Mad Obesssion

Every once and a while (okay fine, everyday it seems) I have the need to feed my hunger for consumerism. I am a die-hard shopper and like most folks, I love a good bargain. Here are my obsessions this week.

Barbara Cosgrove Foo Dog lamps
Since I live a block away from the Village, I try and stop in my favorite home goods store on a regular basis to see what new things they’re tempting me to buy. Retropolitan has some of the best-looking, most affordable stuff in town. I also love that everything seems so original, as opposed to the bigger chain stores (no offense West Elm or Z Gallerie). My latest obsession is the Barbara Cosgrove foo dog lamps, which are a classic design staple and would look ridiculously good in my living room. Besides the fact that they are, in their simplest form, dogs, I love the bold statement they make. I’ve always heard they are deeply rooted in the Chinese culture and originally guarded Buddhist temples. I’m no history buff, so don’t quote me on that one. After scouring the internet, the Barbara Cosgrove lamps are my personal favorite, and Retropolitan has them priced lower than any other retailer online. I also strive to support local shops. It's kind of a no-brainer in my book.

UAL
I live for UAL. That’s United Apparel Liquidators for the laymen. I’ve made some unbelievable purchases that even the BF thinks are justifiable. Take my silk fuchsia Matthew Williamson blazer for example. Originally $1500, I bought the sucker for about $100! It classic silhouette allows me to wear it year round and unless some horrible unforeseen disaster ruins it, I will have it forever. I wear it with literally everything, from jeans and a tee to a simple black cocktail dress. Sometimes, when I’m in a foul mood, I just pull it out of my closet to admire. Better than Prozac, I tell ya! One of my girlfriends works at UAL part-time, so I have the inside scoop on new arrivals and sales. She urged me to come in today and what do you know, I walked out with two amazing new additions to my wardrobe. I am drawn to anything leopard print, so this gorgeous Doucette Duvall silk blouse (originally $390, marked down to $109) sucked me right in. It has a closure like a two-button blazer, but I plan to wear it unbuttoned as sort of a flowy blazer/silky cardigan over a top with some interest. The chartreuse (FAVORITE color) tissue tee by Yigal Azrouel (originally $280, marked down to $69) seemed a perfect fit, and both pieces can easily be paired with other things in my closet. I’ll most likely wear this duo with my gray skinny jeans from Gap, Nine West cage heels, and a fun necklace. It could also work with the tee tucked into a fitted, black high-waisted skirt. I’m pretty confident I’ll get a lot of use out of both these pieces. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll be wearing this get-up tonight!