Friday, November 30, 2012

Currently...

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It's been a few weeks since I did a currently post, and a lot has been going on. This week started off on a low note but improved a little each day, and I'm so excited for this weekend. Can you believe it's (almost) December? This weekend I'm planning on getting back on the organizational horse and cleaning the crap out of our apartment, because it needs to be done. I also need to make a plan for December, we need to tackle this beast. What's happening in your life?

Listening to:
Lots of dreamy, drone-y stuff. I joined Spotify a couple of weeks ago, which has made such a huge difference, so much better than Pandora (my only complaint being the advertisements for super pop-y dance music that interrupt every now and then, which are incredibly jarring when nudged between the mellow music I prefer). A few new-to-me artists/bands I'm loving: Chelsea Wolfe, Widowspeak, Barn Owl, and Still Corners, SUN O)))). Basically anything that's melodic and maybe a little dark is perfect for work, I have a hard time concentrating when there's too much going on in a song.

Watching:
Lawless. So brutal, so good. I will watch Tom Hardy on screen any day of the week, and I didn't realize until now that that Nick Cave wrote the screenplay, which makes it even better. We also just finished the first and only season of Undeclared, which has made me nostalgic for the late 90's and early college.

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Reading:
I just finished The Vanishers which was strange and different but completely read-able. Now I'm about three-quarters of the way through Freakonomics, which I'm also enjoying.

Excited About:
I've started taking a yoga class twice a week and I love it! I cancelled my gym membership last month, and while I'll probably join a new one after the holidays, yoga has been the perfect accompaniment to my running routine. Ideally, I'd love to not have to join a gym again, so my next goal is to purchase a set of weights and a kettlebell. As much as I find the gym motivating, I have to literally drag myself there, but when I'm left to my own devices, it's much easier to schedule work-outs. I'd love to set a regular, at-home routine for myself.

I've been feeling super inspired fashion-wise lately, too. Especially in the thrift shopping department. The other day I realized that I've been a little lazy lately, in my off hours and at work-- relying on the same old combinations, when some of those combinations aren't really my style anymore. I've been pinning lots of outfit inspiration and keeping a fairly specific list with me when I'm out at thrift stores. Chris and I made a little thrift trip yesterday and I'm really excited about what I found. I love thrifting in Pennsylvania!
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Anticipating:
I get to see my family soon! I'm so, so exited to be going to Maine this month! 

How was your week?

Currently post inspired by Danielle of Sometimes Sweet!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Sponsor in December!

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Can you believe it's almost December? I'm so excited for the holidays and- hopefully- more snow! As holiday shopping commences, December is a great time to advertise your blog or business- that's right, I'm rolling out a special new ad size that's open to blogs and businesses alike!

I'm very excited to announce that I've joined the Passionfruit Ad network, and I couldn't be happier. For rates, stats, and to purchase an ad, visit my brand spanking new sponsorship page!

(ps- Yes, that's a picture of Zephyr and Zeb snuggling- for the first time in months! They're totally getting along and everything is pretty much happy-valley right now, yay! )

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Sweater Weather

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In this outfit:
Jacket: ModCloth (find it here)
Sweater: Thrifted/ Ralph Lauren ($3)
Skirt: ModCloth (off the site, find it here)
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell/ModCloth (old)
Tights: American Apparel Super Opaque ($24)
Belt: Vintage/Avalon ($12)
Bag: Vintage/Thrifted ($10-ish)
Hat: Probably Chris's

Where I wore it: To the office, running errands after work

I bought this skirt over the summer, knowing that it would be perfect for colder weather, and it did not disappoint. This outfit was- quite possibly- the coziest to ever exist, perfect for a morning of snowflakes and Christmas music on my commute to work (am I the only one who gets unreasonably emotional while listening to holiday music?).

In other news: my hair is driving me bananas and, judging by those bags beneath my eyes, I could stand to get a little more sleep.

Remember to Forget

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Under Covers

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In this outfit:
Jacket: Vintage Lee/Avalon ($18)
Cardigan (under): J.Crew 
Scarf: Swapped
Hat: Old most likely Chris's
Skirt: Thrifted ($2)
Tee c/o Lulu's
Belt: Vintage/Avalon ($12)
Bracelet: Vintage/from childhood
Bag: Vintage Coach/Thrifted ($10-ish?)
Boots: Thrfited ($3)

Where I wore it: All over town on Sunday-- to Construction Junction, the Center for Reuse, Phipps Conservatory, errands around the neighborhood.

After Thanksgiving, the weather decided to act like winter, and I couldn't be happier. This year I'm embracing boots, wool, and layers-upon-layers-- and I'm actually excited about the cold season ahead. I've never been much of a boot person, disliking wearing shoes in general I either like my footwear to be completely ridiculous or almost nothing, but I'm trying to approach the possibility of practical boots with an open mind. Looking for lots of inspiration on Pinterest doesn't hurt either.

I've been looking forward to truly wintry weather so I could break out some of the heavier maxi- and midi skirts that I've added to my collection recently. This plaid skirt is by far my favorite, with a pattern that will be easy enough to replicate-- it's in my plan to make a few similar. To add warmth and keep the unlined wool from bothering me I wore tights and layered a longer slip beneath, and layered up a cardigan and jacket over my almost-nothing tee to stay warm. I can't not continue to wear tee shirts in cold weather, the soft fabric is a relief worn under heavy sweaters. I just had my jacket off for a few minutes while we took pictures though, and man it was cold!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Over the Weekend: Turkey Trot

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Photos by Chris and I

Just a few photos from Thursday's race. I wish we had gotten more, but hey, it was early and SO COLD! Pittsburgh was looking especially beautiful though, with the sun streaming between the downtown buildings. To tell you the truth I was more nervous for this race than the Color Me Rad 5k. In a way I saw that first one as a fluke, something that was fun and all, but something that I wouldn't be able to do again. It's a big deal to me to be able to run in the first place, let alone any kind of distance, so it was a nice surprise to not only feel great while running this particular race, but actually beat my previous time. So, no Gobble Hobble here (which is what we joked about it being, in the weeks leading up to it).

While I was busy running- and maybe wheezing just a little- Chris busied himself by drinking copious amounts of coffee and stalking watching a couple of bulldogs (this man has puppy-fever). After I finished, we headed home for a day of food and relaxation, talking to our families on the phone, watching movies, and finished everything up with an after-dinner walk. I'm starting to really love Thanksgiving!

Did you do any shopping for Black Friday? We both had to work, so no shopping for us. The rest of the weekend was spent getting caught up on personal projects and spending some time kicking around the city. And it snowed! Oh, it's so wonderful waking up to SNOW.

Did you have a nice holiday?

Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Whole Lot of Thanks to Give

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Happy Thanksgiving! After living in the city for a little over a year, today marks our second Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh, and- no harm meant to our dear families- I'm very happy to be spending it together, just the two of us. I hope that you're enjoying a day full of food and warmth!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Wishwanderer

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 Photos taken by Christen
In this outfit:
Scarf: Gap ($5 sale 2011)
Jacket via ModCloth
Top: Vintage/ Etsy ($19)
Pants: American Apparel Riding Pants
Shoes: Bass via ModCloth (old, similar)
Necklace: Flea Market/ Gift
Bracelet: Thrifted ($2)

Where I wore it: To work

I have a couple pairs of these riding pants in the back of my closet that I always seem to forget about, but really they're perfect for a day where I just want to be comfortable (like on Monday). I'm not much of a legging person, but these are a happy medium, the fabric is substantial and structured and I find them infinitely more flattering for myself than a pair of jersey leggings. Anyways, I had a morning of photo-shoots planned at work and this outfit was perfect for that.

I've relegated myself to flats this week to take some pressure off my knee in preparation for tomorrow's race and it seems to be working. Are you celebrating Thanksgiving? We're going to the race in the morning and then making a mini-Thanksgiving dinner, probably watching Alice's Restaurant as we do every year, and then taking a mini-hike through Frick park. As much as I miss my family, I do appreciate the excuse of distance to spend this holiday together, just the two of us.

Today is the last day to enter for your chance to win $200 to Lulu's!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Tourist

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In this outfit:
Coat: J.Crew (sale 2010)
Sweater: Madewell (sale 2010)
Shorts: Vintage/ Avalon ($10)
Tights: American Apparel Super Opaque ($25)
Belt: Vintage Dior/ Thrifted ($2)
Bracelet: Thrifted ($2)
Bag: Vintage Coach/ Thrifted ($5)
Wedges c/o Lulu's

Where I wore it: To work (and probably somewhere after work, but I can't remember)

I wore this last week, but I have no idea which day it was. I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week, jeeze it came up fast. Anyways, no, I didn't go anywhere too exciting on this day, but Chris said I looked like a tourist (a hot tourist, to use his words), so I like to think I could have traveled somewhere neat. Perhaps it was the sweater tucked in to shorts? It might seem kind of dorky to some, but I like it. Over the past year I've become much less self conscious about wearing things certain ways- tucking things in, cuffing things up, certain fits. I read in an interview recently- and I wish I could remember where and with who- that said, essentially it's good to have fashion regrets, because it means you're keeping things fresh and experimenting and having fun. That wasn't the exact quote, but you get the idea.

So that thought is what I've been keeping in mind when I get dressed in the morning- to not just fall back on tried and true combinations, but to try something new-to-me, and have fun with it.

Monday, November 19, 2012

A Sunny Weekend

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This weekend I: Went thrift shopping with Mandy - Made dinner twice - Went out dancing with friends - Screwed my knee up real bad - Organized - Ran (before I hurt my knee) - Walked (after I hurt my knee). After a busy few weeks, and a very busy Saturday, this beautiful weekend was mostly spent getting caught up on things I had been slacking on.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Weekend Wear

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Photos by Sarah

In this outfit:
Vintage Sweater: From Veronika
Plaid top: J.Crew sale (2010)
Jeans: Madewell sale (2010)
Bag: Vintage Coach / Thrifted ($5)

Where I wore it: Antique shopping

Ever since Veronika gave me this sweater on my trip to visit her, I've been wearing it non-stop. As much as I love being able to dress-up for work, on the weekends- especially in fall and winter- all I want to wear are jeans and something comfy up top. In fall and winter, I gravitate towards men's flannel shirts, oversize sweaters, and boots (if you couldn't tell already, I've been living in these Matiko boots from Lulu's, too).

As much as I think it might be nice to be the kind of person who gets all turned out on the weekends, I don't think I ever will be. Not that I plan to show up at the grocery store in my pajamas anytime soon, but at my core, I love to be comfortable- I need to be able to move in what I'm wearing, I don't like to be slowed down. You can count on finding at least a couple pairs of back-up shoes in my car, an extra pair of loafers hidden beneath my desk, a hair elastic always within arms reach.

There's one more week to enter the Lulu's giveaway!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Red Velvet

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In this outfit:
Cape: American Apparel
Stole: Vintage / Estate Sale ($5)
Blazer: Vintage / Thrifted ($4)
Jeans: Vintage / Avalon ($11)
Top: American Apparel
Gloves: Vintage / Estate Sale ($2)
Bag: Vintage / Flea Market ($30)
Belt: Vintage Dior / Thrifted ($2)

Where I wore it: To the office and to an after-work networking hour

As much as I love thrifting and second-hand shopping, I've never really delved into estate sales, until this past weekend, that is. A friend was planning to hit up some local estate sales, and I graciously invited myself along. Somehow, walking into a deceased strangers house with a friend sounds a whole lot easier to me than going alone (it's not so much that it's a deceased stranger's house, as much as it's the possibility of having to make small talk with the people running it). Anyway, the first one we went to was amazing, lots of vintage gloves (I bought a few pairs), hats, vintage fur, and silly knick-knacks bought in Atlantic City. We had the good fortune to get there right as everything went to half-price, so we ended up getting away like bandits! This was one stylish lady, can you believe these gloves? I only wish my feet were two and a half sizes smaller because her shoe collection was incredible.

I bought this blazer on the same day, and immediately knew how I would wear it. I love when outfits come together so easily.

A note about fur: As I've mentioned in previous posts, I do not condone the purchase of *new* fur. However, I personally do not have a problem with fur that has been bought second-hand that is very old, such as the stole I'm wearing here- I would rather see it put to use than tossed away. I understand that everyone has different opinions on this. If you are looking to purchase a fur, please purchase it second hand- check out estate sales, thrift stores, and charity shops, have a little patience, and eventually you'll find something that will be in your wardrobe for years to come.