Dooney and Bourke Alto Lock Folio

Hello everyone,

Just a quick note- I'm selling a piece from my personal collection.  Snag it while you still can!  Less than half the price of brand new!

 Dooney and Bourke Alto Lock Folio

I know I will regret selling this piece- but live and learn.

Until next time-

It's here!

Hello everyone,

Once again, I am sorry for the delay between postings.  It's been a busy week with work and school and such (it's always the same excuse lol)

Anyway- on to the goods, a couple weeks ago I bought an agenda on eBay.  After having sold my Louis Vuitton Groom agenda last summer I rediscovered my need for an agenda and had to buy another one.  I decided to buy something a little more affordable than an LV agenda- I opted for Coach.  I'm so mad at myself at this point, because I had this same agenda (but in purple) and I never should have sold it.  Oh well, I love my new one- it's all vachetta leather, and aside from a few pen marks on the back (why can't people control their pens?)  it has a nice patina.  It looks well traveled.  Now all that's left is a new 6x8 agenda insert and a pen!

Introducing the Coach 6x8 Agenda (is this from the Legacy line?)

 

Classic Coach agenda

 

Close-up of the turnlock

 The lining is Tattersall

But the fun of buying things I can't afford didn't stop there!  Coach Factory Online had their Valentine's sale- I bought a pair of Driving Mocs and a case for my triangles, pencils, and compass for school- now I can tote my supplies in style!

And for those of you who would like to laugh at my stupidity for having sold the purple agenda in the first place- here is a photo:

Alright- well that's all I have for today.  I hope all of you are enjoying the unseasonably warm weather we are having in the Midwest today!

Until next time-

Fort Wayne Pizza Crawl: Tasty Pizza

Hello everyone,

I've decided I would do a fun segment once a month reviewing local pizza parlors in my town.  Each month I will purchase one large cheese pizza from a different establishment and I will score different aspects of the pizza.  The one rule: not to go to chain pizza makers.  Why?  Frequenting local businesses not only help the local economy- but it breaks the habit of going to big chain stores.  (frankly, I'm not a Pizza Hut fan.)

I have eaten my fair share of pizza in my lifetime, so I know a good pizza when I come across it.

Here is how the scoring will go:

*- bad
**-poor
***-o.k.
****-good
*****-excellent

And a final average rating at the end.

The categories:

Price
Customer Service
Cheese
Sauce
Crust
Topping to Crust Ratio

Along with the review, I will give a little history on the pizza joint, as well as their contact number, and a link to their website if they have one.

Tasty Pizza

260-483-2273

2729 East State Boulevard
Fort Wayne

This month's pie comes from Tasty Pizza on East State Blvd.  Tasty pizza has been in business since 1958- so their technique should be perfect by now. 

I was lucky and ordered my pizza during their promotion of one large cheese pizza for $7.00 regularly $12.50.  The large pizza is 14" with 12 slices- so it's perfect for sharing at a party (or demolishing by yourself).  If 14" isn't big enough for you, they offer a 30" round pizza as well!  The prices are all fair- breadsticks for $3.99 salads for $4.99- perfect for the college student or anyone on a budget.  The staff at the East State location was pleasant but I think a scripted way to answer the phone would be more professional rather than just "Tasty Pizza".  The pizza was ready for pickup within 15 minutes, which is quicker than the typical 20-25 minute wait at Pizza Hut.  Once I got home and started enjoying the pizza, I noticed how delicious the sauce was- it tasted like they mixed a blend of italian seasonings into the sauce which really provided that extra Umph.  The cheese was pretty good too- however I thought that it needed more cheese and sauce for the amount of crust, when I bite into a pizza I like to taste a lot of 

toppings.

  

Price: ***** 5

Customer Service: *** 3

Cheese: **** 4

Sauce: ***** 5

Topping to Crust Ratio: *** 3

Overall Average: ****4

Overall my experience with Tasty Pizza was a delightful one- and I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who wants a good cheap slice of pizza!

Until next time-

Stand Out in a Crowd

Hello everyone,

It's been about week since my last post- I have been busy with work/school/family & friends etc... but I'm back today!

Today's topic: setting yourself apart from the crowd.  What are we talking about?  The Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy.  Chances are you have one- and so do millions of other people.  And unless you're fine with walking around with the same bag as everyone else, how do you set your bag apart from the rest?

My Speedy 40

Some choose to purchase the little charms from LV to hang on their bag (I'd rather spend the money on another bag!)  I, however, use a luggage tag with heat stamped initials.  I feel this not only personalizes the bag to ME, but it's also a fun and masculine way to show off personal style.  The tags only cost about $45-$75 depending on size, and if you ask me that's a lot better than $400 on a charm.  And since LV is all about travel and luggage- what better way to show that than with a luggage tag?

Luggage Tag

Close up of the tag

If you prefer a fun and frilly look (which is not my taste- but I'm a guy after all) then a colorful scarf might be what you need.  I have found that when selecting a scarf, choose an oblong one- this will make it easier to tie.  When tying the scarf keep in mind the process of tying a bow tie- it's exactly the same!

Dramatic scarves add fun color to any bag

 Scarves like this can be purchased for less than $1 at your local thrift store

Here is one more example: I think that this would be a fun and preppy way to add a custom touch to the bag- loosely tying a bow tie around the handle and just letting it drape.  I have plenty of bow ties and could easily match the tie on my bag to my outfit.

Of course when tying it on- make sure the care tag is covered up.  Oops!

I stood in line for almost 30 minutes on black friday to buy this tie!

With all silliness aside- do what suits you.  And don't worry about getting LV accessories to hang on your LV bag- you could easily use a Coach charm if you wanted (just make sure the hardware matches).   Or if you are feeling REALLY radical- check out this website.  I haven't used them personally (I can't afford them)  but their work is amazing!   I hope that this blog gave you ideas on how you can personalize YOUR mono speedy, and feel free to send me photos of your bags- I'd love to see them!

Until next time-

Tired Old Soles

Hello everyone,

As promised yesterday, today's topic will be: Shoe Trees.

Shoe trees are an essential for high quality shoes.  Not only will they keep your shoes looking younger, longer- but they will also deodorize and dry out the moisture from sweaty feet which can pose harmful effects upon the leather.

I first started buying shoe trees when I bought my first pair of Salvatore Ferragamo loafers.  My pair is the Devario Moc- and the leather is divine.  Shoe trees range in price from $10 and up, and if it only take $10 to maintain a $400 pair of shoes- it's a no brainer.  However, I would never pay more than $15 for a set.  I only have two sets of shoe trees (I plan to add more soon)  I prefer the Nordstrom pair over the Von Maur pair- they seem to do a better job of shaping the shoe and the Von Maur set falls a little short.

Just like shoes, shoe trees come in different sizes, so be sure to match up the size of the shoe tree to your shoes- otherwise you can overstretch the shoes and then you're stuck with an unwearable pair shoes.

Every six months or so be sure to sand the shoe trees- this will revitalize them and bring back that delicious cedar smell we all enjoy.

My Salvatore Ferragamo Devario loafers

The Nordstrom shoe trees 

Shoe trees aren't just for expensive Italian shoes- you can put them in your basic everyday lace-ups.  This pair of Cole Haan captoes was purchased in 2009 for my partner's brother's wedding.  They were my first pair of "designer" shoes, and they are oh so comfy.  As you can see they've been around the block a few times (literally) and shoe trees really help to smooth out those unsightly wrinkles where your toes bend as you walk.  

Here you can see how the shoe trees improved my shoes for storage:

Pre- Trees

Close up of the wear-and-tear of a normal day

The Von Maur shoe trees

Many shoe trees have a spreading mechanism- as the rod comes in closer to the front of the shoe, the two wooden bits at the front spread- this gives them maximum shape holding abilities

Applying the shoe trees

Notice how the mechanism works?

I find that tying the laces also allows for proper storage and helps keep the shoe tight around the shoe tree.

I hope that you have all enjoyed today's fun exploration into Shoe Trees.  As I have said before, I cannot stress the importance of using them to maintain not only expensive footwear- but everyday footwear as well.

Until next time-

American Classic

Hello everyone,

It's another cold day here in the Midwest- is Spring coming anytime soon?

Today I was ready for a change, so I switched from my Gucci clutch into my Coach Signature Transatlantic Draft Tote.  (say that 5 times fast)  Today I'm going for a classic look with my outfit, and my Coach bag will be quite appropriate.  I received this bag as a Christmas gift back in 2009 and I love it- it's large, so it can fit art supplies for school and all my essentials without being massive.  My only complaint of this bag is the hardware color- it's silver- and all of my other things are gold.  I'm a stickler for matching hardware- but I do have a few pieces that work with it.

Here are some photos:

Classic lines

Subtle Details

Crossbody Option

Spacious Main Compartment

Large Zippered Pocket

The Essentials

I do wish Coach offered a personalization service, my heat stamped initials would be a great touch on the back of the hangtag.

I had a reader question from yesterdays blog regarding the removal of adhesive from the jar.  My secret:  scalding hot water and lots of rubbing- perhaps even using an old toothbrush would help- it would be a great abrasive, and your fingers won't be in direct contact with the burning hot water.

Well that's all the time I have for today.  Join me again tomorrow when we explore shoe trees!

Until next time-

Man of the House: Mason Jars

Hello everyone,

Hopefully none of you are blowing away in the wind today.  Goodness!

If you're like me, you need to decorate your apartment in a classy way and on a budget.  I simply don't have hundreds of dollars to blow on knick-knacks, so from time-to-time I have to improvise.

Mason Jars:

We all have them lying around in our fridges, pantries, and God knows where else!  And once we're done with them, we always toss them into the recycling can (and if you don't recycle- shame on you!).  Well after making my Pesto Pasta I got to thinking: what can I do with this empty jar?

For only $5- you can go from this:

To this:

Please excuse the empty Cloche- I'm trying to find a stuffed bird to place inside

Just wash out your jar, and remove all of the labels/adhesive from the front.  Pour about 1" of sand into the bottom of the jar, and take a small candle that coordinates with your color scheme and push it into the sand.  Voila!  You're done!

This same technique can be done with bigger jars and candles as well.  I plan to save up some more jars throughout the winter, and decorate my balcony with Mason Jar candle holders of all shapes and sizes.  The candlelit ambiance will be a nice addition to the lapping waters of the canal and the fireflies.

Complete the look:

Sofa - Color: Granite

Table - Broyhill: Discontinued

Lamp 

Cloche - Hobby Lobby

Book - $2.00 at antique store

Hippo - vacation gift

Throw Pillow -  TJ Maxx

Until next time-

Vintage Gucci

Hello everyone,

Today was an exceptionally busy Martin Luther King Day.  I didn't have school, and I didn't have to be at work, and nor did my partner- so we had a nice day out.  It all started around noon- we headed over to the "nice side" of town and did a little shopping.  We also went to see Beauty and the Beast matinee- that is by far my favorite Disney film, the music is great, the animation is superb- just an all-round great film.  Afterwards we headed to Von Maur to browse.  After the holidays I had planned on giving my Von Maur card a break, but when we came across this shirt- I couldn't refuse.  It isn't anything special- just a Diesel t-shirt, it was originally $75, but I got it on sale for only $18!  This is the second t-shirt I have purchased in three years- the majority of my clothing consists of polos, sweaters, vests, button-ups etc... so this piece is considered "Jello".  If you're a fan of "My Best Friend's Wedding", you'll understand the Jello remark- especially if you know me in person. lol.

"Julianne: No! Creme brulee can never be jello, you could never be jello."

After I broke out my credit card for one last charge, we headed over to Target to purchase a Bialetti espresso maker for my parter, and Williams-Sonoma for a milk frother.  He's only been talking about this stuff for a month now- and I'm very glad he was able to find it all today.  While on our espresso expedition- we ran into an old friend in the mall.  She joined us in search of a frother- and well that turned into dinner- which turned into seeing her new house, and we had such a great time.  It was great seeing her again!  All-in-all it was a very fun day!

For today's festivities I carried an old friend- my vintage Gucci envelope clutch.  It was a birthday/Christmas gift from my boyfriend back in 2009- I don't carry it so much because it's a little rare to come by, and I'm very afraid of something happening to it.  But I do like carrying it to the movies.  (If I wanted to, I could slip candy bars into the back zippered pocket-  shhh...)

From what I gather- this bag is from the mid to late 80's and retailed around $300 to $400.  And the vintage key holder (also a gift from him- and as he pointed out- so is the LV wallet) is late 70's to early 80's.  I'm no Gucci expert, so if I'm wrong please correct me.  The bag is small, so it only fits a small wallet, my phone, keys, and a couple odds-and-ends in the back zippered pocket.  In all actuality this isn't a great everyday bag- and since I'm a working student, I don't really have a lifestyle that I can carry a clutch on a daily basis... but one day I will!

Without further ado-

Close up of the double G's

Back zippered pocket

For some reason- the leather only goes as deep as the zipper, and then it's GG satin

The attention to detail is amazing

I love this gold piece on the inside of the flap

lined in leather

My bag with LV card holder, phone, and key holder

I love the blue GG monogram, and the gold piece on the front

The interior- given it's age it still came with the original cardboard packing material

Now that I'm hopped up on espresso- I'm finished blogging for the day.

Until next time-

Winter

Hello everyone,

It is frigid here today. Apparently winter is finally here, and I'm breaking out the big coats. I just wanted to write a quick message, and hope everyone stays warm.

 And of course it never hurts to do it in style-

For the time being, I've decided to hold off on the Celine, but I do anticipate a vintage Celine bag in my not-so-distant future... 

Until next time-

Why do I buy vintage?

Hello everyone,

Hopefully you all ran into Kroger and bought Lean Cuisines and devoured your Skinny Cow treats.  I know I plan to this weekend!

Lately I've been scouring eBay- it's a new year, so I need a new bag of course.  While I was browsing eBay I stumbled across a vintage Celine bag from the 80's and made in Italy.  It's in mint condition, and it could be mine for a low $175... it should be a no brainer, but I've never seen vintage Celine in real life, let alone touch one- so I can't be sure if it's right for me or not.  You all know who Celine is right?  The Parisian company that makes the Luggage Tote and Box Bag...?  Google it.

 My prospective Celine-

But with this dilemma came the realization that I only buy vintage bags- why do I do this?  This all started because I honestly can't afford to buy most of my stuff brand new-  I think the only luxury good that I bought brand new last year (aside from my Ferragamo shoes) was my Prada wallet.  (and I'm still paying for it. lol) But buying vintage has evolved into a pride thing for me.  I like having things that most people don't- or have never even seen.  And with the exception for one of my Louis Vuitton bags- they are all 20+ years old, and discontinued, and I love that!  So if I can pay less than half of what you spent on your bag, and be unique at the same time- I'll take that route every time.  Plus with all the corners that the luxury companies are cutting today- it just makes sense to buy the bags that were well made 15-20 years ago.  Back then it could be a piece of art, and just not $$$ for the company.  I have noticed a huge difference in the thickness of LV canvas between my bag from 1991 and my bag from 2010.  In fact, I believe that it was YSL who trimmed 1/8" off the sleeve length and charged more for shirts.  Sure it's just 1/8", but in a mass produced collection of shirts that is a lot of money saved, and people with long lanky arms like me pay the price.  And Chanel collectors tell you not to buy any bags after '05 or '06 because of the poor quality... it's a joke these days!

Ok- I can tell I'm ranting, so I'll step down from my soap box.

Oh- and if any of you are planning on an LV purchase soon, anticipate a 10% price increase across the board.

Until next time-

Delicious Dieting: A review on Lean Cuisine and Skinny Cow

Hello everyone,

As I am sure that many of you are still on the New Year's diet path just like I am- I thought that I would do a review on some delicious diet food.

~~Lean Cuisine Chef's Picks~~

Lean Cuisine has been making delectable delights since 1981, and in 31 years they have made some mouth watering dishes.  A long time favorite of mine: the cheese pizza has been in the lineup since 2003 and recently Chicken Carbonara has joined the group of dinners made by Lean Cuisine's Culinary Roundtable.

Chicken Carbonara boasts hearty pieces of white meat chicken with fettuccini,  asparagus and bacon in a creamy sauce.  Talk about all of your favorite foods mixed into one dish with only 280 calories!!!  Your tastebuds won't believe that it's diet food because it's so delicious, but your waistline will know the truth!

A helpful diet tip:  plate your meal before you eat it.  You'll feel like you're eating a full dinner, which will help you feel full when you're done eating.  For this meal I have chosen a fun rainbow of colors by Fiesta Ware.

Another amazing thing about Lean Cuisine dishes is that not only is the cardboard box recyclable, but so is the plastic dish.  All you have to do is rinse out the dish and toss it into your recycle bin.  Simple as that!

Now- for those of you with a sweet tooth like mine, here is a treat for you!

~~Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp Candy Bars~~

If I could only use one word to describe these candy bars- DIVINE.  They have three flavors to choose from: Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, and Dream Clusters.  I bought the Milk Chocolate, and my partner bought the Peanut Butter, and both are simply amazing.  The milk chocolate tastes like a Kit Kat, and the Peanut Butter tastes like Nutty Bars.  Both are delicious, and with a treat so good you would expect a few hundred calories- but the best part is- each is only 110 calories.  You'd expect it to taste bland, but these are honestly rich with flavor.  

Now- after all of this delicious food talk- I'm sure you want to run out and buy some for yourself right?  Well Kroger is currently running a promotion:  buy 5 Lean Cuisines for $10, and pick up the Skinny Cow candy bars for FREE!   It's great for your waist, and your wallet.  So it's a win-win for everyone involved.  

Hopefully all of you are sticking to your diet resolutions and persevering through- 2012 is your year to shine!

Until next time-