Consume or Consumed

What I bought from the Saks Clearance

2012-01-27T11:13:00.001-05:00

As I've already mentioned, it's pretty bittersweet to be losing the local Saks Fifth Avenue. With the consolidation stock they received, it makes the browsing experience even more fun than usual because there are have brands not typically carried in Pittsburgh. But the knowledge that the store will soon be gone for good is a bummer.

When I visited last weekend I wasn't sure that I would purchase anything. I went to handbags first and found a smooshy gray Rocco bag that tempted me. I even carried it around for a while to figure out if I could manage its infamous heft. Those iconic studs are some serious hardware! Ultimately I put it back. I have plenty of bags so I've become very sensible about impulse purchases (even when things are 65% off!). This is especially important because everything at the Pittsburgh Saks is now final sale.

They are honoring the original return policy for merchandise purchased before the clearance began. And because Anthropologie keeps releasing new colorways for the Pieced Column dress (some of which I like even better than my after Chrismas Saks Bailey 44 buy) I returned it. I read about some quality issues with the fabric and decided I could better put that gift card money to something that will be able to be worn often (lowering the cost per wear) and for years to come.

I've written about my enduring love for outerwear and every year I tend to find one coat to add to my collection. Well, last year was an exception. Although there were coats that I liked, none were the right price at the right time. When I saw the racks of Burberry for 65% off (with a gift card that would make it more than 80% off), I decided to make a purchase.

Burberry coat

I have already worn it every day this week!

Note: They still had a lot of the Bailey 44 dresses and they are going to keep marking things down along the way so it might be back in my possession eventually. I will also be sale stalking the Pieced Column at Anthro because I do think it is a gorgeous, fun dress and I liked how it fit me. Eventually I believe I will be able to find one for a better price than retail. Check out Carol's new reviews of the dresses on In Pursuit of Pretty Things.

Eleonora Flight Shift Dress Review

2012-01-25T13:06:00.002-05:00

Eleonora Flight Shift

The pretty painterly print of the Eleonora Flight Shift Dress called out to me from the racks. I cannot resist an interesting print. So although this dress seems to be sold out online, I figured I would offer a review of it in the event of popbacks or discounts. I grabbed a medium with hesitation because I typically need a large to accommodate my hips in straighter shift styles. This one looked a little looser and it ended up fitting fine. I really like the styling possibilities offered by the versatile and simple shape. Shift dresses are almost like blank canvases in that regard. But the print makes it unique. The retail price point seems "reasonable" for Anthropologie but still unreasonable in my opinion for rayon and polyester fabrication. I have wishlisted it and am waiting for a sale/popbacks.

Cozy in Fair Isle

2012-01-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

Fair Isle sweater now on mega sale

D'armee dress in black

Rose Gold Liz boots

Anthro belt

Hue tights

I love Fair Isle sweaters and if you visit any number of stores they seem to be inescapable. My mom bought me this drapey number from Macys for Christmas and it is so cozy. I throw it on over all sorts of casual outfits. So when I was headed out to teach last week on an especially cold day, I decided to try it with a dress. I belted it to keep the sweater in place and I think it worked out. It's definitely bulky but I was so warm that I hardly cared.

What I (almost) Wore

2012-01-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Kate Spade skirt with Banana Republic sweater two ways

I haven't done it with enough regularity but every now and then it really helps to take some time and try on your clothes. It can be fun to explore new options and pairings (while evaluating whether you want to keep lesser worn items). For me, this many names: hypothetical dressing, playing dress up. what I almost wore, etc.

Spinning Lace dress two ways

I did this a few weeks ago when I was trying to come up with holiday party ensembles and it brought me to the conclusion that I should part with my Spinning Lace dress. I loved the dress but I wore it once. Once in an entire year. That is just not fair to something so pretty. It almost saw a reprieve in one of the options above. But it has a new home with more opportunity to see use. Do you play dress up?

Nautical in (Kate) Spade(s)

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-05:00

Evening Dresses by Kate Spade
Clutches by Kate Spade

As usual, for spring nautical inspirations seem inescapable. Although I'm relishing the cold weather in Pittsburgh, the above ship and magazine clutches along with all the stripes and hues of navy have me itching to travel to someplace warm.

I don't own what I would consider to be cruise fashion but I'm envisioning ladies in strips and vibrant prints with men dressed in Ralph Lauren or Stone Island.

Live from the Pittsburgh Saks Liquidation

2012-01-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

Last night Chris and I heard a credible rumor that the merchandise at the Pittsburgh Saks clearance sale included consolidated items from the website and elsewhere. So this afternoon we resolved to check it out. Discounts range from 10% (current season clothes and shoes, women's intimates, jewelry, and some of the handbags) to 60% (plenty of clothes, some shoes, handbags, and more). Allegedly (from the source of the consolidation information, and not a store employee), this Thursday everything will be an additional 10% off (so the base discount might be 20% rather than 10%). I forgot to ask an employee if they could confirm the information so it might not be accurate.

The handbag selection included brands I've never seen at the Pittsburgh store, like a bunch of popular Alexander Wang bags (the Rocco, for example) for 60% off retail.

The women's contemporary section was packed with a lion's share of Nanette Lepore, DVF, and Theory for 60% off. In the womens section, there was a good bit of St. John, Max Mara, and a lot of Burberry Brit.

Shoes for women had plenty of Tory Burch (revas and more), Hunter, and Ugg. There was at least one pair of Rachel Comey Barbaros (size 7.5) for $175 (before the extra 10% off).

And the men's section had Rag and Bone and other more contemporary lines not typically stocked in Pittsburgh. I am not sure if they had any Gant, Hackett, or other brands. Suffice it to say, even if you aren't usually a fan of the stock at the local store, it is still worth checking out.

Chris heard from someone in mens that right now they have a lot more stock than what they can put on the floor and the same is probably be true for other departments. He was encouraged to come back because this isn't all that is available and discounts are going to continue until late March.

The store was busy but there were plenty of upbeat and helpful sales associates to tend to the crowds. I imagine this morning's email from Saks corporate, informing customers about the clearance had something to do with it. As we were coming and going there was a steady stream of new visitors.

All of it feels bittersweet because while we're losing our store, we also have a unique set of deals available in the short term. I still feel for the workers, especially those who have been with the company for years and years.

My Anthro at Gabes Haul

2012-01-21T14:39:00.001-05:00

Although I didn't find much in West Mifflin, I stopped by the Greensburg Gabriel Brothers this week and found some wool scarves, a pair of Lilka lounge pants, and the beautiful silk Wave Washed maxi dress in perfect condition. The plaid infinity scarf with wooden beads and the maxi dress were in my cart to purchase from the website not that long ago so I felt pretty lucky to finally get to buy them (and for way less than I almost spent). I was thrilled with the Greensburg selection although it took a bit of combing. Some of the Anthropologie items were integrated with general women's clearance racks. I recall also seeing some Moth cardigans (boyfriend and cropped), a few ivory embroidered Anna Sui for Anthropologie dresses, two blousey Ella Moss tops, and a Free People slip.

As a side note, if you need a wintery coat, Gabes has a lot of options right now. I saw some nice Miss Sixty ones on clearance. And stuff that looked like these Helly Hansen ski jackets from Outwood Sports.

Did any other SWPA Anthrophiles score at their nearby Gabes?

Saks Pittsburgh Liquidation

2012-01-20T10:38:00.003-05:00

For Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh, this week marked an official beginning of the end. The Post-Gazette reported yesterday that the Saks Pittsburgh liquidation sale commenced with the company set to shutter their doors on March 17th, 2012.

Although I am really bummed to see Downtown Pittsburgh lose yet another retailer, I reserve a tiny amount of (irrational and completely unfounded) hope that perhaps Saks corporate will opt to open something in the burbs. The empty Boscovs space at South Hills Village would be suitable. The Tanger Outlet in Washington hosts a nice Off Fifth location but who doesn't like the ability to scope new arrivals and shop Saks' legendary Black Friday or After Christmas sales in person?

I also want to say that even though I was a relatively infrequent and predominantly sales-shopping customer of the store, the customer service in Pittsburgh was fantastic. The sales associates made you feel appreciated and welcomed, even when it was obvious that someone (like me) was going to make a b-line for the clearance racks. Perhaps this should be taken for granted and expected from retailers? Still, I know from shopping other similar stores around the country that this was remarkable. So thank you Pittsburgh Saks associates for being so kind and warm over the years! I wish all of you luck and hope that the severance packages were as generous as the kindness you extended to your patrons.

Hypothetically Shopping Pure Collection

2012-01-20T01:00:00.002-05:00

I love winter because it offers an opportunity to wear the coziest of knits. The ladies knitwear carried by Pure Collection comes in some of my favorite colors and shapes. When I hypothetically shopped the site this week, I found some really good prices on cashmere. Although I don't know if I could ever rationalize owning cashmere sweatpants, a seasonally-influenced desire for warmth and comfort sure tempts me.

Dark Days

2012-01-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

Black version of D'Armee dress

To a Tee blazer

Missoni for Target spacedye tights

Rachel Comey barbaro boots

Misc. jewelry (kate spade, vintage, john hardy, swatch)

I wore this outfit back in November to teach then again recently for some meetings. I thought the tights would add some dimension and visual interest to what is otherwise pretty dull. Unfortunately, I learned that these tights are a little too long (and perhaps a bit too big or at least not fitted enough) so I was fighting gravity all day. Now that I see it, I wish I had scrunched up the dress sleeves since the jacket's cropped ones look a bit funny together. Next time!

Connect Forty Dress Review

2012-01-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

Connect Forty Dress

Since it got marked down today, it seems like a good time to finally post this overdue review of Bailey 44's Connect Forty Dress. I tried this on the day after Christmas (when I had just eaten three Christmas dinners) so the practice of trying on such a squeezy dress seemed ill-advised. But I had just come from the Saks sale, where I bought the Pieced Column dress (which is now available at Anthro in a very similar though still not quite the same colorway) so I wasn't totally opposed to tight dresses or Bailey 44. I grabbed it because I loved the green color, the wiggle shape, and the unique length (which I think could stand to be an inch or two shorter on me). This is a size medium and it fit snugly (especially through my stomach and hips). But perhaps it is supposed to? I still wonder if a size large would have been more forgiving. With Spanx or other appropriate shapewear either size would probably look better. But the smoke and mirrors effect of the strategically staggered stripes is missing from this one. You see every curve with ease because the pattern is so uniform. The fabric is nice and much more substantial than that of the Tiered Stripes/Pieced Column/Layered Column family (speaking of, I just noticed the newest iteration featuring thicker, supersized stripes: Rugby Stripe Column). It seems very winter-friendly because it is thicker and warmer. But it is not a dress I will be buying myself.

For the complete sale roundup, which includes a number of sweaters I've long coveted (but still find to be overpriced) check out Roxy's full list.

Separates Outfit

2012-01-15T20:03:00.000-05:00

Cartonnier blazer (anthro) (similar)

Nanette Lepore top (ebay) (similar here, here, and here)

Juicy Couture skirt

Hue tights

Rosegold Liz booties

Misc. jewelry

I've been wearing this Nanette Lepore blouse frequently, with pants, with skirts, and because it has been so cold (and the blouse is pretty sheer) with layers. So far I've only taken the time to photograph the above. This was for dinner with friends downtown.

Resin and enamel bangles (most of which were gifts from family and friends)

from MBMJ, Kenneth Jay Lane, Target, and Hiptique

Betsy Johnson watch (similar here)

You can see the print and the jewelry a bit better in the closeup. I have a few camisoles and pretty short sleeved blouses from J. Crew but my long sleeved tops are still few and far between. I was glad to add this one to the repertoire when I found it on ebay.

Hemming and Hawing

2012-01-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

When I did my 2011 roundup of favorite buys, I included the See by Chloe Patchwork Print dress that is so comfy and that I enjoy wearing very much. It yields a lot of compliments and generally feels very me without going too far into twee-overload. And I have written before about my tendency to buy multiples when I really like something. So when I found the alternate version (called the Folklore print) on Yoox with a % off and free ship coupon, I decided to take a chance. Now I'm not sure if this print (which sort of evokes tiny garden gnomes or troll dolls... haha) is venturing toward twee in a bad way. What do you think? Sorry for the crappy mirror photo. I haven't had time to take proper ones and the return deadline is fast approaching.

Attn: Pittsburgh Anthro-philes! Deal alert!

2012-01-11T17:26:00.004-05:00

A rack at West Mifflin Gabes

Last week my friend Elaina mentioned that she managed to score this pair of Chie Mihara pumps for $10 at Gabriel Brothers. I wondered from where something so fancy originally came? Then this week, reader Danielle Marie commented that her local Gabriel Brothers had a motherload of Anthropologie items. So it seems that SWPA Gabes as well as tri-state area Rugged Warehouse stores once again landed Anthropologie overstock.

I scoped the scene today at the West Mifflin store where I found a rack of dresses marked at $19.99 each. Although none of the ones I wanted were in my size this is great news for other deal hunting Pittsburgh Anthro-fans. With so many stores in the region, I wish I had the time to plan my own tour de Gabes.

For novice Gabriel Brothers patrons, know that you need to shop carefully. Stores are filled with overstock as well as damaged or otherwise "unsellable" merchandise so inspect items closely and try things on! I've bought without trying and learned the hard way that anything priced with a .00 is final sale (nonreturnable). Go with low expectations and a chunk of free time. Gabes can be hit or miss. Although the Gabes shopping experience might feel comparatively unglamorous it can be really rewarding. As a longtime shopper of Gabes, my best score was a beautiful Miu Miu blouse priced at $10 years ago in Belle Vernon.

Sometimes shopping Gabriel Brothers can be a wash when it comes to stocking items that suit your style and aesthetics. I typically wear clothing that is forgiving and not too form fitting. Surrounded by special occasion party dresses and more (that look like these from Goddiva dresses), I often find myself leaving empty handed. I guess it depends on when you go.

The lack of organization might feel overwhelming. Good stuff can easily get misplaced or hidden so be sure to bring friends to help you divide and conquer. For more on how to shop Gabes, read my tutorial here.

Styling Schoolboy Satchels

2012-01-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

On CBS Pittsburgh, I have another piece up about styling schoolboy satchels. You can read it here. Here's a link to more of my articles for CBS Pittsburgh.

10 days late outfit post and Mr. Porter review

2012-01-10T10:05:00.002-05:00

Manoush dress

BP Cardigan

Stuart Weitzman flats

This is what I wore on NYE in 2011/2012. Although NYE presents a great excuse to wear a new dress, this one wasn't new. In fact, it wasn't even new to NYE. I also wore it back in 2007/2008. When I was deciding what to wear, I remembered I hadn't worn my navy lamé Manoush dress for years. So I figured why not! I don't find many occasions where I can wear shiny fabrics without feeling a little over the top.

When I wore it on 12-31-2007

This dress was one of my first Net-a-Porter purchases back when they still gave you the black boxes (even for sale items). The recently launched men's fashion brother site, Mr. Porter has their own hefty merchandise boxes.

Mr. Porter Box

This one is shirt sized and has the texture and heft of the boxes that sometimes contain nicer perfume gift sets. I imagine the intent is to evoke an era and aura of by-gone luxury shopping unfamiliar to most (myself included)... i.e. when people bought hats and things and those hats and things all came wrapped up in branded boxes. This used to be standard practice for many now-defunct department stores.

Department store shopping boxes from this etsy listing

I suppose a number of designers still box up their items with much fanfare and quality packaging (Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Balenciaga, and Chanel spring to mind). But it is rare for a multi-brand retailer to do so (unless you request the item be boxed for gift giving). The result is that the shopping experiences offered by Mr. Porter as well as Net-a-Porter and even (to a lesser degree with their reusable garment bags and zip totes) Outnet feel unique and indulgent. Chris ordered from the sale section and seems pleased overall. He loved the products he purchased (a sweater and a shirt). He likes the selection of brands which included Paul Smith shoes like these from Bertie. They ship via UPS but do not require any signatures for delivery, unlike the Outnet and Net-a-Porter. The included notes and branding also convey a sense of continuity similar to the founding sister site. Chris's first order came with a Mr. Porter stationary card addressed to Mr. hislastname, which was pretty charming. Orders arrived swiftly and although he didn't need it, the returns process seemed simple.

Overall, Chris is glad that Mr. Porter strives to fill a gap in the online retailer boutique landscape for stylish men. The prices are high when you aren't buying from a sale but the selection of brands and merchandise are vast and sales do happen. Chris is hoping for an expansion of their online outlet, Outnet to incorporate the leftovers from Mr. Porter.

Quick weekend shopping OOTD

2012-01-08T19:20:00.000-05:00

Fair Isle sweater by Aqua (on super sale!)

J. Crew draped neck silk blouse

J. Crew Matchstick cords

Tory Burch Revas

Michael Kors Calista hobo

Misc. bracelets (gift, KJL, Target)

I wore this to the mall with a girlfriend where I got my new watch band fitted to my wrist and grabbed some pretty table linens from Williams Sonoma who was having a huge clearance sale. It's nice to go to the mall in January cause it is so much more peaceful than it is in the lead up to Christmas.

How was your weekend?

Sometimes it takes photos

2012-01-06T11:35:00.004-05:00

See by Chloé Jardin print dress

To a Tee blazer from Anthropologie (similar)

Chloé lock flats (similar here)

Balenciaga Day bag in black

Misc. bracelets (Macys, Gabes, Kate Spade from TJ Maxx, Target, gift)

I really like shapeless See by Chloe dresses like the one above but I don't always want to look shapeless. So I tried to style it in a way that reigned in the billow with a blazer. I thought it worked pretty well until I saw how short my skirt looked. That's one of the perils of messing with a billowing dress... the length might shrink up on you. And I'm feeling a little long in the tooth to pull off mini. Black opaque tights would have been a lot better with this outfit. But in general, I don't think I'll be styling this dress similarly in the future.

Dulcie Dress Review

2012-01-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

Dulcie Dress

In honor of the Wednesday sale I figured it was time to post an overdue review of the Dulcie dress. This dress looks so pretty and ethereal on the rack, with its layers of ballerina-inspired tulle at the skirt and thicker knit bodice. But when I tried it on I definitely found myself reaching instead for something less poofy. I don't always dislike volume but even when I cinched the waist tie of this undeniably pretty dress, I still looked kind of waist-less. Sure I've worn and embraced plenty of sac dresses that also do that to my figure, but with such a saccharine sweet fit-and-flare design, it felt dissonant and odd.

I am wearing the medium so I would say the Dulcie is a forgiving dress that is mostly true to size, if perhaps a bit large. The arm holes were not too big or too small. The length was fine on me (though I am a bit short). It is a very pretty dress that I just didn't care for on my own body. I am sure it looks lovely on others. For the sale price, especially if you have an event looming, it is of significant quality. I didn't find the tulle or the knit of the bodice to be too itchy and I think with some proper styling this frock could make an excellent fancy winter cocktail dress. Hope to help!

Pieced Column Review: Tiered Stripes for the Shorties!

2012-01-03T14:52:00.000-05:00

(size large in another colorway)

(size medium in another colorway)

I always try to make the after Christmas sale at Saks because the early morning promotion is tough to beat. This year I went a little too late for the best deals and best selection but I did find something I loved in the new arrivals. A shorter version of the Tiered Stripes dress by Bailey 44 (reviewed here). Anthropologie is calling it the Pieced Column Dress. The sales associate at Saks told me they also had it in purple and black stripes which would have been totally up my alley. Sadly, it was long sold out. She said this new version in navy and white was unlikely to last until sale time so I used a merchandise credit to buy it. I like it but I am not sure if I will keep.

I went with the large for this one even though I liked the medium better in the longer version. I'm sure the lack of shapewear and the three Christmas dinners I ate the day prior didn't help me fit into a smaller size of this already body-conscious dress. The fabric is the same as the other iterations of this Bailey 44 number. I wonder and worry about long term wear of what seems to be a somewhat delicate fabric. It is unlined but I find the construction and striping to flatter many figures. I think the placement offers a smoke and mirrors effect at least from the front. I haven't braved wearing this in public yet. Like I said above, I am still deciding.

What do you think? Do you like the long or short option? Does the longer version make it more modest, balancing out its curve-hugging?

Scenes from NYE

2012-01-02T13:40:00.001-05:00

clockwise from top right: with Greg, Chris and Mike pretending to be tough guys, with Rachel, Sara and Fred, with Chris

I am deep in the throes of Spring 2012 preparation (procrastinators aux!!) so I haven't yet uploaded my NYE outfit photos but here are some scenes from Saturday night. I am so grateful to my friends Jenny and Jeremy for generously hosting a party in their gallery, Modern Formations for the third year in a row. The event always manages to strike a good balance between low key and raucous with the perfect mix of close friends and cool people you hope to get to know better! With many attendees bringing delicious snacks and appropriately bubbly libations, I look forward to it more and more each year. The best part is that so many of us are able to walk there, removing the dangers of being on the road from the NYE equation because no matter how responsible I am when I know I will be driving, I still worry about the impaired judgments of others. Anyway, thank you again for such a fun time, Jeremy and Jenny!

Favorite buys of 2011

2011-12-31T19:06:00.003-05:00

Because my blog began as a way to document, interrogate, and contemplate my own consumption, it is only fitting that each year I reflect on the things I purchased. Here's the list from 2010. These are the ones from 2011 that stand out.

Vintage Chanel flap- This bag was found on an otherwise unassuming table in an otherwise unassuming Mon Valley resale shop. The price I paid for what ended up being an authentic bag was low enough that I still barely believe it. And at least for now I am going to keep it!

See by Chloé patchwork print dress- I coveted this dress desperately. And I thought it had sold out everywhere. The ebay gods smiled on me and Though it is narcissistic for me to admit, part of why I love this dress is because it yields the most compliments!

Sheet music- Last October, I didn't share too much about how I spent my anniversary with Chris. I believe strongly that weddings are about community but anniversaries feel a bit more insular. Still, one of the things I shopped for in 2011 with the most enthusiasm and excitement was my first wedding anniversary gift to Chris. On October 9, 2011 we shared a wonderful afternoon visiting the Allegheny Observatory, where we picnicked and exchanged modest paper-themed gifts (in keeping with tradition). It was one of the sites where we took wedding photos so it felt fitting to go back on such a beautiful and auspicious day in 2011. For months I searched and searched hoping to find vintage sheet music from the Otis Redding song that marked our first dance ("These Arms of Mine"). I failed to do so in a format apart from that found within contemporary book collections. It would have been unsuitable for framing and it didn't have the history that I desired. As an alternate, I tracked down the sheet music for the last song we danced to at our reception: "Dedicated to the One I Love." Chris was so moved by the gift that we both got teary in the moment! He bought for me a beautiful reprint of a vintage travel poster advertising Brazil (where we honeymooned in 2010). We both did well with the $10 budget and "paper" themed genre constraints!

(

Missoni for Target Throw Blanket- More than anything else in the Target collection, I coveted those stupid throw blankets. The ones that retailed for $40 but sold for $200+ on ebay! It felt like Christmas when I woke up one morning to find they had been restocked. Although my parents technically gifted this to me for the holidays, I did make the purchase on their behalf, so I am counting it. They are so plush and soft! I love the textures and colors. And how the blankets don't really show dog fur the way fleece throws typically do.

Bracelets!- Although I try to minimize the impact of sale goggles and stay true to my own aesthetics, I also embraced enthusiastically 2011's "more is more" philosophy when it came to bangle jewelry. I amassed many pieces as gifts (such as those shown above) but I also purchased a few myself, including a favorite from Kenneth Jay Lane that features enameled tiger heads, interlocking.

My car- As much as I loved my Ford and as dedicated as I felt to the Focus model, my negotiation skills were not sharp enough to yield the right price on a replacement vehicle. Part of my handicap was that there were no 2011 Focus models left and I wasn't interested in any of the cars already on the Ford lots I visited. The Civic I purchased from Dean Honda was the last 2011 in the area. And armed with my mother's support (and fierce negotiating tactics) she and I managed to maneuver our way into a price I could swallow. Despite the shortage and demand for this particular vehicle, in 2011 I made my first new car purchase. It makes my commute far less stressful than it felt last year, when I was fearing constantly the impending death of my rapidly aging vehicle.

HP Touchpad- When the Touchpad went on firesale back in August, I had already felt twinges of a tablet itch. Unwilling to spend the cash on an ipad (since I had no pressing need for a tablet) I pounced on this bargain. Sure Touchpads aren't as fancy or coveted as the ipad, and the HP app catalog leaves a lot to be desired, but the potential to dual port Android with Web OS made this one of the best deals around. On the flights I've taken since acquiring it, I've become hooked. They're great for travel, games, movies, and casual web surfing.

The ones that *almost* got away- I did a good bit of ebay stalking this year and my labor yielded a number of "dresses that got away." Specifically, a few many-seasons-old MBMJ dresses, the Kate Spade Violetta shirtdress, a Nanette Lepore cocktail dress, and probably others that I am forgetting. All for fractions of what they would have cost if I hadn't waited so long!

And lastly, Travel- In January Chris and I went to New York to see Andy and Robina (and so many other buddies!). In February we headed to the Bay Area to visit Chris's family. While there we got to meet Tien and Anjali and catch up with Fred and Sara, two Pittsburgh ex-pats. We also headed north a bit to see Napa for the first time. In March, I went to Chicago for a conference but also caught up with my old roommate (and Speck's original dog dad) Zack. In June I went to New Orleans with a close gal pal. In July Chris and I drove to Maine with Speck in tow. In August, my family treated all of us to a beautiful vacation at the Delaware shore. In November I went back to New Orleans for a conference. And in December, I went to St. Lucia. Typing it all up is an embarrassment of riches. I feel so fortunate to have traveled as frequently as I did in 2011. I doubt 2012 will be as productive in this regard. So I value especially the opportunities I had to see far away friends and family, make memories with loved ones, and experience both new and old (but beloved) places.

I am so grateful for 2011 as it was on the whole, a wonderful and exciting time in my life. I will look back fondly as I look forward with enthusiasm and hope for a even more exceptional 2012. I hope 2012 promises you great buys, delicious foods, fantastic and lasting memories, and a lot of luck for all of those that you love! Please be safe and enjoy this NYE!

2011 OOTD Hits

2011-12-30T14:03:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Here are some of my favorites from 2011. (See 2010 here and here; 2009 here and here; and 2008 here).

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Scenes from my December holiday

2011-12-29T12:30:00.000-05:00

Last year Chris and I were lucky enough to be reunited in Brazil, where summer had just begun. This year we left together for St. Lucia to enjoy a little sunshine and relaxation at the semester's end. And it was as beautiful and inspiring as every other voyage we've taken.

Our villa had incredible views and on clear days, we could even see Martinique! It was named aptly the "Windsong," nestled at the northern most part of the island in an area called Cap Estates. Although it was somewhat remote, we loved how quiet and secluded we were from the bustle. The trade winds were so strong that they whistled at night. The property had a hot tub, which proved clutch on windier and therefore chilly evenings.

The famous pitons from a vista on our day trip, driving south.

At the Botanical Gardens where we soaked in the hot mineral baths (hence Chris's bathing suit trunks).

The "drive in" volcano and bubbling sulfur springs in Soufriere

Jalousie Plantation (now a resort) nestled between the Pitons

The property owner greeted us with this beautiful tropical flower arrangement on the evening of our arrival. On the right I'm resting during our hike up Pigeon Point.

The view at Pigeon Point. You can see one of the three Sandals resorts on the island.

We were so fortunate to get to take such a trip. I doubt we'll be traveling next December so we relished every moment of this particular pre-winter escape. Everyone we met was so friendly. And everything we ate was delicious. We can only hope to return to St. Lucia someday!

St. Lucian favorites:
The neighborhood of Gros Islet where we ate many meals and went to the Friday night Jump Up
Agnes's Bar near Pigeon Point where we met locals who gave us great recommendations
Flavours of the Grill which had our favorite rum punches and delicious meats!
Sea View's blue marlin plates (so cheap and delicious... only on Sat. and Wed. nights)
Prudee's House of Roti (delicious pockets of curried meats and veggies but go early cause she sells out!)
Le Sport beach (public beach with staff that allow visitors to use the chairs and umbrellas without charge)
Razmatazz (expensive but delicious... plus the chef kindly helped us change our flat tire in the parking lot!)
Drive-a-matic who rented us the adorable Suzuki Jimny that we drove while there
Shopping at Rodney Bay
The roaming livestock and dogs
The many beautiful views

Christmas Eve OOTN

2011-12-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

J. Crew top

Kate Spade skirt (current season version here, others on sale here and here)

BP cardi (that I left in my purse all night)

Spanx tights

There were many contenders in the running for my Christmas Eve Outfit of the Night. But I ultimately chose this combo because it felt festive. Every year the Italian side of my family gets together for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. And like many Italian families, there are a lot of us! I look forward to it as soon as the holiday season begins because I get to catch up with relatives and eat the incredible seafood made by my aunts and cousins. Chris might look even more forward to it than I do because of his deep, abiding love for baccala (salted cod). It is one of those annual events where I have an elephant's memory for my outfits. I remember what I wore when I was 8 and what I wore when I was 28. So I always toil a little over the possibilities. But I was pleased with my final ensemble. And I had a wonderful time! Happy holidays!