As finals are fast approaching, I have become increasingly stressed along with the rest of the university population nationwide. I do tend to be a bit of a stress case, what with hopes of graduating in May and getting a “real” job, but I know how to forget about all of the stress of school, grades, and the job market predictions for 2008. The best 
therapy of all requires no movement besides my clicker thumb and a long favorites list of “shopping” websites. That’s right, it’s online shopping, and it’s time to make a Christmas wish list.
I’ve given a Luxur
y Lust Wish and a Reality Wish for each of the following categories: Handbag, Watch, Dress, & Shoes.
Wish for… a New Handbag
Luxury Lust: Dooney & Burke’s Limited Edition Hayden Bag
Price Tag: $500
Why It’s Lust-Worthy: I usually do not like Dooney & Burke bags or their weak advertising attempts (Lindsey Lohan’s line of heart covered bags in childish colors circa 2005, followed by Mischa Barton & Emma Roberts taking her place as the face of young hollywood) Whenever I see a D&B bag with the colored D&B all over the bag I cringe a little bit because I feel that someone has paid too much for a cheap looking bag. Alas! The Hayden bag has changed my mind. Even though they are still using a young hollywood actress (Heroes star, Hayden Penetierre) to promote the bag, I think this bag could fare just as well without her. The design is modern and classic. A long enough strap to wear around the shoulder and yet the bag is not oversized. The Hayden bag is available in black, brown, red, and white patent leather. All colors but white are currently sold out on dooney.com, but I would recommend the white patent leather as it could last through the summer!
Reality Wish: Elliott Lucca Genevieve Tote
Price Tag: $268
Reasoning: Elliott Lucca is an under rated brand. They only use high quality leather and their designs are either classic or trendy. This bag is large enough to use for class or work, and it also comes in black and deep plum. The patent leather will allow you to carry the purse into spring until you find a new purse to love!
Wish 2… a New Watch
Luxury Lust: Michele “Diamond Deco” Watch with Alligator Band 
Price Tag: $1,425
Why it’s Lust-Worthy: Michele is a new luxury watch brand owned by Fossil. They are trying to push selling not only their watches, but their watch bands. They offer a wide selection of colors and materials, from Alligator leather (pictured) to patent leather. They offer many different styles for men & women. I think this watch would definitely be an eye catcher at work or at play.
Reality Wish: Michael Kors Leather Cuff Watch
Price Tag: $130
Reasoning: This watch is reasonably priced, and it looks even better in person. The gold detail contrasting with the white band adds a high quality feel, and it can be dressed up or dressed down.
Wish for…. A New Dress
Luxury Lust: Kay Unger Strapless Dress with Beaded Waist
Price Tag: $450
Why it’s Lust-Worthy: Little black dresses are overdone year round. This red dress is a color that will compliment both fair skinned and dark skinned women and it also falls at a good length for most body types. The dress accentuates the bust with a sweet heart neckline and minimizes the waist with black beaded detail. This would be a stand out at holiday parties or any cocktail occasion throughout the year.
Reality Wish: Max & Cleo Bubble-Sleeve Cocktail Dress
Price Tag: $148
Reasoning: Purple couldn’t be hotter right now and it is another color that compliments most people. Max & Cleo is a division of the BCBG Max Azria Group, hence the beautiful design cut in all the right places and rhinestone detailing across the neckline. This dress may be too hot for a crowded party, but it should suit well otherwise.
Wish for…. A New Pair of Shoes
Luxury Lust: BCBG Max Azria Marsha Pump
Price Tag: $215
Why They are Lust-Worthy: Every girl I know (including myself) has way too many black pumps. Finding brown shoes that are as cute as my black shoes is always difficult, but these peep toe pumps with a delicate velvet bow would be great dressed up for work or matched with the right skirt. The foot base is padded, and as an owner of another pair of BCBG pumps with leather padding, they are nicely padded if you do decide to wear them the entire work day.
Reality Wish: Carlos by Carlos Santana Pounce pump in Bronze Snake Print
Price Tag: on sale! $79.99
Reasoning: Carlos’ shoes are always eccentric and noteworthy. The bronze color is neutral enough to wear with blacks or browns. The python print plays down the metallic shock and will also make scuffs less noticeable. These shoes will cause double takes in any outfit, even just a nice pair of jeans.
Because I Said So 