Satin Stella clutch

I don't own an evening bag. The best I have is a gold Coach hobo bag that's pretty large. But it's gold, so that makes me think evening.

I could use a clutch, and I've always thought Kate Spade would be the answer...but they're so expensive, and I would so rarely use it.

JCrew just came out with this: Satin Stella clutch. Satin, bright, adorable. $88 - Totally acceptable.

Should I do it? Ehh...I'm so frugal.

JCrew.com - Sale!

The Metallic-leather knotted Capri sandals are $30 and the Solid classic pique polo is $20. I've been raiding the JCrew sale (again). We're in between summer and fall, and deals are to be had!

I also picked up a $6 ribbon belt, two more $15 shelf bra tanks (not on sale, but still cheap). And two stripped work shirts. All items under $30.

On the whole, I think JCrew's prices are absolutely outrageous and I would never by anything retail, when the sales are consistently this awesome and happen about half way through the season. Besides, JCrew's seasonality is so early you can always find cheap pieces for fall.

eBay Express - There is life after death.

I bought these boots two years ago at a Michael Kors Sample Sale at his corporate office in mid town. I paid $100, and I was/am in love. They lived with me day in and day out through two New York Winters. They were the first pair of shoes I took to my local shoe repair, begging Michael to save them. He scolded me for not brining them in before I had destroyed them - They're 100% leather, they needed protection.

I berated myself for not buying two pairs (like I've ever done that). They're so comfortable, they'll never go out of style. I'm such a fool.

I'm browsing eBay express today. I see my boots, my size, for $42. What? WHAT?

Stunned, I loving reach for my credit card. They're being shipped tomorrow.

Forever 21 - Summer Dresses

This dress is $27, probably one of the most expensive dresses at Forever 21, and completely 1960's adorable. Forever 21 could be named "21" for the abundance of $21 price tags, and for the most part, everything dress related is fashionable - casual only, though I did find a black Jackie-o cut dress that is serving me well at work.

The physical store drives me crazy. Everything is messy, the girls who shop there are young and ruthless and there is a pervasive lack of "S" and "XS" which makes me feel like I'm attending a bad afterparty.

The secret is the website - $7.00 Shipping, but who cares when you're buying outfits for $15?

All these years I knew a jersey dress shouldn't cost $117 (hello Banana Republic), and I was right.

My Recommendation: Dressy Tops / Dresses - Summer Only, and stick with 100% Cotton.

Victoria's Secret Foldover Yoga Pants

While we're on the theme of Yoga. I bought these Foldover Yoga Pants from Victoria's Secret (online) several months ago. They were "2 for $40" - Inexpensive, amazingly flattering, amazingly comfortable.

They're now my go-to pants for the beach, the I just got home from work, and the gym.

Also great that you can order them in one of three lengths (30" inseam, 32" inseam, 34" inseam). I'm 5'2" and consistently getting everything hemmed for another $20 - Not in this case! The 30" inseam fit perfectly.

When I bought them there were more color options available, but the standards are still there. Still, I highly recommend these.

JCrew - Featherweight cotton solid V-neck sweater

On Sale - $40. Need I say more? I bought two of these, they're light, and are perfect with everything...especially my dull winter don't talk to me I'm in a suit clothes. Nine happy colors available.

Satya Jewelry Sample Sales

My favorite local jeweler is Satya Jewelry. I first discovered Satya when my college roommate told me about their Sample Sales. I couldn't go, but she brought me home these wonderfully simple, elegant semi-precious green drop earrings. They're my favorite - similar shown above - I actually got this exact pair at the next Sample Sale - for $25, retails for $68.

I signed up for their mailing list (see bottom), and was happily notified next December that they'd be having a Sample Sale in their new SoHo location.

The most amazing sample sale I've been to in New York - Thousands of top notch pieces, all for $25, rings $15. They retail in triple digits, easily.

Satya has two Sample Sales a year, one right before Christmas and one in June.

eBay for Citizens Jeans

I love these. I won these Citizens of Humanity "Skull Bunny" Jeans for $81 on eBay, and they retail for $185.

Here's the scoop - I know my size in Citizens: 26. This was the first time I was confident enough to bid for jeans on eBay - I went for it. Huge payoff - This company has totally standard sizing. I highly recommend buying a pair on eBay for 60% off Market Price.

JCrew - Favorite tank with shelf bra

I just got this "tank with shelf bra" from JCrew - In Dark Flamingo (above) and Vivid Lime. Up until now I've stayed away from the "shelf bra" factor, but I'm so happy I took the plunge. This is the most comfortable shirt I've ever owned. All of my other shirts pale in comparison -- I'm ready to burn my bras. Also, this tank top is longer than there previous models, which I enjoy...I'm sick of shirts that rise up, I'm 22, not 12.

2 for $30 at JCrew.com