Bought: Hollister Jeans

What: Hollister Laguna Skinny Jeans in "Rinse"

Where: Hollister at le Eaton Center

Price: $20.


Yes ,ok, I entered Hollister. I go through jeans very quickly because I lose my patience with them and throw them in the back of my closet ok? I needed new ones. Shut up.

It was dark in there, until you went to the changeroom, where you had a spotlight right on you making you sweat as you put on the 14 pairs of jeans you grabbed (14 because you couldn't see the sizes you were picking, so just grabbed half the rack.)

They were $20, and they are the skinny not the super skinny, and the rinse is called Rinse. That was almost the last straw for me. The rinse is called Rinse. That's just as smart as saying the colour is Colour, or the cut is Cut.

They won't last, but they'll work for now. For $20, they will surpass my expectations if they don't disentegrate on my third wear (which will likely be tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed for me.)

Anyways I think they are still on sale online, which takes all the dark, confusion, migraines and annoying 14-year-olds out of the experience.

-Dodz

Bought: Marc Jacobs Rio

What: Marc Jacobs Rio (Bowler or Leather Satchel), Fall Winter 10 Collection

Where: His shop on Mercer Street in New York

Price: Enough to make me paranoid about liquids and rough surfaces

Know how to not feel remorse after a large purchase? First, be irresponsible. But then, do your research as follows:

1. Get caught many times at work looking at purseblog and netaporter and polyvore, as opposed to looking at income tax laws. But really, who would blame me? And I'm still employed so w/e.

2. On a trip to New York, when you realize that 40% of your travel companions (with whom you are sharing a small apartment) are big poops, pretend to be sick and then sneak out later and spend the entire day visiting every place that sells bags. Make sure that your intended purchase is not going to end up chilling in the discount bin in a few months. Compare the prices, see if you could fit your laptop in the bag (in a pinch only!), get turned off by the cruddy service at Bloomingdale's.

3. Get your short-list together. I was down to:

OMG those look cute in miniature.

Then I realized that this was my first bag purchase that was a lot of money (for me), and I decided to go with the most understated of the three. Understated for me involved golden hardware, a keylock, pyramid studs all over the place and a bowler shape.

So I went with the Rio, and I am very happy, and it was fun to visit the line's actual store, and I pet it and lovingly put it in it's dustbag when it goes to bed each night. Just kidding, but I do pet it.

I'm trying to cut back on quantity of shopping and instead do a bit more quality. So I've got my mind on a Balenciaga next or possibly the large PS1 (which they carry at the Bay, shocking.) But I'm waiting at least a year! Or at least six months. Or at least three.

Bought: OPI Nail Polish (times 3)

What: OPI Go On Green! (Brights Collection)
OPI Curry Up Don't Be Late! (India Collection)
OPI Black Onyx (Tuxedo Collection)

Where: Beauty Supply Outlet (near North York Centre)
Price: $8.95 plus tax each

I was temporarily relocated to an office in North York, which is just, well, north of Toronto. It sucks large balls.

BUT, there is a Beauty Supply Outlet just a minute walk from the office, with a good selection of OPI colours. So a lunchtime stop over there helps the time pass. I usually can't wait to try the polishes I buy, so I end up doing mini-manicures at my desk and giving my co-workers migraines. Sorry, team three!

Anyways, these colours are AMAZING:

1. Go On Green! may not perfectly satisfy my quest for a polish that matches a Tiffany box, but pretty close. And great for spring/summer!

2. Black Onyx is a basic black. The crap Cover Girl one I've had since high school was turning into a solid.

3. Curry Up Don't Be Late! is a perfect gold. My thoughts are:

Bought: H&M Jacket

What: Royal blue 3/4 sleeve jacket with black trim

Where: H&M

Price: Around $40.00 CAD

H&M done changed, friends. I saw several hundred items I loved, all beautifully arranged, all reasonably priced. It came down to this jacket and the grey version with pewter zippers. The grey jacket was made of a knubbier fabric, and it seemed like there was a fine fuzz around the entire jacket when I had it on.

I'm glad that I was forced to go for the blue, because this shade looks amazing on everyone, even dead people. (kidding. relax.) I can pop it over anything, from a simple sheath dress to a tee, and I looked immediately chic. It also gives me the little push I need to get my gold jewelry into rotation a bit more often.

Love it, wore it twice the first week I bought it. It'll do until I can purchase the Chanel that inspired it.

Bought: The Costa Blanca Accessories Wall

What: Multi-chain necklace, bead necklaces, pearl and ribbon necklace and pearl and bead bracelet

Where: Costa Blanca (Toronto Eaton Centre)

Price: 50% percent off so, they were free (ok, about $20 for the lot)

Costa Blanca having a 50% off sale is a bit surreal. Nothing you pick up - NOTHING - will be more than $25, and most items will be under $10. Now, I'm not big on the clothes at Costa Blanca, because they will disintegrate unless kept in a vaccuum-sealed environment. But the accessories are cute and trendy, so I stocked up.

The pearl and ribbon necklace broke within 5 minutes of tying it on, and there was also some gnarly glue on the ribbon. I managed to fix it up pretty well, and have worn it twice. Be forewarned that whenever you walk, the necklace will bash against your boobs and swing side to side, which must look weird to whoever you're walking towards.

The one on the bottom right had these atrocious dangling heart charms. I took a pair of needle-nosed plier and pulled open the links attaching those charms, so its a bit more tasteful now. Needle-nosed pliers are as much a necessity in your wardrobe as wooden hangers or heel pads. I use my pair all the time to help pull free zippers or make small jewlery adjustments.

I did buy a shirt as well - it came out to $12:

It was sweet and simple, without any of the shoulder-cutouts, sequined trim or bra-appliques that Costa Blanca is prone to. It's completely sheer, but you didn't expect Costa Blanca to totally sell out, did you?

And just in case you were wondering: the store was bloody insane. Merchandise everywhere, sweaty people straining to button on crappy wool coats, girls trying on skirts over their jeans. And into this mosh pit sails a mother with a double stroller/battering ram.

Bought: Red Guess Military Walker

What: Red GUESS Military Walker (a sort of refashioned pea coat)

Where: Winners (Front Street location)

Price: $149.99, pre-tax

This coat is Big. Not the size, but the look. It's a deep poppy red, has oversized buttons, and a big black belt buckle (mine is different than pictured), puff sleeves, and a funnel neck. That's a lot of design on one coat, especially when its on a 5'3" frame.

I love it, though - everything from the flat black buttons to the red leopard-print lining. However, I feel best in it when worn with sheer black stockings and black patent pumps. The minimal volume on the bottom sets off the coat perfectly. But, when I put it on a pair of jeans and flats with the coat, I feel like it's swallowing me up.

I love it but its not an everyday wear coat. It will be the perfect coat to keep me warm to/from some holiday parties. And I bought a simple black wool coat as well, of course.

Bought: BR Wool-blend sheath

What: Wool-blend textured sheath dress

Where: Banana Republic, Toronto Eaton Centre (two minutes before close!)

Price: Regularly $185 CAD before tax - $125 CAD total with 40% off coupon

I usually avoid Banana Republic because it gives me a bad case of sticker shock. Simple gray high-waisted skirt - $95. Black scarf - $45. Gold costume bangle - $50. I end up running out and right over to Forever 21 where I buy something under $10 that's hardly work appropriate.

This was a deal though, thanks to BR's 40% off on Wednesdays coupon. A friend of mine passed one my way and I made sure to use it. I got to the store 15 minutes before close, tried on every dress in the store, and went with this one.

On me, it fits quite a bit tighter. With a bright cardigan on top, opaque patterned tights, and a my sky-high loafers, I love the look. But I still wouldn't have paid full price!