high/low

{bag: Prada (in-store, larger version here, adore the mini version); 

nail polish: Deborah Lippmann 'Waking Up in Vegas' (love this sparkly one);

top, rings: Free People; shorts: GAP (old, similar here); sandals: ASOS}

My son started SK, karate and hip hop classes this week.  Needless to say it's been hectic.  It was also an extremely hot week and I was not in the mood for it.  So I've been a bit quiet in the blogging/Instagram world.  Last weekend, however, I had some shopping to do.  I won a $500 Holt Renfrew gift card from an Instagram contest months ago and I had yet to spend it.  I wanted to buy something so that I would always remember that.  Walking into Holt Renfrew I did not plan on walking out with a Prada.  I thought I would buy another pair of Valentino flats (the more simpler ballet version), or a pair of Chanel flats that I've always wanted.  But nothing screamed 'take me home' more than this beautiful Prada bag.  The size, the colour, everything about it is perfect.  It is definitely a splurge, but speaking with the saleswoman I realized I hadn't splurged on a bag since I bought my Louis Vuitton 9 years ago, which I used for 4-5 years.  (These are the types of excuses that I use anyway when I tell my husband I need a new ______.)

I do balance things, however, by shopping at ASOS (these sandals are under $45!) and Free People (these rings, which come in a pack of 4, are $14!)  Again, another way of convincing my husband.  I pretty much just get an eye roll at this point.

shades of grey

I shortened the strap, but also love it in its original form.  The straps can come off completely and the bag can be worn as a clutch.

{sweater: Anthropologie (comes in 5 colours); jeans: Marciano (old, similar); sandals: Zara;

fedora, necklace: Juicy Couture; bag: Rebecca Minkoff (bought at Mendocino); sunglasses: Prada}

I wanted a new handbag for fall that would match everything.  I thought about getting a leopard one (a huge trend and now considered a neutral), but then I came across these beautiful grey Rebecca Minkoff bags and they were exactly what I was looking for.  I originally wanted this quilted one (also a huge trend for fall), or the Mini MAC, but because this Mini 5 Zip Bag was the only one available in grey at the location I went to, I figured this actually made it easier to make a decision.  Because if I was presented with all three styles, I probably would not have been able to make a decision on my lunch hour and left empty-handed, or with more than one bag.

I also wanted a new nail polish for fall that would match everything.  Love this colour by Essie, called Chinchilly, also bought at Mendocino - on a separate day, in a different location.  Clearly, I'm thinking grey.  (No, I'm not talking about the book.  I actually haven't read it - and I think I'm the only one!)