Nothing is ever as perfect as you imagine

Having done a collaboration with Shopbop, I very patiently held on to the gift card money I was compensated with until a sale arrived. When it did the other week, I was ready to pile up my cart with all the items I'd been hearting. The Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB, the Clare V. leopard clutch, a black foldover clutch by Oliveve, and after a quick pass through the sale section, I added a unique pair of Elizabeth Cole earrings.

The Mini MAB, a bag I've been in love with for the better part of two years turned out to be just too small for my liking, and the black clutch was fine, but that's all - the zipper didn't pull very smoothly, the leather wasn't that supple - I expect more for $135.

The earrings are gorgeous, but when I put them on almost immediately my ears started to ache. The description states 24k gold plating, however that did not extend to the posts. I emailed the company to inquire as to what they are, and received the response of surgical steel. The retail price for these costume jewelry earrings is $182. For that, they couldn't opt for a sterling post, or at least plate it?

Still, I was reluctant to return them so I ventured to the local jewelers to find out if the posts could be replaced. Much like dry cleaners and tailors, the jeweler didn't want to commit to an exact price for the job, or even give me much assurance it could be done, but I decided to just go for it anyway. It ended up costing $30 for sterling posts, so while I'm beyond annoyed with Elizabeth Cole for selling surgical steel for $182, I love the earrings and now I can wear them.

At least one item I ordered is perfect, the Clare V. clutch is ridiculously soft and beautiful, and I can see why it's a blogger favorite.

The Rundown
Striped Shirt LL.Bean thrifted
Black Pants Gap similar
Black Leather Moto Jacket Express similar
Black Loafer Pumps Ferragamo via Roundabout similar
Leopard Clutch Clare V. c/o Shopbop
Loyce Earrings Elizabeth Cole c/o Shopbop
Vista Cuff Gorjana via Rocksbox
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Fizz & Frosting's Mix it Monday

and

Monday Mingle