Another fun online boutique that I enjoy is Viga Massi. Not only do orders over $75 ship for free (love that) but it's quite obvious that they guys have exceptional taste.

I know John Derian has been around for ages, but I still think his plates are hot and want a wall full of them. I know we are trained to jump on what's "so right now" but I don't buy things because of that, I often purchase the best items after their wow factor has long faded. That way, I've had plenty of time to make a good decision, not one based on impulse followed by regret, but on whether or not I truly love the item, if it's worth the investment, and if it's something I plan on keeping for awhile.

This doesn't apply to everything I shop for, especially at flea markets and chain stores like Target where you have zero time to make a decision because if you snooze, you lose. But in the case of a $120 John Derian plate, my rule is this: If I want something that I do not really need, and it's not a bargain, I'll wait 30 days and if I still have the same (or increased) yearning for it, I'll give in. I'd say 75% of the time, the craving passes. I think it's important to set rules because our home can quickly fill up, especially when scouring the web all day long as most of us spend tons of time online for work and/or recreation.

I've been thinking of John Derian plates for over a year though, so I've long exceeded my 30 day limit. I think it's time to fire up the debit card, don't you?

(images from viga massi)