Today's Obsession: Perfect 10 Ring

On my way home yesterday, I stopped by a shoe store because I felt inspired to look at some summer-y shoes. I found this pair of teal leather espadrilles that would have been perfect for the Bahamas, but the quality of the heel was, to put it kindly, utter crap. So as painful as it was (and it was), I left the store. But I made the right decision. I’m keeping this 10 streak going.

Part of the book I mentioned included a section on jewelry. For someone who identifies their style as “classic” (me—or at least that’s the goal), they advise to keep the jewelry simple. Typically, just a classic black leather watch and a pair of diamond studs. Now, I’ve done the black leather watch (I’ve had the same one since 8th grade) so I’m going shoot that one down. Instead, I’ll just keep to my beloved Michael Kors gem.

And while there’s no way in hell that I will be getting diamond studs anytime soon, I do like the idea of simplistic jewelry. This weekend, I went through and collected bags of clothes and jewelry (many stolen impulsively from work) to give to friends/donate. As cute as they were for one outfit, they take up too much room to justify keeping.

I’m leaning towards the simplicity. Blame my Buddhist-loving boyfriend and his simplistic style :). But with the right goods, simple doesn’t have to equate to being “plain.” I’m thinking my basics should include my pearls (duh), my soon-to-be-mine Michael Kors watch, my gold Aldo French hoops that I wear all the time, and a ring.

I’ve been scouring etsy for estate rings this morning. I want something simple, but still unique, and something quintessentially me. My girl Laura has this David Yurman ring that is to DIE for (and so very her). And my beloved J actually collects and wears different wedding bands; they’re all a little unique.

While I send a heartfelt shout-out to this key ring from Kappa, my version–or what I like today at least–is this gold and pearl ring. The price tag isn’t too ridiculous and I like that it matches my sorority pin (R.I.P. wherever you are). Pearls are actually my birthstone, so there’s an added bonus. Plus, the gold would tie into the MK watch, even if I wear the ring on my right hand.

I’m trying to eliminate outlandish pieces. No matter how fulfilling the original response, there are reasons why trends are “trends.” Gold and pearls are genuine classics and always have been. TSM, perhaps. But we can’t help it if we’re klassy. Obsessed.

The Pearls of Lord – engagement ring, $380

Today's Obsession: Scrabble Pillows

Hello, my pretties, and Happy Scrabble Day! I was browsing etsy and the Internet, because I know there’s tons of cute Scrabble jewelry out there, but then I wondered how often I would actually wear it.I grew up playing Scrabble with my mom, who's a beast. She has a vocabulary that would put anyone to shame. Plus, she has the Scrabble dictionary, which is just unfair.

Instead, I found these hilariously awesome (and oh-so-deliciously shabby chic) Scrabble pillows. The seller makes each pillow individually and you can get a set that spells out anything you like! Adorable, me thinks. I was thinking about where they'd look best, and I have to say that'd probably be back home in San Diego. I have a special outdoor couch that can always use more pillows (you can never have too many) and would look great with some kitchy Scrabble fun.

What if the pillows spelled out "WOOF?" Not only is it appropriate for me and my family, but the letters happen to score a perfect 10. Irony? I think not. Obsessed.

4 Letter Pillows Inserts Included spelling out "WOOF" on etsy, $98

Today's Obsession: Flying Pigs

As much as I love it, New York still admittedly has a way of wearing me down. Maybe it's the fact that it's snowing. Still. In April. Or maybe it's the fact that I don't eat. Or that I'm poor. Or that there's no levity to my day. Maybe it's the fact that my person is here, while my life is still in Boston. Or the catcalls at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday morning (really? Does that ever work out for you?). Maybe it's the fact that every time I leave someplace people ask me if I'll be safe getting home. Or the fact that even if I'm in the biggest city, I still interact with few, if any, people and curl up alone with the silence to lull me to sleep.

But then I remember this is New York, home of glittering lights and eccentric freakshows. People write songs about this place and drop everything to move from their podunk little towns to come here. Lives and love and jobs are centered around this tiny island. Here, in this slummed down city of grit and grime are some of the shiniest celebrities and skyscrapers. There's history written everywhere. And everywhere, there's history being written.

Here, on this Sepia-tinted island of the schizophrenics, it's easy to forget the positives. But the truth is that I do love New York. And I also love New York art. I'm not talking about the Met or MoMA. I mean real New York art that captures this place.

And while I give a big shout-out to this cuff bracelet, which has a taste of New York, I've been long-obsessed with this art piece. According to the artist description... "Made with actual vintage New York Times front pages, found paper, paint, tissue, cutout letters and even a few dollar bills, this piece is an original take on the MTA Subway Map, incorporating not only the subway lines but the noisy, jumbled scrapbook of neighborhoods and districts."

I have no clue what the original piece went for and it's not available, but there are relatively cheap print copies which, when matted and framed, would be pretty darn snazzy. The best part of all, I have to say, is the flying pig. As Post columnist Cindy Adams would say, "Only in New York, kids. Only in New York." Obsessed.

New York City Subway 8 x 10 paper print on etsy, $20

Today's Obsession: Etc.

My boss here at MC is super awesome and she's recently been doing a little redecorating, finally getting settled and making her desk her own. I picked up a bunch of cute brocade stuff from The Containter Store for her, and last week she showed me this adorable mug she got from etsy that has a girl reading and says "lost in the pages." Tres, tres chic, non?

I didn't want the exact same thing but I did go on another etsy rampage and found this baby. I can't tell if I want to drink out of it, put pens in it, or just look at it. It makes me happy :) The store owner (loveartworks) has others that have letters instead, but the symbols communicate something more. It looks like what brain barf feels like. As the item description says, this mug is %^$&/#@^*%?!>/&#*%:$:&@^>#$%@?!&*!!"*. Translation? Awesome. Obsessed.

ETCETERA Incredible Textured Stamped and Glazed Mug, $42

Today's Obsession: yarntwisted

I did finally manage to get my hair cut last week and will upload pictures as soon as my phone decides to come out of its coma. To accessorize my new "glorified mom cut" (as I've deemed it), I've been browsing etsy looking at headbands and clips and new fun stuff that I can't afford. Meh.

But, all depressing bank statement references aside, I still enjoy it. A while ago, my friend and sister Dani came into town and was donning a knitted earwarmer/headband thing. Annndd it was pretty snazzy; I ended up stealing it for the entirety of her visit. So when I found a similar one on etsy, I got a lil excited. The etsy designer (yarntwisted) makes the designs from scratch and this one has a huge spiral flower, rather than the typically floppy ones.

It comes in whatever color requested (I tried to specify a favorite and can't. I want to wear the rainbow) and a portion of the proceeds--though she doesn't specify how much--go to charity. She has a bunch of other knitted goodies, too. I'm really liking the cowl scarf thingamabobs. But the earwarmer takes the cake. It's warm for the frigid winds that have been taking Manhattan by storm, but has the flower for a sweet little taste of spring. Obsessed.

Crochet Spiral Flower Headband / Earwarmer, $25