Michelle Tote by Tory Burch - Wanted!

Happy Santa Clause Parade Sunday!!
This weekend marks the beginning of the holiday season as most cities and towns welcome the holidays with their annual Santa Clause parade. There was one here in Bradford last night, but I was working and couldn’t make it. But I did drive by some of the floats which looked amazing and bright J It really put me into the holiday spirit.

In my last post I listed some tips for shopping during the Christmas season and how to get the best deals. Now this post is all about YOU!! What do YOU want for Christmas?! Do you regularly buy yourself something or only spend on others? I think my strategy is more of a “one for you, one for me” type. It is very difficult for me to shop for my friends and family when I end up also wanting the awesome gifts I just bought. Sigh! What’s a shopaholic girl to do!?

I just read over Oprah’s list of Favourite Things for 2012 and I wish I hadn’t because there is one item on the list that is absolutely to die for and way out of my price range. Are you ready?! Close your eyes or exit the screen if you don’t want to be tempted either…don’t say I didn’t warn you!
But here it is:
The Metallic Michelle Tote in Pink by Tory Burch.

Isn’t it the most beautiful tote bag you have ever seen? It also comes in silver, but if you know me at all, you know that pink is my colour!! (And I don’t care if I am 26 years old, pink will always be my favourite!)

I like this bag for many reasons, besides the fact that it’s pink. I like that it is a tote because it gives you more room to put your belongings. My purse is an abyss of random junk, so a tote would be ideal for me. This bag is also made of leather (well for the price I would hope so)! It is metallic, so it really stands out but also looks very elegant at the same time. All in all, I think this is the ultimate purse and definitely at the top of my wish list this year. The only negative for me about this bag….the price! At a whopping $395 I don’t think this is in my budget, and even if I could afford it I would feel silly spending so much money on a bag. But I love it so much; I think I am having one of those moments when an item speaks to you. If there is a Santa out there, I am letting him know now that this would be a great addition under my Christmas tree this year!

Since it seems like this bag is only available for purchase on the Tory Burch website, I guess trying to find a cheaper one is not really in the cards, but if you see a replica or something similar out there, please let me know. Or if the item goes on sale after Christmas, that may also be an option for me! OR maybe, just maybe, if the bag won’t shuttup and keeps talking to me, I may just be so inclined to purchase, MAYBE!

What are your “favourite things” this year? Are you going to be buying yourself any gifts?

Pandora Charm Addict

It's no secret that I am a Pandora fanatic! It all started in May when I went to buy a charm as a gift for my cousin's confirmation. While I knew what Pandora was all about, I always steered clear because I thought it was a gimmicky and juvenile cult to be part of. Charm bracelets, at 26? Really? But no, in that moment while looking at all the charms neatly organized in their tiny sections in the shiny glass cases, I became a victim!

Now you may not be a fan of Pandora, or not really care at all about it, but I just want to highlight some of the cool reasons to be a collector.

The best thing about Pandora is that there really is something there for everyone. Every unique charm tells a little bit about the wearer of the bracelet. I look at the bracelet as a puzzle, and the charms are the pieces that represent you and what you like.

The first charm I bought was the house charm. ($30). I found it fitting since I had just bought my house and was getting settled in, so I thought that would be a good starting piece. The house charm is one of the least expensive charms Pandora sells. Most of their charms are very affordable, which is why I think they are so popular. If you go to Tiffany's, their charms are $200 and up, making it impossible for the average woman to afford a charm bracelet there.



 

The second charm I purchased was the ballet slippers charm. It was really cute and had a pink stone on it. Dance has always been a big part of my life, so I thought that was a fitting piece to get.

I am not a representative for Pandora (although the way I talk about them, people think I should be) but I do really love their charms. They often have neat promotions, like last month if you spent $100, you got a free sterling silver bracelet ($75 value). And this month, since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, if you spend $100 or more, you get a free pink leather bracelet. I am going to the states this weekend, and with their promo, you only have to spend $85, so I will definately be taking advantage of that.

 

The new fall collection is out and I want to get the new crown charm. It is really cute, and since I am pretty much a princess, I think that should be part of my collection. I will also buy the Jack-O-Lantern since Halloween is coming up and it is my favourite holday afterall!

The most recent charm I purchased came all the way from England and is only exclusive to England! It's the Royal Wedding Charm. Eric's mom picked it up for me while visiting there last week. It's really pretty and heart shaped with the sapphire stone on it to represent Kate's engagement ring. And Catherine and William's initials engraved on the back. This is a rare charm because only so many were made. I am lucky to have one of them. There are lots of rare/unique/hard to find charms out there. I am determined to get as many as I can, including the dice charm, which is only available in Las Vegas!

 

 

Do you collect Pandora? What are your favourite charms?

 



Falling Ahead!

Good grief, summer is already over and it's been a while since my last post (sorry!) I have been quite lazy these days. Maybe it is the change of weather, the days are getting shorter and the lack of sun makes me want to sleep forever.
I forgot to do a review for my August Glossy Box but again, this month wasn't the greatest. The only noteworthy item I got was a Sebastian Potion 9 Lite hair treatment styler. It's a super small bottle that apparently retails for $20.95! It works pretty good and doesn't make my hair feel heavy of residue.
Honestly, when it comes to my everyday beauty routine I keep it pretty basic...and quick! I would much rather spend those extra few minutes in bed in the morning than fuss with my face or hair.

With the change of season, I always feel like I need to do something new and fresh! This past weekend I emptied out half my closet and attended a clothing swap party with a few girlfriends.We do this a few times a year and always have a good time. With more room in my closet, I feel like any off the cuff purchases can now be justified. I bought a few key pieces the other week when I was in the states. I think these are all must haves for any girl's Fall wardrobe...

1) A good pair of boots
Whether you are looking for a comfy Ugg type or a long legged leather, one good pair of boots that you will wear almost daily is a good investment. I bought a nice long, flat grey pair by Candie's at Kohl's for $70. They aren't real leather but they look fabulous and if I take care of them, should last me a few seasons.

2) Long Sweaters
Perfect to wear over a pair of leggings with your new boots. Long sweaters are my answer to everyday comfort and for days that I just don't feel like wearing pants! (Fat days)!  They also look super sleek and stylish when paired with a nice scarf.

3) Long sleeved tees
I actually bought a bunch of these from Walmart for a great price. They are comfortable and cozy and can be worn alone or under a jacket or vest.

4) Flats
A nice pair of flats on those warmer autumn days. Super cute if you find a pair with bows or other sorts of embellishment on them.

5) Heavy sweaters
I grabbed a few bulkier pullover type sweaters to wear over tee shirts and even long sleeved shirts. They are perfect for days when you don't feel like wearing a bulky jacket.

6) Denim
A nice pair of dark denim really makes for a put together, fashionable look.

7) Leather jacket
A hot piece that pulls together any outfit. A classic black or soft brown makes for a nice Fall look.

8) Purse
Put those bright, summery light purses away and upgrade to a more sophisticated and subtle purse. Even though we aren't going back to school, a new bag is always fun to get this time of year :)

9) Fall scent
A change up of scent may be appropriate with the change of season. Less flowery smells and more musky are appropriate for Fall.

10) Halloween Scene
Don't forget to start your search for the perfect Halloween costume!! It may be September, but you don't want to be crammed inside a costume store, the week before Halloween and all they have left is an XL bubmle bee outfit. Get out there and get creative!!! It's the day of the year that you get to be someone you are not!

What items are you buying this Fall?
Are you going out for Halloween this year?