trinny...

I had to share this photo of our sweet girl, Trinny. For anyone who doesn't know her, she is a pitt bull/mastiff/american bull dog mix and will be 9 years old on the summer solstice. Andrew has had her since she was a baby pup, but she has definitely had a huge impact on my life over the past 3 years. She has been all over with us... at school in Morgantown, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for almost 7 months, and is now a New York City girl. She's pretty much happy anywhere the sun is shining (and as long as Andrew isn't too far away!).

How sweet is that face? I can't get enough of this photo. 

i've been bitten by the shopping bug...

Since I moved to New York in late 2009, I've been working in an amazing buy/sell/trade clothing store called Beacon's Closet. I am completely amazed every day by the things I see. We 'buy from the public', which doesn't really sound very exciting, right? Wrong... so, so very wrong. When the public that surrounds you is comprised of stylists, designers, and vintage clothing collectors, it's just unbelievable. And not only do I get to see these items, but I am paid to give them a price, attach the tag, and put it on our sales floor after giving the seller their appropriate payment. If there is an item that I want, which happens often, I am able to buy it with an amazing discount. It feels like stealing.


My closet has probably 5 or 6 pieces that I owned before moving to New York. I have traded out almost every single item for something new and wonderful that I love. It's so awesome. That's really the only way to describe it. Just... awesome.


And until very recently, I've been completely satisfied with my wardrobe situation. I haven't felt any need to go into stores, shop online, or spend time in the Garment District in NYC. Then, one afternoon, I wandered into a few of the small, lovely designer boutiques that are in my neighborhood and everything went downhill. I splurged on a beautiful, hand-dyed silk scarf that I really love, but I could have gotten a lot more bang for my buck at Beacon's.

I have been drooling over these earrings for weeks:

(14K Gold Line Stud Earrings by Garnish)

I have to have these earrings. They're too simple and perfect and beautiful. (Where is my tax refund check?!)

Something else I happened upon:

(14K Gold Oval Ring by R. Kopec at PIP-SQUEAK CHAPEAU ETC)

I've never seen a ring so cool. On the store's website, this ring is in a category called "Useful and Not". How fitting, right? Sadly, this is out of my price range. Maybe some day... But I am lucky enough to have this store just a few blocks away from my apartment. It's torture.

Aside from my shopping/spending obsession, I'm excited to say that I've been doing some brainstorming/sketching/research for a small jewelry project of my own. More info to come!