Oh, fashion. You make us do the silliest things. Here's a perfect example: I fell in love with the Kate Spade Bond Street Florence (in flo coral, of course) and frankly, it's not as big of a bag as I would like for every day. I had to get strategic about the things I really needed to get me through the day but the biggest economizing came from my makeup bag. I'm a beauty junkie, and while the products I use (and carry) change every day, I still bring way too much. My little Flo - as I affectionately call my bag - has really taught me the value of editing.

This is an excellent example of my version of a "power purse". For the business part of me, I rely on essentials like my Marc Jacobs business card holder, Listerine Strips, a fine point pink Sharpie, my 2012 goal journal and my Graphic Image 2012 Agenda. Of course my Tom Ford sunnies are an absolute essential, for both work and play. When it comes to beauty, I really like to play with my look. I love the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters, seen here in Lollipop and Peach Parfait. They're great for a downsized makeup bag because they deliver a punch of color with the hydrating elements of a lip balm.

Revlon and ELLE Magazine have teamed up to celebrate beauty through the lens of self confidence, personal style and the necessity of being prepared for anything that comes your way. ELLE has curated 8 unique power purses to be given away to very lucky ladies. The value of each bag is $3,000, including both the handbag and contents.

4 of these amazing bags will be given away via Revlon's Facebook page, however another 4 will be dropped at diverse locations throughout the country. Want to get your hands on one? Connect with Revlon on Facebook for clues on how to find the drop location and great daily giveaways. If you aren't one of the lucky eight winners, you can still get your hands on goodies at each drop site, like samples, makeovers and other fun incentives.

Here's what I want to know - what do you pack in your power purse?

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?

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.

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!

Lauren Merkin Showroom
231 West 29^th St, Suite 201 between 7^th and 8^th Ave
212 239 2459
March 15-19th, 11am-7pm
&
March 20th, 11am-4pm

Payment accepted:
CASH, AMEX, VISA, MASTER CARD, DISCOVER
No checks or phone orders please.

Sample pricing:

Louise Snake Mint & Mustard - were $200, now $100
Astrid Rainbow Serpent - was $425, now $150
Diana Textured Snake Maize - was $195, now $95
Tess Textured Snake Blush - was $325, now $150
Small leather goods from $15

ASOS Portfolio Envelope Clutch

$34.48 at Asos

Lately, instead of sugar plum fairies dancing in my head whenever I begin to daydream, I've had flashes of oversized clutches paired with almost every outfit that I own. Clearly, the fashion part of my brain is trying to tell me something.

In a 2am bought of sleeplessness, caught somewhere between noisy neighbors, ridiculous Disney channel movies and my unfolding nocturnal tenancies, I began browsing ASOS. I've never purchased anything from the retailer, however I know plenty of people that rave about the products & assortment. I was surprised to see how affordable the prices are - between that and free shipping, ASOS may have stolen my heart.

Back to the clutch - when clicking through to ASOS, be sure to check it out on the model. It's completely oversized and could become unwieldy if overstuffed, however just imagine all of the things you could carry with you! I love the idea of a clutch as much as the next girl, however I'm always saddened by their size when I can't carry everything I'd like. Hopefully this clutch will be the answer to my style dreams!

I ordered it in black (c'mon, can you blame me?) but the green and tobacco are also pretty tempting. If you're feeling all Big Spender, there's a genuine leather version for the price of all three.

Are you into oversized clutches? Are you anti-clutch? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

TUESDAY - FRIDAY, AUGUST 10th – 13TH  11AM- 7PM &  SATURDAY, AUGUST 14th  11AM – 4PM
Handbags, clutches and accessories up to 70% off!!!
Allie Galaxy Metallic - was $250, now $125
Bailey Saddle Bags - were $395, now $175
Louise Dark Green & Plum Glitter Lizard - were $200, now $100
makeup cases and small leather goods from  $5 - $40