Archive for November 3rd, 2009

A second chance.

November 3rd, 2009 by Ruth

 

New lining in old jacket

New lining in old jacket

Notice that the coat was disassembled so the new purple lining was properly inserted

Notice that the coat was disassembled so the new purple lining could be properly inserted

New-ish favorite jacket

New-ish favorite jacket

I’m crazy about a DKNY jacket I purchased for $300 about five years ago. After wearing it to death, the inner lining was in shreds and I kept losing everything that I put in my pockets. Because I’m in love with this jacket, instead of donating it, I decided to give it a second chance – I’d replace the lining and get it dry cleaned.

Now, I don’t know much about tailoring so my local dry cleaning would suffice my needs. That said, I went and was quoted $80 for the replacement of the lining and dry cleaning. At this point, it became a pet project of mine. I had a day in SoHo to locate fabric for the lining and came across quite a bargain. At about $8 a yard, I snagged the new gorgeous inside of my jacket for just under $25.

The refurbishing ran me $105 and I must say, I’m quite pleased with my decision. I know that I would never be able to find a durable, stylish coat with a customized colorful lining for that price. Thanks to the second chance, I’m sure I’ll get at least another three years out of my favorite winter jacket.

Daily Diamond: Steven by Steve Madden “Intyce” Boots

November 3rd, 2009 by Catherine

 

Steven by Steve Madden Boots, $129.90

Steven by Steve Madden Boots, $129.90

My dear friend Laura has an incredible eye for awesome shoes. And what gets me is her ability to look like a million bucks every time I see her, yet she never spends a fortune on her wardrobe. This past weekend, while visiting from Boston, she picked up these sweet boots from Bloomingdale’s, marked waaaaay down from their original price of $200. And it’s not just the sale price of the boots that makes them so great – it’s the fact that they’re timeless, well-constructed and chic enough to wear with whatever’s in your closet right now. They’re available through Nordstrom’s website, but you better hurry – boots like these are made for walkin’ and won’t stick around for much longer!

Stellar Sale Alert!

November 3rd, 2009 by Catherine

I’ve long regarded Barney’s as the ultimate window shopping destination. During my years in Manhattan, I’d often stroll around the stores immaculate floors, soaking up the style and dreaming of ways to recreate it on my itty bitty budget. Sales were rare, so when the company launched a massive beauty sale online, you can bet I headed to the site the first chance I got. Loaded with beauty booty from this works and Vincent Longo, the products are marked so far down, it almost feels illegal to be buying things at such a discount. Almost.

So check out my current obsessions below and chime in with your own top picks from this awesome sale!

Those who play must pay.

November 3rd, 2009 by Catherine

Bad news on the boyfriend front – mine sprained his back working out a little too hard at the gym. Aside from support, love, and patience (seriously, what else can I do to help someone with “the worst sprain in the world”?!), the only thing that will help get this man back on his feet is a yummy breakfast treat to start his day off on a tasty note. Being crunched for time, however, I’ve gotta make something quick and simple (but still delicious enough to meet his standards). Enter Overnight Monkey Bread! Ever the favorite in my house, it’s a total snap to make (6 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time) and a hit for anyone who’s tried it. So even if your love isn’t on bed rest, it’ll melt their heart the moment they try it! (more…)