Accessory: ShoeMint Lynne Sandals

ShoeMint Lynne Sandals / $79.98

ShoeMint is one of those websites I thought I'd never like. No I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but I'm not usually interested in the whole celeb-endorsed hand-picked shopping sites. For these though? I can most certainly put aside my differences. Plus, who can say no to leather?

I bought these about two months ago. I wear them almost every day and they're still in perfect condition. I'm gonna be honest and say I really do think they look better now; a little worn in, a little scratched up. The thing about me and shoes is this: I don't have many (have I mentioned I'm picky?) and those I do have, I really really love. Have I considered purchasing a back-up pair for the sad day when these finally give in? Absolutely. While that might seem excessive, for this pair it almost seems worth it.

They're comfortable. They're versatile. I wear them with disco pants and maxi skirts. Dresses and shorts. I've been asked countless times by random people where I got them, and each time I say with love, ShoeMint. I consider these a staple in my collection now. The type of shoe I couldn't imagine being with out, and the best kind of shoe to fall back on when I'm being ever-so indecisive about my daily footwear. Basically they're everything you could want from a strappy flat sandal. Once again, I'm in love.

Moral of the story? Don't judge a website by it's celeb affiliations because you might just find yourself with a new favorite pair of kicks.

What do you guys think?!

The Accessory: Of a Kind / Taylor Bag by Sara Barner

Of a Kind: Taylor Bag by Sara Barner / $180

If you're not familiar with Of a Kind, let me introduce you. Of a Kind is a small online boutique, if you will, showcasing/selling beautiful things in limited quantities. For example, this ridiculously gorgeous handmade leather bag is one (well actually #23) of 50 being made. Once they're sold, that's it. No more chances to buy this beauty again. They sell all sorts of things — bags, jewelry, clothing, etc — made by lovely people from all around. I love the idea of supporting independent artists, crafters, designers, especially when they make things like this.

I spotted the Taylor bag while casually perusing the OAK site, as you do. I'm not really a handbag kind of girl at all, surprisingly. I've had the same Marc by MJ bag for about a year now, only swapping it out with a recent Zara purchase in the last few weeks. That is... until this baby caught my eye (and then landed on my doorstep). There's something about the ever so simplistic design that makes it almost too beautiful in a classic way. Timeless, even. It's the kind of thing you enjoy using and wearing  — maybe because you have an idea of where it's come from. 

Handmade in Portland, OR by the incredible Sara Barner; made with the softest leather with an even softer suede interior, finished off with solid brass hardware and detailing. There's just something about knowing it's one of only fifty being made that makes this little circle bag even better. Something about contributing to an artist that is passionate about their craft. Not to mention the fact that, ugh, it's one of the most beautiful things I currently own. 

Interested? Go snatch it up before it's gone forever. If not? Of a Kind has sooo many things to choose from at all different price points. Go check it out and try not to become obsessed like I have been in recent years. Otherwise, let me know what you think!

Accessory: a-thread zig zag metallic bangles

A-thread zig zag metallic bangles* / $23

The lovelies over at a-thread were kind enough to send me a few bits to wear and review — the first is a set of metallic bangles. I'm warming up to the idea of accessorizing more, especially as I find brands that do things to my taste. I usually don't confine myself to wearing one type of metal; I'm always donning a bit of rose gold along with some silver and platinum. That said, had I thought about wearing four different colors before? Nope, not really. Then came these babies.

Accessory: Catbird stacks

Catbird Classic Hammered First Knuckle Ring (pointer) 

Catbird Silver Alphabet Rings + Rose Gold Heart
Catbird Mignon Memory Ring* (pinky) 

This post is not in any way sponsored by Catbird. I'm just literally that much in love with them.

It's semi-hilarious to me that just a month ago I was like "yeah I don't wear much jewelry" and now I couldn't imagine not wearing FIVE rings on one hand. Who am I? I don't even know how this happened.

And I can't really help myself to be fair  — I literally have no restraint. After I posted my last post about the rings Richard got me, Catbird was lovely enough to send me a knuckle ring... and then I had to buy myself one. There's something about the knuckle rings that seems so delicate yet edgy, in classy way, of course. The detail they put into such small little pieces is never going to not stun me. They're just fun and soooo pretty and I really love anything that lets me express myself/my style. Plus I love that I can mix and match what I wear; if I don't feel like wearing the R ♥ C stack, I can pop the heart on my middle finger knuckle. If I want I can wear the hammered first knuckle ring on my pointer or my middle finger. I can cater to however I'm feeling that day. Maybe that's what I love so much about these — you can 100% mix and match to your mood and basically all of the rings they make/sell will look amazing together. If you're in the need for a little inspiration, check out their blog posts on stacking.

Images via Catbird

Come on now, what's not to love? I'm already saving for the Bittersweets NY Teensy Black Diamond Ring and the Catbird Tomboy. Someone needs to hold me down, seriously. Can't stop, won't stop. Sorry not sorry... and all that.

What do you guys think of my little stack + knuckle rings? I can't be the only one obsessing, right?!

Accessory: Ray-Ban Erika

Ray-Ban Erika / $109

There was once a time when I owned a pair of black Ray-Ban Wayfarers. I had wanted them forever, saved up a bit, and waited until my birthday to buy them. They were everything I had wanted them to be and more. Whether or not 1 in like, 6 people were wearing them as I wandered through the Mission, it didn't matter. They were still so cool to me. Unfortunately, it seems as though I wasn't cool enough for them (or something?). Before I knew it, Richard had adopted them — wearing them and snatching them on the sunniest of days... and of course he'd sometimes ask if I wanted to wear them, but I let him go to bask in the Ray-Ban glory.

After a while of trading the glasses back and forth, it became apparent that I either needed to buy him his own or by myself a new pair, so I headed off to the sunglass shop to see what I could do. I went in thinking I'd get him his own pair... that was until I saw these. With the ever so slightly cat-eyed rims propped upon my nose, I stood in front of the mirror and that was all it took. It made sense too; would I want to walk around hand in hand wearing the same glasses as Richard? No, not really. So I went with my gut. 

To me, these are like the Wayfarer's cuter and more feminine little sister. Beautiful brown gradient rims attached to a long sleek silver temples and brown temple tips. Less harsh than the all black original, but still in the same ballpark, style-wise. The quality is still incredibly good and I'm once again in possession of a pair of sunnies that are better than I expected. Overall, they just seem to make more sense to me and in the end I suppose this was all for the better...

Plus, Richard looks better in the Wayfarers anyway...