misosouper, a shopping blog

I’m a little beaten down by winter at this point, aren’t you?  (And I live in Florida, which says something about either the weather this year, or my fortitude…probably both.)  And while most sales are unloading their winter merch, I’d rather shop spring–cheaply.  Here are my greatest hits from Urban Outfitters‘ new collection that will put spring in your step:

1.  Urban Renewal Leather Chain Strap Bag, made from recycled leather jackets in UO’s Philly studios; 2.  Colorblock Ruffle Dress; 3.  Ecote Border Print Voile Skirt, which could be possibly the easiest summer-bbq-bottom ever (note the elastic waist); 4.  Kimchi Blue Striped Sweatshirt; 5.  Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Sailor Jumper (adult onesies are my definition of a spring fling); 6.  Matiko Nakia Sandal; 7.   Mirror/Dash Rolled Cuff Tee (from Kim Gordon’s new line… just ignore model’s bleached legs); 8.  UO Skyline Sunglasses, which perfectly capture our vintage eyewear moment; 9.   Silence & Noise Fleece Motorcycle Jacket; 10.  Serpentine Necklace, which was splashed all over UO’s catalog, because it goes with all of these pieces; 11.  Silence & Noise Chevron Tank, which would make a fantastic outfit paired with the necklace on the left and the shoes on the right (add skinny jeans, please); 12.  Jeffrey Campbell Crosshatch Platform, the actualization of fierce.

And while we’re on the topic of things you should purchase for yourself:  this purse, whose bright yellow is cheerily entitled “Raincoat,” is something you either get (as in:  yes! yes! I totally understand why I’d want that bag leading my outfits into spring), or you don’t (as in:  no! no!  yellow + ikat…again?).  I get it; I’m totally gonna get it.

I so look forward to my Daily Candy e-mails, not just because they’re constantly introducing me to new designers, but because they’re the ones who inspired my “A-ha!  I can do this too!” moment a couple of years ago when I decided to start my own shopping blog.  (Gotta look to your forebears for inspiration.  Who likes to shop in a vacuum?  Very uncomfortable, that, with all the dusty sucking and swirling.)

This morning’s message directed me to Melissa Eva’s sale, where I found this:  the purse I’ve been waiting for all my life.  Compact but not tiny, this cross-body satchel in charcoal leather–got you covered, spring, fall, and winter–is my around-town, now-at-60%-off bag for all seasons.

Not in the mood for love?  These gifts will bring out your cheeky side.

These animals will keep that library in line.

Mix your Mexican beverage metaphors and serve her up with a tray full of Negra Modelos.

My favorite martian.

Way creepier than playing poker with mirrored glasses.  A true objet d’art.

Why should Radiohead get all the rainbows?

A satisfyingly dramatic way to pass the days.

Now that the election is over, you need someone else to root for.

Lover, you should have come over.

My teenage cousin is obsessed with phone charms.  Here’s one (a miniature terrarium!) that doesn’t involve pink beads.

Perhaps my favorite item in the whole gift guide.  Perhaps the cheapest, too.

Do these derby critters remind anyone else of the Hummer soapbox derby kids?

Portable iPod karaoke sets bring joy to the world.

A daschund bag needs no commentary.

I warned you that I like small things writ large.

Yo to the yo.

This koi pitcher makes a lovely gurgling sound when it pours.

I’m thinking this tape isn’t fireproof.

Parrots are the new Rabbits.

Cleaning toilets probably isn’t what Pinocchio signed up for.

Unwrap it.  You know you want to.

What this sleek white instant camera lacks in vintage charm, it makes up for in features, like autofocus.  Plus, it hasn’t been discontinued, which is always a plus.  RIP, Polaroid.

And to think you were going to get them a Jawbone.

I understand that plastique purses serve a purpose:  done well, they can offer the cheap, broke, and/or vegan an alternative to pricey leather bags.  But in practice, the pleather often reeks of, well, pleather.  Their vaguely chemically smell and rigid texture have disqualified them from my closet.

Until I scooped up this faux-woven bag from Kohl’s.  My new beloved is huge, slouchy, and odorless, which makes for an amazing work or school bag beyond its obvious “so what if it touches the disgusting subway floor because it only cost $13.50″ statement.