Okay, I'm not having a contest but Laurie over at La Vie de Laurie is. And she's giving away....a Coach handbag! How exciting is that? For me? Really exciting. It's a Coach Soho Multi Print Hobo and I would love to add it to my collection. So head on over and enter. Or not. Because I'd really love to win!
I first discovered Dashboard Confessional 6 years ago. I was flipping channels late one night and came across them on MTV Unplugged. I bought their cd The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most and even though I have the last 3 cds they have released, I think Places is my favorite - and also my favorite song. Here's a few lyrics:
Buried deep as you can dig inside yourself
And covered with a perfect shell
Such a charming, beautiful exterior
Laced with brilliant smiles and shining eyes
Perfect posture, but you're barely scraping by
But you're barely scraping by
This is one time, this is one time
That you can't fake it hard enough to please everyone
Or anyone at all...or anyone at all
And the grave that you refuse to leave
The refuge that you've built to flee
The places that you've come to fear the most
It's the place that you've come to fear the most
Isn't that great? Any DC fans out there? Your turn - what's your favorite song?
I'm not really into sunglasses that much because it's so hard to find ones that look good on me. I just don't have the face for them. If I'm in desperate need of a pair, I make sure to have someone else with me to give a 'yes' or a 'no.' And for every yes there are about 10 nos. I have 2 pairs that I like - one has almost clear lenses and the other is dark and oversized, which surprisingly looks pretty good on me. And I think they were both $5. It wasn't until I got into Coach that I started really looking at sunglasses as more than just shades to keep me from squinting (although that's pretty important - just ask the gigantic crease in between my eyes). But old habits die hard, and I still can't bring myself to pay a lot for sunglasses. And so, I baby-stepped my way to TJMaxx and found these Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses for $30. I really like them - they fit good on my nose, I like the wide sides, and they actually look pretty good on me. I highly recommend TJMaxx for sunglasses. They also had a pair of Kate Spades (I'm kicking myself a little for not getting those - I always liked her stuff, way before Coach) and a pair of Baby Phats (I'm kicking myself for not getting those too because they were $10!).
Your turn! Tell me about your sunnies! Do you just throw on the ones that have been stepped on and fit crooked? Or maybe you're a little bit addicted and buy a new pair every month? Or maybe you just wear a hat?
I thought I would talk about shoes today and since it is Nascar Monday at Ali's blog, these are for her:
Notice the wheel thingie on front and there are 2 racing flags on that back rubber thing (you're spared from seeing it in the pic). It might be a cute summer shoe if not for the rubber thing. And, well, the wheel too. But still, for $138 ($137.70, Zappos.com) I think I can find something better to wear during the summer. Like these:
Wow. That's a big picture of my feet on the internet. I know it's a little blurry, but it makes me feel less exposed. Anyway, I love these shoes. They are Canyon River Blues from Sears and I've had them a few years now, so I don't remember how much they were. I think on sale and with an additional % off, they were around $20. I've definitely gotten my moneys worth out of them. They are pretty comfortable and I wear them all the time in the summer with denim capris. Although, they do look cute in the pic with my $11 sundress from Walmart that I put on everyday after work. The first time I put them on this year I actually declared out loud that it is officially summer now. I guess that's one reason I like them so much - they give me that happy summer feeling. So what's your favorite pair of summer shoes? Do they make you smile or are they comfortable? Or, (preferably) both?
As it says in the little 'About Me' over there on the left, this blog is about stuff I like. Frappuccinos - I like. More specifically Starbucks venti decaf caramel frappuccino double blended. And, of course, whipped cream, do they even have to ask? Every once in a while, there will be a story on the news about the calories in coffee drinks. The people the reporters talk to are completely shocked when they hear the numbers. They then say they are going to cut back, or make healthier choices. I think if they were concerned about calories in the first place, they probably knew what they were getting into. Or, actually, what was getting into them. And, if they didn't know, shame on the reporters. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. I looked up the numbers on my favorite drink, are you ready for this? 500 calories and 68 sugars. Wow. Now how am I supposed to enjoy it with those numbers in my head? A lighter version in a smaller size and no whip will cut everything in half. Good to know, but since I only get one about once a month anyway, then I will just consider it my splurge.
How about you? What's your favorite Starbucks drink? Not a coffee fan? What's your splurge?
Finally! Here is my pretty purse! Do you love it? OK, not really. That thing would give me nightmares. Actually, I don't think I could sleep with it sitting on my dresser staring at me. Creepy.
These are much better, don't you think? Left to right - Madison lurex capacity wristlet, Chelsea optic signature satchel, and Heritage stripe signature swingpack. I love Coach handbags. They are made really well, and they look good. Style, quality, what more could you want? How about affordable? I consider Coach to be a designer brand, some may just call it "higher end," and that's OK. But Coach is one of the few designer brands that is a little easier on the pocketbook. There are some Coach styles that are definitely on the rich side, but for the most part, the bags, shoes, and accessories are definitely attainable. Take a little from a few paychecks, look at the clearance section, maybe there is even an extra % off that, or maybe you are lucky enough to live near an outlet. There are lots of options to make it happen. Or be like me, and wait for Christmas and birthday presents!
I love all 3 of bags. My Chelsea satchel was a Christmas gift from my brother. He told me to pick anything out, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one. It is such a classy looking handbag. My wristlet was a "you deserve it" gift from Billy. We were on our way to a Chinese restaurant in the mall and I wanted to "just look" at the Coach stuff. It holds a little wallet, a cellphone, and keys. It's great as a nice clutch for going out to dinner or anytime you're not in the mood to carry a big purse. And my swingpack was a surprise birthday gift from Billy. I had been talking about swingpacks and he picked the pink Heritage stripe out himself. It's so cute and casual. It holds a little bit more than the wristlet and is worn crossbody. Hands free, try it. I have never felt so free while carrying a purse. Love it.
So, that's my little collection. I would love for there to be updates in the future, but after impulsively buying a pair of Coach wedges I'm on a self imposed ban. I do welcome gifts though!
I can go for long periods of time without wearing perfume at all, but when I do, I almost always reach for this. Sand & Sable by Coty. It's an oldie, but a goodie. The box says it's "a sensual and lingering floral bouquet of gardenia, tuberose, jasmine, and rose." I'm not a professional sniffer, so I'm not going to dispute any of that (and I'm not even going to discuss the sensual part). But, I think it smells like summer, going to the beach, coconuts and vanilla, and suntan lotion. It smells fresh, clean, and fun. It's a great price - $23.86 at Walmart for a 2 oz. bottle of cologne spray. I know it's not fancy, but I like it. But if you do want fancy, I read that Michael by Michael Kors (Dillards, $70, 1.7 oz eau de parfum) also has a fresh "reminds me of Hawaii" scent. The last time I was at a beach, it was the Jersey shore, and it was just for a day. A very short day. Since then I've been dreaming of a beach vacation. At least a long weekend to Gulf Shores. Something. Anything. And then I start thinking about gas prices. Oh well, I'll just spray on some Sand & Sable and keep dreaming.
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