Rowenta Ultra Stream Handheld Fabric Steamer, F

I am remarkably lazy. But I like clean, pressed clothes because they make you look neat. So naturally, I found that my solution to the traditional iron and ironing board would be a handheld steamer, one that doesn't take up much space and one that's easily available whenever I need to press anything.

Buying this was like throwing away $20.

There is nothing good about it because it never accomplished what it promised to. I followed the directions perfectly; adding tap water, not filtered water etc etc. When I turn the machine on, steam does indeed come out, but it is released through the handle, not the nozzle. I burned my hand trying to operate it and eventually wound up wearing gardening gloves to protect myself, thinking maybe it's a one-time thing, maybe I did it wrong. Nope.

Nothing about this device is worth any amount of money. Maybe I just got a defective product, but I can assure you I followed every direction only to end up hurting myself and that's not a product I'd ever endorse.

Payless booties, B

There was a time I avoided Payless Shoes like the plague. I couldn't shake the image of the store being filled with cheap, tacky imitations until I bought these shoes the other day. For the most part, Payless was kind of a bummer. The shoes in the boxes never look as good as they do on the posters and I could see the shoes already start to fall apart. But there were some gems that were noticeably classier (and more expensive), like these shoes for $30. They're a Fioni brand and while I wouldn't say they're worth all of $30, I'll wear these enough to justify the cost. I also got lucky because there were only 2 pairs in the entire store and one happened to be my size

Pros:

• Surprisingly comfortable and substantial sole
• Sturdy zipper
• Not overly trendy (no superfluous buckles or rhinestones like so many other Payless options)

Cons:

• Heel quality questionable; doesn't seem as durable as I'd like it to be
• Narrow toe, but that could just be me
• A little tight when putting them on, but at least this means they don't fall off

The Fioni section of the Payless website offers more refreshingly classy options, but it's always tricky finding them in stores (probably because they're one of the best options)

My makeup edition

I've probably spent way more money on cosmetics and toiletries than I would feel comfortable admitting. I always think I need stuff I don't, or I need more of something I already have (I guess I can safely say the marketing departments of the make-up industry are doing their jobs). I've finally whittled down my routine and selected some of my favorite favorites of all time that I would recommend:

CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara:

What I love about this is that unlike other mascaras, I don't have clumpy, goopy lashes. It's one of the more affordable mascaras and best mascaras, and trust me, having sparse, blonde lashes, I'm always always buying and trying mascara. This does not transform my lashes into super-long, thick dark romantic lashes, but I'm glad because that would be way unnatural for someone like me. It takes the few lashes I have, darkens them and makes them believably more voluminous. (As a side note: I always curl my lashes before hand. It only takes like 20 seconds and makes your lashes 1) more lash-like and curly 2) adhere to the mascara more easily)

Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin:

This wash is a real gem. It's super inexpensive, removes make-up easily, makes you feel clean but not dried-out and keeps my (sensitive) skin blemish-free. I actually switched to some face wash that's organic and triple the price and literally, the morning after I washed my face in the evening, a pimple appeared on my chin. Needless to say, I switched back and I doubt I'll ever change again. 

Dove Clinical Protection Deodorant and Antiperspirant:
 This is not a particularly lady-like thing for me to admit but I don't perspire. I sweat. It's gross blah blah blah but whatevs do you really expect me not to break a sweat on the treadmill? (Not to mention how red my skin turns... but that's another issue entirely). This isn't a cure-all deodorant. I still sweat a little, but I don't stink. It's the closest I can get to a sweat-free lifestyle so until I find a better replacement, this sucker is staying in my toiletry family.

Physician's Formula Talc-Free Mineral-Wear Loose Powder:
As I sort of mentioned before, I have some red-skin issues. I turn red really easily and my face isn't one nice, pretty color. Instead, I have faint red blotches. This loose powder evens-out my skin tone while maintaining my true color. It's like me, only a better version. I've tried liquids and tinted lotions but they all look (and feel) oppressive and fake, like a mask. I've since only used loose powder and this is definitely the best brand I've tried (I've used CoverGirl, Almay and Revlon versions). It's more expensive, but it is definitely worth it because I don't feel it when I'm wearing it, it doesn't irritate my skin, and makes a noticeable difference.

Jcrew leopard-print belt, B-

This belt I also got for 20something dollars at a JCrew outlet in Rehoboth (they honor student ID discounts and military discounts, so it's my type of place) and while I haven't used it as much as the other belt, I like the reassurance I get from it being in my closet. It's a classy, timeless way to add polish to a business outfit.

Pros:

• It's timeless. The elements (gold hardware, leopard print) are simple enough to transcend trends
• It was inexpensive

Cons:

• It's not a very flexible belt and it doesn't hold up my pants well. I know I wasn't really expecting that from a thin belt that's primary function is to be an accessory, but still, ya know. I don't want my pants to fall down. 

It's a much more affordable version of a current trend as shown here with this Gucci belt:

Vivienne Westwood flats, B

For being a pair of plastic shoes I ordered off Zappos and given my mismatched feet sizes, this purchase was risky. Once I saw how shiny they were, I got scared and immediately thought of sweaty, hot, compressed feet in cheap, plastic, non-breathable feet smotherers. But, thankfully, this isn't the case!

Pros:

• They are plastic and shiny but not cheap looking
• They are classy and I am having no difficulty pairing the shoes with my other clothes
• They don't feel like you expect them to feel! The inside is nice, and doesn't tug at your skin
• There is a little hole at the tip of the shoe, right above the toes, that adds interest and practicality 

Cons:

• Given that they are plastic shoes, they don't have as much give as leather shoes. I know these stinkers aren't going to change much, they aren't going to mold to my feet, but I knew that going into this purchase

I found a better picture of them in inverse colors here: 

they have other styles with hearts on the tips instead of what I think is a wax-seal ornament: I want (seriously. Imagine wearing these on Valentine's Day)

Urban Outfitters hair clip, C

I like this hairclip. I really do. (Why else would I have spent $10 on a set of two identical hair pins?) But just because it's so pretty in theory, doesn't mean it's not a waste of teh moneys.

Pros:

• The colors are pretty and trendy
• The pin isn't overwhelming; it's a good way to incorporate a feminine touch
• IT'S SO PRETTY

Cons:

• It's a poor pin design (how a company could mess up a design so simple and so common is beyond me... but alas if one company had to do it, it would be Urban Outfitters). It snags my hair and it's not tight enough to even stay in!
• The ends are sharp and visible when you put the pin in
• I look like a toddler when I wear it. Seriously, I can't figure out a way not to look like an infant with this is. Again, good in theory, but poor in execution

JCrew studded belt, B

I bought this belt for less than $20 at a JCrew outlet store in Rehoboth, Delaware. So far, I love it, I wear it with everything to make my outfit more thoughtful. It's simple and easily accessorizes almost anything I am wearing.

Pros:

• classy
• bendable, soft leather
• goes with almost anything, except for probably non-gold accessories

Cons:

• it's weak... I fear buckling it too tight (you know, tight enough to actually hold up my pants) because it seems like it's going to break. I knew going into this purchase it was primarily an aesthetic belt, but still.
• Since it's JCrew and not a real leathershop, the sides of the belt are beginning to fray. It's hardly noticeable and I have definitely got my money's worth of the belt, but still disappointing.

Frye leather flats, A+

After the first week of wearing these shoes, I was not happy. I was ready to write a post about how after 10 days, they still hurt too much and gave me too many blisters for a pair of $123 shoes. But for some reason (midterms) I didn't post then, and I'm glad I didn't because it wouldn't have been representative of all the comfort and reliability my shoes have been giving me now. After going to DC and Philly in these shoes, with bandaids dutifully taped to the back of my heels, these shoes have been perfectly worn in.

Pros:

• mold to your feet, exactly
• quality, comfortable leather
• soles that feel supportive. With some of my flats, it feels like I'm walking directly on the asphalt but with these, I don't notice so much how my feet feel-- which is a good indication that the shoes are providing what they are supposed to be providing!
• leather that's easy to clean (I got gum off of them with an old toothbrush & water, minimal staining)
• beautiful color that looks worn-in not worn-out (if that makes sense)

Cons:

• Takes a while to mold to your feet. And it hurts. But anybody who has owned Rainbow flipflops knows breaking in leather shoes are definitely worth it

target home organic sheet set, A+

Pros:

• incredibly soft and luxurious
• under $25 dollars for a twin pillowcase, fitted sheet and flat sheet
• rich color
• organic (see treehugger.com for more information). I feel good and clean falling asleep on these sheets, especially since I have super sensitive skin that's triggered by traces of chemicals

Cons:

• lint sticks to it and is visible, but that could be because I have a light tan-colored blanket that sheds like my dog in montgomery county summer

I love the color and I still can't believe the quality of the product for such an affordable price. I'm definitely going to buy more Target Home organic products 

essie soiree mauve, A

Pros:

• vogue
• earthy undertones go unexpectedly well with other styles, color isn't jarring against clothing fashions
• more interesting than standard nudes and darker fall hues
• cheap ($8) way to implement a trend and color into your wardrobe when buying trendy autumn pieces may be out of the question

Cons:

• As with all darker polishes, chipping is more visible and more frustrating (how awful the feeling of noticing an imperfection only days after you apply the polish)

I love it and I wish I had more fingers and toes to paint this color. It's so pretty and seasonal and classy. It's considered a resort collection color, but wearing this polish is sophisticated, not showy. 

shoes (thrift)

I purchased these boys leather shoes at a Value Village about a month ago. I was very lucky they fit my mismatched feet sizes and cost me under $12!

• Pros:Nice alternative to the standard flat in the fall. More interesting, especially because of the men's style. I love when women's shoes have laces, but it's tough to find some that aren't explicitly athletic or super ugly.

• Most authentic version of the menswear-inspired oxford shoes found on the runway

Cons:

• They aren't shaped for women's feet-- be careful to know exactly how the shoes will feel after walking around in them a bit, especially if you're purchasing them thrift.
• Socks will be visible. So for ladies who blister without socks, put Vaseline or another petroleum-based jelly on the parts of your feet that are most likely to be irritated, like your heels and your big toe joint. It feels a bit silly and slimey, but it's a surprisingly simple and effective. OR you could turn the socks into a positive, and pair these shoes with similarly feminine menswear-inspired socks and wear them folded on the ankle