The Hauling Begins: Barcelona and shopping in Spain

In case you haven't noticed, I've been in Spain recently.  In case you also haven't noticed, I like to shop.  So when I combine the two together, surely some magic has to happen.

I actually wasn't planning on buying too much, but of course things never go as planned.  While wandering through all these streets, I came upon so many nice stores and found some unexpected items that I absolutely love.

The first, and probably most treasured purchase of this trip was this black bag from a small boutique in Barcelona.  It was pretty much love at first sight with the large slouchy, but also slightly structured shape, and brown handles.  And although it is not real leather, it is still a soft buttery material.  I have been looking for a new tote bag for awhile, but did not expect to find it while I was in Barcelona at all, so I'm pretty happy with this purchase...but that's not even the best part.

It's actually three bags.  Yep.  There's a smaller bag inside that can be used as a shoulder bag (and also has become an essential for me), and there's also an even smaller wristlet/coin purse.  All for 40 Euros.  There was no way I wasn't buying this.

I'm really impressed with the quality, and I can fit my laptop (14'') plus everything I else I need for the day and I usually still have tons of space left.  I have been using it like crazy since it's really the only bag I have right now.  

This is just the beginning.  Read after the jump for more shopping!

Summer Clothes Update and a FOTD

I'm not one to buy new clothes very often - usually just one or two things here and there, but I really only go out with the intention of buying multiple things a few time a year.  Now that summer is here, it was time to update my closet with some essential I've been meaning to get.

Wandering through my usual stores - Forever 21, H&M, J. Crew - I found some good gems.  I also hit up Old Navy and Uniqlo and found more great items.  I really only bought bottoms - shorts, skirts, and dresses because I'm fairly satisfied with the tops in my collection

I didn't take a photo of everything as I haven't found the best lighting to take photos of it....but these things are so simple that I didn't take pictures of it all.

For the ones that did make it into the photo....

For all of who comment on my neutral clothing, here's some orange and purple for you ;)

For more of my picks and a recent FOTD, keep reading!

A Developing Obsession......

If you looked at me a year ago, even six months ago, you would see some small differences than if you see me now.  For one thing, I'm a lot more jingly.  Another, I'm more likely to wear a statement necklace (which I had previously sworn off of) instead of a dainty little necklace.

Up until a couple months ago (read: December), the only accessories I wore was a dainty necklace - usually my Dogeared Infinity Necklace, a small pair of stud earrings, my white Michael Kors watch, and a small silver ring.  That's it.  I went for the minimalist and made it my signature.  Part of it was because I am extremely picky with my jewelry.  Every detail has to be absolutely perfect, and it has to go with everything.  However, as much as I liked the look of layered bracelets, my small wrists made it difficult for me to buy bracelets without them nearly falling off my hand.  Trust me, I tried.

And I was finally successful.  The past few months, I seem to have found a ton of jewelry that suits me perfectly.  I've found some new jewelry to add to my self-defined "signature" look, as well as some extra pieces to rotate through, which I honestly never really did before.

Here is my latest arsenal of jewelry, old and new:

 Although it seems like I lean toward gold jewelry, I actually like both silver and gold equally.  I tend to wear more gold in the summer and silver in the winter, but the rose gold details on my watch have me leaning towards gold bracelets while I typically wear a silver necklace.

Rings have always been my favorite piece of jewelry, and this small selection still reflects the variety that I like to keep on hand.  I am always picky with rings as they have to be the perfect dainty-ness and uniqueness, but I'm loving my current selection.

Starting from the far left, I have my Kate Spade Bow Ring. I bought this about 2 years ago as a birthday present to myself.  I love it to pieces and wear it all the time as it is the perfect dainty accessory to pair with anything I wear.  The only gripe I have with this is the gold wearing off - I knew it was only a gold-plated ring and I wear at least several times a week, but seeing the gold wear off after only about 6 months of wear was a little disappointing.  That said, I still love this ring.  I just don't know if I would buy another one from Kate Spade to replace it.

The next ring is a silver evil eye-inspired ring that I snagged for $1 at H&M back in December. I love the way it adds something different to my plainer rings, and I tend to wear this layered with other rings.  I typically wear this with the Kate Spade Scalloped Ring to provide contrast to the pave detail.

The next two chain detail rings are also from H&M.  I usually never find jewelry that I like from there, but I have been really impressed with their selection lately!  It's not great quality, but for some cheap costume jewelry, I'm willing to make the sacrifice.  These two rings have an industrial type look that I tend to gravitate towards.

Lastly, on the far right is the Kate Spade Scallop Pave Ring.  This was my Christmas/post finals treat to myself, and I absolutely ADORE it.  It's simple, but also adds a bit of glam to my look.  The only (self-imposed) problem is that I never know what finger to wear it on.  I tend to wear rings on my left ring finger (is that supposed to be bad luck??) since it's the most comfortable place for me to wear my rings, but I've been trying to switch to wearing rings on my right ring to avoid any awkward engagement confusion.  The only problem is that I hate how rings feel on my right hand - they feel awkward and I actually lost my favorite ring this way because I must have taken it off and then dropped it somewhere.  I wear this ring in a size 6, but I think I would prefer a size 7 to wear it on my middle finger instead. I've recently just given up and worn it on my left hand anyway....no use in being overly superstitious, right?


 As far as bracelets go, these two have become staples.  I've lusted after Alex and Ani bangles for years, but have never purchased one until now.  I finally decided to just go for it and buy the April birthstone one, and I already have several others on my mind, including the zodiac one.  I love how simple these bangles look and the variety of different designs and charms available mean a layering heaven.  

For Christmas, I received the Madewell Glider Bangle in Light Worn Gold, and absolutely LOVE this.  It has the minimalist look that I love and fits my small wrists perfectly.  The simplicity of this bangle just called out to me and is really unique.  I've kind of always overlooked Madewell jewelry, but their bracelets and bangles are exactly my style.

Now on another note, does anyone else love mixing medals?  Since I wear both silver and gold equally, I tend to just wear them together.  It's not surprising to see me wearing gold bangles with silver rings because most of the time, I can't decide what to wear.  It also makes jewelry shopping a bit more tricky since I have to hold myself back from buying doubles of everything...

Now that I've discovered jewelry that I love, I'm up for more jewelry recommendations!  What are you favorite pieces and places to shop? Let me know, and until next time!

A Few New Fashion Items to Love

Despite being obsessed with fashion and beauty, most of my shopping consists of makeup items, not fashion items.  When I go shopping I may pick up one or two things, but there are only a few times a year when I actually buy multiple things from multiple stores.  This is one of those times.

I have been really impressed with Forever 21's activewear line recently, and I could not resist these two items.  I loved the strapping on the sports bra, and I have been looking for a new pair of workout pants for the longest time.  I have worn these two already and love how they performed.  I'm also obsessed with this chartreuse green color! I can't remember how much they were but they were both between $12.50 and $15.50.

I then wandered into Cotton On, which I had seen a lot of while I was in Europe, but never actually shopped at.  I was completely surprised by its low prices and basic, but still trendy items (aka totally up my alley).  The two floral shorts were on sale for $10 each, and the skirts were 2 for $15, even though the black skirt alone was $14.50.   

Now about these black pants...these are pants I saw on people all the time in Europe, and not very often on people here.  They're a loose baggy pant that has thinner material than sweatpants (but just as comfy) and have a band by the ankle.  They're on the border of looking like pajamas.  But they're not.  I did curse myself on having huge thighs and ankles because these pants are in XL, while the skirts are size S.  Go figure...

Once I got back to DC, it only seemed fitting that I start everything off with some shopping.  But with a bank account being dangerously low, I had to limit myself.  Enter Buffalo Exchange.  I could easily spend hours in there going through racks of trendy, but second hand items, yet I only managed to leave with two items - the blue button down shirt from Gap, and the cropped pyramid cropped T-shirt from Forever 21.

I also obviously am attracted to neon pink, evidenced by the pink v-neck from GAP, and my new neon pink belt from H&M, which I managed to snag for $1.50 on clearance.  Score!   I blame my neon pink obsession on the fact that I've mostly exhausted my neon coral obsession...

This next item.  Oh my gosh.  I'm in love.  It is a beautiful 3/4 lengths shirt from H&M with the most beautiful embroidered detailing and a scalloped hem.  There are no words to describe this.

I was breathless when I saw this, and for $10, there was no way that this wasn't coming home with me.

Well, who knows how long it'll be before I buy more clothing items.  In the meantime, I'll be occupying myself with new makeup pretties, as usual ;)

Nail Polish Pick of the Week

I'm posting on the go today to give you all a quick update.  I've discovered an unlikely summer nail polish favorite from Catrice.  I bought this shade a few months ago because it was a unique shade and didn't imagine I would wear it until the fall, but I pulled it out a few days ago because I wanted a darker color on my nails.

I was surprised to see how much I loved it, and how suitable it was summer, especially since I have a slight tan right now.  The color is a unique mix of maroon and brown with a little bit of gold glitter that's barely noticeable on the nails.  When I'm indoors it even looks like a dark purple.  I've never seen a shade like it, but call me obsessed! 

Catrice nailpolishes don't last as long as Essie or OPI polishes, but this is my 3rd day of wear and only two fingers have minor chips in them.  I used the Seche Vite base coat and topcoat and I know they definitely prolong the wear of my polishes.

The shade name is 23 The Monkey Gets Funky.  Unfortunately, Catrice is Europe only, but if any of you can get your hands on it, please do!  They were only 2,75€ (around $4) and worth every Euro!

Also added a bonus picture of me wearing my sneaker wedges from Urban Outfitters.  They look great with everything!  I pulled a casual look today with just a slouchy tshirt and some denim shorts.  I'll be home soon for some monthly favorites so stay tuned!

And the hunt ends (for now). Sneaker wedges??? New Jewelry finds and books!

For the better part of the last 4 months, I have been on the hunt for two specific pairs of shoes.  The perfect ankle boot and the perfect sneaker wedges that wouldn't break the bank.  Every time I saw either of these shoes, there was something just off about them, whether it was the sole, color, or material.  

This weekend, while trying to take advantage of Urban Outfitter's extra 50% off clearance sale, I found them.  It was complete fate that I would pick these up in glee.  The boots, by Sam Edelman, were the last pair left, and fit my perfectly, despite being a half size too big in what I usually wear.  The sneaker wedges also fit perfectly, a relief after I couldn't find a pair in Germany that I just loved.  To top things off, $30 for the Sam Edelman boots that I have lusted after for so long and $20 for the sneaker wedges had me tucking them under my arm and toting them home with me.

 Read after the jump to see more details and other pictures of what I found this weekend!