A Life of Style: The Recessionista Files

Disposable Income...Where Art Thou?


I used to have disposable income after payday but lately that extra money is becoming harder to hold on to and I fear it’s bordering on urban legend status. Everything is so expensive! There was a time I was able to treat myself to a new outfit or a MAC e/s on a very regular basis, sadly that is no longer the case. I must accept the fact that I am a Recessionista.

As much as I like designer bags, Via Spiga shoes, and department store makeup, I must resign myself to only buying when there is a sale. Last week I was at the Gap and saw this sweater, it hurt my heart to have to leave it at the store but I just couldn’t make that investment. Once it goes on sale I’ll buy it but for $68 or $74.97 which it would cost once Chicago’s 10.25% sales tax is added - it will look cute hanging on the rack.

My last grocery bill was $64.19 and I barely had any food. When I put everything away I was literally looking at a refrigerator that still needed more food. I left the store with three bags. I could kick myself for leaving my coupon caddy at home. Yes I’m clipping coupons and watching my pennies closely.

On Friday I went to Nordstrom and wanted to cry as I passed by the MAC counter, okay, maybe crying is an extreme but I definitely felt a pang in my heart. You don’t even want to know how bad I was feeling when I walked by the Bobbi Brown counter. I just headed upstairs to the café and ordered my salad because there was no sense in torturing myself. Although I have to give myself props for not even looking at any makeup. One look and my credit card would have been leaping out my wallet making a purchase.

Luckily my product junkie cravings can still be fulfilled with the constant BOGOs at CVS and Walgreens and drugstore brands Cover Girl, Maybelline, L’Oreal, and Revlon have coupons in the Sunday paper. As a recessionista I'm now finding creative ways to afford small luxuries so I brown bag lunch at least twice a week so that I can have the opportunity to go out for drinks a couple of times a month. I still get my biweekly mani/pedi and using the concierge in my building I found an esthetician who only charges $12 for eyebrow waxing (she's amazing too!!!!!), and my weekly hair appointment is non-negotiable. I’m on a budget and no amount of crazy economy will have me rocking Ugly Betty brows, jacked up hair or ragged hands and feet.

Have you discovered that you are a Recessionista? How are you coping?

Haute Bag Lady Bag of the Week

I am having SERIOUS heart palpitations over this week's bag. Check out Cole Haan's Vintage Valise Jenna Shoulder Bag.

Isn't she a beauty? Can't you just smell the rich leather? Come on, inhale that buttery leather with me, nice huh??

Small in size but big on details, the Jenna is a gorgeous bag to carry your essentials while having brunch with friends or an afternoon lunch date. Yes, I plan my handbags according to what I'll be doing. I'm known among my friends as the Purse Whisperer.

What do you my bag loving ladies think of this week's pick?

Picture courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Update on The Dilemma: My Fall 2010 Bag

After much debate and browsing I chose my fall bag Monday night. Actually the bag chose me...

My new baby: Coach Kristin Hobo - please ignore my messy desk, work is busy

Monday after work I went to Nordstrom to exchange a blouse and I decided to take a peek at the handbags. There was a table of reduced bags with two of the Kristin hobos among the selection. The bags did not appear to be marked down so I asked an associate to scan it for me. Hang on to your hats kids, this is where it gets interesting...

The bag was $100 off  of the original price of $298. Score!!!! Besides the price being to good to pass up, the bag met the rest of my criteria: the option to carry across the body, roomy, and any color but black.  I promptly whipped out my debit card and made my purchase! After two days of carrying my new bag, I am quite pleased. The leather is lightweight but very sturdy and I have received a lot of compliments about the color, aubergine (isn't that fancy?) Say it a few times, aubergine, aubergine. See? Now don't you feel just a little bit fancier? LOL!!

Well I have to get back to work! Ciao!!

The Stylish Life: Haute Bag Lady Bag of The Week



Mulberry Python Bayswater

Mulberry's classic Bayswater  bag in metallic gold python makes me want to curl up in a little ball and just cry. Where oh where is my billionaire boyfriend???

This is a gorgeous bag. It has a brown suede interior and the buckles on the side expand to make the bag larger. I would carry this haute bag whether I was dressed up or down. The Python Bayswater is a bag that says "Yes, I do have it all and you should envy me." Just kidding...

By the way, it costs $4000 and my birthday is in 2 months. I implore you all to feel free to donate to my handbag fund at anytime or just send the bag to me. I love getting gifts. *smile*




pictures courtesy of  Netaporter.com

The Dilemma: My Fall 2010 Bag

Hello Stylish Ones!


The hunt for my fall bag is on and I'm way behind schedule in choosing something. There are some amazing bags out this season and I’m tempted by them all. Too bad my budget isn’t in the position to buy them all. As always dear readers feel free to contribute to my handbag fund, lol!

All jokes aside, my bag needs are changing as many new and exciting opportunities come my way. In the past, I just required a bag to be designer and cute. Now I need functional, cute, and yes I still love a designer bag – I can’t help it. I’d also prefer a bag that I can carry across my body to keep my hands free as well as deter purse snatching. Safety first!

Here are a few bags that are in the running for my fall bag campaign:

Coach Madison Patent Leather Sophia Satchel - the red would be a nice pop of color during the drab fall & winter days.

Coach Madison Gathered Leather Sophia Satchel - the grooves give this style a bit of edge.

Hugo Boss Star Patent Handbag - Very cute. I saw this in person but I really need a bag that can go on my shoulder. I love the color too - I don't have any blue bags...

Tory Burch Verona. Doesn't the leather look buttery soft? Gorgeous color too!

So which bag should I get? Let me know what you think in the comments section! Thanks =)

Haute Bag Lady Bag of the Week

True confession, I have been lusting after the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil' Riz hobo for a nice long time. Its pictured above in dark portobello (gorgeous color), which I think is a pretty versatile neutral that can go with many outfits. I'm so over the basic leather bags in black and brown. I'm always on the hunt for other neutral options.

Marc Jacobs has created several versions of the Dr. Q Lil' Riz. Its availabe in nylon, has pleats, a twisted handle, and there are several colors including a vibrant purple, bold orange, kelly green, pale pink, ivory and the list goes on.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil' Riz hobo is a great bag to add to your collection if you have an extra $400+ laying around ;)

The "It" Bag is Dead

Dior Gypsey Ruffle Hobo, $1755.00           

Fendi Multicolor Spy Bag, $2190.00

Yves Saint Laurent Muse bag, $1395.00

To all the designer bag loving fashionistas (myself included), the “It” bag du jour is dead.


According to LA Times writer Monica Corcoran, the oft coveted designer “It” bag’s demise has finally happened. Let us all bow our heads and have a moment of silence as we try and process this devastating news. It’s tragic, I know. What’s a fashionista to do?

I have a great appreciation for quality and design. Designer bags are gorgeous and made with rich lust worthy materials. I understand that a lot goes into crafting an “It” bag. The people behind these designs are incredibly talented. I have nothing but respect for them and their creativity. Designer bag prices do not shock me at all. I know that I can’t afford to own the real thing and I'm not trying to go into debt to have the latest bag. I’m a real woman whose budget is not on par with Hollywood starlets who often get their bags for free. The closest I’m ever going to get to a Hermes Birkin bag is a picture in Vogue magazine and I am totally okay with that. 

My own bag collection is a stylish mix of a few high end, moderate, and quality leather no name carryalls. I own Charles David, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch. Spending my days chasing the next hottest bag until I own it is not my idea of a good use of my time or money. I’m no slave to trends. I‘m far too impatient to add my name to a wait list...for. a. bag. I hope it will never be that serious in my accessory life. Besides, I like to think that whatever bag I’m carrying is an “IT” bag.