Hello, My Name Is...

...ET, and I'm a shopaholic. ("Hi ET"). Thank you. I read an article tonight that says if you are spending more than 20% of your post-tax income on clothing, bags, etc., you have a problem. Okay, I don't think I fall into THAT category, but then it went on to have you/me evaluate WHAT you/I consistently purchase (colors, items, etc.) and whether I love "classics" or the "It Bag" of the season. I have to say that I am (as my old pal -- who really WAS my old pal at one time -- Adam used to say) "conservative" when it comes to attire. I believe another word for this is "boring." I like what I like...bootcut jeans, white shirts (of infinite variety...I bought another three just this weekend!), grey grey grey, CASHMERE (I LOVE cashmere twinsets, especially in grey), and sweaters by the boatload. Literally. My husband is a color guy. I am a not-color girl. If it's neutral it is IN my closet. Grey, cream, black, white, "natural", brown. You get the idea. So I can have a few "seasonal items" (hey, I have the requisite sterling and pearl chain AND a turquoise necklace) without going too far afield, but the bags...ohhh...I love the bags! So, you could say, I use the "It Bag" to define my look. Sort of punch up the old "white t-shirt and jeans" routine (oh, and blazers...particularly suede...big fan of the blazer here!). I guess that's not so bad. I wear them to school, wear them to the office, wear them to teach. Multifunctional. So now that I have the basics in place, and I have (theoretically) picked out (or made YOU pick out) the "It Bag" for the new season, it's time to put the remaining funds to some semblance of good use. Has anyone read "Young, Fabulous and Broke" or "Start Late, Finish Rich?" If so, please tell me if these are worth the investment. Pardon the pun.