Louis Vuitton Key Holder

Sometimes, very rarely, but sometimes I do not feel like lugging around all of those fabulous purses I so covet and during those times I need something a little smaller to hold all of my cards and cash (though that is a rare occurrence as well, I'm a plastic girl). This is why I have turned to Louis Vuitton and the brand's multicolore key holder. I'm not really a huge fan of the Vuitton's rainbow motif, but I will take it in small doses and this card holder is just small enough for me. Now while $250 is too much for something this tiny for me, eBay and other websites like Bonanzle can let you grab one for a little cheaper.

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St. Louie is HERE!!

I have been salivating over Goyard for ages, and now he is here! My Goyard St. Louis PM has arrived! He is above to enjoy! Now, for that Yves Saint Laurent Downtown/Muse bag!

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Covet: Goyard

I've already waxed and waned about Goyard and their perfect St. Louis PM/GM totes and now I am salivating over their wallets. I have discovered The Purse Forum and their coven of members that worship bags just as I do. The lovely ladies (and some gents) have posted the "Goyard Reference" library where I have borrowed some photos to share and enjoy! While Goyard is super-pricey, they are also super-exclusive and only from word/typing-of-mouth (and an eBay listing) have I heard and seen that most wallets start at $825-a-pop. So for now, I'll keep dreaming!

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Boots, Boots and More Boots Too!

Just a post below, I talked all about my adoration for Arturo Chiang's "Enchant" boot and now I have found a companion pair that are equally expensive looking and just a little bit more for price. I am in love with Vince Camuto's equestrian-inspired "Karena" boot and it's two tone calfskin upper. The shoe is also available at Dillard's for $198, but is definitely a boot to last for years to come!

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Boots, Boots and More Boots!

Its the time for runny noses and warm coats! The one thing I (do not) need is another pair of boots, but I have found love for Arturo Chiang's "Enchant" style that would be perfect with jeans or a tight pair of black J.Crew pencil trousers and a chunky sweater. They even come for a reasonable price ($149!) at Dillard's so check them out if you get a chance!

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Every Girl Needs One

No, not a black dress (though we all need one of those too). Every girl needs the perfect trench! And with fall quickly turning to winter, that trench is the perfect way to look ultra cute in the ultra cold/rainy/inclement weather! Brr.... Now while I am ALL over the classic Burberry Trench, the short and sweet Burberry Brit ($795) being my favorite followed by it's sister, the longer, double breasted at the same price, I am not all over that price (and that isn't even from the more in demand Burberry Prorsum line). This is why I skipped over to Overstock.com where it is all about the "O!, such a good price" and discovered just the perfect Michael Kors trench for me at the perfect price!

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Covet: TOD'S

I am salivating over Tod's New Bauletto Satchel and have decided to line it up in queue after my beloved Goyard St. Louis PM. The leather goods line, which hasn't been on my radar in quite some time, has caught my eye with the versatile and ultra luxe purse that is all about sophistication without screaming "look at me!". Now as we have all come to realize, there is no way I can swing the $1445 for a brand new out the box from Saks all the way on Fifth Avenue, but a girl can dream and check Fashionphile, no less.

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Buy This, Bye That: Alternative to Chanel

I have never understood the obsession with the quilted Chanel flap purse outfit maker, but I will say that I am all about luxe living for less. Therefore, I am always in search of a great item for the deal-seeker in all of us and I have found it with Kate Spade's "Margot" quilted leather satchel. Now while "Margot" will still set you back a couple hundred Benjamins, $375 to be exact, that is much less than the three-grand a classic Chanel flap can set you back on consignment (by the way, this one is quite chic if I do say so myself, and I do).

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Protect Your Digits

I've been converted! After scouring the racks at Dollar Tree (everyone should go in their lifetime) I discovered Nivea hand creme for that special price and decided to give it a try. I have now been converted from regular lotion. My hands feel soft and smooth and pop against fresh manicures! Everyone should take care of their skin (not only because your hands are one of the first to show age), but because it protects you, so you should respect it in return. Now while I don't know how long the heavenly dollar will be stocking my new favorite thing, Wal-Mart offers a free sample and ULTA beauty sells it for the same amount of Washington's.

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Covet: iomoi's Leather Tote

Now just a post below I was waxing and waning on about iomoi's superb personalized canvas totes in an array of sizes and an assortment of colorific emblem options, now I am salivating over their large leather totes that also come in a handful of colors with you guessed it, personalization! Now, compared to their canvas brethren, these totes swing $450 a pop, but are a timeless addition to any wardrobe! Besides, we all need to treat ourselves to one splurge (for those of use penny pinchers) once a quarter and this is definitely one expensive item to last a lifetime!

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Spotlight: Cheryl Cole

I do not know in how many ways I can discuss the epic-ness that is British fashion/singing diva Cheryl Cole, but I thought that I would take to the blog to discuss the necessity for her to institute an American invasion sometime in the near future. Cole, 27, just released her so-so sophomore album Messy Little Raindrops, preceded by the catchy single "Promise This" which shot to #1 in the U.K. and Ireland (the album followed suit). She has been a judge on the UK version of the X-Factor with reports stating that Simon Cowell has plans to pull her stateside for when his American version launches in 2011. Now sources are stating that Cole may be signing a £6 million album contract to release her first two albums in the United States as well as two additional ones in the future. I think Cole is a true talent (she doesn't have legendary vocal chops, but CAN sing and dance with the best of them) and seems like quite the kind soul. Hopefully it'll be a new success for her, though I am still gunning for my Girls Aloud reunion! Enjoy "Promise This" below:

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Tote all My Goods

Now while my EXtra-large Lacoste tote has been dutifully carrying all of my items from place to place, I am all about diversification and iomoi's personalized items, especially their lovely canvas totes in all kinds of sizes has me tons excited for a new bag and an extra awesome gift. With the Holiday season upon us, this is the perfect present to spread cheer and at a range of prices, starting at $88, it beats the $149.95 (with embossing) I was looking to spend on the also lovely Longchamp le Pliage!

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Made in America

My new style-q is all about plain v-necks and pencil jeans. While I love my J.Crew and everything they create, I'm all over American Apparel and their sheer jersey v-necks. Now while they swing $22 a piece, there is savings to be had if they are ordered in packs. For $51, one can buy a 3-pack of colorful v-necks and spice up a classic jeans/t-shirt attire with a cute scarf and some Trove Tkees in the summer or some army boots and a cute cargo jacket for fall.

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Fall into Wedges

The new it bootie is the lace-up suede wedge and I for one have already signed up for a pair of Michael Kors' "Channing" style. There is also the "Liana" style from Coach which sets you back $278, a little less than Kors' $295. If those are a little out of your price range, check Piperlime.com where you can find similar styles by Steve Madden ($130) and Kelsey Dagger ($120) for cheaper prices. Get ready for the cool down!

Keepall My Travel Goods

While I am still daydreaming of foreign lands an eighteen-hour flight away, I am also vacillating between my new travel bag du jour. While I was all about my Coach duffel with pretty mini-C's (and still am), I am also on a Louis V overdose--the French malletier's marvelous monogram has again caught my attention and I am all over a Keepall 45 with the strap to boot. But, as I have established many times before, I have a taste for champagne, but a budget for beer. That is why I am all over finding a pre-loved version with a vintage feel for half the price at my favorite haunts including Malleries. If you've got an eye and can spot a fake, eBay posts bags for even bigger savings.

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Covet: Tiffany Reversible Tote

The hot new bag is the TRT: Tiffany Reversible Tote that has been seen on the likes of fashionista herself, Jennifer Aniston (in Espresso). Now while I adore Aniston's fashion philosophy, I'm all about camel/gold reversible that swings $595 in the large version. Now while I'm still crunching my pennies into dollars and so on for my Goyard St. Louis, this is a much more reasonable price compared to the $1095 the french malletier's tote can swing. Here's to the next trendy tote soon to take the elite's arms.

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Covet: Bottega Veneta

I'm searching for a new wallet and the first thing that came to mind is the beautifully woven, soft leather Bottega Veneta brand. While I already have a matching wallet for Señor Louis, I would like something to contrast and have found a woven leather wallet is the perfect match. Now while these wallets start in the high $100s, Fashionphile and other consignment stores are the perfect place for a fabulous find.

PURSE ORGANIZER

Everyone needs one--not a black dress, but a purse organizer! They're the greatest invention since sliced bread. There is no need to search for your keys or loose change. I'm especially into the linen ones (picture above) from eBay store Divide and Conquer Organizers, but if you're not into plain items like I am, they come in a variety of designs and start as low as $20.95. If this is still too high for your budget, some Ross stores have organizers for as low as $4.95, but they're a little on the small side!

Hair Care

I am all about living richly and shopping thrifty--especially when it comes to fashion!--even more when it deals with my being. This is why I search for products that will liven my skin or fluff my hair. Today, I am all about thickening and lengthening my tresses using the salon fave Rusk. I consistently pay a 6-week visit to the salon for a cut and conditioning, but in between, I like to keep my hair lively with the brand's thickr line and their Sensories "conditioning" spray. Now while these products can run upwards of $15 for the smaller bottles, I have found that browsing TJ Maxx can reward with the 22 oz. bottle for $5 less. Even hair care emporium Ulta has the brand for less. So check out one of the stores near you!

This Works: Stretch Marks

I love trying new things, especially when those things help cure a problem that seems to have no cure. Now while I have only been trying THIS WORKS for the past two weeks, I have seen a small change in my signs of growth spurts. The stretch mark oil has won numerous awards and mentions as well as the validation of being used by the Material Girl. In the spirit of full disclosure, I did not spend the $60 retail as listed on Beautyhabit, I actually only spent around $8 from TJ Maxx (I bought all three bottles). If your To the Maxx doesn't have it, I do know that Barney's sells it and at times offers it on discounts.

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Throwback Thursday

Nothing can get me in a good mood quite like some classic soul music. I certainly need that this upcoming week with my stress level hitting a peak. If you are also suffering from unwa(rra)nted pressure, please enjoy the greatness that is Marvin Gaye and his song "Got to Give it Up" from his live album Live at the London Palladium.

Fashion Loves Unite: Fashionphile

As I am all about living large, but saving a dollar, I know that it can be difficult to live luxuriously without going broke. On my quest to purchase a Goyard St. Louis, I have realized that there is more than one way to go about any situation. That is how I discovered the world of consignment and the website Fashionphile.com. Fashionphile is a company that sells gently loved designer handbags and accessories for a fraction of what it would cost in the store. The consignment boutique has a showroom as well as a Better Business Bureau certification, so you can shop confidently. If you're a west coast wanderer, you're in luck because the store is located near the posh and touristy Rodeo Drive, so take a look. If not, their website provides an honest and adequate description of the product and a 7-day money back guarantee, though I'm sure you won't need it!

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Luggage

My mind has been ablaze with what I am to do with the my next years on the sexy hot planet and the one want that will not allow itself to be pushed from the forefront on my mind is travel! To travel, you need luggage and while I am not short in that department, I do love an upgrade! That is why today's post is all about not where you go, but what you take to get there! Now while some of the rich and most of the famous like to be seen with their Louis Vuitton monogram keepalls (and I do not fault them, to each is own), my favorite brands are BRICs, Hartmann and Tusting. These brands all cost upwards of too much, but that doesn't mean they are out of reach!

Now while I am in the midst of looking to purchase a Coach duffle for all of my quick traveling needs, I will say that for those living in and out of suitcases or traveling with family rolling luggage is essential in airport battle grounds. A great place to purchase is on sites like Ebay (from actual companies, not individuals, who have stores online), my absolute favorite Overstock.com and Amazon.com. Tusting is a little trickier since it is a UK brand, but Magnums.net is a perfect place to start (they have good clearance) and also sells one of my other fave brands: Longchamp. Searches for Tusting also pulled up: luggageguru.com, but always be weary of sites you're not familiar with and use the Better Business Bureau to check them out!

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Throwback Thursday: It's Noon Somewhere

This throwback Thursday isn't really a throwback. It is dedicated to my love for a certain Brit songstress of my all time favorite group Girls Aloud. This song is from her 2009 multi-platinum album 3 Words. Please enjoy "Happy Hour."

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Throwback Thursday

This Throwback Thursday, I would like to dedicate to the glorious Rolling Stones and their genius song "Sympathy for the Devil." Enjoy!

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36 Things to To Do

Now while this list was created for "all the single ladies" out there, I found it to be a great list for anyone at any point in their life (attached or not). Some of the items to check off may be trivial and geared more towards females, but for the most part the intent is clear: take advantage of what life has to offer. While I am saving pennies to purchase my Coach duffel to travel to the UK in the nearing future, something on the list, I am now planning to get in shape and maybe compete in a marathon. Listed below are my favorites from the Glamour girl's blogging list:

1. Go to a movie alone.
4. Take out the trash, set a mousetrap, do your taxes, build a bookcase.
6. Train for (and finish) a huge physical test like a half-marathon.
9. Fly to a foreign country by yourself. I was nervous on my first solo trip to Europe, even though I almost always have to travel alone.
13. Get drunk during the day, just because you can. Attend Santacon, the convention for Santas, or something similar.
18. Chill with your widowed and single grandma. She knows "alone"!
19. Volunteer.
23. Buy yourself some flowers.
25. Sit at a bar by yourself and drink a martini. Cool.
26. Buy something frivolous and expensive that you LOVE wearing.
28. Throw yourself into something time-consuming, like learning a foreign language.
29. Make a list of all your faults.
31. Get some hobbies.

Also, check out the dating panel that was featured on The Today Show for some laughs.
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Throwback Thursday

With these epic heat waves, I have decided to dedicate this Throwback (Thirsty) Thursday to "Cruisin'," Smokey Robinson's hit song off of his 1970's album Where There's Smoke... (which also happened to be covered by a certain GOOP-y actress in her film Duets).

About Throwback Thursday: Music is a passion and hopefully, I'll find some old jams that I can share with others! Thanks!

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Denim Takeover

I am a HUGE denim fanatic, but due to the record heat waves across this fine planet I have refrained from traipsing through the gardens in my old blues. Somehow, my indigo pride needs to shine and I have found that representation through my Gap Outlet jean jacket. The jean jacket has been a staple in fashion since the dawn of Vogue and weaves in and out of fashion trends as much as Lindsay Lohan on the 101. It is the perfect addition to nearly any outfit and a great way to look très-cute in a long or short sundress. I am all over the Current/Elliot jacket pictured above, but not so much the $275 price tag. If you need a sensible version, OldNavy ($29.50), Gap ($69.50) and Revolve ($78) post cheaper prices!

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Covet: Goyard

After securing my prized Cabas Mezzo Señor Louis as well as my checkbook wallet I have turned my attention to another tote: Goyard St. Louis PM (approx. $940). I am constantly on the search for brands that represent under-the-radar prominence and the French luxury goods manufacturer does just that. With stores in just a handful of locations across the world, Goyard also establishes itself on a throne of exclusivity that rivals few (maybe Hermès--though, since the Oprah scandal, I am not a fan). They will also personalize products like the handbag above. Learn more about the company on their website.

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Music Minute

They've been out of the game since 2007's multi-platinum It Won't Be Soon Before Long, but Maroon 5 is returning this fall with Hands all Over and my ears are all over it. After getting lost in awesomeness that is English rock band Muse, I had forgotten about my burgundy friends and their funk-rock-pop mixture. Apparently my iPod didn't (since they popped up while on shuffle) and since then I have been thoroughly enjoying "Back at Your Door" my favorite from their sophomore debut (as Maroon 5). Enjoy!

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Covet: Trove Tkees

I've long been a fan of J.Crew's thin-strapped flip-flop and the way it makes my legs poor into my feet (if that is sensible), however, they have never supplied me with the nude sandal I so desperately needed. Therefore, we had to part ways and I have become a convert to Trove Tkees or "cosmetics for your feet." After searching far and wide for the sandals that have adorned the likes of Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba, I found them... apparently when everyone else has too. Apparently, the sandal maker is on back order, but with some vigilance and determination I'm sure the new online boutique will be open soon!

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In the Nude

Now while I know it is summer and everyone is all about color, I am still decidedly somber in the nail polish department. Nude is a classic color that always makes a statement and never clashes with any outfit or jewelry choice. While I am a fan of the dramatic burgundy or punch of red and even sometimes black, these shades (including your neon blues, purples and pinks) always look best adorning the toes in a pair of strappy sandals. Picking out nude finger paint can be tricky, so the best that can be done is testing colors on your fingers in the store to ensure you don't end up with a pearly white or a more milk chocolate. The nude shouldn't have sparkles (that is more champagne), but should be glossy and matte. Couple those freshly decorated fingers with a gorgeous cocktail ring and you're ready to go!

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Consign on a Dime

If there is anything I've learned about living richly, it is that even at bargain stores, purchasing deeply discounted merchandise can still be expensive. However, there are still alternatives for the price conscious shopper with a penchant for designer duds: consignment. While there are several well known thrift shops nationwide including Goodwill and the Salvation Army (and there are sometimes deals that can be found there), there are other consignment stores that specialize in gently loved designer and vintage apparel. For the West Coast shopper with a good eye, there is Wasteland with several locations in the greater Los Angeles area, while for East Coast there is Michael's The Designer Consignment. For everyone in between, I recommend using Google to search for your downtown discounter or just sending a quick email requesting if (making a phone call) to request information for specific items!

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Music Minute: Hitting the Street

I am not one to jump on the bandwagon: in fact, I run away from them. This may be why I have missed out on Grammy and BRIT-award winning artist and soul singer Adele and her multiplatinum album 19. Either way, I am now reaping the benefits of such "heartbroken soul" and maybe you can too! Enjoy her top-five hit Chasing Pavements.

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On the Prowl

Every minute of every day someone somewhere is discovering an old trend and making it new again. In the coming months, the sun will brighten and heat our planet and I am looking for the ultimate in protection against those unhealthy rays. The search is on for a hat, and not just any hat, but a fedora circa the 1920s. Coupled with a relaxed jersey dress and some sandals and I'm sure pretty soon convertibles will be dotted with them. Even better, Eugenia Kim is bringing a spring hat line to Target!

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Music Minute

I've had a soft spot for English rock bands since being introduced to Oasis in the late 90s and even more after discovering Coldplay in the early 2000s (thanks solely to meine Schwester), however this find is all me. After uploading my friend's Muse LP Black Holes and Revelations onto my iPod, I have become a convert. It is some of the best music I have heard and continue to listen to on repeat. Even more exciting is their release, The Resistance and my two standout favorites "Uprising" and "Undisclosed Desires" listed above. Enjoy!

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Checkered Vice

Right now, I'm mad for plaid and gingham check. Almost anything with checkerboard print has a place in my closet. Almost. The one apparel item I'm searching for most is a plain shirt circa 1990s Kurt Cobain. But, if said shirt is not in my $20 or less budget, I'll settle for a scarf. And not just any scarf, I'd like to say I have refined tastes in need of a plain fleece crinkle scarf from Forever 21 or an Adi classic collection scarf for just a little more from Overstock.com. For those of you who don't mind spending a little more, this scarf from GAP is perfect.

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