A New Winter Coat

This Friday I rewarded myself for a hard week of work with a new winter coat. I had spotted it when I popped into a local women's clothing store on my way home one evening, and went back on Friday to make the buy.

This is my new coat (mind my feline friend, Darcy, who also likes the coat):



It is by Columbia Sportswear Company. It's their Women's Sleek Street Jacket. It's a lovely grey color.

Visit the Columbia Sportswear Company website here, for more information about this particular coat.

I love the way this coat looks on me. It's figure flattering and warm to boot. I really like the detail of the belt, which hits me at just the right spot to create a slimmer, sleeker silhouette.

Now, don't get me wrong, I sill have another coat that is much warmer - I pull that one out of the closet on those -25 days where all you want to be is warm - you don't care what you look like. But, for those warmer days or days where I am going to be spending more time indoors or in a car that walking around outside, this is the coat I will wear.

I am very happy with this purchase!

Have a great week!

IN and OUT #2

I have been hemming and hawing about writing this post for a few days now, thinking that I should probably post something more substantial since it has been a few weeks since my last post of quality.

But, I couldn't think of anything better to post - so here's my second In and Out post.

IN

- Brand Loyalty. I know, this seems counterintuitive for us beauty junkies who never seem to have enough product in our arsenal. But I must admit, there is odd comfort in being about to count on a brand or two to always deliver quality products that will never disappoint you, and to rely on them for your staple products. I have 4: Maybelline for lip products, Cover Girl for mascara, Clinique for foundation and powder, and NARS for everything else.

- Fall. I came to the realization this year that I have been lying about Summer being my favorite season. It's really not. I love the fall. I'm able to wear sweaters, long pants, wool skirts, buy new boots...it is heaven.

- Sims 3. Now, I only post this because I have recently gotten addicted and have spent way too many of my waking hours playing it. And yes, I currently own all of the available expansion packs.

- TV on the Net. I love the convenience of being able to catch up on my favorite shows on the net. In a world where 90% of the shows I watch come on at the same time on the same damn day, I don't have to worry about sacrificing one show to watch the other.

- The Millennium Trilogy. They're a series of three books by the late Stieg Larsson and I love them to bits. I am currently reading the third and last book in the series.

OUT

- Sims 3. I am putting it here for the same reason I put it as an 'In'.

- The price of TV on DVD. Gossip Girl Season 3 is not worth $55 dollars...and I am not paying that much for it.

- Flavored coffee beverages. I can handle vanilla or mocha - but a Pumpkin Spice Latte? (Lookin' at you, Starbucks) Gag me now! If I wanted to drink pumpkin pie, I would puree it. Thanks, but no thanks.

- It pains me to write this...but Grey's Anatomy. Something is not right with this show now. Maybe it is because the majority of the original cast is gone, and the fact that last season's finale scared me out of me mind...but I am slowly starting to fall out of love with what was once my favorite show on TV.

- Trying to keep up with trends. I give up. I will buy what I love, regardless of if it is trendy or not. I am done trying to keep up with the Jones's. However, I remain addicted to beauty/fashion magazines. Glamour, In Style and Marie Claire remain my faves.

Keep an eye out over the next few days. I will be posting my September favorites and a NARS starter kit list soon!

Want more information about the Millennium Trilogy? Check out the first book in the series, here!

What exactly is the Sims 3? Click here to find out!

What's In My Purse?

I have a confession - I love to know what people have in their purse! I know I'm not the only one - because there's an entire webpage devoted to it! Here's the link:

http://fuckyeahwhatsinyourbag.tumblr.com/

I thought I would make my contribution to the What's in My Purse posts out there, and would share what I keep in my handbag.

First of all, here's a picture of it:



This is the "Dreamcatcher Small Hobo" by Guess?. I got this bag for a steal - I'm a Guess List member, and bought the bag during one of their members only sales. I got the bag for half-off - $45.00 before duty and taxes. What a bargain!

Normally, I like to have a big handbag, since it comes with me to work. I like to be prepared for everything, which means I tend to cart around a lot of stuff. A LOT of stuff. This is a small bag, which means I really have to reduce what I carry around in it. Here's what's inside:




- Pink faux-croc makeup bag (loaded with stuff...blotting paper, Tide-to-Go pen, kleenex, mascara, blister pads, bandaids, etc.)
- Patent Pleather Purple 'Enchanted' Guess? Wallet
- World Wildlife Fund Chequebook
- Not Pictured: Cellphone, a Blue Samsung Reclaim
- Peace & Love coin purse
- Gum
- My keys
- Ballmania Lip Balm
- Cucumber melon foam hand sanitizer
- Luck Bear Care Bear figurine (my good luck charm!)
- Maybelline Shine Sensational Lip Gloss in 40 Berry Bella
- Wooden pill caddy
- U by Kotex tampon/liner container

I am a self-confessed handbag/purse junkie. I especially love Guess bags, since they're so pretty and affordable. I can honestly say that I don't really like Louis Vuitton - monogram is just not my thing. I do love Coach bags though...I just can't afford them!

As always, I am happy to answer any questions about anything in this post (or any of my others) if you've got any. Have any recommendations for purses for me? Please share - I would love to hear from you!