Louis Love

Recently I made the decision to purchase my first luxury item all for myself with my own money. Working and being an adult is stupid for the most part in my opinion, but things like this make it totally worth it. I am now the proud owner of a Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Canvas Neverfull. Now, I have been toting around my mom's vintage Speedy for the past several years that she got before I was born, but it was not the same as having my very own. This is also the reason I chose the Damier in a tote, because it was different than what I already have access to (even though I wouldn't mind also having a new Speedy!) I thought I'd regret my decision as soon as I handed over my card to Matt, my new LV salesperson who thinks I am going to buy from him regularly judging by his wording in the thank you card he sent me, but to my delightful surprise I had very little remorse. It felt beyond great. Although I am not entirely in the position and point in my life to be carrying around an $825 bag, I felt it had to be done. When else would I? When I have a mortgage? And kids? Hopefully, but I am staying in reality for the time being, and assuming now was best.

Thanks to my Dad for buying my mom that bag over 25 years ago I can see for myself that I, too, will be carrying mine for a very, very long time. I could not be happier with it. If you ever have some extra cash I encourage you to indulge in something great. It's worth it, I promise.

Love,

Amanda

A New Beginning

My much anticipated return is here! (kidding.) I have decided to continue with this blog, and stick with it. I need some sort of creative outlet in my life - so writing this blog will have to be it for now. The fact being that I love, love, love to shop, I have decided to alter the purpose of this blog just a bit. Instead of depressingly writing about things I would like to have I will highlight my favorite purchases and why. Hopefully inspiring some fashion advice along the way. Enjoy!

Love,

Amanda

Hello, Moto

I am all about jackets that make a statement for the 2010-2011 fall/winter season. I love how they can take any simple jeans-and-a-tee outfit over the top; especially an edgy motorcycle jacket like this. I'm obsessed! This Miss Sixty M60 one retails for $78 at Nordstrom (though I can't find it on the site). The faux-leather feels great, and will be warm to wear into the colder winter days. For those days that you just want to unleash your inner bad-girl, a jacket like this will be perfect. If you aren't into the motorcycle thing, I suggest getting yourself some sort of jacket that makes a statement! They're in this season, so you will be sure to find something that you love that fits your budget.

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Miss Sixty M60 Faux-Leather Studded Motorcycle Jacket. $78.

Fall for Marc

Today I fell in love with Marc. Jacobs, that is. To clarify, I have actually always been in love with Marc Jacobs, but today I fell in love with a handbag (just in time for fall!) It found me thru my daily ShopBop email this morning (featuring transition pieces in a fall palette) where I initially decided I love this handbag. While walking around Nordstrom later in the day I came across the bag again. After examining it and trying it on, the decision was made that I must have it. (Eventually, when I can save the $400 to actually purchase it. ha!)

I still love over sized handbags, but lately I have been into using smaller bags (or over sized clutches, rather) and small cross-body bags. This Marc by Marc Jacobs combines the two ideas perfectly with a beautiful, soft, eggplant leather. The style is classic, yet totally "in" for fall and winter. A darker shade other than brown of black will give your outfit a little more character while still allowing you to wear the handbag everyday. Let go of your over sized satchel this season, and go for a fun smaller bag instead. You will not have trouble finding one you love (and that's more affordable)!

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Classic Q - Little Ukita" Covertible Crossbody Bag. $398. Available where Marc by Marc Jacobs is sold. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3114869?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=predictivesearch&keyword=marc+by+marc+jacobs&origin=searchresults

Jeggings

The greatest innovation in fashion of all time, in my opinion, is jeggings. Jean leggings are the perfect wardrobe staple if you are like me, and refuse to wear jeans most of the time. From my $12 jeans to my $200 jeans, they are all equally as uncomfortable and binding despite the price. Unfortunately, jeans are necessary for many outfits, forcing me (and many others) to sacrifice comfort for fashion. While this is often the case in fashion, it shouldn't have to be with every outfit, since jeans are such a staple piece.

I have been searching for the perfect "jegging" for some time now, and have finally found it! J Brand "The Legging" stretch jean are it. J Brand has great jeans in general, but "The Legging" is the comfiest jean you will ever wear. They look and feel just like real denim, yet are so much more comfortable. These jeans are so stretchy that if I were able to do a split, I would! For me it was easy to justify investing in these J Brand skinnies because I know I will live in them. If you can't, you can definitely find much cheaper similar styles elsewhere as they are very popular for fall. Urban Outfitters, GAP, Express, and even stores like Burlington and Marshalls have them. Either way, I highly recommend a pair to add to your fall wardrobe.

Love,

Amanda

P.S. J Brand's "The Legging" jean is currently on sale at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! An added bonus! A rep. from J Brand was there when I purchased mine, and she said they cannot even keep them in stock.

Featured: J Brand "The Legging" Stretch Jeans. $178 (Sale: $109 for a limited time). Available at Nordstrom and where J Brand jeans are sold.

Bye,Bye Bags

So we all have late nights and early mornings that lead to less than desirable tired, puffy eyes. Not very attractive, but how do we fix it? I was given an excellent product to try that helps this situation, and I must say it is great. Formulated by dermatologist Patricia Wexler MD, Wexler's Fastscription De-Puff Eye Gel helps to tighten skin around the eyes, as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles (because even at 23 I am already developing them!)

As the press release states, "send your bags packing" with this innovative new product. Unlike most similar products on the market, Fastscription De-Puff Eye Gel not only quick-fixes bags under the eyes, but keeps them gone. I've been using this product in the mornings for a couple weeks now, and I can concur that it works. You can feel it working as the puffiness goes down almost instantly!

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Wexler Fastscription De-Puff Eye Gel. $19. Available at select Bath & Body Works stores (or bathandbodyworks.com), or by calling 800.395.1001. http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2648698

Saddle Up

As I was browsing the Anthropologie website, I absolutely fell in love with these spectator inspired heels! Saddle-like shoes are in right now, and these, to me, are the perfect play on the retro style. I love the peep toe and mary-jane strap! They give the spectator shoe a girlie touch, and "girlie" is always fashion's way to my heart.

While I have no business spending $148 on a pair of shoes right now, they are definitely getting book-marked until a sale (if I can hold out that long!) I just thought these were too adorable not to share!

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Anthropologie Back Rock Spectators. $148. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=SHOES-HEELS-HEIGHTS&id=18487041&catId=SHOES-HEELS&pushId=SHOES-HEELS&popId=SHOESBAGS&sortProperties=&navCount=270&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=001&colorName=BLACK&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=