Looking back

at this week.

1 - found an apartment. THANK the lord. It's on the 4th floor of a new midrise in Sarasota, in the same complex as Publix. SO EXCITED. Hopefully it will prove a calm and effective place to bust out a thesis and spend my last year of college.

2 - found costume for Blair's birthday (I'm going to be a British Bobbie). I was getting nervous that I would end up having to half-ass something at the last minute, but I went back to Features and luckily found exactly what I needed. And only $25 to rent...

3 - ordered a pair of TOD'S last weekend...got them yesterday (was so excited). Unfortunately, guilt got the best of me and I took them back to NM. I decided that $400 of savings from a summer income of ~$4000 was really pitiful. Having the money instead of the shoes will be better, just in case i need to spend some dough to get the apartment up to standards...or if I have a hankering for something later in the fall (do I hear more Tiffany costume jewels? lol). And I AM going to New York in October, which is never a cheap destination.

4 - For some reason I've done a 180 turnaround, and now I'm getting pretty bored with Hermes and thinking that Vuitton isn't so bad. Here is my logic (because I'm not just being fickle here): there are few brands that are exclusive anymore (and for those that still are exclusive, they are WAY out of my price-range). That said, why bother trying to stick to a brand that a) isn't really exclusive anyway, and b) totally painful in the wallet. Why not just enjoy what is out there from accessible brands (and diversify!), enjoy that stuff (most of which is still of relatively high quality and snob appeal)...and buy the expensive stuff (whatever it may be) later in life when it's affordable? Certainly, Vuitton isn't getting any cheaper...but there are a lot of brands that are commonplace and more feasible than say, Cartier and Hermes and Loro Piana (to name a few of my aspirational brands). Tod's are still more affordable than shoes from LV or Gucci...Tiffany makes fun sterling jewelry for very affordable prices ($200-$500).

Anyway, I guess my point is that I'm trying to calm down a bit about "must make upward stretch to Hermes" and focus more on what is easy and available, all the while still trying to pick unique pieces.

Maybe I'll try to get a pair of TOD'S in ny in october. I hear they have a pair of ponyhair drivers for fall :)))

too picky?

Lately I have wondered if I am simply too exacting about a lot of things in my life. I certainly have made a concerted effort to be more flexible, to "go with the flow" more often, but one aspect that I rarely make excuses and settle for is the quality of products.

I spend a lot of time considering items to purchase, weighing price with quality, and of course with brand image. It is my personal belief that buying something with an attractive brand image is certainly important, maybe 30% or 35% of the overall appeal of an item (the other 65% or 70% being cut, shape, color, material, build quality, price). But my main focus is...are things worth what they are listed at...and on Saturday I found myself in 3 different stores in the mall. Nordstrom (where I found Nike sneakers on sale!)...Tiffany's, and Tumi.

Now, I wanted to go into Tumi simply for research purposes. I've had limited exposure to their products, but recently decided that having a nice travel/carry-on duffel would serve me well.

To make a long story short, I ended up walking out with a new messenger bag (black ballistic nylon with black leather trim, $395). I wasn't exactly in the market for a new messenger, but I think it was the lackluster feeling I got from the duffels that pushed me towards my eventual purchase.

Anyway, over the weekend I used it once, just to see how it felt...put my stuff into it. (Keep in mind, all along I am excited by the idea of a cheapish messenger that is stylish and sturdy, and something I can throw around, while it will maintain a polished look and will belie its humble pricetag, in comparison to comparable offerings from Prada or Gucci). But, as I reviewed the physical and ergonomic aspects, I was disappointed.

First, there was a sizeable chunk missing from the metal ring attached to the strap...like it had been knocked against a wall or ledge (odd since not having used it whatsoever, or its VERY delicate)...and some of the hardware already had mini-scratches on it (from what I do not know). Second, there was a bit of the rubber-y leather edging that came off, almost in a flake of sorts, along the stitched-leather piece at the bottom of the strap. In addition, it proves tricky to open and close smoothly while on the body (like when looking for keys at a door or grabbing for a phone).

Anyway, I'm thinking about taking it back, but I'm sad because I was legitimately excited about a new black throwaround bag. Now, my question to myself is...am I being too picky? Is $400 good for a stylish, attractive messenger that is virtually bulletproof? Should I take it back and buy a Tumi duffel on sale on their website ($200), and use the other $200 for something else?

Or should I count myself lucky to have found such a bag, and stick with it, retiring the 4+ year old Prada that has HAD IT (and i mean that...i had to stitch a corner back together myself).

I think my stickler-about-quality attitude is confusing me here...as one side of me says 'keep it, its cute and sturdy and will be good for travel and school come fall' and the other says 'after 2 days it already has scratches and obvious use markings!'

Ah...such hard decisions! The online sale ends 7/31 so I guess I'll be making my choice soon :)

werque

I NEVER have enough to do at work. EVER.

To their credit, I am an intern, and investing hours of explanation and education on someone who will be gone in ~2 months is understandable, but jeez. All I want is some heavy stuff that will keep me busy, is that too much to ask? Otherwise I end up on here, doing this...

Anyway. I was just making a list and comparing cities in America that I would consider living in post-graduation. Miami, Seattle and New York.

Now, Miami is obviously (as you might guess) the current choice location, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try and be more objective. Miami is the least expensive of the three (although not by much), and has 7 pluses: good natural environment [1], south american flavor [2], good shopping [3], warmth [4], proximity to home [5], TRI-MET (the local commuter rail service) [6], and proximity to nature [7]. It also has 4 minuses: it isn't the most original idea [1], it is far more douchebaggery than tampa is [2], there are lots of dangerous parts of the city [3], and the threat of hurricanes is ever-present [4].

For Seattle, 6 pluses: very progressive [1], beautiful cityscapes [2], intelligent people [3], urban living [4], close to nature [5], and good bus/rail service [6]. Negatives: 'small town' feel [1], overly granola [2], crap winters [3], and not enough good shopping [4].

For New York...positives: it's dynamic and always interesting [1], jobs are generally high-paying [2], good shopping [3], good graduate schools [4], excellent train service [5], and no car needed [6]. Negatives: No car needed (and i love cars!) [1], very crowded [2], noisy [3], definitely a cliche choice [4], jobs are in high demand (and therefore harder to get) [5], not feasible as a permanent residence [6], not close to nature [7].

So...

MIAMI!

I knew this would happen. I was trying to be as objective and opinion-free as possible.

several items

first, let me just say that those who eat crap and indulge regularly, and have zero dedication to exercise, GO AWAY. As a young person who limits indulgences to two or three per week (like eating pizza or french fries or anything sweet and delishiss)...and either runs or gyms every day of the week...it's hard to watch and live around people who certainly don't watch what they eat, and my most standards, are lazier than a 17 year old grey hound. I kill myself (or at least I'm trying) regularly and eat COTTAGE CHEESE or TUNA for lunch, and yet, (and I understand this may be too personal) NO ABS, NO LEGS, NO BACK...i mean...I want to be a larger person. I eat plenty (to gain) and work out plenty (to keep new fat away)...

Anyway, just a short rant before my regularly scheduled post :)

Whew. What else is happening in my life? Got the iphone...its lovely and slick but the 3G network definitely doesn't seem any faster than the previous generation iphones. And it freezes on me once in a while, which is annoying. Otherwise I love it.

And then the real point of this post: "Fashion" -philes who publicly announce their obsessions, whether Lanvin or Hermes, or overpriced high-tops from YSL. I mean, maybe I just find all things fashion to be more of a personal choice, something that sure, you can ask for advice or opinion on from others, but generally, not something you need to regularly be like "I LOVE LANVIN OMGLANVIN IS SO GREATTT!!"

Several people who I know tangentially...people who I know mostly through facebook, who now have fan-pages for Lanvin or Hermes or Louis Vuitton. I guess maybe if I'm honest with myself, I'm annoyed because I'm jealous that I don't have access to or the means to buy such things. But still. Having 75% of your "social networking profile" be devoted to a brand. Just seems...odd.

And I know, one may look back over my posts, here, and say, well you did the same thing! Granted, I have done the "OMGIWANTEVERYTHING!" dance before, but never made it a significant part of ME, of who I am, or what I want in life, in general.

Anyway, rant #2 over.

Speaking of proclaimations...I have been feeling so...spontaneous with spending lately. And not on dumb stuff. The iphone was a worthwhile purchase, I spent about $25 on career books for further study on what to do in may of '09, and I got a lovely J.crew cashmere sweater on sale for $100.

In a past summer I would have been hoarding all my money to save for something big and expensive, but I think that is just a little bit silly considering my income is relatively low (<$5000/year) and in the end, most of that stuff sits unused, either because I'm afraid to use it and damage it, or because my tastes change. I definitely still want a new pair of brown or other earth-tone driving loafers, because my Pradas are about to kick the bucket. Otherwise...unless I make it down to Naples and something at Hermes grabs my attention (unlikely in even getting down there).

Crossing my fingers for the self control to put some money in savings!!

is it just me?

or is this whole recession thing screwing us over and over and OVER AGAIN!?

I know that european companies have to earn a profit on everything they make and sell, here and elsewhere, and because the dollar is so weak to the euro (the currency used to pay the artisans and factory workers)...so it makes sense that prices would rise here, for foreign goods.

But $650 for basic driving loafers? I know I know, Vuitton has been peddling this exclusivity bit for a while, pricing many of their items 1) way beyond their raw cost, and 2) out of the market for people used to spending no more than $500 on shoes, hence the exclusiveness of their products. (In my humble opinion, they're now just selling to people who don't know any better).

I mean, what about these shoes could cost $650?? Please, tell me. I bought a pair of Prada driving loafers in Seattle 3 years ago...basic brown calf, nothing too extraordinary...$180 on sale...and they are still going strong. I also found a fabulous pair of Tod's in Paris, black patent, $400. LV has a pair similar this season...those are $680!!!

Needless to say, I will be skipping the Vuitton store this season. Their belts are almost as expensive as Hermès. Their bags are in the $1000-$1500 more than they are less than $1000 (and for COATED CANVAS!). I just cannot justify these purchases anymore.

Luckily, my new obsession is Tod's. They are stylish, understated, and totally affordable. There is a F/W08 pair in black calfhair!!! So beautiful!

iphone - will it never arrive?!

I'm usually a) not this embracing of new personal technology and b) not so anxious to get something i ordered only last saturday...but...

I WANT IT I WANT IT I WANT IT.

and according to the att wireless website, it hasn't shipped yet.

BOO :(

Honestly though, you'd think I would have more self control. I guess I just want it so I can be monitoring my fire department calls and checking facebook on the go. And maybe messing with actually having a bona-fide ipod (ever since the mp3 player craze hit, i've used non-apple players for their greater flexibility and compatibility, and lower price).

Anyway. I'll update once I have the thing...

Summertime chaos

So I started work a couple weeks ago. Been very manageable...work isn't too hard, hours aren't bad (4.5 day weeks).

My only problem is that by not having work that is too hard or too time consuming, I end up having lots of 'free' time in which I find nothing better to do than screw around online...which I know is bad, especially while on the clock. The occasional gmail check or nytimes.com check is fine, but when it comes to constant wikipedia-ing...there's a problem. I don't want to be overwhelmed, per-se, but maybe just busier. Being busy makes the day go faster!

Anyway, aside from that, I lost my sunglasses last weekend at the IMAX theatre in channelside (RIP Louis Vuitton Camel tortoise Faux-Semblant Rectangles!!)...and I am on the hunt for a new pair. Granted, I need them pretty badly (you know, living in Florida and all)...but I'm not exactly dying to drop $400+ without really looking to see whats out there.

I went into the Optic Shop on Howard Avenue yesterday, and of course, got completely side-tracked by regular eyewear (non-sun)...which I don't necessarily need, but would love. They did have a couple of cool sunglasses that I liked, by such labels as Chrome Hearts and Oliver Peoples...I just become very wary of shoddy construction when dealing with relatively unknown labels like these (I mean, relatively is the key word. I know these are legit brands, I just don't know much about them myself). But according to the owner of the store, Chrome Hearts is expensive (think $1495 for horn-templed glasses) because they use excellent top-shelf materials (similar to Gold & Wood Paris). And aside from Oliver Peoples (which I believe is produced by Safilo or Luxottica although I could be wrong), most frames both for prescription and sun that I'm considering are made in France or Japan...the two locations with the best reputation for quality eyewear.

If I end up getting eyeglasses too, I would love for the frame to not be more than $600 or $700...at a maximum.

For sunglasses...it's pretty much down to either the silver-rimmed aviator-esque Oliver Peoples, which would be a departure from my previous style (the chunkier acetate sunglasses). There is also a Chrome Hearts wayfarer style (but I get sick of those easily), and some other Chrome Hearts/Gold & Wood Paris styles that are in the upper echelons of cost.

Anyway, for some reason I'm getting all anxious about it. I think when I go looking for things, without the intent to buy, and i get attentive help from the salesperson, I tend to feel like I owe them the sale. Very odd I know, but I can't help it.

I suppose I should go take a look at Solstice and Sunglass Hut once before I make the decision, just to be safe.