Worth it? Do Icons/Logos influence your shopping habits?

Do interlocking CCs or GGs make your heart flutter?
Or are you a lady that longs for fleur de lis?
Are little animals on your polo shirts the perfect touch?

We are surrounded by brand logos from a very early age (true story: I once attended a baby shower and one of the gifts was a tiny pair of Air Jordans - talk about starting them young!)
I've never been a huge fan of being a walking advertisement myself (brands should pay me right?), but do admit I have a few things with logos (my vintage Chanel bag does have a logo in the front).

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But I am a bigger fan of subtle signs of a luxurious brand - the mademoiselle lock on a reissue bag to a signature bow from another Italian house are icons that make me swoon without fully announcing the name of the designer.  I do find it fascinating that people pay a premium for brands with certain icons.  For some, it can indeed be a sign of "I made it!" to flash a famous icon.  If you can afford it, why not flaunt it right?  Is carrying around an iconic bag the same as flaunting an outright logo (all people in the know will know that bag's shape or style right?)

When I started earning more money, I started to increase my spending little by little as well.  I have started to realize that some things, like Hermès scarves (the painstaking process of design and creation is detailed here), have materials or details that are worth the money.  But am I just being influenced by the brand itself in other cases (again going back to a Chanel classic flap bag)?

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So what do you think about icons and logos?  Are brands and logos worth it?

Worth it? Missoni for Bugaboo

Missoni's iconic prints have been everywhere lately (or will be after the Missoni for Target launch!) and now they're also on baby strollers.  This edgy Italian fashion house has teamed up with the ultimate name in carriages to launch Missoni for Bugaboo strollers.  

Bugaboo is a brand that I have frequently seen around NYC - these modern carriages are supposed to be safe and somewhat light as well.  However, they have always been priced for the financial services crowd (do people really spend that much on a stroller?!)  Sure it's lightweight, allows for multiple positions, and allows for a one piece fold, but I've wondered whether the price is worth the cost.  Then again, would you put a limit on how much you would spend on a useful mode of transport for your baby? The addition of a versatile print and Missoni blanket (which of course could be put to other uses!) certainly make this a unique and unexpected carriage!

Missoni for Bugaboo bee, Neiman Marcus $600 (+$199 accessory package)

Is this stylish stroller worth it?

Worth it? Chanel handbag

Chanel.

It is one of the ultimate brands in women's handbags and its "CC" logo brings a flutter to many hearts.

Unfortunately (or rather fortunately for Chanel itself), Chanel handbags have literally doubled in the past decade.  E.g. a reissue 227 was $2095 in 2005 and is $4700 in 2011.  Ridiculous to the ridiculous power (except for Chanel executives who are smart indeed).
But this also means that if you own a Chanel bag, you can actually resell it and likely make back a large portion of your money or even make money (I've seen this happen with the reissue bag - it sold for $500 above retail though it had a slight stain!)  In fact, I think that a Chanel purse is a pricey, but less risky investment because of its high resale value and constant price increases.

I'm still on the hunt for a vintage reissue bag or two.  I'll also reveal my vintage camera bag soon!

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So do you think a Chanel purse is worth it?

Worth it? Hello Kitty for Sephora

Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the cutest one of all?

Hello Kitty - now and always.

I am well past the age of 10, but still find myself drawn to this adorable and simple kitty with her signature bow and oversized noggin.  Maybe I am just jealous of her agelessness and the fact that she hangs with Little Twin Stars (♥ them!).  Sephora has launched a Hello Kitty collection which is rumored to be a permanent fixture.

While makeup at any price point should focus on quality, I am tempted to order something from this collection (maybe just the compact?)  If you tried anything here let me know!

Bling mirror, Sephora, $49

Say Hello palette-Super Fun, Sephora, $35

Hello Kitty brush set, Sephora, $49

Hello Kitty fragrance, Sephora, $55

Apple Balm, Sephora, $9

Hand Held mirror, Sephora, $35

What do you think of this collection?

Worth it?/Decor Thoughts: Phillipe Starck Louis ghost chair

Sleek, styling, and versatile, the Phillipe Starck Louis XV ghost chairs are the epitome of modern vintage (they're a modern polycarbonate spin on the original Louis XV chair.)

It even comes in different designs now!

All pictures courtesy of Unica

We're looking for a few seating options for the living and dining area and I'm kinda intrigued by these chairs.   They're certainly chic and unique.  But they're not cheap with a retail of $410 (though in furniture shopping, I realize there are few cheap yet quality options),  While it is extremely durable. it also looks like a very nice plastic (so could that really be chic?)

I found a few on Craigslist and may eventually go for it,  If that doesn't work out (since we know sellers aren't always reliable), I may just take the plunge via CSN.

So, what do you think, is this chair worth it?

What kind of Fashion is Worth it? Crazy Couture or Effortless Elegance (via MFW 2010)?

Milan Fashion Week was a colorful affair full of funky cutout coats (a la Marni), floor-length floral, sheer chiffon gowns (a la Alberta Ferretti), and coordinating and contrasting spring patterns (a la D&G).

But I saw these two wildly different images and got to thinking - if you're buying designer fashion, what style is worth it?  What structured gown or must-have piece of outerwear justifies the hefty price?

Bottega Veneta  Spring/Summer 2011 via style.com

Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2011 via style.com

Any piece of clothing I buy at any price point will have to have a little flair.  If I buy a designer piece, it would either have to be something like the Bottega Veneta - classic, effortless chic that can be dressed up or down and worn on a number of occasions (lowering the cost per wear right Tanvii?)  Or it has to be a crazy cool and utterly show stopping piece like the ethereal flowing piece above.

What are your thoughts?  What designer pieces are worth the price for you?

Worth it?/{Wedding/Spring Look}? Tiffany's Blue playful shoes

Oh the cute white scalloped trim and that lovely shade of Tiffany's blue (it comes in black with white trim as well)!  This Hey Lady shoe is supposed to be super comfortable and has invisible "wing" arch support (what is that?) and a memory foam insole.  It's not cheap at $340, but if it's that comfortable, it'd be a good investment.  The comfort factor for me would be the key selling point (of course the styling is tres important as well)

Has anyone tried this brand before?

Most importantly, is this worth it?

Worth it? Shoe statement via Marc by Marcs Jacobs Mouse flats

Images from Talk Shoes

Hello.

Don't mind me.
I'm just a little mouse sniffing around on the ground.

Yes I'm adorable.  But do I belong on your feet?!

Prices average $230, but certain colors are on sale from Madison LA and Farfetch for $130

Oh Marc for Marc Jacobs, you never cease to amaze me with your fun collection of animal and girl power friends (a la Miss Marc).

The shoes are certainly fun, though more of a weekend fun shoe for me (if anything).  For that reason, I'd certainly wait for a sale before trying them.

What do you think - too much or too fun?

Worth it? Fit Flop muscle toning shoes

These Fit Flop Pietra sandals are the newest addition to the line and I'm pleasantly surprised because they are relatively fashion forward (especially for something that's an orthopedic/athletic slipper).   My 8-months pregnant friend was wearing them today and has found them comfortable so far.

They're sold at Amazon or Bliss for $59.99.

 

Fit Flop sandals and boots are basically shoes that supposedly help you tone your legs while you're wearing the shoes.  It does this with a sole "composed of three distinct densities of EVA foam that together create a slightly destabilizing effect, your muscles are engaged each time you step, increasing leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity for better tone"

Their shoes are also supposed to decrease stress the amount of stress on your lower back and feet. I can't vouch for the former benefit, but can vouch for this aspect.  I have a recent nerve pain on my right foot which has made most of my shoes (including flats!) pretty uncomfortable.  But for some reason, I can walk for hours in my Fit Flop sandals.

Do any of you own Fit Flops and what are your thoughts?
Most importantly, are they worth it?

Worth it? Chanel La Vernis Nail Color

There is something so iconic and chic about Chanel.  Cosmetics, clothing, accessories - they're all as glam as you can get.  Chanel La Vernis nail polish is supposed to be long-lasting and chip resistant.  There are of course also gorgeous shades from the lightest roses to baby blue.  At $23 a bottle, it's not cheap. 
But is it really a grande dame of nail polish as well?  I've been tempted to try it and would love to hear your experiences.

Worth it?

Worth it? Healthy Deep fried food via T-Fal Actifry Low Fat Multi-Cooker and Healthy Fryer

I don't necessarily have cravings for fried food (though I'm not going to say I haven't been tempted by fried food stalls here or haven't tried spicy chicken sandwiches at international fast food joints).  I definitely enjoy great onion rings, corn nuggets, and jalapeno poppers.  I got really excited when I saw corn nuggets for sale in Singapore.  But we're trying to lead a healthier lifestyle (more vegetables, less meat, less fried stuff).

The answer to a fried food lover's prayers seemed to be in this little machine - the T-Fal Actifry Low Fat Multi-cooker and Healthy Fryer or just the Healthy Fryer to me.  I'm not trying to endorse the thing, but I'm very, very intrigued.   Seriously who wouldn't be after hearing that you can fry 2 pounds of french fries with 1 tablespoon of oil?!  The reviews seem mixed though.

If you've tried this, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Most importantly, is this worth it (it's $299.95)?

Description from Amazon:
The actifry features a unique patented technology that combines an exclusive heating system and stirring paddle, so that you can cook great tasting fresh homemade French fries with just 1 tablespoon of your favorite oil (making a French fry with only 3-percent fat content vs. 16-18-percent fat in a regular fry). It's also much more that, you can make a variety of dishes such as meats, poultry, risotto, seafood, granola, & desserts. Plus clean up is a breeze, actifry features a removable bowl, lid, filter and tablespoon- all of which are dishwasher safe (and most importantly- no oil to dispose of!).