New Tory splurge

So, I'm thinking of splurging on a new bag or pair of shoes from Tory since I've got a gift card. But I'm torn on what to get. 

My last couple of purchases from my favorite designer have been jewelry -- a beautiful cutout serif-T gold ring (sadly no longer available, but similar to this chunky beauty) and a pair of lovely hoop earrings in rose gold.

Right now I'm torn between the Brody small satchel in porcini and the Raleigh snake print wedges. On the one hand, the porcini handbag is a small yet functional size in a perfect fall hue. On the other hand, I've got a weakness for animal prints, and a pair of Tory heels are always perfect for work and play.

Two of my favorite things combined

It's no secret I capital L-O-V-E love Tory Burch. Sure, there are other designers whose pieces I own, and there are certainly some ultra-luxury pieces out there I'd love to sling over my shoulder (ahem, this Hermés Victoria II bag in fire orange). 

But Tory Burch is my girl. Her pieces are timeless, chic, elegant, savvy, yet eternally classic. 

It's also no secret that I'm a nerd! A mathematical stats nerd, at that. So when I came across this (somewhat dated) article about Tory's analytics-driven client engagement strategies, I was in heaven. 

The author hits the nail on the head -- Tory is amazing at identifying her client base, engaging them through multiple platforms, and adapting to their continuous feedback. Which, to me, are hallmarks of a successful business plan. I also really loved reading some of the stats!!

Tory, if you ever read this, please consider me for a position on your analytics team! I'm highly qualified academically, and I wear at least one piece of yours quite literally every day. Please and thank you!

Fall fashion finds

Today I hit up the premium outlet malls here to get a head start on Christmas shopping, and I scored a few awesome fall pieces for myself as well!

Plaid popover, mini skirt, sparkly hair ties, and sparkly necklace

Plaid popover flannel: J. Crew Factory, $41.50, size XS in poppy grove. I normally wear either an XS or XXS at J. Crew, but this flannel top is nicely fitted, so an XS fit well.

Pleated mini skirt: J. Crew Factory, $44.50, size 4 in heather acorn. Again, normally I wear either a 2 or 4 in J. Crew bottoms, but I'm tall (5'9" barefoot), so with a skirt this short, I went with a 4 to keep the length in check, especially since the elastic waist will keep it from slipping.

Hair tie set: Loft Outlet, $12.50, one size. Similar color pack here.

Necklace: Loft Outlet, $34.50, one size. Similar necklace here.

New Tory bag! Eek!

Tory Burch is my absolute favorite splurge store, and as an early birthday gift, my boyfriend gave me this gorgeous Merlot Tory Burch bag.

**drool**

I love how the chain strap is versatile -- it slides easily and quickly from being one long strap to drape over your shoulder, to two shorter straps to hang in the crux of your elbow. 

Tory's Britten collection has had my eye for months now. The cut-out double T logo is just so ... Goldylocks. Not as gigantic as, say, the Thea or the Fleming collections, but not as understated as the York. Not too big, not too small, just right!

I was initially torn between getting the bag in bark (tannish brown, in non-advertising speak) and agate (dark maroon). I settled on the maroon/Merlot colored bag, since it's a perfect fall shade to carry well into winter.