etsy love: jewelry edition

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I've been getting a little bored with my jewelry lately. I only own a couple of rings and one of them looks a little cheap (and turns my finger green), one of them is my class ring from high school (I think we all only wore ours maybe the first day we got them. In hindsight the whole class ring thing seems like a bit of a scam. Sorry Mom and Dad!) and then I have a little opal ring my sister gave me for Christmas one year that I love but only wear sometimes.

I have a lot of bracelets but I haven't bought any new ones in a while and I'm not really a necklace person. I have one I wear a lot, my locket, and one Tom gave me for Christmas, and a little pearl necklace for fancier affairs.

Some cute baubles on Etsy have caught my eye. I know that scarf is not jewelry but it's been on my mind for ever. Perhaps it's time to update my collection?

And can we just talk about that gorgeous feather bangle for a second? Made by Rosella Resin which I've posted about before. How magnificent is it? I want it. So. Bad. I love all of their items. They're so beautiful. I've been thinking about picking out one of the rings to buy for myself. The two things keeping me from doing so are a.) the money and b.) I do not know my ring size.

And c.) how could I ever just choose one?!

Decisions, decisions.

-A.

cozy reading nook

Maybe it's because is freezing in my office, or because I was awake until 2am after drinking my first coffee in two months at four in the afternoon yesterday. Such a bad idea!

Maybe it's because, even though it was beautiful when I came to work, it is now drizzling and dark.

socks, sweater, top, mug, scarf, book

Whatever the cause, I am feeling a little down and a little sleepy today.

I really just want to be someplace warm and cozy, snuggly, with some tea and reading a good book.

Don't you?

Right now I am reading The Child in Time by Ian McEwan, who you may know, also wrote Atonement. I love the way he writes. He's very wordy and a little dry, but I like that. He really gets into the psychology of the characters, too, which I love. His characters are so believable and alive.

I would much rather be in my room at home curled up with my book.

Alas, c'est la vie. I had a long weekend which I enjoyed very much, so I should just be happy with that, no? :)

-A.

what to wear while exploring

 This crazy winter weather we've been having in New York this week is making me stir crazy for summer. Especially summer in Maine. Summers exploring the countryside were the tops. It's been a while since I've got to go exploring like that and winter is not the right time of year for it, anyhow.

At least I haven't had poison ivy in recent years. That is a horrible possible side effect of exploration and last time I had it, we were legit worried I could lose my foot (no lie! I had to go to the hospital and everything).

Our vacation spot in the DR is right next door to a national park. I'm not sure if we'll be able to get into it, but I'm hoping we'll get to do some exploring outside of the resort and really hoping some of that could be in the jungle! (The truth is, neither of us is sure what to expect yet.)

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When exploring, comfy clothes are a must, of course, along with good sturdy sneaks or hikers and a backpack for snacks, water, insect repellant and if you like to climb rocks and trees, probably a first aid kit! :) I love climbing on things, but I'm super clumsy.

I posted about this little backpack before. I just received it last week and I LOVE it. It'll be perfect for carrying around my camera since my camera backpack is in Maine, and is also pretty big for taking on little excursions. I like having a backpack more than a purse. It's way more practical and easier on my shoulders. I'm thinking about eventually getting this pack in different colors, since they have a million!

All of the above are examples of similar things I'll be bringing along for our trip. Luckily I've already got these things so I don't have to spend more money buying new stuff :)

Peace,
-A.

carried away

Big news you guys! Last week Tom and I booked a vacation in the Dominican Republic! We found a very reasonable deal on Groupon Getaways, so I'll let you know how that turns out. . . . We're a little apprehensive about what hidden fees might be lying in wait for us, but even if, it was still too good to pass up. Our flight, our room, our meals and all of our drinks were included for six nights!

I already made a mental list of all the things I'll need (and somethings I don't) and set out to acquire them.

So far, I've acquired a few dresses, a little backpack and sandals (the latter two I did not have before, so that's pretty legit, right? ...I know, I know. I didn't have SANDALS. There's something wrong with me).

flamingo, dress, bag, sandal, beach

Anyway.

Our vacation isn't until May . . . and yes, I'm probably [definitely] getting ahead of myself.

But you can't blame me! I've never ever been on a beach vacation before (in fact, I've never been to a beach where the water is warm!). And the closest I've ever been to a tropical paradise was Disney World. . . . And, I get to go with my guy! Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Oh, and the only time I have ever used my passport was when I was 16. I've only been to Canada (many, many times) and France (once). I'm pumped to get a new stamp in my passport. Even though, I have to get a new passport later this year.

It's the idea of the stamp, more than the stamp itself, right?

The pictures above are of Dominicus Beach, where our resort is! Isn't it beautiful? I've been trying to research things to do but it's been tough to find anything that won't cost a fortune. Luckily, Tom is fluent in Spanish so it won't be difficult to communicate with staff and locals and find out what's really neat in the area.

Anyone else been to the DR? Have any suggestions? We'll be just 20 minutes out of La Romana!

-A.

summer... wear art thou?

GEDDIT? . . . because it's a fashion post. . . ?

I know, I know. . . . I'm sleep-deprived. Forgive me. 

Anyway, Here are two items I am dreaming of: 

dress, shoe

I may pick them up soon but . . . like . . . it's frigid out! So having this beautiful dress hanging in my closet might only make me very sad that it's still winter (and a harsh winter at that!). 

We'll see. 

What do you think?

Last year I bought similar sandals from Aerosoles, but they fell apart! Maybe $65 isn't much to spend on shoes these days, but it's still a lot. I would still appreciate if they didn't fall apart, ya know? :)

Peace,
-A.

a new ruche outfit i will soon own!

I am so, so excited because my incredibly thoughtful sister, Miranda, gave me a very generous gift certificate to Ruche for Christmas!

Last week I had to have surgery (ugh!) and was confined to my bed for a few days. She sent it a little early so that I could have something to do while I rested. Isn't that sweet? :) I was so surprised and so thrilled!

As you already know, I love just about everything on Ruche so it was hard to pick what I wanted to buy and I'm aways very indecisive when it comes to spending gift certificates. I picked out a few items while stuck in bed, but I decided to wait and think on it.

blouse, skirt, socks, shoes

I'm so glad I did because they are having a 15% off promotion today and tomorrow, so I thought it might be a great time to pounce. Also, those adorable shoes just arrived today! I scooped up these four items and I can't wait until they arrive!

I thought this might be the perfect Valentine's Day date outfit. Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. I will probably say that about every holiday, but V-Day is definitely top 3!

Thanks Miranda! <3

-A.

ruche love & december outfits

I've said it before (maybe) and I'll say it again: I am not a wealthy girl. But hey, I live in New York City, so I'm doing okay. I just have to find alternative (and free) ways to get my kicks. Sometimes I get mine window shopping.

I window shop on Ruche quite frequently. I already think about one day having cause to purchase one of their really lovely and affordable wedding gowns. That's a long way off, though, of course :) but a girl came dream...

Their day-to-day stuff is equally as magnificent though, which is why I love them so much! Here are two outfits I picked out with items I found exclusively at Ruche! And here they are:

Clockwise, from top right: necklace, purse, skirt, shoes, top

I am dying to add that plaid skirt to my wardrobe. I recently became aware of how excellent midi skirts are. Mini skirts are great. Maxi skirts are lovely. But midi skirts are the tops.

Clockwise from top right: clutch, earrings, dress, shoes, shawl

And, I never thought I'd have a place in my heart for faux fur, but I also just really, really adore the Paddington shawl. It just looks so classy and soft and comfy and warm and . . . well, you get the idea.

I can imagine wearing the second outfit to a really fancy dinner or a really fancy show, after having worn the first outfit during the day, visiting bookstores and holiday markets and drinking coffee and eating scones.

Mmm... scones.

What's your favorite shop at which to gaze longingly through the window (or computer screen)?

-A.

six more etsy shops to love...

Here are six more Etsy shops to fall in love with. I think the one I'm most excited about is number 4. These coats look lovely and they're very reasonably priced. Unlike the metal stag head. Not to say it's overpriced--you can't put a price on art--but $6500 is just a smidge out of my price range. 

1. Dolan Geiman 2. Foxberry Hill 3. Leanimal 4. Luckystore829 5. Marry G Knit & Crochet 6. Old Box

It's still pretty cool though . . . and it's always fun to look! 

Peace & love, 

-A. 

party wish list

1. Asos 2. Etsy 3. UO 4. ModCloth 5. F21
6. Ruche 7. F21 8. UO 9. F21

This year the company I work for is throwing a huge party to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Last year we had a glamorous holiday party, which is what we usually do every year. These parties are crazy. Open bar. Guest lists. Security. I work in fashion (or, as I like to say, near it), so everyone is always dressed really well. This year I'm doing the financially responsible thing and wearing a dress and shoes that I already own . . . but if I had more money I would probably but a whole new outfit. 

These are a few of my picks from around the web... what do you think?

Peace & love, 

-A.