The best example of an investment piece are my YSL tribute pumps that you have all seen me wear with everything. I’m sure some of you are already tired of seeing me wear them :). I paid full price for the shoes at Bergdorf Goodman and had no regrets. The shoes are worth every penny. I have worn the shoes so much that I have already gotten my money’s worth out of the purchase. The shoes are classic with a big platform, patent leather upper and a super sexy heel. They elongate my legs, they give me the height I need and they make all my outfits look better. What makes this item a great investment is that the shoes compliment my wardrobe perfectly and add just the right kick to the clothing I already own.

Many people have emailed me asking how I can afford the expensive items I own. Well, first of all, not all the things in my closet are expensive. My wardrobe is a mixture of high-end designer, vintage, and low-end basics that have I collected from all over the place. Low-end basics can be found at almost any retailer and with the current economic conditions, retailers tend to slash prices on basics. Whether you find them at Forever21, H&M or even TopShop, low-end basics are a good way to bolster a wardrobe and to quietly compliment more complex high-end looks.

Secondly, I save my money by resisting the temptation to buy things because they’re on sale. I save my money and spend it on well made value pieces that I can wear forever. I believe that investment clothing is worth spending money on but it has to meet certain criteria in order to be practical enough. Not only should the piece be able to transition between seasons but you should also be able to wear it year after year. I often buy investment pieces from large fashion houses but the items I choose must allow my own style to shine through. They should add something essential to my closet.

I try to buy smart and when I buy something new, I have two methods of making sure I am making the right decision. Besides using the Cost-per-wear method, I also have my own checklist to make sure the items I’m about to buy meet my long term expectations. You’re the one that controls your money and always needs to make a smart decision on what to buy, when to buy and where to buy what. Wear what you want to wear and not what other people want you to wear: avoid trendy things you don’t need and invest in timeless pieces.

Finally, “Finding The Inspiration For The World Of Fashion”  is here. I’m so sorry it took me some time to get them all together. I had a blast going through all  of the photos and I really appreciated all the special sweet notes from all the readers. It’s good to see how many of you fashionistas out there really have a lot of passion about fashion, just as I do. You all look beautiful in your own creative style.
The winner for “Finding The Inspiration For The World Of Fashion” will receive a $50 gift card of their choice. I need everyone helps to pick out the winner. Please vote by choosing your favorite contestant by number and feel free to leave a comment on why you chose that contestant. I’ll leave the voting open for 7 days, which ends on June 6, 2009 11:59:59PM CST.  Thanks so much for your help to make this more fun in the fashion world!!!!! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! xxxxxxxxxxx Nini

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Italian Vogue

Japanese Vogue-May 09.

Chinese Vogue – March – Liu Wen. The black Ann D cotton skirt is super short in person that you can’t wear it by itself.

Finally, I had a Saturday off! Lately, between my full time job, Ebay, and blogging, I have been extremely busy.  On top of that, I had a little dilemma that happened this weekend. I’ll let you guys in on this, but promise not to  laugh at me. Cesare, Loc’s dog murdered my Duckgy. Duckgy’s eyes are gone :(.

I think that rain is very romantic. It changes the atmosphere by clearing and cleansing everything around you. I don’t mind the rain, I just hate thunderstorms. Loc and I have wanted to do rain shots for a long time and today was the perfect day to have a photoshoot. Loc really enjoyed taking photos for me and they turned out wonderfully.
I bought this vintage transparent hood jacket a while back. I’ve been saving it for my photoshoot. The hood happened to turn out perfectly for the rain. Does it remind you of the rain coat?
The Ebay site has been doing extremely well. I want to thank everyone for supporting me. I hope you all enjoy the photos and have a wonderful time with your family and loved one this weekend!!! Take care – Nini

Wearing: F21 dress and cuffs, vintage transparent hooded jacket, YSL tribute pumps

Poor little Duckgy 🙁 huhuhu