Last night I went shopping with Tamara but I didn’t buy anything. Unless you count the salad I got at the foodcourt. We went to Stonestown.

In the car on the way I gave Tam her long-overdue bday gift: a little Coach (duh) keyring with a burgundy leather mini photoframe. Tis cute. She surprised me with a little clutch purse she found at Target that she thought might go with these pink tweed shoes I got on one of our shopping trips a few months ago. That’s how rad Tamara is, folks. And sure enough, the bag almost just perfectly matches, woo hoo. Now I just need to wear those shoes out… wondering if I should take them to Chicago just in case one evening calls for dressup.

Anyways, our first stop was Nordstrom. Tam had to return some Clinique products her aunt-in-law had given her. Word to the wise: perfume is an acceptable gift only if you are 100% certain that the recipient loves the fragrance. Otherwise, better enclose that gift receipt.

We decided to play around at the perfume counter. I tried on some Marc Jacobs and really liked it a lot. They gave me a sample. If I decide to get it, I can save myself 50% off retail by buying it off ebay. And don’t worry, I have become a pretty savvy ebay shopper. You can get deals there on real stuff, like the two brand new Lancome lipsticks I got for $10 each, which is even less than outlet price.

Next was of course the shoe department. I am looking for some plain black basic everyday flats that do not look clunky but are also comfortable. A difficult task. I did find them, however, they are out of my size. Apparently the Nordstrom in Chicago has them. They’ll probably be gone by the time I get there to find out. I should probably just buy them online and then if they don’t fit, Nordstrom’s return policy is excellent.

Naturally, we wandered into the handbag department. Tamara eyed a cute D&B tote, and I just looked around since I am supposedly taking a break from bags. I was however sorely tempted by the fact that they had one of the sold out and very VERY hard to find Coach Hamptons small totes in the pink and brown scarf print. Quite tempted. But I didn’t do it. I was proud of myself. Tamara did get that Dooney though. I helped talk her into it.

I always have such a great time shopping with Tamara. Or just hanging out in general. We always have swell chats while we wander around the stores. I get to hear all the good gossip about her inlaws or stories about her son, and she gets to hear me angst about moving or talking about getting pregnant. Which could happen soon, haven’t decided firmly yet.

We tried on clothes at Banana, and Macy’s, and Tam finally found sunglasses at of all places, Nine West. Finally ended up back at Nordy’s, where I got a sample of some Estee Lauder DayWear cream for oily skin which hopefully will not make me break out.

In the end, despite my efforts, I didn’t buy anything. Excellent. Brian feigned shock when I told him on the way home. Haha. Well, there will be plenty of shopping to do in Chicago, I bet.

I was a good girl again today and brought my lunch to work. Not so difficult. It’s a nice day so far. The sun is shining and the Athletics are beating the crap out of the Tigers. Superb.