Polka Dot Pants for Less

It's hard for me to pass up polka dots!  I especially loved these Madewell polka dot trousers when I saw them in their fall lookbook, but I wasn't prepared to spend $98 on a style I might get sick of quickly.

(Madewell Salt & Pepper Slouch Pants, $98)

Lucky me, I recently spotted a similar pair at Forever 21, and I had to share: these polka dot trousers are just $19.80, plus free shipping!

(Forever 21 Polka Dot Trousers with Belt, $19.80)

Hopefully the quality will last a couple wears!  Unlike both photos above,  I think I'll be styling mine with a fun pair of pumps and maybe a colorful blouse.  I'll share more details when I get them! 

Halloween in Noir

Happy Halloween!  I didn't end up pulling together a costume this year, but I've pulled together some of my favorite black pieces to get myself in the a dark and creepy mood....

Max & Chloe black floral bib necklace, $60

Steven Madden black patent leather Loafers, $112

Leighelena black leather wrap bracelet, $124

ASOS oversized clutch, $27

Kate Spade black flower stud earrings, $98

J Crew silk shirt, $98

TopShop black lace skirt, $76

Just throw on a witch hat, and you'll be good to go...

There's Still Time to Pick up a Cape for Fall

Capes have been a huge trend in outerwear for the past couple of winters and this fall they're more widely available than ever.  More cozy and comfy than a coat, but just as stylish,  I think capes are here to stay.   Do you own one yet?   Here are some of my current favorites:

From Left to right, top to bottom:

Paul & Joe Sister Rouge Hooded Cape ($650 at my-wardrobe.com) -I adore this orange color!  I'd pair it with simple basics and let the cape be the star.

Green "Fatigue Finery" Cape (on sale for just $80 at Anthropologie) - This knitted version looks extra comfortable, and it's already on sale!

Grey check Shearling hood Cape ($120 – Dorothy Perkins) - A perfect fall plaid!

Leather Detail Navy Hooded "Takes the Cape" ($160 - ModCloth) - I'm a sucker for leather detailing on  outerwear; it feels very old school equestrian.

Steven Alan Fidelity Sportswear Duffle Cape ($186 at  stevenalan.com) - The buttons are the star of this Steven Alan piece.

J.Crew Knitted Camel Wool Cape ($200 at Net-a-Porter) -  This simple camel cape from J.Crew could go with anything from sequins to boyfriend jeans.

Happy Shopping!

A Super Cute (Baby) Gift Idea: Customized Blankets

On a recent hunt for a baby gift and I stumbled upon Butterscotch Blankees and I had to share. I think these customized blankets make great gifts for new babies AND adults.   They offer a full range of colors, so you can choose a classic baby blue or,  something more sophisticated that might work on adult bed:

At just $52 for the "Stroller size" custom blanket seems like a totally reasonable gift.   It took me forever to knit a baby blanket a couple of years ago. And, while I think something handmade is more special,  there is just not time in the day to knit one everyone.

I'm also considering this Hermes look-alike for myself. (The fact that my last name starts with an "H" makes me want most Hermes merchandise and this chic blanket is no exception, but almost $3,000 seems a bit excessive for a blanket.)

If you don't have any new babies you're shopping for, maybe think about ordering a custom throw for a unique Christmas gift?

Happy shopping!

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Would You Carry a Tool Bag for a Handbag?

(No, I'm not talking about this kind of tool bag)

Last weekend I was on the hunt for a replacement for our sorry "toolbox" (which is currently a worn out old shoebox) and I stumbled upon Klein Tools canvas tool bags.

(Klein 16" Canvas and Leather Tool Bag - $49.94 at Amazon)

$50 seems like a little much to spend on a canvas bag for tools, but I think one of these bags could make an awesome ant totally unique purse.  They have such a cool, authentic feel.   Upon browsing Amazon I found that Klein offers some other leather goods.  This one could also be cool open handbag:

(Klein Tools  15 inch Leather Bag - $100 at Amazon)

They also have some cool leather pouches that would be great for organizing stuff inside your handbag, or maybe as a clutch (A utilitarian twist on the American Apparel zippered clutches that it seems like everyone seems to be carrying)

(Klein Tools 12.5" Leather Pouch - $29.38 at Amazon)

If you like the look, but these are too utilitarian for you, there are some higher end brands that make similarly inspired bags.   I love the buttery yellow of this Heritage canvas and leather mason bag:

(Heritage canvas mason bag with leather bottom - $79 at Hickorees)

Or finally, Fleabags has some beautiful looking versions in a variety of colors and patterns.   The classic beige and brown leather is my favorite

("The Original Flea" in pebble - $440 at Fleabags)

So, what do you think?  Would you ever carry  one of the Klein tool bags or would you hold out for a more conventional handbag?