I’m a big fan of thrift store shopping.  The bargain-hunter in me is so pleased with the world when I leave a store having spent a total of $75 on clothes that, purchased retail, would’ve cost me ten times that amount.  The environmentalist feels good about not purchasing new things and about re-using the things that are already waiting for a good home.  The historian is fascinated by the past that thrifted clothes might once have inhabited and the people who, in that past, might have inhabited them.  And the consumer in me- the one I try to keep tamped down!- glories in the fact that I get to be a total greedy pants and not break the bank or my rules about financial and ethical limits.

To indulge our thrifting love, my roommates and I took our first big trip to Unique Thrift Store a few weeks ago.  Unique is famous in Chicago for its massive amounts of clothing, accessories, toys, furniture, and books.  It’s basically a one-stop thrifter’s heaven.  The Unique at 51st and Kedzie is particularly massive, and I ended up spending most of my time in the blazers and coats sections, with just a few minutes left over to wander around the skirts and dresses.  I took along my camera, so included are some photos of us playing in the store and of some of the pieces I acquired during our trip and the second one we took a week later (I know, it’s crazy, but we couldn’t resist, and this time our friend Katie China came along).  A number of my favorites have already shown up in recent posts because I couldn’t wait to wear them!

Among my most prized finds were a knee length suede BCBG coat for $8, a black wool overcoat with a fur collar (shown below) for $10, bottle green JCrew corduroys for $13.99, a red and black skit pencil skirt for $2.49, a Dooney and Bourke vintage satchel bag for $11.99, and a silk scarf by Coach for $1.99.

Kelli in leapord print faux-fur. I actually seriously contemplated getting this coat, but decided that being neither a stick figure nor a startlet in rehab meant it wasn't quite for me.

My love of Amelia Earhart continues with this mid-calf length leather and fur coat. Alas, it was too big!

Yes, it's a leapord-print turtleneck sweater dress. And yes, I love it. I've decided my prohibition of animal prints must end! And for $2.98, who can complain?

A faux-fur vest doesn't offend my non-meat eating self, and the price ($3) doesn't offend my wallet, either.

This skirt was $1.99 and I've already found five or six things I want to wear with it. Woohoo!

I'm straight Peggy Olson in this dress, but I wore it to school and not to the offices of Sterling-Cooper.

One of my favorite purchases- a vintage floral bag in orange, cream, and gold. It looks like the couch of someone's very cool grandmother. And it only cost $2!

White and gold clutch ($2.99), Dooney and Bourke mini-satchel (a steal, I think, at $11.99)

Blue and White Striped Sweater, $2.99

Black wool overcoat with fur collar, $10

Red and black knit pencil skirt (or if fits like a pencil on me, anyway!): $2.49.

pretty much like any clutch works with the exception of oil wet clutches for motorcycles and ATVs

Related : home DIY rentalcarnetwork.blogspot.com

So, today’s, like, Black Friday. Everyone is, like, so crazy about all the sales and stuff. I kind of wanted to, like, go to Old Navy ’cause if you, like, buy at least, like, twenty dollars worth of stuff you can get, like, Lego Rock Band. I wanted the game but, like, the store opened at, like, 3 AM and by, like, 4 there wouldn’t be anymore games and I’m not, like, waking up earlier than 9 on a day that I don’t have any, like, school. I was like searching the web for, like, inexpensive handbags and I, like, saw this site where this girl made handbags out of, like, duct tape. It was pretty cool and stuff. She had really pretty colors. I might get one but I’m not sure if she’d ship it. If anybody wants to, like, check this out it’s http://www.creativeclutches.kk5.org/. I really don’t think this helps this girl ’cause nobody really, like, reads my blog but whatever. The bags are, like, $0.50 or $1.00 so I could, like, afford it in less than a week’s allowance and stuff. Oh Emfrea Kingjee!

The Purse of the Week is from Lulu’s, a small site with great apparel and accessories.

The Burbank Purse is part crossbody bag, part clutch.  It can be worn as shown in the photo, or the straps can be removed to make it a clutch.

The $34 bag has three compartments inside and two of those have compartments as well, meaning this small bag has a lot of space to put things.

I really like this faux leather purse as it’s a neutral color and can be worn with almost anything and it can function in two different ways, and that is why it is this week’s POTW.

[Source: Lulu's]

I’d like to take a break from purses to discuss the most important thing we put in our purses:  wallets.

While I don’t have nearly as many wallets as I do purses, I still probably have too many.

Here’s a look at some cute and functional wallets from around the Web.

Spanish Rose Wallet in Coffee, Lulu’s, $24

Chic Chickadees Wallet, ModCloth, $24.99

 Commodious Patent Wallet, Forever 21, $9.80

Long Croc Zip Wallet, Maurices, $18

Metallic Linen Ruffle Wallet, Urban Outfitters, $28

Merona Quilted Flap Wallet, Target, $14.99

Which one is your favorite?  I personally like the purple Urban Outfitters one the best and the red Forever 21 one second.

[Sources:  Lulu's, ModCloth, Forever 21, Maurices, Urban Outfitters, Target]

Joy came to me.  I said, Now?  But yes is joy’s only word.  The wind says yes.  The earth says yes.  Even the distant sea says yes.  Under the waves the many armed yes, which clutches everything says, Yes.  Then two yeses meet when a shipwreck drowns.  Here, on dry land or here, in the trees, the singing yeses desire flight.  Joy lies on the ground.  It is a seed.  Now it unfolds on my tongue.  I listen for the rain.  Its pattering says, yes, yes, yes.  And joy came to me, and I was ready for its word.  When I was a boy, there were no end of noes.  But now my body floods with yeses even to the noes.

I’d imagine this is what would happen
if Edgar Allen Poe was a designer.

Via To Die For: Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch.

I know I just posted a ModCloth purse last week, but this new release on their site is worth a mention.

Just this week the Jolly Post Clutch became available.  What makes this clutch so unique is that it looks like an envelope that has traveled the world.

“Designed to look like a letter, complete with sewn-on, stamp-style patches and printed postmarks, this gold bag would be the letter the postman delivers to the fun-loving, fashion-savvy girl,” is how it is described and I’d have to agree.  This clutch would be a fun and interesting addition to any outfit, and at only $37.99 it’s fairly affordable as well.

Please tell me I’m not the only one who loves this bag?

[Source:  ModCloth]

You’ve got the outfit (whether it be cute, comfortable, casual, dressy, whatev), you’ve picked your shoes and now you’ve got the jewelry to match, and you’re thinking, what else could I possibly need?

I’ll tell you … You need a bag. There is something special in having a purse that matches your outfit. It completes your look. Picking out a purse/bag/clutch that matches your outfit is one of the easiest parts of completing your outfit. If you have a black shirt, you can use ANY color imaginable to complete your outfit. And to be honest, you can even use brown. Same with if you have a white or brown shirt, any color goes.

If you have a more detailed shirt, you can still stay with the same nuetral colored bag, or you can get crazier. (Like you did with the jewelry) take a color that is in your outfit, even if it is very tiny and only in one spot, and find a bag that matches that color. If you’re afraid to pick a bag that matches such a tiny spot on your outfit, don’t be worried. As soon as you’re holding the bag next to your shirt, it will bring out the color it’s matching with instantly.

Despite a girl’s opinion on other things, for purses, size doesn’t matter! How great is that? You can take any size bag that you feel comfortable with. As long your stuff fits in it, you’re good to go.

Keep shopping at the same stores I’ve been telling you about. They still have the greatest deals. And surprisingly, you can even find some great buys at Walmart and Target. You’d be surprised at some of the bargain bags you can find there. If you’re still looking for designer brands with affordable prices, continue to stick with Tj Maxx, Marshalls, Filene’s Basement, or Ross.

A beat of ”Match Point“? Congrats Mr. Gaultier!

Related posts:

Hermès: Fall-Winter 2009/2010 

Look Books Women’s Collection Spring-Summer 2009 

Best of look books Paris Women’s Collection Fall-Winter 2008/2009

Photos : Madame Figaro / Lay out : Mademoiselle Le K

You need them to go about your day. You need them to hold your wallet, cellphone, keys, and maybe an odd book of two… perhaps a laptop? AND You need them to look as good as you do!

And so – You’re in luck. We are offering 25% off on all of our bags this weekend, Friday, November 13th through Sunday, November 15th. We have everything from large midnight blue Tano bags to petite brown messengers. Come in and find yourself a new companion to spice up your fall look and hold all your precious things.

Hey,

With Christmas just around the corner, I’ve decided to offer free worldwide shipping at Wonderland Boutique!  This super-special offer will run from now up until the big day itself, so come check out Wonderland and snap up all those festive goodies for you and yours by simply clicking on the link below:

Amy at WB x

1154 Lill Studio has a new Design-a-Bag custom bag creation service.

The site features 45 different styles of purses including clutches, hobos, wristlets, satchels and more.  Customers can choose a style and then pick from 153 fabric choices to create a custom bag in any style and color.

I’ve already fallen in love with this site and have designed a few bags already.

Not only can you buy custom bags, they also offer gift certificates and Design a Bag Kits that include fabric swatches and ordering information.

1154 Lill Studio also has free shipping for all orders over $100.

I think this is such a great idea and I will definitely be ordering a custom bag someday.  How badly do you want to design your own bag?

[Source:  1154 Lill Studio]

Aconteceu ontem (10/11), nos Jardins em São Paulo, o desfile da grife Marc Jacobs, na flagship da marca, anexa à NK Store, de Natalie Klein. Lotado e cheio de gente bonita, o desfile mostrou na passarela looks femininos e  – novidade – masculinos.

É a primeira vez que a coleção masculina vem para o Brasil. Com estilo street wear, as roupas são superbásicas e muito charmosas. Os meninos desfilaram paletós e blazers de comprimento um pouco mais curto, camisetas e calças (que apareceram sempre com a barra dobrada). Tudo com modelagem atual e silhueta beeeem seca.

 Na coleção feminina, chamaram atenção os acessórios: os óculos de sol, lindos, grandes e de impacto, como pede a estação; as sandálias e os sapatos, com salto de estrela; as bolsas e clutches, com muito brilho e tachas (além dos sapinhos, uma graça!).

Estavam lá Fernanda Lima, Thaila Ayala, Julia Petit, Cassia Ávila, Jack Vartanian, Giuliana Romano entre outros foram conferir as peças do badalado estilista, que já estão disponíveis na NK.

Eu também fui conferir pessoalmente…

Fotos: Eddu Ferraccioli

Judith Leiber is known for her beautiful and artistic purses and clutches, but her Precious Rose handbag is also one of the most expensive purses in the world, costing $92,000.

The bag is made with 1,016 diamonds, 1,169 pink sapphires, 800 tourmalines and is set in an 18-carat white gold frame.

There’s only one of these bags in existence and it is still available for purchase by calling the Judith Leiber Flagship boutique.

This bag is definitely a work of art but with such a steep price tag it’s no surprise that it’s still for sale.

[Sources:  Forbes, New Luxury Items, Judith Leiber]

Paige Gamble and her clutches

Worn by Blake Lively, Whitney Port , Leighton Meester and Tinsley Mortimer, Paige Gamble clutches are one of a kind and limited editions. The adorable pieces capture trend and colors with natural gemstone and exotic skin. With a background in finance, Paige has a unique creative vision for couture bags. During an interview for scallywagandvagabond.com she stated: “I think that there’s an evolution away from the “It” bag. My clients have all of them, and now they want something to cause a stir.[..] each design is worth what I say it’s worth. My clients find comfort in the long-term prospect.” Hand cut clutches between $900 to $4, 200 by appointment only at her Upper East Side atelier, Distractions, Aspen, Belhaus and East Hamptons.

www.paigegamble.com
www.shop.paigegamble.com

“Summer!” surely we will miss its gorgeous glow , its nearly come to its end and more of us start thinking about our autumn and winter clothing collection. Indeed, a pretty normal as we need time to think what just we really desire, and then plenty of thoughts entered in our mind to search for nice clothes.

Secret? No its not! Every women adore handbags. Its a tale of a lady who looks for the magic in her life and discovers something to make her unique from the others. Yes… a handbag. They love them as much as shoes or even more than that. Its seems that there’s something to satisfy every style craving in her entire wholeness.

Some ladies follow the popular taste of style when they select a new bag from among the dozen the salesgirl had shown her, others just buy a bag that they feel will look great not knowing the latest fashion trends.

Let’s talk about CLUTCHES. Every season clutches is always present in every designer’s collection. Quite understood as we just cannot do without them, they are with us at all time and this is when we go to a special event or a party . And in casual life mostly ladies prefer clutches for their look and size. This season they come in refreshing, huge variety on display to meet a woman desire and be amaze with its beauty.

Ladies always search for the most particular item for herself. What to wear? How she looks with that clutch? Is it cute? sexy? exotic?……….on her?

Well, some clutches are rather and can be worn with casual clothes, if she wants to show her simplicity.

Clutches are often made of reptile leather as it looks richly. Such bags are lasting and come in a creation of the highest excellence of designs, so she can keep and wear them for a great passage of time.
Others like pelt a lot and if you are the one opt for a clutch trimmed with hairy coat of mammal. Look grotesque!

or those ladies who prefer “a suit of voguish cut”clutches and can be worn to a special occasion. They are embellished with sequins, beset or cover lavishly (as with gems)made of luxurious materials and serve to complement your look with glamour and beauty. They are the ladies who loves to be look elegance by virtue of being fashionable.

There are ladies who like to be highly noticeable and value more highly vivid outfits designers created plenty of brilliant and snazzy clutches. They can be flashily stylish or bright in themselves or be patterned or adorned with details in vivid imbue.

Clutches that won the peak of popularity and affection are comes with the chain handles. It was already known for its widely admired or sought after for much time already. They already charmed the mind of every lady that a variety of designers presented their collection and soon will certainly become classic as year by year we see them at the catwalk.

Always smile and happy shopping! Enjoy the entropy – I hope you like it and will apply it when you pick out your next strapless purse.

While preparing my Old Navy shopping list today (it is Stuff & Save Time afterall) I came across a whole slew of new purses!

While I love Old Navy’s clothes, I am usually not too impressed with their purses.  At most, I find one I’d think about buying (but I usually don’t).  This time, however, I love all of the new purses.

The entire collection is made of faux-leather and all of the styles are available in more than one of the colors shown here.

Crossbody Tote, $32.50

Hobo, $24.50

Satchel, $34.50

Large Hobo, $29.50

 Ruffled Hobo, $29.50

Ruffled Wristlet Clutch, $14.50

Clutch, $16.50 

Large Tote, $24.50

I love the blue and purple colors that are available and all of them are reasonably priced, especially since they look more expensive.

And for those of you wondering, I bought the satchel in blue (just as pictured here).

Which one is your favorite?

[Source:  Old Navy]

I’ve changed the coulour pictures in b&w: more Motown covers, Blackxponation and Barbès-Bamako inspiration (Oups I forget the Pocahontas touch, with fringes and hairy mocassins)! Enjoy the last collection of “papa Marc (Jacobs) and the afro hair”, sounds groovy, no?

Related posts:

Look Books Women’s Collection Spring-Summer 2009

Swimsuits Women’s Collection Spring-Summer 2009 

City Guide Paris: Destinations 

Photos: nymag.com / Lay out : Mademoiselle Le K

Following in the Shoe Market’s pattern, studs are on EVERYTHING these days, so we’ve stocked the shelves with many, many accessories for anyone into exploring their rough n’ tough side of life. To start accessorizing with studs, you can start choosing from our array of handbags and clutches. The brand we’ve gone to for our stud needs is St. Level: Triple 7.

Starting from the top left and going clockwise: the off white purse for $70, the drawstring is $70, the black rectangle stud is $70, the small grey clutch or shoulder bag (which ever you’d like to choose) is $48, and the fold over bag is $75. Totally affordable!

Up close details of the stud design done right.

Squares and circles make a nice mix with studs.

And if you’re itching to do up your wrists with a lot of metal, than choose from our many brown and black studded cuffs.

Prices range from $25-$35, so you can rock the hard edge up and down the skin.

Instead of shiny diamonds, go bling with spikes and a don’t mess with me attitude. . .

This week, the Purse of the Week is the Suede Ruffle Clutch from Urban Outfitters.

The clutch retails for $49.99 and comes in black or blue.

The clutch is made from suede and is covered in ruffles.  The clutch has a main compartment with an internal pocket and a cellphone/MP3 player pocket.  The top of the clutch zippers shut.

At 12 inches by 7.5 inches, this clutch is fairly large for a clutch, meaning it can hold everything you need to keep with you.  It also has a wrist strap to make it easier to hang on to, especially when you’re out and about.

I’m not a big clutch fan, but I like this one because its both dressy and casual, not to mention it’s a good size and features a wrist strap.

What do you think?  Would you buy this clutch and what would you wear it with?

[Source:  Urban Outfitters]

Well, I have been sewing my butt off as of lately getting ready for the Christmas season, but then I  realize that I still had a couple of fun holidays to go before Christmas, so why not just have a little fun.  So, last month, I found this fabric online while surfing the web.  I purchase the fabric and just left it sitting in the box, until I got caught up with my orders.  Well,  I finally found the free time to design this new clutch.  I think that the clutch has a great look for the Halloween season.  Just a little spooky and elegant, all at the same time.  I guess it has a quirky look to it, but I think that it works.  So, I salute the idea of being quirky yet elegant all together to make this great clutch.

     So, now that Halloween has been conquer, I am now on the search for a great piece of fabric for Thanksgiving.  Well, I am off again to surf the web and head back into the sewing room!

Sherry