Now that doesn’t mean that more good things won’t come along, but all (good) things must end…for me right now, it’s my vacation in the keys.  I have to trade low 70s (cold to those who live down here…that was me one day in my previous life) for low 20s.  A week of shopping, sunning, eating/drinking and did I mention shopping?  Oh right, I did.  I can’t wait to tell you about all my good finds!  I’d like to thank the fine ladies at Blue and Wild Lily for helping mom and I find such great things!  My suitcase is filled with fabulous Ella Moss dresses, a Monserat de Lucca handbag (LOVE), studded belt, and more more more.  Right now I really want to show you my handbag because it’s unique and fabuloso. 

Check out the beauty below…it’s actually really versatile.  It comes with two different straps.  One chain/leather shoulder strap and a long leather to make it a crossbody (honestly, I didn’t even know that until I was home).  I was drawn to it because it’s the *perfect* clutch.  It has neat zippers and compartments and the softest buttery leather ever.  I can’t wait to use it!  Check out the brand…neat handbags, jewelry, and scarves!!!

So the bad news? My much anticipated vaca is over.  The good news?  I am coming home with great memories and a box full of goodies being shipped to my door. 

shops love!

ps…if you are in the northeast (particularly md, philly or nyc) – I’m sorry and welcome to my life in ‘cuse!

It’s January…it’s cold…it’s snowy…and it’s time to get the heck out of New York!  The Shopaholic is heading to the Florida Keys – I’m ready for 5 days of relaxing, eating, drinking, sunning and of course, SHOPPING.  I will put on my travelin’ shoes, leave the 0 temp at home and arrive to mid-70s bliss.  It’s kind of fun to step away from your summer wardrobe and then begin to pack.  Most things feel new again!  However, I was struggling in the sandal department.  My summer 2011 research is showing the espadrilles as a hot commodity – so of course I had to grab a pair of those!

Steve Madden Fraid (mine are black) – love the distressing on the straps and they are extremely comfortable being such a high wedge.  Perfect with jeans, shorts, or a dress!

Athena Alexander Rusty – Mine are actually camel colored which I love right now.  Matches EVERYTHING while elongating the appearance of your leg.  Why didn’t I think of that years ago??

Shoes are packed, I’m ready to go!

shops love!!

Some girls are a sucker for flowers or chocolate or romance, but the fastest way to my heart is through my closet.  My husband must love me A LOT because over the weekend he built me the purse and shoe storage I’ve been asking for and it is everything I wanted and more.  I’m not writing today to brag (well maybe a little), but to tell you about the awesome products that were used to put together my newly organized closet.  California Closets and the like will charge you a few thousand dollars to organize your closet, but there are many DIY design tools to lay out your closet in any way that you can dream.  Most of our closet was already stocked with RubberMaid wire shelving, so we (well, the hubby) added the ClosetMaid Selectives Corner Shelves and tracking shoe shelves.  They are reasonably priced, look professional, and went up pretty quickly!  The corner shelves are great because then there is NO wasted space in the closet.  I use the corner shelves for purses mostly, but some folded clothes as well.

The next thing I bought to help organize was the Real Simple Slimline hangers.  Real Simple partnered with Bed Bath & Beyond to create the slimline hangers ($29.99 for a box of 50).  They do save some space, but the biggest benefit from what I can tell is that my tops will not fall off the hangers.  They stay hanging exactly how I put them in there.  This is a huge bonus with my cardis and slinky tops!  I recommend trying them out…I even got the clips so my regular slimline hanger can be transformed into a skirt hanger.  I must thank my friend Kim for the tip!  Her photos inspired me

Check out my pictures below for inspiration.  THANK YOU SO MUCH to Brian for working so hard to give me a Sex-and-the-City-esque closet.  The only thing that could make it better is if all my shoes had Carrie-worthy labels.

shops love!!!

Many people (not including me) make a New Years Resolution each year to work out…I heard on the radio that over $1 billion is wasted on gym memberships each year (meaning not being used).  So, instead of wasting the money on a gym membership, why not spend it on cute workout clothing?  Maybe that will be enough to inspire you to actually GO to the gym.  If not, at least you can lounge around the house in some hot new duds.  Plus I’ve *heard* that yoga pants make your booty look magnificent…I’m just sayin’.  Here are my favorite yoga-eqsue/workout apparel lines!!!

Lululemon is definitely what’s hot right now.  On a price scale, this definitely hits the high end of the workout apparel market…but the design and comfort when actually working out make it worth it.  The Groove Pant (shown below) has a flared bottom and comes in a variety of color combos ($98).  They also have cropped, running pants, lined/unlined and tops at various prices.  Also, if you live near a location they will alter the pants free of charge (good for shorties like me).

Next on my list is Victoria’s Secret PINK collection.  So this is MUCH more wallet friendly and super cute and comfy.  I have a cropped pair and regular pair ($32.50).  Also, I LOVE the top that the pic shows below.  What you can’t see is how long it actually is.  I live in these at home…at 2 for $24, I recommend stocking up on the basics and throw in some fun colors as well!!

GapBodyFit has a variety of styles – gFlex, gStretch, and gBalance ($49.50) but quality you can expect from the Gap brand.  Check out this cute fitted-lace active tank ($39.50)!  Now that is a workout apparel that I can handle!

Also under the Gap umbrella that many people may not know about is the line, Athleta.  It’s mostly yoga clothing, swimwear, running clothing, and athletic apparel.  Prices are closer to Lululemon on our price scale, but cute designs and authentic workout apparel – no imitations here!  If the abs came with the pants below ($89), I would wear them ALL the time!

So enjoy your new years resolution, your workouts, and your new athletic apparel!  No more t-shirts and sweats at the gym…at least look the part after paying your membership deposit!

shops love!!

I try try try to find a new store, something to compete, but I always go back to my roots.  Nordstrom is and always will be my favorite store.  After Christmas each year, I go to Nordies (.com lately because there isn’t a location nearby) and buy a few new things.  No coupon codes, no discounts…just need-to-have-it-now, full-priced fashion.  In January I’m always trying to move my closet in the springy direction, but still needing long-sleeves and closed toes.  My most recent order included some of my go-to brands and some new ones that I’m quite pleased with!  Here’s what my shopping cart included:

Longsleeve Tops by Eight Sixty
Pumps by Jeffrey Campbell

*The Splendid Stripe Dolman top is l/s, however the material is light enough that I will definitely wear throughout spring.  It’s super flattering with a long tank underneath!

*BP Cowl Neck Dress (yes, from the juniors dept) to wear to work.  I’m really into wearing dresses and skirts to work these days – mostly because it’s easier to wear boots with them rather than tucking in my work pants.  That being said, this dress is surprisingly cute, comfy and affordable!

*Eight Sixty Graphic Tunic – I bought this cute, silk number because I was looking for something to pair with leggings and black knee-highs for an upcoming party.  I love the pattern and it will work year round (in Syracuse at least)!

*Jeffrey Campbell Mary Jane Pump…mine are taupe and I just couldn’t resist.  I was looking for a pump in this color and the straps set them apart!

The key to these pieces is that they can all be worn in winter and spring…I’m finished buying sweaters until next fall!  I hope my new buys have inspired some shopping of your own…enjoy!

shops love!

It’s not often that I say this, but I have not done much shopping lately!  All of my fave things from the past few months were under my tree from my parents, my husband, and my in-laws – so there isn’t much left to buy!  I did get something super fun and unexpected from my sister that I must tell you about though.  Minnetonka Moccasin Boots.  The company is older than me (by like 2.5 times) and I would imagine they hit their stride in the 70s (along with Uggs who made an obvious come back).  Look for their classic moccasin characteristics like fringe and shearling.  When buying the boots they come in “layers,” meaning the number of layers of fringe.  I have the three-layer…just like these:

They look ADORABLE with black leggings and oversized sweaters…in the springtime, don’t put it past me to pair them with a cute dress or denim shorts/skirt with a longer top!  Check them out…both Zapposand Endlessoffer free shipping both ways so it’s risk-free shopping!  A big thank you for to my sister who brought this brand back to my radar!

shops love!

2011 is going to be the year of the babies…I can just feel it.  My family is perfectly complete, but I have many friends/acquaintances who are looking to expand their families this year!  Since I am the mother of a two-year-old, being pregnant is still fresh enough in my mind to give some shopping tips.  I was wearing maternity clothes by week 16 and I remember not wanting to shell out a lot of money on clothes that I would only wear for a bit of time.  I was lucky enough to get some *hammy downs* but because of seasons and stuff, I still needed to buy A LOT of new clothes.

Here are my tips: use a BellaBand to extend the life of your regular pants,  invest in a good pair of jeans, one nice dress (preferably black), and ditch the heels for something much lower and comfortable.  I wore pretty intense heels to two different weddings at 7-8 months preggo and ended up in physical therapy for 4 weeks.  Heels will totally screw up your alignment when you’re preggo so just stick with flats (especially at the end).  Also, with leggings and tunics being the trend still, you can get away with wearing non-maternity clothing for much longer.  I would live in leggings and maternity tops if I were preggo right now!  For the remainder of your wardrobe, I recommend looking at:

*Old Navy: You can’t beat the prices…typical ON quality, but it will last for at least one pregnancy.  I stocked up on tanks and some dresses for dirt cheap.  They have the best long, beater-type tanks!

*Target: Cute styles, totally affordable.  Definitely the place to stock up on your basics.

*GapMaternity (mostly online):  Maternity line looks so similar to their regular clothing line which made me happy.  Loved their shorts and and tanks (I had an August baby).  They have great bras too!

*Nordstrom: Look here when you need something for a specific event or special occasion.  I loved pieces made by Olian, Michael Stars, and Moody Mamas.

*Pea in the Pod: Very stylish clothing but you will pay for it.  They have great sales, so keep an eye out and shop when one hits!

To those of you who this post applies to…congrats and good luck!  Please share with anyone you think it could help

The Shopaholic wishes you a happy, healthy, and stylish new year.  Shops Love!

ps…the only “normal” undies that will get you through an entire pregnancy are Hanky Panky.  Buy a few pairs and at least they will work before and after!