Bloomies and Barneys and Bergdorfs, Oh My!

We are headed for NYC in less than two weeks! And in just over two weeks, we will be shopping for the first time in 365 days. Where to start? What do you think? Where do you love to shop?

Lately A and I have been talking a lot about how we spend (or I guess, how we will spend) our shopping dollars - the 80/20 Rule, paying more for quality classic pieces, treating jewellery purchases as investment as well as adornment, etc... We are also, of course, having daily discussions about which will be the first store we go to and what will be the first thing we buy. Early on in this project, I dreamed that my very first post-Fashion Rehab purchase would be my very first pair of Louboutins.

As the light at the end of the tunnel got brighter, I started scouring the net, comparing and contrasting colors, styles and prices. And now, should I ultimately decide to go down that red-soled brick road - and it's still any one's guess at this point (though shoes are leading in Must-Have Moment poll) - I have somehow managed to narrow it down to two choices. They couldn't be more different: One a classic standby that will definitely fill one of the major holes in my closet. The other is unique, special and certainly celebratory!

Christian Louboutin Platform Pump (left) & Greissimo Multi

If I Could, I Would... 15 Days Left

Lust-Have #56

SOOS Drapen Dream Necklace $85

I love how this necklace falls and I love that it's white. The perfect summer go-to piece. Maybe I'll grab one when I go to their One Day Shopping Affair at Lavish & Squalor this weekend.

Or maybe not.

350 down. 15 to go.

Love, P

P.S. Our Lust-Have lists may be building, but the time will come soon enough when we will actually be standing at the counter, cash in hand, about to make our first post-Fashion Rehab purchase (eeek!). Vote in our latest poll (above to the right) and tell us: What would be the first thing you'd buy? Me - it's shoes or a handbag, neck and neck!

P.P.S. You could win another amazing SOOS necklace by clicking here and telling us your experiences with the No Shop Challenge!

Follow Up to "The Top 10 Reasons I Checked Myself Into Rehab"

Me. In March. In front of Michael Kors. Outwardly smiling. Inwardly crying. But hey, I survived, right?

A while back (on June 24th, 2009, to be exact) I wrote a post called "The Top 10 Reasons For Admitting Myself into Fashion Rehab". Now that we are just over two weeks from finishing, I thought it best to bring back that list and see how I did! The list from June is in bold below, with today's perspective written next to it.

1. To pass up a sale. Oh yes, I have done that. Again and again and again. Sample sale. Clearance sale. 2-day sale. Red-tag sale. I looked, I wept, I walked away.

2. I want to see how I will change, both as a person and a consumer. I will try to be brief! I am more patient, more grounded, and more insanely appreciative of what I have than ever before. This project has given me the opportunity to really analyze my buying habits (I have discovered that they are not ALL bad!), my style, and my definition of "need vs. want". I am certainly more mellow in my attitude when it comes to shopping, but I also understand that looking and feeling good is important to me. I am proud to care about my appearance.

3. To become more green (waste not want not!). Done. No plastic bags, no excess stuff shipped from foreign lands, and a new appreciation for locally made and sustainable goods. And somehow a greater obsession with Etsy (even though I obviously couldn't buy anything). It has been the "year of the browse"!

4. So I will actually use and wear what is in my closet instead of buying something new every time there is an event. Um, yes. Things have been worn, and worn, and worn. Please don't make me wear my silk Banana Republic cocktail dress ever again!!!! (Or at least until 2011).

5. To save money. Ahh the money question...

New Prize Added to the " No-Shop Challenge"!

Seriously? Oh, yes, it is true! Not only could you win a vintage Coach bag, a fabulous fascinator headband from I Heart Accessories, an insanely amazing mixed metal necklace and bracelet set from SOOS Rocks, but as of today I Heart Accessories just threw in another "No-Shop Challenge" reward and it is chock full of goodies! It is a prize pack (valued at $100) full of pretty little things, including a $25 gift card.

So while you are drooling over all of these yummy prizes (larger photos here) please remember the following things:

1. SIGN UP (if you haven't yet) to the right in the pink box called "365 Fashion Rehab No Shop Challenge"

2. COMMENT here (as many times as you like) about this experience- what it means to you, funny stories, what made you cave, etc. We are looking for anything from the heartfelt to the horrifying!

3. We will announce the WINNERS on May 25th (but please have all comments/stories in by May 18th)

4. The Coach bag goes to someone who has fully completed the "No-Shop Challenge", all other PRIZES are up for grabs even if you only lasted a few days!

Love, A&P

If I Could, I Would... 17 Days Left

Lust-Have #55

American Eagle Outfitters Chambray Shirt, $34.95

I love this shirt. It reminds me of a Levi's one that my mom used to wear in the late 80's.

This would look so cute with those J. Crew chino shorts that I posted the other day! If anyone happens to be in an American Eagle Outfitters in the next 17 days could you let me know if it feels as soft as it looks?

Love, A

It's My Party...

And I'll cry cause I can't buy myself a new outfit. Actually, I am happy to report, after almost 11 and a half months of not shopping, I think my days of crying over it have passed.

But, today is my birthday and I must say, it is odd to not go shopping on my birthday. As with many things, this wasn't something I ever really thought about before 365 Fashion Rehab, but now I realize that in years past I almost always went shopping on April 26. It added to the feeling of celebration and more often than not, thanks to my generous parents, I would have a little birthday money burning a hole in my pocket and a new something something to buy for my forthcoming birthday dinner or party - or, one year, birthday dinner party. This year, I will not get to wear a new dress or outfit when I go out with Mr. Darling tonight or when I have dinner with my girls tomorrow eve. I will take stock of all I have learned so far and attempt to create a few gorgeous "new" ensembles using what I've got. Hopefully, there will be no wine explosions...

My Champagne Birthday

One of my favorite birthday moments of all time was...

A's San Francisco Shopping Blues - Video #11

So guess who failed the "No-Shop Challenge"? Nope, not me, but someone very close to me. It was my man! He just couldn't do it for 18 more days. We have a formal event coming up next week and he decided to go out and buy something new and NOT shop in his closet! This just shows how incredibly hard the "No-Shop Challenge" is! (Imagine 365 days of it?)

So what does that have to do with the following video? Well, nothing really, except that he dragged out me shopping with him and it made me sad!

Love, A

P.S. If you are unable to view this video, please click here to watch it on YouTube.

Seasonal Budgeting: The 80/20 Rule, Part 2

Welcome to "Part 2" of Seasonal Budgeting: The 80/20 Rule. After 11 months in Fashion Rehab I have realized that quality over quantity is generally the way to go when it comes to shopping. On Monday I wrote "Part 1" which featured the trend pieces I would buy with $100 (20% of my $500 budget), and today I am featuring my top picks of classic pieces for $400 (80% of my budget). This is not to say that all classic items should be expensive, it just means that you should to put a little more effort into your choices if you want them to last longer.

What I would buy with $399 (not including the false eyelashes for $8)

A night out at Shop Social at the W Hotel this week inspired me to create my look through Polyvore. If you haven't been on their site yet you should check it out. It basically is like paper dolls without any dolls! So much fun. I actually did a "set" for a Piperlime contest awhile back, you can see it here.

So where do I begin? With a classic white blouse, of course. This one by Helmut Lang ($120) is amazing because you can belt it and wear it with leggings or tuck it in and wear it with your favorite pants. Endless possibilities and on sale! The chino shorts are courtesy of J. Crew, and for $50 you can't go wrong. Their pieces are timeless and usually quite well-made. The bangles are yellow gold (no tarnish here!) for $53 from Jules Smith. The LBD? It is BCBGeneration, $89, and very easy to dress up or down. This is where a trendy inexpensive bib necklace could come in handy. The shoes are Cocobelle from Bloomingdale's, are leather (which is my only caveat for buying shoes, imitation will not do) and are $88. Grand total of $399. I then realized that no collection would be complete without a set of false eyelashes. For an extra $8, these Sephora ones are all yours.

If I Could, I Would... 22 Days Left

Lust-Have #54

TOMS Dickens Shoes $65

Who knew? As I'm sure you have guessed, my fellow Rehab sister and I don't always discuss our posts with one another before they go up. In fact, it is actually quite rare. So imagine my surprise and delight to see the lovely Ms. A add a pair of TOMS to her Lust-Have list! Ah, well, I suppose it was bound to happen sometime!

Great minds, dude. Great minds.

Love, P

P.S. Happy Earth Day everyone! Did you kiss the ground you walk on today?

More Questions, Less Answers

The lovely and talented Miss R - a neighborhood barista and loyal 365 Fashion Rehab - supporter gave me the most wonderful compliment yesterday; she told me that, to look at me, she'd never know I'd gone a year without shopping. And she said, "I see you pretty often". She's right. Being a Taurus, I am by nature, a bit of a creature of habit and so I frequent my local coffee shop quite regularly. I felt very flattered by her comment. Then, I realized something; even after over 11-months of not shopping, I have not been able to fully cure myself of my One-Wear-Wonder-itis. I thought I would have overcome this malaldie, fueled for years by my Sky High Standards, by now. This is one thing about me that, now that I have properly diagnosed it, I really want to rid myself of. That and my SuperSaver tendencies - after all, you can't take it with you, what are you waiting for??? (For more on that subject, click here.) Was it naive of me to think that a year of not shopping would be enough to cure me?

Unfortunately, my OWW-itis still feels as natural to me as putting on my skinny jeans one leg at a time; I don't think about it, I just get dressed and I happen to, absolutely not, under any circumstances wear an outfit I've worn before. Why is this such a problem for me? Using the "If it works, go with it" approach is not rocket science, it's good, solid, reliable common sense! Why can't I put it into practice? Years of conditioned behavior, I suppose.

I am perplexed.

photo credit Rick O'Brien

Truth is, I kinda thought I would know more by now...

If I Could, I Would... 24 Days Left

Lust-Have #53

TOMS White Canvas Classics, $44

These shoes remind me of the canvas Keds I used to wear way back in the day. Pair them with pleated shorts or a skinny cropped jean and you are good to go. I guess I need to add those things to my "lust-have" list, too!

Love, A

P.S. If you are unfamiliar with TOMS shoes, now is the time to get acquainted with this social do-gooding brand. For every shoe you buy, they donate one pair to a needy child. So far they have "shoed" 600,00o children worldwide. Unbelievable.

Seasonal Budgeting: The 80/20 Rule, Part 1

Spring is in the air. Or is it summer? Sadly, by the time the weather clears, the flowers bloom, and you are ready to wear your new spring clothes; retailers have already moved on to the next season. Do not feel compelled to buy tons of new items each time the season changes, just examine what you have and assess any holes that need to be filled. Obviously I feel like I have a lot of gaps in my summer wardrobe after having gone nearly a year without shopping. How should I fill them (besides responsibly, of course) when the time does come to shop?

During this 11-month romance with my closet I have discovered the following: Classic pieces are definitely the way to go, but a girl can't call herself a fashionista if she doesn't put a few trendy items into the mix. Investing roughly 80% of your budget in classic staples and 20% on trend items should still make you feel current but also stretch your dollar. The budget I chose to work with today is $500. So that means I would use $100 (not a lot of money, but enough to add a bit of finesse to your closet) to put towards trend items and $400 leftover for classic.

Here are the "trend driven" items I would buy with $100 for Summer 2010:

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target Dress,$27.98 Aldo Cat Eye Glasses, $12

I love cat eye sunglasses but not sure I would want them as my everyday go-to pair. These Aldo ones are perfect for when you are feeling a little daring!

New York, New York (It's a Hell of a Town)

photo credit: Irene Suchocki

Once upon a time, in a land (sort of) far away, this little red-haired girl moved from a small town in the Berkshires to the big bad city; NYC. (I have moved around a lot in my life. Another story for another day...)

Many of you have emailed us to ask what we are going to do to celebrate the end of our (long) year in Fashion Rehab. After much pondering and many discussions over Skype, A and I narrowed down the criteria. For starters, we knew that we absolutely had to celebrate in person and not through our computers (as has been our primary mode of communication over these last 338 days. No cyber celebration for us!)... and we knew we had to go somewhere uber stylin'... and after discussing a few other cities (who shall remain nameless), we settled on New York - and by settled, I mean we agreed that nowhere else (except for maybe Paris) would do for an event of this magnitude: A&P shopping!!! (Most certainly not to be confused with shopping at the A&P.)

If I Could, I Would... 30 Days Left

Lust-Have # 52

One Shouldered Ruched Dress, Topshop, $55

This dress could either be a total hit or a total miss. The ruching could be either amazing or just downright scary.

Here's hoping I soon find out!

Love, A

P.S. For all of you northern beauties, Topshop does ship to Canada, you just have to order from their UK site!

Playing Dress-Up in Mommy's Closet

When I first found out that I was pregnant, I was dying to know what I was having (besides a baby, that is). My instincts were that I was having a boy. This was obviously not based on any medical evidence, but I was so terrified of being a parent that I channeled my energy into thoughts of having a little boy. Raising a boy seemed easier to me; less emotional responsibility on my part, and less heartache on his. And when I didn't know the answer to one of his man-related questions I could always say, "Go ask your father".

Several weeks later it was time for my 18-week ultrasound - the chance to find out the sex of the baby. Although the suspense was killing me, I really just thought they would confirm what I already knew. Boy (pardon the pun!) was I wrong. It turned out we were having a girl. A girl? Really? Are you sure? My husband's first response was, "Does that mean I have to pay for her wedding?". And mine (although I am insanely embarrassed to admit it) was, "Does that mean I have to buy her $200 jeans?".

Baby E in her "kitten heel" phase

And so she was born, little Baby E, and of course I loved her tremendously, embracing my new role as "mother to a daughter". I tried not to buy her everything in pink, and not to limit her toys to only dolls and tea cups. She loves trains and trucks, too. But it is not surprising that she also likes to play dress-up. (She does have half of my genes, after all). She loves my necklaces, handbags, and bracelets. The first time I saw her try on my shoes...

If I Could, I Would... 30 (!) Days Left

Lust-Have #51

Lancome's Chris & Tell lipstick - photo credit The Beauty Alchemist

I have been admiring this lippy for a while now. All the beauty mags have been raving about it and apparently there's a waiting list at Saks. It looks like the perfect shade.

With just 30 days left (eeek!) I think it may have just gone from one of my Lust-Haves to a must-have!

Love, P

365 Fashion Rehab's No-Shop Challenge!

Alright, everybody - have we got a challenge for you! In honor of our last days in Fashion Rehab, we are inviting you to join us in solidarity and do your own mini version of 365 Fashion Rehab! Even better, we are running a contest for everyone who signs up with some seriously fabulous accessories as prizes!

Join us and go for as long as you can - share with us your most amazing/appalling experiences by commenting on this post throughout your experience. We will pick the winners on May 25th and post their stories on the blog, which we are happy to say, will not spontaneously combust come May 15th!

Do you have what it takes? Go to our "No-Shop Challenge" page (now) to learn more and help a Rehab Sister out - show us your love by signing up (now).We have suffered through almost 11 months of this... how long can you go?

Love, A&P

P.S. Don't go it alone! Bring along a buddy (or two or three) for support - we did!

P.P.S. If you really don't want to give up shopping or if you're not a big shopper (huh?), show us your love anyway by registering in the box to the right. The more support we have (men and women, boys and girls!), the easier it will be to make it to the end.

A Desperate Day in Rehab II - video #10

WARNING: What you are about to see is alarming. So close to the end of 365 Fashion Rehab, it appears one fashionista is coming dangerously close to falling off the wagon...

Love, P

P.S. If you are having trouble viewing this video, please click here or watch it directly on YouTube.

Crossbody Confession

I have a confession to make. I already own a crossbody bag. In fact I own two. I recently wrote about my desire for the Rebecca Minkoff BF Leather Cross Body Pouch (which I admitted to the possibility of not buying because it didn't fit my lifestyle) and I also lusted after not one, but two crossbody bags in Lust-Have #14. The realization that I already own a bag not too dissimilar from those listed above came when I saw this pic of myself taken just weeks ago. I was so proud of myself for wearing this dress (I had owned it for three years and had never worn it!) that I lost track of the whole bag situation.

Oh little Bally crossbody bag, how could I have forgotten about you?

How could I possibly have not made the connection between what I was lusting after and what I already own? Images of my other bag came to mind as I was literally writing this post...

If I Could, I Would... 35 Days Left

Lust-Have #50

Black, Gold or Pink Puff Hairband from I Heart Accessories $19 CDN

I am big fan of the marvy new hairbands that have been hitting store shelves this year and I have been lusting after them for what feels like forever!

Okay, so it's only been 330 days. Still feels like forever as far as this Fashion Rehab-er is concerned.

I spied one in Club Monaco a while back (click here to see me sneak it on to my teeny tiny pea head) and I found a few more at I Heart Accessories that I think are adorable!

Which one would you pick?

Love, P

My Hole-y Wardrobe

After almost 11-months in Fashion Rehab, I have come to notice a few things about my closet, specifically the holes therein. It is unbelievable to me, and quite frightening/upsetting that I could have a wardrobe the size of a small apartment in NYC and still be missing these key pieces...

1. Flat black boots
2. Trench/Raincoat
3. Black pumps
4. Black leggings
5. An everyday-goes-with-everything-perfectly-sized-go-to bag (though this could be less of a hole in my closet and more of an addiction issue). Are A and I on the same quest? Apart from quitting shopping for a year, it seems we are both on The Quest for the Perfect Bag - read her marvy thoughts on the matter here.

Below is a little snapshot of the items I would die for to fill my closet cavities if money was no issue. It's good to have goals, right?

Frye Black Riding Boots, Burberry Trench, classic Louboutin pumps

If I Could, I Would... 37 Days Left

Lust-Have #49

Enchanted Garden Bobby Pins Etsy, $12

For only $12 you can update your hair from drab to dreamy with San Francisco based designer Liz Hutnick's romantic bobby pins. Pair it with a silk chiffon one-shouldered dress and you are all set. Sounds like a fairy tale to me!

Love, A

The Quest for the Perfect Bag

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted a Gucci bag. From the time I opened my first fashion magazine and saw one flung over the shoulder of a glamorous 90's supermodel, I was hooked. When my dear friend MM bought a Gucci hobo a couple of years back I was both insanely happy for her and, of course, just a wee bit jealous. MM works hard for her money, she is successful, and ultimately I think she is very deserving of a bag of that stature. She uses it almost everyday and is definitely getting her money's worth.

I know without a doubt that I will be purchasing some kind of handbag when this project is over. My everyday bags admittedly have seen better days. I am very guilty of "over-stuffing" when it comes to my purses and unfortunately that can cause even greater wear in shorter periods of time. Will it be Gucci? Something in my heart (or my bank account) tells me no. Regardless, I am on the hunt for a new tote and am seeking your advice. I have been eyeing this absolutely adorable Rebecca Minkoff cross-body bag for awhile now but it really is only big enough for a phone, wallet, and keys. Great for days when I am sans baby, but let's be real, when does that ever happen?

These are the qualities that this "bag-to-be" must posses: it must be leather, big enough to carry a large pouch full of baby related items (kind of like the size of a big ziplock bag), room for phone, wallet, tiny makeup bag, and it needs to be in a classic color (or print) in black, grey, or brown. What do you suggest? These are four of my top picks, what do you think?

See By Chloe Funny Love Tote, Rebecca Minkoff MAB Bag, both from Shopbop

Buying Makeup: Lesson 1 - Video #9

You can tell that P and I are really jonesing for new makeup. Our latest poll is about it, P wrote her own homage to it in Makeup Break-Up, and now here I am presenting you with a new video solely dedicated to the "m" word.

Love, A

P.S. If you are unable to view the video above, please click here to watch it on YouTube.

The Power of One

Alright, alright - if I have gone without for almost a year, then I want to know what is the one kind of makeup you can't live without. You know the drill: if someone had a gun to your head, you were exiled to a desert island, you were about to take on a crazy, nuts bananas project with your best friend that had you giving up shopping for a whole entire year...

Don't wait to pass "Go", vote immediately in our newest poll: Makeup Meltdown - Which Product is Your Must-Have? (see it right there on the right?). I, for one, could not live without mascara. I am blessed to have long eyelashes, but they are so light they're almost transparent! (And yes, that was one of the last things I bought as the hours before Fashion Rehab slipped away, but that's a post for another day.)

Now, spill! I can't wait to see what you choose.

Love, P

If I Could, I Would... 43 Days Left

Lust-Have #48

Hunter Boots in Boa Snake $225

Okay, the price may be a bit extreme but black snakeskin Wellies? What a super fab way to endure a rainy day!

In my opinion, these classics would be worth every penny.

But that's just me.

And bear in mind, I haven't shopped for 323 days...

Love, P