This week's faves

Smartwool knee socks

I have a few pairs of Smartwool hiking socks, which are great for inside boots and when it's cold out. But I didn't realize that they made so many different styles and patterns! I love the look of boots over knee highs, either with tights or bare legs depending on the weather.

McLaughlin Designs knitting patterns

This is basically my new favorite Etsy shop. She has so many cute patterns, and it also means I get to DIY some things instead of spending a (relative) fortune to have someone else make it for me when I am perfectly capable! I may or may not have bought the 5 patterns for $18 pack today....

Also - isn't she just the cutest??

    

It looks like she sometimes sells finished products, too, but I don't see any up right now.

this colorful apartment

I had too much fun looking back and forth between the photos and the floor plan, figuring out what was what. I especially love the fall leaves as inspiration. It reminds me a bit of my friends Paul and Ava's apartment, except taken to the extreme.

   

these adorable red heels

From ModCloth. Of course. I broke my no shopping rule today for these - but hey, my birthday is on Thursday so it's allowed, right? I'm so freaking excited - I hope they fit well! (I have wide feet and shoes, especially heels, are always a bit hit or miss.) Oh my goodness, so excited.

For you, self!

I've been under a lot of stress lately, much of it self-inflicted (short term stress -> long term awesomeness), but still stress nonetheless, so I decided to reward myself (for dealing with it, for bettering myself, for resisting the urge to quit my job and open a money drain, err, bakery). Along with vacation time (spent recovering and doing nonwork productive things, not actually doing vacation things), I bought myself some tulips - my favorite! how kind of you to remember! - and also some lovely things I found on the internet lately and ordered.

(Note: I'm definitely not cool enough to have sponsors - everything in this post is 100% stuff that I found, fell in love with, and bought full price for myself.)

First, my Ssekos! I found these on a random blog via craftgawker and love how versatile they are. I ordered one pair of sandals, 2 extra straps, and now I have 3 totally different pairs of shoes, each with a bazillion ways to tie them! These are definitely my go to for summer. They are comfy because I tie them to fit my foot perfectly, and they stay on better than flip flops, and I think they are super cute too. I haven't taken pictures of the silver straps on, but I love those even more than the black. *swoon*

omg, what is up with my ankles?

It is no secret that I am in love with Modcloth. I spend a ridiculous amount of money there from time to time, and my wardrobe is starting to tilt towards being comprised mostly of things from there. This month's purchases: Kapow! Boots, Whole Lot of Sole Heel, Happy Travels Dress, and Seine Saunter Socks (not pictured).

These boots are, erm, not in my normal price range. I just wanted to try them on because I loved them, but once i had them there was no turning back (with some encouragement from Tim). So I am now the proud owner of some sexy bright red leather boots.

The shoes! *swoon* They are definitely something 6th grade me would have loved (I was all about the 60s), but 7th grade through a year ago me would have rejected as silly and impractical. I'm glad my adventurous side is coming back. I do kind of almost die when I try to walk around in them, but I'm learning! I love the dress, too, although it is perhaps a bit short for work. The skirt is so full and fun to twirl in, though!

New things are not the most important things in the world, but I do know that I'm really fortunate to have a job that allows me treat myself every once in awhile. It really did brighten up my weekend to have a new few things to try on and wear out!

Pardon the absence

I am currently working on finding my perfect blog-life balance, and life is coming out ahead at the moment. I'm hoping to find a happy medium that doesn't completely exclude either (and a more regular posting schedule would still be swell), but for now I need a little break. Back soon, I hope!

I will leave you with: my new prescription sunglasses.

They are not actually mine yet - I had them order the same pair in silver so I can pick one and then order for real.

Poll! Can I wear these ("almond" color, not to be confused with gold.. but close) with all of my silver jewelry? I'm normally not a fan of gold-colored things, but man I love these.

Whoops, shopping

I went shopping*, with the express purpose of getting some more color into my mostly black, white, and gray wardrobe. And here is what I came home with (all from H&M):

gray dress

black dress

black pencil skirt (which looks more flattering in person, I swear)

Oops. Note the utter lack of color. But I love them! I did promise myself that I could buy all three only if ponder them and return one. Right now I'm leaning towards getting rid of the gray dress, since it's the snuggest of the three, but that leaves me with so much black.... Opinions? Which one do you think I should return?

*If you are familiar with all of the 30 for 30 rules, you know that shopping is prohibited during this month. However, since I finished a nice closet purge just before it started, I'm giving myself a little leeway and just trying to be extra careful about not buying anything that isn't amazing and super versatile.

I went thrift shopping!

... for like the second time in my life. Success! This is the skirt I got, which I mentioned awhile back, I believe. It reminds me of an old granny couch or curtains. But I kind of love it.

My favorite ever necklace - a Kitchenaid mixer and a cupcake pan

Skirt: thrifted; Shirt: H&M; Tights: American Apparel; Shoes: Doc Martens; Necklace: TheBumblingBird's Etsy Shop