Moment of Lust - Vince Brigham Booties

In my mind, the Vince Brigham booties, are the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe. I am obsessed. My bank account however, is laughing at me. They are great shoes and I love them but let's face it, they're trendy. My philosophy is never to pay full price or the amount of a car payment on a trend item. I want that money to be well spent. If I'm spending that much, I must be able to wear it for years to come. Of course that doesn't ease my desire for a pair of black peep toe booties. I knew there were some great alternatives out there.

Vince Brigham Booties

Chinese Laundry Bizarre Booties

Breckelles BE37 Booties

The Chinese Laundry booties are a good alternative. They are leather and have a great heel. They also have an ankle strap, which is part of what I love about the Vince pair. At $350 less than my lust pair, they are a great option. The Breckelles are the bargain option. They aren't leather but they do have the full wrap look of the Vince pair. I'm definitely leaning toward the Chinese Laundry pair but I'm still looking.

Moment of Lust - Karen Walker Soul Club Sunglasses

Karen Walker Sunglasses are all the rage in the blog world. I can definitely take a pass on most of them but when I saw the Soul Club version (black frame with a gold mirrored lens), I was smitten. However, I just couldn't see spending $220 on a pair. The only sunglasses that I own that I've paid full price for (in that range) are my Chanels and to me they were worth every penny. Lucky for me I found a very similar pair of Isaac Mizrahi sunglasses. I saw a pair at a discount store but passed on them because the lens was badly scratched. The original price was $99 but they were discounted to $40 (still too much for a scratched lens). I went home, searched the Internet and found a pair on eBay for only $10! SCORE!

 

photo credit upper left: eat.sleep.wear

Moment of Lust - Vintage Chanel Brooch

Pins and brooches have been a favorite accessory of mine for many years. I even wore one in my hair on my wedding day. On my all time wish list, a vintage Chanel brooch is at the top. It's a classic piece that I know I will wear forever. My real issue would be, not wearing it. I'd wear it on jackets, sweaters, hats, and even t-shirts. I'm sure it would border on ridiculous. There are several reputable sellers that have Chanel brooches available. I'd love to have a large one, two inches or more. They range in price from about $250 - over $500. 

photo credit : Malleries.com

Usually, I find budget friendly alternatives for my lust items. In this case there aren't any.  A Chanel brooch is a stand alone piece. There is no substitute. For me, knock-offs aren't an option. They hurt the economy and support organized crime, child labor and human trafficking. A vintage piece is even better because it's a form of recycling (see how I just justified this big purchase). For me quality and the number of times I will wear a piece always matter. Sometimes a more costly piece can end up being a better value in the long run because you wore it more often. Knowing that this brooch will be worn over and over again and be passed down makes purchasing it a bit easier.

Click on the photos for information.

 

Maybe Santa will be good to me this year or I'll get an amazing birthday present.

Moment of Lust - Jenni Kayne D'Orsay Flats

It's hard to make flats look sexy but these are at least a little sultry, thanks to the d'orsay style. A little skin never hurt, even when it comes to shoes. Jenni Kayne's come in lots of colors but I love this animal print. I can't imagine spending $595 on one pair of flats.

Jenni Kayne D'Orsay flats $595

These options are more in my price range.

Steve Madden $79.95

Corso Como $109.95

Steve Madden $99.95

Chinese Laundry $59.95

Moment of Lust - Valentino Rockstud Ballerina Flats

Shoes are hands down my favorite accessory. They look great, always fit and you can change the feel of an outfit with the right pair of shoes.  Even Marilyn Monroe said, "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."  Since spotting the various versions of the Valentino Rockstud Ballerina flats, I've been in love.  These shoes fit my personal style to a T. They are tough but pretty. The perfect combination. At prices ranging from $595 to $1,595, they aren't in my budget. The Ballerina flats and the ankle strap flats are my favorites.

While doing some online window shopping this week, I spied these beauties at Forever 21.  They are almost a perfect duplicate for the Valentino flats and they are only $24.80!  They come in three basic color combos, black and tan with silver studs, nude and tan with gold studs, and pink and nude with gold studs. I wondered if they would look good in person. I snagged a pair on Saturday at my local Forever 21 store.  There were only 3 pairs left in the whole store and only one was in my size. I got the nude and tan with gold studs but I'm going to order the black and tan with silver.  They fit great and they'll go with lots of outfits. SCORE!

Here I am sporting the pair I snagged.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Moment of Lust E & J Bootie

Chilly weather always makes me look for warmer footwear. I pull out my closed toe shoes and boots. Lately fun booties have been on my radar.  I love their versatility. They can be worn with pants, dresses or skirt. You can dress them down or up. The Peri Ankle-Strap wedge booties by Elizabeth and James are fantastic. They have a simple line but the cut our and decorative ankle strap give them visual interest. I think they are the perfect fall/winter bootie.  However, the price tag is a bit more than I usually like to pay for shoes. I went in search of alternatives.

Elizabeth & James Peri Leather Ankle-Strap Bootie

Sam Edelman Dalton Platform Wedge Bootie

2 Lips Too Too Coupe Wedge Bootie

The Sam Edelman booties are good option but I'm not a huge fan of platforms.  My wobbly arthritic (I have RA.) ankles don't love platforms.  The 2 Lips wedge bootie is a frugal alternative to the Elizabeth & James wedge. The only drawback is the red buckle.  For $59 I could do a little fixer and dye the buckle black.  I could also spend a little money and take it to the shoe repair shop and swap the red buckle for a silver one.  This might up my cost to about  $100.  That is still much less than the $375 price tag of the E&J booties. Which ones do you like best?

I'll be doing some wedding planning this weekend.  Wish me luck, we are in search of economical bridesmaid dresses and we're looking at rentals as well.

HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

Moment of Lust - Alexander McQueen Union Jack Skull Clutch

My skull obsession continues.  I love this clutch from Alexander McQueen.  It's both quintessential McQueen and British. The colors are great and the skull adds something special. The McQueen version costs $1545!  Definitely not doable.  We could take a big chunk out of our wedding catering budget with that money. So of course I went in search of a less expensive alternative.

I found the solution by doing a bit of searching.  One of the retailers on Amazon.com is selling a clutch that is almost identical for only $50!  That's a savings of $1495.  Well not really a savings seeing that I would either find a budget friendly alternative or I'd go without.

I'm thrilled!

Moment of Lust - Christian Louboutin Morphing Leopard-Print Bootie

There are so many things that make the Morphing Leopard-Print Bootie from Christian Louboutin perfect. Is it the interesting heel? Is it the leopard print? Is it the ankle boot style? For me it's all of the above. The only thing I don't love is the price.

I searched and searched and didn't find a bootie exactly like the Loubs but I found a few decent options for the thrifty girl.  This first version by Steve Madden is a tad western but still a cute option.

This version from Charlotte Russe has a much more stiletto like heel than the Loubs but it's a steal at $17.99. Perfect if you think this will be a passing fancy for you.

This bootie happens to be my personal favorite.  I know it's a peep toe and a wedge. Both of these facts keep it from coming close to being a substitute for the coveted Louboutins but I love it!  The wedge is perfect for me, the peep toe means I can wear it for many months. This one is on my list. I may have to use my DSW certs and cash in to get a great discount.

Moment of Lust - Celine Luggage Tote

Women's Wear Daily declared the Celine Luggage Tote, the 'It' bag of NY Fashion Week.  I've been lusting after this bag for a long while now. It's one of those classic bags that will never go out of style. It comes in lots of colors.  If you can get one, usually via a waiting list, you'll pay $2,500 or more.  I spotted one on Overstock.com for just $2,669.  Of course it was sold out but it's not like I would have grabbed my credit card, even if it were available.

In addition to being seen on many women walking into the shows at Fashion Week, magazine editors, and socialites, it has been on the arms of lots of celebrity fashion darlings.

Nicole Richie

Reese Witherspoon

Kourtney Kardashian

Leighton Meester

Until recently, my search to find a similar bag of good quality hadn't come close.   This time I'm being really picky. I want a bag that is leather and will last. Even though I can't afford the $2,500+ price tag, I still want a bag that has the same qualities. Then I heard about the J. Crew Tillary Tote. At $328 the bag is still pricey but it's leather, a classic style and there is nary a logo or trendy accessory in sight.  The Tillary has all of the markers of a long term investment bag. It comes in blue and tan.  I love the blue but either would be a great color I'd used often. Maybe it would be worth saving all of my shopping money over the next few months to purchase it.  If you are lucky enough to order it now, it will be shipped in May.  So even this great classic bag has a bit of a wait list.

J. Crew Tillary Tote

Moment of Lust - Balenciaga Cut Out Boots

$1,275!  That is the price of the Balenciaga Cut Out Boots, if you can even find them.  They are sold out everywhere. I can't imagine paying $1,275 for a pair of boots, no matter how much I love them.

Balenciaga Cut Out Biker Boot $1,275

I've been searching for other options for some time now and found some possibilities.

Jeffrey Campbell Roscoe $254

ASOS Leather Cut Out Ankle Boot $116

Moment of Lust - B-Low the Belt Curb Chain Belt

I spotted this chain belt on Project Runway and fell in love. It's simple but tough. I could picture it with an LBD or dressing up a plain sweater or shirt.

B-Low the Belt Curb-Chain Belt $195

$195 is just way too much for a belt.  I can't do it. A DIY could be in order but I also did a little searching and found this one from Calvin Klein for only $19.99 on clearance.

Calvin Klein Gunmetal Chain Belt $19.99

Admittedly I like the thicker chains of the $195 Curb Chain belt best.  This DIY is calling my name.  I'm sure I could find some cool chains at the craft or the hardware store.

Moment of Lust - Rag & Bone Moto Boots

My love for the rocker look of motorcycle boots is long.  I've wanted a pair for years and an internal battle rages on how much I'm willing to pay for a great pair of boots. When I saw this pair from Rag & Bone, I swooned.

Rag & Bone Moto Boot $595

They are the perfect height. The glossy black, leather finish is classic and the simple hardware just adds to the style.  I know I could wear them for years.  No matter how much I love them, at a cost of $595, I will not be buying these boots.

Second on the list are a much more affordable alternative, the Frye Engineer 8R boots.  These are also classics.  They are leather with a glossy black finish.  The buckles are statements but also simple.  This pair will set me back $208.  That price is closer to my range but still on the high side.

Frye Engineer 8R $208

For about $80 less I could buy these boots by Nine West.  The asymmetrical top and buckles give them a funky vibe.  They also have the classic shape and leather of a traditional moto boot. 

Nine West Spacecadet $124.99

When I drop below the $100 mark, I didn't find any options that were leather.  All of the boots I found under $100 are faux leather.  Many of them look great but I think I'd really like to have a pair with leather uppers. This pair from Target are a good representation of the boots I found under $100.  This pair is $34.99.  They have classic styling, a split side and adjustable buckles.  They pull on like a traditional moto boot.  Many of the less expensive pairs had zippers which took them out of the running immediately.  If I'm going to opt for non leather boots, why not pick the least expensive but best style.

Target Mossimo Supply Co. Kemaria Biker Boots $34.99

 

Which boots should I spend my hard earned money on?  I need your help.  Vote for your favorite. 

Which Boots Should I Buy?
	Rag and Bone $595
	Frye $208
	Nine West $125
	Target $35
pollcode.com free polls

Moment of Lust - Marc Jacobs Stam

Every season magazines declare a list of "IT" bags for the season.  Sometimes they are cool, sometimes not.  I love trends and always go for the less expensive versions when I'm buying a trendy bag.  I found a great studded bag last fall for $25, that I use often. Spending big money on trends is never my strategy. They come and go so fast that it's not worth the cost.  When I have the money to spend more, I gravitate toward the timeless bags. You know, the ones that 20 years from now, you'll still be able to carry and look great.

Big logo bags are also not my thing. The timeless bags have branding on them but it's never screaming and loud. I've made my love known for the Chanel Flap Bag (2.55).  It's a beautiful bag although there is a double C logo is small at the buckle. I've heard it said that the smaller the double C logo is on a Chanel bag, the more expensive it will be.  Since I don't shop at Chanel on a regular basis, I haven't tested that theory.  Many people swoon for the Louis Vuitton logo speedy.  I prefer the LV speedy in Epi Leather.  The tiny little LV is subtle but the bag's style is classic. The Marc Jacobs Stam bag fits this category perfectly. The quilting is beautiful. The shape and handles are functional. The lady like silhouette is perfect with any outfit.

Model Jessica Stam carrying her namesake bag

The Stam retails for about $1,350.  I love its beauty but at that price it won't be in the cards for me, unless My Honey wins the lottery for us. I don't count on the lotto because I have never had that kind of luck.  So I went searching for a less expensive version.  I found this bag on Handbag Heaven. They sell great handbags that are similar to designer styles but they aren't replica bags.  They don't have the logos or branding of the real bags but the shapes and styling are similar. The bag comes in several colors. I like the pewter because it's different but can also be used as a neutral. The Handbag Heaven version costs $54.95.  That's $1,295.05 less than the designer version.  It's a perfect swap for me.

What do you think?

Moment of Lust - Chanel Maxi Flap Bag

The Chanel Maxi Flap Bag is a true classic.  It's timeless and beautiful.  The details, like the inner flap pocket and the beautiful stitching are quality. It could be carried for a lifetime and looks as chic on a 20 year old as it does on the arm of an 80 year old. I wish I could afford one but I don't think I'll ever be able to bring myself to spend the $3,500 or more that one would cost.

I don't really believe that there is a good substitute for this bag. However, if you're looking for similar styling and details, this one is a decent option. At a cost of $49.99, you'll save about $3,450.

Moment of Lust: Hermes Kelly Bag

There is really no substitute for a classic handbag.  You can carry it for a lifetime.  Hermes is the pinnacle of luxury and classic style. The Kelly bag is large enough to fit your daily essentials but also lady like enough to carry any time. Grace Kelly made this bag famous because she used it to hide her pregnant belly from the press and public. Believe it or not there was a time when it was thought to be in poor taste to show off your pregnancy.  The bag was originally called the Petite Sac Haut a Courroies (Haut a Courroies means "high belt").  When the princess began carrying the bag regularly and it appeared in the press, the name was changed to the Kelly.

Hermes doesn't have prices for classic and wait list bags like the Kelly and the Birkin on their website. In a search, I found used bags for a little over $5,000 and new bags ranging from $7,500 to over $14,000, depending on the type of leather used to make the bag.

I personally love this similar bag by Aldo (style: CYPHERT), for only $45!  It comes in five colors, rust, bone, beige, red and black. They also sell a smaller style (TELLIS) for $40.

Photo credits: Life Magazine and Time Magazine

Moment of Lust: Alexander McQueen Knuckle Clutch

In keeping with my recent obsession with tough, punk, industrial fashions, my lastest lust is the Alexander McQueen Knuckle Clutch. It isn't a recent addition to the fashion scene. I've adored it for some time. When you see the cost, you'll understand why I've only admired it from afar.

There are so many reasons to love this special clutch. The iridescent color is fresh. The sparkles and skulls are so 80's punk. When carrying it to a party, it will be so easy to hold onto the bag. Not to mention the fact that it has built in jewelry.

This version of the clutch is available on Net-A-Porter.com for $1,595. Other versions are available from Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Zappos and Alexander McQueen for $1,895 - $2,295.  Even if I thought it was a good idea to spend that much money on one tiny bag, it would still be my clothing budget for a few years. I don't think I could give up shoes and all other new clothes for one clutch.

I'm working on my own DIY version of this bag. Look for it soon.  

Almost Alexa - Moment of Lust... Fulfilled

I had to post a few pictures of my new friend. The almost Alexa Mulberry bag that my sister gave me for Christmas. It's not the real thing but it has the same great qualities and it was such a thoughtful gift, which makes it even better.

You can get one for yourself at Shop 4 Sparkles.  Just click here to find this great satchel and be sure to check out their other great finds.