Take it or Forget it?

I've always wanted one of these little forget me knot rings. It's on sale at Fred Flare for about $30, used to be about $55 or so. I think it's pretty cute - so take it or leave it?

Leather Take it or Leave It

I want a motorcycle jacket. I've wanted one for months! But after my Christmas shopping blitz, I really can't afford to buy any more clothes. I saw this jacket in store at Martin + Osa. In black, it's $200 and in brown, it's $262. Have you ever paid more (that much more) for a color you prefer? Anyway, I'm not buying this unless they send me a coupon. I may not even buy it then. Depends on your opinions, I guess. What do you think?

Pretty Take it or Leave it

I love these! Problem is, living in muggy rain-any-minute New Orleans does not lend itself to suede shoes. Still, these may be worth it. No idea if suede, mustard, or slight wedges are on trend right now, but I love these shoes. On sale for $50 at Macy's. Take them or leave them?

You Know It's Bad When There Are Two Take it or Leave Its in a Row

Blah blah blah I suck at blogging. But how cute is this Rebecca Taylor minidress? I have some weddings coming up. There is some debate as to whether or not I can go, seeing as school owns my life, but still...I can work this dress at a casual-ish wedding and also at school (I'm a T.A.). What do you think? On supersale at the Outnet for $121.

B and I are getting settled at our place in New Orleans. It's pretty sweet - so much room, and we've been able to grill every night since he's arrived. Notice no grilling was done before he arrived...I'm a baker, not a griller. I'll post pics of our new little apartment as soon as it's together (I think we're about 2 or so weeks away) and update you on my latest knitting ideas (even though it's way too hot in Nola right now to think about knitting). B and I are going to have a hobby room! That means his beer brewing stuff and my sewing, knitting, and needlework stuff all in one cute little room. I can hardly wait...

Cute Take it or Leave It

Seriously, how cute are these?

Backstory: I don't know how I managed to not sing this from the rooftops, but before my trip to Greece, I sat on the train next to...ALEXIS BLEDEL. YES -- RORY GILMORE!! You have no idea how excited I was. I didn't just sit next to her, I had a legit conversation with her. Turns out, she lives in my old neighborhood. I digress...she was looking very cute and hipstery with jean shorts and a plain white tee. And Keds! These things are making a comeback, and of course now that I've seen them on Alexis, second in personal obsession only to her highness Keri Russell (don't even get me started on Felicity), I feel I need a pair for myself.

Shortly after the encounter I went to Greece and spotted some printed ones I loved (Alexis' were plain white with laces). These will be great for my new home, seeing as I'll have to bike (ugh) to school every day and will need comfortable shoes. At Yoox for $30 - on sale. What do you think?

Triumphant Return of Take it or Leave it

I'm truly trying to revive this blog, and what better way to do that than with a brand new Take it or Leave it? I love these Matt Bernson sandals on the Steven Alan site. I adore the cuffed look. I think it's so hot. And I know, I know - I have too many sandals. But put it this way - this blog is a true reflection of my life and it's been a shop-less life for me these days. I've really only had time to bake, and that has even been hard to find time to do. Plus helloooo I'm moving to New Orleans, which, as Boyfriend and I discovered on our recent apartment-searching trip, is humidity city. It will be that way well into the fall and early in the spring, so sandals will be put to use very well. On the negative...summer Theory sample sale starts on Monday and I may want something more there. On sale for $69. So let me hear it - take it or leave it?

A Very Floral Take it or Leave It

This is the dress I tried on and fell in love with at my friend's Steven Alan store on Atlantic Ave.

I have three weddings coming up for sure: one in July, August, and October. Boyfriend's best childhood friends just got engaged, and they are ambitiously planning a Fall wedding, so I could have four. I'd wear this one to one of the first two, but honestly, I'd wear it anywhere. It seems like one of those dresses that you can really work up or down with shoes and jewelry. I think it would look great with both cut-out booties or strappy gray heels. I need gray heels for the Geren Ford dress I got at the SA sample sale anyway. Plus I have a great purple Kate Spade clutch that would go with it. It fits well, and I am in love with the shoulder zipper detail. On sale for $159. What do you think, take or leave?

Greek Take It or Leave It

I haven't mentioned it, perhaps because I'm ill-prepared, but I'm going to Greece with my mom in about two weeks. I'm so excited, and have been pouring over my travel book and obsessing over Trip Advisor reviews looking for things to see and do. We'll be in Athens for about 4 days total and cannot wait to visit Melissinos the Poet Sandal Maker of Athens. Check out these styles. Sandals are custom made - the leather soles and straps cut to your feet. I am always totally jealous of people going to Thailand and getting custom suits. Clearly, at this point in my life I'm more of a sandal girl than a suit girl anyway. Which style would you take? My personal faves are the "Cleopatra" and "Jackie Onassis". But that might just be me loving the namesake of the shoe...so yes, take what and leave what, and did I mention each pair will cost less than $30?

Wall Decor Take it or Leave It

Last year, at the Renegade Craft Fair at the McCarren Park Pool, I purchased one of Jenny Beorkrem's Posters. I adore her work. As you've probably figured out, I love living in cities. One of the best things about living in a metropolitan area are the distinct cultures that crop up within a city. I live in Caroll Gardens right now, a really family-oriented Italian part of Brooklyn. I used to live in the Village, which you probably know is eclectic in and of itself, full of students, and always awake. I have a lot of memories of the places I've lived, and think it'll be fun to have maps like these on the walls of my new home in New Orleans.

Like I said, I already bought one, but I want to exchange it. It's pink and yellow - I don't know what I was thinking, as it does not match anything in my apartment. Jenny has graciously said I can exchange through mail, and I'm trying to decide which ones to get and what colors. Brooklyn is a given, probably in black and white. But do I also spring for the Manhattan? Or the New York City? Do I also venture out into other cities? I love San Fran, and as soon as the Philadelphia one comes out, I'm all over it. Naturally, Boyfriend likes the Great Lakes one. Posters and screenprints are between about $18 and $30, and of course I'd frame them all nicely. But is it weird to have so many posters by one artist in your home? Besides the Brooklyn one, take or leave which posters? And in what unobtrusive color? Check out the website to see which ones are available, though I'm leaning towards b&w.

Retro Take it or Leave It

I have not bought sneakers in years. Literally. Running shoes don't count - I only wear those on the treadmill, occasionally to jog around the neighborhood, or during a move (I've moved 4 times in 4 years in New York). Chucks don't count either. I've owned at least 5 pairs of black converse since the sixth grade. They don't count because I considered them a very uniform part of my outfits all throught high school and college. I am an awful flip flop offender in the summer, and as you can see, I'm trying to amend my ways with cute sandals. I run into trouble when flip flops are weather inappropriate. Ages ago, I bought some shit-tastic grey Reeboks from some outlet in Florida. They were buy one get one half off (the other paid I got were running sneakers) and cost a whopping $16. Yay outlet shopping. Now that all my money doesn't have to go to work clothes anymore, I'm ready for a cute pair of kicks I can pair with jeans and tees. I love these New Balance 455s, which I spotted at DNA Footwear in Park Slope on Fifth Ave. I also love the colors - they'll go with everything I need them to. I forget how much, probably $80 or $90. Take it or leave it?

Blind Take it or Leave it

As you can see below, I've done enough damage this pay period. Plus I'm going to Woodbury Commons this Saturday so I can't really buy anything right this second. I just heard about the RavinStyle site closing, and I perused their handbag selection. While I didn't see anything I loved specifically, it got me thinking about investing in a Rebecca Mikoff bag. Her style is edgy but also functional, and her Nikki bag seems like it can hold an infinite amount of things. I'm being really forward-thinking in realizing I need bigger bags to accomodate being a student again. I know designer bags aren't meant to hold a bunch of textbooks but I'm sure I'll have a lot of crap to carry around campus, especially since I'll be TAing. Plus I am enjoying the idea of moving to a new city with a different aesthetic than everyone else. If there's anything I hate, it's showing up with the same shirt, dress, accessory, anything as someone else, in any situation. This will be a good everyday purse, one that would last for a while. If you didn't guess already, it's super expensive. I'm not going to say how much and if you really want to, you can look it up, but I ask that you first tell me how much you'd pay, max. I'm pretty good at waiting till things go on sale or sites have promotions (like shopbop's friends and family, 25% off right now!) so I probably wouln't pay full price. I actually went to a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale yeterday and it was glorious, but they didn't have the Nikki in the chocolate, only a kind of scuffed up mini Nikki in that color. All the other colors were way too bright for such a big bag. I'm all about colors, but if too bright, the bag has to be on the small side, otherwise the color has got to be a bit toned down. Just my opinion though. So what do you think, take this bag or leave it, and if taking, how much?

Kate Spade Take it or Leave it

I have been a Kate Spade fan for a long, long time. I love her classy, fun style, and she manages to bring together really vibrant colors without seeming an ounce too juvenile. This goes for her accessories, sunglasses, shoes, and definitely her handbags. I think my first designer purse was by Kate Spade, a small baby blue purse purchased at a Kate Spade store in Dallas, and I have bought three since: a deep purple clutch from Nordstrom Rack, a black nylon logo hobo, and a large kelly green tote, both from the outlet store in Woodbury Commons. What do you think of this bag?

I need something fun but also roomy for the summer. This won't be any old purse I fling around, I'll save it for meeting up with friends at the park or at the museum. You know, since I'm soooo cultured. But yeah, I don't want to wear out my go-to bag, a Marc by Marc Jacobs that I absolutely adore, and need a fitting alternative. Like I said, I love the many colors of Kate Spade. This Sunflower one might be a little over the top, no? It's available at Nordstrom for $395. The blue, er, Fez, color is available on ebay for about $270. And I have to mention: on the Kate Spade site, the off white color is listed as "clotted cream". Gross! On Nordstrom's site there is a darker color, more appropriately called "coffee cream". So clotted cream doesn't seem to be a mistake. I mean really....we couldn't think of a less cringe-worthy name for a color? They should work on that. So...take it or leave it? And which one?

American Apparel Take it or Leave It

Say what you will about American Apparel - I think they're great. Pre-AA, I found it difficult to find the perfect tight-but-not-trashy-tight t shirt. Their 50/50 blends are perfect, and I literally wear mine until they are falling apart.I also like AA because of their convertible pieces. Many of their dresses can be worn several different ways, and almost every skirt can be worn as a top. I have always been a fan of the high-waist look. I can’t always pull it off because I am pretty petite but every now and again I’ll find an unconventional skirt that is pretty flattering. What do you think of this one? It comes in faux denim, which I cannot decide if I like or not, or solid cotton colors. I like the cut because it’s not as constricting as some high-waist looks. Plus you can adjust the length easily. I am definitely the girl who looks great in her home full-length mirror, but then sees herself in a window reflection on the street and wonders why she chose to hooker it up with an almost-mini that day. $38 online and in stores.

There are about 20 AA stores near me, I swear, but I’m looking for a partner with whom to go to Woodbury Commons. There is an AA outlet there, among a million other great stores. This place is glorious. Check out the store directory; it’s not your typical outlet mall. For one, it’s outdoors.

Last, for those of you turned off by AA but loving the look, check out Trudy Miller Layers on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. She embraces a similar AA spirit in her layering (duh) and convertible pieces, but more high-end with a little class.

Super-sized Take it or Leave It

I neglected to do a Take it or Leave it post last week. Partly because I bought everything I wanted without deliberation but also because I've been posting like crazy and I wanted to ease up for a second. So this week...shoes! I've never been much of a stylist and don't have the same kind of obsession with shoes that some girls do. They have always been pretty secondary to me; I'd much rather by a cute dress or purse. Counter intuitively, I find it difficult to be a New Yorker and also love high heels, with all the damn walking we do. When asked what made a New Yorker, Tony Kushner responded, "Flat feet and asthma". I have both of these. I have wide-ass hobbit feet (yet still a size 6!) and seem to wear my shoes down incredibly quickly. So I'm reluctant to drop a bunch of cash on something I will probably ruin. That being said, what do you think of these:

Slingback havaianas. I love my havaiana flip flops but are these pushing it? $36 at Zappos.

Adorable cork heels by Seychelles. $88 at Urban Outfitters. Try and tell me these aren't great.

This next one is more of a hypothetical TIOLI. I have wanted Christian Louboutin pumps forever. I signed up for Gilt Group ages ago, the cancelled my membership since I couldn't afford to even look at their stuff. But then something miraculous happened - they got a shipment of Loubs! By the time I tried to buy, my size and preferable styles were all sold out. They were going for $280 - amazing. So the question is...if the opportunity ever presents itself again, do I pounce?

Last, Kate Moss was spotted stomping around in these beauties and now they're all the rage. The last pair of rain boots I bought cracked in a matter of weeks. I will definitely need some quality ones for New Orleans. Frankly, I don't know how I survived New York without a pair for so long. $115 at Bloomingdale's.

So there you have it. Obvs, the more money I spend, the more careful I'll be when I wear the shoes. Thoughts on color are welcome!

Wedding Season Take it or Leave It

It's springtime and summer is only a few months away. That means it's hitchin' time! I have a few weddings coming up. One friend in July and another in October. I'll also accompany Boyfriend to one in August and possibly another in June. This sounds like a great excuse to buy an outfit or three, does it not? Truth is, I can find something I currently own to wear to these weddings but I'm no longer in middle school and don't have attend dances every other month, so excuses to buy a pretty dress are now few and far between. This one caught my eye right away because it's got a little bit of color but also more of a neutral shade, which I like. It looks like it should sell in Anthropologie. Obviously, I'd cardigan it up for the ceremony but could let loose for the dancing portion of the evening. It's a great deal at $128 at Nordstrom's. However, is it too season-specific? It's clearly a spring-y dress. Also, it was featured in a Nordstrom's mailer, which heightens the potential of running into another lady with the same frock. So I don't know. What do you think, take it or leave it?

Shopaholic

I expressed before that I love shopping. I'm not as bad as some people, especially by New York standards. But I do an awful lot of online browsing. Along with being a frequent shopper, I am also an indecisive one. I can seldom buy anything without someone else's opinion. So I've decided to start a new little something on my bloggy blog: Take it or Leave it. I'll post something I'm eyeing on a weekly basis and you tell me if I should run to the store or run away. This week, take a peek at this beauty. I saw it last week at Brooklyn Industries and yay, they're having a 30% off bags sale. I liked it before I looked closer and noticed the nifty sewing machine and button print. That adds to the sweetness of it, but also maybe to the dorky over-the-top-ness of it. I do need a more casual bag, as I worry about taking my designer ones on the crowded dirty subway all the time. I also need something I can fit my gym shoes and clothes in. Brooklyn Industries also offers a lifetime bag guarantee and it appears easy to clean. However, this may be the type of thing I get over real quick, and the cuteness might be too overwhelming. At 25, am I too old for so much...um...whimsy? Further, it's not too expensive but money isn't ever really flowing on my end. Last, and perhaps most important, on the website's description, it says, " The Large H-Bag series has been a great hit with stylish moms, who use H Bags as a diaper bag/handbag". Whoa whoa whoa hold the phone. Do I really want a hip mommy diaper bag? Good God. This seems like a very alienating selling tactic but who am I to judge. If I get the smaller version does it make me less of a Park Slope stroller mafia wannabe member? Clearly, I need your opinion. Comment away!