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!

Hayden Harnett Barnard Crossbody

I’m currently coveting this pretty, pretty bag — Hayden Harnett‘s Barnard Crossbody. It’s a nice size (oftentimes crossbody bags are too small to be practical), the strap is adjustable so it can be worn as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody, and the navy color is pretty. Even the lining is cool! Oh, and the materials are locally sourced. One bad thing — it costs $450. Why?! Why do the purse gods hate me so?? Oh, well. I guess you can’t have every pretty, perfectly sized bag. SIGH.

I have been meaning to write about Spanish leather-goods maker LODIS for some time now. Ever since my mother-in-law gave me a LODIS messenger bag as a journalism-school graduation present, I have been hooked. The classic, clean designs coupled with extraordinary craftsmanship (I’ve had a LODIS wallet for about five years and it has yet to crack or come apart in any way) has made me a huge fan. It’s also pretty reasonably priced, which makes LODIS one of the best values out there for bags, wallets and the like.

I’m currently coveting a few LODIS products, including one of its brand-new belts, the Audrey Metal Buckle High Waist Belt. At only $34, it’s a steal!

LODIS Audrey Metal Buckle High Waist Belt

I’m also loving the Alegra Sabrina Satchel. I can’t decide which color I like better, though. I really like the blue, but I’m not crazy about the yellow piping, and I like the brown, but I’m not sure about the shade. But the shape and size are perfect for what I need.

LODIS Alegra Sabrina Satchel

The Odyssey Lexy Crossbody is another bag I would love to have. I’ve been looking for a good cross body for a while. This one might be it!

LODIS Odyssey Lexy Crossbody

SALT. "Clark" glasses. Courtesy of Dan Deutsch.

It’s that time again — Junior Drake is getting rid of inventory and is having a sale at its warehouse this weekend. Get bags for as low as $39.95. You know the drill: spend $150, get a free gift, enter the raffle to win a handbag and eat free snacks.

740 E. 60th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

March 11 and 12, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
March 13, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SALT. (yes, the period is part of the name) optics is having a trunk show at Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook in West Hollywood this Saturday. Shop the entire line, including the new spring/summer 2011 releases, which will be available for fitting. Enjoy refreshments and a live DJ.

Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook
8555 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

March 12, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

I’ve been dying for a new bag, and I’ve been on the lookout for a cross body that’s the right size and style. The Daily Brights Satchel at Anthropologie immediately caught my eye, even though it’s a bit big for cross-body purposes. No matter; the clean lines, multiple compartments, bright color and fun lining all made me swoon. Too bad it’s $188 — totally out of my price range right now.

Inside of Daily Brights Satchel

Daily Brights Satchel from Anthropologie

Junior Drake Shina bag

Junior Drake warehouse sale: The purveyor of handbags is at it again. Seems like JD has this sale every other week, but no matter. From Dec. 17 through Dec. 19, get bags at prices as low as $14.95 and even a three pack of leather bags for $99. Can’t make it to the sample sale? Get 60 percent off online purchases plus a free leather coin purse (discount is taken at checkout).

740 E. 60th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Dec. 17 and 18: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 19: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Oliverio‘s Choco-Sutra: Avalon Hotel’s tasty restaurant just got tastier: now there’s an unlimited chocolate buffet. Every Friday and Saturday, indulge in everything from triple chocolate truffle pizzettas made with Nutella, dark and milk chocolate, and topped with white chocolate shavings, to a dark chocolate, cinnamon and red chili pot de crème.

9400 W. Olympic Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
$28 per person ($17 with dinner) or $50 per couple

Hilton HHonors Any weekend, Anywhere sale: Hilton HHonors members who book stays between now and Jan. 31, 2011, at the Hilton family of hotels can save from 20 percent to 50 percent on a future weekend stay any weekend in 2011. Current HHonors members will also receive double base points on completion of their stay.

Velvetine Clyde Bag. From Shopbop.

Ah, if only I had an extra $725 lying around, I would be the proud owner of this gorgeous Clyde bag by Velvetine. The fold-over front flap and the cute chain detail really got me, as did the optional long strap (I like options). The pebble leather is also a nice touch, as it gives the bag a little something extra, which I think is important when the dominant color is a neutral.

My only concern with a fold-over bag is ease of entry. The fact that you have to unfold the flap and then unzip the bag to get into it — something that requires two hands — makes me think you wouldn’t want to use this if you were planning on doing any multitasking. But it’s so pretty!

What do you think? Do you choose form over function, or is usability paramount?

Emily the Strange. From SlashFilm.

Emily the Strange at Royal/T: Starting today through Nov. 11, Emily theStrange — the ever-moody black-haired cutie cartoon — will be at the center of a pop-up shop and exhibit at Culver City’s Lolita-inspired Royal/T cafe space. During the exclusive retail engagement, books, artwork and one-of-a-kind collectibles will be on sale. Proceeds from the Emily the Strange pop-up shop will support the brand’s altruistic efforts — encouraging teens to be empowered individuals. When it’s time to take a break from shopping, you can order up a Strange Brew Chocolate Pangea Tea and Emily the Strange-themed black kitty cupcakes by Hot Cakes Bakes. The official opening party will take place on Friday, Oct. 26.

Royal/T
8910 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

Macy’s Shop for a Cause: On Oct. 16, donate $5 to charity online or in-store and get a shopping pass that gives you 10 percent to 20 percent off items you purchase that day. You can also use the in-store shopping pass for 25 percent off one regular, sale or clearance item in men’s, women’s or kids’ apparel or accessories (some exclusions apply). In any case, you’ll save. Sounds good to me!

Junior Drake Warehouse Sample Sale: Clutches for $40? Bags for $60? Yes, please! Head down to the South L.A. warehouse this weekend for a cornucopia of bags, wallets and even belts. Make any purchase on Friday or Saturday, and get an additional 10 percent off to spend on Sunday. You can enter a raffle to win a free handbag, and if you spend at least $150 you’ll get a free canvas tote. Munch of free hot dogs, cookies and drinks, too.

Friday, Oct. 15, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 16, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Junior Drake Warehouse
740 E. 60th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Junior Drake: The warehouse sale is back (did it ever go away?) starting today, May 6, through Saturday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. I would expect many of the bags that didn’t sell the last time, though the handbag powers that be say there will be new merchandise for sale. And once again, if you spend at least $150, you’ll get to spin a wheel for a chance at prizes, though last time I spent $115 and got to spin the wheel (I won a coin purse).

740 E. 60th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Carla Amorim: Brazilian jewelry designer Carla Amorim is holding a trunk show featuring new pieces from the spring 2010 collection at Broken English in Santa Monica from May 7 to May 9 during the store’s regular business hours. A special opening night party for the sale will take place Friday, May 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with an open bar, DJ and gift bags.

Broken English
225 26th St. #17
Santa Monica, CA 90402

Junior Drake bags. From Junior Drake's Facebook.

Junior Drake: The hip handbag company is having its famously low-priced warehouse sample sale starting this Friday, April 9, through Sunday, April 11. According to its marketing materials on Facebook, the Mischa style bag will be just $25 (regular price $458). Yes, you read that correctly. And if you spend at least $150, you’ll get to spin a wheel for a chance at prizes, including an Emilia bag from Junior Drake’s spring 2010 collection (retail price $328). There’s also a raffle to win a Candice bag (retail price $458), one of my personal favorites.

740 E. 60th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

StyleSmith: This lovely lady, who also makes her own accessories, is having a huge vintage sale on Saturday, April 10. There will be hundreds of clothes, shoes and accessories for sale, from prices as low as $1. RSVP to vintage@stylesmithonline.com.

137 S. Jackson St.
Glendale, CA 91205
Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.