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Tory Burch

Peer Pressure is (Probably) Okay

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In fact, it’s probably good for you, too.

It all started when Zeba of Ella Pretty Blog assured me that I should totally buy the Michael Kors “Colette” Medium Leather Messenger in Sun. Normally, I wouldn’t necessarily be swayed – it takes me forever to make a new handbag purchase, and even then, I create spreadsheets to analyze pros and cons – however, it was just before my birthday and I thought hell yeah, I totally should buy this.

Solidifying my decision was the fact that it was sold out everywhere (trust me, we checked!) which of course, created an inflated sense of “need” based solely on the fact that I couldn’t “have” it.

Introducing michaelkors.ca. YES! An online MK shop for Canadians, where (for a limited time) you can take advantage of FREE ground shipping to Canadian addresses, plus, the Canadian prices are on par with the US. It was literally a sign from the handbag gods that I happened to discover the online shop at the exact moment I decided to purchase a Michael Kors messenger bag, so I threw caution to the wind and smacked my credit card down onto the virtual checkout.

And four days later, ta-da! Sunny days ahead.
michael kors colette medium leather messenger toteI’m so happy with this purchase. Not only is it the perfect size – holding my oversized wallet, sunglasses and phone with ease – but I love that I can wear it messenger-style, as a shoulder purse, or remove the strap completely and use it as a tote. Plus, it brightens up practically every outfit that I’ve paired it with! See? Peer pressure is probably – no, definitely – a good thing from time to time.

Outfit: Jean Jacket, Express; Black Top, Marshalls; Leggings, Sweet Legs; Shoes, Tory Burch.

Have you made any impulse purchases this season? Do tell!

(Psst! With the warming weather returning, I think it’s time to bring back the covet list. So many things I want, need, have to have! It’s a good thing I’m fabulous with my finances… always practice safe spending, friends!)

The Monday Covet List

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Another Monday, another Covet List!

(A little background: Since I’ve decided that coveting is infinitely more agreeable than reckless spending, I was thrilled to be approached by Nadia Carriere of Child Mode to participate in the Monday Covet List. Together with some of my favorite fashion and style bloggers, Nicole Feliciano of Mom Trends, Vera Sweeney of Lady and the Blog and Audrey McClelland of Mom Generations, we’ll share 3-4 covet-worthy products that we are currently lusting over.)

Of course, I’ve realized that coming up with a covet list is way too easy because I tend to covet things all the time. This week, I’ve got the following gorgeous pieces on my mind (and perhaps favourited on my browser)…

This week’s Covet List is truly one to covet. (Translation – the pieces are *slightly* out of my comfort zone, and hence, I’ll have to make do with admiring from afar.) However, I am in full-on “must have” mode with these items:

1. The Swiss watchmaker known for exquisite classic and of-the-moment timepieces for men and women, Tissot showcases the best of elegant-yet-versatile timepieces, for all fashion and lifestyles.

Pictured above, L-R: Lady T072 Lady Automatic ($975.00), PRC 200 Danica Patrick Limited Edition 2013 ($595.00), Couturier Small Second ($1025). Ah, to have one of these beauties adorning my wrist! Tissot is the height of sophistication and grace. Attention husband: let’s skip the mortgage payment and do me up right.

2. The Pacey Bootie by Tory Burch. They may be the sexiest booties I’ve ever seen, and a sleek black ankle boot is as essential to a wardrobe as a classic LBD.

Smooth leather and a glossy patent cap-toe create an understated mixed-media take on color-blocking, while a hidden platform gives height and day-to-evening comfort. A thin gold band, topped with a discreet logo, adds just the right amount of polish and shine. ($495.00) Covet covet covet….

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T is for Treat. Oh, and for Tory Burch too.

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As we start 2013 off with a bang, here’s something you should know about me.

I rarely treat myself.

It’s true. I am quite honestly the most fuss-free, no-frills person I know. I do at-home pedicures. I wear glasses 99% of the time. I often splurge on discounted toilet paper – but rarely discounted Dior. I clip coupons, make sure my boys want for nothing and try to find the best brands at the best price every day. Now I know you may be shaking your head, thinking “So what? Me too…” – you must realize, I am a recovering Shopaholic. As in, I once owned 12 Coach purses and didn’t think twice about dropping $398 for jeans.

(Also in my Shopaholic Hall of Fame? 4 brand new cars in 10 years, hundreds of CDs, a $900 leather coat, two Movado watches… OMG. This really should be a Wall of Shame. How I wish I could have that money back! I’d invest it tidily in a tax-free savings account. Yes, I have turned into my father.)

So this whole turnaround in character – from spender to saver – is relatively new to me, but trust me, I’m not complaining. This past year alone, I paid off all my short term debts and put a healthy amount in savings – while sending my son to private school and taking the boys on 3 epic vacations. So, obviously I’m doing something right. High five to me!

But, for quality products where there is simply no substitution… I crave.

See, I’m not one for knockoffs. I just don’t do designer dupes. So if I see an item that I simply must have, I do the following:

1) Tell all my friends about it. Seriously, I’ll call them, tweet them, e-mail them links… all while trying to justify the retail price and gushing about why I love the item so much. Ask my bestie Victoria how many times I did the math with her… or Tammi, yup, I tweeted her like crazy… and Robin? She probably has tension headaches over the amount of times I talked about my latest crush.

2) Begin stalking the designer’s website for sales, promo codes, anything that can save me a few bucks. I will Google the sh*t out of that item until I know exactly who sells it, and for how much. And, I’ll know how much cross-border shipping is, USD to CAD discrepancies, etc etc. Then, I’ll repeat #1.

3) When all else fails, wait for an epic sale like Black Friday or Boxing Day… and pray that they still have my size in stock. And if they don’t, bow my head for a moment of silence, knowing I missed out because I’m too cheap smart to pay full price.

Such is the case with the Tory Burch Amanda Riding Boot. I can’t tell you how long I’ve coveted them! Slim through the calf and the absolute perfect shaft height, I knew they would complete my entire winter and spring wardrobe.

Our must-have riding boot. If you loved the fit of our popular Selma boot last fall, meet Amanda. An exclusive style, the Amanda Riding Boot comes in tumbled leather with strap details and ankle logo hardware. It’s a wardrobe staple that’s in line with the perennially classic equestrian look. Tumbled leather upper. Side zip closure. Metal logo ornament at side. Leather lining. Padded insole. Round toe.

The one thing holding me back? The $525 CAD price tag. I couldn’t – no matter how I tried – justify spending close to $600 after taxes on a pair of boots. Gah! My dream of riding boot perfection was not meant to be.

But then… like magic… the clouds parted and a ray of heaven shined down on them… by way of a Boxing Week promotion.

So after 6 months of waiting, countless page visits and in-store stalking extravaganzas… the boots were marked down to $385. Plus an EXTRA 25% off sale items. And, they had my size.

Just like that, I treated myself in 2012. And in case you’re wondering, they go very well with my other favourite purchase of 2012. I have a feeling that 2013 will be a fashionably fabulous year!