$295 for a Cotton Bag!?!

A couple days, I was browsing the web and came across this headline- "Prada Launches Bags on a Budget". I think my heart might have skipped a beat- could I finally afford a Prada bag? Well, I clicked on the link and found this:

Wow, what a disappointment. $295 for a cotton bag?!?! I was hoping for a lower end leather bag, but instead found something that looked like it was made out of a tablecloth. Yes, the bag features the classic Prada logo, but would I fork over $300 just for that? Of course not. I'd rather take my $300 and spend it on something I could take somewhere other than the beach. Guess me and Prada will just have to wait, maybe it wasn't meant to be...

What are your thoughts? Would you spend $295 for this new Prada bag?

Say Goodbye to Shu Uemura

Yesterday, L'Oreal announced that they would be pulling Shu Uemura products from stores in the United States and instead focus on online sales. While there is no exact date for when L'Oreal will cease operations in the US, Shu Uemura, known for it's elaborate eyelashes, will begin to disappear from shelves in the coming months. A L'Oreal spokesperson said that the company wants to focus on developing their other high end brands in the U.S. market such as Lancome and Yves Saint Laurent. While this has not be confirmed, Shu Uemura's departure from the U.S. is probably due to it's inability to grab a large market share. I'm pretty sad that we won't be able to find Shu Uemura in stores anymore as I'm a big fan of their eyelash curler and cleansing oil. We'll still be able to purchase it online but it won't be the same. How do you guys feel about this move by L'Oreal?

AE Closing Martin + Osa

American Eagle announced last week that it is closing it's Martin + Osa stores. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Martin + Osa was opened in 2006 and targeted at 28- 40 year olds. While I had never made a purchased there, I have browsed through their clothes a few times. The announcement doesn't really come as a shock to me since I felt their clothes were overpriced. I also thought it was difficult for AE to get them off the ground since their target market was so different from the usual AE customer. It must have been a good move for the company as their shares went up after the announcement. What do you think, are you sad to hear that Martin + Osa is closing?

Beauty Products at Payless?

In recent years, Payless has stepped up its style game, with bargain lines from designers such as Alice + Olivia, Lela Rose, and Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. I have to admit that I really like Payless. I've found sound cute and affordable heels and flats over the years. The quality is pretty decent as well- I still wear a pair of flats from them that I've had for nearly 2 years. Surprisingly enough, Payless just announced that they will be introducing a beauty line come September. According to Reuters, the beauty products will be sold under the name "Zoe & Zac" and "Unforgettable Moments". The line will range from eye, lip, and nail products to fragrances and lotions, with prices starting at $2.99. Payless will be working in conjunction with the Maesa Group, who has designed beauty lines in the past for Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. While I'm always excited to hear about more bargain beauty options, I'm not so sure about this one. It's hard for me to associate Payless with anything other than shoes, so it will probably take a tremendous marketing campaign on their part to get this line off the ground. And with prices similar to those of drugstore makeup, I would probably just stick to my Cover Girl and Maybelline. But hey, I'm still willing to give it a shot.

What do you guys think? Would you buy makeup from Payless?

P.S. Just a quick reminder to enter the Jewels of Denial Giveaway, look at the post below for details!