Finally, Dog Tags!

This week was a fruitful shopping week for moi! I finally found army dog tags that I absolutely committed to! I've been wanting these since forever, probably circa my high school days ... now that's an ancient wish list. But truly, these have so much oomph to them! Got them from Salsa, a clothing store from Portugal. They carry lots of hip, funky items; but I'm more drawn to their fashion accessories for men. The dog tags are from their men's section, au naturellement.

I was super excited that I worked an ensemble outfit around them. (Yes, there are actually people who get hyper about unique shopping purchases.) Roey thought I was hilarious but like the real trooper that he is, he gamely photographed my effort. God bless him, the man child!

Here I am wearing my army dog tags from Salsa (I can't wait to go back to Salsa and get the brown double belt. Thing is, I just got thatbsenely priced studded belt from there awhile back and I'm still waiting for the guilt to abate even just a tiny bit. I know I'm in trouble though; I'm constantly thinking of and dreaming of them. Shopping, thy name is Nina.); my key pendant from Tiffany and Company; my opera length South sea pearls (all these neck pieces at one go; and why not? Fashion is irreverent. That's why I love it. The rules can be circumvented, to a certain aesthetic degree.); a heather grey long sleeved Tee from MNG; my faux leather leggings from Topshop; my faux mink bolero from Zara (I hope I don't look like a giant black stuffed toy!); Gucci ankle boots (I should wear these again. I forgot how cool they are!); my Majorica pearl cocktail ring; and my citrine dangling earrings.

I have a small story to tell you about my bag of choice for this outfit. It's Juicy Couture and a gift from the mother of one of my students. A few weeks ago, I simply admired this bag and mentioned to her how very hip it was. She did the sweetest, most generous, most unbelievable gesture ... she took out all her personal effects and handed me the bag saying, "It's yours." I totally jumped. Seriously. I told her to please not be fooling around with me as I was weak in the knees when it came to bags. She retorted emphatically, "You appreciate it more than I ever will so please keep it. Besides, I imagine it would look better on you." I automatically asked her daughter, Moira, if she wanted it as I thought she would be the more natural heiress to such treasure. And she replied, "Not my type, teach." I was so elated that I hugged the bighearted Mrs. Estela Lozada, speechless.

Anyway, the next day, I gifted her with a black purse from Kenneth Cole that I bought from the U.S. a few years back and never used. (I have a lot of unused things in the closet. Shame, I know!) I was so glad that she did not expect the return gesture and loved it (hopefully) as much as I love the Juicy Couture bag. Everyone has an opportunity to touch someone's life each day. Mrs. Lozada certainly touched mine. Thanks again, Mrs. L!