Filed under: Blow Your Paycheck Friday
I SO DIE for these Yves Saint Laurent black and gold suede cutout wedge ankle boots.
They don’t really read “boot” to me, but I am in LOVE with the gold piping, the sexy cutouts and the gold accent on the wedge heel. At $1095, I think they are out of my price point (saving for Paris, people – maybe I can buy some YSLs there) but if you got it, they are at Saks.
Filed under: Culinary Delights
I take my health seriously, at least when I’m not eating thin crust pepperoni pizza and eating gummi bears after a night of drinking too much. But how seriously (and costly) should I take my health?
Today at lunch I headed to Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to pick up some healthy, organic eats: whole wheat pastry flour (for the best whole wheat pumpkin muffins ever), pumpkin butter (my fave brand McCutcheon’s), pearl barley, quinoa, natural peanut butter, everything crackers, multigrain savory thins… and ahem, a few (well, four to be exact) bottles of wine.
Jory and I walked about the Whole Foods store, searching for the above mentioned whole wheat pastry flour in every single corner until we asked for help. I was AMAZED by how expensive things were – raw organic peanut butter for $21.99 a jar? Yogi brand ginger tea for $4.99? (I bought the exact same stuff at TJ’s for $2.99.) I could go on and on and on…
So, after I spent $13 for barley, quinoa, pumpkin butter and whole wheat pasty flour, I noticed an advertisement for personal shopping curbside service. Seriously? It isn’t already bad enough that you are spending $3.99 per lb for heirloom tomatoes and $6.99 per lb for chicken sausage, but you also want to spend some EXTRA fee for personal shopping with curbside pickup?
I make a decent chunk of change, but I cannot IMAGINE spending $250 on groceries for a week and a half AND being too lazy to walk around the (expensive ass bourgeoisie) store to buy said $250 groceries so instead spending MORE money… I am confused at best. At the very least, I am positive that I will NEVER make enough money to buy all my groceries at Whole Foods and get them curbside delivered to my convertible Audi. I mean, how else can I afford all that premium gasoline? 
Filed under: Fashion Spy
Because one day in the not-so-distant future, I WILL rock a Cartier tank watch:
If I had $3,250 lying around with no plans, I’d be getting my Cartier today on RueLaLa. Join now!
Filed under: Girl Crush Wednesday
Let me apologize for last week’s lack of a girl crush. Work has been rough; I’ve been trying really hard to work out 5-6 times a week and eat (ready between the lines: cook and prep) healthy foods. So, I’ve been distracted. And I’ve been neglecting clearlyfabulous. And I am sorry.
BUT I have been enjoying some new seasons of many shows. Today I want to share with you guys just how much I adore Ree Drummond of The Pioneer Woman. Her dishes always look so delicious. (She had me when she made her beef enchiladas on Paula Deen’s show. And the slider bar? Getouttatown!) Her flaming red hair. Her hot cowboy husband Lad! Her pioneer – literally her ranch is insanely giant and gorgeous. She is such a doting mother. Did I mention the flaming red hair? In love… with a new show and a new blog!
I love having a new love. 
I don’t know if you can tell from the headline, but I have been going purge crazy. A couple of weeks ago, I hit the jacket closet up and sadly relinquished an orange coat I’ve been meaning to repair for years that is now too big. And a few other things.
Then when Kai came to visit we did a quick but mighty purge of my handbags. I kept the classic ones (even those I don’t ever or have ever even thought of carried) and tossed the rest – mostly Canal Street knockoffs from my past.
Oh and the shoes. I had so many shoes worn never, worn once. I mean close to two thousand dollars worth of shoes without a single scrape on the soles. What a waste of money! It goes to show that cheap stuff is not usually that cheap. This is why you cannot buy things due to their low price. Especially me… Welcome to my Sunday night of reflection.
What you cannot see in these photos is the EXTRA pairs of shoes that I decided to purge last night with (of all people’s assistance) Jamison’s help. We decided on a few that I have been resisting purging for a LONG time. And some shoes that I forgot about – literally. I mean, there were TWO pairs of Enzo Angiolini black patent ankle strap pumps (one brand new) from 2004. They were all the rage seven years ago, but the shape is a little odd now.
What I have learned from all of this purging is the importance of buying things that I truly LOVE. Just because something is highly discounted or a good deal doesn’t mean it should come home with me. And I am going to try to continue my rule of “if I don’t wear it within two weeks…” it has to go back.
I wish I’d taken a full “Before” picture of the dressing room – I’ll have to unearth some – b/c I am planning to change my entire shoe display/storage practice in the dressing room. Watch out. More to come!
Filed under: My Shopping Finds
One of the most well-known keys to success is to make declaration of your goal to people who will hold you accountable. I have many goals, but I need your help with one simple goal – one I think I asked for your help with this time LAST fall. Shopping. Not doing any.*
And I think this year it’s for good reason. Last year it was all about paying off tax debt and credit card debt – good but un-fun reasons. This year it’s still about paying off debt (at least a little) but it’s MOSTLY about saving for Paris in January. Way fun reason.
So, I started prepping myself for this challenge a few weeks ago when I decided I would definitely join my friend Rox in Paris. I even allowed myself a little “farewell” shopping trip with my girl Kai last weekend. And it yielded some good stuff from Nordstrom Rack:
Jack Plaid Coat – Would you believe I scored this for $39.97? I was thrilled. It is SO chic.
Brown herringbone Vivienne Vivienne Tam pencil skirt - This was $19.99. I was looking for a camel pencil skirt but the only one they had at the Rack was not up to quality standards. This worked nicely to at least have ONE pencil skirt in the brown-ish family to wear. Until I find my camel one. Which I’ve been searching for (fruitlessly) for nearly a YEAR. 
Chocolate Brown Steve Madden croc print belt (see below)- I am not sure if you’ve ever tried searching for a belt in small. It’s SO not easy. Especially when you exclusively shop at discounters like Marshall’s, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. But this belt looks very luxurious AND rang up at $18.97. I wish they had it in black too, but only mediums! I love the big chunky hardware too.
Adrienne Vittadini LBD - You guys know I am cheap, so paying $44.97 for this LBD was a pretty big splurge. However, I love the heavy stretch jersey fabric AND I really needed to replace my lone work-appropriate LBD. (This was painfully obvious when I wore it to a funeral a few weeks back. It’s just too big so it kinda hangs off my body. Never a good look.) And did you peep the sleeves? Such a way to amp up a simple piece. Yes, I am purging the old dress.
Toiletries:
Bliss hand cream - I love these creams, but I can’t dream of paying retail on it. Last time I was at the Rack, there was NO bliss cream. I got two this time. That is probably a yearish supply for me. And they were $3.97 each.
Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer – At $.99 and 0.5 oz, it is a traveling gal’s dream. So I bought three. And kinda wanted more… I am learning my version of restraint.
Spa Sisters eye mask – I hate the celery color but really needed one for my nightstand. I actually need like 4 but would not stock up in celery, even for $2.97. Yes, I am THAT girl.
Spa Sisters Shower Pouf – I always get these here. How Pink. $1.97. No questions about it.
Labratoire Remede Cleansing Cream with exfoliating beads - Winter is coming, so I’ll need a creamier wash. And it exfoliates, and I adore Remede. Damn you, Jo’ie for getting me addicted to the good stuff. Even at $16.99 it was a deal. One I almost didn’t get until the clerk told me it rocked.
Note: On a recent Ulta run, I scored two Nivea lotions for $5.28. It was my version of extreme couponing – buy one, get one 50% off, plus $3.50 off, plus two $1 off coupons. I feel like I need my own show.
The TJ Maxx trip was pretty quick b/c we realized we’d need to high tail it to brunch if we were to shop AND eat/enjoy cocktails at South City Kitchen before their flight.
Hobo International Black Patent Belt (Steve Madden belt from above also pictured) – This was only $12.99. And it was leather – unlike the vinyl Steve Madden belt I paid MORE for at the Rack. Now all my belt woes are solved! Between the brown and black basics I scored on this trip and all the belts I’ve been stacking all summer, I have LOTS of smalls to accent my waist on cute dresses, over jackets, etc.
*Restrictions and exceptions apply: Christmas shopping for others, key pieces on my “need” list – navy pencil skirt, camel pencil skirt, maybe ONE pair new boots for Paris, winter skin care if needed. And I’m sure I’ll think of others lol.
Filed under: Blow Your Paycheck Friday
Did you guys know that I am a badass? Oh you didn’t? Don’t be mistaken by my love of hot pink, bling and rhinestones. Yep, I’m a tough hard-core type chick. Of course, I am full of it. But when I saw these boots, it helped me theoretically tap into my badass self.
Remember the studded Pour La Victoire Boots I was haunted by last fall? Well, these Alexander McQueen Leather Lace-up Platform Ankle Boots are like those but WAY more fab:
And slight more refined. (All at the same time.) But the downfall? Quite an upgrade from the $249.99 price tag of the Pour La Victoire boots at TJ Maxx. The Alexander McQueen’s will set you back $1,580. That’s an entire boot budget for me. For two and half-ish years. Damn. But if you are ballin’ harder than me, you can get them (ASAP) at Saks. And be badass in them. Like me.
Filed under: Blow Your Paycheck Friday
I am really into the blush trend. I think that blush is one of the absolute best neutral shades. And of course I DIE for Chloe. And both the shape and the size are perfection:
I mean, even the clasp is AMAZING! Why is it $1450? That is some paycheck-blowing at it’s finest. But you can scoop it up at Saks.
Filed under: My Shopping Finds
So, as I’ve told you guys I am off to Paris this January. I have decided this means a very strict NO shopping rule goes into effect on September 19th. Luckily, I have scored some items recently and I plan to get a few things this weekend while shopping with my girl Kai.
So what all have I stumbled upon?
Missoni for Target Ballet Flats: These were $29.99 and took huge effort to track down. The Target near my house was destroyed when I arrived at 4:30ish after spending all day trying to get online to purchase items. I finally checked the web sale last night and saw some cute cardigans (die for the black one), swimsuit and robe that were all out of stock in my size. [Medium in case you want to hook a sister up. ] The ballet flats are chic and comfy, so they will have to do. I don’t usually rock ballerina flats but felt I might need a good pair of flats in the arsenal. And who can resist Missoni?
Betsey Johnson Fauz Fur Leopard Trench: I scored this at TJ Maxx for $99.99; however, you can get it at Dillard’s for $149. When I saw it, I just HAD to try it on. Then a chic older lady said, “Oh my. You HAVE to get that coat.” And the deal was sealed. I am prepared to be chic in Paris.
Taylor Red Jersey Dress with Embellished Shoulders and Neckline: I had spotted this on one of the online sample sale sites a while back for $59, which was just a little too much to splurge. But for $22.99 at my local Ross, I had to get it. I love the jersey they use – so comfy.
Grey Grace Solutions Ponte Pencil Skirt with Button Detail at Waist: I have been needing to donate my size 10 grey pencil skirt for a while, but I wanted to wait until I found a replacement in size 6 or 8. (This one’s an 8.) Hello, darling. I love the soft ponte material and the cute detail. I can see fab blouses tucked in all fall! Turtlenecks and tights in winter. And it was only $16.99.
Two One-Shouldered Swimsuits: I already have the Gottex Katalist in flame. And it is truly a gorgeous suit. Flattering, sophisticated. So I finally spent some time scouring the web and found it in bondi blue and black for $79.99 each on Bluefly, who also had a $30 off any $150 purchase promo. So, yes I bought them both.
Miscellaneous:
My local Ross also had perfect white rectangular porcelain platters for $2.49 each. (Makes me look ridic for considering the purchase of Missoni for Target melamine bowls for $3.49 each, huh?)
And to enable me to eat well (read between the lines: get really skinny for Parisian shopping and food and wine) all fall, I found some good quality Libbey glass storage containers with lids for $7.99 per set of four. Yes, I bought 12. Cuz that is how I roll. And the glass containers always mysteriously disappear.
And I am REALLY low on a random favorite eye serum from Zasmin - and I can only find it at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. While I didn’t find my beloved serum, I DID stumble on a DNA repair cream they make so I bought a couple.
At Aveda, I really fell for the Aveda Men Pure-Formance Composition Oil. It was only 1.7 ounces and it cost $20 or $25, but it made my scalp feel so invigorated.
And at Bath and Body Works, I stocked up on three C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve since they were buy 2 get one free.
I will share whatever must-haves I stumble onto this weekend with Kai and then – no mas. Please, hold me accountable, people!
Filed under: Fashion Spy
I am very interested in a few key looks for fall.
#1 – Fur: This Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Jacket is a great way to get started.
(Especially since I am not into the fur vest, so matter how long it stays trendy.)
#2: I am dying for Graphic Prints: stripes, polka dots, color blocking, and leopard prints.
J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Leopard – $118
Banana Republic The Mad Men Collection Leopard Satchel – $250
Express gathered collar ruffle-front top – $49.90
#3 – Brights: Has anyone else seem the red suit from Express? I die?
I am also jonesing for some red boots. These could do. Yes, I do already have some red boots but since when can you max out on fab?
Nine West Gracious in red suede
I also feel that I need pencil skirts in every color!
#4: The Structured Bag (I had to make the very grown up decision to begin tossing all of my old “knockoff” handbags, so I’ll need a serious stock up – which I commit to doing slowly.)
Michael Kors Ostrich-Embossed Satchel
Badgley Mischka Platinum Label Janella Haircalf & Leather Tote
#5: Embellishment – (The number does not at all represent its importance to me.) You guys know that I adore sequins, beads, pearls, etc. So this is perfect for me to get a few new pieces and hit up Goodwill for some previously loved items too.
Nine West Nathania in blue/navy satin – $89
Michael Kors Sequin Boucle Suit
But now that I am headed to Paris, my fall shopping budget just dramatically decreased. Hopefully I can score a few awesome things to send me off to Paris in style this winter. At least some red boots…
