What's New? Ombre, that's what.

Well not really new, just back with a vengeance. No no, don't get the wrong idea, this isn't your seventh-grade badly knit ombre sweater ombre. It's ombre done right and everywhere. Mark my words people, forecast in fashion is ombre - in all colors, in dresses, shoes, bags. OMBRE.

aldoshoes.com

bananarepublic.com

This leads me into what I really intended to blog about. Sure, the economy is circling the drain, sure I am a fresh graduate without money... but seems like my hands just can't stay in their pockets. Instead, they grab the keys, get in the car, and go shopping. When not actively shopping, they enjoy spending time online browsing and planning the next big expenditure... So I give to you the result of all of this research in an attempt to justify hundreds upon hundreds of hours of wasted time.

Wants, Needs, and Must-Haves
steals vs. splurges

1. The Big, Bright Oversized Clutch

(Steal)MAXX New York 'Thompson Degrade' pleated clutch
$110
nordstrom.com
(In Ombre, I might add... it comes in a variety of colors, but LOVE LOVE LOVE it in yellow. I also realize $110 might not seem like a steal - but it is compared to the splurge... also $10 per use for 11 uses? Good enough of a justification for me)

(Splurge)

Carlos Falchi Matte Python Clutch
$2,710
neimanmarcus.com

2. The Paperbag Trouser

(Steal)ASOS Paperbag Waist Trousers
28.00 euro
asos.com
(photo doesn't do it justice - paperbag pants are fantastic in that the waist is not sewn to fit - instead loose, so the belt cinches the pants to your waist, therefore creating a paperbag look to the top)

(Splurge)Rag & Bone Paperbag Pants
$295.00
neimanmarcus.com

3. Bright Blues (to beat the summer heat)

(Steal)Susana Monaco Ruffled Tank Dress
$275
shopbop.com

(Splurge)
ADAM Ombre Deep V Ruffle Dress
$445
shopbop.com
(again with the Ombre... I hope you're getting the idea)

4. The Perfect Print Dress (for running perfect summer errands, of course)

(Steal)

Floral-Print Shift Dress
$79
bananarepublic.com

(Splurge)Badgley Mischka Resort Collection 2009
price unlisted = (it's probably so expensive we're not worthy of knowing)
style.com

5. The toned-down Gladiator aka Normal Sandal (let's be honest for a second here... no average person can pull off wearing a ridiculous up-to-the-knee gladiator sandal contraption to the grocery store and get away it... we'll leave that to Mary-Kate)

(Steal)

Summer In The City Sandal
$28
urbanoutfitters.com

(Splurge)
Steve Madden 'Azucar' Sandal
$49.95
nordstrom.com