Black wallets

These two ladies' wallets are both made of black nylon with a silver clasp. They are both approximately 7" by 4". They both feature card slots, a zippered coin pocket, and bill compartments. However, one is $14.50 with shipping, and the other is $159.89, on sale. That's what the name "Prada" will get you: a 1000% markup. Go with Old Navy; I think their wallet is better looking anyway!

[Sorry - no photos for now, the server is misbehaving.]

Great shoes for school

I always like to have a good pair of loafers and a good pair of sneakers when the fall semester rolls around. My picks for this autumn are these Aerosole wedge loafers in suede; Aerosoles are super-comfortable! $53.95 (with free shipping) at Shoebuy via Amazon. And for sneakers, these Rocket Dog Androids from Zappos. They are $45.95 for the tan and pink pair, and prices vary for the other colors.

Off to Cali!

I'm headed to (hopefully) sunny California for a week, so no updates for a while. Have a great week!

:)
SG

Not-just-for-the-beach totes

I'm headed to the beach next week, and I'm bringing along one of these great tote bags, made from recycled plastic and on sale at Koko Trends. You can choose from a variety of colors, two handle styles, and two sizes. A 15" x 13" tote is only $15, while a 20" x 18" tote will run you only three dollars more. They're sturdy and easy to clean, and so cheap that you won't feel bad about mistreating them. Snap one up. :)

Nordstrom weddings part II: The Bride

The fact that my friend is getting married, and not me, has not stopped me from ogling dresses for her. The funny thing is, I'm not even sure I want to wear a wedding gown when I get married. But I do like looking at them!

Again, I don't like bridal salons. I think often the more "affordable" dresses (i.e. those costing under $600 or so) are poorly made, and not worth the money. I also don't like the big, froufrou gowns. So I think a well-made cocktail or evening dress in white or ivory is an excellent alternative, especially since many of these can be worn again at fancy dress events. Here are some I've been eyeing (on my friend's behalf, of course!) at Nordstrom.

• strapless organza dress, $148.00
• strapless gown with sash, $178.00
  
• lace halter gown, $178.00, shown below
  
• silk cross-back gown, $188.00 ($242.00 for plus sizes)
• silk chiffon dress with illusion bodice, $184.00

I want that last one for myself, just to wear to the ballet or the symphony. It's so youthfully elegant!

Uncommonly fun

Uncommon Goods is another site where I hate to pay full price; they definitely overcharge on a lot of their items. However, I do love this recylced circuitboard lamp, even at $48. It would make a great gift, and unlike a lot of things made from used computer parts, still has a classy and classic look to it. I also love these zipper bags, which at $10 are a definite steal.

Nordstrom weddings part I: The Bridesmaid

I'm not a big fan of getting bridesmaid dresses from bridal shops; they tend to need alterations, and they're not really useable afterwards. A good friend of mind is getting married this winter, and she is looking for bridesmaid dresses in a wine/claret/burgundy color, so I looked up some options at Nordstrom. Some of these are in their Anniversary Sale section, which has new items on sale until the end of the month, when the prices will all jump up. I've chosen mostly knee-length dresses, because I prefer them, but there are plenty of longer choices if you look around.

• 3/4 sleeve matte jersey dress in ruby, $78.90
• gathered-waist silk dress in wine, $98.90
• silk halter dress in cranberry, $78.00, shown below
  
• V-neck jersey dress in ruby, $108.00
• empire waist lace gown in black and red, $98.00

A.T. Accessories

I love Ann Taylor, but I don't love their prices. They're generally too expensive for me, so I don't buy things full price there. Clearance, though, is another story. Here are two great items currently marked way down: a woven fabric wristlet, $12.88 (was $55.00), and a kimono sleeve coverup, $16.99 (was $68.00). And right now shipping on any order is only $5.00. So poke around the sale pages and see what else catches your eye.

Cooking quickly

I am a big fan of Rachael Ray. I don't watch her show, being cable-free, but I have several of her cookbooks, and they are great for so many reasons...

1) Her recipes leave room for error; mis-measuring that olive oil won't result in a ruined meal.
2) She doesn't use any specialty equipment or ingredients, so it is easy and affordable to buy the ingredients you need.
3) Her "30 minute meals" really do take only half an hour to make!

My favorite cookbook of hers is Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats, which is only $11.77 at Amazon. It's eligible for free shipping with orders over $25, so throw it in next time you need to push your order price up.

Urban Outfitters' dancing duds

Urban Outfitters is having a sale, and they have some great pieces that you could wear out dancing; these skirts will flare out when you spin, and they are all super comfortable. You can throw on this tank dress ($19.99) and head out the door, or wear a cute top with flowy wideleg shorts ($14.99) or pants ($19.99); these will let you do dips and flips without showing everyone your skivvies. If you prefer skirts to pants, try this Kimchi & Blue tiered skirt (a steal at $14.99) or this asymmetric striped skirt ($29.99). After an evening of dancing, you'll want to get out of your shoes and get into some comfortable sandals; try these cute and casual criss-cross sandals ($9.99).

RedEnvelope deals: $5.99 and up

here are a few more awesome deals from RedEnvelope's sale page:

• Shaded glass oil lamp: $5.99 ($13.99 with oil)
• Emergency & adventure lamp: $6.99
• Emergency kit in sardine tin: $7.99 ($12.99 for a double kit)
• Striped piggy bank: $9.99

Artifactual jewelery

Pick up some gorgeous jewelery at artifactual creations, which makes its pieces out of feathers, screws, pills, flowers, or other odds and ends encased in polymer. For a touch of glamour, choose one of their feather pieces; to make a political statement, buy one of their birth control pieces and support Planned Parenthood. Whatever you do, you'll look smashing for just $20 per item, including shipping and handling!

"Shatter" oval earrings.

Small change in a red envelope: $4.99 edition

I love the RedEnvelope sale page, because they always have wonderful stuff for great prices (the normal prices tend to run a bit high). Right now they have a few items for only $4.99; even after shipping, these are great deals:

• Leather money clip
• Silk & lace eye mask - look great while you nap on the plane!
• I.O.U. "night out" gift package