District Sample Sale

Tickets are going on sale this Friday (2/13) for the annual District Sample Sale!

http://www.districtsamplesale.com/tickets.html

My last one was two years ago but scored a fantastic page of page jeans and a little fitted green jacket from Periwinkle!

Try to arrive early to get as best of a chance to score some great finds! There are definitely some gems, but prepared to really scavange for them. Wear a dress/skirt with tights! It'll be easier to try items on. =)

men's shoe shopping

There is nothing more satisfying than scoring a great shopping deal! Yesterday L and I headed over to Pentagon City Mall to shoe shop for him and he made out with two fantastically priced shoes!

The first one is an ultra-light weight dress shoe from Clarks that was on sale for $70. Men's shoes can be really pricey. This new pair is awesome and is incredibly light and comfortable on the feet! Because L is on his feet so much these days he really needs a pair of dress shoes that he can walk in and stand in for long periods of time. I've asked him to imagine what its like for women who are in heels all day, to which he responds: don't wear heels then.

I can't seem to find the exact pair he bought on Clarks online, but they have a pretty decent selection of men's shoes that are mostly in between casual and dressy.

We headed over to Champs to look at sneakers and I was pleasantly surprised when he was interested in looking at chucks! At full price chucks still cost between $45-$50 and isn't exactly cheap. But I thought we'd try over at Marshalls where I got much for 50% off. And voila, there was a fantastic pair of all-stars for $24.99! It was a great great buy!!!

new purchases

Happy 2009 everyone! It's a few days into the new year already and life is as nutty as it always is (in a good way!).



Black and pink chucks!

Loose Leaf Necklace $5.80 (FOREVER 21)

Petite textured metal leaves strung along a short length cable chain with lobster clasp closure - 0.65'' leaves x 16'' chain

GAP goodness

a few weekends ago my mom, sister and I made our way to the Leesburg Pike outlets where I found a soft grey peacoat sweater that reminded me of a less expensive mike & chris hoodie. I haven't bought too many things from GAP since the design vs. retail price just doesn't seem worth it. but upon finding this sweater for $40 it screamed buy me, buy me now.


today i found myself wandering over to the GAP website and clicked on their romantic collection which has the text: sweet, polished vibe with a casual vibe. The color pallete consists mainly of pinks, creams, khakis, bluish-grays, and whites. Materials include cottons, jersey and silk.


My favorite piece from this collection is the cropped bomber jacket for $68.


A chunky, textured basketweave is the perfect counterpoint to the great feminine details, like puff sleeves and a cropped length. An unexpected, edgy belt rounds out the look.

The ruffled cami in Nude Rose is also a wonderfully soft and feminine piece.

It's Great to be a girl and wear dresses!

Over the past year (starting last summer) I like many many women have increasingly found ourselves purchasing more dresses. I was never a dress girl growing up. I wore jeans a whole lot, i still own many pairs to this day, but I for one can't be happier seeing tons of women out there in dresses and skirts. I just love it. I've finally gained a real appreciation for the dress.

there are so many styles, from the incredibly loose fitting trapeze dresses, to the incredibly structured and fitted ones. I love shift dresses, shirt dresses, babydoll dresses, empire waisted dresses...I love wearing them to work, wearing them for coffee, dinner, shopping...you get the point. :)

today I came across an incredibly inspiring blog! ( http://www.stylebites.net/ ) This young woman from Oslo, Norway has an incredibly wonderful eye for dresses and tights (that i both love!) and its so interesting to see the kind of outfits she puts together. she gets a lot of her pieces from H&M and Zara (two personal favorites) and i think it's terrific that she can look incredibly chic without spending thousands of dollars.

speaking of H&M, i tried on a black dress in a thicker jersey knit last weekend and fell in love with the neckline. i didn't buy it because the arms and the actual shape of the dress looked too big on me. im hoping to find another dress with the same neckline that fits better.

bring on more fall clothes!

Off Post: Weekend Re-Cap

I was working for most of the weekend, but that doesn't mean that there's no time for fun!

Dinner with friends at my friend dupont eatery Bistro Du Coin for some mussels, frites and wine! Bistro du Coin has the best sized mussels and flavors in dc in my humble opinion. Belga Cafe comes at a close second.

Yesterday I went shopping at H&M! Oh there were so many things I wanted, so many! But I walked away with a beautiful dress (for $35 gee what a steal!) and two tops that I can wear both to work and to play. When I find something I like, I tend to want to buy it in multiple colors. I figure, why not? Tops with unique silhouettes are especially hard to come by at such a bargain price! Still on my favorite color of the moment: GREY most of the clothes i tried on were either white, black, or grey (or some combination of it).

I go through color periods, some months ago it was brown. I wanted everything in brown! Before that green! But with my current obsession, grey, its just such a cool very slick color. Reminds me of winter and yet is more versatile than a pastel. easily worn for all seasons, im really digging this color that also reminds me of the popular metallics craze.

i still prefer merchandise from H&M compared to Forever 21. I guess its because H&M is a swedish company, that they have a more European flair to their clothing. Currently the stuff in forever 21 is too trendy and too teen-driven. A working 20something such as a myself interested in buying pieces that works both for work and after work is difficult. I may look like im 16 but I'm not so I'm not about to start dressing like one.

Off Post: Shopping List

last night headed over to Zara at georgetown really quick to try on some basic pairs of black pants. Their super basic one at a size 34 fit fine, but was probably too form fitting for the work place. another pair was great, loose enough to be roomy but fit the bum area really well, unfortunately they didnt have any in black (will be back soon, oh yes...)

at any given point in time im always wanting things, here's my current list


black work pants - i realized that i only have 1 pair of black pants that fit well and that I can wear to work! hence i need another pair

rain boots - i've been debating what sort of rain boot to buy!!! while the dream pair would be the nova checks from burberry, ive got to be more practical and will probably purchase them from target. they have a whole bunch of really cute patterns and for $19.99 it's such a deal! i can't decide whether to buy just a plain black matte (that will probably will be more timeless) or a fun colorful pattern, or even the houndstooth pattern in b/w!!!! oh decisions decisions...

incidently it was storming again last night and apparently is supposed to flurry from fri-sat (oh joy...)

short sleeved and sleeveless sweaters - for layering pieces. i love these v-necked sleeveless ones from Esprit for about $35, and i want them in all colors!!! ideally i want crew neck sleeveless as well as crew neck short sleeved (think ala sara jessica parker in that one episode of sex and the city where she is wearing a perriwinkle beret and she has come to the russian's apartment!)

sturdy messenger bag - as indicated in a previous post...leaning terribly towards timbuk2.

hope in a jar - im running out, must replenish!

tarte cheek stains - ack they are wonderful...

black boots - i realized i dont have a pair of tall, heeled black boots! i've got a pair dark brown, whiskey, and rose colored ones but no black...

Off Post: Shopping

Last night I decided to hit the mall for some spur of the moment shopping, and boy was i satisfied or what!!! I got this amazing eggplant colored taffeta dress for $12!!! it's a strapless and goes a inch or 2 above my knee and what i love most about it is that it's so fun and whimsy yet very cocktail/night appropriate as well. i also got a simple black jersey dress that can be dressed up or down ($15) and a gray short sleeved v-neck sweater ($5).

My surprise for the night? The sweetest man in the world surprises me with GORGEOUS new strappy heels!!! such a sweetheart...how lucky am i? :)

I'm going to have to wear a more conservative black dress tonight because it's a stuffy washington party. My beautiful eggplant dress is just going to have to wait another time. Maybe next weekend when I get to go somewhere!

Off Post: I want this bag

I WANT!!!!!

jessica city bag, from Esprit
$22.99
City purse with distinctive style (approx. 13.4 x 9 x 3.5 inches)
A trendy, must-have for this season: its matt leather appearance, elaborate finish, chunky stitching and eye-catching studs, buckles and rings in silver-colored metal give this city purse an elegantly sporty style. The lightly structured outer surface changes through use since the bag develops a distinctive patina over time.-front flap with a magnetic snap fastener-two handles for carrying by hand, shoulder strap with snap clasps for detaching-durable lining with a zip pocket and separate compartments for documents, a cell phone, pens and bits and pieces
100% polyuretane

where art thou dress?

this weekend was spent hunting for shoes and a dress to wear to the upcoming 2007 News and Radio Correspondents dinner which I will be attending next week. i already have shoes in mind (ivette caparros courtesy zappos.com) but after 2 days worth of looking the elusive dress still remains, elusive.

i have these fabulous chocolate brown satin heels but no dress to match. i may have to dig into the closet and wear something from back there, but here's to we'll see. all the dresses I saw this weekend were all fun spring day dresses! and a tooooooooon of jersey!!! everywhere!!!!

i went to the department stores as well but nada...

earlier I checked nordstroms.com and there were a couple of promising looking frocks. i may head over to norstroms again to check if they are at the store so i can try them on. for under $100 they had some pretty cute stuff.

instead though, i did walk out with a great grey sweater from Zara.

a funny things happened on the way too...brings about contemplation.

it's nearly spring!

the forecast here in the dc area is driving me nuts!

today there will be a high of nearly 80 degrees, then tomorrow it starts raining again and by the weekend we will be back at the 40s. What's a gal to do? I'm itching to break out the spring shoes!!!!! Speaking of spring shoes, these have been popping up on different sites and screams spring.

From delmans available at www.shoes.com for $264.99

I love the light colors and can be worn for work, the weekend, or even to a party!

I will be attending a fancy schmancy dinner in two weeks and that means it's time to get shopping! An excuse to buy the capparos ivette in black? perhaps...or if i use the new chocolate brown satin heels i've got to look for a matching dress! oh decisions decisions.

SUCCESS!

After much pondering, and many many days of looking at the website I finally caved in last night and decided that yes, I can afford another new pair of flats (to add to the collection of course!). When I saw that the only sizes left were 6 and 6.5 I took it as a sign that yes, I am supposed to purchase this shoes! And these are the adorable white and black flats from www.gojane.com that are just darling! they scream classic, school girl, but grown up. in 9-10 days i will have these babies! yes!

We also went back to C-Mart on saturday afternoon to see if there was anything new to get. I almost bought a lovely caparros sandal, champagne color with a little bit of oomph. but there was only one shoe! the other shoe was a completely different one!!!! and as much as c-mart is awesome, most areas looked like a tornado went through it and threw up all over the place. needless to say i didn't get anything. there was a nice messenger from Longchamp that was decently priced at $240 but I've decided to get the Kate Spade messenger instead.

Beaded Ballet Flat

brown velvet with embellished topaz stones
from Scoop NYC for $39.00
www.scoopnyc.com

fab buy!

"Campus" Sport Oxford

A smart choice for school, or wherever you want to go in style. Features soft suede on a satiny upper. Padded footbed adds comfort. Leather and manmade materials.

available at Payless on SALE for $14.95

picked this baby up after brunch today at Napoleon. I have a ton of sneakers...many of which I have barely used. But I had to buy this because 1) it was cheap, 2) I can actually use this on a day to day basis. Meaning that it's dressy enough for work, wear it out at night, and I can wear it out shopping on the weekend!

its also incredibly comfortable, stylish, and cheap! whats not to like? also comes in a cream/coral color as well.

Off Post: District Sample Sale

DC's 2nd district sample sale happened last night in Georgetown and I finally made it out there! With a gorgeous special someone in tow, we made our way through the throves of women that descended upon the tiny space.

Him: Cheap couture and women are a dangerous combination
*I laugh*
Him: This is so like C-Mart....

Thank you for being such a sweetheart and coming with me both to C-Mart and to last night's sample sale!

At least there were cocktails last night :) albeit really watered down martinis...

I made out with a great pair of james jeans for $75 retail at 150 something? As well as a really super awesome green cropped jacket that can be unzipped into a corset. Apparently it was too small for anyone else to fit into (yes it was meant for me!) Cost, $50. I was sorely tempted to buy a pair of green round toe wedges but decided against it. He was also being so sweet and bought me a grey scoop neck and brown crew neck cotton tees from three dot.

All in all, I was expecting more...maybe its cuz i got there an hour late that most of my size were gone. I was really hoping to score a great spring dress, but was sorely disappointed.

Is it me, or were so many of the women there all dressed the same? A lot of leggings, boots, and either printed or mod inspired dresses. Not that theres anything wrong with that of course but alot of women looked like clones of each other. but thats merely my own opinion. I've got to say tho I was drooling at all the glorious bags I saw...

today's outfit:
charcoal grey tweed patterned skirt - h&m
black cashmere crew neck sweater - theory
black leggings
grey princess wool coat - h&m
cream colored ballerina flats

*my apologies for the lack of postings! life has been hectic as i just landed the job of my dreams!!!! i can hardly believe it and it hasn't quite sunken in yet. :)

today's awesome flat:

serina-20 pu mule

Solid color mule with bow decor and quilted stitch design toe. Women's whole & half sizes. Imported. All Man Made Material.

$19.99 available at http://www.gojane.com

im definately treating myself to a pair!!!!!

Off Post: C-Mart, oh the insanity

It was the most insane thing i'd ever endured in my years of shopping.

C-Mart opened in Lansdowne MD this weekend and M and I went up on opening day. Parking was nuts. Traffic was tolerable. Inside the former Sam's club? ABSOLUTE CRAZINESS. There were so many people there...so many...soooooooooooooooo maaaaaaaaaaaaany! Not that I can blame them of course, C-Mart offers massive discounts for designer goods.

The coolest finds? Their bag department. Chloe bags for 50% off!!!!! Gosh I saw me some paddingtons....not to mention they had decent prada stock too. Naturally of course that was still uhm, pretty much not in my budget.

They also had Seven and Citizens of Humanity jeans for $50. of course by the time I got there (11 am) they were absolutely out of my size. Mind you C-Mart opened at 10 am!!!!!

So, in the end I purchased a pair of plaid pants from Theory (for work) and a pair of really awesome jeans for $21 (what a steal!). M made out with 2 hoodies from American Apparel and 2 pairs of great work shoes from zengara.

The worst part? We waited in line for 4 hours to pay for these. I kid you not. FOUR HOURS.
We were there from 11 am to 6 PM...

There were hundreds of people there and only SIX cash registers. And they did not have a scan system, everything was inputed manually. Hence if you brought up an item with NO tags, you would go through an long price check process. I am also assuming that some of their cashiers were not that experienced and were having trouble putting in the right amount, etc etc.

I do not think I will ever want to repeat that experience again. Well, only if Chloe bags were less than $200, then that would be worth the sacrifice. Here's hoping that C-Mart was only like that because it was opening weekend.

on my must buy list

so what do i do while waiting for my special someone to make some sushi tonight? browse for shoes of course!

I first tried these on last christmas and fell in love with them!
They are on sale online at http://www.ninewest.com from $69.99 to $59.99



these are Anne Klein available at http://www.piperlime.com
for $79.99. it reminds me of a marc jacobs flat that cost a helluva lot more!