European purchases

We've been back not yet a week and I think I'm already ready to go back to Europe. But that's a given.

So... about that shopping. Yup, I didn't come back empty handed. But y'all... I was in Ferragamo, I had to run back to get my passport for the duty free shopping... and when I did the currency conversion... I couldn't bring myself to buy the shoes. They are stunning - and I'll see if I can save up for them... but I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much on one item (and I didn't have enough set aside for them, even with the tax break). So I left Europe sans Ferragamos... but here's what I did buy:

In Munich I picked up a scarf with a print of the Edelweiss (which just so happened to be my late Nonno's favorite flower). It also seemed to be the official flower of Oktoberfest - once I started paying attention they were everywhere.

Florence was where I did the majority of the remainder of my shopping... have I mentioned to you that I love Zara? And when I was doing price comparisons in the hotel room between US/Euro prices with the cash back, well, it was cheaper.

Zara elbowpatch wool blazer. Wool. Plaid. Elbow patches. Need I say more?

Zara cardigan. Perhaps because I was still cold from Germany but I had to grab this.

Zara oxblood velvet loafers. Reeeeeeeed.

Zara jeweled necklace. I couldn't help this one - the sparkles drew me to it.

I also picked up a few smaller accessory items...

The journal came from this awesome handmade paper store and it is in a traditional Florentinian print. The hardest part on this one was picking out the color scheme! In Monterosso I nabbed the little heart necklace, something small and dainty to remind me of my honeymoon. I grabbed the MyWallit kitty keychain at the main store in Lucca - I had no idea they were an Italian brand! And the purple wrap bracelet was also from Monterosso.

And last but not least, a poncho. Navy blue is surprisingly hard to photograph. We were waiting for our plane in Bergamo and I spied this. I kept thinking about while sitting at the gate and ran back to get it....but they were closed. So I hung around for a bit (like a creeper) and once I saw they were back I tried it on and bought it. Can't wait to wear it soon as the weather here has been turning and it feels like fall.

Well, that's about it. We definitely splurged a bit more on meals with wine and cheese courses. I did manage to afford all of this with the money that I'd set aside so I'm proud of myself for not having to dip into other funds for this.

Hope you've enjoyed and are having a good Sunday!

Falling for autumn

First off, as today being September 11 I think we should all take a moment and just pause to remember what happened on this day 11 years ago. I can tell you exactly where I was, what I was wearing... so to those who lost their lives and to everyone affected, I will not forget.

September is already 1/3 over. I can't believe DH and I have been married for a month. We leave for our honeymoon in 19 days (still doesn't feel real). We finally purchased a new point and shoot to take with us and I'm already thinking about having to pack two suitcases and leave one in DC since we'll be back 6 weeks later for another bar mitzvah.

Autumn is definitely in the air in San Francisco - I'm starting to think we might not have a summer afterall here. But I'm loving sweaters, boots, and skinny jeans.

Sweater from target

I got this adorabe fox sweater from my mom for my birthday. I thin he's pretty cute. Although someone though he looked like a cat, I don't mind that either.


Skirt: JCrew, Sweater: Gap, Denim shirt: Nordstroms

I also think yesterday was the last day to wear my floral print skirt (and also, the weatherman lied. it was not 70 degrees yesterday) so this sweater became my best friend yesterday. And it has elbow pads! Another thing I love, elbow pads. 

I also have to say that I think OPI's You don't know Jacques is my new perfect nail color. And really, I have all 5 fingers. It's a great neutral that I'll probably wear all autumn and the first bottle of nail polish I ran out and bought in ages.

This past weekend I also went through my wardrobe and reorganized everything. I'm glad that I can now see exactly what I already own because really, honestly, I don't need any more clothes any time soon. Except for maybe a striped long sleeve shirt to replace the ones that finally wore out. My next thing to tackle - my sock drawer. Because for some reason, they all don't seem to match.

Anyway. Here's to autumn, and the return of cozy sweaters, boots, football Sundays, and family.

Blazer Dilemma

Okay - perhaps its not really a dilemma, but really I'm on the hunt for a fun colored blazer to add to my wardrobe of drab blue, black, and grey ones. I need some spicing up in the blazer department - and I have a visa giftcard that I'm going to put toward the purchase.

Below are some of the ones I'm considering... I'd love to hear your thoughts on them and welcome any other suggestions you might have!

Photo via nordstrom.com

I saw this online and tried it on in store the other night... perhaps it was the lights there or maybe I'm just not confident enough but I'm half wanting to buy this right away and half wanting to turn and run. It is a bit more reddish orange in person. It also comes in a cobalt blue which was not in my size and I liked as well, and white was gorgeous too (but I'm paranoid to spill something on it...). Gibson blazer, 88.00 via nordstrom.com

Image via nordstrom.com

Another option from Nordstrom - but this one is in a pure red. I like red. I'm not quite sold on the sleeves. But.. the price is fantastic - and it also comes in yellow, green, and white. Ambition twill blazer, 59.00 via nordstrom.com.

From Forever 21

This is a more cost friendly option from forever 21. I would definitely have to go in store to try this one on because their sizing can fluctuate on me. I also really like the pink option they have.. but I'm not so sure this is something I could wear to the office. Single button blazer, 24.90 at forever21.com

Image from Loehmann's.com

I saw this on Loehmann's.com and if it was in my size I would possibly order this. It also comes in several other colors as well. I know, I know... its blue. But.. Cobalt is different than navy, right? Necessary Objects Boyfriend Blazer, 39.99, loehmanns.com.

Adorableness from landsendcanvas.com

I know, I know. Grey. And tweed. BUT IT HAS ELBOW PATCHES! Do you know how excited I get over elbow patches? You might now. Anyway. This is on sale. I kinda sorta love it. Just had to throw this one in there... just because. Women's wool hunting jacket, 64.99, canvas.landsend.com.

So that's my round up... any input is more than welcome!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!