ShopEatSleep

What inevitably happens to me every Christmas is I end up either buying a bunch of stuff for myself, or if I’ve managed to stop myself from buying something then, I’ll keep thinking about it. And thinking about it. And thinking about it. Until I covet so much that I write a post about coveting fashion.

So here are some fashion items that I hope to get this year. Some are of-the-moment, but many are staples that I’ve been looking for but haven’t yet found “the one.”

Chunky cardigan sweater

Love the look, but it always seems to look better on a hanger/obnoxiously skinny model. I can’t figure out how to not look “chunky” in it. Maybe it’s not meant for me?

Chunky cardigan sweater

Aztec-patterned cardigan sweater

This one is just for fun. Big pattern on a layering piece means I can remove it if I decide it’s too much. But worn as a statement piece, it should work just fine.

Aztec-patterned cardigan sweater

Flat-heeled booties

I want an alternative to flats or sneakers for a casual-yet-stylish look. And I want to be comfortable. Always.

Flat-heeled booties

Perfect light-colored clutch

So many times I’ve found myself in need of a light-colored clutch, but have been empty-handed (literally). Also, an empty foldover clutch looks lovely, but what does it look like when there’s actually stuff in it?

Fold-over clutch

Perfect black bag

The albatross of handbags. Does anyone actually find this? Here are a couple of styles I’ve been eyeing (imagine them in black, obviously).

J.Crew Teddie Satchel

J.Crew Biennial Hobo

Moto jacket

I’m especially loving moto jackets made with mixed materials. And that sideways zipper just screams cool.

Leather and wool moto jacket

If you have any suggestions that fit these bills, let me know. I’d love to hear and see what you think!

Main Squeeze Clutch

While I love to shop (obviously), it takes something special to make me stop and say, “Whoa.” And the new Main Squeeze buckle bags from Rebecca Minkoff did just that when the email landed in my inbox. I prefer the clutch ($395) to the bucket ($495), but the buckle detailing on both is out of this world! I have a thing for zippers and buckles, so I was immediately drawn to these. They’re edgy yet feminine given the soft leather used to make the bags. Even though I couldn’t afford one of these, I hope they come in more colors soon so I can at least (browser) window shop!

I’m not sure how I feel about this:

Alexander Wang Pyramid Clutch

Back of clutch

The Alexander Wang Pyramid Clutch sure is different, but I wonder how functional it is. It’s still a flat purse like a normal clutch, but how is it getting inside? Since it doesn’t zip all the way across, I wonder if it’s hard to use. There are some cool stud-like feet on the back, but I wonder if that makes it hard to carry, too.

Does anyone have first-hand knowledge of this bag? Please share!

I’m always on the lookout for cheap-chic fashion finds à la H&M and Forever 21. While I love to shop, I don’t have a lot of dough, so I either do a lot of window shopping, or I have to get creative in my purchases.

So when an email popped up in my inbox about Anique Michelle, an online boutique where nothing is priced for more than $60, I was intrigued. Sounds like Forever 21 prices, right? The difference here is you’re not forced into combing through skanky-looking inventory to find something decent; the site has already done it for you. I’m partial to these $16 clutches (right) and this $55 biker-style jacket:

The boutique doesn’t sell name-brand items, just private label stuff, but that’s why it’s so cheap. But if it’s cute, who cares? That’s my motto!

Anique Michelle was kind enough to offer ShopEatSleep readers a 15 percent discount off purchases through Feb. 15. Enter code “shopeatsleep” at checkout.