Been Around the World...

     Paper grading season has officially opened, so that means that I probably will not get to post as often as I have been.  Expect some "Week in Review" types of posts like this one!  As I was organizing my photos from this week, I realized that a lot of what I wore had been purchased during my many travels.  It was nice  being nostalgic as I uploaded pictures, and I love that there are stories behind so many of the pieces of clothing that I am wearing!  I am teaching a mythology class this year, and we have been talking about our own "mythology" and how our personal stories make us who we are and help others learn about us.  So next time you see an article of clothing you purchased on a trip, think "chapter in my life story," not just "sweatshirt I bought because it was cold at the beach!"

This dress is actually a bathing suit cover-up and is sheer.  Had to search everywhere for a long black slip to wear underneath it!  This dress made frequent appearances in NYC this summer and helped celebrate the last day of grad school classes!

Dress: H & M

Bracelet: Forever 21

Sandals: Payless

Ring: Street vendor in Venice

 These shoes have seen the world!  They are pretty much the only shoe I wore in NYC this summer (too bad I packed 10 other pairs!) and have traipsed me around Paris, London, and Italy.  How's that for being at least five-years-old and about ten bucks from Payless!

I purchased this on my last day in Venice.  My goal when I was in Italy was to buy something that each region is known for (glass in Venice, leather in Florence, etc.).  I was losing hope in Venice ( I mean, what am I going to do with a vase, dish, or glass menagerie...) until I found this tiny shop selling these rings!

 Remember when I told you traffic cone orange and blue GO?!  I purchased the shirt and scarf in Rome.  I had spent two days patiently basking in all of the "touristy" attractions, but was so ready to get shopping in this beautiful city! Spent a lovely day with my mom retailing in Roma!

Shirt and scarf: Zara

Skirt: The Limited

Shoes: BCBG

Bracelets: Hemline and Target

 Picked these up after an arduous journey to a land called DSW...sorry, no real story here, except I love em!

Did you know that New Orleans tops a lot of lists as one of the best shopping destinations?  I discovered this firsthand when I rang in 2012 there last year!  I found the cross bracelet at a tiny boutique called Hemline in the French Quarter.  It was created by an artist who works mostly with metal.  She attaches her pieces to ribbons from dancers' old pointe shoes that she has dyed.

Before the skulls, the obsession was butterflies...

Ah...I was definitely in a New York State of mind today!  Most of this outfit was purchased this summer in NYC.  After a marathon day of shopping in SoHo with my loves from grad school, I had purchased NOTHING.  I was getting worried; me finding nothing that caught my eye during a shopping trip?  I was about to walk myself straight to the nearest hospital to get checked and/or alert everyone to gather their loved ones around as this was surely a sign of the apocalypse. As much as I enjoyed spending time with my friends, shopping is often a solo mission for me.  I went back to the same stores the next day and discovered SO MUCH.  Not so great for my wallet...

Blazer and T-shirt: H & M

Pants: Zara

Shoes: Steve Madden

Scarf: Target

Bracelet: Street vendor in Sorrento, Italy

My final purchase in Italy!  Sorrento is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!  Known for its coral (and Limoncello!), I found it in bracelet form.  Perfecto!