• Home
  • About
  • Daily Topics
  • Good Reads
  • Contact
 

LL4L Special Guest Post: 4 Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List...The Tote Bag Edition!

5/24/2011

 
For my latest edition of  "4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List" I am thrilled to introduce you to Debbie, who is one of my closest friends, and who also happens to be my older sister!

Debbie is such an inspiration to me...she is a working mother of two, an incredible sister, and a loving daughter and wife!  I don't know how she does it all and always manages to look so amazing and put together...as I expect my first baby on the way, she has definitely been my go to source on how to be a young chic and savvy mother.

I'm thrilled to have Debbie sharing her top "4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List" with us today.  She chose to focus on tote bags because they are so important for the mom on the go!  Here is what Debbie chose...

The STEALS
Debbie: Now that I have two kids, I have so much to carry around so having a couple of cute tote bags is critical! 

I have found some very cute tote bags for $50 or less....

The first bag is from my good friend’s store in Concord called Hatch.  Hatch is a very modern and chic store that carries gifts, household goods, and baby and women’s clothing and accessories.  Here is a link that will tell you more about Hatch: http://concord.patch.com/listings/hatch-3

Bag #1: I bought this Ann Judge tote bag at Hatch recently for $50!
Picture

Bag #2: The 2nd tote bag that I am featuring is from Ballard Designs.  You can get a large tote bag from Ballard Designs for just $25 which includes free monogramming!

Picture
Ballard Large Tote Bags, Ballard Designs, $25

Bag #3: The 3rd bag that I am featuring is from Lands End Canvas and it is on sale for just $16.99. I like the navy and orange options.  You can also get this bag monogrammed for just $5!
Picture
Ragtop Stripe Canvas Top, Lands End Canvas, On Sale for $16.99

Bag #4: For my 4th bag I would like to feature a straw bag which could be used for just about anything including fun trips to the beach.  J Crew has a very cute Farmer’s Market Bag which also comes in red and blue stripes...
Picture
Stripe Farmer's Market Tote, J.Crew, $49

And if the J.Crew bag seems too expensive Target also has a cute straw bag from the Calypso collection...

Picture
Calypso St. Barth for Target Natural Straw Tote With Scarf, $24.99

The SPLURGE
Bag #5: I hardly ever splurge on things anymore but when I do I like to see what Nordstrom has to offer.  So if I was going to splurge on a tote bag and did not have to worry about the price or sippy cups or bottles spilling in my bag, then I would buy this leather tote bag from Tory Burch. I like the brown bag but it also comes in black and tan for $450!

Picture
Tory Burch 'Bombe' Glazed Leather Tote, Nordstrom, $450

But my favorite tote bag is not for sale...my daughter gave this tote bag to me for Mother’s Day!  I asked her if she made it at school and she said “No Paula (her teacher) made it!”.  Oh well it is the thought that counts!
 
Picture
Hope everyone had a great Mothers Day!

-Debbie

LL4L Special Guest Post: 4 Under $50 & 1 Splurge Wish List!

2/23/2011

 
Today I am presenting a new edition of  "4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List!"  Today's guest host is one of my oldest and dearest friends: Amanda Reade Sturgeon! 

Amanda and I met in boarding school longer ago than I would like to admit, and since then we have stayed the closest of friends.  While I am happy to say that Amanda and I are now lucky to  live near one another in NYC, there were a few years when I lost her to the west coast, and she took up residence in St. Helena in Napa Valley.  During her time in St. Helena, Amanda interned at the French Laundry and later was a Sommelier at The Martini House where she met her handsome husband who just happens to be a culinary wizard in the kitchen!  Now that she lives in NYC, Amanda is the Wine Director at Dovetail Restaurant on the Upper West Side in Manhattan.  

Amanda is a dear friend of mine, but she also is an expert in food and wine, and just happens to have impeccable taste and style! 

I'm thrilled to have Amanda sharing her top "4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List" with us today!  Here is what she chose...
Picture
Apilco Large Ramekins, Williams-Sonoma, Set of 4, $29
Amanda: We use ramekins like this for everything from eating soup, serving pot pies, to use when it's cocktail time and we put out snacks.  They are so practical, timeless, and last forever.  And for some reason it never seems like we have enough. 

Picture
Huet Vouvray Pétillant Brut Loire France 2005 $29
Amanda: Sparkling Vouvray rocks.  When looking for sparkling wines at affordable prices, it is often beneficial to look outside of Champagne.  Made in France's Loire Valley with the Chenin Blanc grape, Vouvray is full of stone fruit notes and slightly floral tones.  This producer, Gaston Huet, is considered one of the top.  Pétillant is the style of sparkling wine, meaning that its bubbles are a little less aggressive than others, but they are still there- providing a bead (stream of bubbles that you see in your glass) that is tighter and smaller.

Picture
Black Truffle Salt, Dean & Deluca, $28
Amanda:I love salt.  We have an arsenal of different textured and flavored salts that are so great to use as a final touch to many foods: currently at home we have Kosher, Fleur de Sel, Sel Gris, Slovenian Sea Salt, and Celery Salt.  But we are out of Truffle Salt, which I love to add just a tiny amount to when I make popcorn.  This black truffle salt from Dean & Deluca is similar to the salt sold at Chelsea Market's Filling Station where their Black Truffle Salt sells for $18.95.

Picture
Juliska 'Isabella' Small Tumbler, $46
Amanda: Juliska glassware is beautiful.  My job revolves around wine, and even though at work I want to have varietal-appropriate stemware, at home I prefer to use small glass tumblers.  Primarily because it keeps my accident-prone husband far away from the fragile Riedels that we have, and because living in New York our storage space is limited, so I like to have glasses that can do double duty.  I have amassed a small collection of different vintage styles that I often like to mix-and-match.  This tumbler looks like the perfect size to use for my morning juice, water, or even a glass of wine or two! 

Amanda has so many fabulous wishes under $50 that she treated us to one more reasonable splurge...
Picture
Albert Boxler Pinot Gris Alsace France 2004, $29
Amanda: Albert Boxler makes phenomenal wines from the Alsace region of France, which is in the northeast, bordering Germany.  It has the most amazing and rich texture to it, and super honeyed fruit.  Just a teeny bit off-dry (aka a little bit sweet), it works so well with so many different foods.  I would have it with roast chicken, anything with herbs and lemon, cheese, the list goes on.  The perfect winter white.

And Amanda's BIG SPLURGE...
Picture
AGA Correa & Son Turk's Head 5-Strand Bracelet in 14K Gold, $6900
Amanda: I grew up spending my summers on the water, sailing.  When we would visit my sister's godmother at her house on Nantucket every year, I always always would head into town and get a white rope Turk's Head bracelet, wearing it nonstop until school started, and then I would take it off and marvel at my tan line.  Now that I am older, I am crazy about this gold version from Maine jeweler AGA Correa & Son.  I would wear it for years to come.

Thank you Amanda! 

LL4L Special Guest Post: 4 Under $50 & 1 Splurge Wish List!

1/12/2011

 
Hello Readers!  Sorry for the long break...this is my busiest time of year at work, but luckily there is an end in sight!  I am coming up on the tail end of a very busy month, and I hope to have more time for LL4L soon! 

In the meantime I am lucky to have my fabulous friends help me continue to live a luxe life for less!

Today I am presenting a new edition of  "4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List!"  Today's host, Alex, is one of my closest friends, who also happens to have fabulous taste, and always seems to find great bargains!  Alex and I met 7 years ago when we started work at the same school on the same day. At the time  our boss prepared both of us for our first introduction, and warned us that, "you two are VERY DIFFERENT!"  My boss's warning scared me...how different could I be from Alex?  Well it turns out that Alex and I could not have more in common, and we ended up going shopping the first day we met at the J. McLaughlin Outlet nearby!  7 years later, we still laugh that anyone could think that we were that different...we have so much in common from our favorite wine to our obsession with vintage Lilly shifts! 

Here is Alex's Wish List with 4 Items Under $50, and of course 1 Splurge...
Picture
Kate Spade Gum Drop Studs, $38
Alex: I've been admiring these earrings in pink for a few weeks now...
LL4L Note: I have these in clear and I love them!  Great purchase. :)
Picture
Lands End No Iron Pinpoint Cotton Shirt, $44.50
$49.50 with Monogram

Alex: My favorite white shirt.  I have one with a monogram on the cuff and all it ever needs is a quick touch-up with the steamer.
Picture
Gap Red Velvet City Flat, $28.99
Alex: How great are these?  I can't believe I didn't find these before the holidays. They also come in navy- get them both!
Picture
Old Navy Skinny Jeans, $29.50
Alex: I don't think skinny jeans work for my body-type but they look great on my cyber-bod!
 
And get ready to start drooling...the Splurge!
Picture
H. Stern DVF Sutra Bracelet, $9,800
Alex: I love this bracelet.  My husband gave me the most amazing chunky gold link bracelet for Christmas a few years back.  Its extra special because it belonged to his grandmother.  I wear it almost every day and it really adds the final touch that polishes off any outfit. 
 
Thank you Alex for your help with today's post and for choosing such lovely Luxe for Less Items and One Splurge!  I think these skinny jeans will be in my Old Navy cyber cart very soon!

"4 Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List" Series Featuring Chic 'n Cheap Living!

12/22/2010

 
Today I am happy to introduce the second installment of my new series:
"4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List!"

For today's post I am honored to have one of my first blogging friends, and someone who has such a great eye for a good deal...Aimee from Chic 'n Cheap Living!

I'm Chic 'n Cheap Living and as you can tell by the name, I'm a lady with a lot in common with our dear hostess.  We both have a fond appreciation for living luxe, but saving when possible and choosing quality items worth the price.  Luxurious items are definitely accessible - I like to shop around, look for sales, and keep an ongoing wishlist with Wishpot or pinterest.

Accessories and home decor are great categories with so many different possibilities in every price range so they made up the majority of my wish list for gifts that are $50 or less.  I also believe in splurging once in a while and a statement making suit is definitely something I'd like in my wardrobe (OK still may wait for a sale on that one, but isn't it chic?)  Here are my choices...

Picture
Kate Spade Pop Art Spot Bangle, $42
Picture
J.Crew Glitter Belt, $24.50
(Note from LL4L: If this item is out of stock online or at your local J.Crew store, this skinny glitter belt from Talbots for $29 is another great option!)
Picture
Tilly Losch Fashion Watercolor Print by Cate Parr, $35
Picture
CB2 Galvanized 12 Bottle Wine Rack, $49.50
(Note from LL4L: If this beautiful wine rack is no longer available online or at your local CB2 store, this 12 bottle wooden wine rack from Crate and Barrel is also gorgeous and a great deal!)
Picture
Donna Karan Jacket with Chain Mail Belt, $2,495.00
Donna Karan Streamlined Pull On Pants, $895


Thanks to Jen for having me and have a lovely vacation!  Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Luxe for Less "4 Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List" Series Featuring Starfish and Sundresses!

12/14/2010

 
Dear Readers...Thank you for your patience as I try and balance out a few new changes in my life.  As promised I am trying to get back to the blog as soon as possible!  I miss connecting with all of you and sharing great ways to spend less and live better!

For today's post I am happy to introduce a new Wednesday series at Living Luxe for Less called "4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List!"

In the future I hope to connect with some of my favorite bloggers, friends, and family members, who I believe have great taste and ask them to share 4 things under $50 that are on their wish list, and then one splurge...the sky's the limit!

Today I am honored to have one of my favorite bloggers, Lindsay from Starfish and Sundresses, start off this series.  Lindsay has impeccable taste and her blog is at the top of my daily "must read" list!  Look at the four fabulous things she found for less than $50..this cake print by Paul Ferney MUST find it's way into my kitchen too!
Thank you Lindsay!

Hi Living Luxe for Less readers! I'm so excited to be sharing a few of the things on my wish list this holiday season. Sticking with the "Luxe for Less" theme, all of these items are under $50 with the exception of one big splurge! 
Untitled
I'm loving anything from Paul Ferney's Let Them Eat Cake series. His Le Fleur Giclee would be the perfect addition to my kitchen. I can never have enough Kate Spade Stationery and their "Tickled Pink" set is too adorable to pass up. My mom likes to stuff our stockings with goodies from Sephora (she's amazing, I know!) and every year I ask for a set of my favorite Stila Lip Glazes to last me through the year. Gorjana's Chloe Studs are classic, simple, and will go with everything! For my splurge gift I couldn't resist but pick this Rebecca Minkoff Minaudiere even though it's sold out. Sounds like some ebay stalking is in order! 
Thank you so much, Jenn for asking me to participate and for continuing to inspire us here at Living Luxe for Less. Happy Holidays everyone!

    Follow




    Follow Me on Pinterest

    Categories

    All
    4 Under $50 & 1 Splurge
    Baby
    Beauty
    Coastal Chic
    Coastal Home
    Entertaining
    Exercise
    Expert Wine Picks
    Fashion
    Favorite Things $25 Or Less
    Food And Wine
    Free Iphone App
    Gifts
    Giveaway
    Guest Post
    Health & Fitness
    Jewelry & Accessories
    Love Love Love
    Luxe For Less Interviews
    Luxe Home
    Luxe Laughs
    Luxe Or Less?
    Luxe Or Less?
    Luxe Reads
    Luxe Travel
    Maternity
    Outlet Spotlight
    Paper
    Recipes
    Shopping
    Wedding
    What I
    What I'm Drinking
    Wildcard

    Archives

    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.