warning: long post!

Well, I'm back from my whirlwind trip to NYC, and after sleeping for the past 24 hours (well, feels like it), I'm ready to rejoin the world. Of course, that means updating you YLF ladies on my purchases while away! I didn't plan on doing much shopping, but of course I came back with more than I bargained for. With all the sales, though, I didn't spend much, and am really happy with all my purchases.

1. New haircut. I absolutely loved going to Devachan, the curly salon, after years of wanting to try it. Everybody there had the most amazing hair, it was actually a bit intimidating! I went for the chop and have a new chin-length bob. I've noticed that it's much more affected by the humidity than my longer hair was- in the hot NYC weather it was super-curly, but back in London it's closer to wavy. I'm still learning how to style it, but am really happy with my decision.

album: http://s641.photobucket.com/al.....20haircut/

2. New jeans. These were very easy to find, which surprised me as usually jean shopping is horrific for me. I bought some Citizens of Humanity Elsons in Pacific Blue wash at Bloomingdales. The fit is great, although I don't find the 8" rise "high" at all (which it is supposed to be).

3. Uniqlo black skinny jeans. I bought these on the last day, after my best friend left for work in a grey pair of the same style, looking fab as usual. I've been looking for new black skinnies ever since my old pair bit the dust, so these seemed perfect. The waist is a bit big so I'll need to always wear a belt with them, but at $29.99 I couldn't resist.

4. The Club Monaco Ursula microcheck pants! This was a total suprise for me, as I hadn't even thought of hunting them down. I love them on everyone here who's bought them and posted pics, but didn't think they were my style. Seeing them in the sale section at a downtown CM, however, I was totally seduced by the smooth fabric, and the reduced price ($49!) was just a bonus. They are so comfortable, and I love them already.

I haven't decided, yet, whether to hem these for heels or flats. I'm a bit torn as they seem perfect for dressing up and down. How is everyone else wearing theirs?

5. Club Monaco grey draped t-shirt. This was another sale section find, and a bit of an impulse purchase. It's just a plain jersey cap-sleeved t with a pleated insert in the front. I actually wore it out for drinks the day I bought it, with black dressy shorts and black patent flats. Something about the shape of this top really calls for a "leggy" look- either shorts or skinnies, I think.

6. Steve Madden gladiator sandals. I originally saw these in black, which I wanted as a tougher sort of look, but they ended up looking too harsh against my skin. The brown work well, and I think I'll probably get a lot of wear out of these this summer.

album with purchases: http://s641.photobucket.com/al.....purchases/