Friday, April 29, 2016

Here & There 4.29

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Happy Friday, folks. After a slow couple of weeks, I'm feeling inspired again, which feels pretty damn good. It's funny how much of a role momentum plays in blogging, it's sort of like working out, you stop for a bit and suddenly it becomes harder and harder to start back up again. Anyway, what are you up to this weekend? As much as I don't want to, I absolutely need to do some spring cleaning tomorrow. Then Chris and I were hoping to go hiking on Sunday, but guess what? RAIN. Every time we have a day off together -- it rains! So we're thinking we might check out some antique places or something. I'm heading up to Maine next weekend, so I'll be preparing for my trip a bit, too. I can't wait. Have a good one!

Ugh, this vintage suede cape is the coolest

Pretty mother's day cards

12 kinds of kindness

Have you heard of Meowbox?!

Etsy faves: These pretty gold sandals, these rad flares, these cute travel-inspired pins, papaya boobs! aaaaand this butt patch
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This would make a beautiful simple bridesmaid dress

How to get beachy hair (without the beach)

So inspired by this woman

Love this easy, breezy casual dress (wouldn't it look cute with a denim jacket and these sneaks?)

What a pretty spring dress

Georgia O'Keefe quotes to inspire you

The future of Polaroid cameras (& it looks awesome)

The Stevie Nicks weather forecast 

Wouldn't you love to serve drinks in these cute pineapple glasses? (here's the tumbler to go with them)

How cute are these flats? They'd look rad with torn white jeans, a white top and a moto jacket

Have you heard of the November Project? So excited to see there's a Philly tribe!

What a pretty mood ring (really!)

My favorite person on the internet right now

Thursday, April 28, 2016

5 Easy Ways to Update Your Wardrobe This Spring

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This year, for the first time in what seems like forever, it actually feels like we're getting a real, true spring. Cooler days, interspersed with temps reaching the high 70s, spring flowers lingering on the trees, and April making good on its reputation for 'April showers' (it's been so rainy!). Rather than just jumping right into summer maxi dresses and easy, breezy fabrics, I've actually been delving into spring style this year, and thinking of ways to make the transition from cold to warm weather a little easier. Here in the Northeast, I've never thought it necessary to have a full spring wardrobe, the change of seasons is usually so drastic that 'spring' is about two weeks long, going from snowy days to 80% humidity in no time flat, but, like I said, this year is different, and it's been necessary to actually think about spring style, rather than just biding my time.

Regarding the trends I've seen pop up this spring, there are two things I'm especially appreciative of:

1. Comfort is back in the form of sneakers and looser silhouettes.

and

2. With a few tweaks, it's fairly easy to make pieces currently hanging in your closet feel fresh again, either with a simple DIY or just rethinking the way you wear it.

Below are a few ways I'm updating my closet for the current weather. Perfect for the cooler days we've been having and super easy to transition with lighter pieces once the temperature inevitably skyrockets in like, five days:

Add one awesome accessory: After years of over-accessorizing, I've been paring back with just a couple of rings, a favorite bracelet, or just a lace tied around my neck. Spring and summer are a time to go minimal. You don't want to be weighed down by too much jewelry or a heavy handbag when the temperature is warm and adventure is calling. Keep it simple and let one great piece compliment and elevate the rest of your look, I recently picked up the arrowhead necklace pictured above from Moorea Seal, and love it paired with white-on-white jeans and a tee and black boots.


click on images to shop

Embrace a new silhouette: I don't know about you, but lately I just haven't had the energy for skinny jeans. Know what I mean? The thought of wrangling myself into tight denim just isn't my thing these days, which has turned out to be a really good thing! The variety of silhouettes available lately for denim and beyond means experimenting with different shapes is easier than ever. Loose denim, until recently, reminded me a little too much of my slouchy high school self, but after purchasing a couple pairs of Levi's, I'm all in. I especially love the Wedgie Icon and 501 CT cuts, they're so flattering, so comfortable and work with both flats and heels, depending on your mood. While you're at it, grab a pair of flares, you won't be sorry. Avoid feeling like a high schooler by pairing them with low-heeled boots, a simple top, and minimal accessories.
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click on images to shop

Grab some sneakers: Holy jesus am I happy sneakers are a thing. I mean, not that they were never a thing, but their popularity means that the options on hand are seemingly endless and readily available. I just picked up a pair of checkered Vans, and can't wait to pair them with jeans now, and simple dresses and skirts later. Also, now's your chance to finally get those shell toes you always wanted in high school, but could never afford (or was that just me??). Either way, sneakers-with-everything, and my feet have never been happier.
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click on images to shop

Go off-the-shoulders: I love how an off-the-shoulder top or dress instantly adds intrigue to virtually any outfit. It's an easy look to pull off, and the interest added by bared shoulders means the rest of the outfit can be left pretty minimal. Maybe tie a bandana around your neck, maybe add a pretty choker. Whether you do or not, you'll still look great.
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click on images to shop

Fray your hems: Yes, frayed hems have been a thing for awhile now, but if you're not digging the ultra-distressed look or are just sick of a too-long hem, this might be the cheapest and most interesting way to solve a common problem. I recently hacked off the hem of a shirt that felt a bit too 'maternity' to me, and I love the flared, slightly cropped look I ended up with. Fraying the hems of your jeans also means you can get the exact length you're looking for, no guesswork.
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click on images to shop

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Vintage Fringe & Paisley at Storm King

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A couple weeks ago (how is it already the end of April?!), our FP blog intern, Emily, and I took an inspiration trip up to Storm King Sculpture Center, about an hour notrh of NYC. It's a gorgeous spot, if you've never been, and this was my first time seeing it in spring after being well-acquainted with it's autumnal appearance. Isn't it strange, visiting a place that perhaps means so much to you, but you've just not seen it in awhile? Almost like it's haunted with your past self. The vestige of footsteps, words spoken. A picture taken here or there. The last time I walked the grounds was most likely in college. We used to visit yearly to glean some inspiration for our work, and I loved wandering the rolling hills in early November, fog rising from the small pond. This time, spring was just beginning to arrive, sculptures were still coming out of hiding from their winter slumber (we were there two days after opening day), and the leaves were only just thinking about coming out. It was a gorgeous day, in the low 70's and the perfect temperature for a light jacket and sturdy boots, the perfect day to leave the city behind in favor of a little upstate beauty.

I've been feeling pretty spectacularly uninspired lately when it comes to getting dressed. Blame it on the finicky weather, or a busy schedule. But on this day I took the opportunity to break out my vintage fringe jacket, a gift from my mother a couple of Christmases ago, and threw on some comfy pants and easy boots. Something easy to move around in, easy to sit in the car in, that just happened to work out to something I actually felt quite good in.

Get the look: Vintage jacket (similar vintage/similar new) // Novella Royale pants // Loeffler Randall boots // Free People tee & sunglasses

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images of me by @emilypearlcreative

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Here & There 4.16

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Happy Saturday! What are your plans this weekend? It's gorgeous out here in Philly, so I'll be outside if you need me. xo

Love this gorgeous vintage beaded belt

50% off Free People spring favorites! Love this skirt, this top, and these gorgeous gladiator sandals

Loving these cute pieces for summer - are you a one piece person, or a two piece person?

"What's wrong again, with a woman aging?"

Take an extra 30% off sale items at Urban Outfitters! Just grabbed these cute jeans and this amazing-smelling candle (high & wild are my faves)

Yum - this hummus looks so good

This gingham dress is SO cute!

Just discovered this perfume yesterday and I'm obsessed - RA is my favorite

Weekend to-do: make pie

My girl Ashley is having a sale in her vintage shop - take 25% off with the code 'FANCY25'

Fashion vs. art

Love this little bag for spring -- so pretty with dresses or dressed down with jeans

20 rules to live by - not all, but some

Ugh love this raw opal ring

Grace Coddington created a perfume! And it has a cat on it!

Love these awesome boots

New books to read this month

Monday, April 11, 2016

WORN: White Jeans, White Tee, White Light, White Heat

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Can't get Lou Reed's "White Light White Heat" out of my head, so might as well roll with it. Monday marked my and Chris's 13th dating anniversary, so it seemed fitting to wear a tee shirt I've had of his for about the same length of time, picked up at a punk festival in England by one of our mutual friends back in the day. With Andrew WK on my mind as well -- I can't not think of him when confronted with white jeans -- I chose my new Levi's Wedgie Icon jeans to pair with it. And my leather jacket because that's all I wear with pretty much everything. White on white isn't typically my jam, but I think it's about to be.

Also shoutout to Levi's for making me feel great about my ass 100% of the time.

Get the look: Levi's Wedgie Icon Jeans in White (more Levi's jeans options here) // similar tee // black ankle boot options here // Schott NYC Jacket (options here and here) // Blackhorne Necklace c/o Moorea Seal

Friday, April 8, 2016

Here & There 4.8

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Happy Friday, folks. Is it me, or did this week just draaaaag on? It was a long one for sure, but I'm so excited for the weekend. Chris and I actually have a day off together tomorrow (!!!) and we're almost overwhelmed with ideas for what to do. One thing's for sure: I want to get some sleep. I'm exhausted. And I want to go out for breakfast. On Sunday I'm excited to just relax and maybe get some things done around the house. My poor computer has been acting up lately and I think it's feeling a bit bogged down by the years and years of photos and documents sitting on it. Time to get a new external hard drive and lighten the load. What do you have planned this weekend?

I'm so excited to announce that I've started writing for The Style Line! My first feature on Millay Vintage can be read here.

April is Autism Awareness Month - What it feels like to be autistic, what it's like to gain a voice

A dress to make your Stevie Nicks dreams come true

This ring would be a beautiful alternative wedding band for a nature lover

I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of relaxed white jeans

A chihuahua shut down the bay bride for 5 hours... and it's adorable

If you're feeling political burnout... join the Kate Bush campaign ;) ... just ordered this

Holy wow this bracelet is gorgeous (love this whole shop, actually)

This beeswax birthday candle DIY is so pretty!

Finally bought myself some new running shoes this week and I can't wait to try them!

How the rest of the world caught up with Tegan & Sara (the styling in this is SOOOO good!)

Really sad to hear Ruche and Threadsense are closing up shop. BUT, right now everything is on major clearance... including this tunic dress, this midi dress, this white maxi dress, and these great jeans

Instagram like you mean it

So obsessed with this dress (it's the one in the pic above) those boots are such a must-have too

This made me laugh

Fun shoes for spring (love these too)

Want 20% off at Glossier? Here you go :)

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Seeking: Connection

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I like creating rituals for myself. As someone who frequently does too much, takes on too many projects, it's a way for me to feel grounded when my world so often feels up in the air. For the past several years, really since leaving Massachusetts, life has felt as though it's running-running-running and not slowing down, always on to the next thing, rarely allowing myself time to breathe. It makes sense, for both Chris and I our professional careers have expanded in the past few years, and with that comes more responsibility, more time given. For that reason, and for countless others, it's become imperative that I carve out time for myself. Time to feel connected, not to my job or my commute or the million-and-one tasks that require my attention on a daily basis -- but to myself and my surroundings. My latest ritual has involved a Sunday afternoon run along the banks of the Schuylkill river. With so much of my life taking place between the small stretch of 1-95 that connects home with work, these runs have become my away game, a chance to leave my neighborhood behind and see Philly from a different perspective. Living where we do, in a place that we might not have chosen to live if it weren't for a job that brought us here, it's too easy to feel disconnected from it all. To allow life to take place within the confines of our neighborhood. We don't spend a lot of money on entertainment and prefer to cook our meals at home, which are habits, I've learned, that aren't exactly conductive to feeling "at one" with city life! So now that the weather is (sorta, kinda, not really) warming up, I've been making more of an effort to get back to exploring. As I was finishing Sunday's run -- which was miserable and cold and windy -- I experienced a brief moment of clarity as I saw the Philly skyline peeking from beyond the Art Museum, the whole scene framed by magnolia flowers. It was beautiful, really. And it made me think back to when we lived outside of Boston and I'd see runners along the Charles or along the streets of Cambridge and imagine what their city-bound lives were like. How nice it must be to run in the city! Well, now I know. Living in South Philly, the runs aren't always the most picturesque, but I've learned to seek it out where I can.

A few days ago, we sought out another corner of Philadelphia in Fairmount Park. Admittedly a place I haven't explored nearly enough, but one I hope to spend much more time in. Chris was helping me shoot these photos for work on the most freezing cold spring day, by the end my hands were frozen. But in doing so we stumbled upon the Japanese garden, and the most gorgeous flowering cherry trees. It was a complete surprise, but a welcome one on an otherwise wintery day.