A Hundred Bucks and Under (Give or Take Five Bucks)

I don't know about you, but I've been VERY frugal lately when it comes to shopping. Thus, the monkey contents himself with online window shopping. Luckily, everything in the world is on sale these days. A look at some of my recent finds:



A friend recently surprised me by telling me her cool black boots were from Naturalizer. Of course I went a-lookin', and I found these quite cool double-strap black leather boots for $99.50. I haven't bought a new pair of black boots in a couple years. Should I?

UPDATE: Just a day later, and they've been further marked down to $79.99. I am SO getting these!



Naturalizer also has these black velvet peep-toe shoes with white piping, $49.99.



And I am really digging these purple patent-leather pointy-toed lovelies, $59.99. One inch heel. I dunno, patent leather just seems so tremendously dressy, I don't know if I'd get a whole lot of use out of these. And yet: so sharp!



i have a dress that I've been waiting for the perfect turtleneck to wear with, so the dress can be winterized. I may have found it in this American Eagle "Slub" turtleneck for $11.95. Uh, anyone know what a slub is?

Back to shoes. I went through 27 pages, with the item count maxed out, at Piperlime. Sometimes I go a little overboard. The results:



The previously coveted Dr. Scholl's Illusion boot is now on sale for $104.99.



I need some pretty-colored shoes. Stat. Fornarina Elle pumps, $94.99.



Ooooh! Nicely funky, 2-inch heel, peep toe. These are fab! Bronx Rita pump, $44.99.



The previously mentioned Dr. Martens Chloe slouch boot is marked down to $69.99. Time to purchase? Please advise.





And the fun Keds skimmers are now $20! Fox and raccoon, both lined in fleecy stuff.



I'm also really loving the look of these Gap suede wedges, $29.99. But I think I may have tried them on a long time ago (is that possible?) and they looked weird. But. I still want 'em. I want everything.



You know when you're over at your boyfriend's and you discover that you have nothing to wear to bed and you have a choice between a) humongous sweatpants, b) humongous boxers, and c) humongous running tights? (Yes, I know! Running tights! Tee!) Well, I know. And I have decided I need to lay in some sleepwear. Such as this printed silk slip, $19.99.



Underneath? Not lacy thong but cute Paul Frank panties, $14.95 for a set of three. Was this TMI?



Also: Paul Frank "I like NY" tee, $13.95.

I'm thinking this might be my Santacon costume next year. Just add bunny slippers! Santa's Village flannel pajamas, $29.95.



Sugar snow boot, $72.95. I know, I know. I'm not supposed to like these. But it has a wedge heel! And is perfect for the next snowstorm! Uh, if it ever snows again...



The Steve Madden version comes in cheerful red, $89.95.



Just in case your new winter hat (hand-knitted lovingly by Mom) has been called a "Blossom hat," thus rendering it unwearable, along comes this cute black beanie, $8.95.

This has the potential to be wildly unflattering, but i think it looks cool. With a fitted top? Anyone? Bueller? Ralph Lauren Blue Label denim skirt, $69. Cindy says it's too Western. Frankly I'd have no idea what to wear with it. Any ideas?



Perhaps more wearable is this herringbone pencil skirt. Professional-like. If you like that sort of thing.



Then there is this pretty pretty print dress, which comes in many colors but looks best, in my opinion, in black (or blue?) and white with a slash of orange at the waist. $34.99.



I do so love finding long-sleeved winter dresses. Such as this sweater dress, $34.99.

And thus the end of my laundry list. But before I go....here is one thing I will not be spending my money on:



Irregular Choice striped boots. $119.99 saved!

Winter Coats On Sale! (Now Where the Hell is Winter??)

Okay, it's still far from freezing (damn you, global warming!), but I am certain that cold weather will come to New York eventually. This walking around sweating in winter coats is not cool. It's unnatural! Where is winter? Where is snow? I am dying to wear my hot pink Sean Puffy Coat from Triple Five Soul. But I figure somewhere out there, Fashion Bingers are cold and in need of warm coats. And so, let the service bloggerism commence!



I was reminded of my beloved puffer by a similarly (ridiculously) bright Ecko-brand one worn by a girl on the subway recently. I looked but could only find this not-so-basic black coat. Dig the quilting pattern around the pockets. On sale for $88.99, but no down at all. Booo, polyester! And pretty dumb that the Ecko online shop is "coming soon" and all you get is some "community" site. Poor showing.



Did you know that the term "pink puffer" refers to emphysema patients? Thank you, Google. This will keep you warm when you're out reducing your lifespan. Lole Katie's Down Parka, on sale for $164.95. Not particularly cute. It makes me pretty happy that I can't find any awesome hot pink puffy coats out there on the Internets.



The thing most people object to with long puffy coats is the Michelin Man efffect. Avoid it with this belted version from Laundry by Shelli Segal. On sale for $119.99, but only available in black and extra large. Ahem.



Here's another belted version from North Face, a bit more trenchcoat-y. Also a touch more expensive, at $800. But hey, it comes in plum! And of course, it's probably fit for ice fishing in Alaska or some shit.



Some good shaping is also evident in this Spiewak puffer, available for $165 from Urban. It has a bit of an avant-garde space-warrior thing going on, methinks. Me likey.



Whilst last-minute Christmas shopping (racing around 34th street like a chicken with its head cut off), I decided to indulge myself and see if the Gap had any awesome deals going on, and indeed they did. I picked up this semishiny black bomber jacket with cool royal blue accents for a scant $25. It's 70 smackers online, though, so get thee to the store if you want it. It's really warm, too. Also available (online) in off white and silver.



Ubiquitous around these parts, the Snug Down coat from Brooklyn Industries is a good solid option. Has an inner iPod pocket, thumbholes, and a feminine shape. I find the colors a little dull, though. Also, would it kill the model to run a comb through her hair? And maybe a little blush? Yeeesh. Exactly what demo is BK Industries going for here? On sale for $160.



I may not have been able to find my two-year-old Triple Five Soul hot pink coat, but this Fuel Parka is making me think I need to return to the store and give them more of my money (specifically, $186 more). This is really more of a parka than a puffer, but I love it!



This olive puffer from Perry Ellis looks like it has a bit more of a relaxed fit. Pretty cute on the right person, I'd say (not so much the model). On big sale for $91.99.



And this Calvin Klein Jeans shawl-collar puffer has one of the more interesting shapes, with asymmetrical buttons. I do wonder if the wind would manage to sneak its way in there. Zippers seem more reliable, no? On sale for $125.99.



I do love the pillow collar, see. Looks so cozy. Via Spiga coat, on sale for $126.99.

And what would a Fashion Binge be without a truly vomitous entry? The obligatory morts:



Floral down jacket, an abomination at $299.95.