I used to have to sit thru long b-o-r-i-n-g meetings every Monday morning. I also used to think I had to spend beaucoup bucks on clothing to look good. Boy was I wrong.

Let me explain.

It all started with those Everlane ads in my Facebook News Feed. Maybe you've seen them too?All stuff I live to wear - slouchy t-shirts, trench coats, sweaters in classic shapes, etc. I could go on and on. And the prices? Super affordable too. (I couldn't believe how inexpensive actually.) But I was still on the fence about ordering because I'd never heard of the brand.

Little did I know (Shame on me!) it's only the hottest startup brand of minimal cas (as in casual) sportswear for women and men around. My stylish friend Tracey is a fan. And, last fall, Angelina Jolie caused a stir by showing up at the airport not with her Louis Vuitton tote (or even a Celine) but with the Petra from Everlane. It was reported everywhere from The Daily Mail (My go-to site - and I-Phone app - for celebrity gossip these days. Check it out.) to US magazine. Other celebs spotted carrying the Petra include Kate Mara and Jessica Alba.

The tote itself is made in Italy and comes in three sizes small (the Magazine, $325), medium (the Market, $365) and large (the Portfolio, $425). OK, an Italian made leather tote at these prices is unheard of and you might question how "they" can offer such a beautiful bag so reasonably, but don't worry. In a gutsy (and radical) move, Everlane breaks down everything for you: They call it 'Transparent Pricing' and they tell you exactly how much was spent to manufacture each item and where it was made, even giving some background on the specific factory. (They also pride themselves on 'eliminating the middle men', which allows them to offer crazy low prices.) Pinch yourself right now because it's true - They have absolutely nothing to hide.

That being said, the black Petra totes are selling or sold out (I did spy other colors still in stock last night though.) as I type this, but here are three other things you can definitely get your hands on right now:

1. Just ordered this boyfriend sweater in the dark grey (It's available in 6 colors while supplies last. FYI: Everlane only manufacturers a certain amount of everything, so if you wait to order, you may find yourself out of luck. Sad face.). I know I'll get plenty of chances to wear it because March is chilly and honestly, I'm usually always freezing.

2. Wanna know a secret? Come Spring absolutely everyone starts pushing trench coats (You won't be able to escape it.), but what "they" don't tell you is that most are cut poker straight, which makes it practically impossible for anyone with curves to wear them successfully. This one's A-Line, which means it flares out slightly at the bottom, making it way more flattering on anyone with hips and/or a butt (aka, 98% of us).

3. Whenever I wear my husband's sweatshirts, I wind up looking homeless. This top is fantastic because it's oversized enough to be comfy but it won't make you look like a total sloppy mess. It's also made in the USA and priced so low you can afford to get it in all three colors - heather grey (shown here), navy blue and black.

Ciao for Now,

Patty J

Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Everlane, except for Angelina Jolie, which comes from The Daily Mail UK

Mondays Are For Online Shopping

Ciao for Now,

Patty J