When you can’t afford to buy jewels in abundance, the next best option is to live vicariously through a psychedelic gemstone print dress. At least that’s what I told myself when I picked up this Markus Lupfer dress at Rac Boutique‘s Queen West Pop Up shop in early April. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but they’re not so friendly to the bank account. Especially that of this blogger-stylist-freelance writer-startup app worker. You’d think with that many jobs I could, but hey, it’s 2013! I’m just thankful I’m not still interning four years post university graduation.

First of all, I do not believe in waiting around for a man to buy you diamonds. If you want them, go and get them. And buy what you can afford. For example, this past weekend I came across a beautiful diamond rose gold ring at The Black Box Boutique in Yorkville. Did I need it? No. Did I want it? Yes. In fact I had been lusting after a delicate rose gold band for my middle finger for weeks, and then there it was before my eyes. In the end I decided I deserve it; a gift to celebrate recently paying off my student loans. And yes, I totally make up part of the “I deserve it” generation that justifies spending money frivolously without much more reason than that.

So what does a diamond ring that Gracie can afford look like? Well, you might need a microscope to see it, but you can also view a snap of it on instagram. It may be small, but to me it’s just perfect. Hopefully over the years this particular stack of rings will become bigger, and brighter as my achievements do alongside them. Even though I’m currently wearing this baby diamond ring on my left hand, ladies, cheers to the right hand ring!

What I Wore: Linda Farrow sunglasses from Agency One, biker jacket from England, dress by Marcus Lupfer from Rac Boutique, shoes by Senso from Sauvage.

All images by Arden Wray for Boots & Pine

What I Wore: Distinctive retro floral long sleeve dress  from Oasap, Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Gia Dot Leather Jacket by Marc by Marc Jacobs, House of Harlow 1960 double finger ring from House of Harlow, Qimat in Grey by Senso, AJ Morgan Sammy sunglasses

Love it? Hate it? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!