Color Bomb

I am more than a little bit obsessed with these crop tops. I know, a grand statement to make over a small piece of clothing, but true nonetheless. See, I'd been eying a similar striped top from Nasty Gal last year (one that was three times the price, mind you) but it sold out in my size before I could grab it. And I would have bought it, too, because a striped crop pretty much goes with everything (floral pants? Check! Patterned midi skirts? Check!) So I was delighted to find a bunch of styles available from Aeropostale this season for a fraction of the price and great quality. Sometimes you find your favorite pieces in the most unexpected places. For anyone wondering, they run true to size and there are no issues with sheerness, just a nice, thick jersey (same goes for the black version).

Oh, and did you notice that it's suddenly summer? Because it is. No complaints here, it's been in the high 70s - 80s all week, and we've even had some thunderstorms, the best. This warm weather has me suddenly inspired to put a little more effort into my outfits and I've been in a scary-good mood all week. This really is the best time of year, each weekend feels full of possibility, and it's just so nice to see people out and about.

Also, I am fully aware that these pants are BANANAS. 

Wearing: Crop top c/o Aeropostale (FYI - it's $6 bucks now) // Pants: Thrfited // Bracelet: Thrifted // Sandals: BC Shoes // Necklace c/o Seahag & Walrus

Ozzy Was Here

I came across this cluster of crosses on a cold run this past February. Alone at the time, and with dusk drawing near, I didn't stop to poke around (while the local cemeteries are some of my favorite routes to run, I manage to creep myself out big time -- it makes me move just a little faster.) Maybe I'm casting myself as a stereotype to only return with a man, but whatever, I knew Chris would appreciate the location. And the crappy "Ozzy" graffiti. This particular section stood out because it's just crosses situated at the crest of a hill, while most of the surrounding markers are low and small, these just tower over everything.

I've found running to be one of the best ways to acclimate to a new city/neighborhood. While my walking routes are pretty standard (the grocery store, library, coffee shop), running has allowed me to explore streets and roads I may not otherwise have a reason to go down. I've been (attempting) to step up my run game lately, with a goal of cancelling my gym membership. After a day of staring at a computer, I've been craving that time to just unplug and reconnect with the world. It doesn't hurt that Pittsburgh is the most beautiful place ever this time of year.

About my outfit: I grabbed this dress at an recent estate sale a couple of months ago, the pattern stood out to me, but once I got it home and on my body it was the ugliest dress. Like, a maxi-drop-waist-peplum-exposed-pocket catastrophe. After hacking off the bottom and cuffing the arms, it became actually kind of pretty. I accentuated the drop-waist with this vintage chain hip-belt I picked up at another estate sale. Sometimes all you need are scissors. The exposed pockets still confound.

Also, my husband is a total babe and can grow a beard like no other. Damn.

Wearing: Dress, Jacket, Belt: Vintage via Estate Sales // Bracelet: Vintage // Necklace c/o Seahag & Walrus // Boots c/o Shoemint

Fringe Forever (and Other Bad Puns)

There's now a running joke between Chris and I about how many fringed suede jackets it is appropriate for one human being to own. Except it's not a joke, I'm of the opinion that I can own as many fringed jackets as I damn well please, and this beauty happens to be my second, and probably not my last. The first, it's older sister if you will, has yet to make it's debut on the blog, but you'll see it soon enough. It too is fringy and perfect.

This is what I wore on our first afternoon in Cleveland, you know, before the temperature dropped and the snow fell. We're back to wintery temperatures, but I'm optimistic. Those three days of perfect weather we had last week instilled a little summer in my heart and I can't wait to once again wear a floaty dress and fringy jacket, and feel the impossibly warm air blowing through my hair. Isn't it kind of amazing, how it can be so cold for so long, and then all of a sudden it's not?

Wearing: Jacket: Vintage from @TheArdantForager (similar)// Dress: MinkPink (similar) // Sunglasses: Estate Sale (similar)// Boots: MTNG c/o Lulu's // Fringe necklace: gift from Moorea // Skull necklace: defunct Etsy // Vintage backpack c/o Omnia Vintage // Horn necklace c/o Seahag & Walrus // Bracelet: Thrifted

Forest Bound

 

 

Is there anything better than escaping the city in favor of fresh air, trees, and maniacally chirping birds? The short answer is: no.

While I love what I do from 9 to 5 (or, rather 10 to 6), lately, I've felt too much defined by my job. I allow it to exhaust me during the week, and by the time the weekend rolls around, I can't seem to get out of my own way. In order to succeed professionally and remain creative, I have to get out. To live less for sleeping in and lazy Saturdays and more for hitting the road, exploring, and getting those big gulps of fresh air. Chris and I have been making an honest effort to get out of Pittsburgh and into the woods.

This past Sunday, we woke up to blue sky and sun. As much as I wanted to just hit 'snooze' one more time, I dragged us out of bed and we were soon on the road to McConnells Mill State Park for our first hike of the season. While I typically prefer my hikes to be a little more challenging -- I love climbing up and having something to look out on -- this was a great start after a rather dormant winter. Sort of a mini hike. Next up, I'm looking forward to making a trip up to Allegheny National Forest and, eventually, taking a trip down to Asheville, NC. I can't wait to get out and on the road!

I definitely would have been fine wearing jeans, but even for a moderate hike I find them to be too constricting and stiff. Instead, I opt for soft things that I can move in and lots of layers. This tank from Cory Vines is nice and long and light weight, and I love how it allowed my floral bra to peek out. It provided the perfect base layer, and I'll admit to also liking how it matched the frames of the 'Hall' glasses from Warby Parker. Fun workout/weekend gear is where it's at, when I feel good in what I'm wearing, I'm that much more likely to actually get my ass in gear and out the door.

Wearing: Jacket: Obey // Sweatshirt: Forever 21 // Tank c/o Cory Vines // Sport bra c/o Aeropostale // Yoga leggings, sneakers, & long sleeve: TjMaxx // Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker // Hat: Analog

Spring Roses

If the point wasn't driven home yesterday, happy April! And happy --  finally -- spring! It was a glorious 70+ degrees yesterday, and I couldn't be more pleased to put away my boots and tights. Especially the tights.

Wearing: Jacket: Thrifted // Top: American Apparel // Jeans: Thrifted Levi's // Shoes: Thrifted Bass // Bracelets: Vintage & thrifted // Necklace: Vintage

Keeping Time

The title of this post really has nothing to do with what I'm wearing, except maybe, the watch. But it was a better title than "Burger Date", which is where I wore this. Sometimes Friday nights call for burgers and too many fries, and killing time in big box stores before you're seated. Nice weather is very slowly approaching, and I'm excited for more nights like this one, where I actually want to leave the house, and maybe even forget my coat (I did).

I also cut my hair last week, but I don't have much to say about it. I chopped eight inches off a few months ago, and to my surprise, didn't feel emotional about it at all. It was just time. This time around I cut three more inches off, and I'm feeling about the same, I was feeling like I needed a change, a way to usher in the new season, and this was it. Sometimes it's just time to lighten the load. Which is saying something, because I've always been an emotional hair-cutter. Whenever I would go through a bad break-up, I'd end up with less and less hair, to the point of a chelsea in one instance (it's safe to say I was an emotional wreck in my late teens/early twenties - who isn't?). So it makes sense that up until recently my hair had been growing out for years. I think the symbolism of a drastic haircut is interesting, whether it's due to a break-up, life event, or simply wanting to start fresh in some way, a hair cut - to me at least - is a tangible record of the experience and a way to physically manifest and work through those feelings. Or, you know, a good excuse to cut back on the shampoo bill.

Oh hey, and yeah, HAPPY SPRING!

Wearing: Sweater: Madewell // Shirt: J.Crew // Belt: J.Crew // Jeans: Cheap Monday // Bag: thrifted Coach // Earrings c/o Seahag & Walrus // Watch c/o Fossil // Shoes: thrifted Bass