August wish list

Every August, I start to get a little wish listy with things. My online shopping carts fill up with shocking balances expected to be paid, but will never make it further than the cart. I have to contribute this to one thing--my birthday is at the end of the month. While I think I'm the easiest person to shop for, my family tends to disagree. I have to start weighing out my options, and due to a horrible incident where my ipod died* the other day, husband got the easy gift by immediately suggesting that a new one would be his gift to me. I was slightly relieved because the ipod was going to be on the top of the birthday list had he not!

Here's what I'm wishing for this August:

Chanel nail polish in Peridot

 First of all, it's my birthstone, but what I really love is that depending on the light, the color changes.

Anthropologie Dots within Blouse

Free People Fluid trapeeze blouse

Marc by Marc Jacobs Francesca

 So spendy. But now that I take the train to/from work, I need a good bag for commuting. This will fit everything I need. My current cheapy bag is falling apart after 3 months. I'm saving my pennies!

Jessica Simpson Cheetah Pumps

Kate Spade No Sleep Till Brooklyn bangle

 I've had a year-long romance with this. I think it's time to pull the trigger.

Nikon 40mm Lens

Nine West Galactic

 Kind of like a pair of Sam Edelman shoes I wanted (but could never find in my size).

Anthropologie Pilcro Straight Ankle Chinos

We the Free Boxy Striped Sweater

I'd like this in the navy, but this picture is better.
 

I certainly wouldn't mind if any of these made their way to my door, that's for sure. I'm also working on my wardrobe, as always, and figuring out what I want to incorporate into it for this upcoming Fall/Winter and I'll be sure to share that one with you too. But not yet. Let's enjoy the summer. I have to say, my birthday at the end of the month, while still summer, is often associated with back-to-school, fall and pumpkin-all things I love. However, it also falls with the end of summer celebrations which often make me sad. Summer is my favorite season of them all.

*curiously, the last time I had an ipod die was right before Christmas, and once again he got the easy gift.

On my radar: Spring/Summer needs and wants

Sure, it may be just weeks into 2011, and sure we may be getting more snow this week, and haven't even entered into our snowiest months of the year, but I've got Spring fever!

As part of my attempts to not only shop smart, but also to spend less money, I'm already working on things I'll need for my Spring and Summer wardrobe. I've been working on editing my closet, and finding out what I'm lacking, and removing what I don't wear anymore and I've noticed that there's quite a bit that will be needed for the warmer weather. Here's what I'm eyeing so far.

What I need:

White button-down top

Banana Republic Wrap shirt

Gap Cuff Sleeve Blouse

Black sandals that can be worn with cropped pants (replacement of a pair I have and wore to death)



Guess Aero4 Slingback
These are nearly identical



Nine West Nacia
I'm a sucker for a wedge heel

 

White pants (that won't make me look like a marshmallow)

Gap Boot Surplus Jean

Light-weight skirts

J. Crew Lace Dobby Skirt

Express Floral Smocked Waist Skirt

Bright Sandals



Nine West Stylin'



Summery dress (1 or 2)



J.Crew Shelby Dress



Work-in-Progress Dress. Anthropologie

Limited Pleated Panel Strapless Dress



Metallic flat sandals (another replacement pair. this pair will actually replace a pair of gold gladiators and silver J.Crew Capri flip flops, so I may want to get 2 pairs)



Rampage Prance Sandal



Report Chenola

Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal

And of course, while browsing for things I need, things that I want always pop in. If I have the money, or find a way to make them work, these are things I want:

Love these black sandals (peep toes?), they're fierce, but not practical if I plan on walking further than the block I work on.

Michael Antionio Tricia Platform

A lovely dress very similar to one I already own. (I live in dresses in the summer)



Free People Flutter Away dress

Also on my radar: nude pumps. I don't own a pair and really want to get a pair. I was going to include them here, but the list started to get a bit lengthy!
Now, if we can only get through the next 3 months of cold, gross and miserable (overly snowy) weather. Think I can get away with hibernating? No? Darn.

Baby got Back

While browsing the interwebs, I've been coming across a lot of tops for Spring that are pretty simple from the front, making your entrance just kind of average, but when you look at the back, you can tell that with these tops, it's all about the last impression as you walk out of the room. Here's a few back details that have caught my eye:

 Past Reflections Pullover (Anthropologie): I love the back detail, but overall this top falls short for me. I don't care for the candy cane like stripes, or the knit, and the fabric just isn't doing it for me. Maybe in a different fabric/non-knit, I'd dig it.

 Bow Back Corset Top (Free People): I love bows, and Free People has been infiltrating my closet at a rapid pace. I like the fact that the cutouts get smaller as they go down the back, helping nip in the waist, while the floaty almost peplum ruffling beneath helps hide any pooch. This needs to be mine. Paired with cuffed skinny jeans and flats or even wedges, and a cardigan on top for the workplace, perfect.

 Lace Back Cardigan (Gap): Someone give this model a booty, stat! I love this cardigan, it's lace back is unexpected, and perhaps just what I need for a spring/summer work cardigan to leave at my desk. This would be great with a few dresses and sleeveless tops I already own. I'm picturing my Free People floral trapeze tank under this awesome lace detail, how feminine!

 Chic Taupe Top (Lulus):  Okay, part of me loves the lace racer back tank under this. Part of me thinks this top got into a fight with Freddy Kruger, Edward Scissorhands, and Shredder from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Fidelity Black and White Striped Top (Lulus): I like the drape and I'm a sucker for stripes. You could most certainly get away wearing a bra with this top, but the draping may make a booty look larger. I picture this more for the beach or a cookout, than any other kind of situation, just add shorty shorts, and sunblock.

In my wishes to shop smarter, I'm already working on my Spring and Summer wish list and needs. I've got a few things that need to be replaced for those seasons, and I'm looking forward to a little seasonal wardrobe update. I'll be sure to share what I come across. In the meantime, what say you on the back details? Yay? Nay? Did I miss a totally amazing top somewhere?