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There's plenty of us who dream to be a rocker-chick with a motorcycle, leather jacket, and a body covered in tattooes (somewhat like Angelina Jolie in "Wanted", I suppose). But then there's reality, where we need to look clean and polished for our day job and carpool to work. So how does one find a little bit of wild to add to their closet? Let me introduce...tattoo tights!

[Floral tattoo tights. post @ etsy. $23.]

I know what you're thinking. Ridiculous, right? Yet...ingenius! For those who dream of that sexy calf tattoo but most definitely can't get it (how do you wear an evening gown with that?) pull on these tights for a costumed evening or just to add a bit of edge to your outfit. Personally, I don't think I'll be donning these anytime soon, but I can definitely see the appeal! What's your take?

So Etsy has been distracting me like hell from work. I can't see to keep my eyes of the cute jewelry...the adorable wooden peg boards...the vintage dresses. Most everything there is a treasure, but today I really scored when I found these amazing peep-toes for only $16.00.

[Chantal 1980's snakeskin peeptoe heels. Size 5.5. $16.00]

Yes, what you're seeing is real. Beautiful black snakeskin leather in excellent condition. For under $20. what else are you waiting for? There is no woman out there that can say she has "enough" black shoes. That is just not possible. Since this are out of my size, I encourage all those fashionable gals to grab this before it's gone.

Any given day you're going to catch me reminiscing about my Roma study abroad last summer. Freaking amazing. Great food, great friends, great professors, beautiful (beautiful!!) scenery...what else can you ask for? Unfortunately I couldn't stuff my suitcase full enough of good Italian eats and gifts or I would've gone over by MORE than the 10lbs I was already over. Well lucky me just as I was starting to crave some of that yummy gluten-free Italian pasta with vodka sauce or the cherry flavored balsamic vinegar I taste tested in Florence I stumbled upon my new favorite site (and store!)

Poggi Bonsi: Burien, WA

Nestled in the 'old Burien' downtown strip, this little place has granted all my Italian-flavored wishes. They have foodstuffs, ceramics, kitchenware (bunny salt/pepper shakers!), gifts (I got my Dad a pillow which read: "Bank of Dad: the lending institution since I can remember"), holiday gifts, etc. Prices range from $5--the hundreds, so there's a good finding for everyone. The atmosphere is whimsical and very much Italiano. Love.

Oh, it's been a while. Finals are kicking in next week and then it's off to Mexico aboard the Norwegian Cruiselines. However, I received by Nordstrom Dec. Accessories 2008 catalog and I was completely smitten with this little rose belt.

Rainboots. People see them as funky colored wellies. Something that doesn't need to match your outfit. Something floral and rubbery and not necessarily fashionable.

I got suckered into that mindset. Even though I own a pair of Coach boots (blue optic, hate them because I don't want to advertise Coach all the time) and a Burberry kids boot (hate them too), I was never satisfied. Living in WA, going to UW, puddles are a daily occurence. What's a girl to do?

Well look what I found while browsing my new favorite online store, UrbanOutfitters.com. A pair of perfectly fashionable, practical, and inexpensive rainboots!

[Equestrian rainboots. UrbanOutfitters.com exclusive. $38.]

Yes, they are rainboots. They look JUST like by Banana Republic chocolate brown boots! I'm snabbing a pair in black--and using my 25% off coupon. That's less than $30 for the most amazing rainboots I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, they only have sizes 6&up, so I'm going to line them with fleece boot liners to ward off the extra winter chill. I can already see the envy on everyone's faces.

I'm a big denim person. I'm pretty picky about how they fit since I'm so tiny, my butt is larger than most (but very round), and I have fencer thighs. I've been hunting for the perfect petite skinny jean for the entire last season! Especially with winter rolling around, I need something I can slip on into boots and run out for class. I hate stuffing my nice Rock's into suede boots with no zipper, so I've been prowling around for anything and everything. I tried every store and every brand possible to no avail: J Brand, Joe's Cigarette, Sevens, Rich & Skinny, even True Religion (ick). Nada. I went into Urban and tried something there: awful, falling apart cloth. What's a girl to do?

Well, yesterday I got a phone call from the GM at Goodwill University Way telling me I won an ipod nano (4G). I went in to pick it up today and ended up browsing the store. Guess what I found? You bet. My perfect skinny jeans. The most surprising part? Besides the fact they were $11, they were from Old Navy! Who would've known? I'd forgotten all about Old Navy; I vaguely recall thinking, not long ago, that everything ran too big. Well, they started a Petites line and I'm the lucky receiver! What a great day.

['The Diva' Skinny Jean. Old Navy. Cotton, polyester, spandex. $29.50.]

These fit like a dream (okay, there is like a 2in gap in the back for me, but I'm very very very small!) and there is no uncomfortable tightness in the calves. I like the dark wash AND they end at the right length--no alterations needed! For $30 that's a steal!

I'm a big sucker for unique necklines--and that extends to back-lines too. Remember when Hilary Swank totally swept the Oscars in 2005 with her backless Guy Laroche dress? We can't all be that fab, but we sure can add a little sexiness in our lives. So let me show you the most amazing (and very affordable!) sweaters that have taken on a tie-back:

[American Eagle. Cotton. $29.95.]

I love love love this sweater. It is super soft (light knit of 100% cotton), has 3/4 length sleeves to make it a little more casual, a deep V for a bit of sass, and a bowtie back for a flirty finish. It's even on clearance (and available in both XXS and XS!) for only $30! There's nothing more you can ask for, except more colors! I'm going with this black version since it's dressy and would be a great with the pleated yellow skirt I got from Amsterdam. I also love the cobalt blue (imagine that with a pencil skirt and some dangly earrings!) and the heather gray is a comfy spin on the sweater. The weave is thin so make sure to layer something underneath!

If you're looking for something that will make you feel more luxurious, consider the slightly more expensive option:

[Victoria's Secret. Silk & Cashmere. $68.]

Still totally a steal, this sweater takes a more dramatic plunge. I can't see the front, but I imagine it to be a Vneck (it is Victoria's Secret). This sweater is definitely more of a show-stopper, probably not suitable for work, and definitely will make those gym classes worth it. I love silk/cashmere mixes (probably my favorite thing besides cashmere by itself) since the knit turns out to be lightweight but still soft and warm. This sweater is available in a million different colors so go ahead, go crazy!

We all know Lela Rose. We all know her fabulous ready-to-wear designs and gorgeous gowns--but did you know she went to the University of Colorado? Even more importantly, did you know she is collaborating with Payless to make some goregous shoes without the high price tag? 

I've heard about this designer colloboration for a while. It's a no brainer Payless (the "go to" discount shoe store) will follow in the footsteps of Target and Kohls who have weathered well with their "fast fashion" collections. But as a skeptic of Payless for years, I wasn't expecting much. What a joy to be pleasantly surprised today when I walked into a Payless store to check out their new selection. 

These shoesies are adorable. I've always been a fan of the d'orsay detailing--and the big bow adds girly fun. Gray is still very trendy, staying strong from last fall/winter (though it may have been overtaken by yellow...there is no yellow version of this shoe though.) The satin is a tad shiny and polyestery, but hey--for $34 it is a great deal. The sizing runs a little big for me...but that may be my 4.5-5 size feet. I couldn't take these babies home since I just bought two great deals from my neighborhood consignment store (lacoste sweater and J Crew wool lady coat!) but I have them on my "considering" list for sure.

I admit, most everything I find at Martin + Osa needs altering. Their size 0 usually means size 2 (just like J Crew) but sometimes I'll find something wonderful. It didn't hurt I got a 30% card for all their Fall Collection instore or online. Plus free shipping! 

You know the on-again off-again problem where you need a basic white tee but you want it to also look vaguely dressy and not hum-drum plain? Problematic, eh? My shelves are stocked with simple tees from Forever 21 but that's not something I want to wear with a pencil skirt for a work conference. Yet my ruffly blouses seem overly zealous and are too constricting. The solution?

Ruffle Tux Tee 

[Martin + Osa. Cotton. $49.50.]

Totally miraculous, right? I love the loose, body-skimming cut (it hides all the tummy you gain if you're at a dinner conference), the short sleeves are appropriate for semi-formal occassions (or if you forgot to shave), and the cute details. The ruffles are really well made, the stitching impeccable, and the little slits at the side of the shirt add enough casual to merit pairing the tee with jeans and flip-flops. Tuck this in a pencil skirt, throw on a black blazer, and you are comfy but still ready for work. Throw on a boyfriend cardigan over this, a miniskirt, a booties for a night out with the girls. Or pair with some jeans, flats, and North Face for a chilly fall day. I'm sold--are you?