It's simple:  Dusty grey velvet in a classic shape, accented by faux croc details.  But I can't stop thinking about it.  I got a catalog from Alloy in the mail yesterday and this bag has been on my mind.  It's a perfect winter bag that would hold much and go with a lot.  And the price is right - $39.50.   

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One day I would love to get a buttery soft leather jacket that costs hundreds of dollars, looks instantly, classically "worn" and is tailor-made for me.   But right now that is not going to happen.  For example, the first pictured brown leather beauty found at Urban Outfitters.  I love buckles on the cuffs, waist and neck so that I could adjust the fit, I love the small square pockets on the bust and sleeves and I love the rich chocolate coloring that is sure to go with most pieces in my wardrobe for years and years to come.  But I still can't justify the $340 price tag.  

The second pictured bomber from Forever 21 is more my speed at this monetary moment in time.  I love the zipper details all over this jacket - from the top faux pockets to the functional side pockets to the back of the sleeves.  It's cropped, adding instant cool to flowery dresses and t-shirt/jeans alike.  And at $37.50, I can definitely afford it.  

If I'm feeling a little more generous with my wallet I can always jump for the grey-colored bomber pictured last.  At $128 its still a little high for my budget, especially because it's polyurethane.  But the look of the collar and the waist of this jacket, along with the snap buttons and stitching details, are making me want to spend a little more.

What about you?  Do you have a leather jacket you love?  Faux or real?  Do you have shopping suggestions?  Do tell!

I keep meaning to share with you how well my makeup brush cleaning session went last week!  I mentioned that I was going to clean my brushes with my new favorite makeup remover/clarifying shampoo, Johnson's Baby Shampoo.  Using the shampoo as a makeup brush cleanser was amazingly effective.  What is even more amazing is how much better my makeup is being applied now.  Having a clean brush makes a HUGE difference.  New weekly ritual!  They are softer on my skin and now they pick up much more pigment, which means I use less makeup to achieve the look I want. 

If you don't have brushes yet, you are missing out!  Using makeup brushes will revolutionize your makeup routine.  Makeup artists use brushes to apply every step of makeup from foundation to mascara.  I know, I know:  Brushes can get expensive.  A good place to start?  Sonia Kashuk's brushes at Target.  This Glamified brush set is a steal at $20 for seven tools and a bag.  Not only are they quality brushes, but the gold handles are just too fun to pass up.  

PRODUCT:  Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel, $25

CLAIMS:  "Neutrogena brings you professional results at home. This breakthrough formula is proven to deliver results equal to a 20% glycolic peel. It instantly reveals a new texture, tone, and clarity -- for a complexion that looks more youthfully radiant."

RESULTS?  I might be a little bit in love with this product.  My skin has looked lackluster as of late and nothing has helped.  I've been drinking lots of water, exercising, eating right - you know the drill - but my skin has looked dull, splotchy and in need of something serious.  I applied a very thin layer, as instructed.  The product is a lot more watery than I expected and the scent is slightly yet pleasantly perfumed.  It says to leave on from 7 - 10 minutes and that if it starts tingling, that means the product is working.  I was pretty nervous about the "tingling" because I kind of hate that feeling and my skin is sensitive, so I didn't want an adverse reaction.  I never felt the tingling though so I confidently left the product on for 9 minutes.  Then, when you go to rinse it off you are supposed to gently massage the peel with wet fingertips to activate the exfoliation process.  The exfoliation felt stimulating and like a gentle face massage.  When I rinsed the product off and looked in the mirror, I saw a smoother, glowing face looking back at me.  I applied my Ponds moisturizer and forgot about it...UNTIL, this morning when I woke up and saw that my skin looked refreshed, my pores looked smaller, the splotchiness was gone and I thought, "I don't even need my PrimeTime" because my skin looked that smooth.

PROS:  Gentle, effective, makes my skin look radiant, evens out my skin tone.

CONS:  It can only be used twice a week - I can't wait to use it again! 

FINAL WORD?  Worth your $$

Love this casual look from Heidi as she was shopping this week. I'm a big fan of layering basic looks with statement jewelry, which always takes an outfit from classic to classically funky. Her green striped cardigan combined with a tank that is in the same color family, yet a darker contrasting shade is just the start. She adds her own twist by layering on at least three bold necklaces. Here's how I would do a similar look:

I'd throw on this cami and cardigan combo:

And then layer on these necklaces:

I actually already have the satin/chain necklace (middle) and I love wearing it with a simple white tee and jeans. Forever 21 is the perfect place to look for statement necklaces because most are under $10 - some are under $5! - so it is easy to build a collection of necklaces to layer. Heidi's look is a perfect weekend look - when you want to be casual yet fashionable all at once. Happy weekend, everyone!

I am currently coveting this Badgley Mischka Star Watch.  When the star is closed it looks like a dainty statement bracelet, but when the top star pivots it reveals a timepiece.  It is functional fashion!  The Swarovski crystals that adorn the star elevates this piece to perfect party going wear - but I'd still want to wear it as an everyday piece to bring my outfits to a new level of awesome.  (*By the way, I discovered this yesterday and it is now suddenly "unavailable."  Just my luck!  Hopefully they'll restock the style for the holiday season - it is perfect for a special gift and for special holiday parties.)

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Speaking of Tarte and gift-giving season, this palette from Tarte is the perfect gift for your makeup-loving friends.  It is worth nearly $500 and comes with 16 shades of lip gloss, 16 shades of eyeshadows, a bronzer, a luminator, their best-selling Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara and four powder blushes.  That is A LOT of beauty booty.  It seriously has nearly everything you need for everyday use and it would be perfect for a friend that has to travel a lot for work.  Instead of stuffing a makeup bag full, they could just throw this cute gilded box into their bag and go.  Oh, and did I mention you get all of this good stuff for only $52 and it ships free?  This is one of those gifts that you'll want to buy two of - one for your friend and one for yourself. 

I love these slippers from Old Navy that you can wear around your house on a chilly day.  They are lined with sherpa, have a soft suede sole and have such a cute, cozy print to brighten a winter day.  I hate when my toes get cold and I love my fuzzy purple UGG slippers that I usually slip on.  But these would be a great addition to my slipper stock because their height would add extra warmth.  Plus they are so festive looking!  They make me want to snuggle up on the couch with a good book and hot chocolate... 

When I first saw this picture on FabSugar comparing these two performers' style choices, I immediately thought, "It's like a 90s flashback!  I didn't know Christina and J-Lo were currently performing!"  Then I read that this is really Lady Gaga and Leona Lewis.  Color me shocked.  Were you as confused as me?  Or am I behind the times?  Or...are they?  Do you think they need to develop a more unique style that isn't so easily confused with past/present pop stars?  Weigh in with a comment!