I'm Back...Sort of

I've actually been back from NYC for a while now...over a week. But I fell into a big pile of busyness when I returned and it hasn't let up. I'll post more photos of my trip as soon as I have the mental energy : ). For now I'll leave you with this photo of the cute and comfy pair of shoes I bought mere hours after arriving in New York. I am madly in love with them.

Mociun!

I've been wanting a Mociun tie-front dress for ages, and I finally got one (for 70% off !!!!!) thanks to a sale heads up from Jenny.

P.S. In case you're curious, that's a berber carpet on the wall behind me. It's supposed to provide sound proofing (not so sure that it does). People are always a bit dubious when I tell them I have carpet on my wall, but I actually quite like it.

Spring Layering

No matter the season, no one does layering like online boutique Totokaelo. I mean, really, who would think to layer dresses like this? This sort of creative mixing adds so much more mileage to your favorite pieces. Love it.

I have long featured Totokaelo in the Happy Shopping section in the right-hand nav on this here blog. It's one of my favorite online shops, and I recommend having a peek. The clothes can be a bit pricey, but they have great sales and the "how to wear" photos in the blog are always so inspiring!

P.S. Thanks so much to everyone who commented on my last post. You guys are awesome. It is so nice to have readers who react to what I post. I read every single one of your comments and e-mails. Keep 'em coming. I love to hear from you!

Snuggly Wuggly New Coat

I just got this coat from Urban Outfitters and I lurrrve it. I wish I could show you a pic of me in it, but I'm a busy bee, so you'll have to settle for this gal for now.

Red Lips and New Shoes

Inspired by Jenny, I went and got some red lipstick today. The shade I got is Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Burnt Red with Sangria liner. I never wear bright colors on my lips, so this is definitely a change!

I also got some new shoesies in the mail yesterday. These boots didn't work out...they just weren't me. So I exchanged them for these oxfords. Much better : )

Oh, and a heads up about ordering direct from Marais, they have an exchange-only return policy and your exchange is final sale, so just be sure about what you want and think hard about the size before you place an order!

I'm on a roll...

...and it's really got to stop. Seriously. Sometimes I just get swept up in shopping momentum. I'll buy one really great thing, and then I just keep buying and buying. All of this is to say that I just bought some more great stuff. That great vintage top you see above? Mine. The gorgeous earrings the lovely miss Jena is wearing with the top? Also mine.

OK, that's it. I'm stopping now. Seriously.


Image from Miss Modish shop, found via For me, For you

Not Gonna Happen

If I was the kind of gal who could spend $300+ on a single item, I would buy this sweater and these ankle boots. But I am not, so I will not. Just thought you should know.

Notes on a Weekend

Here's a glimpse at what I've been up to this weekend.

I've been cooking up a storm. I made pumpkin waffles, peanut butter krispy treats, and won tons (not pictured because I was about ready to collapse by the time I'd wrapped the last one).

I also did some much-needed fall shopping. The most exciting item I picked up? My first pair of skinny jeans! The only skinny jeans I've ever been able to get over my Beyonce booty!


Image from Anthropologie

They're from the new J Brand Blue Label, which is for women with curves. I still couldn't get the Ink wash over my bum, but the Shadow wash has the perfect amount of stretch.

I also got some lovely red tights, but my fingernail poked through them while I was trying them on : (. That'll teach me not to buy cheap tights. These sturdy MP tights are on their way to replace them (found via wiksten-made).

I think I'll spend much of the rest of my Sunday reading this. And this evening, I'll be attending this:



Check it out if you're local.

Dreaming of Paris--Cinq

Speaking of vintage, I just discovered Room Service, a fabulous vintage shop in Paris!! It's going straight to the top of my Paris shopping agenda.

Found via le voyage créatif

Ramona West Vintage

This little sequined number from Ramona West Vintage dropped into my Google Reader this morning and it was love at first sight. Needless to say I bought it immediately. Welcome to my closet little goldie!

I've been a fan of Ramona West's Etsy shop for a while, but her new shop has been blowing me away. The good stuff sells out quickly though, so you should sign up for the newsletter and follow the blog if you don't want to miss out!

I don't own a lot of vintage, but the pieces I do own always make me feel unique and fabulous. If you're bored with what's available in stores (as I am at the moment), vintage is a good way to go.

Here are a few more of my favorite vintage clothing shops:
Salvage Life
Ladies of Leisure
Santoki Vintage
Oh Leoluca Vintage

At Ease, Ladies

I have never owned anything remotely combat boot-ish, but I am completely in love with these army boots by Marais USA. I love them in white, but I am notoriously rough on shoes, so I bought the black ones. Can't wait 'til they arrive!

Oh, and can I just say that the Marais USA fall collection photos are AMAZING? I keep going back and looking through them. Even if you're not in the market for shoes, you should go check out the photos. They're seriously inspiring.

New at Frances May

There's some great new stuff at Frances May. These are a few of my favorites (from top to bottom): Filippa K Print Blouse, Vena Cava Lithium T-Shirt Dress, Church & State Fall Dix Dress, Vena Cava Moonstone Dress

I want...

On my fall wish list: Steven Alan Heddy Shirt and Manimal moccasins (hmmm...I posted about Manimal moccasins around this time last year...maybe I should actually buy a pair one of these days).

These two items epitomize everything I love about Fall.

Good Mail Day

My love of Japanese craft books and masking tape has been well documented on this blog, so I don't think I need to tell you how happy this book makes me.

The wonderful shop I ordered it from, Uguisu, sells Japanese stationary, stamps, books, and magazines. It took an incredible amount of self-control to not order practically everything in the shop, but I will certainly be going back for more!

On My Wishlist

OK, time for a little reality check. My current level of spending is not sustainable. I've tried shopping bans before, but this one has really got to stick. You know that trip to Paris I was supposed to be saving for? Well, I've somehow ended up with even less savings than I had before! Something has gotta give.

So, here's how I see it. I am passionate about good design and supporting small businesses, and my life would be dully-McDullsville if I somehow tried to abandon that part of my life completely. Hence, this new feature, "On My Wishlist." It is my attempt to prioritize all of the beautiful things that stream through my Google reader on a daily basis. If it's worth adding to my official wishlist, it's worth considering for future purchase. Emphasis on "future;" I have to start thinking more about what I buy before I whip out my debit or credit card...

So, with all that out of the way, let's get to the fun stuff. The first two items "On My Wishlist:"

1. An *emera camera bag (top 2 photos), found via Cup of Jo. I actually feel pretty good about this one because it falls into the "needs" category. I really do need a proper camera bag...preferably one as stylish as this.

2. An AK Vintage necklace. I've been seeing these all over Chelsea's new street-style blog Urban Weeds, and I really adore them. One of my favorites is pictured above. This item falls more into the "wants" category, but a girl's gotta live, right?

For me, For you by Kate Miss

On Tuesday, the talented Kate Miss of for me, for you debuted her lovely Jewelry collection on Etsy. Before I even finished reading the announcement on her blog, I clicked on over to Etsy and snapped one up. And thank goodness I did! They sold out super fast!

My necklace arrived today (super fast delivery!), and I quickly pulled out my camera so I could show it off. Love it!

Check out Kate's blog for more info and restocking plans.

Welcome back, friend

This necklace has been out of commission for quite a while due to a horribly tight and stubborn knot, but I finally managed to pick it out last week. Yay! This is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry, and I'm glad to have it back.

Necklace by Atsuyo et Akiko, purchased at the Park Slope Bird last fall.

Too Many Cooks

Confession time: I'm not so good at walking. I blame my bony, unsubstantial ankles. After I ended up on crutches for the second time (just from walking!) over a year ago, I gave up on heels. But the truth is my legs aren't built for flats. I love them, but they make me feel a bit too casual and, occasionally, a bit frumpy. Enter Seychelles Too Many Cooks. These babies are pure fire on heels and they're sturdy and comfy! I have high hopes for these.

P.S. Thanks for the comments on my shawl! It's nice to know I have an audience!

Aptly Named

Happy Tape makes me happy.

Found via Frolic.

Am I allowed to buy this dress?

Can I afford it? Well, no...yes, I know I'm supposed to be saving for a trip to Paris, but...oh, don't give me that look...I know, I know...I won't buy it, ok? **sigh**