Splurging in Scottsdale

You know how it's easy to say that "calories don't count on vacation?" Well, I got over that early into my teenaged years, when I used to use vacations as little challenges to myself to work out more, eat less and come away healthier, happier and just a bit more tanned from running in the sun. Now, unfortunately, that little piece of nonsense has shifted away from food to shopping: "It's okay to splurge - after all, I'm on vacation."

Let me explain why this is a problem. Scottsdale, Az boasts of some of the best shopping in that side of the country, including "Fashion Square," the largest mall in Western America with over 220 stores including Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus - *none* of which are available to me here at home. Let the nonsense begin.

I walked away with a pair of gorgeous, gorgeous Michael Kors sandals (I'll post a picture here as soon as I can find one), two pairs of shoes from a designer outlet store "Nordstrom Rack" that are just perfect from work, a few cute outfits from Anthropologie, and a beautiful ring that I found on sale at an art gallery that looks, honestly, like a canary diamond in a pave setting. I put it on that "special finger," just to see what people would do, and I actually got congratulations and admirations from some of my posh friends who didn't know any better. Point one to Miss ^~

There's something to be said about classic styles. I'm quickly becoming a fan of the high-waisted pant, and am considering splashing out on a hard-to-pull-off jumper. My body type is difficult to work with: I'm extremely narrow with a curvy bottom and muscular legs. Things that fit closely from top to bottom, then allow for my runner's calves are difficult to find, so the high-waist trend is quickly proving to be a favorite ^~

It's easy to see why:

Picture courtesy of anthropologie.com

I'm actually wearing the identical outfit right now! Very flattering and very chic. There's something ultra-feminine about accentuating a tiny waist and dainty collarbones.

In keeping with this glamorous trend I also purchased some pretty pearl earrings, and easily the steal of the trip, this Diesel faux-fur coat:

It looks *gorgeous* on. Honestly. Gorgeous. And as Arizona was experiencing the mildest winter, nobody wanted to purchase a big 'fur' coat. I got it for a steal and am happy to report that for the first winter in recent memory I've been able to appreciate snowflakes without secretly longing for the beach. It's so, so soft and very adaptable - I've worn it with jeans and sunglasses dressed it up for a night out. It's quickly becoming a Miss staple.

We're leaving tomorrow so I'll have more time to write regularly then - I'm sorry I've been slow to post. We've of course tried some wonderful restaurants and I've got some foodie updates to share with you all soon. For now, enjoy my splurging without pinching your own wallets, haha. Feel free to update with your favorite holiday buys, I love to see what outfits my friends put together.

❤ from the desert,

Miss