If vintage shoes could talk...

I bet they would say that they were so thrilled when their owner bought them because she happened to be a very stylish trendsetter from the heart of NYC.

They'd mention that when they were still brand new, they had stood near the Golden Gate Bridge and walked the busy streets of London - twice, every year for 3 years straight.

They'd probably admit that their owner didn't always have the cleanest feet.

They'd mention that they were happy with their stylish appearance that garnered many compliments, but mad whenever they had to walk on dirty city sidewalks.

I bet they'd say that they hated when anyone other than their owner tried them on for size.

I think they would also admit that they were owned by 3 different people and that the 2nd owner caused the deep scratch on the right heel from when they stumbled over an unexpected stone on a countryside road.

And they'd say that after 35 years of mostly happiness and security with all 3 owners, they were very sad that their final owner decided to donate them because they weren't considered stylish anymore.

I bet they'd say that even though all their owners might not even be on this earth anymore, they're glad to be able to live on and to await the next owner who will appreciate and love them for the rest of their metallic leather Made in Spain lives.

Yes, if vintage shoes could talk...

What do you think they'd say?

If you haven't seen these 5 films, we can't be friends

*Disclaimer: These are all classic films. I don't live in the 21st century so you won't see me posting about The Hunger Games or Fifty Shades of Grey any time soon... #SorryNotSorry

The Ugly Dachshund: I just can't tell you how much I love this movie. Had I discovered it sooner, it would've been a favorite for much longer. BUT! Better late than never. If you like dogs, cute story lines, and classic Disney, this is a must-see. There's nothing more relaxing than watching this film with your own little (or big) furry friend sitting on your lap. This film makes me want to adopt all the dachshunds in the world...

Summer Magic: Another highly underrated classic Disney film (oops, sorry about that, it was unintentional to choose another Disney film). Hayley Mills is my all-time favorite actress. I just always associate her with all the happy Disney movies from childhood and Summer Magic is no exception. The songs are ridiculously catchy and as usual, I'm drawn to it simply because it's such a feel-good story. It makes me long for my very own yellow farm house in the countryside of Maine...

To Sir, with Love: If this film had been made any other time period instead of the 60's, I probably wouldn't have liked it as much. The time period and location (UK) is what makes this film stand out for me. I love the whole style of this film, the girls have the coolest fashions I wish I could recreate. And of course the storyline grabs my attention- it's very inspiring and even heartwarming at times. Plus, the tune that's played throughout the film is super catchy... to sirrrr, with lovvvvve

The Quiet Man: I'm not normally a fan of John Wayne films (they're usually all so western cowboy-ish and I'm just not into that) but this one is different and I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, I'm a huge fan of Maureen O'Hara (Miracle on 3th Street, The Parent Trap) and her Irish feisty-ness, plus, the film takes place in Ireland, so, really, need I say more? The scenery is fantastic and the story line is quite engaging as well. It's on Netflix right now, so you really have no excuse...

13 Ghosts: I am rarely drawn to horror films. But I made an exception with this one, especially since it's black and white (I love black and white films) and there is no sight of fake blood. The story is also quite entertaining. It has enough suspense to make it a horror film but enough charm to remind you that it's a classic.

I don't suppose you've seen any of these films? Do you ever watch classic films or am I just completely uncool? If it's the latter, somehow, I'm okay with that... ;)


** Original image sources were difficult to find. Hate when that happens because I feel like a thief.

Polka dot pants

I've been drawn to polka dots a lot recently. Not so much the classic black and white polka dots but other color combinations such as the ones on these cropped pants. I knew I had to have these pants as soon as I saw them and was a bit worried they might not fit, as pants from Forever 21 sometimes hate me. But! I'm happy to report they are now in my possession (as if you couldn't tell from these photos, ha!).

I found these suede loafer moccasins (Moafers? Loaccasins?) in the back of my closet. I had completely forgotten about them. They're so cozy and the style and color adds a bit of class to them. It feels like I gained a new pair of shoes just because I hadn't worn them in so long! It's so weird when that happens.

I'm trying something a little different with this post. You might notice the comments have been disabled (at least, I think they have - Disqus is still a mystery to me). That's just so you don't have to feel obligated to leave a comment. I know outfit photos are a little hard to comment on at times- I mean, what's there to really say besides "Nice photos" (or not), right? So, here's hoping you'll enjoy the photos because, really, that's what outfit posts are all about. :) 

Outfit details: Sweater- Old Navy//Pants & Sunglasses- Forever 21//Shoes- Ross

2014

If I look inside my mind to review 2014 without the help of past blog posts or my instagram feed, the first thing that will always pop up are the memories of my very first trip to Ireland. I still think about it everyday and feel a burning desire to cry and smile at the same time because it was just such a wonderful experience (by the way, I've yet to taste butter and tea as yummy as the Irish make it).

2014 started a fresh new year (as most new years are) and I really had no idea what to expect as the previous year had been more planned out and honestly, a bit suffocating. 

This year was also made up of everyday moments filled with little details which I made sure to place utmost importance on (many nature walks and reruns of I Love Lucy).

I think of this year as being the year I baked and cooked more than Martha Stewart and Rachael Ray combined. I baked bread loaves and hamburger buns for the first time and it has quickly become a regular occurrence (right after this post, I intend to cook hamburgers for the last meal of the year).

I faced a lot of fears which I still replay in my mind to make sense of how I've handled everything. 

I learned to be very conscious of the moment and of my decisions and to live with more intention.

My drawing skills surprised me so much. I had never drawn with such focus before. It was a boost in confidence that I very much needed.

Every opportunity, I always had a camera with me but I was also conscious not to live through the lens. As soon as I got the perfect shot (which usually took like 253 times), I put the camera down.

I had many a pep talk with myself. I became my own best friend more than ever and actually came to accept and embrace that. I genuinely like myself. 2014 made me realize that life really is what you make of it.

And now, if I'm honest, I don't know if I'm ready for a fresh new start because 2014 was way too good to me. I want to soak it in for a while longer. But it's 5pm already and this post is being published way later than I had anticipated (thanks to an unexpected power outage). 2015 will be here soon. 

All I really hope for in the coming year for me, for you, for the people I know and have known, and the rest of the world, is for inner peace, good health, kindness towards others (seriously, people, let's all play nice- nobody is better than anyone), and simplicity. And a whole lot of bright colors.

Thanks for sticking with me. I hope you'll join me in 2015...

   

November in the Sunlight

I have been wearing this shirt and cardigan combination more than a normal amount already even though both came into my possession not even a month ago. I found the black shirt with swans on it at Target in the CLEARANCE, it was an online order that had been returned. I just knew I couldn't leave without it. It seemed like it was going to fit super long at first but turns out it was just right especially when I tuck it in. I love the loose and comfy feel of it and even if it's not 100% cotton (or even 1% cotton, for that matter- my only regret), it's quickly become a favorite. I will definitely be wearing more shirts from now on- somehow, they make me feel more put together (11 year old me would hate the fact that I'm admitting this).

Djinn Djinn is also embracing the slight change in weather by wearing the sweater I got him last year from Dr. Foster and Smith. It fits his fat little belly just perfectly. If you look closely, you'll notice his leash has tiny little shamrocks on it. I got the leash in Killarney, Ireland. I was determined not to come home without a gift for him but it seemed to be a bit of a challenge to find gift shops that sold pet items. I found this leash literally the day before I had to leave and it was on clearance (clearance and sale items seem to follow me wherever I go but I'm definitely not complaining!) 

I got the blue flats at Penneys in Ireland (a store I had been wanting to visit because I've heard so much about it). It felt like a mix between Forever 21 and H&M. It was a nice store, probably not the best quality. I hope they don't bring one to the U.S. because that would take away the special-ness (that is a word in my vocabulary....), if that makes sense. I bought the flats as an emergency pair for a super, super good price (hello again, clearance) because my walking shoes got lost with my luggage and the Chelsea boots I had were starting to hate my feet.

Details: Cardigan- Forever 21//Shirt- Target//Jeans- Calvin Klein via thrift store//Belt- vintage//Shoes- Penneys (in Ireland)//Dog- Animal Shelter