Evergreen

What I wore:

Dress: Vintage/TXSC clothing swap (previously owned by Rachel)
Belt: Vintage/PGH Vintage Mixer
Beaded necklace: Antique store in Maine
Fringe Necklace: Moorea Seal
Bracelets: Thrifted
Sandals: Marshalls

I love strolling around our neighborhood in the evenings after work, looking at houses, picking out details and storing them away in my memory. It took awhile for me to come around to appreciating the architecture in Pittsburgh -- there's just so much brick, new environment, blah, blah, blah -- but now I could fill a book with houses that are My Favorites (most of them brick, incidentally). This archway is one of my favorite details on one of my favorite houses. It reminds me of The Secret Garden, which I was obsessed with as a child.

On this particular evening, I wore the Raddest Dress Ever, which I snagged at the Lulu's clothing swap held during TXSC. The pretty floral print is not only lovely, but useful in disguising the humungous rip in the lining that occurred when I bent over earlier in the day. Vintage dresses man, they're so awesome, but sometimes seem to be made for human bodies with less bodacious asses than my own**.

** She said with good humor and a little sarcasm

Late Summer Sun

Photo taken by Feathers Boutique

What I wore:

Kimono: Mink Pink c/o Lulu's

Tee: c/o Lulu's

Shorts: Vintage Levi's/ thrifted & chopped
Bag: Vintage/ Avalon Exchange
Shoes: Zara (similar)
Necklaces: vintage, swapped, & gift from Moorea
Sunglasses: shop in Austin (Similar)

I wore this to do a little shopping

Well, that was an unintended radio silence. I've been having some connectivity issues lately, which is one part wonderful (I was disconnected from the internet for three whole days), and one part supremely frustrating (I missed a few posts that I had planned...because I was disconnedted from the internet for three whole days).

I wore this for an afternoon of shopping with the lovely ladies of Lulu's. We hit up one of my all-time-favorite Austin boutiques, Feathers, and I was snapped for their blog. Despite the heat, I was determined to rock this incredible fringed kimono, which was perfectly breezy and swingy, and didn't feel too hot at all.

Sunstroke

photos kindly taken by Elizabeth

What I wore:

Cross-back "top" (bra) c/o Aeropostale

Pants: Vintage/Feathers Boutique

Sandals: Zara (similar)

Fringe Necklace: gift from Moorea
Other necklaces: Vintage/Various
Bracelets: Vintage & Thrifted
Sunglasses: store in Austin (similar)
 

I wore this to celebrate my last night in Texas

When a sports bra is this rad, it's just asking to be worn as a top. Right? Right? Part desire to show off the strappy detailing and mesh panels, part desperation to just get a little breeze, this outfit was the most comfortable thing I wore all weekend. Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea, but that's fine, I like my tea particularly strong at times. After a long day of presentations and hot weather, it was a such relief to slip off my heels and put on something light and airy for the after party at Garridos.

A trip to Austin isn't complete without a trip to Feathers, easily the most lovely and well-curated vintage boutique I've ever stepped into. As if Debbie Harry, Chrissie Hynde, and Stevie Nicks had a love child. A really rad, occult-loving, guitar-playing love child. I picked up these super wide-leg palazzo pants and a pair of tie-dyed velvet shorts, which will be perfect for fall with a giant sweater.

Off Like a Prom Dress

Photos kindly taken by Elizabeth

What I wore: 

Dress: Vintage/ Dear Golden

Belt: J.Crew outlet

Heels: Seychelles

Necklace: Yard sale
Petticoat: Vintage

I wore this to relive prom in Texas!

Prom, without the raging hormones and with better clothes? Bring it on. If there's one thing I'm completely OK with, it's an excuse to get fancy. So, when I found out that TXSC would have a prom this year, I immediately knew what I'd wear, excited to actually have the chance to get dressed up in one of my absolute favorite dresses. This vintage dress is like a neon shot in the arm. It's awesome.

If you want to be technical about it, this was my fourth prom. And, not surprisingly, the best. The last time I waltzed into prom, I was on the arm of my friend Steph, wearing bright red bondage pants, a thrifted blazer, Ramones tee-shirt, and -- to my teenage dismay -- heels (they wouldn't let me in wearing the black Converse I so carefully selected for the event). Needless to say, this time around I had a lot more fun. And by fun, I mean I danced until I hurt myself. Jen and I were even nominated for 'Best Pals'...and won! Take that, high school.

(I love these ladies)

So, totally dropped the ball on posting my talk last week. I'm on it, promise.

Austin Ease

 photos by Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky

What I wore:

Jacket c/o Lulu's

Tee c/o Lulu's
Heels c/o Lulu's
Bracelet: c/o Lulu's

Jeans: Vintage Levi's/Thrifted (similar)

Necklace: gift from (and made by) Moorea Seal

Sports bra c/o Aeropostale

I wore this in Texas for the Minnetonka dinner & Lulu's swap

On my first night in Austin, I headed over to the Minnetonka dinner, hosted by Tieka. Along with a seemingly never-emptying wine glass (seriously, the guy was on it) and excellent food, we were able to preview the spring 2014 Minnetonka line. I've long been a fan of Minnetonka, so it was cool to see how the brand is evolving and interpreting current trends for 2014 (these classics are still my favorites though). It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend and catch up with all my favorite blog ladies before heading over to the craziness of the Lulu's swap (and boy, was it crazy). After attending and hosting plenty of swaps in the past, I was keeping my expectations in check, just in case I didn't find anything, and because they can get real, real fast. But as soon as I walked in, I snagged the vintage dress I had my eye on, and a super versatile striped midi-dress from Lulu's. I'm stoked, and they'll both be on the blog next week.

I must have jinxed myself when I packed so well for Timber, because man, my suitcase for Austin and San Fran was not a well-planned affair. Forgetting entirely that-- even though I'd be there for four days-- I'd need more than four outfits, I underestimated what I'd need. So I threw together items I knew had worked before: a super light top, vintage jeans, and a jacket (because, yes it's Austin and 100 degrees, but Austin also has AC. Super cold AC), and added this amazing patterned jacket from Lulu's and a necklace given to me by Moorea. I'll tell you right now, I didn't take this necklace off all weekend.

A very big 'Thank You' to Lulu's for providing me with some rad clothes to style for the weekend!

Austin in Photos

 

 

 

Oh Austin, you are one of my favorite cities. This trip, like all the others, was just wonderful, but I also officially crossed Austin off my "Places I'd Like to Live" list, based solely on the temperature. It was hot. Big surprise (I knew to expect that). I was really hoping to explore the city beyond where I typically spend my time while I'm there (South Congress- a welcoming, easily accessible street filled with food, vintage stores, and other interesting things to look at), but the heat, lack of a car, and the conference prevented that from happening. Photos took a backseat this time around, in favor of a lighter bag, a strain-free shoulder, and a slightly less sweat-inducing outfit. And, as I look at these photos now, I realize they were all taken on the same morning- the morning I left! Out little Air BNB crew rose early for one final Austin breakfast at South Congress Cafe, which was followed by a little shopping as we made our way down the hill towards taxis and, eventually, home (or San Fran in my case).

Why Texas?

 (photo taken by Kev w/ Elizabeth's camera)

This was my second -- or third? I have no idea-- year heading to Austin for the Texas Style Council Conference, and in my opinion, it was the best year yet. These days, I'm pretty particular about the blogging events that I choose to attend, because to be honest, they often stress me out (or rather, cause a lot of anxiety). I worry I won't recognize someone, won't know someone's name that I should, that I'll suddenly forget how to make small talk, all of these things have happened before (I'm a worrier and over-thinker, as much as I'd like not to be). But Austin/TXSC is different, it's more than just panel discussions and meet-and-greets and who-wore-it-bests, TXSC offers the chance to really connect and reflect with those you know-- or don't know yet-- from the online world. And, at least for me, for three whole days I get to hang out with (almost) everyone who's dear to me from blogging that I never get to see in person, and that's pretty awesome. At TXSC I can be myself and learn from those I admire.

(photo by Chelsey)

 (photo by Elizabeth)

Rather than getting a room at the Hyatt, where most attendees were staying, I ended up renting an Air BNB with Moorea of Moorea Seal and Chelsey of The Paper Mama, and I'm so glad I did! It was my first time meeting these wonderful women, and they were the perfect conference companions. Our little house was the ideal home base for the time that we were there, and had it not been over 100 degrees, we could have easily walked everywhere we needed to go (maybe next year, Texas). On the first night, we attended the Minnetonka Moccasin party, hosted by Tieka. It was so nice to  decompress after an early morning and a rather bumpy flight (why is the flight to Texas always bumpy?). After the Minnetonka party, we headed over to the Lulu's swap! It was pure insanity, but so much fun! I always appreciate the chance to catch up with the people behind the brands that I work with on this blog, I've worked with Lulu's -- and Ruche, who also sponsored the conference-- for a few years now, and I consider the ladies behind the brands my friends, so it's always wonderful to see them. The swap was great, but crazy! Jen and I hid out in a corner for awhile sipping drinks because it was just so hot (and the drinks were just so good). I snagged a gorgeous vintage dress and a striped midi dress from Lulu's that I can't wait to show you next week.

(photos by Peter Tung)

(photo: Lulu's) 

On Saturday, we rose bright and early to head over to the Hyatt for the speakers breakfast held by Ruche. After catching up with everyone-- and meeting Katie from Skunkboy, and Elsie and Emma from A Beautiful Mess, who were just as lovely as you'd expect-- I snuck out with Jen, Kev, and Chelsey for a little early morning thrift shopping at Savers. I was tempted to head out on the thrift/shopping tour, but four straight hours of shopping with a very large crowd would have been a lot for me. I much prefer shopping with a small group, that way I can find things for the people I'm with and leisurely shop for myself. After our shopping trip, I headed out for lunch and a little South Congress browsing with the Lulu's girls, before heading back to our Air BNB to get ready for Prom!

Last year, I spoke on a panel focused on blogging while working a full-time job, and this year, while my topic was similar-- bringing balance to your life, blog, and work-- the panels were set up differently, and in my opinion, were much more effective. Rather than have a group of speakers in a giant, impersonal auditorium, we were assigned small "classrooms" and the topics were much more discussion based, which I loved. Besides my habit of veering off topic, completely forgetting that I was holding an iPad with notes on it, mentioning cats too much, and wildly gesticulating with my arms, I think it went pretty well. That hasn't stopped me from rehashing everything in my head obsessively, thinking about how it could have gone better. Oof. I'll be sharing my presentation on this blog next week (yes, I promise to, I know I said that after Boston, but I assure you this presentation is much more thorough and there are more cat pictures, so, you know).

(photo from Moorea)

(photo from Chelsey)

(photo from Elizabeth)

I'll be back next week with my presentation and outfit photos-- so many outfit photos-- until then, have a lovely weekend!

On My Bod: Time for Texas

Tomorrow I jet off once again, my destination? Austin, Texas, one of my all time favorite cities. I'm very excited to be speaking this weekend at the Texas Style Council Conference, my subject will be one I'm quite familiar with: balancing your blog and a full-time job, while staying as sane as possible. Lulu's was kind enough to outfit me for my trip, so today I'm giving you a little sneak peek of what's in my suitcase, and the outfits I've planned, because I just can't resist a good lay-down shoot.

Since I'll be trading 100+ degree temperatures for 60 degree temps when I fly from Austin to San Francisco on Monday, I'm packing lots of pieces that can be easily transitioned from summer swelter, to what feels more like fall.

Pittsburgh to Austin:

Roxy striped top, sandals c/o Lulu's -- Shorts: Vintage Levi's/Thrifted -- Sunglasses: Ray Ban

A Little Vintage Shopping:

Fringed top, heels, bracelets, sunglasses c/o Lulu's -- Shorts: Vintage Levi's/Thrifted -- Tee: Vintage -- Necklaces: various

My Panel Discussion:

Dress, Billabong jacket, heels c/o Lulu's -- Necklace: Vintage -- Sunglasses: vintage

 

Austin to San Francisco:

Obey top & shorts c/o Lulu's -- Shoes: Zara -- Necklaces: Various -- Jacket: Vintage

I'll be sharing my presentation, along with a full recap of the conference when I return. In the meantime, if you're attending the conference or following along from home and there's anything specific you'd like me to address on the subject of blog/life/work balance (or life in general), please let me know!