The Best Things In Life Aren't Free

A few weeks ago, my coworkers and I were delighted to discover that we are getting bonuses this year. With the elusive check scheduled to arrive any day now, my brain has been working double time to figure out what items I am going to treat myself with for working all year.

I know what you're thinking. "Lindsay, isn't it a huge waste to use your money on a bunch of little things that could potentially be out of style in six months to a year?"

Probably. But you know what? I don't care.

And I'm not going to blow the entire thing in one fell swoop of the mall, Supermarket Sweep-style. I am definitely going to save the majority of it, which I was miraculously able to do last year and it paid for our trip to Canada for our anniversary. After all, we do need to someday live in a place with more than 690 square feet, or else I'm going to run out of places to put all the crap that I buy.

I may have mentioned before that I have a very strict allowance as of late. And by allowance, I mean I am forbidden to buy anything ever unless it is an absolute necessity, i.e. food or toilet paper.

I totally see where my husband is coming from giving me such constraints. I have a closet that is exploding with clothes- fun, pretty clothes that I almost never wear because my daily wardrobe requirement is black, black, some more black, and in case you didn't have enough already, just a little bit more black. My "side" has somehow started to spread over into his side, and that's not including all the spring/summer clothes that are neatly Space Bagged on the top shelf right now. But like an addict, there are just temptations EVERYWHERE. First of all, I work in a mall. So not only do I see many cute things on a regular basis, but I also walk by certain things everyday, so I see when they finally get marked down, which feels like winning the lottery to me. Also, ever since I got more involved in blogging, I have discovered blogs of many fashionable ladies that feature outfits that I think I should be wearing.

Aside from the additional fun things I want, I need some essentials stat. But since I have somehow started using expensive products such as shampoo, makeup, etc., when I run out of something, it's hard to convince said husband that my bronzer that is now crumbling at the bottom of my makeup bag needs to be replaced, and it just so happens right now that I have a zillion things I need to restock.

My brain is spinning from all the things I'm coveting right now. So better to put it out there than keep it swirling around in my brain. Without further adieu, I give you:

My List of Stuff I Want to Buy But My Husband Won't Let Me So I'm Waiting For My Bonus Wish List.

Essential Elegance Skirt $69.99 Mod Cloth

I've seen this skirt on multiple posts from Jessica at What I Wore and I think it is just darling. Like I said, I wear lots of black and I'm always looking for different pieces to break up the monotony of an A-line black skirt (which I currently have approximately five of). Also I love the vintage feel and the high waist. And on those days when you just don't feel like getting dressed for work, how much more fun is it when you have a skirt to twirl in?

Xhilaration Challis Shorts $16.99 Target

Okay, I also only know of the existence of these shorts because of Jessica (what can I say? The girl just knows how to put it all together) but I'm obsessed with these for two reasons: 1. Vintage-looking. 2. Cheapness. Seriously, this is such a good deal for a cute piece like this! I'm already picturing wearing this over my sailor-style swimsuit with a scarf tied around my head. And as soon as I go on Pinterest, I will actually figure out how to do that.

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Buttered Bronze $19.50 Clinique

I guess you know you have a problem when the eyeshadow costs more than the clothes you want. But seriously, that bronze color is the best shadow I have ever used for contouring my eyes and I only discovered up because of those damn free gifts with purchase that I keep falling for. It was in a trio of a shadow for your whole eyelid, this color for the accent and then a dark brown with a teeny brush for lining. It was like, the most perfect shade and I used it every day. Then, one sad day, I opened my beloved compact and Buttered Bronze was completely shattered into a crumbly mess, staining all the belongings of my bag (luckily, I have about 30 more where that came from- thanks, Clinique). But the other two colors? TOTALLY FINE. I have tried every cheap bronze color in my Forever 21 eye shadow palate, and none of them are as perfect a shade as this. We will meet again, Buttered Bronze.

Picture This Camera Ring in Pewter $9.00 Threadsence

I just have to have this. There's no way around it. Thanks to Jessica at My Style Vita for posting this for $10 Tuesdays. Good thing it's temporarily sold out, or I would have nabbed this baby a month ago.

City Stretch Peplum Sleeveless Top $29.95 New York & Company

I think it's safe to say after the Academy Awards that we all need a little peplum in our lives. This is going to be the next big thing, and apparently it's everywhere all of a sudden, from jackets to dresses. Me? I just want a simple top like this because I'm always weary of things that are all of a sudden in style, which is why I still only own one pair of skinny jeans. However, after my recent snafu with a return at NY&Co, I don't know that I will ever be allowed to buy anything there again. And I have so many coupons...

Polka Dot Tights $20.00 Express

Okay I know that Steve will never understand this, but this is why I HAVE TO BUY THINGS WHEN I SEE THEM. I have been coveting these polka dot tights ever since I saw Rachel from Pink Peonies wearing them with a fabulous hot pink skirt. Since she said they were from Express, I went over one day on my break to check them out. $20 seems like a bit steep for tights (because it seems like no matter how careful you are, they inevitably could rip) but I thought they were so fun, I promised myself I would get my hands on a pair when some extra funds came rolling in. While working on this post I went to the Express website and THEY'RE NOT EVEN ON THERE! Hopefully they're still available in the store, or else I will cry. I mean, how often to polka dotted tights come around?!

Weightless Shine Conditioner $25.00 Sebastian

I know, I know. Conditioner is a necessity. But twenty something dollar conditioner is not a necessity. Of course you're thinking, "Lindsay, why not just buy less expensive conditioner?!" Because that would be the sane thing to do. I have used Sebastian shampoo and conditioner for some time now, and it just works the best for me. And once you find something you like, you can't go back to using drugstore stuff. You just can't. Yes, my hair is now spoiled. Luckily, having a friend that is a hairdresser, I have been able to substitute miscellaneous samples that I have acquired over the years while I wait to buy the good stuff. Otherwise, it would be a sock bun kind of day, everyday.

Chambray Button Up $17.80 Forever 21

So I keep seeing Chambray shirts everywhere in every fashion blog I read, but everyone seems to be buying theirs from J. Crew. Thanks, but if I'm going to be spending $78 on a shirt, it sure as hell isn't going to be made out of denim. Again, this is one of those things that I am perfectly content picking up for as little money as possible, as I have no idea how long this is going to be on trend for. I want to pair one with a brightly colored maxi skirt because I keep walking by it on a mannequin at Madewell and it makes me happy.

Patent Toe Ballet Flats $20.80 Forever 21

Isn't it weird how certain things are all of a sudden in style and you're like, "where did that come from why don't I have it I need it now ahhhhh!?!" Just me? Okay, well cap toe shoes seem to be one of those things this year. I've been seeing all kinds, from flats to heels and even though they're "in," I think a neutral pair seem pretty classic, like you could wear them for years (that is, if the cheap ass ones I end up buying don't fall apart). Payless also has a pair that was made by Dexter, so those could be infinitely more comfortable. Of course, if money was no object, I would clearly be lusting for this Kate Spade pair. I don't think my entire shoe collection combined even reaches $225.

Vintage Inspired Swimsuit 50's Style Pin Up White Bathing Suit $75.00 Unique Vintage

I don't really want to talk about how many vintage bathing suits I have (sorry, vintage style, not actual old bathing suits. Ew). But I have been searching for a white one piece for YEARS, ever since I saw a picture of Jessica Simpson in a Michael Kors similar style one a long, long time ago. I always wanted a white one because it reminds me of old school like Marilyn Monroe style beach glamour. Then when I opened up my February issue of Elle, I was delighted to see my girl Lea Michele in my very dream bathing suit! Too bad it was $350. This one from Unique Vintage seems similar enough for a fraction of the price. Then I promise, no more bathing suits. This year.

Flocked Trout Stream Pillow $19.99 Target

I want to be one of those people that can mix patterns of things and have it look amazing. However, if you only have one pattern on your couch at the moment, you're not really getting there. I have this great blanket with all these different color pale greens, periwinkles, light blues, and even tiny hints of orange that somehow blend perfectly together (it even has traces of brown, which is the color of my couch). Now I just need to find other patterned throw pillows in the same color family to add into the mix. Other than taking the blanket with me from store to store, I don't know where to find inexpensive pillows that go. If I was crafty I suppose I would just buy fabric and make them. Luckily for my fingers, this pillow from Target totally goes, and compliments the pale green ones I have already. Now... where to find non-hideous orange pillows...

I'm sure from the time I wrote this until the time you read it, I will have come up with 27 more things that I want. After this little spree, it's penny pincher time, so I'm going to savor the moment while I can.

~L