Sometimes, I Am Totally a Girl

Ok, so sometimes I go into what I call Girl Mode, which is less of a Mode and more of a Mood (maybe?). When I go into Girl Mode, I want to Go Shopping. Let's get one thing straight before I go into this: I am not a shopper. I do not like the mall, I don't like spending money, and I hate crowds. But sometimes, on occasion, I want...I need...to wander around with a girlfriend and just look at pretty things. Sometimes, if the mood strikes, I buy a pretty thing. And then I feel all girlish and giggly and embarrassed but really sort of giddy all over. It's terrible, really. But a part of life, I believe.

So. This Sunday, I got together with the lovely Emika, and after a delightful lunch at Venus (always a long wait, so worth it -- though I'm sticking to me tried and true eggs benedict next time; my veggie nest was too much like a salad), I decided to take her to Bay Street. Now, Bay Street is nothing special, but it is the perfect solution to my "mall bad, shopping good" Girl Mode. It basically has all the stores I love (with the exception of Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond, but that would just be dangerous), in a simple, easy to access strip, but it's not a strip mall. I'm not good at describing things, apparently, so just check out the website if you're interested.

We wandered through H&M, thinking nothing was too special (but then, that's H&M for ya, isn't it? Really good if you know what you want and they happen to have it, not so good for inspirational). But then, oh then, we decided to go to Banana Republic. This store has always been the "when I have a real job, I can go in here and look around" store for me. Not that I can justify, or afford, a $98 cap sleeve shirt, but now I can totally look around and see if there is anything beautiful on sale. Like these shoes:

which I totally purchased. They were originally $68, but I got them at 30% off, so they were under $50. For a beautiful pair of yellow/gold pleated satin ballet flats, I'd say that's pretty darn good. I've been trying to spend more than $20 on a pair of shoes lately--I've come to a point in my life where comfort reigns over cost where shoes are concerned, thanks to one Payless Shoes blister too many. Honestly, on shoes, it's worth it to spend a little more. And it's not like I'm spending $200; $50 on shoes is actually considered average-to-cheap. Who knew? Now I'm just trying to resist buying them in plum (or Brinjal Purple), which apparently is my new favorite color.

Speaking of plum-colored satin, Emika bought this amazing purse. It was only $35 on sale, and it is SO not a $35 purse. It's beautiful and glorious and I can't believe I'm talking about a purse like this but if you could only see it in person you would understand oh my god. It is lovely. Here is a picture that does not do it any justice whatsoever:

My god, it is so perfect, I am more than considering buying it in teal. Or "artisan blue." Whatever, it's teal. And for $35, I might have to treat myself. Again. Damn you, 3-paycheck November!

I think I can justify it because it looks like I'm getting a free flight to Washington for Christmas with The Boy's family. Thank you, Southwest Rapid Rewards! So, that saves me about $350...most of which I will put in savings, spend on other people's gifts, etc....but what's $35 for a truly exceptional handbag? It also comes in the beautiful yellow (which they call "kayak yellow" -- gross) of my ballet flats, but I'm not so crazy as to go all matchy-matchy here.

I am currently on a mission to find the perfect party dress...which I wanted to find in a luscious plum, teal, navy or hunter green satin, but I don't know if that is going to happen, really. But now that I have yellow satin flats, and the potential teal satin handbag (maybe I'll visit Banana Republic on the day after Thanksgiving, aka Black Friday, aka Am I Crazy??? Maybe just a little), I should really find a dress so I can feel all pretty this holiday season.

Oh god, I am being silly. I'm stopping. Now.