Champagne taste on a beer budget: shopping for Russia.

This is a post about my two great loves: shopping and Russia

So there are still a lot of things on my lists, but so far here are somethings I have invested in that might be useful for anyone else going abroad...or anyone who loves shopping...or anyone who likes to stalk me.
 Comfortable cute boots are a staple for Russian fashion, Borns qualify with high marks
Soffts are very 'European' shoes, fashionable, but you can walk a mile in them without screaming or taking them off.
These Geox peep-toe pumps, have breathing soles, so you dont get hot feet, and it is fantastic. Also a solidly based heel for snow tromping and distances.
I am also considering these vintage riding boots, because they are beautiful.
Plug adapters: This for some reason was one of the most FRUSTRATING things, but I have two universal plug adapters. You ALSO need voltage converters.
I am notoriously terrible at getting up in the morning so I purchased a travel alarm clock. I was also in dire need of new reading materials so I Amazon'd Wicked, and Her Fearful Symmetry. I have two new suitcases a carry-on and a 28" from Diane Von Furstenberg, who offers a 10 year warranty with her luggage, and they are delightful. (I recommend looking at TJMaxx, but they do not have a fun link for me to use.) Of course, going to a land full of Russian divas, I had to make a couple makeup purchases to keep up. I got a ton of great samples of eyeshadow for $2.50, which are great sizes for traveling, and some Aussie Perk Me Up Concealer that my lovely Katya recommended to me for covering up dark circles and transforming them into highlighted glamed out cheekbones and two samples of foundation powder! LOVE Everyday Minerals.
I did spend a chunk of change on a great sleep mask. Since I will be flying and on the train quite a bit, let alone trying to sleep in a new place everynight, I figured it was a good investment. AND Bonnie aka BibBon has a great selection of varying prices at her Etsy shop.
Mine is one of the Luxury ones :) and I can't wait to see it. She custom makes them to order, and answered great questions about fabric for me. HIGHLY recommend her!
EBAY is likely the greatest and WORST thing to ever happen to me and my checkbook. I found great shoe deals and some great deals on Zara clothes.
If you are going to Russia I recommend reading this website. It is a great resource.
What I have learned is that shopping here and there over a longer period of time, and stretching your cash at the moment, pays out in the long run because you can catch deals and sales! Places like Ebay, Etsy, Endless.com, Amazon.com and TJMaxx have all been my favs.
I am getting so excited to leave, and nervous, but a healthy amount. Next update will be my Going-Away dinner at Chino Latino's with all my favorite girls! (including Steph who recently returned from abroad adventures in Sweden! OH HEJ!)

"I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet."-Sex and the City

Chmok Chmok
Taan Taan