Are you ready for this? Bags I actually love…under $100! I can’t even think of the last time I could use that sentence. Now, fair warning – I haven’t seen a single one of these pretties from Rachel Rachel Roy in person, so I suppose they could all be awful in real life (if I’m honest, the faux leather is giving me some pause). But from this vantage point, they’re total spring perfection.

Don’t these just feel like a breath of fresh spring air after all the darkness of winter?

All are available on pre-order for release in the next couple of weeks. I’m seriously considering taking the plunge on that pretty cobalt number (you know I’m a sucker for anything that shade), and possibly the cherry mini-bag as well. If you’re in love, pre-order may be the way to go – I can see these picking up some internet traction pretty quickly!

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since starting this blog (longer ago than I care to mention) is that it may be the clothes that make the man, but it’s the accessories that make the outfit.

Think of it this way: take a classic white shirt and a pair of straight-leg jeans. Add a pearl necklace and a patent skinny belt, and you’re one person. Change it up for a big, bright statement necklace and a rock-and-roll ankle boot, and you’re entirely another. Add nothing at all, and you’re….well, unless you’re Kate Middleton, you’re blahs-ville.

Doing my usual obsessive online browsing sale shopping yesterday, I came across so many gorgeous accessories on amazing sales (DANNIJO on sale? Never!), I could hardly believe my luck. Since I can’t buy them all, I’m having a little virtual shopping spree with you…hoping some of you will reap the rewards.

And then there’s the matter of the Epice scarves I found marked way, way down at Yoox, a phenomenon so extraordinary, it almost certainly deserves its own post. This is probably less fantasy and more reality, as I let this pretty one on the left out of my clutches a year ago, and have regretted it ever since.

First, a couple of fun announcements:

* If you happen to be one of my Portland readers, my sweet aesthetician at Portland Spa and Boutique is offering my readers a huge 40% off laser hair removal packages! That’s as good as a Groupon, but at the spa you actually want to go to (and without the mad rush of people). To get the deal, just call and mention Shopping’s My Cardio – they’ll hook you right up.

* Have you signed up for the iVillage “Get Organized For The Holidays” challenge yet? Today’s the kickoff – be there or be square! I’m telling you, my tips (well, everyone‘s tips, really) are pretty darned awesome…you won’t want to miss out.

* I’m working away like a busy little elf on Shopping’s My Cardio’s legendary holiday gift guides this week. They’ll be here the week after Thanksgiving (what can I say, I’m a purist), and I can’t wait for you to see them! In the meantime, though, it means I’m getting by with a little help from my friends, so you’ll see some guest posters here this week. This is a crop of seriously stylish ladies – I know you’re going to love each and every one! And I’ll still be around…you know I can’t stay away long.

Because you were good enough to suffer through the minutiae, I think it’s only fair you should be rewarded with something pretty:

I’m 100% obsessed with these beautiful (and reversible!) new clutches from Hammocks & High Tea. Each one is more gorgeous than the last. They’re simply the perfect rendering of the folded clutch trend you see absolutely everywhere right now – I’m so glad I held out! The size (11×7) is just right, the leather is sumptuous, and the pattern on the reverse is classic H&HT loveliness. I was lucky enough to nab the cobalt blue, since you know I can’t resist that color. Plus, how perfect for holiday travel?! Store your lingerie inside for the trip, and when you get there, you have two different clutches in one, that work for day or evening. Genius, I tell you.

Have fun with my guests this week, friends…give them a warm welcome, won’t you?

Happy Friday, friends! I wish I could say the weekend held rest and relaxation for me, but no – it holds deadline-busting piles of work. All amazing opportunities, mind you…but work, nonetheless.

So, I’m more than ready for a little Friday Finds distraction to take me away from all that 9-to-5. How about you?

My scarf obsession is nothing new, but I’ve had the image of this beautiful Suno scarf open on my desktop all week. Give me a tissue-thin expanse of wool or a cloud print, and I’m yours. Combine the two, and I’m speechless. This beauty has made it to the top of my holiday wish list…if I don’t cave and buy it for myself first.

I’ve been watching Pan Am this season, and have only recently warmed to it (does anyone else think it was a slow starter?). But now, I’m hooked…by the fashions, naturally. I spotted someone wearing a cocktail ring over gloves the other night, and was smitten with the look. Imagine my surprise when Kate Spade had the same idea.

I’m feeling the value of simple, classic totes these days…I can’t explain it, but there we are. And so, I offer you a splurge (from Il Bisonte, whose bags are unbelievably well crafted):

…and a (sort-of) steal (from IB&B, who I don’t know, but lambskin is always a good thing):

I just discovered a little shop called Curator, carrying a few well-selected lines and some gorgeous house-designed pieces as well. This dramatic wool a-line coat is my current favorite – it’s a great nod to the cape trend without being as bulky and shapeless as capes tend to be. It’s also on sale, which never hurts. I wish I were snuggling in this right this second.

And last, but definitely not least, this list needs some color, don’t you think? Designer Jonathan Saunders recently collaborated with stationery legend Smythson to create a group of gorgeous new diary planners. Doesn’t it make you wish you still kept a paper calendar?

Have a wonderful weekend, friends…and if you’re out shopping the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale, be sure to stop by the café for the best Caramel Apple Cider on the planet.

See you back here next week!

How lucky am I that the one and only Monica Botkier emailed me last month to see if I’d like to check out a beautiful new bag from her fall line, and help her style it up for you all? You can guess how quickly I replied to that email.

Botkier‘s Fall line is probably my all-time favorite from the company, but even so, the moment my eyes landed on the Brinks shoulder bag, I knew I’d met my match.

Friends, this bag has a quality. Like that guy you spot across the bar, and know instantly that you’re in trouble. It’s part lady bag, part equestrian-inspired, it can go over the shoulder or across the body, it doesn’t require major bag-load-reduction maneuvers to carry, and then there’s that delicious cognac leather and mod gold hardware…I’m a big, big fan. The Brinks hits every trend’s sweet spot, but still has a life all its own, so it has all the style longevity you could hope for. Plus, at $425, it’s a splurge, but a feasible one.

To give you an idea of just how versatile the Brinks is, I thought it might be fun if Monica and I each styled a look, so you could see all of the different ways to wear this beauty. You know those jobs that are so easy, they become hard? That’s how it was with this…I had options running through my head nonstop. I came up with – literally – 9 different looks before I settled on one. Turns out, this bag is more versatile than even I’d given it credit for. Monica, however, knew exactly what to do:

{Clockwise from top left: CC Skye earrings, $128; DVF Ahiga turtleneck, $345; that beautiful Brinks, $425;
Lanvin wedges, $1,636 (a girl can dream); Current/Elliott Boa print skinny jean, $198; Eddie Borgo bracelet, $550.}

That look is how you know Monica Botkier has some serious style, my friends. Just look at those snakeskin-print jeans! And that heel…I have instant respect for a girl that knows a good shoe. And Monica definitely knows a good shoe.

As ever, my look’s a bit more girly, a bit more preppy, but no less perfect with the Brinks:

{Clockwise from top left: Michael by Michael Kors watch, $250; DVF Mikhaila coat (adore!), $745;
Topshop dress, $60; Betsey Johnson earrings, $35; that beautiful Brinks, $425; Frye Miranda mary jane, $188;
J.Crew belt, $40; Leigh & Luca scarf, $200.}

(That coat is haunting my dreams, by the way. But anyway…)

Are you already envisioning all of the different ways you’d wear the Brinks? I had a feeling. You can see the entire fall Botkier line here, or just save yourself an hour of waffling and nab the Brinks before it’s gone.

Happy Friday, friends! As usual, there’s no rhyme or reason to this week’s list, though I am noticing an abundance of ultra-bright color. It must be summertime.

The hubs and I have some fun travel plans over the next few months, and I can tell you there’s nothing I’d rather be toting my travel gear in more than this bold blue weekender bag. I love the bright hue, the tribal vibe and the leather trim, and I have a feeling it’d be light as a feather.

It’s still a little early to be thinking fall trends, but this ladylike silk blouse from Madewell will be just the thing with those below-the-knee skirts this fall.

After spotting this beautiful street style image from Atlantic-Pacific…

…I can’t stop thinking about adding a chic pair of bright pants to my denim-centric wardrobe. While I’m normally terrified by the idea of a capri, these candy-colored versions from J.Crew look more like an ankle-grazing length than a mid-calf affair, rendering them infinitely more stylish. Now, to pick a color!

And, now that I think about it, that emerald blouse would look pretty amazing with any of these – especially the blue. Be bold, friends!

While I was never a big fan of Gretchen Jones while she was on Project Runway, I have to admit that her new line of jewelry for Piperlime is good. A lot of the pieces miss the mark by *that* much (a spiked earring that would be so much more amazing if the post weren’t dead center, and a long necklace that would be strikingly perfect if the pendant pieces were a bit further down the chain), but there are some styles I’m seriously contemplating. But…no returns allowed on these pieces, so I’m proceeding with caution.

I almost never swoon over baby/kiddie goods (I’m pretty sure I’m missing a gene), but these prints from Heather Ross are a little too perfect. They’re called “Cranky Princesses” – hysterical! Now I just need some little girls to buy them for…

And now, I’m off to spend a fun, relaxing weekend with my BFF, who’s coming to town. I can’t wait! Hope you have something equally fun in store.

Happy Friday, friends! As always, I hope you have fantastic weekend plans. Me, I’m going to an ice cream churn-a-ment this afternoon, and then I have a hot date to see “Bad Teacher.” So, we’re starting it off right!

Before we get going with this week’s list, can I ask you a quick favor? My little Shopping’s My Cardio Facebook page needs you…come on over and be my friend, won’t you? We can, like, throw a kegger or something.

And now, business aside…time for our usual Friday eye candy!

What do you think of clogs? I can’t quite make up my mind…but there is something about this particular style of Swedish Hasbeens that I love. The strappy-ness (yes, I just made up a word) does a lot to balance out the heft of the sole, and they look mighty comfy. The balance of that is that they’re not cheap…but I’m told these things last forever.

This print by Julien Pacaud has been open on my desktop all week. I can’t explain the love, but it’s there…it’s like some fictional land I’d very much like to visit. I should really just buy it already.

I am trying so hard to convince myself I could pull off these Rachel Comey zigzag pants. Think you could do it?

Speaking of zigzag (I’m a little more than obsessed these days), I got a little tip this morning that John Robshaw is having a 40% off sale for the next week. I’m annoyed that my quilt from them has rapidly deteriorated (I really need to email them about that), but that doesn’t stop me from wanting this delicious robe. On sale, it’s $57, and Robshaw’s cotton is definitely something I want to be swathed in for as long as possible.

And, okay, one (two) more zigzags…I can’t resist. You won’t be able to either when you see this stunning wallet and crossbody bag (originally spotted by the beautiful Joy) from Deep Dark Africa. I’m so head over heels, there are no words. While you’re there, check out the rest of the site…there are a bevy of world-traveled beauties you won’t be able to live without.

Are you feeling the zigzag love like I am this year?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone…see you back here next week!

Well, this is exciting. I got a hot tip over the weekend that the first preview catalog for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale had gone out to the VVIP customers, and I nabbed a sneak peek!

First, a little down-and-dirty on what’s happening with the sale this year. The official start date is July 15, but pre-sale shopping begins July 5. The pre-sale shopping option that’s typically been open to Nordstrom cardholders and other VIP customers is now only open to cardholders, allegedly. This means that no matter how much your salesperson loves you, they can’t let you pre-shop without a Nordstrom card. But, the upside, according to my sources, is that you get to take your goods home with you the day you shop, instead of having to head back to the store on opening day to pick up your pre-sale goods.

So, with that done, how about a little peek at my picks from the sale?

First up, shoes – since I know you’re all shoe nuts like me. Not much in the way of heels and flats, but there are some good boots to choose from.

Far right: Frye “Melissa” button-back boot, $219

Far right: Via Spiga “Kacey” riding boot, $259

Tory Burch riding boot, $299

The coats are really lacking this season…Nordstrom seems to have abandoned coats for capes, which is unfortunate, as they’re hard to wear – both literally and figuratively. But, if you must cape, there is one style I actually love – it has enough tailoring to keep the look clean and easily wearable:

Right: Helene Berman wool cape, $165

This Mackage coat is the other winner from the catalog. It’s still not something I’d love enough to nab, but the clean tailoring is nice, as is the leather detail at the sleeves. I do have a feeling this one’s going to be popular…so you’ll be seeing it out and about.

Mackage “Tessa” wool-blend coat with knit & leather trim, $389

As for the rest of the apparel, there are the usual suspects: a few highly-identifiable, under-$100 picks that everyone will be snatching up…and then a few special pieces that are worth a second look.

That Halogen pencil skirt on the first three models comes in 6 colors and is $45, so expect to see it on everyone in your office come August. The little cuffed ankle pant on the far right is by Amber Sun, and is also $45. I’m cautiously optimistic about the pants – they’re cute on the model, but atrocious in another image I saw, so it could definitely go either way.

Left 3: Halogen seamed pencil skirt, $45; Right: Amber Sun “Aubrey” pant, $45.

And, a few standout pieces that are perfect for giving your fall closet a little kick-start:

McGinn “Elizabeth” tweed jacket, $229

This silk blouse by Joie is one of maybe three pieces I’ll actually be nabbing from the sale. I love the bright teal, and it’s a perfect tunic shape, so you can easily dress it up or down. It’s hard to imagine beneath that fugly chunky knit vest, I realize…but try.

Joie “Marlo” blouse, in peacock, beige or grey, $145

If you’re not quite over the faux-fur trend, this Trina Turk cardigan is a great way to give it a try. While the photo doesn’t really provide much help, it’s a long, wrap-style cardigan, and the fur collar is removable. So, when you’re ready to retire the trend, you still have a classic camel cashmere cardigan in your closet.

Trina Turk “Deville” cardigan, $198

There’s always one killer splurge in the sale. Last year, it was a classic Burberry trench. This year, it’s this black faux-wrap dress by St. John. It’s a classic long-sleeved wrap cut (without the wardrobe malfunction potential), and it will be in your closet forever, making it a bargain by any standard.

St. John faux-wrap dress, $399

(Love those shoes she’s wearing too, by the way…Michael by Michael Kors, $99, but they have a 5-inch heel.)

Last but certainly not least, a few accessories to tie all this fun together. There are two big “splurge” bags this year – one by Chloe, which I thought was boring, and this one by Marc Jacobs. It’s hard not to love that pink, which is actually a bit more mauve in other photos.

Marc Jacobs “Karlie” shoulder bag, $866

And on the more reasonable end of the spectrum, I found myself quite liking the bag on the top left, below. The brand is “Roccatella,” which meant nothing to me until I saw it was a new diffusion line from Be&D, which makes amazing bags.  I also love the Rebecca Minkoff bag in the bottom right image, though I’ve found the quality on RM bags a bit spotty lately. Love the ostrich-embossed leather, though, and it comes in 3 colors.

Top left: Roccatella by Be&D “Jane” belted leather satchel, $264; Bottom right: Rebecca Minkoff “Covet” flap bag, $282.

And my bracelet obsession continues with these options from Ippolita and Lagos. The Ippolita styles are the bangles in the center with the solid-set semi-precious stones, and the Lagos is that rope-style silver bracelet with the diamond X in the center.

Center: Ippolita bangles, set of 3, $394; Bottom, far right: Lagos Caviar X Diamond bracelet, $299.

That’s it, friends! Of course, if you see something else in these images that you’re dying for details on, just leave a comment, and I’ll give you all the info I can. In the meantime, give your favorite salesperson a call, and get a pre-shop date scheduled!

it’s that time, dear readers…happy friday!  of course, the promise of those two blissful weekend days is a bit offset this week by losing an hour to the monster that is daylight savings time.  but it also means spring is on the horizon, and i’m more than ready!  and now…friday finds:

now that i’ve unleashed the beast, it seems there’s no end to my spring bag coveting streak (um, i just typed the word “spreak”: apparently, my brain’s hybrid of spree/streak.  shall we start a trend? perhaps not.).  this cute little crossbody from asos popped up on my worldwide wanders this week, and i’ve had the window open on my browser ever since.  seems like a good stand-in for the kate spade crossbody, especially at 1/4 the price. bags under $100 don’t even count in the budget, right?

it’s not often i see something that makes me want to call a “do-over” on my completely lovely and wonderful wedding day.  but oh, if only jessie randall had been designing these beautiful bridal shoes back then…

i’m starting to feel like it’s all stripes, all the time, everywhere i turn.  but i also can’t deny that they’re everywhere because they’re just that good.  this top from madewell caught my eye this week, mostly because it’s a bit of a change from the traditional breton stripe, but no less versatile (and less scary for those of you that still fear the horizontal stripe).  plus, they’re offering free shipping with no minimum through sunday (code is SHOPAWAY)…and we know that’s always a powerful shopping incentive for me.

in case you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, and haven’t seen all of those other bloggers waxing poetic about the fabulousness that is forestbound, allow me.  i’m not sure i’m a recycled-canvas-tote kind of girl, but i can tell you the newest pieces in their shop (they always sell out lightning fast) have me really wanting to try.

and, speaking of etsy, i went on a little vintage housewares search spree this week, and am suddenly obsessed with these beautiful dansk enamelware pots.  this one’s a little banged up, but that bright orange is just so cheery!

i hope you enjoyed this week’s exceptionally random list, friends.  have a fabulous weekend!  i’m off to seattle for a couple of days to visit a dear friend and hear the amazing dr. angelou speak again (i’m like a groupie, i know).  hope you have something equally lovely planned!

well, would you look at the little cutie that followed me home this weekend?

finally, i have that green bag craving out of my system!  since it’s physically impossible for me to pay full price for something (seriously, it’s a disorder), my sweet mama shared an invite she’d received from cole haan offering 25% off in their stores this thursday, 3/8 – an offer my flamboyantly fabulous salesperson at nordstrom was sweet enough to match for me.

(oh, you didn’t know nordstrom did that?  one of the many, many reasons i love them so.)

this bright, yummy shade is maybe a little too happy for those dark winter days, but with spring on the horizon, it will be the perfect warm-weather companion.  plus, i love the ladylike styling contrasted with the bold color – it’s the perfect dose of classic with a twist.

incidentally, if you’re wishing you’d gotten that email about the cole haan event, leave me a comment and i’ll pass it along.  always glad to pay it forward!