When cheap isn't cheap

I have a dilemma.

I bought this beautiful R. J. Graziano necklace as a birthday present to myself in April. At $250, it was pricier than what I wanted to spend, but when I saw the statement piece at Nordstrom, it surpassed anything else that I saw the in mall that day. I actually looked for something just as fabulous, but cheaper, but couldn't find anything that came close.

I wore the necklace twice before one of the center turquoise stones fell out. I took the necklace back to Nordstrom, hoping to exchange it for another, but there weren't any left at any of the Nordstroms in the U.S. Bummer!

I was trying to decide if I should return the necklace, when the sales associate offered to send it back to R.J. Graziano for them to repair it. Perfect!

I picked up my prized birthday gift two weeks ago, after not having it for two months, and carefully placed it on my jewelry box, on top of every other necklace in there, because, after all, it was my favorite piece and I had missed it so much. Two days later, I opened my jewelry box and noticed a smaller bead had fallen out. Shoot! (Note: It's on the top right).

Now, what do I do?

Do I send it back again and risk not having it for the rest of the year?

Do I try to repair it myself?

Or do I just return it to Nordstrom?

I so want to keep this necklace. The first time I wore it, I got at least 50 compliments on it. I was at a Links' Luncheon with women as equally as fashionable, but my necklace was all the rage.

The second time I wore it, it gained nearly as much attention.

So, clearly, this piece is a show stopper and I probably won't be able to find anything similar.

If I repair it myself or send it back to R.J. Graziano, there's still a chance another bead could fall out.

I'm disappointed that the necklace was so expensive, but the quality was not on par with the price. I know it's costume jewelry, but when you pay $250 for a necklace, you expect it to last a while.

What would you do?

Biker Babe

I've been looking for a motorcycle jacket for about three years and I finally bought one today!

I'm taking at class at NYU and a classmate, Sarah, walked in Tuesday night with a fabulous black motorcycle jacket. I instantly knew that I wanted the jacket for myself. It was fitted where it needed to be. It had the Mandarin snap collar that I was looking for. And a bit of an edge that made the jacket cool. So, I complemented Sarah, who immediately told me she bought it from Marshalls and it was $29.99!

I couldn't believe the price, even for faux leather. I've never bought a faux anything and never planned to buy a pleather jacket, but this one is a good knockoff. It still feels like leather and the great style overshadows the fact that it's not. The brand is Freedom 2be.

To Each is Own

Usually I blog about what I love, but this blog is about what I don't like. I was in Marshalls today buying a motorcycle jacket (see above blog) and wandered over to the shoe department. I was amazed at the amount of U-G-L-Y shoes that the buyers are trying to peddle off on some poor soul.

All of the shoes were on clearance, where they should have been, since a garbage can wasn't available. As I slowly walked down the aisle with my mouth hanging open, I thought it would be different to showcase some shoes that are um, well, different.

These are Kate Spade's. What was she thinking? Shoes with pom poms are a don't.

Cave women don't exist anymore and neither should these shoes.

They still make these? I had a similar pair in 9th grade and they were gross back then, too.

I have no words.

Coach needed some coaching when the designers put pen to paper with these.

Sequins are hot, but these are not.

Cold-Weather Accessories

The other day, I blogged about great coats. But the coat is just the beginning of your outerwear look. You need gloves and scarves to successfully combat the cold weather.

If I have eight coats, I have 10 pairs of gloves and 16 scarves. Scarves are a cheap way to add a bit of flair or color to your outfit. Even on days that aren't bone chilling, you can wrap a scarf around your neck to add a bit of vroom vroom to your look.

This Anthropologie scarf is my favorite of the season. It's so fabulous that I would wear it even when it is hot outside. OK, I'm slightly exaggerating, but I love this look. This is a happy scarf. It's $98.

These gloves from Target look super soft and cute. The ruffle that hits at the wrist keeps the gloves ultra feminine and they are a steal for $9.99

The new trend in scarves is that they completely wrap around your neck. They are called eternity scarves because they never end. It's loose fitting and is truly a cold-weather accessory, rather than something to keep you warm. This scarf is exclusive to Urban Outfitters for $19.99

Long gloves were all the rage last winter. And they're back! For instant chicness, slide on a pair. These Nordstrom-brand gloves sell for $98.

Looking for luxurious? This Banana Republic gathered knit scarf is the answer. The price? $50.

You've heard of leg warmers, right? Well, the same concept is available for your arms. Lovin' these arm warmers. They're so urban and fun! The first pair are Donna Karan and sell for $395 at Nordstrom. If you don't want to break the bank, get the second pair for $18 bucks at Urban Outfitters.

Fashion Rules that should be broken

The other day, two friends and I were having a discussion about fashion rules that no longer exist. One of my friends said she was glad it was October because she could finally wear her boots. The other friend asked her why she couldn't wear boots sooner and the first friend replied, "East Coast rule: No boots before October."

I didn't grow up on the East Coast, but have lived here almost 10 years and have never heard that rule before. And I guess half the women in Manhattan haven't heard the rule either, because they've been wearing boots all summer. And I wore boots with a short summer dress in mid-September.

One of things I love about fashion is that the rules that most of us grew up with no longer apply. Here are the top five:

No White After Labor Day: White is a big trend this fall, so clearly, you can wear it after Labor Day. When you wear white in the fall and winter, pair it with a dark top and dark boots. Make sure the material is heavy - white jeans, cords or wool pants - so put away your white linen. And a white coat always makes a great fashion statement.

Your shoes and purse have to match: This is a trend I'm trying to get away from. My shoes and purses don't always match, but they are at least in the same color family. I have a great navy Beirn bag that I carry almost everyday because it works with many of my shoes, but if I'm wearing light-colored shoes, I will change my bag. I need to get more comfortable with stepping outside my shoe/purse box.

Black and brown don't match: But they do! I grew up being told that black matches every color. Brown is a color, so it must match black. There's nothing wrong with pairing a brown top with a black bottom. However, one rule that still stands is you shouldn't wear brown shoes with black pants.

Don't mix prints: This one may take some getting used to, but as long as the colors in your striped blouse match the colors in your argyle skirt, you're good to go.

Plus-sized women shouldn't wear form fitting clothes: They should definitely wear form-fitting clothes, as long as they fit well - and that goes for all women. Your clothes should fit well. I'm one of the most size-conscious people I know. If I gain a little weight and can't fit into my goal size, sometimes I still buy the smaller size hoping I will eventually get into it. I should just suck it up and get the bigger size, but my ego won't let me. Women have curves for a reason - to show them off! We should embrace them and show them off through our clothes.

Get some shine in your wardrobe

Growing up, when I thought about sequins, I thought about prom dresses or old ladies. But sequins have a new face and it's screaming hip and trendy.

I bought my first sequined piece last week from Nordstrom. It was a simple black tank with sequins fading on the front from top to bottom. I thought it was a nice introductory piece.

If you're looking to ease into this trend, this h.i.p. sequin racerback knit tank is a nice top for $34. It also comes in black and dark demin.

But, if you want a show-stopping piece, these Velvet Sebella sequin leggings are fabulous. I'm kinda loving these! They sell for $174.

This Holy G Long Vest with sequin is slightly more than subtle, but not in your face. The menswear style stays feminine with the cute tie. It's $55 at emoda.com.

This Velvet by Grahma & Spencer 'Delia' sequin dress screams sexy, but it's tasteful. You can rock this for $209. It also comes in black.

This ASOS black leather art deco beaded sequined clutch would look great with a ball gown or jeans. For $109, you can carry it.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

OK. It's not exactly cold, but it's cool. The high today in NJ was in the low 60s and the lows were the 40s. The change in weather got me thinking about all of the great coats out there. One of the best things about living on the East Coast is the need for a coat, well, multiple coats.

I love coats. I can't get enough of them. I think I have about eight and could easily buy all of the ones listed below.

This cutie is the Double Cloth Carlin Coat. It's priced at $298 at J. Crew. There are few things in life better than a pink coat. I have a pink coat and get compliments every time I wear it. A pink coat is totally unexpected!

Military style is all the rage and this Funnel Neck Military Pea Coat from bebe is a great way to salute this trend. This coat sells for $179.

I love, love this Somerset Cape. And it's the perfect weather for it - not too cold so that your arms can't be out. But this cape can take you through the winter. Just add some long gloves for a chic look. I tried on this cape over the weekend and fell. in. love. You can find this at Anthropologie for $158. I'm seriously considering adding this to my collection.

Trenches never go out of style and the navy on this Miss Sixty Modern Trench adds something new and exciting to a classic look. This trench sells for $168 at Nordstrom.

Who doesn't love a ruffle? And this coat is full of them. This Plenty Frock Coat by Tracey Reese sells for $325 at Piperlime.com.

Enjoy the weather!