SHOPPING CONFESSIONSgirl in the curious city

Confessing our last four nonessential purchases. Although we might argue that a pair of beautiful shoes are just as necessary as a roll of toilet paper. As Carrie Bradshaw so sensibly said, "When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I would buy Vogue instead of dinner. I felt it fed me more." We totally understand.

MONICA

Whole Grains for a New Generation - This is the first cookbook I've purchased since my new diet change. Well not so new now since I'm approaching two years as a pescatarian. I'm always looking for ways to incorporate more protein into my diet and discovering quinoa changed my life. Did you know 1 cup of quinoa (8 g protein) has more protein than 1 large egg (6 g protein)?! This book has really creative recipes using whole grains like quinoa, farro, brown rice etc. Whole grains have vitamins, essential amino acids, and fiber versus processed grains like white rice and flour which only contain starch and carbohydrates. I've already tried two recipes from the book and both passed the taste test with Antony. As you can see I've bookmarked a dozen others to try so keep your eyes peeled for the next cooking post!

Harvesting Color - I've been interested in making my own dyes for various projects for a long time but have yet to try due to laziness, intimidation, and lack of knowledge. I bought this book because it shows you how to find plants to make natural dyes. And a physical reminder is harder to ignore than an idea in my head. It teaches you about all the materials and tools and features many dye recipes. The part I like most about the book is it lists all the flowers and plants by region and season, so I know what to look for the next time I go hiking.

Balenciaga Oxfords - I needed these. After a glass of wine in an empty apartment, I needed these even more. I love everything about them: the silky skin color, masculine shape, leather tassel laces, demure heel, and heavily marked down price tag. Thank you yoox.

Apepazza Gladiator Sandals - After seeing Taylor Tomasi Hill in tall gladiators I set out on a mission to secure my own. I bought these with a lot of hesitation and skepticism because I know my legs are on the shorter side, so wrapping them in string might cause the muffin top effect on my calves thereby making them look even stubbier. I am happy to report a big PHEW. Disaster evaded and legs go on to flaunt another day.

JUNETTE

Ponte Top - Ever since I saw one of my coworkers wearing a dress made of ponte, I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. In my mind, ponte can be very workplace-friendly because it's not as casual and thin as say, a cotton tee, and the structure it brings makes a piece more formal.  I saw this shirt on Saturday on my drive to Las Vegas, and I thought about it for 2 whole days before I pulled the trigger (clicked the mouse). I'm not sure how it will fit, but luckily Saturday offers free return shipping!

Fox Studs - I am loving the love of animals in design these days, and inspired by this Design Sponge post, I searched Etsy for my fave animal of the moment, the fox! My new job is fun because I have a reason to dress consciously in the morning, and I like putting together outfits from head to toe. I like the bright pop of color that these tiny earrings will bring to my outfit on the next casual Friday!

Mace - Yes, I bought a compact Mace keychain! I enjoy being able to take public transit to my new workplace - free ride, time to read, soaking in the sights. However, public transit comes with its fair share of weirdos. I had a sort-of frightening/threatening moment on the subway last week, so I looked online for an inconspicuous but still good looking Mace. Success! It arrived earlier this week, and I'm very happy with the sturdiness of it. Hopefully, I won't have to use it... : /

Hoop Earrings - I used to be very into jewelry, and I had an extensive earring collection. When I did, I liked wearing hoop earrings the best. Eventually, I lapsed into a (really long) lazy period, and I almost never wore any jewelry. I like these hoop earrings from Saturday because of the enamel detailing, which really elevates these hoops from mundane to classy.