Warning: If you don’t like materialism/consumerism with designer fashion, please don’t read on. Check out my other posts on the categories to the right We’ll be back to our regular programming soon

I’ve been slowly accumulating a few designer things over the past few months, and I thought I’d do a post with all the pretty girl things in one go. Of course, 99.9% of things in my closet are not designer, and I don’t think it’s necessary to have designer things to be fashionable… but I do have a thing for brands (I can admit it!) and I like to have a couple pieces in my wardrobe that are designer. Plus, with friends like Liv, Kelsey and Jennifer (not to mention my best friend Christie who works at Net-a-Porter) feeding you constant fashion news, it’s hard not to get swept up in it all.

So, here we go with a few purchases I’ve made over the past couple months for Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion…

… a blush pink Hugo Boss Orange leather belt. Really into this colour for spring…

… very comfortable Cole Haan buckle slingback shoes that are great for work…

… and yes, I visited the Salvatore Ferragamo store on Robson with a couple items in mind: a new purse, and new shoes. Years ago, I wouldn’t have been interested in Ferragamo at all because they always seemed a bit “old” to me. However, I tried on dozens of shoes on in Holt Renfrew from Louboutins (blah) to Jimmy Choos to Manolo Blahniks… and guess what, Ferragamo seemed the most comfortable for my shape of foot and the most well-made and I like that their shoes and handbags are made in Italy with good quality leather.

… so I completely fell in love with these coral/pink bow Ferragamo peep-toe pumps. Soooooooo comfortable and I really like the colour. They are quite pink but for some reason the lighting makes them look red.

Every couple of years I buy a new purse and then I proceed to completely wear it into the ground. My Fendi purse is now completely covered in dirt, frayed, and unusable. Liv was shocked when I told her that I only have one purse and I bring it everywhere — from restaurants to surf trips. Yep, I know. It’s almost a crime. But I really only want one purse at a time. So, I hopelessly fell in love with this blue Ferragamo leather purse. Here’s why: it’s small (I only like small purses), it’s structured so it will hold it’s shape, it’s got a gorgeous grain and design in the leather, I can wear it anywhere, and it can be worn for any season.

My favourite thing about it is the blue colour and the silver link detailing in the straps. The colour is great for Spring 2010 but it’s pretty unique as well.

Of course, every woman at one point in her life could use a little French lingerie

I’ve updated my wardrobe a bit for spring with some new colours… the rust colour is really big right now and some light blues and pinks as well to wear to work…

… I am smitten with these necklaces from House of Harlow 1960 that I picked up at Holt Renfrew. The studded horseshoe necklace is really long and works with so many different outfits, and the key necklace is perfect for a more subtle look.

Lastly, of course I picked up a pair of coral Tory Burch jellies to wear to the beach and walk around town. They are made in Brazil, but they aren’t as well-made as a leather pair of shoes but it should be fun to wear these and at least they can get wet without much trauma.

And that’s it! Any new purchases for you in the last few months that you love? What is on your wish list for Spring/Summer 2010 fashion?

So, as most of the people who read my blog or Twitter know, these past few weeks have been really hard on me. This past week was spent as a recluse, a complete invalid… hoping my eczema would clear up. After numerous appointments at the doctor, several scares, restraints, supervision and all sorts of craziness I don’t even want to get into, we’ve finally found a solution that seems to be working. And it’s clearing up. It’s by no means healed or perfect yet, but there’s signs of progress for the first time in a long time. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel.

And you know what? I’m tired of wallowing in my own misery.

So while Friday and Saturday was mostly spent recovering still, I decided I NEEDED to get out of the house on Sunday.

First stop was the driving range. First time all year. In July… how sad is that? Nevertheless, we got out and hit some balls and boy, it felt GREAT to be out in the fresh air!

I’m really looking forward to getting to the range some more times this summer, getting out for pitch and putt and maybe a couple full courses later on in the summer. I’m also considering bringing my clubs to Costa Rica since the place I’m hoping to stay at is supposed to have a great golf course.

I don’t have a top of the line set, but for you golf heads, I’ve got a Callaway Big Bertha ladies iron graphite set, with a Big Berta 3 Wood, and a Rossi putter. No driver yet.

After the range we met up with my dad for Father’s Day for lunch at Earl’s (his choice). I had the Green Curry Chicken and it was delicious!

I can’t even tell you how much I love my dad. He’s been there for me my whole life, he’s held our family up through tough times with his amazing work ethic, and inspires me to be entrepreneurial. He works hard in construction 6 days a week and comes home late but he always seems to have time for his kids. He taught me how to ski, how to bike, how to play sports and love sports. He introduced me to the greatest sport of all time and my beloved team, the Vancouver Canucks… and he always encourages me to aim high in life. He’s extremely good-natured, kind, generous, God-fearing, and funny. I love you Dad! Happy Father’s Day!

After lunch, Allan and I headed down to Holt Renfrew to check out the shoes section. I’ve been doing so great with my budget over the past 3 months, sticking to it completely! And I’m so happy to be able to say that shoes are part of my budget. I haven’t bought any new clothes or shoes or anything in the past 6 months and new summer shoes were a real treat!

Holt Renfrew was having a big designer sale, so I tried on about a hundred shoes (including these cool Cole Haan heels) before deciding on some flip flops and a dressy wedge.

I love shoe boxes!

These shoes are TOTALLY me! First of all, I love Michael Kors. Second of all, they are my favourite colour (orange). And they will work well in the city, or on the beach! Love the comfortable, practical jelly. So stoked! And they are cheap too!

My big splurge was definitely these 2009 Prada Cutout Wedges. I completely fell in love with them. And they were on sale. Perfect for the city or walking around a resort in Costa Rica! They are very well constructed, made in Italy, with leather and cork. They are dressy but still summery, and REALLY comfortable! Love love love!

So… I think I’m back! Time to start updating the blog regularly again, and start living my life again. This week will be full of work, and then it’s off to Tofino on Friday for 9 days for the annual camping and surfing trip. And then a couple more days of work before Costa Rica. I hope my skin holds up. But even if it doesn’t, I’m determined to have a great time, get out there, and enjoy all the amazing things this world and life has to offer.

Hope you all are having a great summer so far!