiers Macramé Shoulder Bag. I couldn't describe it better than, "interwoven loops add extreme texture," because this bag practically leaves me speechless. I can't get over the fine-crafted detail, and it's even more stunning in person, with completely unique, spiky weaves. What a treasure. Even the strap is gorgeous, in braided leather. Who knew something so divinely designed could come from macramé (made from 100% cotton!), and even Banana Republic? Who needs expensive designer leather bags, and who really needs the cheaper straw? With a bag this fine, what I truly can't believe is the price: only $148!

I could fall over right now.

In "chalk" (off-white) at Banana Republic.com and still in stores is the brown, which is more subtle and sensible. (I don't think this one will last 'til the sales!)