Yesterday JoJami posted that she was down in Key West craving a new little sundress so popped into Banana Republic to buy one. Co-incidentally I was in Toronto in Banana Republic looking at the same dress, but didn’t end up getting it, although it was darling. I decided on something else…
It’s that weird spring weather here in T.O., beautiful and springlike one day and freezing and rainy the next. Yesterday, I was so sick of sitting at my computer in black leggings ,a long top and belt, that I decided to head to the mall for something light and fresh. I like Banana Republic because they have casual basics, usually lots of color ( which you know I crave) and their prices are such that if I get tired of something after a while I don’t feel like I’ve wasted my money.
I ended up with two pairs of sateen cropped pants (navy and olive) and a very cute vivid scoop neck peach top and scarf. I call this my new work from home uniform- casual, comfy but chic with my new Stuart Weitzman flats.
I tried on a lot of the frilly tops they were showing, but for me they just didn’t seem right, and my 10-year-old son let me know too. When I looked in the mirror I felt too young and girly, almost silly in them and my son confirmed that by telling me straight, mom you look like Hanna Montana!
I love my Stuart Weitzman gold cut out flats!
My mind was made up. Now I just need to look for a couple of other cute tops to mix and match. Shopping after 40, 50 and beyond..It’s work!
Do you work from home? What are you wearing these days? Send us a photo and we’ll post it.
Last post I (Deborah) blogged about the comfy purple Cole Haan purple airsole pumps I just bought. I’m going to wear them with my charcoal gray pencil skirt, my cream/purple/black/ rust Eli Tahari print bow tie blouse, and my pretty purple cardigan.
A few of you were asking if I had bought any boots? Yes! >>>In July I saw this pair of Stuart Weitzman suede flat boots and scooped them up. They are fabulous and I will get a ton of use out of them because I wear a lot of leggings and big sweaters.
I waited too long last year to buy flat boots and by the time I went out to buy the Michael Kors pair I had eyed for quite some time I could not get them in my size. I looked everywhere. Lesson learned: when you see what you like, you have to buy, quick.
Somehow these boots started me on a wild fall shoe binge.
<<<I also picked up 2 pairs of ballet flats. This cute zippered pair by Marc Jacobs are an interesting shade of purpley blue (love the zippers). I’ve been wearing them with jeans and jeggings.
My new Tory Burch flats
I also like my adorable new two tone, brown and black Tory Burch flats which are so practical because they go with everything.>>>
Finally, I went all out and bought these Michael Kors lace up booties…. They’ll look great with my skinny black jeans, black top and new long red swing jacket.
What shoes/boots are you thinking of buying this fall?
Have you been sucked into Handbag Status Hell?
The latest email from Neiman Marcus, shows this season’s newest look… the HUGE oversized handbag from designer Jimmy Choo. The price, $1,690. OUCH!! (and it’s ugly!)
Funny how no one really talks about it, but somehow we have been brainwashed into believing that if we are not toting the latest, greatest “it” bag, that we haven’t really made it. The pressure is on and every time you pick up a fashion magazine, there’s some writer making the justification for buying one of these much obsessed about bags that come with outrageous four figure price tags. The rationalization is that these hot luxury bags are after all, such amazing quality, and that when you really think about it they add up to only a few cents a day over many years, and best of all, you’ll have them for a lifetime!
But aren’t we fooling ourselves a little? Yes, we boomers have more money than our parents did, but aren’t we going overboard? You have wonder- How much quality do you really need? Are you actually going to use such a pricey bag a lifetime (boring), and isn’t the price slightly insane, especially when you are encouraged to buy another “it” bag every change of season.
We too, have felt the pressure to own an expensive status bag and confess that on one occasion we’ve both spent close to $1,000 on a single purse. (a special “treat” we told ourselves). But was it really worth it?
Yes, the bags we bought were gorgeous in our eyes, and yes, we could afford them, but after a couple of seasons they are now stashed away in our closets we’re on the lookout for something new and interesting.
So the question is: When it comes to buying a new purse how high do you go? Once you do buy a status purse are you hooked into forever buying expensive status purses? Do you become a purse snob? (We think it’s an easy trap to fall into)
If you find yourself going down this crazy road, one option is to at least test drive one of these purses first. BAG BORROW OR STEAL is a great site that allows you to rent a high end designer bag that you can carry around for a while and then take it back when you are done. That way 3 months from now when the new styles roll around, you have not sunk all your money into a purse that is suddenly out or that you are just tired of.
If you think you can somehow move past your “It’s only a great purse if I pay a fortune for it hang-up”, then we have a few suggestions for some classic handbags that are beautiful, high quality and won’t leave you feeling ripped off.
These purses, from:
Francesco Biasia, Stuart Weitzman, and Furla are all fabulous choices.
They’re classic with a modern twist, high end, but all under $500.
Expensive, but not totally outrageous. A good compromise perhaps!
