Accessorize Yo'self

Posted Thursday, September 27, 2007 5:10 AM

(Please refer to the purse picture that I have posted in the My Photos section!)

I was contemplating about accessories earlier last week, like shoes, purses, and jewelry when I suddenly remembered that I might not have to go purse shopping afterall.  Now I love acquiring pretty things as much as the next girl, but in this case, with our big wedding, I was thinking that if I can curtail my expenses on items that I won't use too often, I'd be able to either save a few (hundred) bucks or use that money on things we need (ie invitations)/want to share with others (ie chocolate fountain!).  I am too rational; clearly I was a science major :P

So back to my sudden realization.  Years ago when I was getting ready for my junior prom, I went shopping with my mom in LA's Chinatown when I happened upon a stall selling special occasion purses.  Every purse was either shiny, studded with sparkly decorative stones, metallic, or some combination of all 3 things.  I wanted one for prom and my mom began her haggling. (I am so useless in this department...prolly wouldn't a desirable wife back in the motherland.)  I don't remember the exact price that the purse was purchased for-I want to say $12?  But it was definitely less than $20.  The only "bad" thing about it is the (fake) jewels near the top, by the clasp are unevenly spaced.  I figure, who's going to care about a few imperfectly spaced studs?  I don't.  Plus it's lasted me all these years, as it lives in a cloth bag.  Since jr prom, I've used it for college formals, too.  And yes, these formals were with Alfred :)  This bag has history behind it, ha!

As for shoes, I didn't want to spend very much money on them either.  I guess as a rule, I don't want to spend more than I have to on some of these items, but I do love shoes.  Lately (these past 2 years since I have graduated college) I have been infatuated by high heels....they are so pretty.  It's just funny that my last half dozen, if not more, shoe purchases have been on heels; I guess I've paid my dues walking around a college campus for 4 years.  After my wedding dress was decided on, I waited a few months before thinking about shoes.  I knew I didn't want white ones and silver would go well with the crystal decorations on the dress.  Lucky for me (and I'm sure countless of you brides-to-be) that metallics were/are (?) all the rage and silver shoes were everywhere.

On a nice sunny day in SF, I met up one of my BMs, A, and poked around for shoes at the newly expanded, scary-big SF Westfield.  I looked around at Nordstrom's, Nine West, and Aldo.  

Aldo carried a wide selection of silvery shoes and I had narrowed it down to 2 pairs.  Since I don't remember the name of the other shoe, I'll just tell you that I ended up going with the Arima style.  It's simple, silver, strappy, and best of all, doesn't scream WEDDING so I can use them again.  I am tempted not to wear them before the wedding...and that's a long ways away!

As for the rest of the night, at the banquet, I am hoping to wear my fantastic heels from Betsey Johnson (Aria, in black), maybe with my cheongsam. 

I wonder if I will be able to exhibit the same restraint when it comes time to shop for jewelry...