Things I'm Loving Lately

Wrapping paper as poster?

2009-06-30T13:40:00.004-04:00

So, in decorating our son's nursery, I knew I wanted to choose items that could translate throughout our house once he's old enough to start getting tired of nursery room decor. At the same time, I didn't want to spend too much money, because after all, it's for a child who won't fully appreciate nice things (I hope) for some long while. While shopping in a store in Saint Michael's, Md., I came across these pictures, which at the time I thought were posters. Recently, however, I learned that they're actually upscale wrapping paper! (Which explains why I was having so much difficulty finding frames to fit their irregular sizes.) The papers are made by Cavallini & Co., and are available at several online stores. If you live in Baltimore, you can also find them at Su Casa in Fells Point. For wrapping paper they're expensive -- $4.50 -- but for a great poster/print, they're a steal! If you want to find a ready-made frame to fit, try Ikea. They sell frames in irregular sizes, and that's where I found the frames I'm using for these pictures in my son's nursery! Enjoy!

Saving Face

2009-06-19T12:54:00.002-04:00

OK, I'm going to step out on a limb and make a confession: I still use small amounts of salicylic acid in my facial cleansers, despite being pregnant.

Since becoming pregnant, it's no surprise that my skin has gone a little whacko. I'd never in my entire life had acne -- in fact, you could probably count the total sum of my pimples on two hands and only two hands.

But during the last few months especially, my skin went crazy. And while I tried to track down some cleansers and acne-solutions that did not contain the oft-forbidden salicylic acid, I had no luck whatsoever.

So I turned to an old friend and favorite -- Neutrogena's Complete Acne Therapy System. The amounts of salicylic acid are very faint -- only .5 percent, compared with the 2 percent contained in most other cleansers.

It works incredibly quickly: I saw a difference after just a couple of days. By the end of a week, my skin had almost entirely cleared up. And, unlike other acne cleansers, this system is comparatively very gentle. Despite small amounts of acne, I've always had very dry skin. But with this product, the peeling is minimal, the results are quick, and my skin even looks more even-toned and healthy.

One bit of advice: Because it can be slightly drying, I recommend throwing in an extra moisturizer, like Pond's Cold Cream, to balance out the effects of the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which are the main ingredients of the Complete Acne Therapy System.

I usually buy my Neutrogena CATS from the local drugstore or Target, but it's also available through several online stores. The price is generally around $27 to $30, depending on where you buy.

New kicks!

2009-06-18T16:52:00.004-04:00

So one of my favorite local stores--Poppy and Stella, here in Baltimore--is having a special shopping event tonight with wine, cheese and 30 percent off. I picked up a couple of new pair of shoes!

The top pair are a brand I honestly never thought I'd hear of again after completing the sixth grade--Keds, of all things! I had forgotten all about this brand since my last pair of white lace-ups.

The second pair (shown to the right) are one of my favorite brands, Naughty Monkey. I love this brand because they're generally very affordable and unique, and because they always help to spice up my wardrobe a bit. As a girl who spends most of her days in business suits/skirts/pants and who wears a lot of black, I love really funky shoes because they keep me from feeling and looking boring. And Naughty Monkey shoes are always a sure bet when it comes to finding funky, non-boring shoes to spice up my wardrobe!

If you're in the Baltimore area, Poppy and Stella is a store definitely worth checking out. Their shoe prices range from moderate to slightly pricey, but their jewelry and accessory prices are just especially great, and everyone knows I love reasonably priced accessories, especially jewelry! They have a blog, which is linked on my page here, as well as a facebook page. Check 'em out online and in person!

City Sports Icon Tees

2009-06-15T09:40:00.002-04:00

I have loved these shirts since I first saw a paparazzi photo of Jennifer Garner wearing one from the City Sports in Boston three years ago. Or maybe it was when my husband first brought one home around the same time. I'm not sure.

Whatever. I have them in green, white, navy and gray and am looking to acquire black, pink and any other hue they have in stock. Prices range between $9.99 (sale price) and $24.99, depending on the shirt. They're always comfy, they keep their shape and they actually look pretty cute with jeans.

2009-06-15T09:34:00.002-04:00

I'd been looking everywhere for just the right mirror to hang above the dresser in our baby's nursery.

Of course, everything I loved enough was too expensive.

I've never been a huge online shopper -- I always worry about purchasing items, especially larger ones, without having seen them first. But the moment I saw this mirror, I knew it was right.

The store, Elizabeth's Embellishments, is based out of Colorado, but has an amazing online shop that includes a nice selection of America Retold signs--one of my favorites.

The mirror itself was only $40, which I regarded as a steal. I haven't seen it in person yet, though, so whether I've gotten a good deal remains to be seen. Shipping was a bit pricey -- $21.50 for the mirror, but my understanding is that the high cost was related to the type of item being shipped. (Shipping costs are also one of the main deterrents standing between myself and online shopping.)

The mirror should arrive (I hope) later this week, and I'll make sure to update how it looks!

2009-06-08T13:23:00.005-04:00

OK -- so no new deals/bargains/recommendations to report, BUT I did make a fabulous little jewelry acquisition this weekend and wanted to show it off.

A friend and I hosted a jewelry party for our friend, Baltimore jewelry artist Liz Walunas and she was kind enough to give me this ring as a token of thanks! (Amy, the other hostess, got the awesome tiger ring below.

If you're interested in picking up a piece of Lizzy Lu's jewelry, click on the link I provided above to find out how!

SOMETHING I'M NOT LOVING AT ALL

2009-06-01T12:28:00.003-04:00

So, for the past year, I'd become something of a Jergen's Natural Glow Express junky.

Do not confuse what I'm talking about with your standard Jergen's Natural Glow. I'm talking about the quick stuff.

Generally priced around $11 for a small bottle, this stuff delivers a faster result than it's counterpart and a more even result than a lot of other products I've used. So what can be the problem, right?

The problem is that the quick, even result is also quickly compromised. After a year or more of use, I've consistently found that not only does my tan begin rubbing off after just two days, but I wind up looking like some sort of leper. The splotching is awful and pre-shower smell isn't much better. (It basically has the same starchy smell of most self-tanning products, but with a shorter-term result.)

So why did I use it for so long? Like I said, the result was fast, plus it was easier than applying a more high-quality tanning product. But after a recent and especially disastrous bout with Jergens Natural Glow Express (I was tempted to take pictures but decided against it), I've sworn it off entirely.

This weekend, I purchased the True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell line's Glow and Steady, which is the slower-acting cousin of their Strike Gold product that I posted about a few weeks back. The price was good and so far I don't smell and I'm not striped. What the results will be is yet to be determined.

Squidfire

2009-06-01T12:18:00.005-04:00

I (heart) cute T-shirts. But, for OCD-related reasons, I can't wear thrift-store attire and recently my favorite store to buy funky t-shirts has taken on a "going out of business" appearance.

Fortunately, along has come Squidfire.

See the t-shirt to the left? I love it so much that I allowed (cough) my husband to buy it for me yesterday at Squidfire store in Hampden, on the Avenue, here in Baltimore this past Sunday.

I love it! First of all, they're only $25, which may sound like a lot, but they're unique and they're handmade by a local artist on American Apparel t-shirts, which means that all aspects of the production process involves ethical and fair trade practices. That alone, to me, is worth paying a bit extra for. Better still, though, is that my super-picky husband found a t-shirt for himself at the store--no easy feat for a man who will spend weeks shopping for the right shirt before even considering making a purchase. (See his shirt purchase below.)

For anyone who doesn't live in Baltimore, Squidfire has an online store with a great selection. They have all sorts of t-shirts and accessories for men, women and kids, plus a huge variety of onesies for babies! (I totally plan on getting matching t-shirts and onesies for my entire family to wear to appropriately embarass ourselves whenever possible.

Check out www.squidfire.com!

Haven't done much shopping or even perusing this week...

2009-05-29T09:27:00.004-04:00

Sigh. I've definitely been browsing, but haven't really spent much time looking at anything very pertinent to this blog. To be honest, the bigger I grow, the less fun it is!!! BUT what I can offer is a list of sales I know are going on right now!

The Limited: Jewelry -- Buy two, get one free Pants -- All Pants 40 percent off
Express: 25 % all cotton sateen dresses, tops, pants, shorts and skirts
Victoria's Secret Online: 20% off all orders of $50 or more -- ends Saturday, May 30
Piperlime Shoes Online: 30 percent off select shoes online
Bluefly.com: 10 percent off any single apparel item worth $100 or more
Bath & Bodyworks: Semi-annual sale -- deals vary
Newport News online: 25 percent off any order with the promotion code "512"
Beyond the Rack: Clearance on J Brand Jeans, Miss Me Apparel and more. Registration required. Definitely worth it, though, if you're into online sales.
chickdowntown.com: Free Shipping on orders $150 and up
Banana Republic online: 20 percent off any order with promo code MK62VT249YCG. Offer ends May 31

Fairly cheap, fairly traded

2009-05-21T14:02:00.005-04:00

Wow! Not a lot of time to post and blog this week. (Not that I really think anyone would notice!)

Anywho -- I was in one of my favorite stores this week: 10,000 Villages, and remembered that of all the places I love to find deals on jewelry, this store is one of my favorites.

See the necklace to the left? One of my favorite purchases of all time, made for $28 at 10,000 Villages, a fair-trade store with locations across the country, including here in Baltimore, as well as a pretty nice online shop. I've received so many compliments on this piece of jewelry, as well as others that I've purchased there. This one, though, is my favorite.

Other than the low prices and cute style, one of the best things about shopping at 10,000 Villages is that you're supporting artisans across the world, as well as the fair-trade practices that are all too rare in world of retail and mass production. The prices are consistently affordable, which can be pretty rare in the world of artisan-made goods and fair trade--by working on a nonprofit basis with a staff made predominantly of volunteers, they're able to keep their prices reasonable.

In addition to larger pieces of costume and beaded jewelry, they also carry sterling silver and semi-precious stones. The quality is great and since the pieces generally aren't mass-produced, you're not likely to see your jewelry purchases on the ears and necks and arms of other people around town.

Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages is an exceptional source for unique, handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor and personal accessories representing the diverse cultures of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. Ten Thousand Villages accomplishes this by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America, and building long term buying relationships in places where skilled artisan partners lack opportunities for stable income. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. Founded in 1946, the company has grown from the trunk of founder Edna Ruth Byler's car to a network of more than 156 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products. The company encourages artisan partners to use environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources and recycled materials to ensure each product offered has been crafted responsibly. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee.

For the mommies and future mommies...

2009-05-19T09:35:00.003-04:00

Let me just say that I have absolutely NO problem with maternity pants and skirts. In fact, maternity bottoms might be among the most comfortable pieces of clothing that I have ever owned. But maternity shirts are often just atrocious. And, since I'm seriously NOT into looking like a future PTA mom-slash-current pregnant belle, I've taken great pains to avoid the kinds of maternity shirts that make you look like you're embracing all of the fru-fru, tie-waisted, flutter-sleeved, empire-waist tops that pregnant women the world over seem to be relegated to. And, the truth is, there are just so many better options. My personal favorite so far are tops with a banded bottom. Now, I'm generally not a huge bargain brand shopper -- I've always preferred to fewer items that are better made than to accumulate a surplus of pieces that will fall apart after just a few wears and just a few washes. But when you're pregnant and saddled with the knowledge that whatever you buy now could very well be worthless post-delivery, that philosophy changes. So far I've found the best deals at H&M, but because they don't have an online store in the U.S., it's too hard to post photos here. HOWEVER, I've also found some really good deals--and some great fitting tops--at The Limited. They've been rocking the banded-bottom look for some time now, and they are constantly having sales. The reason I like this fit is because it offers support around the lower waist and rear--areas where things begin to look less and less attractive with every passing week. Pair a banded-bottome top with a belly-band, and your tookus and thighs can look almost normal again. Also, this fit is really flattering for burgeoning baby-bumps, and, instead of being either a.) too tight or b.) completely tent-like, banded-bottom tops fall somewhere in between, rounding out the belly and making it look firmer and more like a discernable pregnant tummy, rather than the kind of pregnant tummy that people have to stare at and try to decide whether you're actually pregnant or just packing on pounds. Best of all, though, these tops are flattering whether you're pregnant or not, AND, given that I gravitate toward looser fitting items anyway, I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to wear most of the ones I've purchased well after my pregnancy. I'm not going to post links to any specific items this time, but if you're interested, check out the tops at www.thelimited.com. Prices generally range from about $19 to $39 for knit tops, and, unlike other retail chains, they generally have a really wide selection of colors.

Lizzy Lu Baltimore

2009-05-14T12:20:00.003-04:00

DISCLAIMER: I am slightly biased because the girl who makes this jewelry is also a good friend.

But I'm pretty sure that one of the first things I loved about Liz is her talent, creativity, style and her super-keen eye for beauty. And all of that shines through in her jewelry.

Whether you like small and tasteful or big and bold, Lizzy creates something for just about everyone. Her stuff has slowly been generating buzz around Baltimore, and she's received publicity in the Baltimore Sun.

If you live in the area, you usually find a good selection of her pieces at Milagro, on the Avenue in Hampden. Otherwise, she also sells through Etsy and displays a lot of pieces on MySpace and Facebook.

I highly, highly, highly encourage all of my friends to check out her things. It's truly more than jewelry -- it's wearable art in perhaps its finest and purest form, from a woman who has a serious eye for and love of unique and beautiful jewelry.

Find Lizzy Lu online via Etsy, MySpace and Facebook.

fun-der-where?

2009-05-14T10:14:00.010-04:00

Recently found myself in dire need of some new under-things, but didn't want to go to Victoria's Secret and spend a lot of money on larger-sized underwear when, in a few months, I probably won't need it anymore. (I hope. That could very well be wishful thinking, I know...)

I've been hitting up Old Navy for cheap maternity clothes, and having some decent luck, so during a stop in, I checked out their underwear rack.

Good things! The prices are half that of Victoria's Secret, and the fabrics are actually really nice. I can't remember, exactly, but I think I managed to get five pair for around $15. Is the quality exactly the same as something you might find in a more upscale store? Of course not. But you definitely are getting more than you pay for in this case.

Women's Mesh Hipster Underwear

Fabulously flirty mesh trimmed in romantic lace makes for a luxurious first layer. Playful prints and passionate colors add to the allure.

Get your fake-tan on

2009-05-13T12:37:00.002-04:00

I've been fake tanning since I was in high school, which is to say that I've been a glutton for punishment since my teens. No matter how careful I am, it seems some part of my body is perpetually streaked and splotched or, uglier still, the fake tan is gradually shedding off--a particular problem on my shins and upper arms--making me look like some sort of leper.

Until recently, I'd had my best--albeit still occasionally questionable--results with a tanning solution by Loreal, but, like most tan-in-a-cans, by the end of the day you have some sort of faint starchy smell. And by the next morning you smell faintly of feet and bacon.

But, right before a recent trip to Aruba, I decided I would not show up on the island glowing white. Of course, being pregnant, I'm extremely limited in what kinds of products I can use, which means no tanning bed and no Mystic Tan--which have both always been my vacation fall backs.

The night before our trip, I stopped in at Bath and Body Works, a store I generally shy away from mostly because I like to support local and/or organic merchants who sell bath and cosmetic gear, but also because sometimes it seems to cater to a younger crowd. But I do like their True Blue Spa line, and with my pregnant belly, I've been using their Lay It On Thick shea butter to avoid stretch marks on my tummy. (Most women use Palmer's Cocoa Butter but it smells so strongly of chocolate, sometimes I worry that it's not appropriate for work or other public situations.)

Well, right next to my lotion was their sunless tanner, Strike Gold. I'd been thinking about trying it for a little while and finally decided to give it a go. So far I'm on my fourth or fifth use and the results have been great.

It causes less streaking, it lasts a good bit, much more moisturizing than other brands and, best of all, it has a really pleasant, beachy scent. At $15, it's just a bit more expensive than drug store brands and much less expensive than bronzers and lotions you'll find at other stores. The downside is that I don't really feel like I get quite as dark and they don't offer the different ranges of darkness--it's sort of one size fits all. Even so, I still think I'll opt for this over my previous products, if for no other reason than the scent and the decreased streaking.

True Blue® Spa Strike Gold - Self-Tanning Lotion With Bronzer

$15

Lucky you! You've struck gold right at home. This luxurious sunless tanning lotion is a real treasure that will give you a perfect tan, thanks to a touch of instant sheer color that lets you see where you've applied it. Plus it has the ingredients used by all the best spas in their sunless tanning treatments, like vitamin E to help moisturize skin, and natural fruit acids to smooth skin and make your new tan last longer. So what's it like to be rich and beautiful? Features just a hint of bronzer for easy, even application Enriched with vitamin E and natural fruit acids to smooth, moisturize and enhance the length of the tan Light, beachy, coconut-orange-floral fragrance

Shampoo-U

2009-05-12T11:05:00.003-04:00

I used to be a Pureology junkie. Their hair products are absolute crack for toiletry-obsessed girls like myself. But eventually my husband (and I) tired of my $50/month shampoo and conditioner habit, not to mention I was slowly finding myself gravitating toward their $25 hairspray. Don't get me wrong: All of the Pureology products are just awesomeness in a bottle. But most women either can't afford or don't want to spend so much on hair products. Particularly not when there are just so many other amazing things out there worth spending that money on.

Enter Aubrey Organics.

With a $10 per bottle average and a product for every hair type, this stuff is an awesome alternative to more expensive shampoos and conditioners. It's not widely available--your best bet is Whole Foods or an organic salon, if you have access to either--but if you can't find it in your area, it's worth the shipping & handling you pay from online order. (And even with shipping and tax, ordering the shampoo and conditioner combined will still cost less than a bottle of Pureology, Bumble and Bumble or whatever other luxe brand you prefer.

But enough about cost. Let's talk benefits.

First of all, this stuff produces awesome, salon-quality results. I use the honeysuckle-rose for times when my hair is becoming brittle or dry and unmanageable. The results are always super-soft, super-manageable hair, no static, no residue. Lately--probably a hormonal result of pregnancy--my hair has been a bit flat and weighed down, so I'm about to try out their camomile volumizing line. As an added bonus, all of the products smell absolutely heavenly AND they're completely vegan and organic. And, while I'm not even a vegetarian and not prone to swearing by organic products, it's nice knowing that my scalp isn't encouraging animal cruelty.

Aubrey Organics

from the site...

When Aubrey Hampton first mixed ground ginger, peppermint and eucalyptus leaf into a base of coconut oil in 1967, he never imagined that the batch of bath liquid he created to help combat those harsh New York City winters would change the personal care industry forever. Forty years and more than 200 products later, Aubrey Organics®, the company he founded, remains the leader in natural hair, skin and body care, with products sold in more than 4500 retailers throughout the world.

Open door policy

2009-05-11T13:15:00.002-04:00

I am not a huge Anthropologie shopper. Don't get me wrong -- I love their things, but I just can't get behind spending large sums of money on clothing or accessories that come mass-produced by a retail chain. If I'm going to spend over a certain amount on anything, it's going to be at a privately owned boutique, outside of the mall. I'm not judgin' and I ain't hatin' -- it's just my personal opinion.

Even so, when it comes to home decor, it's a whole different ballgame.

For all of their expensive merchandise, Anthropologie has some pretty reasonably priced home accessories, including their decorative hardware.

In decorating my home with my husband, I've found door and drawer hardware to be among some of the more expensive items to find on the cute. And decorative doorknobs can be especially pricey. But even my very cheap husband seems to fall in line with Anthropologie's hardware prices. I'm hoping to purchase the above doorknob quite soon to replace a broken handle in our bathroom. And had we not had a bit of luck at Stebbins Andersen, we would have purchased the drawer pulls for our forthcoming baby's wardrobe there as well.

Inlaid Pearl Doorknob

$38

Iridescent mother-of-pearl beautifully offsets aged brass on this swirling knob, sure to add a touch of the fanciful to the stateliest door. Hardware required Brass, mother-of-pearl 2.5" diameter 2.75" projection 2.5" spindle Imported

In Her (6th grade) Shoes...

2009-05-11T11:37:00.001-04:00

I just saw these on a sample sale website I subscribe to and had a flashback to sixth grade! My friends and I all just HAD to have a pair -- you weren't cool unless you did. I think I had white canvas with a plaid stripe, but I'm not sure.

Anywho -- I've actually thought about these ridiculous sneakers about 60 times over the past year and been so tempted to hunt some down. Now I'm feeling even more tempted!!!

Tretorn Nylite Canvas W

$55 at Tretorn Website, but you can find them cheaper if you try.

Tretorn Nylites, born in 1967, were soon regarded as the first luxury sports shoe. These canvas tennis shoes reigned supreme on courts around the world in the 1970s. With a distinct "v" toe shape and lightweight rubber outsole, today‘s Nylite maintains the same timeless design. The Tretorn Nylite Canvas features a soft lining that provides sockless comfort. Traditionalists favor the tennis whites, but the color-contrasting Gullwing logo and lining offer a fun alternative.

Enaminal...

2009-05-08T09:49:00.000-04:00

Over the past year, I've become an absolute sucker for enamel jewelry, bracelets in particular. I think it dates back to a shopping trip with my mother-in-law when I saw one that I loved and couldn't afford it. Ever since then, I've been obsessively picking up enamel bracelets every time I see them on the cheap.

I have the black and gold version of the one you see to the right (and I'm wearing it today!), purchased for about $28 at a great jewelry boutique in Saint Michael's, Md., called Bliss. If you're a Baltimoron, Poppy & Stella in Fell's Point is also a fantastic place to pick up affordable, quality enamel bracelets.

But, chances are, no one needs recommendations for where to find these things. They're freakin' everywhere. And, while I generally shy away from items I see EVERYWHERE, or from pieces that seem to risk becoming overly popular, I don't have those concerns with this jewelry. There are just so many great things to love about this style of bracelet that I don't worry about the repercussions of collecting pieces that are going to become too common.

First of all, they're durable. Unlike other painted jewelry, a good enamel shouldn't ever chip, fade, crack or dull. Second--and this is especially great for me, because I have freakishly tiny wrists--it is so easy to find these bracelets in all manner of sizes, small to large. Best of all, though, they're just available in so many places and so many pricepoints that, even if the look is too often emulated, the actual styles vary so much that it's unlikely that you'll often see your bracelet on someone else's arm.

To get a good idea of the different varieties, prices and places to find them, check out: http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=enamel+bracelets

These are coming to my house next Friday...

2009-05-08T09:46:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty sure that these are going to be ordered with my next paycheck. I've been avoiding actual heels and favoring wedges these days, and these are all sorts of perfect. Thoughts?

http://www.amazon.com/Naughty-Monkey-Womens-Sandal-Silver/dp/B001M4J540/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&s=shoes&qid=1241790317&sr=1-26

My no-longer naked ears

2009-05-07T16:46:00.000-04:00

I never, ever wore earrings until recently. Now it seems like I'm wearing them every day. I've even reversed a previous rule--no wearing earrings and necklaces at the same time. (I'm not sure where the rule originated, but I'm finally breaking it.)

I've purchased several pair on the cheap lately. My favorite recent acquisition--purchased yesterday at Poppy & Stella in Fell's Point for $13--are gorgeous, but unfortunately there are no pictures of them online.

Right now I'm favoring giant, stretch your earlobe, wide as my wrist type of earrings, with a minimum of chin-length and preferably a bit longer. The shell disc earrings (left) were purchaed at The Limited for $16.50, as were the gold teardrop hoops (upper right).

Tee-Me

2009-05-07T09:05:00.000-04:00

To be honest, I've never been huge on shopping for clothes at Target. When the store was first becoming popular, I found that all of the basic T-shirts and other tops and dresses I purchased were poorly made, from fabric that faded, stretched and quickly lost its shape.

But his week, I decided that I absolutely MUST have a basic white and a basic black fitted T-shirt. And, for once not in the mood to hit the mall, I decided to try my luck at Target.

In the later months of my pregnancy, I've been constantly on the prowl for basic tops at good prices. And, though I have to wear maternity pants, I've been fortunate to find that I can get away with wearing regular women's tops, and even some dresses, as long as I go a size up.

Anywho -- back to the point: To be honest, I was thrilled (and surprised) with what I found at Target.

I don't know how long the change has been in place, but the fabrics were just on a completely different level than what I've been used to from the store. I found three basic fitted Ts, made of thick, soft cotton that looks well-dyed and unlikely to fade any time soon. And, since I'm not a huge fan of spending a lot of money on clothing items that I probably won't need for much longer after my delivery date, I was even more thrilled with the price: $8 a piece.

I just want to reiterate that these are really, really, surprisingly nice tops, made from suprisingly quality materials. And, from what I saw, the improved quality wasn't limited just to basic Ts. Cute, well-made items, in nice, soft fabrics and low price points abounded. It's definitely making me re-think my long-time Target snubbery.

Merona Short Sleeve Double Layer Ballet Neck Top Fresh White $8.00 Add a Splash of Color to Your Closet with this Short-Sleeve Fashion Tee Made of 93% Cotton, 7% Spandex Ballet Neck Straight Hem Missy Fit, Stretch Fit to Hug Your Curves Pairs Great with Jeans Tumble Dry Low, Machine Wash Cold

2009-05-06T11:47:00.000-04:00

My friend Amy brought these home late last year, and they're about the cutest thing I've ever seen. I'm hoping to eventually find a pair on sale at Double Dutch, here in Baltimore.

The cool thing about these is that Amy spends a good bit of time walking, and she told me that she can comfortably walk all over downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor in these shoes. (Of course, the shoes being made almost entirely of rubber with a cloth insole can't hurt...)

The brand, Melissa, isn't incredibly easy to find just yet (though it's not so uncommon as to be unrecognizable), but, with her fair trade and business practices, vegan-friendly and sustainable materials and relatively affordable prices, I'd be surprised if she doesn't become household in the next few years.

Check it out at: http://www.melissaaustralia.com.au/

Click on the "About Us" section for an especially interesting read on the company's business and design practices!

2009-05-06T10:14:00.000-04:00

I first learned about KOBO candles when a friend gave me one for my birthday. Later on, I found them at a local store and was absolutely floored by the price: $30-$36 for a candle seemed astronomical to me. (Granted, I'm a devoted cheapskate and bargain shopper.)

BUT after a while, when my original candle burned away (six months after receiving it, after having been steadily lit for a minimum of one hour daily, often longer) I decided I couldn't live any longer without at least one of these candles in my home. So I went for it.

These things are a GREAT investment. They last forever, especially if burned judiciously and sensibly, they smell delicious, and they're just strong enough to add a nice scent to your home, without overwhelming you full-force.

So far I've used the Fresh Currant and the Chocolate and Orange scents. This weekend I plan to splurge on the Vetiver Vannilla and/or perhaps one of the more water/aqua oriented scents.

I purchase mine at Red Tree, a store in my neighborhood in Baltimore, but they can also be found online. If you like e-bay or Amazon, you can occasionally find them for a steal.

Here's a link to a store that sells them online: http://www.burkedecor.com/SearchResults.asp

From Burke Decor's website: Kobo organic soy candles are created by and for those passionate about remarkable scents. Choose from Portuguese Olive Blossom, Artmesian Lemongrass, Santal, Fig Verde, Antique Lavender and Watermint soy scents, to name just a few. The lovely look of the Kobo candle packaging creates an instant gift so beautiful you can skip wrapping. Only the highest quality fine fragrance and essential oils are used to create a room-filling long-lasting, full-bodied bouquet. All Kobo organic soy candles are hand-poured using domestically grown pure soy wax and lead-free, enviro-safe cotton wicks to create the cleanest burning, most planet friendly candle on the market. Each soy candle comes complete with long reach matches and an extinguishing lid.

Madam by Jean Paul Gaultier

2009-05-05T16:30:00.000-04:00

I just purchased Madame this weekend. It's been a hit, so much so that even my mother-in-law went and purchased it. (Hey -- she's hip.) The cool bottle is trumped only by the awesome scent: Not too flowery, mostly a mix of citrus and spice. It's only available in an Eau de Toilette, which I typically shy away from because I always feel like EDTs fade too fast. But this has a pretty good staying power and a nice price point. To be safe and make sure I like it, I purchased a small bottle at Ulta. Will definitely purchase the large bottle next time. Price: $42 (1 oz) - $65 (1.7 oz) If you shop at Macy's, they also have a shower gel and body lotion available, not to mention a 3.3 oz size for $89.

2009-05-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

I love (and miss) high-waisted shorts, but have always thought that too many styles are designed only for women with no hips. They're great for making your waist look tiny, but what good is a tiny waist if you look bad from the pelvis down?

High-waisted or low, I always to opt for looser shorts, and last year I literally fell in love with the tank-top, high-waisted shorts and belt ensemble, like the Urban Outfitters look above.

Mar Co Operative Paper Bag Shorts

$58.00 UO has partnered with some of our favorite independent designers to create an ongoing series of collections available only at Urban Outfitters, including Mar Co Operative. Lightweight Mar Co Operative shorts in a linen blend cut short with a wide leg. Trimmed with a drawstring grosgrain ribbon detailing along the high paperbag waist and finished with subtle pleating through the cuffed leg. 4-pocket styling; Zip fly. Exclusive to Urban Outfitters. Imported. Machine wash.* Short length* High rise * Zip fly* Inseam - 3"* Rise - 11.75"* Leg opening - 11.75" flat* Fits true to size* Linen, cotton SKU #15932114

Torch Dress

2009-05-05T13:45:00.001-04:00

Every once in a while I come across something so cute and adorable that I'm tempted to go ahead and buy it under the rationale that it will be a motivator to get back in my previous shape once the baby is born. This dress is definitely one of those items. Purchasing pregnancy clothing has definitely been challenging because the flowy, billowly styles of the past few years have been replaced this year by slimmer, more figure-hugging lines. This year, it seems all the cutest dresses are for people who have the hips I used to have instead of the bumps I have today. http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Dresses/Torch+Song+Dress Torch Song Dress $137.99 You'll fall in love with this fiery red Bettie Page creation the moment you slip it on! From the front it's simple, with a pencil skirt and belted waist; but turn around, and you'll discover a sassy white satin peeking out of the top. Pair it with extravagant accessories and high heels to create one sizzling look that's perfect for an evening of cocktails and jazz.

I (heart) this handbag...

2009-05-05T09:33:00.000-04:00

I'm an avid shopper and a lover of all things fashion-related. Still, except for a bit of a shoe fetish, I've always had a tendency to focus more on actual items of clothing--tops, pants, skirts, dresses. But, now that I'm visibly pregnant with an ever-increasing circumference, I've found myself paying much more attention to style necessities that I had previously ignored, especially jewelry and purses. And today, the moment I opened my e-mail inbox, I saw this, the most perfect of purses I've ever encountered. It's unlikely I'll ever acquire it, unless it shows up at Filene's or DSW. Or unless I can talk my husband into a lovely birthday present (we'll see). But it's definitely something I would love to add to my ever-growing collection of accessories. Cole Haan 'Biscayne' Multicolor Hobo Tri-tone embroidery creates a weave-like design across a cotton bag with a classic hobo shape. A patent leather base lends structure and durability. Magnetic closure. Interior zip and wall pockets. Logo-print lining. Cotton with patent leather trim. By Cole Haan; imported. $228 @ Nordstrom