New Toy!

Hey S,

After having a laptop for years (provided by my previous job) it has been a very difficult transition to go back to a desktop computer now that I'm no longer with the company. After 2 months of having to fight JW for access and time at the desk, I decided to get my own laptop. Here it is, my new shiny black Asus EEE 1000H. It's tiny, only 10 inches and 3 lbs...so cute and super cheap!

Now here's my next dilemma. Should I keep this green clutch from BR? I love the color because I think it would pop with any outfit. I got it on sale for less than $50 (was $120 at full price)...but what do you think of embossed/stamped leather? Does it look nice enough for a dinner out...or too cheap (in the bad way)?

Faking It

Shasha, how do you feel about fakes? I admit, that in college I was totally up for buying a fake purse, because I had no money and thought it's a good substitute until I could afford something real. And I kept trying to find one...in NYC's Chinatown and on the streets of Taiwan...but I was never able to find something that I liked. I was SO jealous when friends came back from their trips with the cutest Coach purse or Prada wallet...all fake and cheap!

Then, when I started reading on the Purse Forum and everyone on there decried and denounced buying fake bags, I started to ponder...is buying fake bags that bad? Some claim that buying fakes will fund organized crime and terrorist groups (kind of a stretch) and robs the intellectual property rights of the designers (this I can understand). But since there is actually no consequence for buyers (only sellers) the only downside is if you try to pass something off as real and then someone called you out for it - oh the shame of it!

So, I have a thing for LV (as you may know) and if you asked me a month ago if I would buy a fake LV, I would cringe and say...goodness no! But lately, I've seen some really really good fakes out there. I like to read up on all the tips on how to authenticate a bag (date code, heat stamp, etc.) and I make sure to get everything authenticated before I buy on EBay...but there have been times when my step falters and my mind starts to wander. Could I get a fake? Would I? Should I?

Oh who am I kidding? In this day of excellent fakes and bad economy, I'm not one to judge. I certainly wouldn't be struck by lightning if I buy something "designer inspired," and I definitely do not look down on others buying fake stuff...each person has their own prerogative on how they spend their money. In some ways it might be better to get something obviously faked (like the LV "Fake" Speedy) than something trying very hard to be real. But the question is, where is my line drawn in the sand? Where's yours?

Photo is from an exhibit called "Wake Up Andy Warhol" at the Ssamzie Gallery by Korean artist Zinwoo Park:

putting in some effort. . .

T,

remember this shirt I got from BR like 6 years ago?
It's been on the chopping block like 5 times since then - I'm always on the verge of donating it! I had only worn it maybe a total of 2 times, so I decided to force myself to wear it on Sunday. At one time they were too short to wear with lower rise pants, so I guess good thing higher waisted stuff is back.

Here's the outcome of me putting in a little more effort (skirt! tights! all unusual for lazy ol' me).

It still needs some accessories to make it more interesting, but at least I'm trying. . .slowly but surely, hopefully.

anyways, we recently discovered what the Erv does when we're not looking - check it out. We think he's actually an alien with uncommon intelligence :)

staring at shoes

Hi T,I really want some oxford shoes, but am debating between high heel (hell) oxfords and flat oxfords. The campers on the top right are flats- I'm thinking it may look a little frumpy because the front isn't too sharp - what do you think? Realistically, the Franco Sartos on the bottom right is what fits my budget. . .

I think I've yet to spend >$120 on a pair of shoes. I guess if I had to pick between an expensive purse or shoes, I'm going with the purse! Shoes look nice and all but at the end of the day, you can't hug them - dirty ;)

S

Lazy Saturday

Hi Thao,

Long live sleepyheads! I was feeling especially sleepy today, and woke up around noon - I guess it wasn't that bad considering I went to sleep late last night. However, I took a nap at 3:00pm today :) I amaze myself sometimes.

Regarding your Saturday morning revelation. . .I agree that we don't push the envelope in terms of what we wear – we are definitely not as fashionable as chictopians or people captured on the Satorialist! The ironic part is that we do actually like the unique items out there, and aren’t that conservative in our taste - it’s just that our taste doesn’t get translated to what we actually end up wearing.

• I know I gravitate towards unique items, but my problem is that I just end up pairing it with jeans or black pants, etc. Perhaps I hate being “matchy-matchy” because it can draw attention and because it may looks too commercial, but I definitely need to put more thought into what I wear instead of falling back on the basics to complete a look. I also need to stop shying away from accessories such as belts, scarves, different necklaces, etc.

• I’ve noticed that my work clothes are really not my style at all! I just end up buying whatever is durable, easy to take care of, and cheap. . .I’m not a big fan of 75% of the clothes/shoes I buy for work. . .

I say we stand up to our self-consciousness (and perhaps laziness on my part), and start to put more effort into what we wear and be bold enough to wear what we really like!

Weekend Shopping

Hey Shasha,
I went to Anthropologie to look for that bag you recommended, but they didn't have it at the store...sniff. So, I headed over to LV and finally got an extender for my Epi pochette. Here is Cleopatra holding it:

While at LV, I saw a really cool new wallet called Insolite. It's like a travel wallet, the outside is monogram while the inside is a bright color (ivory, purple, red or green)...so cute!

Then, I picked up two things from Banana Republic. What do you think...keep or return? (Ring is $24 and long sweater is $60.)

Saturday Morning Revelation

S -
On some Saturdays, I like to sleep in late sometimes even to noon! But this morning, I had the house to myself so I got up early to do some of my favorite things...eating cereal in my pjs and reading magazines while watching VH1's music countdown.

I was reading a great article about Isaac Mizrahi and it spoke to how I feel about fashion. I feel that some are born with style, others achieve stylishness and some will keep trying and fail miserably (the latter is me!). In Mizrahi's new book, How to Have Style, he helps ordinary women find their fashion personalities by developing an inspiration board of their favorite images, ideas and inner yearnings. He says that, "You can't have style without being inspired."

It makes me think...how am I inspired? What inspires me? Sigh, I dunno. These days I'm just happy to be a passer-by in life...not wanting to be noticed by others. Stuff I wear is passable and coordinated...but what makes something fashionable and chic? When I was younger I took more chances in life, willing to try and fail and even wanting to be seen as different! Once in junior high, I went to church dressed in loose black pants, white shirt and a pretty pink/blue/yellow plaid tie because I saw it in a mag and loved the preppy juxtaposition between men's clothes on girls. Was I crazy? Daring? Still can't believe that my mom let me out of the house that day! LOL...I miss that girl.

Ebay Loot

Shasha,
Nice wallet! It's too pretty to be sitting at home...you need to take it out and let it see the world. I really like your new purchases, especially the bright blue Botkier. Makes me want one too!

JW agrees with JK regarding the purses...basically not worth the money. But I think each person has their own poison, because doesn't JK have a thing for watches?

As for my loot, it just came yesterday. This is only the third time I've bought clothes from ebay. The first time I struck out with an ill-fitting shirt...but the second time I got my beautiful wedding dress for a steal! This time I was bidding on a whim and didn't think I'd win.

I got 6 new items from BR for $70!!! Here they are: purple and blue lattice blouse, green silk blouse, black stretch short-sleeve button up, purple short-sleeve sweater and a white linen jacket.




And guess what happened tonight? I hit my chin while working out with a weight bar! It got scraped and bruised along with my collar bone. Check out my battle scars...oh the things I do for purses!

Recent Loot!

Hey T,

Just 3 weeks ago my affinity for shopping reared its ugly head again, after being dormant for almost 2 years. What set it off was the shopping trip I went on with you and my mom. Is there an epidemic going around? I now find myself strangely obsessed with purses, but am relieved that there are fellow purse addicts out there even crazier than I am!

Let's take a look at my recent loot.

1. Here's my Botkier Shasha in Sapphire - I kept staring and staring at this online, but what prompted me to finally get it was the 20% off deal, as well as the free return shipping should I need it.


When I was trying to decide whether I should get it or not, JK asked me to stop obsessing and to just go check it out at a store. However, this was not an option since I live out in the frontier where there isn't a Nordstrom/Neiman/Saks! By the way, JK doesn't understand the appeal of purses - he thinks they are nothing special. Is this the deal with JW as well?

2. On my recent trip to the outpost/big city, I came across this Cynthia Rowley Martha at 75% off:

I think this one fulfilled my convertible obsession.

3. My momma got me a wallet! It's my first expensive wallet, and I don't want to put money in it - I only want to put clean, new things in it :)


So this all started with purses (I blame Thao for the bad influence!), then slowly, but surely, migrated on to shoes. I think I'm basically done with my purse obsessions (no funds basically!) and I've managed to hold off any any recent shoe purchases, but I don't know how long I can keep my guard up!

S

David Yurman Candy

Hey Shasha,
Is it a sign of me getting old if I'm starting to like David Yurman? JW calls it old lady jewelry...but I don't care. David Yurman rings are pretty little pieces of candy...one is not enough! I want a ring in every color - a rainbow of baubles.