Live Like the Rich & Shameless, Cheap.

I love watches and have a nice collection well made, attractive watches, but none of them cost me more than $200 (even if they retailed for more and I got them on sale), although I would pay more than double that if I found a really special time piece, but that's about max for my budget. Today I made the "mistake" of asking my neighbor about the watch she wears daily. I have admired it for months, as it's in line with my

taste and similar to some pieces I own and I thought I might consider getting one like it. I went shopping with her and her husband's cousin the other day at Neiman Marcus, Saks, J. Crew, Max Studio, Crate & Barrel and her cousin had the same watch on, so I decided to "go for it" and ask about it.

Anyway, I should have known better. First, I should have known what it was and recognized it, second I should have realized that it couldn't have been an ordinary watch if she was wearing it. It happened to be a $19,000 Cartier Tankissimee 18K White Gold Watch (no diamonds), which is one of the most expensive watches they make. (She was very humble about it, as she is generally is when people ooh and ah about her multi karat Tiffany wedding ring and band and wedding pictures on her mantle with her in her custom made Vera Wang wedding dress, yada, yada. She certainly has fabulous taste, not everyone with money does, and she's a lovely person to go along with the package.) So much for me buying one. Oh well, c'est la vie. Mind you, I pretty much qualify as the "trailer trash" of my 'hood (and I'm fine with that) as I don't sport any of these kinds of pricey goods, I have no rich daddy, no "sugar daddy", no pedigree or people of "high social standing" in my background, I don't send my children to $10,000/child summer camp and I don't drive a status car. Even if I had the means to do so, I think I could find a lot better, more philanthropic things to do with that kind of jing. That's not a judgment on her or anyone else where I live, it's just how I am.

On the flip side, it can be fun to indulge in the latest trends or upscale inspired pieces at times, especially if "the price is right" so to that end, I am recommending Eve's Addiction, which has been featured on TV and other places for it's well made, designer and Hollywood inspired sterling silver replica jewelry at a fraction of the price tag. If you like replica's of the trendy jewelry adorning A-list stars, this sight is for you. If you like replica's of high end jewelry pieces inspired by Tiffany and others, again, this sight is for you. I have my eye on a couple of things, I let you know how I like them when I get them. Happy Shopping!