Studs, Leather and Destiny - The Story of My Badgley Mischka Handbag

          You know that feeling when you fall in love with an unattainable dress or pair of shoes? You just can't afford it, or at least not without killing your bank account, but you can't stop thinking about it. Once you leave the store you keep wondering if someone's snatched it up yet or if it's just sitting where you left it, waiting for you to come back for it. Well, that was me about a month ago! During a TJMaxx shopping trip, I'd found the most beautiful Badgley Mischka handbag in black leather with gold studs and hardware. I was in awe of how soft the leather felt and how perfect the bag was. It was down from it's original department store price, but was still out of my budget. Reluctantly, I put it back and settled for a quick snapshot to remember it by. A few weeks later, I found it again, same price, same disappointment.

            Yesterday, I went back to TJMaxx once more to search for this bag of my dreams, in hopes that it went on clearance. My heart began to sink when it wasn't on display where it was the week before. But after a little digging, I saw those gold studs peeking from behind a couple less-than-average handbags and grabbed it before anyone could take it away from me. It was on sale so with my Christmas gift cards, and some help from my generous parents, it was a realistic purchase. I was finally united with this bag that had been on my mind for over a month! 

             I am now happy to say that this handbag is a part of my treasured collection and I'll be bringing it along with me to New York Fashion Week in a few days!

Love from Lulu's

    I am really happy to let you fabulous people know that I have an exclusive discount for my blog readers at one of my favorite online stores! Lulu's is offering a 15% discount from now until August 13th with the code OPENCLOSET. My favorite part of their store is definitely their dresses, so I thought I should make a list of a few of my favorites!

Chicks in the Kitchen Dress-$39

The little chickens on this dress give it a fun 70's vibe.

Don't Worry, Be Happy Dress (in black)-$38

Being a child of the scrunchies and mom-jeans

era, I love that 90's florals are so trendy.

French Toast Tuesday Dress-$38

This dress would look really cute with pastel pinks and

purples for perfecting a make-up color scheme.

Mother May I Dress-$29.50

This is one of those dresses that makes you feel just as light and airy as it looks on you

...just right for hot, hot days when you don't feel like wearing much of anything! 

On the Griddle Dress (in chocolate chip)-$40

A lovely little dress for a party...or summer barbecue.

Wherever you wear it, you're sure to look amazing!

Romantic Novel Dress-$35

The name totally fits! This number is just the dress

to wear on a romantic date!

Stained Glass Rose Dress-$38

I like how artsy this dress looks...if only I

had it when I visited my uncle's gallery!

Swallow Tail Shirt Dress-$45

I love t-shirt dresses...you can wear them with anything

and they're perfect for a casual weekend look.

Verona Velvet Dress-$25.50

I'm in love with the velvet trend for fall this year, so this is

a nice dress to transition from a summer wardrobe to an

autumn ensemble with a couple sweaters and some leggings.

(photo credits: lulus.com)

It's Hot, Hot, Hot!

   I hate that it's been so long since I've posted! Even though the school year is coming to an end, I feel like the hardest work has just begun! My chemistry class is crazy and we've just been assigned two big projects in English. Meanwhile, I still need to send in some job applications and get the rest of my driving hours. The only thing that's getting me through...the nice, hot weather! Right now it's 90 degrees and all I want to do is go to the beach!

Today's Outfit:

plaid romper-Abercrombie and Fitch

shoes-thrift find

button-down shirt-Rue 21

headband-made myself

     Being in a beachy mood, here are some cute summer clothes I found at Milly. I love sun dresses and these are no exception!  

Combo Day Dress-$248.50

Halter Maxi Dress-$367.50

Tabago Cay Spaghetti Dress-$240

Maui String Bikini Top-$105

Fiji String Bikini Bottom-$96

Harbour Island Drawstring Shorts-$155

Enter SWIM2010 at checkout

and enjoy 20% OFF the

entire Milly Cabana Collection

through Memorial Day!

Littlest Things

   So, as the snow will be rolling in shortly, I must get myself to think happy thoughts instead of saying farewell to the nicer weather we've had. My two cousins from Vermont are coming later in the week and I'm so excited to see them! This weekend I'm going to Boston, where I'm hoping to find some good thrift stores...any suggestions? Also, Friday, my English teacher told me that he had made me an editor of our school yearbook and that we'll be meeting on Thursday. My first editing position! It's no Vogue or Harper's Bazaar, but I'm still just as happy! If those aren't enough reasons to make me forget about the snow, here are some little things that will cheer anyone up!

Kimchi Blue Lipstick Box-$14.99

Urban Outfitters

Lipstick is a wonder for lifting one's spirits...vibrant colors can brighten the cloudiest of days!

Burberry Printed Slingback Sandals-$192.50

The Outnet

"Discount Burberry"...how amazing does that sound? These would make perfect shoes for walking around in the city and they'd look cute with a red Banana Republic coat I have.

"But this 'Down with Love' chick is too busy? Doing what? Eating chocolate?"

-Ewan McGregor in Down with Love

This movie is so cute and hilarious, I could watch it over and over!

 

Who's Up For 6am?

Yesterday I woke up early to go shopping for Black Friday sales. I was expecting long lines, crammed malls, and crazy deals, but to my surprise, it was lower key than years past. I knew the recession would have an affect on shopping, but I didn't think many could pass up the biggest shopping day of the year. I had expected killer sales, but no such luck. Most stores only had 20-40% off deals. I still had fun and got a lot of Christmas shopping done. I was able to spend every penny wisely, and still had a little money left for myself. I'll be posting pictures soon!

Highlights of Fahion's Night Out

Sadly, I couldn't make it to NYC for the amazing night of shopping last night, so I've been enjoying it from afar. Among all the stars, sales, signings, designers, and models, stores were crowded, dj's mixed music, drinks were served, and everyone went home with a story to tell. I wish I could've been there, but I'm hoping it'll become an annual event, in which case, I'll start planning now!

Anna Wintour and Michael Kors signing shirts at Macy's

Anna garnishes her own Fashion's Night Out tee with a couple of understated layered necklaces.

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at Bergdorf’s

Camilla Belle at Polo Ralph Lauren

A star-studded crowd at Macy's.

The cast of Hair performs in Macy's

Charlize Theron entering Dior

The starlet shows off her glowing skin.

Charlize signs autographs for her fans.

Outside of Dior

Ciara at Versace

Donna Karan

Gwen Stefani

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler

Johnathan Adler and Simon Doonan at Barneys

Kate Beckinsale

Leigh Lezark sets the tunes all night long.

Liev Schreiber at Ralph Lauren

Margherita Missoni

Sketching at Ralph Lauren

At Tiffany's

Oustide of Versace

Victoria Beckham

The one thing I'm glad I missed out on...the crowds!

pictures from- style.com and wwd.com