Project Runway!

The new season premiers tonight on Bravo! Make sure to set those DVR's! Its the last season on Bravo before moving to the Lifetime network. So far the scuttle butt on the internetz is not so hot for this season. But I love Project Runway so much I probably won't care.

Botkeir For Target!

Target has come out with there new guest designer line and this time it is Botkier. As in the Botkier that makes drool worthy bags sold at Neiman Marcus and other fine retailers for prices more than I can currently afford. I think Target Read my Diary because the Botkier line for Target is just as adorable and fashionable as the ones found at Neiman Marcus. I was at Target the other night just as they were stalking the accessories area with these bags and I picked up the Satchel in Gunmetal. We will see how the quality holds up since I am pretty hard on my handbags. But for $39.99 it wasn't a bad deal. I will let you know how it does. I am tempted to go back for this one as well.

That Marc Jacob's is Cheeky!

Aren't these Mouse flats from Marc by Marc Jacobs so adorable! If they weren't $250 a pair I would snap up a pair of Red Ones right now! Alas my Mexico Vacation has left me Shoe Poor. So I will just have to admire from afar. So cute though! Available at Pimperlime.

More gifty Ideas.

This morning on Design Sponge I saw these placemats and doilies from Modern Twist! Love them. Especially the doilies. They would be perfect for my cake platter, and transferring the cake from the decorating turntable to the cake stand. So cute!

Discount Thursdays!

Today's post is more like a "Sale Alert Thursday" but saving money is saving money so lets not dicker over semantics. I have three great sales for my darling readers to check out. First of all its the yearly IKEA sale. I recommend going to check it out on a weekday. My friend M and I went on a Thursday night and felt like we had the place all to ourselves. It was glorious. I got a potting bench which I will be converting into a Bar/prep area for the BBQ area on my deck.

Another great sale going on is the Lime Tage Sale over at Pimperlime. Enjoy up to 40% off on many many cute shoes. Like these cute Pink Numbers from Charles and David.

only $39.99!

The Last sale I am going to mention is the seasonal clearance sale over at West Elm. They are items up to 65% off! And there is a butch of great stuff. Browse through the lighting section for some great stuff!

Happy Shopping!

Gift Ideas For ME!

Ok so this is a shameless self promotion. But what good is a blog about things you love if you can't make a list of good gifts for the blog owner so that she will get some awesome Birthday Gifts. And Since this Birthday is going to be a Dark Dark Day the presents better be good.Everyone says I am hard to shop for. I always find that very surprising. Mostly because I am a consumer. I love stuff. I think perhaps the problem lies in the fact that everyone things I like expensive stuff. Which is true but I can't afford a lot of expensive luxury items and I figure out how to get a lot of things that are great deals. I know when to stretch my dollar. Also I am pretty picky about my clothing and I am a plus size girl so buying clothes for me that I will like is pretty much out of the question for most gifts unless I go shopping with you. But there are still so many gifts out there I would love.

Hence this post. I will list several gift ideas for me in a wide range of prices. For all you readers out there that do not know me personally you can send gifts to PO Box.. HA just kidding. But really this is a good look at gifts for any stylish Lady.

Lets Start with the more expensive treats!!! After a quick browse over at eLuxury and I have found this adorable shoulder bag from my favorite designer Marc Jacobs. But at $550 I don't think I will be getting it this year. Mostly because Mr. Delusional and I have decided in lieu of Birthday Gifts this year we bought ourselves a new flat screen TV. $550 at eLuxury

A more economical bag would be this cutie by Kate Spade from Nordstrom's for $245. Its in thesame color scheme as the Marc Jacobs but in a hobo bag. Adorable. Also Kate always puts the cutest lining in her bags.$245 Nordstroms

I know I said buying me clothes it out of the question unless you want to pick me up something from the Rachel Pally collection at Nordstrom's. Like this dress:

Rachel Pally Nordstroms $234

Ok lets bring this down to the less than $200 range.

Lets start with Sunglasses. I love designer sunglasses almost as much as a status bag. How about these cuties from Marc Jacobs. I might not be able to wait until my Birthday for these lovelies. Look at the cute side detail and the great shape of the lenses.

Marc by Marc Jacobs $115

Or these cute Sunglasses from Betsey Johnson at Nordstrom for only $75!Betsey Johnson $75

They have a great classic aviator shape that looks good on many face types.

There also a ton of gifts out there under $50. First of all I am on a total Old Navy Kick. So a gift card to old navy would be fine if you feel really lazy. But for more personal gifts I am also wanting a few pairs of brightly colored Havaiana's Flip Flops. Which can be found at many many places. Another great gift is jewelry from local crafters. I really like Talia Serinese Designs at Saturday market. She also has an Etsy shop with a smaller selection of her work. Etsy in general is a great place to find gifts for people for great deals. I recommend browsing the vast listings even just to get gift ideas.

Ok I am loosing blogging steam but I will end with these are just suggestions. Also I by no means expect to get gifts for my birthday. This is merely a list of suggestions for things I like for people who were planning on buying me gifts but get hung up on what to get me and then ask me what I want. Other things that make great gifts: books or movies that make you laugh and will probably make me laugh as well, concert tickets, bottle of wine that you like.. chances are I will like it too! Art that strikes you as beautiful will probably strike me as beautiful. Flowers are always a wonderful surprise, potted or cut. Honestly I am easy. I love everything that is pretty or shiny or thoughtful. And I know on my Dark Dark Day that is my Birthday this year anything that will make me laugh will be much appreciated as I say good by to my youth.

Sex and the City Movie

While I was in Mexico I had the pleasure of seeing the Sex and the City Movie. I know there were mixed reviews of the movie, but if you enjoyed the show you will like the movie. It was basically like watching an entire season of Sex and the City in one siting. For me the best part of the movie was the clothing. Patricia Fields knows how to dress a movie. I, like probably every other woman who has seen the movie, am currently coveting Carrie's Dior Cutout sandals! I love that she pairs them with the soft floral dress and jacket. The juxtaposition's of the soft and hard is great. What's not great is the $780 price tag associated with the shoes.Also if we are being realistic (I know... who wants to be realistic about shoes?) the heel on those Dior's is a bit terrifying for me. So even if I won the lotto and could afford them I probably couldn't walk very far in them. This Delusional Fashionista knows her limits with Stilettos and she is no Carrie Bradshaw. So I set out to find a similar pair for much less $ and a more comfortable shoe for walking in. Here is what I have come up with so far.

Steve Madden Max II on Zappo's for $115

This pair is a pretty good knock off of the original Dior pair. The grommets are a bit different but I am pretty impressed with how similar they are.

I also found this pair from BCBG:

BCBG Nickole on Zappos for $99

This pair is more inpired by the Dior shoes. I like them because they are under $100 (just barely) But they also dip down lower in the front creating a more elongated look for your leg, rather than chopping you off at the ankle. It is a good option for those thicker legged ladies out there like myself. It does have staggering 4" heel making it almost as high as the original Dior.

Lastly I found these Nine West for $93. This pair a sturdier looking heal and a similar shape minus the grommeting. I miss the grommets though, don't you?

Nine West Zanja on Zappos for $93

Discount Thursdays!

So I am back from Not so Sunny Mexico! Turns out I do like Pina Colada's and getting Caught in the rain. And its a good thing I like getting caught in the rain because it happened quite a few times! But I had a wonderful time non the less and managed to get a bit of a tan!

Anyway back to the real non-vacation world. And with that I have a great Discount Thursday Post. KATE SPADE CLEARANCE!!!

Wellesley medium shopper Original Price $425 on Sale for $229!
Katy Cyril continental wallet Original Price $195 on Sale for $99!

The sale ends tomorrow so get your credit cards out girls and take advantage of this great sale!

If You Like Piña Coladas...

I am off to beautiful Mexico! I may have time to update while I am gone. If not have a lovely week! I know I will. Ok off to pack like a crazy person.

Discount Thursdays!

15% off everything at AE with code: 33189247 or print and use in-store!

Chanel your inner teen and enjoy my lovelies.

Wheel o' Shoes!

We all know I have a die hard love for all things shoe related, so it goes without saying that I have a large collection of shoes. Perhaps I will get some pictures up of my favorites to the blog one day soon. As a result of my Imelda like collection I am always looking for great Shoe Storage solutions for my house. Right now I have a few of these Trones bins from IKEA that are great and look much better in person. Today while perusing the internet I came across a new way to store your shoes I don't know how well it works but it sure does look efficient.

The Shoe Wheel by Rakku Designs for $65. It holds 30 pairs of Woman's Shoes. As you can see it is made to hold high heals. Which is great I had seeing Shoe storage that is clearly designed for flat shoes aka men's shoes. I mean if your are in need of major shoe storage options you are probably a woman. Even the dandiest of Man doesn't have as many shoes as most woman, (I am sure there are a few exceptions to the rule out there). I could go on and on...

Anyway the Shoe Wheel is looks pretty cool and doesn't seem to take up much precious real estate in your closet. It is mobile and adjustable and expandable. Think of the fun games you can play like Spin the Shoe Wheel! Ok maybe I am reaching there... But it does look like a great find. I wonder if they would send me a free one for promoting it on my site? hmm....

Ooo and it comes in pink!

YSL- 1936-2008

"The most consistently celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years, Yves Saint Laurent can be credited with both spurring the couture's rise from its Sixties ashes and with finally rendering ready to wear reputable," (Caroline Rennolds Milbank's, Couture: The Great Fashion Designers). Yves Saint Laurent brought pants to the female wardrobe, made pea coats and safari style mainstream. He brought Paris street style to couture. He has influenced generations with his style, saved Dior from ruin at the age of 21 and created his own fashion house by the time he was 30.

If you want to read more about Yves Saint Laurent I recommend checking out "The Beautiful Fall." I bought the book recently and reading it now seems very appropriate. Yves Saint Laurent ones said "Fashion dies, but style remains." Sir your Style will remain an imprint on womens lives for eternity.

Discount Thursdays!

Check out the sale section over at eLuxury for up to 40% off designer goods!

Look Marc Jacobs for $139!
Look a Derek Lam Clutch for almost 50% off!
and Finally the OMG I have to have. Mr. Delusional this would be a good gift for me HINT HINT this stunning Luella by Goldenbleu for only $389!!!

Discount Thursdays!

I have a couple good discounts for you shoppers this week.

First I know you love Oh Deer! Shoes as much as I do. If you got to their website and become a member at Oh Deer! you will get a Thank You coupon for 20% off purchases of Oh Deer! shoes on the website. You have to download a coupon application but I swear its safe. It didn't crash my computer and I have Vista you so you know that was a scary road to wander. Click here to become a member.

For all you Interior Designers, and Brand Whores for Furniture out there I also have a great discount for shopping at Design Within Reach. If you follow this link here, it will take you to a Survey from the CEO of DWR. Fill out this Survey and at the end you will get a coupon code for $200 off your next purchase of $1,000 or more. So go get that Eames Lounge you have been eyeing or the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair that will complete your living room. Replace that Ikea lamp with a real Nogochi lamp!

Also stock up on your summer wardrobe at Old Navy this week! Get 15% off when you use your Old Navy Card. Just type in this coupon code at checkout: DH9H38V6WW4T

Looking for a good Summer Beach Read? Go to Borders and get 40% off. Click here for the coupon or read this fine print:

After $20 purchase requirement is met, scan or enter barcode #159035030000000000 and Borders Rewards number any time during the transaction. If the item to be discounted is a SPO item, Enter Rewards number, Ring item, select S1, highlight item, select S5, scan or enter coupon #159035030000000000, enter 40%, confirm, press Enter, proceed.

More Shoe Love!

It has been well established that I am a shoe obsessed woman. My friend "Steffaree" compares the obsession to a drug addiction. I have to agree with that because I do get a little bit of a high every time I buy a new pair. But lucky for us ladies, shoes are like a drug with multi release capabilities (we like those multis don't we!). Perhaps when Huey Lewis sang about how he wanted a "New Drug" he should have tried Shoe Shopping.

And the pristine "Grade -A" shoe high? Christian Louboutin's! I dream of owning a pair. Oh how those red soles call out to me. But right now Mr. Delusional, who is not so delusional when it comes to money, says no to the pricey designer shoes. So I must find other ways to satisfy my lust.

oh Deer! Shoes do that! They are adorable high fashion shoes at a moderate price, around a $100 per pair. Some pairs also have an adorable Red Sole just like Mr. Louboutin's heels! Fake it till you Make it Baby!

So cute! Love the color of these teal with silver.
T-Straps, oh how I love thee. And check out the sequins the last one. Oo La La! Momma Like!

Discount Thursdays!

Ok so its a bit late but its a good one so forgive me. 20% Off at H& M for Friends and Family Discount! The Friends and Family discount runs from May 23-26 and you have to click this link to sign up for it. You are then given an application to load on your computer to print the coupon. Its probably way more complicated than it has to be but thats the way your favorite European Department Store works. Now unfortunately H&M doesn't have online shopping (seriously what century are they living in? who doesn't have an online shop? but you have a facebook and a myspace profile wtf?) so you have to use this coupon in store. Even more devastating than that the Northwest shops in Seattle don't open until Fall 08. So unless I have a trip planned to San Fransisco later this month (which I don't ) I can't use it.

Enjoy it my lovelies that live close enough to an H&M to use it.

www.hmfriendsandfamily.com

You know your obsessed with shoes when..

So last night I was watching Law and Order SVU (the best one natch!). It was a particularly suspenseful one where at the end the Perpetrator turned out to be the Defense Attorney! Anyway I called that early on because she was obviously in love with the guy who's finacee was killed.

So during the dramatic ending where she was getting ready to jump off the top of a building and pull her client/un-requited love interest over the edge with her so they could be together in the hereafter, I yell out "Ooo CUTE SHOES"during the close up of her feet as she of course stumbles on the ledge dramatically. Then I proceeded to yell "Show them again, show them again! I want the shoes!" My husband meanwhile is sitting there horrified (either at me or the show... jury's still out) and totally drawn into the show as the couple tumbles to there death on the streets of Manhattan. Of course they don't have a close up shot of the shoes on the website or you tube.. BOO! NBC Boo!

They kind of looked like these:

Thoughts on Handbags

Women love shoes. What is the one thing they love more than shoes? Handbags. Expensive handbags preferably. I remember the rush of getting my first "status" bag. My mother bought me a Dooney and Bourke for my 8th grade graduation. I loved its textured leather and little brass duck fob. I thought it was the grandest bag ever. It was tiny too. I loved that bag for a long time then my friends dog ate it.. stupid dog. Probably why I hate Dachshunds to this day.

I have since moved on to other designers: Kate Spade, Betsy Johnson, Chloe, Mulberry, Luella, Marc Jacobs, and had sweet sweet dreams of owning a Chanel! But I have never bought a Coach bag. I have come close many times. I even bought a wristlet once only to return it the next day ultimately unsatisfied. Why is this?

Coach makes some very cute bags. I am often drawn to the Coach Counter at Macy's to look at the pretties. But I never walk away with one. I think I realized why this weekend. I was at the local Cinco De Mayo festival with my husband. As I was people watching I decided to count the number of Coach bags I saw. I counted 20 in the first half hour! And at least 5 of them were the same bucket style. Why are women so drawn to this brand? Is it because it is an affordable status bag? I don't know if it really can be considered a "Status" bag if everyone has it.

My advice to shoppers out there is if you are going to go with a Coach Bag make sure to get one that is a little different than the Status Quo for Coach Shoppers. Stay away from the Brown Monogram bags. Go for a different color. Like these:

The Color accents or the black on black monogram will set you apart from the average coach carrier. Or even better try buying one the Leather Coach Bags. I feel this is where they have some really beautiful bags. Perhaps it is because "the founder of Coach was first inspired by a baseball glove when he saw its distinctive markings and how supple it became with use," (coach.com).

The new Ergo collection and the Madeline bag from coach are particularly cute.

Of course those are Coach bags over $400. That seems to be the deal at Coach all the cute ones I like are the more $$$ ones.

Dicounts On Monday!?

This is kind of a last minute deal but it is Friends and Family discount time at Macy's. It ends today but you can shop online with the discount code until midnight probably and get 20% off all your purchases!
Use coupon code: MACYSFF

There are some restrictions like you can't use it towards a Coach purchase online, Cosmetics and Fragrances and anything considered and Everyday Value (Lame I know). But it might apply to instore purchases of those items the wording on the coupon is vague. I am sure if you go to a Macy's tonight and do some shopping and ask for the discount they will give it to you.