today’s discovery: BRFS is online!

In my search for more inexpensive leopard sweater options for yesterday’s post, I realized that one of my favorite retailers, Banana Republic Factory Store, is now available online (finally)! Their website doesn’t offer shoes (I really love their wedge sandals) or jewelry (they have great pieces), but you can also shop for petite sizes and men’s clothing in addition to their women’s clothing and accessories online. Free shipping for over $50 orders and free returns by mail (I hope they add free returns at store locations too).

They have some great deals on some of their items, some more than 50% off! Look under The Real Deal, under Shops on the left hand tabs.

Here are my picks (it was hard to stop at 8 items, and I think most of them are on sale):

Leopard sweater & Leopard jacket.

Funnel-neck jacket (for $19.99, whoa) & Wool moto jacket.

Crosshatch cape & Military plaid shirt.

Camo dress & Bucket bag.

What do you think of BRFS? Like my picks?

Have a great weekend! xx

italian treats

NeroGiardini Nepal Sabbia Leather Brogues and Leather Belt.

Prada bucket bag in blue/red.

So, I came home from Italy with the leather brogues and belt in this beautiful sand dune color. To me, the gold standard of shoes are those that are made in Italy. The craftsmanship is typically superb. Actually, anything leather from Italy is top notch. So, I had to buy the belt, yes? lol, shopper’s rationale gets me every time. That, and shoes made in Italy are hard to find these days (that aren’t $$$$).

If you find yourself in Florence, go to the NeroGiardini boutique by the Ponte Vecchio. Every single shoe (men’s and women’s) and accessory is made in Italy. There are other locations of this store throughout Italy and a few other EU countries. The prices are not insanely expensive and I think they are fair for the beautiful leather and construction.

I’ve been wanting a pair of brogues or oxfords for at least 5 years but I never pulled the trigger until now. I’m thinking of wearing these with my chambray dress, my soft/slouchy pants, and cuffed boyfriend jeans and khakis.

Can you believe that I walked away from that gorgeous Prada bucket bag?? I still kinda think about it. I loved how it was lined in that candy apply red. Plus, it came with a longer crossbody strap. But, if I was going to splurge on a bag, I’d want a Chanel classic flap in a color other than black (since I have this already).

We brought some other Italian goodies home. Authentic traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena (the real deal) and olive oil. Yum….