Recent Acquisitions (Or: How I Blew My Christmas Money)

A few weeks ago I told myself if I get any money for Christmas I should save it. Then, I said I'd buy one present for myself and save the rest. Instead, I spent pretty much all of it already (and will spend the last of it soon). On what? Well, let me show you...



These boots are from Aldo, originally $160. I got them for a song at $55. I did buy the boots I mentioned a few weeks ago, but I'm returning them because I was not fond of the fit on my little calves. These are cheaper, anyway. Excited!



I have such a hard time finding jeans that aren't a million dollars. My requirements? Mid-rise, darker wash, skinny, short inseam. These are a lot harder to find than it seems. I'm high-waisted with skinny legs, and long legs for my body type (but I'm still pretty short). Imagine my surprise when I found these at Urban Outfitters. The ones I got aren't these exactly, but pretty close. They are a little lighter wash, and don't hit my ankles on account of I am nowhere near the 5'9"-ish model. They're long, but wearable long. I-can-wear-these-with-boots-until-I-can-get-them-hemmed long. That's ok. They are stretchy and not legging thin, and the waist is perfect. All UO's denim is on sale, too, so instead of $54 I got mine for $39. Not bad if they last as long as I suspect they will.



I cannot justify this purchase as well as my others but I will be wearing it in 3 days if that accounts for anything. I bought what would be my holiday dress at H&M last month (which I found out today I cannot refund for money, just store credit, boohoo) but I caved when I saw all you cute bloggers with these Rodarte dresses. I originally wanted the baby blue eyelet one, but that one was nowhere to be found. At the Target in Shorewood this was the only dress left that interested me so I tried it on for kicks. I fell in love with how it looked on me. It's comfortable yet chic, I love the black tulle at the top, and the black looks great with my red hair and pale skin. I love it more and more every time I look at it, I feel like a cross between Audrey Hepburn and a ballerina in it. I am having fun thinking of ways to style it for NYE and I really love how all these great bloggers have worn it in different ways! It's the first time it's been fun to own something others own, too.



I haven't bought these yet, and these will be the most expensive purchase. I am waffling a little, but can get a good deal (under $100 from $170). These are the leather version of my favourite boots that I have worn so many times (and last winter, which I have no pictures of). I think I should just take the plunge and spend the dough on boots I've worn for 2 seasons already and I know go with everything. Wouldn't you agree?

Do you think I am being frivolous or am I making some good investments? I think the black boots and the jeans are, at least. What have you been spending your holiday money on?

Anna Sui for Target

Sorry, dear blog! I have been abusing you terribly, but it is not my fault. Since the last time I wrote my boyfriend visited, and the entire time I have had severe stomach problems and toothaches. Now, a week later, my tooth problems have gotten worse and don't appear to be getting better any time soon. The pain is distracting and between work and everything else typing entries up for this are kicked to the curb.

BUT I am taking a brief moment away from yowling like a wounded animal to share with you Anna Sui's collection for Target.

I saw the collection online a few days ago, and today when I went to Target to get my medications I got to see a lot of these pieces in person. I actually bought myself a pity treat, this shirt:



The black! The lace! The slightly sailor-ish collar! Be still my heart.

Here are my favourite items in the collection.

Dresses:



There were a lot of black dresses, and I was fond of the blue a lot, too. I was not as into the brown/orange dresses in the collection, I felt they were too bohemian chic for me. I like the classic/tailored/quirky look of these, and the mod-ness of the grey and black one.

Blouses:



I am so in love with the colours in this collection- all the grey, black, and ivory. I think that will be my colour palatte for fall and winter. Anyway, these blouses perfectly fall into my colour tastes, as well as other things I love: brocade patterns, ruffles, lace detailing, sailor collars, ties, and- twee as it is- I adore the bird! I would have purchased that shirt but it was not as fitted as I'd like, and also I tuck in most of my tops so I was afraid the bird would be cut off. I may go back and try on that ivory and gold blouse, though.

Things I didn't like:

Some of the shirts were really ugly or really boring (cute but not worthy of the collection/price). The two pairs of pants they had (they aren't on the website anymore) were pretty uninspired as well. But overall the colours, fabrics, and more tailored pieces have me melting and wanting more (and more money). Next time you see yourself at Target check the collection out!