did you buy that new?: All that glitters is gold

August 07, 2008

All that glitters is gold

My sister and I were raised like twins (we're 16 months apart) by a very fashionable mother. In fact all the women we grew up around were glitzy and well put together. The fashion mix of the Armenian-Canadian emigrée was part department store chic, part gypsy bling lover. (Think a more toned-down version of Carmela Soprano.) Above all, these women loved a good sale. No, I lie. They gleaned the most joy from bragging about their finds.

My sis and I both love to shop as a direct result of these big-haired, big-chested, big-mouthed mamas. Accessories are my true love. Accessories don't discriminate between butt or bra size. They can totally define your style, make you look rich or poor, professional or slovenly. And when they tell a story, I love them even more.

8 years ago, my sis and I found ourselves in a second-hand store on the then-trendiest patch of Toronto's Queen Street West district. I had just moved out of my parents' house and lived in a crappy concrete high rise nearby. My sis and I were learning how to spend time with each other without living in each other's armpit.

The purse caught my eye, but seemed too flashy for me at the time. I convinced her that she would not regret purchasing it for a mere $20. She hemmed and hawed but finally bought it, after which I promptly stole it from her.

I heart this clutch. It's lined with black satin inside and even has a zippered pocket for your unmentionables. It's deceivingly able to simultaneously carry your wallet, cell phone, keys, lipstick, and even your cotton girly sticks. Paired with a maxi dress, it can make you look like a 70s supastar. Paired with skinny jeans and stilettos, it says, "I don't got room for your baggage."

posted by Nadine

Posted at 04:08 PM in about, dressy, Nadine, thrifty | Permalink