Nevada OTK Boots

I had yet to find a pair of over-the-knee boots that I like, until I came across this pair from Chinese Laundry ($119):

I love the striping effect up the side, which makes them sporty, and how they are otherwise simple.  Even though they have no heel, they're still stylish.  Seeing as how I have to walk over a half mile to get to class (over sidewalks that become super slippery in the winter time), it might be a good idea to set aside my love of heels for something more practical.  Not that these look practical--which might just be the best thing about them.

Yesterday's Outfit

Yesterday the Boyfriend and I met up in Kingston, NY for some apartment-stuff shopping.  It was totally boring.  But the Boyfriend liked my outfit so much that he took a picture of me.  Who would have guessed that my now-outdated LG Dare would have a better camera than his brand new iPhone 4?

Okay, what I'm wearing...the blazer is from the Gap.  The button up shirt is from New York & Company.  The gray tank top is from American Eagle.  The skinny cargos are from Express.  The boots are Puma.  My earrings (which you can't really see) are from Loft.  I think this is the first time I've posted an actual on-me outfit.  Oh my!

My Favorite Cape May Purchase

I'm back in New Paltz after visiting Cape May for five days.  The first day of classes felt totally surreal!  But I brought a little bit of Cape May with me today by wearing my favorite purchase from that amazing locale.

I am completely in love with this hand knit necklace by Omeria.  My mom and I happened to be heading into a CVS when we found an artist's market.  My mom purchased a couple gorgeous photographs and a thoroughly cute print, but I fell in love with one of the many jewelry options at the markets.  There's something so innately cool about handcrafted jewelry, as well as getting to meet--in person--the artist who created it.  You get to learn about the technique and materials used, which creates an unparalleled appreciation for the piece.  One also learned about the amount of care and pure love that went into each and every design.

Besides all that, the necklace is just gorgeous.  It features a variety of beads, crystals and faux pearls, and has a neat magnetic clasp that makes getting it on and off without help a breeze (my clumsy fingers always take forever to manage more delicate, intricate clasps).

What I love about this necklace is how versatile it is.  It can certainly be used with a cocktail dress, but just as easily can be transitioned for wear with jeans and a t-shirt (as I wore it today).  I love wearing it with a simpler ensemble, because once it's on, I'm free to don anything else as basic as I please.  It makes whatever I'm wearing fabulous!

Cape May: Day Two

My mom and I slept in this morning, before going to breakfast and sitting where we could people watch the boardwalk.  After, we decided to start walking around the town, just to see what we could find.  Not far from the beach is a fantastic pedestrian mall, with an assortment of cute stores.

We fell in love with Lace Silhouettes' Cape May store (there are seven, including a main one in Pennsylvania that apparently is 3000 sq. feet of intimate apparel--am I the only one excited by this?).  I'd never been in a legitimate lingerie store (Victoria's Secret hardly counts), so this was fun, especially since I have an obsession with pretty bras.  My mom and I liked the store so much, we plan on going to the main store later in the year.

I finally decided on this bra, with the matching thong and garter belt, since hell it's vacation and I want it all, hah!

After being completely lazy and lounging on the beach all day, we went out to eat at the Mad Batter, which had an amazing vegetable wellington (I ordered mine minus the cheese and pesto).  Then, it was time for more shopping!

While meandering around, we found Victorious Pink, a boutique in a beautiful old Victorian home.

I got this jacket from Ryu.  I think it's absolutely gorgeous, and it fits so well!  Although in the picture, because of the wacky lighting in the hotel bedroom it looks yellow, it's actually white.  I can't wait to wear it--it's a little too warm here.

Meanwhile, my mom fell in love with this orange bag from Hobo International:

One of my favorite things about the bag (besides the superbly soft leather) is the interior, with all it's organizational pockets:

Tomorrow plans to be much the same, and I can honestly say, I'm looking forward to it!

Cape May: Day One

My mom and I decided to take a vacation at Cape May, New Jersey.  So far we've only had time to drive through the town, go out to dinner, and quickly visit the beach, but it's already been amazing.  The town is beautiful--lots of Victorian homes, cute shops, and seafood restaurants.  Dinner was at the restaurant next to our hotel (which is right on the beach).

I had the seafood tacos, except I took the fish out and ordered it without sour cream and cheese.  But the vegetables were fresh and the guacamole was amazing.  Apparently a lot of the restaurants in town (including this one) depend on a local farm for much of the veggie offerings.

With dinner I had a Sunset Beach cocktail, which was suitably fruity and fortunately not very strong.  Not sure how well it complemented the food, but who cares?  I'm on vacation.

After dinner, we went for a walk down the beach--I couldn't wait to get my feet in the water!  My mom and I took more pictures on her camera, but we forgot to bring the cable so we're hoping to find one in town, and I'll upload the pictures tomorrow.

Today it was rainy, but tomorrow the weather is supposed to get better.  I can't wait to go swimming!

A little shoe shopping...

Even if you're not going back to school, I feel like this is a time of year everyone associates with revamping and adding to their wardrobe.  Naturally, I can't resist a chance to go shopping, especially for my favorite thing--shoes!  I recently added a pair of heels (totally impractical, but I'm a sucker for red) and a pair of black ballet flats (totally necessary since I've worn out my old pair).

The heels are from Carlos Santana (I seem to be starting to build a collection of his shoes)...and I think they're totally adorable!

The flats are by CROWN Vintage.  Normally, I despise flats because I find them incredibly uncomfortable and they always give me blisters, but these feel like slippers!

Maybelline Silk Eyeshadow

Some months ago I received a free Maybelline New York Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow set in Copper Chic.  For some reason, I never got around to using it, although after giving it a test run today, I can't imagine why not!

The set I have in person has a really pretty shimmer to it, which Maybelline's web site image does not convey.  The set is available at drugstores for around $10.  I think it's a worthwhile investment, and plan on buying sets in a whole lot more colors.

I love layering eyeshadow, and it's made easy by all the color coordinating sets available out there.  I started out by lining my upper and lower lashlines with the darkest color, as shown in the image below.  I didn't go overboard because I did this this morning, but for night you can definitely go wild!

The next step was to use the next darkest color on the outer portion of my lids.  I love the shimmer!  Using this color alone I think would be fantastic.

The third step was to use the third shade on the rest of my lid.  After that, I used the lightest shade as a highlighter on the inside corner of the lid and on the browline.  Super easy copper-colored smoky eye!

I love the way this eyeshadow catches the light and the smoky effect it has.  It's perfect for daytime wear, but could definitely be pumped up for nighttime.

Here's the final result:

I'm wearing my favorite Urban Decay mascara, Clinique Blushwear cream stick in Rosy Blush, and Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Ripe Papaya.  Of course, I felt so clever with the way I applied the different colors, but then I just noticed a minute ago that on the packaging there's an image of how to do it.  Oh well!

Overall, I'm very pleased with this eyeshadow set.  The color quality is gorgeous and it actually lasts.  Ten hours later, after a ridiculously hot and humid day, the makeup had stayed put.  The only downside I really see to it is the ridiculous applicator it comes with.  I didn't even bother trying to use it (I never do) but instead used an angled eyeshadow brush.  Application perfection.

As I said before, I plan on buying many more sets in different colors.  Can't wait to try them all out!