Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

Photos via Nordstrom.com

These are our picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale--in which on-trend fall pieces are currently on sale.  On August 6, when the sale ends, items will return to their original prices.

1. Clarisonic Mia 2: We both use this face brush, and we just picked one up for our sister-in-law.  It makes your face feel baby soft.  Our mom is also a big fan, so all of the ladies in the Jane Squared family give it our ringing endorsement.
2. Ivanka Trump - Abello Flat ($89.90 | after sale price of $134.50) : I available in two colors--black and nude--and in multiple widths, which I definitely appreciate.  This is my first experience with Ivanka Trump shoes, and I think the quality is pretty nice. These flats are also available in light teal and burgundy. You can check out how fellow blogger Ping of All about Fashion Stuff rocks the nude version here.
3. HUE Denim Legging ($29.50 | after sale price $39): These are well reviewed and you can check out the always helpful Q&A section for fit details. The Nordstrom team is pretty good about answering any questions you may have. We've had some good experiences with Hue's quality.
4. BP Runway Boot ($89.90 | $129.95) - See all the ways we've worn these boots.  Jane Squared each walked away from Nordstrom with a black pair of these boots, even though Aili already has the cognac pair. See how we wear our much beloved BP Runway Boots.
5. Open Heart Necklace - Dogeared: I don't think this is actually part of the anniversary sale, but Dogeared's dainty jewelry is too adorable to pass up.
5. Burberry Brit Double-Breasted Trench ($695 | after sale price $1,095)
7. Kate Spade Handbag: Lots of fun bags from Kate Spade; if you don't see what you want available online, it's worth calling or stopping in to see if a Sales Associate can help you track it down.
8. Gabe B Blazer - Theory ($259 | $395): A perennial favorite of the 9-to-5 set. This jacket is beautifully made. Runs quite small.

If you're shopping the Anniversary Sale, let us know what you picked up!

Alice+Olivia Anita Striped Dress & French Connection Unno Cap Sleeve Dress

Hello from the fitting room!  In light of all of the upcoming Memorial Day sales, I wanted to share two dresses that I've been loving lately.  Memorial Day is one of my favorite three-day weekends; who doesn't love the start of summer?  BBQs, beach, and chino shorts are calling my name.

Unno Cotton Cap Sleeve Dress, French Connection ($188) | shop
Every girl needs a classic LWD (the summer version of the LBD), and I think structured one from French Connection is a good option.

Anita Striped Belted Dress, Alice + Olivia ($396) | shop

I'm in love with this dress; it's fun and whimsical.  Plus the back of the dress has a really sweet button detail; I didn't manage to snap a photo of it, but check it out here.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled holiday weekend.

Crawfish Boil + Online Shopping Tips & Tricks

On Saturday, my family and I celebrated my nephew's first birthday with a extra delicious crawfish boil.  JET is turning 1 at the end of this week, and I can't believe he's already so big!

On an unrelated note, I wanted to confess that I am an online shopping junkie.  Actually, I much prefer shopping online to shopping in stores; I find it convenient, stress free, and available to me at any time; plus, everyone loves receiving mail.  There are some downsides to online shopping (no chance to try on or examine the item prior to purchase, item may not meet expectations, etc.), but overall, it's my favorite way to shop, and I wanted to share some of my best tips for shopping online with you.

Tips for Shopping Online

1. Shop through a cashback site.  Your credit card company or bank might offer cashback for purchasing through their shopping portal.  I've had a lot of success with Ebates & Mr. Rebates.  (Referral links. If you sign up for Ebates via this link, then we'll each receive $5 or a $10 giftcard.).  Last quarter alone, I received a check for $74.53 from Ebates, so needless to say, I'm a huge fan.

2. Never pay for shipping.  Reach the free ship minimum offered by many retailers by simply purchasing an extra item or two; I don't want to encourage mindless consumerism, but I'd much prefer to put my money towards a desired instead of shipping charges.

If you have a B&M store you can also choose the "ship to store" option, and the retailer will ship your items to your local brick and mortar store at no extra cost to you.  Plus, if you decide to return the items, then you are generally not refunded shipping fees.  Alternatively, you can look for free shipping codes at sites like FreeShipping.org.

Amazon.com also Amazon Prime accounts if you are an "Amazon Mom"; paid Amazon Prime accounts are $79/year.2. Keep in mind that everything (well, nearly everything) can be purchased at a discount.  Even high end items that never seem to go on sale, like Burberry trenches, Manolos, etc.

3. If you avoid online shopping because you're apprehensive about how things will fit, then consider shopping at retailers that provide hassle free returns at no cost to you.  And most retailers with B&M stores  (Gap Family of Stores, Macy's, Kohl's, Forever 21, Target, Lands' End, etc.) will process your returns in store. My favorite retailers that offer free returns include

- Nordstrom
- Zappos (1 year return policy)
- Endless (1 year return policy)
- Sephora (free returns, but free ship minimum is $50)

There is also a service called ShopRunner, which provides two-day shipping & returns for a few different retailers; this is a fairly new service, and my credit card company was offering card holders the opportunity to try a free one-year subscription.  I've used it a few times, and it works just fine, but I don't shop ShopRunner retailers frequently.  Check it out here, if you're interested and ShopRunner also offers a 30-day free trial.

4. Get discounts!  Nearly everything goes on sale or can be had at a discounted price--even those items that never seem to go on sale from Hunter boots to Manolos & Burberry coats.  The easiest way to get a discount are coupon codes.  In order to access these codes, you can do one or many of the following:

- Sign up to get e-mailed coupons to your favorite stores. 

- Or if you don't want junk mail sent to your account, then find a coupon code at sites like SlickDeals, RetailMeNot.com or Hip2Save.
- You can also check the social media sites of your favorite store.  Facebook pages and Twitter feeds often offer up exclusive deals & coupon codes.
- If you have a smart phone or tablet, then download your favorite store's apps.  Stores like H&M, Sephora, and many others offer exclusive promotions for customers that download their apps.

5. Use services like Savvy Circle or Sees the Sale to keep you updated on particular items that you're interested in.  Simply create a wishlist, and when items go on sale or are discounted, Savvy Cirle or Sees the Sale will send you an e-mail.

I hope you found that helpful, and please share your favorite shopping tips with us in the comments!

From the Fitting Room: JCrew & Lands' End

Don't forget to check out the Janes try on more JCrew. :)

Left: Candace Dress in Ink Dot ($89.99) | shop | - Not a fan of the fit on this dress, though I think I prefer the Ink Dots to the paisley (also $89.99) or floral ($69.99) version.  The ruffles didn't flatter the bust, and it runs a bit big.  On the plus side, it's fully lined & is comprised mostly of a nice silk.
Right: Lace Bluson Dress in Black ($69.99) | shop - I actually picked this up in the Old Lace colorway ($69.99 + an additional 30%)

Top: Linen Popover | shop - I think I linked you to the right top, but I'm not sure because I don't think this top is linen... Anyway, this sweater is easy, cute, and casual.  I enjoy the button detail, the color is really fun for fall, and I imagine it would be a fun color blocking piece.  I do like it, I just don't love it.  So pass for me.
Shorts: 3" Chino Short in Ceylon Tea ($29.99) | shop

If you're making a purchase at J.Crew don't forget to use code LOVEIT for an extra 30% off final sale items.  I believe today is the last day that the LOVEIT code is valid.  Also, J.Crew is offering free shipping on women's tees & knits.  Free ground shipping is applied automatically at checkout.

After J.Crew, we checked out Lands' End.  This was our first experience with Land's End, and overall, we're fans.  The cut, fit, and quality of Lands' End Canvas pieces were all nice; I wouldn't call them premium items, but for the price (of sale items, at least), it's worth checking out.  I think I'll be shopping Lands' End more frequently.

Lands' End carriers a variety of sizing: petite, plus, wide & narrow shoe sizes.  Lands' End Canvas, on the other hand, is considered a "trendier line" and is only available in regular sizing.  I think most items from the Lands' End Canvas line would be too big for a smaller petite woman; Lands End Canvas is available at some Sears locations.  Plus, you can score a 15% discount with student ID.  :)

Dress: Ballerina Dress in Clear Blue ($69.50 $39.99)| shop - This also comes in a reddish pink tone.  The fit-and-flare silhouette is one of my favorites, but I think there might have been a little too much flare (makes the hips look a little wide) and not enough fit (in the bust area).  I do like this crisp cotton material quite a lot.  No pockets.  Didn't fit beautifully in the bust.  Cheap zipper.  Well the one I tried on at least had a sub-par zipper... and is there anything worse than a terrible zipper on the perfect dress?

Blazer: Heritage Navy Blazer ($190) | shop - Aili and I both tried this on, and it runs a little small.  IT's definitely a dark navy that could easily be mistaken for black.

Top on Right: Patterned Stretch Poplin Shirt in Orange Sunset Tattersail ($49.50)| shop - As far as button downs go, I can't really complain.  The fabric is lightweight and contains a hint of stretch--perfect for layering under a blazer or cardigan.

Skirt on Right: Pleated Skirt in Dusty Jade ($49.50 I scored it for $13) | shop - This skirt is made of crisp cotton--the same material as the Ballerina Dress.  I think it might wrinkle fairly easily, but I don't really mind, as it's a perfect summer piece.  It's fully lined, has pockets, the color is beautiful and for $13, I'm a happy girl.  It also comes in a light blue & a pink colorway.

Cardigan on Right: Heritage Cardigan in Camel, Land's End Canvas ($39.50) | shop - This is nice; it is similar to the JCrew's Jackie cardigan but has full-length sleeves.  

Patterned Chambray Shirt in Dark Chambray Dot ($49.50) | shop

Skirt on Right: Gathered Wrap Skirt in Cardinal Red on Ailyn and Black on Aili ($39.50) | shop - We were a little puzzled by this skirt.  It fits nicely and we do love the pockets, but the sporty skort look feels more appropriate for hitting the tennis courts.  

J.Crew Fitting Room Reviews

The two Janes did a little shopping over Labor Day Weekend.  Check out our J.Crew Fitting Room Reviews.  Hopefully these less than stellar iPhone photos are somewhat helpful during J.Crew's extra 30% off final sale (code: LOVEIT).

Left: Jackie Cardigan ($39.99) | shop - Both Janes own this cardigan in multiple shades; needless to say, we love it.  It looks cute with shorts or pants and it tucks beautifully into skirts.  It also holds up pretty well after several washes and the color doesn't fade too much.  This review is only relevant for the Jackie Cardigans at J.Crew, not the Jackie Lookalikes at the J.Crew Factory Store.  Our only caveat: we're ambivalent about the three-quarter length sleeves; a full-length sleeve is more appropriate for the cold fall and winter months in the Midwest.
Right: Blythe Shirtdress in Dark Navy | shop - I was so excited about this dress when I saw it online; even on the hanger, it looked beautiful.  Unfortunately, I'm just "meh" about it.  There's no specific complaint, but the dress just didn't meet my expectations.  Fits TTS.  Silk is of nice quality, & the navy color is richer in person.  If you're not into dresses, check out the Blythe Blouse in silk ($49.99).
Shoes: Taiwan

Top: Puff-sleeve Popover in Vibrant Flame (59.90) | shop - I saw this shirt priced at $59.50 in stores, but it's $79.50 online.  I believe JCrew.com will match in store prices.  See review below.

Skirt (left): Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool in Cool Pine ($128) | shop - This skirt comes in several pretty colors that are perfect for fall.  Though it's fully-lined, I found it itchy, it lacks pockets, the material is stiff, and the boxy pleats don't flatter my figure.  

Shorts (right): 3" Chino Short in Ceylon Tea ($29.99) | shop - I've gotten a lot of wear out of these shorts.  They're the perfect length for me--short enough to elongate my legs, but long enough to ensure that I'm showing the world the goodies. ;)

Top: Puff-sleeve Popover in End-on-End in French Blue ($79.50) | shop - Jane Squared loves this top!  The sleeves fit a bit tight around the cuff for both of us; I guess that just means the guns are a little too buff. :) The end-on-end version of this shirt is thicker and sturdier than the solid colored or striped version.

Skirt: Origami mini in Houndstooth ($128) | shop - Apparently this skirt was designed to sit at the waist, but I think it's a little too mini for that; I'm only 5'2", so I imagine that this would be extremely short on someone taller than me.  Pros: the lovely houndstooth pattern, the pleating, the pockets.  Cons: length & price.

Shoes: Nine West

We stopped by the NARS counter, and I tried out an eye shadow duo and a really pretty blush combo.  Colors are truest on the first and third photos.

Jacket: Gap
Dress: Loft | May still be available in stores
Eyeshadow: Duo Eye Shadow in Kuala Lumpur, NARS ($33) | shop - Extremely smooth & very finely milled.
Blush: Mata Hari & Sin, NARS ($27) | shop - A makeup artist suggested I layer Sin over Mata Hari, and I think the combination turned out really pretty.  Applied with a light hand, the Mata Hari shade is gorgeous.Look out for more J.Crew reviews featuring the Lace Bluson Dress, the Candace Dress, & the Linen Popover later this week.  Check out other reviews of the Fall line at Musings on the Mountain & a review of a dress (which has been on my Wishlist since it hit the catalogue) from Respect the Shoes.

Wishlist

I 've made some progress on crossing off items on my Wishlist.

1. Belted Cotton Party Dress ($138 $61).  The blue & purple colorway is also really pretty ($138 $91) - I love this dress.  It's my favorite silhouette (fit & flare) and it is just my kind of print.  I don't care for the belt that comes with it, but that's easily removable.  My only issue is that the fabric, though thick and sturdy, feels a little bit like a napkin... 

2. Mini M.A.C. in Natural by Rebecca Minkoff  - I love that camel color.  It's perfect for fall, and it pairs really beautifully with several pieces in my closet.

3. Polished Sateen Blazer in White, Ann Taylor ($158 $60) - Aili is on a white blazer kick, and this structured jacket is an addition to her blazer collection.  See it on Wendy's Lookbook.

4. Lady Bag in Red Maple, Ann Taylor.  Check it out on ReallyPetite.

Please excuse the grainy camera phone shots & shoddy photography.  :)  I stopped at Anthropologie to try on the Contrasting Halves Dress ($228 on sale for $119.95) since it's been on my Wishlist for quite a while.  I do think it's a pretty dress, but it doesn't fit in the bust very well, and it hits just past my knees, making this dress too long for me.  The longer length makes it look frumpy instead of modern; if I did decide to purchase it, I'd definitely have it hemmed.  The embroidery is finished beautifully, but the cotton is scratchy and somewhat thin.  Since I think it's extremely overpriced, I'll have to pass on it.  Unless this shift dress becomes more deeply discounted (to something more along the lines of $20), it's a no for me.

Shop It to Me

The Janes here at Jane Squared have been shopping like mad!  What do you think of our recent purchases?

1. Triacetate 1-Button Jacket, Ann Taylor (sale + 50% off = $80) - I love the tips that Extra Petite gives on suiting.  Aili plans on keeping this jacket at work for unexpected meetings.  Not only is it super flattering, but it's her first foray into the world of petites.  She won't admit she needs petite clothing, though she only stands at 5'3".  :D

2. Orangey-Red Knit Dress, Loft (originally $49.50, purchased on sale + promotion for $20) - I can't find this dress online, but I purchased it at my Loft at the beginning of July, and they still carried it in several sizes & colors, both petite and regular.  If you only have access to Loft's website, then check this similar knit dress out... when I was hunting for my dress on the website, I even thought it was the same dress!  This dress fits me extremely well and it definitely flatters my body, but I wish it had pockets!  I still picked it up since the color & fit are both great.  FYI: There's an extra 50% off sale promotion going on at Loft right now.

3. 3" chino short in Ceylon Tea, J.Crew ($20) - The length of these shorts are perfect, and they also come in lots of fun colors.  The 5" are more conservative, but I think these shorts flatter more petite women.  They also pair easily with lots of different pieces.  The downside: they are a bit wrinkly.

4. Stone Foldover Clutch in turquoise, Banana Republic  (originally $98, but purchased for $40) - You know how I love the crossbody bag, so if you're prefer a hands-free option, try the Stone teardrop cross-body ($59.99-$69.99).  Overall, this bag is well-made; it's not overly roomy, but the stones sewn on to the bag are firmly connected.  Check out how I styled this clutch here.

Shoes & Accessories Galore

Scotty Essential Flat, Banana Republic (final sale price of $13) - I'm not sure if I can cross "Classic Black Flats" off of my Wishlist, but this pair of flats is cute and the patterned details keep things interesting.  The footbed is padded, and they're comfy... for the price and the quality, I definitely can't complain.

Pilar Strappy Wedge in Brown by Mossimo, Target ($14.99 at my local Target, but $29.99 online) - These shoes also come in nude, pink, and black.  Seeing Rosa of Love at First Shop rock DV by Dolce Vita's Pali Wedge, gave me shoe envy.  So when the Pali Wedge went on sale at Piperlime ($49.99), I picked them up.  After I put in my order, I spotted the Pilar Wedges at Target, and they look suspiciously similar to the Pali Wedge.  :)  The Pilar Wedges fit TTS, are comfy for the most part, but on first-wear the top straps cut into my ankles making them a little uncomfortable, but nothing I can't get over.  The Pali Wedges have a synthetic lining & outsole, so I'm not sure if the Pilar Strappy Wedge differs significantly in quality from the Pilar Wedges, and I sent the Palis back to Piperlime (free shipping + free returns!).  Anyway, $14.99 in my book is a good deal.  See them styled here.

1. Large Metal Stud Earrings in shiny silver, Express ($14.90) - Express currently has a buy 1 get 1 50% off jewelry deal.  The Janes at Jane Squared really like Express jewelry as seen here and here.

2. Loft ($13.99) - The clasp on this earring is clumsy, and taking them off makes me slightly nervous that I might damage the earring, and more importantly my ear. 

3. Loft (final sale price of $3.42)

4. Loft (final sale price, including sales tax, of $3.42) - Earrings numbered 2 through 4 were purchased at my local Loft on July 9, so I'm not sure if they'll still be in stores, and I couldn't find them online.

From top to bottom: Faceted Gem Stretch Bracelet, Express ($19.90); Pearl Bead Stretch Bracelet in mother of pearl, Express ($19.90); Pearl Bead Stretch Bracelet in pearl, Express ($19.90) - Though, I like Express's jewelry quite a lot, I sincerely despise their customer service and return policy; in my opinion, Express stocks low quality clothing for inappropriately high prices.  I used to love their suiting--pencil skirts & editor pants, in particular--but as of late, their pieces aren't as classy.   All that being said, I think I'll take a permanent long break from shopping there.  If you do, however, plan on picking something up at Express, their jewelry is currently buy 1 get 1 50% off. :)

Evacuate the Dancefloor

Check my fly dance moves. I learned them from XBox Kinect's Dance Central, which is easily Aili's favorite game, so next time you see her at the clubs, don't be surprised if you recognize her dance moves.  After we rocked it on the dance floor, I got a little fancy with a belt, some wedges, and a beautiful turquoise clutch.  I love turquoise & white in the summertime; the look is always crisp and pretty. 

Dress: Delaney Eyelet Dress in alabaster, J.Crew ($50). If you dig this pattern but don't feel like rocking the dress, try the Delaney Eyelet Skirt (currently on sale for $49.99).

Belt: J.Crew - Styled here & here

Clutch: Stone foldover clutch in turquoise, Banana Republic ($40 with extra 40% off sale items in stores).

Shoes: Pilar Strappy Wedge Sandals in Brown by Mossimo, Target ($14.99 at my Target, but $29.99 online).  They also come in nude, pink, and black. Look out for a review of these wedges (& the turquoise clutch!) later this week.

Shoes + Dance moves: Crocband Flat in navy - I know some of you out there will definitely be Croc haters, but I enjoy them.  They're comfy, and are my favorite commuting shoes when it rains.

Talbots Shoe Reviews

Before regularly reading personal style and shopping blogs, I had never really thought much of or about Talbots.  To me, Talbots always seemed like a brand that didn't carry pieces that would suit my sense of style, but I found lots of accessories that I liked, as well as a few flirty dresses.  Anyway, Ema of My Closet, My Baby, and I always writes about her favorite pieces from Talbots, and her review on the Pointy-Toe Pumps inspired me to check out Talbots' website.  I came across the shoe section of the Red Hanger Sale, and I was so excited to see that several of their shoes come in a wide width which is perfect for my wide (or "extra-stable" as my dad calls them) feet.  

Overall, my experience with Talbots was positive.  I felt the prices were reasonable, the promotional codes excellent, and the customer service helpful.  I will definitely keep an eye on their shoe selection in the future.

1. Pyramid-studded Leather Ballet Flats in Surf Blue ($42.72) - I think the color of this pair of flats is super fun.  These shoes fit TTS, and I do like the pyramid studs. They're made of leather, but aren't as nice as the Studded Leather Ballet Flats.  I think the studs are glued on, and I'm a bit afraid that if I pulled really hard on them (though I'm not sure why I'd do that. :D), they would just rip off.

2. Patent Leather Pointy-Toe Pumps in Cameo Rose ($35.52) - I ordered these shoes in 8W, but they're actually a half-size too big for me.  I've always purchased shoes in size 8, but have secretly suspected that I'm actually a 7.5 in terms of length but need the roomier proportions the size 8 offers.  I ordered them again in 7.5W, and I'll see how that fits.  If the 7.5's end up being too small, I think I'll just use some inserts for the 8W's or something.  Other than the sizing issue, I really love this pinky-nude color.  It's so pretty!  The color doesn't totally blend into my skin, but still elongates my legs.  I'm not sure my photos do the color justice.

3. Studded Leather Ballet Flats in Black ($33.10)- I'm not sure I love these flats.  I think I expected them to look a bit edgier than they actually are.  That being said, these flats are really well made.  The leather is soft and luxurious, but the material isn't supple; it's sturdy and will stand up to being scratched and stomped around in and will still hold its shape.  The footbed seems to be cushioned fairly well.  These flats have a sturdy half-inch heel that adds a tiny boost of height.

If you're planning on placing an order at Talbots, you should try using the code 023087249 for an additional 20% off + free shipping.  I believe you can only use this code once/Talbots account.  The prices I've noted include the July promotion code, as well as my my area's sales tax of 6.25%.

J.Crew Reviews

I've done a lot of shopping during the past few days due to all of the great Fourth of July and end of season deals that are both at the regular brick & mortar stores and online.  I've made purchases at LOFT, Ann Taylor, Talbots, J.Crew, Target, and Piperlime.  Look out for posts on those purchases, but here are my thoughts on my most recent J.Crew shopping extravaganza.

1. Maritime Dress in Sail Blue (currently $88): I love this dress.  The material is a thick slubby cotton that is comfy.  I purchased this during the MUSTHAVE sale (extra 30% off sale prices), and this dress wasn't on sale, but I later looked at my receipt and realized that J.Crew actually gave me 30% off the retail price. WIN! I love the color, but I'm thinking about purchasing it in navy.  What do you think?
2. Tea-Stained Dobby Dress ($69.99): I'm a fan of the red polka dots on this easy little dress, but I'm not sure if the color flatters my skintone.  I was sure I loved this dress because it fits ] well and it has sleeves, which I really enjoy, so I was stalking this dress, just waiting for it to be marked down.  When it was finally marked down, I almost bought it, but then decided to wait for another promotion.  When I was finally ready to purchase it, it was sold out online!  I worked with J.Crew's "We Will Find It" Service for the first time, and find it they did!  Overall, I'm satisfied with my experience with the We Will Find It service, but I still haven't made a final decision on this dress.  I may still return it.
3. Portfolio Dress in Wool Crepe in Black ($69.99): I believe there are only petite sizes left, but I purchased two of these dresses--one for Aili and one for me.  I'm in need of suiting, or I at least hope to be in need of suiting in the near future. :)  This dress is well made and is a flattering cut, but the arm hole cutouts are placed (and shaped) a bit awkwardly, so I'm not sure if it's completly workplace appropriate.  Additionally, the side-zipper has a tendency to get a little stuck.  So again, I'm not sure if it's a keeper.
4: Portfolio Dress in Wool Crepe in Dark Plum ($69.): This one is for Aili, but she's yet to try it on.  I'll keep you posted.

The Search for a Crossbody Bag

The strap on my H&M crossbody bag ($14.95) snapped off, and without the strap's functionality, I've been all over the place.  The entire contents of my purse has been dumped on the ground no less than three times... So I have two options: a) Fix the Strap or b) Buy a New Purse. :)

I think Option A is definitely feasible, but I also think that this crossbody bag--my purse of choice for everyday use--is something that I always carry with me, so I should invest in a high quality piece, right?  Plus a nice crossbody bag is on my Wishlist!  haha.  Maybe that's not concrete justification, but I've been lurking on Nordstrom's website to check out the crossbody offerings. Here's what I've come up with:

All photos by Nordstrom

1. Classic Q Karlie Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($248) - There are larger versions of this bag available. 

2. Essex Scout by Kate Spade ($395) - There is a smaller version of this bag that I believe is called Essex Small Scout ($295).  I am looking for a crossbody bag that can be worn year-round, but I love this bag in Caribbean.  I think the brown is okay, and I don't really care for it in black (pictured)--the white stitching on black leather doesn't really do it for me.
3. Mini MAC Crossbody Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff (195)

4. Classics Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff ($295)

5. Lady Pouchette  by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($398)

6. Leather Flap Crossbody Bag by Franchi ($88)

Which do you like best?  I'll try to check some of these out in real life, and I'll be sure to keep you updated.  Happy Monday!

Quest for the Perfect Trench

I've been obsessing over Burberry trenches for the past two years. In February 2011 I went into Burberry twice to try on the infamous coats.

How can I justify this amount of money on this coat? Well, it'll last a lifetime, and I love its classic style. What else is there to consider? This heavy chunk of change made me smile sheepishly at the sales associate, hand her the coat, and rethink my options.

In lieu of throwing down $1,595 on the beautiful Wearhead trench, I decided to go for a good alternative: Banana Republic's reasonably priced, seasonal trench (Jane 2 also owns a version of this).  However, I've not worn it yet... just in case. Nordstrom has a few great sales throughout the year and I may place my bets on getting a Burberry through these amazing sales.


Coat: Burberry (I wish I owned this.)