Impulse in Blue

Organza Jacket - Zara; Boyfriend Jeans - Madewell; Shoes - Birkenstocks; Jewelry - David Yurman, Evil Eye from the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, Michael Kors watch

I should probably disclaim this from the beginning. Impulse purchases are bittersweet. They are incredibly disastrous to the avid budgeter; however, marvelous to the wandering eyes of a shopper. That moment when you recognize you found something spectacular is one of mixed emotions. 

There it is. You've spotted it across the room, and your eyes are drawn to nothing but it. Your eyes are fixated on the garment whilst it is casually hanging on the rack. Thoughts race through your mind as you make your way towards it like a swift feline predator admiring its prey. Is it in your size? Will it look amazing draped across your body? How much is it? Can I justify it? Your wardrobe runs through your mind as you envision multiple outfits that persuade you to believe that this IS the key piece that completes your wardrobe. You can wear it with everything. Let's be real, you can always justify something that looks amazing and makes you feel amazing, one item will never complete your wardrobe, and no, you can't wear it with everything.

Maybe this was a dramatization of a scenario that was played out not too long ago by myself in Zara when I spotted this striped organza jacket. I couldn't keep my eyes off of the deep, richness of the hue. It was so out of character as I'm generally attracted to casual pieces that have a classic aesthetic, but I couldn't help myself. I bought it. I had foresaken my vow to adhere to my budget. 

Luckily, I had built a cushion in my checking account that absorbed the blow of the purchase. Always have a cushion...you never know what amazing purchase (or more ominously, what emergency) is around the corner that could destroy your periodic budget!

Travel Diary: Istanbul, Part 1

Dress & Jacket - Free People;  Shoes - Steve Madden; Flower Crown - Street Vendor on Buyukada; Bag - Longchamp; Jewelry - Madewell, Valentino, Michael Kors

I recently took a vacation with the hubby to what TripAdvisor notes as the top travel destination of 2013. Well, a place so designated must have something exquisite to draw in tourists from around the globe. Here's my first unofficial finance lesson for you from a self-diagnosed, chronic over-thinker. Travel ain't cheap. In other words, when you're spending heavy it better be on a place where you'll make amazing memories and accumulate worthy experiences. Istanbul was the perfect place for this Mrs. and Mr.

Istanbul is a beautiful, cultured city stretched across the border of Europe and Asia, divided by the blue Bosphurus strait. Situated in the old Ottoman Empire and in modern day Turkey, Istanbul (not Constantinople) is the perfect dichotomy of the old world and new. There are so many historical sites, rich in Islamic Heritage and architectural pizzaz, such as the Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque ("Blue Mosque"), Basilica Cistern, Dolambache Palace, Galata Tower, and the Topkapi Palace. It also happens to be foodie heaven, with non-heart-healthy meals with meats ("kebaps") and pastries all laced with the greatest ingredient to ever to have been invented, butter, as well as rich coffees and teas.

Here's a little view into one day spent, not actually in Istanbul, but on Buyukada (Big Island) of the Princes' Islands, an archipelago in the Sea of Marmara Sea. It's a 45 minute ferry from Istanbul and a recommended day trip for someone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to an island where no vehicles are allowed and transportation options include horse-drawn carriages, bicycles with baskets, or your own two feet.