Modcloth - The Astor Trench ($99.99)

There are so many nice things about this trench coat that I hardly know where to begin. Let's start at the top and move our way to the bottom. I do love a white coat but they're hardly practical, with all the oh sitting and stuff I need to do, but this coat combines the beauty of white with the practicality of a darker color where the coat may get dirty. So smart! The thoughtful details aren't overwhelming and it has a really nice silhouette that would look good on anyone large to small (which is convenient since it's still available in those sizes!).

Michael Antonio Kenna Shoes ($44.97)

I'm looking for some bright heels to wear with a simple black dress to a company holiday party, and these blue beauties from Shiekh shoes just might do it. Black and blue don't usually go, but this blue is bright enough that I think they'd be a nice surprise for the eye if they happen to look down that low. I especially like the extra strap - they would be sort of hoochie without it. Another plus is that with the 4.5" heel, I'll be a whopping 5'7"!

Sephora The Lash Stash ($35)

Are you always on the hunt for the perfect mascara? I know I am. The worst part of the hunt is when you open a new brand of mascara with optimism and it disappoints, even on the first application. Then you have to keep using it for the next few months so it doesn't go to waste. I also find that mascara starts to dry out after a couple weeks, which means clumping, so I end up throwing them out and starting over again after about 2 months. So check out what Sephora just came up with that solves both of my mascara issues - The Lash Stash is a limited-edition kit of 10 of Sephora's most popular mascaras, all in mini size. At $35, this averages out to $3.50 per tube. Even though the tubes are small, I figure I'll get at least a couple months of use out of each, which is the same as I get out of a regular tube. Maybe I'll even find one in this stash that doesn't dry out so quickly!

Fraise Oiseau Necklace ($22)

Here's another one from etsy.com, my go-to site for things that are unique and inexpensive, and often handmade. Also, these days, I really like the idea of helping out an artist who might be trying to make a living through their art. This Fraise Oiseau Necklace (quick French lesson: "fraise" means strawberry and "oiseau" means swallow, like the bird) is made with vintage beads and brass. The seller will make the necklace any length for you, which is a nice touch.

Target Go International Crisscross Dress ($9.99)

Target is having a huge clearance on summer clothing. There are shirts for under $5, dresses for under $10 and jackets around the same. Lots of cute options, but this Go International Crisscross Dress stands out to me because, well, it doesn't look like you bought it from Target!

About Attitude Cassady Faux Leather Bag ($55)

Do you need a new bag for fall? Or maybe just want one? Here's one that won't set you back too many dollars - it's the Cassady faux leather bag from About Attitude. Gold is a neutral and goes with everything, and it has lots of extra pockets.

Forever 21 Antique Cat Necklace ($2.99)

Ok so you probably know by now that I love cats. I have 3 of them. But, I draw a very distinct line before "crazy cat lady" by not surrounding myself with any cat paraphernalia. You know what I'm talking about...the cat shower curtains, cat pot holders, and cat sweaters, etc. Still, I find this Antique Cat Necklace from Forever 21 irresistible, I think because even a person not obsessed with cats might wear it. Whereas if you aren't obsessed with cats, you don't have them all over your shower curtain. Get the distinction? Because it's very important to me that you don't think I'm a crazy cat lady, just because I want to wear one around my neck all day. Right??

Hush Puppies Adeline ($110)

Is it officially fall yet? I fancy myself a summer girl, but when the evenings start to have that bite and the sun sets a little earlier, I have to admit I get a little thrill. Maybe it's because I am a major home body and cooler weather makes me want to cozy up at home, but it could also be because I looooove boots and they just don't make sense in a SoCal summer. This season, I'm all about booties, so if they're not your thing, I'll pre-apologize for the sure to be many posts about them in the future (and today). These Adeline booties by Hush Puppies certainly aren't the cheapest booties out there, but have you ever bought a cheap pair of boots and ended up with sore toes and arches and heels and who knows what kind of blisters? They're just not worth the money in the end because it's all about the CPW, cost per wear. And if you wear your $50 boots only once, then well, they weren't such a great deal after all. Anyway these are sure to be comfortable so the CPW should be miniscule, making it a steal!

Forever 21 Pleated Chiffon Dress ($27.80)

Inexpensive, classic, lady-like dresses can be hard to find, which is why I was especially excited to come across this Pleated Chiffon Dress at Forever 21. I like the high neck and wide waistband in lace, but it's the pleated chiffon that makes this a classic. You could wear this at any age.

Jeffrey Campbell Cutout Wedge ($50)

It's not often that a super trend catches my eye but ooh wouldn't these Jeffrey Campbell Cutout Wedges look cute with a short dress. I'd even wear them to a club, just to look different. They're from Urban Outfitters and they're on sale.

Topshop Leather Clutch ($30)

If you've been to London and you are a shopper, you've been to Topshop. Lucky for us in the U.S., Topshop has opened an online store just for us so we don't have to pay overseas shipping. I was tempted many times before but always had a reality check before hitting "Make Purchase." I think this Leather Clutch will be my first stateside Topshop purchase. I love the pale camel color and it simplicity.

Anthropologie Postcard Bangle ($48)

I always like to have reminders of travel with me for mini-escapes during a hectic day. How about, instead of looking down at a watch on your wrist, you get a little glimpse of another world on this Postcard Bangle? I know this isn't the cheapest bracelet on earth, it's certainly cheaper than a plane ticket to Europe! I think I'm craving a vacation - can you tell?

Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6)

Smith's Rosebud Salve has been softening lips and cuticles since 1895 and has probably been blogged about since the world first started blogging, but I just got my first tin a few days ago and I just have to tell you about it. It's the smoothest, non-stickiest, nicest smelling lip balm I've ever tried. What makes it special is that it goes on so smooth and looks glossy - you could definitely use this as a gloss or on top of any lipstick to make it glossy, and it never ever feels sticky. It has a lovely, natural scent that isn't just inoffensive, but there's something interesting about it and I can't stop sniffing it. Though I haven't tried it for anything but chapped lips, but it's supposed to work on burns and stings and even hair flyaways. Everyone must have their own tin of this amazing stuff!

Ruche Captured in Romance Birdcage Necklace ($10)

Miniatures always take me back to my days of obsession with dollhouses. I don't know what it is about things in miniature, but I love them. Combine that with my latest love for animal accessories and I don't think I can imagine another day without this Captured in Romance Birdcage Necklace. It makes me happy just looking at it.

Ruche Floral Blue Sheer Shirt Dress ($23)

Doesn't this dress make you want to run through a field picking flowers and putting them in a basket and maybe one behind your ear? It's carefree and simple, looks like it could have been worn decades ago.

Martha Stewart Best Wishes Garland ($1)

Though you'll have to assemble this yourself, this Best Wishes Garland by Martha Stewart is a great bang for your buck - literally a buck! Doesn't it look so much nicer than those bright foil colored Happy Birthday garlands? I know you know which ones I'm talking about and I bet you celebrated at least one birthday with one of them.

Victoria's Secret Puff-Sleeve Cardigan Sweater ($59)

Ok, at its current price it's not a total steal but I'm still tempted to buy this Puff-Sleeve Cardigan from Victoria's Secret because of the perfectly puffed sleeves, the variety of knit patterns and neutral color. I know I'd wear it all through the fall and winter. But keep an eye on it because Victoria's Secret tends to lower its sale prices over time. It also comes in pink, off white and black.

Fred Flare Paper Nesting Doll Kit ($5)

cThese Paper Nesting Dolls would be a fun project for crafters or kids. The kit includes 5 dolls ranging from 2.5" to 5". Don't we all need a little more Russian culture in our lives?

Forever 21 Honey Bee Lacquer Bangle ($7)

Bzzzz! Bee decorations are so classic, as is the combination of cream and gold. Even though it's classic in many ways, this Honey Bee Lacquer Bangle is quirky and I must have it!

Brief hiatus

Home remodeling going on, postings this week will be light at best - please forgive! Hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend. Mine was all about spray paint, travertine and wood stain.