I am well aware that it is still technically summer, but I am officially in fall shopping mode.  Normally, this would be a time that I loathe, as I am generally not into being layered up & restricted by my clothing.  For some reason, though, this year I am all about it.

I am especially amped on all the plaid I am seeing.  I adore plaid.  It just gives a nice, fun touch to an outfit.

I am especially loving it when it comes in coat or jacket form.  I certainly plan on purchasing an adorable plaid fall jacket, even though I reeeally don't need one.  Ah, shopping addiction.

Right now, I am eying up the one you see to the left.  What do you think?

I am loving oxford shoes & I have a feeling this love is only going to grow as fall/winter approach.  I think I love them even more when they stray from the normal black/black & white/grey.

Like this red & purple pair.  As soon as I saw them, I wanted them.  What would I wear them with?  I have no idea, but I think I need them.  They will definitely be great in the fall.

....But I don't know, red & purple shoes with my all black work wardrobe?  Maybe they should be kept for fun time?  I'll have to wait & see....

What do you all think of oxfords?  Too "librarian?"

I've spent a few days at my new job, and after some observation, I see that colorful shoes/accessories appear to be allowed.

I'm going to take this as the perfect opportunity to wear any & all colored shoes I already own, as well as a reason to purchase more.

For quite some time I leaned towards black shoes because, well, they go with everything pretty much.  If my wardrobe contains a array of colors, I need shoes that will go with all of them.  BUT now, for work, I wear all black so I can go crazy.

As you can tell from my username, I have a rather large soft spot for red shoes.  I am currently debating on buying the ones pictured with this blog entry.

Black was never a color I was particularly drawn to when it comes to clothing.  I suppose my high school jeans & t-shirts phase was when I wore the most black.  (Most band t-shirts are black.)

I also generally try to steer my friends out of their all black ruts in their wardrobes.  My boyfriend was basically a jeans & black t-shirt guy, and now I've got him wearing bright green & blue t-shirts.  I almost got him to buy a red sweater.

Anyway, now I have acquired a new job at a posh spa & salon.  Of course their dress code is... all black.  In the interview, my new boss looked at me, in my bright green shirt and asked if I could adhere to this.  Obviously, I said yes.  So now I am on the hunt for all black that I can still be me in.  I failed to ask if this policy applies to accessories and shoes, as well.  If it doesn't I will be thoroughly stoked.

Okay, so this is about ruffles, and has really nothing to do with feathers.  Birds freak me out.

For as long as I can remember I have detested ruffles on clothing.  They just seemed so fussy and over the top.

But now, much like the other trends I have mentioned, the more I see them... the more I like them.  I'm going to blame it on the purchase of this coat: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/kimchi-blue-ruffle-collar-coat-3 . I adore it.  It's so fun.  It made me associate ruffles with fun, I suppose.

I am sad to say that this may be the only clothing item I currently own that has ruffles.  Oh!  Aside from a pink dress I bought at H&M that is going back because it makes me look like I am a big, pink sack of potatoes.

**I forgot I also purchased these shoes recently: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/charlotte-russe--ruffle-ballet-flats-dark-purple

Lately I have been obsessed with open back dresses & tops.  Since purchasing the dress in my first Blogazine entry, I only want to buy more.

For a while I tried to find the perfect backless bra so I could still have some support, but couldn't find a suitable one.  So, I went with the Lingerie Solutions Petals.  They worked pretty well and I wasn't uncomfortable.

So, now I want tons of open back.  I recently purchased this top: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=casual+tops&product%5Fid=2051263836&Page=1
That has a small opening and still allows me to wear a normal bra.

It's a start!