Let The Craziness Begin!

2009 fall sale season began this weekend. Although Black Friday is still the official kick-off day for the holiday season, for shopping addicts, sale season actually starts a week earlier with the pre-sales. I started receiving emails on Friday from SAs with info about pre-sales and this weekend has been all about me trying to tell myself to lay low this year. With two new Chanels, I wont be getting any purses and I'll also be forced to limit my shoes. I decided there will be none of that buying just because its on sale crap. With that in mind, I pre-ordered my first pair of sale shoes today :) I have another one in mind but since not everyone has announced their lists yet, I might just sit and wait for now. Good-luck and if you're looking for anything in particular, let me know and I will keep my eyes out for you!!


PS: You know you've got a shopping problem when your dad tries to hide the Neimans catalog from you :P

I Won The Chanel Lottery

Well, not really, but it sure feels like it!! You guys will remember me freaking out over the Chanel 2010 C collection when pictures of the colors first came out. That excitement turned into disappointment when both of my SAs informed me that they had not ordered any caviar flaps in the Bleu Roi. I tossed and turned over whether or not I should call every boutique in the country to try to find at least one list that would guarantee me the Bleu Roi. Common sense told me that it would not be worth it and so I ended up calling only 3 places - Chanel boutique in Bloomingdales (SCP), Chanel boutique in Neimans (BH), Chanel boutique in Neimans (Newport Beach). Bloomingdals was still not sure if they had ordered the color but promised to call me if they did. BH Neimans said they would not be able to put me on the list until they knew the exact numbers they were getting. Newport Beach told me that they were getting two and that if they get my cc information, I might be able to secure the #2 spot. I went with that option not really thinking it would get me anywhere. I also decided to stop fretting over the stupid color and I eventually told myself that I didn't need another blue Chanel. Well surprise, surprise - the SA at Newport Beach called me Friday afternoon and told me my 2010C blue Chanel jumbo was waiting for me at the store!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





God, this color is just A M A Z I N G. Breath of fresh air. For comparison, here is my navy maxi from the 2009 F/W collection:



You see, the noticeable difference in blue between the two makes this purchase completely justifiable :) Plus, theres no way in hell I would give up this much sought after color now that I have it in my hands...even if it means me sitting out on sale shoes this season (I'm limiting myself to 3 pairs). I will probably also need to wait until January to get the Bal but I guess thats okay considering I still have my red maxi to look forward to.

It just occurred to me that my four most recent purchases all happen to be blue...nothing wrong with that...

One and Only

I realize that many new readers will wonder why in the world I call myself Purse Addict when all I do is talk about shoes. You see, it really isn't my fault. Today I spent some time in the afternoon browsing around for purses and after maybe an hour of looking, I found only ONE purse that was worthy of any mention. Yep, just one. The rest were either boring as hell or ugly as hell. I hope this isn't a new trend. In any case, let us ooohh and ahhh over the one purse that is making my heart skip a beat:

Zagliani New Ray python:



This bag is making my head spin. I'm trying to figure out what I have to give up in order to justify purchasing this beauty. The one thing that is stopping me is the California python-ban. I literally went through shopping hell when I bought my Zagliani python and I'm not sure if I'm up for it again. This purse though...EVERYTHING you would want out of a purse. Gorgeous color, gorgeous finish, gorgeous style, convenient, and python! Just by looking at the picture, the finish of this purse is a bit more polished than previous versions so I'm hoping that means less curling of the scales. A note of warning: Zagliani purses are not the easiest to open and close. It took me a good five minutes just to figure out how to open mine and it was about a week after using it before I finally got the hang of how to open and close it quickly. But I suppose that hardly matters when the purse is as gorgeous as this.

Teaser

I've been going on and on for months now about doing a post on my entire shoe collection but truth is, I FINALLY have the time to actually take pictures! Lets just hope I dont get lazy :) Anyhow, when I was upstairs taking pictures of my new Ron Rons, I decided to see if I could get a pic of all the CLs in my closet. Back in August, the CL side of my closet looked like this:


Roughly two months later, the CL side of my closet looks like this:


A small growth spurt. BTW, I also took a picture of the non-CL side of my closet and its pretty sad how dingy it is in comparison...so sad that I've decided not to post it :)

Since I've Been So Good

I didn't feel guilty about buying a new pair of shoes for myself :) And plus, they were 28% off and no tax!

CL Ron Ron in Marine Glitter:



Olivia approves:


Libby was unavailable for comment:


I have to keep reminding myself that sale season will be here in 2 weeks...I REALLY shouldn't buy another pair until I see whats on sale first!!!

Tools Of The Trade

We all know by now that I like buying shoes so I thought it was about time I do a post on the must-have items for every shoe addict out there:



1. The 3 C's: Cleaner, Conditioner, and Cloth:


I actually haven't used the cleaner yet so I can't say how well it works but I guess it never hurts to have a bottle lying around. A word of caution: most cleaners are pretty heavy duty so if the leather is really delicate, I would recommend testing it out on a small area first or passing it along to professionals. Also, DO NOT use leather cleaner on suede or exotics!!

I use the conditioner on my exotics since they tend to dry out but you could use this on all of your leather pieces.

For application of both, try to use the softest cloth possible- it would be 3 steps forward and 2 steps back if you end up scratching the leather :P

2. Stain, stain, go away:


I spray two light layers (30 minutes between each application) of this on my suede pieces before wearing them for the first time. I guess I really should be spraying after every couple times of use but you get the idea. This is supposedly okay to use on leather and exotics but I personally wouldn't risk it...the last thing I want is my stuff drying out or changing colors.

3. Suede cleaner and brush:


Like the leather cleaner, I haven't used this yet but it is definitely on my to-do list! You will also need a brush since you have to really scrub into suede to clean it well.

4. Padding aka my BFFs:

Leather and suede are infamous for stretching. What fit just right the first time can end up being a half size too big after a few times out. Padding your shoes is probably the easiest and cheapest thing you can do for a better fit. My personal favorite is the ball-of-foot pad but I also keep a few of the heel pads just in case. There are fancy gel versions but honestly, I like the $2 packs from CVS just fine. Also, dont be afraid to double-up and/or trim the pads to make the shoes fit just right.

4. Lube it up:


When things are running a bit small or are so tight that your circulation is getting cut off, try applying Band-Aid Friction Block or Vaseline to the problem area(s). Both lube things right up and allow you to go about your day relatively pain-free. And no, they wont damage your shoes.

5. Aligning in the name of prevention:


I love all my shoes but I also know that my feet are paying a heavy price. I just got these toe-relaxers so I can't say they work wonders but I'm hoping they'll help my feet out a bit. When you wear heels, your toes are scrunched out of shape and over time, you end up with some not so cute feet. Products like these toe-relaxers are suppose to re-align your toes. They kinda hurt but you only have to wear them for 5-10 minutes a day.

And there you have it, products that I use in parallel with my shoe addiction :)

Fear Not, I Am Back!!

Hi loves! I can't believe its been two weeks since I've posted!! The good news...after six months of hard work and focus, I AM FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! In true Purse Addict fashion, my reward is scheduled to arrive next week :) Since I literally just finished my "project" a few minutes ago, I dont have too much to share with you right now but here are some quick updates:

- CL Cruise and Spring collections are starting to trickle into stores. A lot of pretty pastels but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of new styles...more like previous styles morphing into something "new". I did pre-order the Lady Lynch in the new mini-glitter but other than that, I'll probably lay low and wait for sale season.

- I've talked myself out of getting the Bleu Roi. I know, I know. I guess I just couldn't justify getting another blue Chanel so soon after my navy Maxi.

- I'm starting to get antsy over sale season. Pre-sales should start within the next two weeks...I hope I dont go too crazy...

- Patiently waiting for my red Maxi and the new Bal colors to come in...I'll most likely go with something in the Papete which sorta looks like sea foam green to me.

- Now that I'll have loads of free time, blogging will pick up again :)

Plenty Of Reasons Why I Should Refrain From Shopping For The Next 30 Days

I must try my very best to be on my best behavior for the next 30 days. Not necessarily a ban but more like thinking ahead. For one, sale season will be in full swing 30 days from today. If I can conserve now, I can let loose then. Although I plan on not spending money for the next 30 days, I already have 4 purchases lined up for December. Again, another reason to conserve now. I can think of a couple other reasons but you get the idea. So in honor of 30 days sans new shoes, here is a long overdue post in honor my most recent purchases:


1. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE CL, LOOOOOOOOOOVE my shoes, LOOOOOOOOOVE CL Love Strass pumps in black suede:



Its really hard to capture the wow factor of these shoes with a camera. These are gasp out loud shoes. Well, at least I gasped when they arrived at my front door. I need more strass in my life...I need a money tree, I need CL to bring the prince of strass down by about $1000.

2. Business out front, party in the back. Rock and Republic Nika pumps in fuchsia suede:


I was a bit late to the game. When everyone else was going gaga over CL Mad Marys, I wasn't so into them. Now that they're just about extinct, I had to go and try on DZ's Mad Marys and fall in love. Its extremely hard to find a pair on ebay that are unworn and when you do, they'll cost you no less than $900 (probably more since used pairs even sell for $900...). I dont know if I like them that much. In any case, Red Carpet Fashion Awards did a piece on the Nika pumps a few weeks ago and of course I had to get myself a pair. These shoes are fierce by their own right and they cost a couple hundred dollars less than the Mad Marys. I didn't even know R&R made shoes! They seem to be getting pretty darn popular too.

3. Maggie, oh Maggie...you're finally mine!!! CL Maggie pumps in lavender and navy suede:


You know when you see a pair of shoes and you think "I MUST HAVE THOSE!!!" and then you look at the price tag and you think "Okay, maybe not" but then you go through weeks of torture obsessing over the shoes until you finally break down and hand over the cash just so you can get a good nights rest?? Yea, thats what happened when I met Maggie. I dont regret spending the money though. Not at all. Just the thought of her in my closet makes me smile :)

4. I am now a proud owner of the famous Alaia shoe box thanks to these gorgeous lizard and suede Alaia pumps:


Between you and me, I actually like the Lanvin boxes way better than the Alaia ones. Very intricate but also a hassle to open and close. These shoes though are amazing.

5. CL multicolor glitter NPs:


The Knights Templar have their Holy Grail and we CL addicts have ours. For almost every CL fanatic, either the Mad Mary or multicolor NPs or both will be on your list of Holy Grail CLs. Holy Grail because they are no longer made, extremely hard to find, and you are willing to pay an obscene amount of money for if you're ever so lucky to find a pair. These, my friends, are my Ultimate Holy Grail CLs. I owe DZ a huge THANK YOU for picking these up for me. Love them. Absolutely love them. So does everyone else. I've only worn these once and I can't even tell you how many compliments I received that day.

6. CL metallic grey Ron Rons:


I think I may actually like grey more than black. It goes with everything that black goes with but it pops way more. I had been searching high and low for grey patent Rolandos but these do the job just fine. Out of all the shoes in this post, these have been worn the most.

7. CL tan Wall St. MJs:


I think of my friend HS when I look at these shoes. Simply adorable.

8. CL Miss Fred:


I dont know why but these just scream HOLIDAY SEASON to me. Too bad its 80 degrees in So Cal. These would be perfect Bay Area shoes. I need to make time to visit, I miss Union Square during the holidays and I miss my friends...its been way too long :(

I spent a small fortune on these shoes but honestly, these might be some of the best I own.

Hola!

RP messaged me yesterday just to remind me that I haven't posted shoe pics since last Wednesday. First of all, good to know I have male fans (LOL). Second of all, I'm lame, I know :P The good news: if I stay on schedule, I will be free by next month. The bad news: in order to ensure that I'm free by the first week of November, these next few days will be very, very hectic. This translates into no time for taking pictures or blogging. However here are some quick updates:

- Since my last shoe post (I believe it was the green watersnake Altadamas and black Pigalles), I've added 8 (+1 on order) more shoes to my collection. That comes out to be about 4 pairs a month.

- Since freaking out about Chanel Cruise 2010, I've managed to put down a deposit to secure a red caviar maxi and begged 4 different SAs to call me as soon as the blue caviar comes in - its incredible how desperate I am to give out my cc info these days. I'm probably going to call more places just to make sure I'm on as many lists as possible. I've also been debating whether or not I should just take a chance with the blue lambskin. Pros: I can guarantee I will get it if I put down a deposit and the color is suppose to be even more amazing in lambskin. Cons: Chanel lambskin is infamous for scratching even before you get to use it and its much harder to clean.

- One more month before the start of sale season!! I must try my very best to be good until then.

- I wore my black Pigalles to work today:


Hurt like a bitch. Also a bit big so I padded them up as soon as I got home. Probably wont be wearing these very often. Shame cus they're so pretty. I tried on the 100s over the weekend and they were incredibly comfortable. Stupid 120s.

Jeanne

Its pouring here today. I love rainy days but only when I dont have to go anywhere. When I do have to venture out in the rain, I like to stick to jeans and my YSL Jeanne pumps. These have been used and abused and they need to be taken in soon for some new soles. They come with a removable ankle strap but I dont think I've ever worn it that way. I was looking for loafer pumps at the time but ended up with these because 1. the loafer pumps were sold out in my size and 2. the SA sold these to me for sale price even though they weren't marked down :) I've only really worn these with jeans but thinking about it now, I think I could easily dress them up too.

Sig Alert is telling me that there is actually no traffic right now. My cue to leave!! Stay dry!!