Saturday, June 30, 2012

Friday Favorites, on a Saturday!

Top: Night reading, a walk through Frick Park, strange bedfellows at the grocery store
Middle: Outside at Kelly's, #foodcourtfriday with coworkers, morning leg lovin'
Bottom: AM protest, covert cat ops, skip-it at ModCLoth recess day
Good morning (afternoon at this point)! I'm writing from the comfort of my not sweltering hot apartment, we broke down and bought an AC last night! This is life changing, I've never had an AC before. Mostly I just feel like less of a deadbeat pet-parent because the cats can finally move around. Whoo, was it hot this week, it was so nice waking up to a cool bedroom and cooler weather outside (though I know this 65 degree morning is a trick, it's supposed to climb to 93 by this afternoon). I'm just happy we're not in the part of the country experiencing 100+ heat, upper 90's is beyond my limit.

What do you have planned for this weekend? I took advantage of this cooler air and cleaned this morning, and have a thrilling afternoon at the dentist planned for today (update: I have a cavity). Tomorrow Chris has the day off, so I think we're going to drive to Erie- have you ever been? Any recommendations?

What else have I been up to? Let's see...

Reading:
I finished The Hunger Games in one full swoop last weekend, and I liked it. It was an easy breezy read, which was exactly what I needed. I'm definitely interested in reading the rest of the books, but I think I'll space them out a bit, books like that I can't help but read in one or two go's. Now I'm on to Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms by Richard Fortey. This one is slow going, but really interesting, about the plants and animals "that have survived, nearly unchanged, throughout time."

Anticipating:
Getting this dentist appointment over with. Just kidding...kind of. I'm so excited to have a day off with Chris tomorrow, we're thinking of driving up to Presque Isle State Park in Erie, we've never been but thought it would be a good chance to get out of the city and see something that resembles the ocean. I hate that we haven't really left Pittsburgh since our trip to Texas in March, considering we used to take near-weekly road trips around New England, it feels strange to be staying put. We're making the trip home soon, and I CAN. NOT. WAIT. It's hard to not obsess over every little detail of what we want to do while we're in New England.

Working on:
Staying motivated. It's been so blistering hot that the thought of going to the gym to sweat even more isn't something I have really entertained. Swimming laps has definitely helped, you don't feel yourself sweat when you're in the water. It has made me all too aware however, at how terrible a swimmer I am.

Missing:
Our friends in New England. A lot lately. I think because it's summer...and also because we haven't seen them in SO long. We used to host weekly cookouts and house parties at our old apartment. I miss socializing with people outside of work.


Thursday, June 28, 2012

Primary

In this outfit:
Top: Thrifted ($5)
Skirt: Vintage/ Modern Millies ($18 c.2008)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell ($50 sale c.2009)
Bracelet c/o Lulu's

Where I wore it: To the office!

You know that supposed "rule" about cleaning out your closet that goes something like "if you haven't worn it in 6 months, get rid of it"? Well, I don't believe in that rule, and this skirt is my argument. The last time I wore this skirt was back in 2008, and it completely stumped me for some reason. I bought it because it reminded me of what a 70's art teacher would wear and I think I wore it for the first time with a bright yellow t-shirt, and looked and felt pretty awful about it. Anyways, all these years later, it works much better with a simple white top. I think they key is having basics, something that was actually lacking from my closet until very recently.

This is another one of my Malia of Honolulu skirts, the first one. I love the strawberry print and that it has pockets. And yes, whenever I wear it I can't help but feel like a 70's art teacher.

I guess the moral of this story is that if you have something that's been sitting in the back of your closet for years, pull it out and try looking at it with new, simplified eyes.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Pretty in Pink

In this outfit:
Sweater: Thrifted ($2)
Suede shorts: Vintage/Avalon ($15)
Bag: Vintage/Brimfield ($35)
Shoes c/o Haberdash Vintage (2011)
Sunglasses c/o Spotted Moth

Where I wore it: To work, and an evening stroll around Frick Park

As soon as I thrifted this pink sweater a couple of weeks ago, I knew immediately that I wanted to pair it with these suede shorts. I didn't expect to wear this outfit until September, when the weather usually cools enough for both cozy sweaters and leather, but the past couple of days have felt like autumn, so I'm taking full advantage.

This outfit reminds me of Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink, sort of that 80's slouchy/casual look, which is exactly what I was going for. I think adding an older vintage bag and modern sunglasses saved it from feeling too costume-y. When I got home from work, Chris said in a very surprised voice: "I really like your outfit, it's frumpy but somehow it works". Thank you Chris.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Lulu's x Orchid Grey: Inspired by Grace Slick

For the month of June I've partnered with Lulu's.com to bring you a series of four posts, each one inspired by a different 1970's female musician. Check back every Tuesday to see my interpretation of an influential artist's signature look.
04. Today by Jefferson Airplane on Grooveshark
Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane on Grooveshark
Bag, blanket, onyx bracelet: Vintage

I know I'm cheating a bit by posting two songs released before 1970, but I couldn't not include Grace Slick in this series, and these two Jefferson Airplane songs are my favorites. I love how simple most of her stage outfits were, but they made such an impact, almost as much impact as her voice. White dresses, tonal accessories, sunglasses to shield your eyes from the festival sun, and a little paisley thrown in for good measure.

If you'd like to get the look, check out the Lulu's blog for tips on how to emulate my favorite seventies songstress's style!

Monday, June 25, 2012

July Sponsorships Available


I have a small number of medium and large advertising spots available for the month of July! If you're interested in joining me for what is gearing up to be the best month ever, let's talk!

For a list of current rates and stats email me with a link to your shop and any questions you may have at: jkoboyle (at) gmail.com

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Blue and Black All Over

In this outfit:
Dress c/o Ruche
Shoes c/o Lulu's
Necklace:Vintage/Avalon ($15)
Bracelet: Thrifted ($2)

This outfit is from the beginning of the week, back when it was only 85 degrees. Back when wearing a dress and jewelry that touched my body was manageable. By this point, I've regressed to wearing cut-offs and a t-shirt to work to combat the 95 degree heat and humidity that has slowly creeped in as the week's progressed. Never have I been more thankful to work in an air-conditioned (and very casual) office. Don't get me wrong, I love summer- it's my favorite season!- it's just funny to me how at a certain point in the year, concerns about style get thrown out the window in favor of summer survival.

I hope I'm making sense. I didn't get much sleep last night, we had two fans going and it was like sleeping in a wind turbine...

How do you beat summer heat?

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The Cure for Everything is Salt Water

In this outfit:
Tank: J.Crew ($7 sale)
Skirt: Vintage/Avalon ($10)
Sandals: Saltwater
Bracelets: Vintage/Thrifted ($6/$2)

If I can't have the ocean close by, I might as well add a little salt-water inspiration to my closet, right? When I spotted this red and white wrap skirt at Avalon a couple of weekend ago, I immediately snatched it up. I recognized the tag- Malia Honolulu- as one that was already in my closet, on a vintage maxi skirt I thrifted awhile back. It wasn't until I got home and actually looked at my skirt collection that I realized I now own three vintage skirts from this same label. I love it when this happens, I wasn't even actively looking for this label but apparently I've developed an eye for Malia.

So it's been incredibly hot the past couple of days, reaching the mid-eighties before 10am. The cure for this? As little clothing as possible. Top, skirt, a couple of accessories, and sandals all day, everyday.

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Lulu's x Orchid Grey: Inspired by Carly Simon

For the month of June I've partnered with Lulu's.com to bring you a series of four posts, each one inspired by a different 1970's female musician. Check back every Tuesday to see my interpretation of an influential artist's signature look.
That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be by Carly Simon on Grooveshark
Haven't Got Time For the Pain by Carly Simon on Grooveshark

In this outfit: 
Top, Skirt, Wedges courtesy of Lulu's
Hat: Thrifted / Bracelets: Vintage

When I was in the sixth grade, I went as Carly Simon for Halloween. The definition of a failed costume, everyone just thought I was a hippie. Vague costume choices aside, like the other musicians I've featured, I've been a fan of Carly Simon's music for a long time, having first discovered her smiling face on the cover of one of my mother's records. It was that grin that first got me, wide, toothy, and completely confident- at the time I had the wide and toothy part down pat (with a little extra gum for good measure), confidence to come at a much later point. I love her strong voice, and- I'm postulating here- strong sense of self. Breezy skirts, a little crochet, a wide brim hat, and a smile or two for the camera.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Lemon Out!

In this Outfit:
Top: ModCloth (find it here)
Shorts: Vintage/Avalon ($10)
Necklace: Vintage/Avalon ($15)
Loafers: Thrifted ($5)

Three new favorites, all at once. I had astoundingly good luck at Avalon this weekend, a rare occurrence. Chris works nearby, so I'll usually pop in on a Saturday or Sunday (and sometimes both) before he gets out to browse around, I usually leave empty handed but this time I found quite a few actual vintage pieces (and one really great oxford shirt). Among my treasures were these suede shorts and this copper necklace. I'm a huge fan of copper jewelry lately, and I'm so glad Chris talked me in to purchasing this necklace, this is something I can see myself wearing for a long time. Same with these shorts, I can't believe I was actually thinking of seasonal transition when I bought these, I mean it's not even summer officially yet, but I guess that's a drawback of working in the retail industry: when one season is starting, you're already seeing previews of the season to come. Also, lemon shirt. Couldn't resist.

This turned out to be one of my favorite outfits lately, I felt like a cross between the Babysitters Club and a 90's artsy mom. Actually the term "Artsy Mom" is what I find myself thinking about a lot of my outfits lately. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing...

(side note: This is a bad thing...after Google image searching the term "Artsy Mom", I think I need to stop thinking this way...not good, not good...)

Also, as a side note to my side note, thank you to those of you who left comments in yesterday's post, I love reading about all the things making you happy at the moment!