The Last 10 Things I Bought.

I feature a LOT of insanely amazing finds on this blog, if I don’t say so myself.  That doesn’t mean I actually but them all.  (Though I will admit there’s a lot of moving-things-in-and-out-of-my-virtual-shopping-carts, and my fair share of returns.)  I thought it might be intriguing to see the last 10 things I actually bought…

I’d been eyeballing this little red crossbody from JCrew ($98) for SO long.  Once or twice a year, I snap up a fairly inexpensive little bag that feels on-trend, and this one had my attention because I just couldn’t bring myself to buy the Fendi micro peekaboo ($1550) despite the fact that I REALLY REALLY REALLY want it.  I just know I should put that money towards a more practical tote.  I was also tempted by this Sophie Hulme (on sale for $245), but went with the JCrew when I was able to use a 40% off code AND a $25 gift card…so, Merry Christmas to me.  Got the style I wanted for a cool $35.  But I still might get that Sophie Hulme in the pink.  But that’s besides the point.  I added this adorable little pom ($15) to the side of the red crossbody and it just makes me happy.

After seeing SO many chic peas in fur-pommed hats on Pinterest, I was head over heels for this Inverni cashmere and fur hat ($223), but wound up with this more practical J. Crew find ($39), which nails the look for far less.

This tunic sweater was TOO good not to snag ($79), especially when Gap was running an extra 40% off anything.  Will look incredible with leather/leather-effect skinnies and OTKs.

I finally snagged these ($125) earrings as my festive holiday jewelry pick for the season.

I am obsessed with this fir-tree-scented Diptyque holiday candle ($70).  It makes our house smell like Christmas.

With family coming into town, I had to snag a holiday puzzle ($16).  Anyone else love puzzles??  Such a great and cozy way to pass an afternoon, preferably with a good bottle of sparkling and some great snacks (homemade Chex Mix is my jam).

I know I’ve blabbed about how much I love Kuhn Rikon’s affordable ceramic paring knives in the past (GREAT stocking stuffer, BTW, for a committed home cook) — they keep their sharpness for a long time but are super affordable so I don’t mind using them for things I wouldn’t use my expensive Shuns for (i.e., you’re not really supposed to use good knives to cut into wrappers or pop holes in things, because you can blunt the tip).  I just snagged a few of these (3 for $24) as we head into heavy cooking season.  Incidentally, we just had all of our Shuns sharpened at Northwestern Cutlery here in Chicago — if you’re local, head down there!!!   It’s in Fulton River District (ahashdhdhsh, what a hellhole in the evenings!), but it opens early (like 8 or 8:30 in the morning) and they sharpen your knives for cheap compared to Sur La Table, which charges something ridiculous.  We had 12 knives sharpened for $30 and they’re good as new.

After waiting for them to go on sale like a patient good girl, I finally got these Loeffler Randall high-tops ($245) and am eagerly awaiting their arrival.  I’ve been such a reluctant entrant into the “sneakers-with-chic-outfits” trend, but these are epic and I needed them.  I can’t wait to wear them with frayed black denim and a black fur vest.

I keep all my bathrooms stocked with Molton Brown hand soaps — they smell like heaven and last a good while.  Mr. Magpie needed a slightly more masculine scent for his bathroom sink, and I snagged this Rockrose + Pine scent ($28).  My personal favorite, though, is Rhubarb + Rose.

I love having a new set of pajamas for the holidays, and this plaid pair ($95) was just the ticket.