joy quote

"Find the place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." 

Joseph Campbell

new picks

Picked up some new stuff over the last week and a half!

Last weekend, my a significant portion of my family stayed at my place off and on for a while.  I went shopping in order to escape for a bit. I bought these babies:

I seem to have a thing for kitten heels!

This pretty little thing keeps me organized!

This quirky magazine holder is now overflowing...I may have a fashion magazine addiction....

Picked up this floral trench from Target today.  I'm going to keep the tags on it and try it on with the vast majority of my spring wardrobe to make certain it will work.  By the way, in real life, these heels are not walkable.  At all.  To be worn only when sitting down.

I'm particularly partial to b/w prints, especially polka dots!  I nabbed this retro dress on my first excursion to Burlington Coat Factory today!

Isn't it grand!?

Monday Musings....

I'm nesting, I think.  The imminence of spring always makes me antsy to redo my entire apartment.  Recently, I purchased a new flatware set with red handles and a new red/gold towel.  I've been looking at beds, too, though I probably won't buy anything until I figure out if I'm moving or not.  I don't want to haul any furniture across the country!

However, I wanted to share a few special things that I dug up and loved....

This candelabra from Z Gallerie.  I adore how over-the-top it is, and the organic design is right up my alley.

I also love this vase from Z Gallerie; I firmly believe that just as handbags should never speak louder than the person wearing them, vases should never outshine the flowers they hold.  The vase that I have now is bubbly and clear.  This vase would be a perfect addition!

My love of Chinese screens and Victorian dressing screens gets combined with my love of candles and light with this little beauty, also from Z Gallerie!

If I had more room for dishes, I would get these square letterpress bowls from World Market.  So chic and vintage!

Weekend Shopping... all styled up!

Hi Everyone!  Today I went shopping and scored some cool new stuff.  Most of this stuff I plan on saving for teaching but some of it could be styled up differently for a more casual look.  Apologies for the weird lighting-- I had to do it all indoors since it was dark (and snowing! ugh!) when I got back.  Additional apologies for the odd hat and hair looks-- I dyed my hair last night and you can't wash it for 24hrs after.  Dry shampoo only works so many miracles, my friends!

 A Kate-Spade-esque polka-dot cardi!  So soft and pretty!  Would also look cute with my purple pencil skirt. $20 from TJ Maxx.

This was a real steal; Michael by Michael Kors striped top.  This pretty little classic is uber-soft and flattering.  Equally nice with jeans as with a pencil skirt or dress pants and blazer.  $21 from Ross.

This cropped green cardi will has awesome proportion play in its future!  I could see this working with a tunic and leggings for a date night, or even with a pencil skirt or over a dress for work.  $15 from Marshall's.

Another TJ Maxx find for $20.  This open-front white/black polka dot blazer will work with jeans (as seen here), dress pants, skirts and dresses.  

Some adorable gold kitten heels for dressing up any look.  Totally walkable and affordable at a clearance price of $30 from Marshall's.

unseasonable

You read that right... title is "Unseasonable" not "unreasonable."  The weather in the 'Burgh lately has been unseasonably warm, which even though it's rainy, suits me juuuuust fine!  Give me rainy and warm over freezing and icy or snowy ANY day.

Teaching has gone well today.  Tonight I have Rite Aid until late.  Grandpa Sherry's doing much better; all stablized and keeping the blood.  They're hopeful for his outcome.

Tomorrow will be more of the same, and Friday will be Art with the students, then my standing Friday appointment, then some quick errands and then BABYSITTING!  :)  Saturday will be wet and COLD (grrr) but that won't stop me!

Also, does anybody know how to fix scratches and scuffs on patent leather?

Wish List

Posting a WISH LIST... because some things are worth saving up for....

These Kate Spade Gloves... Polka Dot Kate Spade Gloves... As seen on Jessica Quirk of What I Wore today...  They are adorable, pretty affordable for Kate Spade, and useful.  Three desirable things in any accessory!  Perfect for dressing up any outfit!

This Steve Madden Snake Print Tote Bag, because I need a big, roomy tote to haul my laptop, lunch, textbooks, and dress hoes in when I go to work.  Or for professional interviews.

These Joan & David red leather pumps from Nordstrom's.  I adore the red patent leather and the heel height!  I could actually walk in this!  Super stylish and walkable.  I'm so there.

Also, I maaaaaaybe have enough money for these sexy Kate Spade goloshes... who would have though that rain boots could be so sexy?!

... I wish I had the money for these things NOW but I guess all good things are worth waiting for....

New Shoes

I almost forgot to post this pic of the new shoes I got for teaching and interviews...