People often ask me how I afford such expensive things, especially as a college student who pays her own bills. Although there’s no short and simple answer, the gist is this: identifying the things I can’t live without, and saving.
Miu Miu Glitter and crystal-embellished brogues ♥ Shu Uemura cleansing oil featuring art by Aya Takano ♥ Shu Uemura blush tint featuring art by Aya Takano ♥ Proenza Schouler clutch ♥ Christopher Kane galaxy biker jacket ♥ Silver Ring, Artifacts by Casey
Of course some things are impossibly out-of-budget (the Christopher Kane jacket, for example*), but when seasonal sales roll around, I can occasionally score something good.
As a longtime fan of both Shu Uemura and Aya Takano, I was absolutely smitten to discover their makeup & artwork collaboration. The above are at the top of my wishlist, with the Peace & Harmony brush set following closely behind. I’m also currently obsessing over Proenza Schouler’s affordable wallet (at $165) available on their website. Though I’ve yet to pick a color, I’m gravitating towards “smoke” (pictured) and “dark red“. Thoughts?
*Currently researching the best way to print my own galaxy fabric
January 19, 2011 at 2:07 pm
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The PS1 wallet it cute, but kind of a fashion victim piece. You’re pretty much spending 165 on a small pocket with proenza schouler stamped on the front. No credit card holders, coin zip, nothing – it doesn’t even have a zipper to prevent any of the aforementioned from falling out.
January 19, 2011 at 3:38 pm
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While the wallet is extremely simple in design, it’s exactly how I’d want one. I hate dealing with pockets in my current wallet, because they’re inconvenient and my nails are incredibly short, making it difficult to wrench my cards from tiny pockets every time I need them. I only carry 3 cards (2 id cards, 1 credit) and I keep them in the large cash pocket always. Furthermore, coins aren’t much of a problem since I almost never keep them on my person (along with cash)! Also, I dug around for some reviews on the wallets and most people said they were much larger than expected – really more like a clutch!
It may seem like I’m backwards-justifying my love for the wallet but these are actually all of the things that attracted me to it! It may not be the ideal design for everyone but for me, it’s perfect. The only bags I own (besides 1 Miu Miu clutch) are a couple of ~$10 graphic totes so I’m not as much of a brand hound as I may appear! :p
January 19, 2011 at 2:22 pm
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that clutch is amazing!
January 19, 2011 at 2:24 pm
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I agree with the comment above, though if you’re really set on it I’d say definitely the smoke. But I also wanted to lawl because I rarely see my name anywhere and did a double-take when I read that comment. Ahahaha.
I’m not feeling the Miu Miu shoes. They’re way too Michael Jackson chic for my taste. Your taste generally is creative yet elegant and tasteful, and I think those shoes would detract from it. :\
Keep in touch! Let me know when you’re back in town so we can hang out.
January 19, 2011 at 3:11 pm
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I’ll see you on Saturday at Nicole’s going-away party if you’re going to that!
The thing I like about the wallet is, from the reviews I’ve read, it’s actually pretty large – more of a clutch (which I love, because then Mark won’t ask me to hold all of his stuff). Plus, I don’t use pockets at all in my current wallet, since I only have 3 cards (my student id, driver’s license, and credit card) and it’s quicker to shove them all in the larger pocket when I’m brandishing my ID or paying for something. I don’t have nails so I hate dealing with trying to pry them out of tight spaces. So while it’s not the most complex design, it’s something I could definitely get use out of, I think!
January 20, 2011 at 12:06 am
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Ahhh gotcha. See, I LOVE pockets (see: wallet, double kisslock coinpurse, cargo style bag, and personal organizer – LOL). I’ve got so many cards, coins, papers, etc that I need to keep track of that my Mary Poppins bag turns into a black hole without them. Pockets help me compartmentalize the chaos.
But I get what you mean, esp if you’re going to use it more as a clutch and less as a wallet. And I agree it’s very cute. :) Though I do hope that there’s some kind of means of keeping everything tightly closed so your stuff doesn’t slip out easily.
I will be there Saturday!! :) See you then~
January 19, 2011 at 9:09 pm
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Wow, that makeup is amazing! So cute *_* And you already know I like the red clutch haha.
January 20, 2011 at 2:55 am
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oohh i love the brogues!! i love all of your selection in fact :-)
January 21, 2011 at 12:12 am
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I vote yay on the brogues. I think they’re a piece that if used the right way, can look really good. Since you have a nice, minimalist style, I bet they won’t look over the top.
As for the wallet, I think it’s really cute. I kind of like red more as it’s a little cheerier, but smoke will probably go really well with more outfits. Not to add to the confusion, but I think it looks great in saddle as well. Haha! :)
January 21, 2011 at 6:29 pm
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dorothy shoes!
January 24, 2011 at 6:18 am
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I really love and admit that you are such a careful and smart shopper, you really do inspire me to do the same :) Or at least I do try!