Wishlist/Shopping Bag

I've always had a taste for the finer things. Sadly, I've yet to have a bank account to match. Many times I just have to admire my luxe lusts from afar, but sometimes I luck out and fall in love with some spendy little piece that has a bargain-priced fraternal twin.

Here are some of the items on my champagne wishlist and the beer counterparts that are much more likely to end up in my shopping bag:

I adore these sweet but incredibly practical Stuart Weitzman peep-toe wedges. I feel like you could walk forever in them without sacrificing some fun and flirty style. At $400, they're probably a reasonable investment (SW shoes are well-made and should last for years), but not really in my budget right now. So I was pretty psyched to see this look-alike option at H&M for just $30. Same lipstick red color, same cork wedge, same peep-toe. This version seems slightly less comfortable -- the heel a little higher, the platform a little lower -- but a reasonable tradeoff for less than 1/10th of the price.

I discovered this cute little waist bag when I was looking for a good hands-free option for hitting the theme parks, and I loved the compact shape and mod perforated detail. Target made a verrrry similar style in a crossbody version that would also be a sleek and practical little bag.

I really love this graphic tote -- just a fabulous summer bag that you'd wear with a million things. It's interesting and practical and perfect in every way except for...wait, how much does it cost? Boo. Enter Forever 21 with very serviceable replica. The spirit is very much the same -- roomy tote, bold photorealistic palm tree print. I'm not sure that I love the pink and purple hues, but the price is definitely right.

Who doesn't dig a big bold crazy-old-lady tropical frond print? In my head I can pull off this funky jumpsuit...not sure I'm brave enough to actually go out in public, though. Again, Forever 21 has a much cheaper (and perhaps more practical) take on the trend. These separates would be fun to mix and match with other things in your wardrobe, and when worn together would give you that great wow factor.

I have the Facebook community to thank for this high-low pair. On the left, a sweet and feminine heel from the SJP line (and there's more than a little Carrie Bradshaw in these puppies). Nordstrom posted a picture on Facebook last month, and I noticed immediately that a number of ladies (and a few men) were lamenting in the comments about the lack of availability in larger sizes (preach!). One helpful commenter suggested checking out the pair on the right...from Payless!? Sure, the Christian Siriano pumps are not quite as elegant, but they could still be very fabulous if styled just right.

Wednesday Wishlist: The Bright Stripes

It is no secret I love a good stripe -- I have approximately one million classic striped shirts in all variations of black, white, and navy, and I frequently have to stop by myself from buying more (but this one has slightly thinner stripes! And this one has tiny buttons on the shoulder!).

Right now I'm digging a different stripe-y vibe -- bold, vibrant, and almost obnoxiously bright, these candy colored stripes are a perfect way to go screaming into summer.

(clockwise from l to r):

J. Crew Pleated Shell with Metallic Stripe ($158) -- I love this light and airy blouse with unexpected foil accents. If you're lucky enough to work in an office where you can get away with a bit of flash, this could be a fun little wardrobe workhorse.

Dash and Albert Rainbow Striped Tote ($65) -- I'm a sucker for a rainbow stripe, and I love a great roomy tote. I'm reminded of Marie Kondo's magic rule about possessions, and this one is a joy sparker for sure!

Diane von Furstenberg Rose Dress ($468) -- DvF does great dresses, and this one is no exception. Sure, it isn't your classic-wrap-dress-investment-piece-that-you'll-wear-forever, but it would be a fun buy if the right sale came along.

Mara Hoffman Romper ($168) -- I loved this gauzy rainbow print fabric in the shirtdress/beach coverup, and it works perfectly in a sweet little romper. If you're a child of the 80s, this should be a great hit of sartorial nostalgia.

Tory Burch Silk Shorts ($250) -- these crazy shorts are actually made of silk -- the knit yarn effect is just a print. Perfect with a crisp white button down and an easy pair of slides.

Boden Holiday Sandals ($68) -- I love these so much I want to order them RIGHT. NOW. Website says out of stock, but I'm hoping that just means they haven't officially come in stock as they seem like a Summer '15 item to me. They are like happy fireworks on your feet -- I have a black romper that I live in all summer and these would be absolutely darling.

Dorothy Perkins Yellow Stripe Floppy Hat ($21) -- I have never been a girl who wears a fabulous floppy hat to the beach, but I aspire to be her. This one looks perfect for keeping the sun off of my face, so maybe I need to give it a shot.