These are the days that have me smiling until my face hurts. There's no feeling like shopping one of your favorite designer boutiques in one of your favorite cities (New York) and walking the streets with your shopping bag(s). The sales representatives always ask if I want my bags delivered to my hotel and I say "NO, strutting my new purchases around town is part of the fun".

There are benefits - Donning one designer shopping bag entices sales reps in other stores to treat you like royalty - otherwise, they'll probably ignore you! As soon as you walk through the door, you're analyzed, judged and either celebrated or shunned.

I know I seem superficial and I DON'T CARE! I save all my monetary gifts (my husband says bills make the best gift), research endlessly in advance and usually parade Greene Street on a mission. Sometimes, I pre-order and schedule to pick up in the store, rather than having the item delivered. I want the in-store, VIP experience. Which, should absolutely include champagne - Shame on you Fendi - Soho!

I'm obsessed with perusing designer sites and take pride in my vast knowledge of what's new and trendy. I'm a master at finding hard-to-get designer products and often have friends abroad purchase bags and mail them to me. YES, I'm ridiculous, addicted to fashion AND I have great friends!

The thrill of procuring a limited edition and limited quantity available designer item is hardly describable. That joy is elevated when I purchase in-store. I think most people feel good about purchasing new things, we just all have different desires and needs. Mine happens to be handbags and shoes. My father was in the handbag/luggage industry, so it's no surprise that I would become obsessed with fashion, especially handbags. I also have a strong desire to collect luggage?!

There are many things in life that make me happy, BUT only a mini spree at my favorite designer stores prompt me to get up in the middle of the night to appreciate my purchases. Some things keep a girl awake at night! I'm very fortunate that my insomnia is sometimes a result of awe-inspiring gifts from my husband.

My Outfit - MIU MIU Swarovski sunglasses and glasses chain, Prince Peter Collection Iggy Pop tunic, Sanctuary Nirvana plaid shirt, Rag & Bone wool scarf, Monrow sweatpants, Gucci appliquéd stripe socks, Kendall + Kylie boots, Louis Vuitton Alma Time Trunk handbag

Fenty X Puma Trapper Hat, Alexander Mcqueen skull embellished sunglasses, 3.1 Phillip Lim flight vest, Agolde sweatshirt, Monrow camo sweatpants, Fendi Rockoko boots, Rag & Bone Aston convertible bag

Chloé sunglasses, Cami NYC Camo cami, Chloé skirt, Rag & Bone Romi hoodie, Chloé Roy double clutch, Chloé Rylee Boot

When I was a little girl (way back in the eighties), I wore leggings with stirrups - of course, they're back in style in 2017! Like everything in fashion, trends just spin around and around throughout the years. Once and a while we get something new, but I'm not complaining about the return of stirrups. You can wear this style under over-the-knee boots, with booties, high heels..

Dsquared2 Ski Gaiter Bleached Jeans (available at Farfetch) are distressed, bleached and have adjustable straps (stirrups). These jeans are from the 'Ski' collection - not sure I'd wear denim on the slopes (denim soaks up water like crazy and gets super cold), but if you're an 'I'll be at the lodge' kinda girl, these are your stirrup jeans.

These Gucci Checked Stirrup Trousers (available at Farfetch) are flared - a different take on the 'typical' stirrup pant. These flared pants have a retro vibe. Wrap the stirrup outside your shoe, rather than tuck it inside - it's the new stirrup look.

I mentioned these Saint Laurent Stirrup Denim Leg Warmers (available at mytheresa.com) a few weeks ago. They are amazing. I'm almost always happy to be short and petite, but it's styles like these that make me wish I had some height and longer stems. These go all the way up to your high (high) thigh. LOVE!

Another 'ski' inspired style are these MSGM Stretch Denim Stirrup Jeans (available at Farfetch). These stretchy skinnies don lateral red bands that say "MSGM'. Perfect for a ski trip.

Rag & Bone Oivia High-waisted Stirrup Jeans (available at mytheresa.com) are basic and cool. The light indigo shade and high-waist are as old as the stirrup style. The jeans are loose fitting, and add length to your legs. 

These Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Dele Metallic Stirrup Trousers (available at mytheresa.com) are super fun. The metallic purple material makes me think disco. These pants can take you from day to night and look nice paired with pumps. AGAIN, take a modern approach to the stirrup style and wrap the straps outside your shoe.

The plaited fibre sole defines the Espadrille, a summer must-have this season. This long-time Spring/Summer favorite is taking on a new identity in 2016 and showcasing innovative, fun designs. 

Espadrilles are a given during the summer and embellished espadrilles are even better. I love the tassels on Aquazurra's pale yellow espadrilles (pictured here). I purchased a pair of Chloé espadrille wedge sandals (kinda like the ones pictured here), and while I'm nervous to balance on 5 inches of fibre sole, I can't wait to wear them.

Espadrille sneakers are having a big fashion moment and I want them all! Sneakers have been dominating our looks for many seasons and combining these two shoe designs is genius. The fibre sole or in the case of Alexander Wang's sneaker espadrilles with a fibre toe-cap, adds a freshness to the sneaker and brings the long-time favorite shoe into summer. You can wear the sneaker espadrille with tailored pants, joggers, dresses, and basically anything in your closet. The espadrille sneaker is cool, chic and on-trend.

Pictured here: Alexander Wang sneaker espadrilles, (available at NET-A-PORTER) Castaner Carina canvas espadrilles, Castaner fringe canvas espadrilles, Chloé printed canvas espadrilles, Chloé espadrille wedge sandals, Tod's leather espadrilles, (available at mytheresa.com) Aquazurra Palm Beach espadrilles, Rag & Bone Gina suede espadrille ankle boots, Miu Miu patent leather espadrille sneakers, Kenzo embroidered espadrilles