ClearlyFabulous

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!

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…

Looking forward to summer and enjoying the 85 degree weather today, I have found a few new swimsuits that I am feening for:

DVF striped bikini  – $260

Draped Solids Badgley Mischka Shirred Swimsuit – $108

St John Elegant Asymmetrical One Piece – $180

Purchasing my Spanx swimsuit last night got me OBSESSED with finding new cute suits for summer.  Here are some ones I am loving:

Mara Hoffman

Rosa Cha

Gottex

DKNY

Trina Turk

Gottex

Louis Vuitton

I can’t wait for hard core swimsuit shopping.  I am likely the only woman on earth (besides Amy) that loves buying swimwear.

My “Day After Christmas” evening of shopping at Burlington Coat Factory with my youngest sister Brittany was wildly entertaining.  My goofed off in the hat department for a while – I LOVE hats (as you know) and she thinks she looks funny in them (learn how to pimp them, dear.) 

We trolled the clearance racks until we couldn’t take it anymore – wait til you see my scores! 

We spent so much time checking out the baby section, that we had to FORCE ourselves to leave with only a few items for our nephew Carlos.

And then we hit the shoe section, where I ran into these super adorable shoes that paired wonderfully with my green polka dot socks:

Even a random passerby (a guy) said, “I like that.  Very eclectic.”  Code:  Girl, you look like a crazy, hot mess.  But based on my grown-woman approach to shoes – no non-leather or suede items – I had to leave them.  Still thought I’d share them with you guys though!

OK, why am I being tortured with fab Tadashi Shoji evening and cocktail dresses I want for myself when it’s holiday gift shopping time?  And financial diet time?

One shoulder pailette dress – $129:  Chic grecian goddess!!!

Long sleeve pailette gown - $229:  So disco fab!

Pailette draped gown - $199

Any of these would be fab for Mardi Gras, but I will work for two dresses Rox scooped for me at Last Chance.  One was $39.97 and the other was $24.97.  But sadly, neither is as fab as these.  Sighs.  Wants to weep…

Find them on ideeli.

The Sue Wong Strapless Feather Dress is on HauteLook and of course it’s sold out for all sizes except mine.  I hate that I am not going to buy it:

So perfect for Mardi Gras.  And the $212 price tag is 60% off the original price of $529.  My financial diet sucks!

OMG, the Pour La Victoire boots I strongly considered at TJ Maxx last Saturday for $249.99 were on sale for $199 at RueLaLa today!  And I missed them.  Sniffle…

Conspiracy!

Went to Old Navy

The Rockstar Super Skinny Denim Leggings on sale for $19.99

Wishing I was not SO focused on paying off debt this year and next year that I could justify buying any of these bags on Gilt Groupe:

Venetia - $749

Python Robert Jennifer - $1189

Leather Robert Leslie - $749

Damn, I HATE being a grown up.  For real.