Shoes and Bags

For the past several weeks, I've been on a bit of a shopping binge. After nearly five years of really only buying the necessities for myself, while devoting any extra cash and shopping energy to outfitting the girls, I've rediscovered the pleasure of shopping for myself. Not the kind of shopping where you need to get something specific, or need to outfit yourself for a season all in one shot (I find those excursions stressful), but rather, the kind of shopping where you pop into a store on your lunch hour and end up with something you had no idea you wanted or needed, but now love.

I've gotten a number of things this way recently, but, by far, my biggest shopping addiction seems to be shoes and handbags. I know it makes me sound very stereotypically female, but lately, I just can't seem to ever have enough pairs of shoes. After years of wearing nothing but clunky black shoes, I've suddenly branched out and have several pairs of pumps (I'm rockin' the skinny jeans and heels look) as well as a couple of pairs of animal print ballet flats (I wasn't so sure about them initially, but I get tons of compliments on them, so I'm getting more comfortable with them).

I've also bought a number of bags that I love. I scored a great Hervé Chapelier tote from ebay this summer for a fraction of the retail price. I went a little crazy at Banana Republic a while back and now sport two bags--one a caramel color calfskin purse, the other a sheepskin trimmed tote--that get complimented everywhere I go. And, after carrying the same, raggedy wallet for nearly 15 years, I splurged on a funky, cheetah-print number (yeah, I'm lovin' the whole animal skin motif lately) that actually brings me joy every time I take it out (you know, take it out to buy more stuff...).

So, what's the point here? You're never too old to develop a superficial, additive behavir.

I want this outfit

It only costs about the amount I budget for clothing for myself for an entire year.

Oh why is it my cross to bear that I am burdened with such expensive tastes?