Michael Kors Mid-Size Runway Watch

I’m not particularly fond of the color brown but I have fallen hard for this timepiece.  In person it reads like a “smoky amethyst” and looks quite striking on the wrist.  At $495, this look is certainly not “for less” so for now I’ll keep it on my wishlist.

Stella & Dot Beatrice Necklace

I have been searching for a reasonably priced rose gold necklace for approximately one year.  There’s just one problem – there are very few reasonably priced rose gold necklace options on the market.  Thankfully, Stella & Dot (stay tuned for more news on this front) recently released the Beatrice necklace. At $118 this will be the least expensive piece in my rose gold wardrobe and will likely be my first jewelry purchase of 2012.

Alexis Bittar ‘Miss Havisham’ Pinched Oval Earrings

I have mixed feelings about these earrings.  On the one hand, I love them.  And on the other hand, I don’t love the price.  I’ve been diligently watching these beauties for over a year in hopes of a sale.  Unfortunately, the price has remained steady.  However, the optimist in me is convinced that I can find them for less than $225. Technically, a similar look for less is available but the design just doesn’t speak to me the way Miss Havisham does.

That, my friends, is my rose gold moment.  Are you having a moment of your own?  What’s on your wishlist for this year?  Please share your comments below.

The Look

I am officially obsessed with the idea of a leopard print day clutch. I see it as an anchor point in my autumn weekend look. Join me in the vision – tweed blazer, shark bite tunic, denim trousers, gold flats and…a leopard print day clutch. There are plenty of options out there, but this Haircalf delight at Express has caught my eye. Unfortunately, at a whopping $118, it has also caught my wallet…as in the zipper is stuck and I refuse to release that much money in pursuit of this particular item.

for Less

Thankfully, my sister presented me with a viable option at a lower price point. ASOS’s Slot Through Portfolio Clutch gets the job done for significantly less. While not as luxurious or wide as the original look, at just $34, I’d have enough money left over to pursue some additional Fall essentials.

The Verdict

While a little pricey, the Express Haircalf clutch speaks to me. I’m fairly certain I can hold out for a mid-season sale to get the exact look at a more budget-friendly price.

Top handle satchels have been popular for several seasons and I’m definitely not immune to the trend.  In fact, I have been salivating over the Mulberry Alexa for quite some time.  I would love to add this bag to my accessories wardrobe but I’m on a budget and at $1,150, this jewel is a budget buster!

for Less

Thankfully, there are several low cost options available.  My favorite is this nautical inspired delight from Aldo.  The lightweight canvas material is perfect for Spring/Summer and unlike some lower-cost options, the hardware is substantial and very secure.  I’m kind of a nut for anything navy and white striped this time of year so this bag makes my heart go pitter patter.  And at just $50, it makes my wallet smile.

Verdict

I ventured to my local Aldo store last Saturday to purchase the look for less and I wasn’t disappointed.  The bag is beautiful and a great addition to my Spring/Summer wardrobe.

I’ve been searching for a new work tote for quite some time.  I need a bag with a basic shape that is  interview appropriate and easy to carry.  The Michael Kors “Item” Tote fits the bill, but I’m not quite prepared to shell out $198.

for Less

Thankfully, Target has provided us with the look for significantly less!  The Merona “Kendra” Tote boasts the same design for literally a tenth of the price.  At just $19.99, I can afford to buy two!

Verdict

I just got back from a research trip to my local Target store.  While the Merona version is clearly made of synthetic materials, it is a great alternative to the Michael Kors tote.

Thankfully, I saw mention of the launch date online at around 8 a.m. this morning.  Unfortunately, by the time I visited the Target website, the bag I really wanted – the Medium Patent Satchel in Black – was out of stock.  After about 1.5 seconds of panic, I immediately looked up the numbers of all of the local Target stores and launched a fashion S.O.S.

Three stores and fifteen minutes later, a really nice team lead offered to hold one bag for me at the fitting room.  A record ten minutes later (it usually takes me an hour to get dressed on a good day), I was racing down the highway to claim my bag!  I was so relieved when I got to the store and saw the bag in person.  It’s smaller than I thought – more of a date night size for my personal taste – but it’s Mulberry for Target and I’m excited to have it.  I couldn’t resist buying a couple of additional bags for consideration.  The Large Denim Satchel in Blue is the perfect size for a laptop, and the Large Pebble Tote in Black could work as an everyday bag or a work tote.

Many of the styles are sold out online, but there are still some available at Target.com.  It also appears that some of the bags, specifically the Large Velvet Satchel in Black, will be available on November 14. This is the size and style that I’m most excited about, so I’ll be sure to set my reminder for the right day this time!

Did you have a chance to get to Target today?  Did you buy one of the Mulberry for Target bags?  Do you love it?!?

Image Source: Target.com

I discovered Elliott Lucca years ago when the line first launched.  They had a super cute black  leather satchel with a woven handle that I HAD to buy as my mother’s Christmas gift.  I watched this bag for months and saw it featured on E! News as a hot buy and eventually in Lucky magazine as a Lucky Break.  For $150, I was able to give my mother her first bag with a dust cover (major step for all bag afficianodos) for Christmas!

Five years later, I am still a huge Elliott Lucca fan.  The designs are always stylish and functional.  The woven leather is luxurious beyond it’s price point.  And the color pallettes are always on trend and fabulous.  My favorite Elliott Lucca bag is a bucket tote that I purchased a couple of years ago.  I can’t tell you how many compliments I receive from strangers every time I wear it.

Elliott Lucca has several new Fall bags available for under $200, which is neccessary in this yet-to-fully recover economy.  Please find my favorites listed below.

Sintra Small Tote
Regular Price, $198; Special Web Price, $149

Teba Pleated Flap Tote
Regular Price, $268; Special Web Price, $198

Feria Satchel
Regular Price, $228; Special Web Price, $169

I like both Taylor and Brad for different reasons and losing such strong team members within the same year has got to be a bit overwhelming for Rachel Zoe.  It’s a good thing she’s got Rodger there to help keep the business running full steam ahead.   Hopefully, this loss won’t completely deter Rachel from seriously considering having a baby in the near future.

Kudos to Brad for seizing his 15 minutes of breakout reality star fame!

Image Source: Bravotv.com

One of the things that I like most about The Sak is their pricing strategy.  Guided by a “brand karma” of “happy & free,” the company really wants to make sure their bags are accessible.  To that end, the bags are priced from $60 – $229 which is almost unbelievable compared to the high priced premiere designer “IT bags” that are prominent today.

The Sak bags can be purchased at department stores such as Nordstrom, Macy’s and Lord & Taylor.  TheSak.com typically offers special web prices with as much as 50% off current season designs.  The Silverlake Convertible Clutch pictured below is available for just $49.95 online!  In today’s challenging economic climate, isn’t it nice to see a company that actively seeks to make fashion affordable?

Image Source: InStyle.com

My recent shopping trip is typical of every shopping experience at Nordstrom.  I never have to search multiple departments to find a sales associate to help me.  The team members are always knowledgeable about the inventory.  And they always make me feel like a VIP.  In a time where customers have their pick of purchasing channels, it’s important for traditional retailers to differentiate themselves through added value.  For me, nothing is more valuable than an efficient, high-touch shopping experience.  For that reason, Nordstrom continues to be my retailer of choice.