I think I'm addicted

Ok so it’s now March and slowly becoming a time where I don’t have to leave the house wearing 18 layers 4 pairs of socks to stay warm and what do I decide I must have? A new pair of boots, of course! I’ve been pining after a pair of lace-up boots for a month and I justified these beauties by telling myself I’ll wear them now with tights or leggings and when it warms up with a flowery dress, bare legs and slouchy socks, plus, can't complain about leather boots for $35! If you share my lace-up boot obsession, eBay has a pretty good selection, whether you're going for an English countryside look or an '80s hipster version.

Design Inspiration at Kiosk

While strolling through SoHo on my day off, I came across a interesting paper sign that read Kiosk with an arrow leading me up a flight of graffiti ridden stairs to an interesting little shop filled with geeky designer stuff. Kiosk stocks merchandise sourced from around the world and I’m talking random stuff, anything from handmade wooden spoons from Sweden to carpenter knives from Japan, and most of it is at dirt-cheap prices. Though some of the items you may never find a need for (a Mexican Styrofoam toy shaped like a mouth?) you can find some amazing and authentic stuff. The website isn’t always stocked but check out this felt pin from Sweden, this Finnish dart set or these notebooks from Hong Kong. I can picture most of this stuff on the desk of a chic architect or designer. If you’re in New York, check out the store at 95 Spring St. or the website here: www.kioskkiosk.com

Purchase Power

My most recent purchase is this super high-waisted skirt from American Apparel. I got a deep burgandy color, which they don't seem to have online but I also really like the navy color. At $44, it's a little more than I would generally spend on a skirt, but you can also wear it as a mini-dress so I closed my eyes and slid the cashier my almost maxed credit card. Whoops!

Payless for Booties

While strolling by a Payless recently, I stopped in to check out their fall offerings. They are right on point with the bootie trend and they had quite a few cute options. I'm definitely buying these, I'm seeing grey accessories all over the place lately. I'm also deciding about these colorblock booties. They're tres chic but maybe not so practical as it continues to get chilly.

You can run but you can't hide...

There is an unmistakable chill in the air in New York, which means soon I will need to buckle down and buy an actual jacket instead of throwing on my trusty black grandpa cardigan all the time. Buying a winter jacket is always tricky. I've tried going the cheap route (H&Ms winter coats are so damn cute) but inevitably I just freeze under a super trendy, paper-thin jacket. I've been looking for substantial coats and trying to keep the price around $100, which can be tough. I like this one from Gap and I have a pair of long gloves that I can wear with it from last season. I love the mustard yellow of this one, and this one from ModCloth is very Jackie O. This military-inspired peacoat from Delias is also surprisingly sophisticated. And for fun, I've been imagining myself rocking this vintage tweed number with a massive fox fur collar. So many choices!

Obsessive Anyone?

As the fashion weeks continue, I've been looking at pictures upon pictures of runway shows. The one show that keeps sticking in my mind is Burberry and their aaaamazing necklaces. Am I crazy or are these the shit? I've been scheming ways that I can have one (or one like it) for my very own. I actually think it could be possible to make a similar version by stringing giant beads on a simple cord. Etsy.com is a great source for beads and other crafty little things and I found these or even these that, when layered, could have a similar effect as my beloved Burberry bangles.

Working Girl Woes

Now that I’m gainfully employed, I need to dress somewhat professionally for the office on a daily basis. Lately, I’ve been struggling to find work-wear that is both appropriate and cute but I’ve been digging the new ‘70s secretary blouses trend that has emerged for fall. Too bad most of the ones that are within my budget look just that, cheap. If you want to go the vintage route eBay has some great options like this and this. And if you’re feeling granny chic, you could try this, though you’d definitely need something sturdy on the bottom to balance out the frills.

My old standby, Forever 21, also has a few cute options. You can’t go wrong with basic black and I’m kind of a sucker for the belt on this one.