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I Spent $5,000 On My Handbag. Also, Please Don't Mug Me.

Sarah Conley — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:34:30 EDT

Ever since I became fashion obsessed, I've always wanted a Chanel bag. As I grew older, I went through various emotional stages including (but not limited to): "You want me to pay what for that?!", "Everyone has one...", and of course "I want one so badly that I've started dreaming about them.". When I made the decision to go back to work full time, I bargained with myself that if all my terms were met, I would finally buy one for myself as a present. So, I did.

Previously, the most expensive items I've ever purchased include my iPad 2 and an Alexander McQueen scarf on the day of his death. Dropping a couple hundred on a handbag, while intense, had become less shocking - made evident by the number of DKNY and Rebecca Minkoff handbgs in my collection. But nothing could have prepared me for the actual buying experience.

One night after work, I raced over to the Chanel SoHo boutique with the lovely Dina from Eye4Style. Please note that no one should make large purchasing decisions alone. I'd gone into the store with a clear vision. I wanted the classic 2.55 bag in the maxi size (the largest, obviously) in black lambskin with gold hardware. Sadly there wasn't any gold hardware available and frankly, the silver doesn't look the same against the black leather. Then, I saw it. The gorgeous deepened teal that mimics so many of my favorite nail polish shades and goes so nicely with navy, red and purple. I was in love.

As the sales associate began to carefully (and lovingly, I might add) package up the bag, I began to break a sweat. I was so nervous. Even though I had the funds available, the more moments that passed by the more nervous I became. I wished that she would just swipe my credit card so the worry would be over with. Can you possibly imagine how humiliating that conversation would be - in Chanel, of all places?!

Of course my anxiety was baseless and everything was perfectly fine. I walked out of the store feeling like a million, trillion bucks until reality set in which sounded something like the words "please don't mug me" echoing through my head. The bag isn't allowed on the floor, near liquid and makes me incredibly nervous on crowded subway cars. It was worth every penny.

Do I feel different? A little. I feel like I worked hard for something that meant a lot to me and I achieved a life goal. Pretty great for a random Thursday in October, if you ask me.

What was the last thing you did for yourself?

Accessorize Me: BaubleBar Makes A Statement

Sarah Conley — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:41:04 EDT

$36

$180

$32

$42

A couple of weeks ago, I made a trip to Bauble Bar's NYC office to take a little play in the showroom. The trays were filled with stunning pieces, both large and small, for me to play with, photograph and marvel over. If you aren't familiar with BaubleBar, it's a fun new jewelry site that offers pieces for every budget and taste level. What makes BaubleBar different than some of the other jewelry sites that have just launched is that BaubleBar is not a subscription service. See a piece you like? You're free to pick it up at any time (before it sells out, naturally).

I picked a few of my favorite statement pieces from the site, but there's tons more. Plus, score $10 off your first order just for creating an account. So the only real question that remains - what are you waiting for?

Watch This Now: Lulu Guinness Launches Luggage

Sarah Conley — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:34:02 EDT

The World is Your Oyster from Lulu Guinness on Vimeo.

Lulu Guinness created this darling video, in conjunction with director Vicky Mather, in celebration of her new luggage collection debuting next week at her Bleecker Street store in NYC and online. The collection features hard side pieces embossed with Lulu's signature lips, as well as soft-sided pieces made of a lip print jacquard.

The film is so whimsical and perfectly captures the carefree feeling we all love to experience when we travel. Will you be making the investment in Lulu Guinness luggage?

Shop This Now: Lauren Merkin Summer Sample Sale

Sarah Conley — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:18:29 EDT

LAUREN MERKIN 2011 SUMMER SAMPLE SALE!

TUESDAY - FRIDAY, AUG. 9TH - 12TH

11AM- 7PM

SATURDAY, AUG. 13TH

11AM - 4PM

Handbags, clutches and accessories up to 70% off!!!

Bargain boxes from $25

Top Picks!

Iris Leopard Calf Hair- was $395, now $150

Sylvie Speckled Grey/Cream- was $495, now $250

Ava Navy/Black Shiny Bricks Fabric- was $250, now $100

Eve Zebra Charcoal and Brown- were $180, now $90

Diana Creased White/Gold- was $195, now $125

Caroline Shiny Baby Croc Red- was $250, now $125

LOCATION:

LAUREN MERKIN SHOWROOM

231 W. 29TH ST. SUITE 201

BETWEEN 7TH & 8TH AVE

212-239-2459

PAYMENT ACCEPTED:

CASH, AMEX, VISA, MASTER CARD, DISCOVER

No checks or phone orders please.

Closet Talk: Jeffrey Campbell's Situation Pump

Sarah Conley — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:35:43 EDT

Jeffrey Campbell 'Situation' Pump

$124.95$61.90 by Jeffrey Campbell at Nordstrom

While performing my weekend ritual - aka laying in bed with my laptop and hitting all the shopping sites that never let me down - I happened upon the sweetest pump you'd never expect me to wear. If we're being honest, I love everything about the Jeffrey Campbell Situation pump (except the name). Naturally, I ordered them immediately.

These pumps are truly everything that I could want in a shoe. A sane heel (also known as anything 3" or below), a pointy toe and a classic color combination. I may even be wearing them as I type this. Sizing tip: I do have to say that they do run a smidge on the small side and are a bit narrow (as most pointy toes tend to be).

Fast forward to 6 or so weeks later as I'm performing my weekend ritual, browsing Nordstrom and I'm shocked to discover that not only is this style still available, but it's also 50% off.

What was that? You're welcome.

Fashion Flash: Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 2011 Accessories Preview

Sarah Conley — Tue, 31 May 2011 10:00:00 EDT

It's no secret that I've been a long-time fan of Betsey Johnson. From her silly cartwheels to rhinestone necklaces that spell "Ride Me", what's not to love? Naturally, when I was invited to view the fall accessories collection at the Gramercy Park Hotel, I accepted.

For Fall/Winter 2011, Betsey has a few surprises in store. It was nice to see all the accessories together, telling a cohesive story of glitter, bows, animal prints and embellishments. The collection ranges from footwear to jewelry, belts, eyewear (both sunglasses and optical), as well as scarves and handbags. If Betsey's collection is any indication, we'll continue to rock platform pumps, animal prints and oxfords well through fall.

For a full preview of what's to come, click through the gallery below. See anything that's on your wish list? Share it in the comments below!

Shop This Now: Colette Malouf Sample Sale

Sarah Conley — Thu, 19 May 2011 10:29:54 EDT

How did I officially lose my mind before 10am? By learning that there's a Colette Malouf sample sale next week, of course! While making my routine pre-coffee Facebook rounds, I noticed my girl Erika from Shoes, Shirts and Other Sh!t posted about the sale. Clearly, this is marked as a major to-do in my calendar, where I'll likely be picking myself up a birthday present (or four) before the big day.

When: May 25th, 10am - 8pm, May 26th, 10am - 6pm

Where: 594 Broadway, Suite 1216, Between Houston & Prince

Credit cards are accepted, prices at 70% off retail

Hit or Miss: Backpacks

Sarah Conley — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:03:14 EDT

I have many, many feelings about backpacks, and they all pretty much start with "I hate". I admit that there is a very small segment of the population that finds them useful and necessary (ie, school children), but as much as the person in the photo above looks like a private school student, it is not. It is a 20-something hipster that I happened to be riding the train with at a moment of backpack-induced rage (generally sparked by tourists).

However, I do acknowledge that some people find them essential to their lifestyle (apparently like my friend, @HauteCraigture). Brands like Louis Vuitton continue to produce them (which makes me wonder who is buying), so I'm curious as to how you feel about backpacks. Share your thoughts in the poll below!

Photo Post: SoHo Shopping 4/8

Sarah Conley — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:17:59 EDT

There's something so magical about spending the day shopping with a great friend. In SoHo, almost every brand you could possibly dream of is represented in one form or another and it seems as is the fashion world is at your fingertips. Strolling from boutique to boutique you become entranced by the new and the possibilities of the future. So much to wear....so little time. These are the treats I picked up along the way.

At DKNY: French Grain Leather Shoulder Bag With Strap in Cherry, $195. Long Sleeve Cozy in Maraschino, $195.

At Kate Spade: Gold Coast Bright Evangaline in Neon Pink, $395. Twirl Bow Cuff, $175.

Have you picked up anything new and fun for spring? I'd love to hear about what you bought or what you're coveting!

It's About Time: Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch

Sarah Conley — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:19:14 EDT

Michael Kors Rose gold-plated stainless steel watch

$250.00 by Michael Kors at Net-A-Porter

After weeks of window shopping - aka digital stalking - the Michael Kors rose gold watch finally seduced me. I admit it - I am powerless to resist the lure of these stunning watches. They've been gracing the wrists of the stylish for seasons now, but it was finally the rose gold style that made me weak in the knees.

if you're as seduced by the Michael Kors watches as I am, I highly recommend visiting a retailer to view the full collection in person. There are so many face sizes, band choices and even dial differences that it can make choosing between models very difficult. I purchased the style above only yesterday from Lord & Taylor, where the band choices alone were staggering.

What I love most about the style that I chose was that it works well with me proportionally. It's not too large or too small, and will remain a classic for seasons to come. In recent months there has definitely been a resurgence in timepieces - have you made any watch purchases? I'd love to hear about what pieces have made you weak in the knees.