COVET: WHAT IS THIS FEELING SO PRECIOUS AND NEW

J. Crew was never my cup of tea. Either I wasn't impressed with the designs, prices, or both, unless I was shopping the Outlet malls. Every so often, I'll check out their online store after seeing another blogger rocking a cute piece, but have never felt the same "YES" moment like I do with my purchases.

But just recently, I was going through my Shopping folder (or "Research" as it's filed in my computer) and visiting old sites, when I had the urge to scope J. Crew out. What a surprise I encountered when I found myself lusting for some of their sale items! (Yes, I only scoped the sales. Times are tough, and baby has school to pay for!)




The Wyatt buckle sandals are so cute. They would be perfect for a year-long sandal, from work to play in no time. I would jump on these, if I hadn't just gotten a cuter pair of Kino's for WAY less.



I've been on the lookout for cute, plain tops. This microspun pocket tank fits the bill. I like the color, and can see this piece transitioning through the seasons, as well as seeing it be resilient to baby drool and spit up. Very tempted to pull the trigger.



The Radiette cami is my new love. (Sorry, David Boreanaz.)



This photo does not do justice to the Tuxedo cami. Or maybe I love it until it is shown on a person. Damn. Guess I'll have to file this one in the "Must Try-on First" folder. Potato sacks aren't too forgiving on me. :/



I love these Boyfriend shorts. Love them! Such a great concept and perfect for my lifestyle. I'm DIYing a whole bunch from thrift store pants, so expect to see that on here soon. Yay, legs!

DOCTOR, DOCTOR, GIMME THE NEWS

{Satchel found on Ebay.}


Something I've been drawn to lately are structured doctor's bags. Solid color, leather or pleather, with basic hardware. I think it's the balance and order I associate with the strong, clean lines that gets my attention. As someone who has a mild to moderate case of OCD, I like to keep my purse organized. Everything in it's place. These offer the organizational capabilities that keep my neuroses under control. And, they look cute. So, bonus!

And since it will be doubling as a schoolbag....

FLEA MARKET EXPLORING

{I love vintage books. The smell cannot be beat!}


I went to my flea market today, just since I haven't been in ages. Even though it's always so hot walking among the stalls, the smells are amazing! Funnel cake, fries, hot dog vendors, fresh fruit and flowers, leatherwork, and animals. So great to see what's happening there, even if I only found a ring this time around.



{Mmmmm... fresh.}













{Welcome to Florida!}

FEBRUARY 14TH

It's coming soon. Those of you who are loved up will get your day of grossing out us single folks. Most of my gals are disgustingly cutesy and adorable with their beaus. You know what I'm talking about; PDA everywhere, baby talk, saccharine sweet nicknames. I'm happy for them, and, to be honest, a bit jealous.

Anyways, if I were going for a date night this Valentine's, instead of dancing and bar hopping, I would wear the following Polyvore creation. (This is also assuming I have oodles of money to waste on one date-fit.)

VDate by fashionrihab featuring gold jewelry

DRESS, 206 EUR
BOW PUMPS, $795
Designer Handbags, Wallets and More at Avenue, $55
Dallas Prince Designs 8.01ct Pink and Green Tourmaline and Diamond 14K..., $1,690
Wishbone Necklace, $875
House of Harlow 1960 Coin Drop Earrings in Gold, $97

How friggin' cute are those shoes?! *Sigh* Why oh why do I have such expensive tastes?

DECONSTRUCTION: DOLEMAN

I'm a terrible blogger for never mentioning MySpringShoes.com before. I'll have to make a post or link to all of my favorite shoe shopping sites. I'll post it on the links and as an entry in the blog. Yes yes, that sounds good.


For those who like shoes, especially more resonably priced than designer labels, with better quality than you'd get with GoJane, MySpringShoes is the place to look. Last week, I ordered DOLEMAN, a great little number, and recieved it in the mail in record time.


They have since sold out of it, which is a shame, because they are lovely. Menswear inspired, with a rock-n-roll edge. I can't wait to pair them with skinny jeans and tights this fall/winter. I ordered them in 38, and they are extremely comfortable. They have a low heel, maybe .5" or so, and pointed toe. Zippers on the side for easy access.


Final Decision: Three drag queen finger snaps and five Hello Dollys. Changed my mind. Three sweet guitar solos and five bitchin' mosh pits.

(Also, I will post the pictures I have of them late tonight. I have a seminar to attend after work, and won't be back to my computer until after 11.)

Ta da! The shoe is lovely, although I should have styled it instead of blinding y'all with my pasty legs. Sorry readers!


Please don't send me your optometrist's bill.

SUMMER LOVIN' (TELL ME MORE, TELL ME MORE)

I never liked Sandy. Rizzo was my kind of gal. Instead of awakening a love for musical theatre, Grease awoke the calculating bitch in me. So, Sandy, Danny, thank you, but your summer loving can go suck an egg.



My summer loving looks like so:





Photo Shoot Maillot

Slap on a floppy hat, Jackie O's, neckkerchief, and turquoise jewelry, then laze on the beach sweating with the tourists and glaring at the horizon, hoping it stirs up a breeze. Yes, even in my daydreams I am ill-tempered and mildly ornery.



Pardon me while I gaze wistfully out the window.

Naughty Naughty Monkey!

Naughty Monkey Detective boots




Super cute, and chic. Wish I lived somewhere that was boot-friendly!

"DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS, JUST CALL IT A THRILL"

Soleares Silk Blouse




Just say "yes!" to this. Kinda Victorian, but still pretty.

PRETTY LIL THING

Abstract Stone Ring --- $18.00


I would do terrible, naughty things to the designer. That's how pretty I find this bauble.

Kindly Direct Me to Hell

It's getting to be hot as balls here.


Most buildings where I'm from are air conditioned to the point that permafrost forms on the inside of the windows. Exception: schools and churches. Apparently, the A/C controls for all K-12 and community colleges are located in Alaska, so it can't be "fiddled" with. You can make the assumption from there.


So, after spending the majority of my day in a chilly building, I'm stepping out into a literal wall of heat and humidity. When I say that the heat is a wall, most of my family thinks I'm being facetious. Oh silly Ari! Heat can't form a wall! Ha ha!


I'm serious; the heat slaps your face and pushes against your body as you try to move through it. It is a solid presence.


Which means shorts and skirts are all over the place. I'm melting for a pair of flouncy, floating tap shorts. Cute, and long enough to not flash my lovely bits around. And to keep my thighs from getting rosada. Comprende?




These Kimchi Blue tap shorts are so cute. I don't even mind that they're pink. Excuse me, coral. These bad boys are the most flattering pair I've run across for women with hips and booty to spare. A lovely draping, almost skirt-like, and delicate texture. I ordered it a size up from what I usually wear, so it won't go creeping up my inner thighs.

Great. Now I'll have to work on my tan.

Oh boy. Oh boy.

Summer wear is starting to win me over.





SO CUTE. I'd rock the shit out of this! Totally could live in this all summer long.

Yep.

:D

DROOL.

That is all.

Fresh Cut Grass

I love Saturdays. The lawncare guys come in and do all the yardwork in the complex. The scent of freshly cut grass is wonderful. :)

I've been oogling fall essentials recently. I have a serious problem. I'm already over summer, and it hasn't even started! I hate the sticky, ickyness of the way too humid days, especially when the A/C in my car goes out. So, my escapism is dreaming of fall, and wishing I lived more northward.

I know I should be grateful I've lived so close to the ocean, and never had to worry about snow, unless we went to visit the northern family, and could live a life of lovely temperate days. I get it. I do love my town. I love being able to go to the beach late at night when no one else is around. I love that I don't have to bitch about shovelling snow.

But, I long for seasons. Changing colors in the leaves. Snowfall. The reawakening of springtime. The warmth of the sun during summer. I miss that, and yet I've never truly lived it. I was born during a blizzard, and moved to Florida in July. I never experienced a northern fall as someone who lives there.

So, forgive my navel-gazing. I'm just getting myself ready for when I move.

These are frickin' GORGEOUS. Miss Sixty makes shoes that my heart pitter-patters for. I can so see these being a fall-winter staple in Wisconsin. Hell, anywhere. I'll have to report on the comfort of walking long distances in a snowed out city later. (Like, in two years from now.) But from my online lusting, I say these are amazing.

And, yes, I just ordered them.

I'll save my other fall lusts for when it's actually FALL. *sigh*

Oh!

Anthurium Blouse

Hello pretty blouse! You would look awesome with all the spring bottoms. Luuuuuuuuust.