I Totally Need This: August 2010

Friday I'm in Love!

After a rough week, including a hospital stay for my father-in-law (pneumonia) and my first days of school at a new university, this Friday is shaping up to be a good one. I finally extended an offer for my assistant position (after 4 months of nonstop interviewing!), my husband and I are meeting my family at the beach for a campout (a reprieve from the triple digit weather we've had), and I get to see my super cute 4 year old nephew.

I've really been good on my month-long shopping ban, I think I'm kind of just going to see how long I can do it. I know I need some new t-shirts and will need some sweaters for the fall, but I think I'll hold out a little bit longer.

Something did catch my eye last night, however, and I've been thinking about it ever since.

Ladies, meet Kristin:

I saw this gorgeous leather satchel in Los Angeles magazine and instantly fell in love. This teal blue is one of my absolute favorite colors. I love the bag's structure, I love the chain detail, and as a girl who carries lots of things, I love all of the pockets on the interior!

Look at the hobo! I love the outside pocket detail on this. The brass trim is so fabulous next to that blue. Also available in a gorgeous color called Raisin.

Ebates

A friend of mine recently said to me that she appreciated my thriftiness. I love to shop, but I always look for a bargain. I think it comes from my college days, when I was often very broke. I scoured discount and thrift stores for treasures and made my limited budget work for me.

Although I'm no longer in the financial constraints of my younger days, I still hold on to those habits. Yes, I do sometimes splurge on a full-price item but you better believe that's rare!

So one of my favorite tools for saving money right now is a fab website called Ebates. Ebates is a gateway to many retailer websites and gives you cash back on your purchases! Each retailer has a % cash back on your total purchase amount. They send the rebate checks quarterly, all you have to do is log in to their site and click through to the retailer you want to shop - easy!

For example, if you purchased through Macys.com today, the cash back is 6%. Spend $100 and get $6 back. Best part is, it isn't a discount code so you can stack the cash back with other discounts, like free shipping!

If you aren't a member of Ebates, click here and get $5 into your Ebates account.

It's been a while...

I know, it's been over a week! Things have been happening like crazy and I'll get to that a little later.

Most importantly, there is a fabulous Groupon going on today. Today's Los Angeles deal is $25 for $50 worth of GAP merchandise - that's 50% off! You can use it at any GAP in the US (not the outlets) and it's good through November 19. What a smart move for GAP!

Click here to get this deal. If you are not yet a member, click here.

Here are some of my picks for this deal:

Love this sequin stripe tee!

Must-have skinny pants!

I love the length of this tank!

Get this classic shawl cardigan for half-price with this promo!

This skirt is cute and versatile.

For dresses, I love this silky ruffle dress...

...and this dotted ruffle dress.

As you may notice from my side bar, I am on a one-month shopping ban. This is to make up for the spending spree I had before my Florida trip. Having the shopping ban makes posting a little difficult. It's taking all my strength to not buy this Groupon today!

My shopping ban is also due to the fact that my husband and I are a) saving to buy our first home and b) saving for a vacation. I'm coming to the realization that as much as I love shopping, it's cutting into my other budgets!

So I need to work on keeping myself on the track, and using the blog in the way it was intended: to share beautiful things that I "need" to have, but may not necessarily purchase. I'd also like to share some of the ways I'm stretching the dollars that I do spend. As much as I am a fashionista, I'm also a bargain-hunter!

So I'm looking forward to more posts this week! Enjoy your day!

Today on Ideeli

Ideeli is a fabulous sample-sale/discount website for designer clothing and accessories. They usually have at least 9 or 10 sales going at one time.

Right now they are featuring two of my favorite accessory lines: Kenneth Jay Lane and Melie Bianco.

The jewelry is running anywhere from $16 for a pair of gold double hoop earrings (regularly $45) to $199 to an incredible wood bib necklace (regularly $600!).

The Melie Bianco bags are priced from $19 to $39. Curses to you August shopping ban!

Here's a sample of what's available on Ideeli today:

Double zipper hobo - $32

Periwinkle satchel $34

Green pyramid hobo $32

Ruched pocket hobo $32

Turquoise bangle $79

Green enamel ring $34

Wood bib necklace $199

Bamboo hoops $29

Different seasons

I'm not sure what retailers are up to these days but this nonsense has to stop.

I'm talking about the great season switch of course. You know what I mean - it's pouring rain and freezing outside and Macy's wants to sell you sundresses and swimwear. Right now in L.A., we're preparing for an inevitable late-summer heatwave and my local shops are stocking cashmere and coats.

It makes me a little sad that we don't get beautiful crisp fall weather here. I have memories of cooking Thanksgiving dinner in shorts and a t-shirt because it was 90 degrees outside. My sweaters and boots don't make appearances until January or February. This gives me extra planning time for my "L.A. Fall" wardrobe. I suppose I should be thankful - by the time I need it, the goodies are going on sale.

Here's what I'm looking for this fall season:

These over-the-knee Frye boots are killing me right now! I'm coveting them in this color (curry) and also in this gorgeous purple.

A classic riding boot will work season after season.

A lightweight cashmere tee in a bright color. It's all about layering!

Better get one in short sleeves too!

Stretch cargo skinnies, I'll probably want to wear these every day.

A cute and edgy "leather" jacket to pair with those skinny cargos or pair with a dress.

A classic wool blazer in a bold color.

A versatile cashmere piece that works as a wrap or a scarf. A must-have!

What are your "have to have" Fall pieces?

Sale Mail Roundup

Oh Sale Mail, you have been the downfall of many a monthly budget! Today's Sale Mail was a good one, full of goodies and deals.

Ann Taylor Loft is running a "Friends and Family" promo right now - 30% off and free shipping on orders over $100 with code FRIENDSAF. Not too shabby!

Here are my favorites picks from today's Sale Mail:

Utilitarian chic, just in time for fall's military trend.

Kate Spade nails 1960s Palm Springs style. Get a similar style here.

I can't say no to a cork platform!

Classic!

I love a classic with a twist and this short sleeve cardigan fits the bill.

Every girl needs some bling, especially in this muted neutrals!

I love this yellow color. Pair with dark skinny jeans and chocolate brown leather boots.

Feminine and elegant, how cute!

Anything good in your Sale Mail? Please share any goodies in the comments!

I'm back!!!

I'm back from my lovely and sweltering trip to Florida, hopefully I'll be able to post some photos soon. My planned outfits worked out great, but I way overpacked! Who'd have thought I'd spend most days in a swimsuit? The reunion outfit was perfect, I didn't feel over or underdressed.

And now it's back to the grind, back to reality. And I seriously miss lounging beachside...who wouldn't? Yes, we are having lovely summer weather here in L.A. now but when you're stuck in an office all day, weather is kind of a moot point.

Sigh...it may as well be raining outside. Sad face.

So I'm doing a little daydreaming of easy-breezy summer clothes. Light colors, bright florals, ruffles, sheer fabrics. One of my favorites summer labels is Tibi, the epitome of "casual chic". Everything is feminine and elegant without being stuffy. Here are some of my favorite picks: