Katie's Birthday Wish List

Regan shared her birthday wish list, so I thought it was only fitting that I do the same. Less than one shopping-month left non-existent extravagant gift-giving readers and friends (or captive audience of Dr. B). Because this is our blog and we can write and wish what we want, I'm going to go ahead and put it all out there. A few of these are somewhat reasonable, but others most are just down right pipe dreams.

Let's start with the realistic. Everyone and their sister (including mine) has one of these and swears by it. I should probably just go out and buy one, but let's put it on the list for practicality reasons. 

On my recent trip to Nashville I lost my favorite Chanel sunglasses....some lucky (sticky-fingered) conference attendee is sporting some nice polarized French sunnies. So now I'm in the market for a new pair. I'll take these "Marmonts" from Valley Eyewear under my birthday tree. 

A good carryon bag is a must-have. I've got a good bag for work travel but want something a little more sophisticated when we jet off to exotic places (i.e. go to New York for Jets games). This would do the trick for the Jet-setting....

Or perhaps a Goyard duffle with a monogram...what birthday girl doesn't love a good monogram?

But this is probably a more sensible (and budget-friendly) option and plays more to the mountain girl in me...

This might work too. 

I've been "needing" a good trench coat for a while, and no one does it better than Burberry. This would be a piece I'd have forever. I'd go for the Kensington Long Heritage Trench, if you're asking. 

And last on the list....the most practical (and most expensive) is a built-in for our mud room. Yes, this is what happens in your mid-thirties...but man, would I have a pretty place to hang my imaginary Burberry trench. 

Let's Talk Luxury

Before I began writing this blog, I read a fascinating book called Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in fashion.

Here is a quick book synopsis: 

"Once luxury was available only to the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty. It offered a history of tradition, superior quality, and a pampered buying experience. Today, however, luxury is simply a product packaged and sold by multibillion-dollar global corporations focused on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits. Award-winning journalist Dana Thomas digs deep into the dark side of the luxury industry to uncover all the secrets that Prada, Gucci, and Burberry don’t want us to know. Deluxe is an uncompromising look behind the glossy façade that will enthrall anyone interested in fashion, finance, or culture." 

The book, for me, was a wonderful education on the history of the world's most premiere luxury brands: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, etc. I also learned random tidbits such as the fact that Emilio Pucci went to Reed College here in Portland where his first designs were for the ski team. 

At the time I read this book, I didn't own anything "luxurious". I have since acquired a Louis Vuitton handbag, wallet and duffle. Unfortunately the quality of these items hasn't impressed me. I've had to exchange one bag, have had the second repaired, have a faulty zipper I've yet to deal with and the wallet has started to fall apart in a few places. It is clear that the quality of Louis Vuitton leather goods is no where near what they were decades ago, but the prices have continued to rise.

So where does that leave me? Honestly, I don't know that I will ever buy another item from Louis Vuitton. I know that I can get higher quality products for less money. As for other luxury brands, I think I will stick to buying on consignment only.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with Louis Vuitton or other luxury brands? 

What I Wore

This past weekend I had the opportunity to wear some of my recent purchases! First, on Friday night we dined at our favorite Portland restaurant, Caffe Mingo. The weather was amazing, so we enjoyed dinner al fresco! The Mini and I especially liked the apple crisp dessert.

Back to the outfits. I wore my Joe Fresh lace shorts from JCP (seen previously here), Ralph Lauren sweater from Consign Design and my Target glitter sandals (seen here and here). 

The light is terrible, but you get the idea. I think next time I will go for a lighter color top.

Then on Saturday I again wore the Target Sandals. This time paired with the Levi's Denim Jacket from Costco (blogged about here), an old J Crew cotton blouse, my LV Speedy30 and Keepall strap (the cost effective solution) and white Gap 1969 Skimmer Jeans. I blogged about this same style in camouflage a while back (here). I ended up returning those and getting the white instead. The fit of these pants is perfect! I want to get them in every color!

Our outing included a trip to Ikea...a perfect place to snap a full-length photo!

The Portland weather has been amazing, so maybe I will be dressing myself a bit more in the coming weeks. 

Splurge vs. Save

The other night my BFF was over for dinner with her husband. Both of us have the LV Speedy 30, and a few years ago she got a thin strap for hers so she can wear it across her body.

My +1 and I are taking a trip to San Francisco in June (without the Mini Fashionista), and I really would like to carry my LV bag since it's not practical for everyday wear with the Mini. That said, I get tired of carrying it on my forearm, especially now since I've developed "tennis elbow" from carrying my 28lb child!

I suggested to my +1 that a strap would make a wonderful Mother's Day Gift. I figured it wouldn't be that costly, but I was wrong. They are over $200 for the thin, simple strap! No surprise...LV isn't exactly budget friendly. After my +1 gasped in horror, and kindly reminded me that I am not actually his mother and that I have plenty of luxury vinyl, my friend suggested I use the strap from my LV Keepall instead.

I quickly ran to my closet, grabbed the strap, and presto chango, for no additional cost (notice I didn't say "no cost"), I have a strap for my speedy 30! Both my friend and I agreed that it looks pretty great!

Clearly the strap hasn't been used much as it looks brand new. I better get working on that.

So, moral of the story... I could have splurged and bought a very expensive strap, but instead I shopped in my closet and found an even better solution! Thanks SKC for the idea! You are the best, and not just because you came up with this great idea!

P.S. A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Mini Fashionista who is 2 years old today! And she's already accessorizing. This girl is like her mom and her aunt and LOVES Angela Caputi!

Consign Design Recap

Each trip to Sun Valley requires a visit (who am I kidding...multiple visits) to Consign Design. If you follow C&C, you know that Katie and I have found many a treasure there....it is my favorite store, EVER. PERIOD! It's that good! Let me refresh your memory...Chanel, D&G, Ferragamo, Missoni...need I say more.

I can never walk away empty handed.....and this trip was no exception. I scored a beautiful navy Ralph Lauren cable knit Cashmere sweater (a great basic), and more importantly feast your eyes on my new fur vest.

It's faux....if I wore the real thing in Portland I would probably get paint thrown on me. If I lived in Sun Valley, I would definitely go for the real thing. One of these two would suffice.

The hombre Chinchilla coat is heavenly. It is reversible to a black waterproof so you can wear the fur on the inside as well ($785). I didn't look at the price of the vest.

And as always, there are fabulous dresses. You know how much I die for Oscar de la Renta. This classic shift dress ($485) is to die for, and the detail and work in the crochet dress is exquisite.

You can never go wrong with DVF (especially at these prices...both are $85)! This basic black dress has leather trim and an exposed zipper (excuse the terrible photos).

This DVF has the most fantastic print!

As always, there was an amazing selection of shoes and handbags from the most coveted of brands. I die for these Stuart Weitzman suede wedge boots ($135)! And if you like to show off your labels, some LV and Prada heels!

I saved the best for last....handbags, lots and lots of to die for handbags. First, a Thomas Wylde Cross Body for $1,185. Not my style, but GORGEOUS. Then the two I drooled over, a black quilted Chanel for $2,400 and a Chloe for $485. Wish I had walked out of the store with both.

And, the best news of all to share with our C&C readers who can't make the trip to Idaho to shop at Consign Design....in the very near future, they will be opening an ebay shop! We will be sure to keep you posted! Start saving now! These deals are too good to miss.

Worth Sharing

Sometimes I find something so fabulous that I wonder if I should just keep it to myself? I know that sounds selfish, but with social networking and communication running at the speed of light, is anything really unique and authentic anymore? Not really, but I guess that is why I love reading other blogs, looking at Pinterest, Instagram, facebook, etc.... I digress....anyway, a few weeks ago on the blog Sadie and Stella I spotted this fantastic Gigi python tote with a gold embossed monogram. This bag looks expensive like a Goyard or Louis Vuitton but is actually a fraction of the price at only $285. Doesn't it look far more expensive?

And it comes in a variety of really fantastic colors. Which would you choose? 

The pink or orange would be my choice. This is being added to my birthday wish list!

There's No Place Like Consign Design

Every trip to Sun Valley requires multiple trips to Consign Design, the local designer consignment store. This place is a label lover's Mecca!! If you are a regular follower of C&C, you know that both Katie and I have had fantastic luck when shopping there, and my recent trip was no exception. I will save my fabulous finds for a later post, but in the meantime, here are some of the beautiful things I had to leave behind....sigh.....

The title of this post was inspired by these Miu Miu shoes. They made me want to click my heels together and say "there's no place like consign design, there's no place like consign design." They were a great price at $125, but at the end of the day I just couldn't justify them after my other purchases. That doesn't mean I haven't stopped dreaming about them...another sigh...

Now let's talk Chanel. These two bags were in beautiful condition and unbelievably priced below $2000. I know that still seems like a fortune, but I promise, you won't find Chanel anywhere at these prices.

This one was purchased after these photos were taken.

Didn't it suit me well?

As of my last visit, this one was still waiting for someone to give it a home. 

This Ralph Lauren jacket still had the tags on it and retailed for $498. It was priced at $200, which is very reasonable, but again, not a necessity for me. Although, it did complete my outfit perfectly!

And now for more handbags....There was also a smaller version of this Balenciaga that sold for $475. The picture makes it look more grey than the actual light blue/aqua color.

This limited edition LV (never carried) is priced at $2700, which is less than the retail price, but still a lot of money...a bit too much if you ask me. I'll take the Chanel instead. It's just luxury vinyl.

I've said it before, and I will say it again...if you are ever in Sun Valley, this should be your first stop! Or maybe you should just plan a trip! I've never walked away empty handed.

Stay tuned for a post on all my fabulous finds! 

Shoes + Bag

Recently a friend's +1 contacted me looking for gift advice. He wants to buy her a really fabulous handbag and pair of shoes, but he doesn't really know where to start. So, here are a few options.

If he wants one stop shopping, Kate Spade is one of my personal favorites, and a store in which you can never go wrong.... I have a similar bag and own the Karolina heels, and they are probably my most favorite pair of shoes.

Gold Coast Maryanne $478

Karolina Patent Pump $298

And if wants to go big....you can never go wrong with a little Choo.

Cosmic Platform Pump $695

Logan D'Orsay Pump $525

  Kilda Peep Toe Pump $995

Crown Pump $745

all available at Nordstrom

And some Luxury Vinyl...a.k.a Louis Vuitton. 

Neverfull $870

Delightful Monogram PM $890

Totally GM $1290

Stamp of Approval

If you are looking for a way to personalize your LV, that doesn't require putting a gigantic monogram down the side (see previous post), Hot Stamping is a great option. Hot Stamping can be used on all LV soft-sided products, small leather goods, and luggage tags. I like it!

One Monogram Too Many

I love my Louis Vuitton, but I am not completely sold on the idea of adding a monogram to the already "monogrammed" luggage and totes. Is this one monogram too many?

image via

My Wish List

Every girl has a wish list, whether it includes a handbag, a dress, a house, or to acquire a new talent. If money were no object (as if that is ever the case), what would be on your wish list? In the next two weeks I will post the Wish Lists of some of my readers.

Here is my current Wish List. It's focused on fashion, but it certainly goes beyond shoes, clothes, and handbags...

1. Chanel Tweed



2. A Swiss made watch (like this Patek Phillipe)





3. Christian Louboutin shoes (that means multiple pairs)




4. "Timeless Classic" Chanel 2.55 handbag




5. Oscar de la Renta dress (the event will determine the dress, but really any old Oscar will do)



6. My mother's Louis Vuitton trunk that belonged to my grandmother. She used it during their trips across the Atlantic when her father was in the Army. (it looks like the one below)