A Mannequin Mirage

Sunnies & Bar Ring: Downtown Threads, Necklace: Nassau Straw Market, Crop Top & Maxi Skirt: H&M, Bag: TJ Maxx, Sandals: UO

I saw this cropped sweatshirt tee and maxi skirt combo on a mannequin in H&M almost three years. We were on vacation and had been walking around Philly all afternoon. I was hot, sticky, and so uncomfortable and as I rode the escalator to the second floor this outfit slowly came into view like a mirage in the desert. I bought both pieces on the spot without bothering to trying them on. And I would do it again without hesitation.

The clothes may have come off a mannequin but the accessories and details are mine, and style is all about the details.

Have you ever bought an outfit “off” a mannequin before?

Half a Glider

Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Knit Shrug: Cape Cod, Gifted Shell Necklace, Little White Dress: Stolen from sister, Bag: H&M, Sandals: UONothing like spending the afternoon sitting on half an antique glider, enjoying the summer sun while surrounded by Vermont vintage. A casual little white sundress and a fun knit shrug in my favorite shade of green were perfect for an afternoon of gliding… err half gliding. 

how are you make the most of what’s left of the summer sun?

Fashion Forecast; Sunny and oh so Fair!

While I’m still trying to soak up as much summer sun as I can, signs of fall are everywhere, heck AC Moore already has HOLIDAY decorations up! My feelings on premature holiday decorations aside, one of my favorite signs of fall is the Champlain Valley Fair. Here are my fair worthy wardrobe selections along with a word to the wise… close toe shoes are a MUST, boots are best.

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The Champlain Valley Fair kicks off tomorrow, Aug 25th, and runs through September 3rd. There are tons of great events happening every day so make sure you take a peek at their website for all the details.

What signs of fall have you been seeing?

Classic Beach Blues

Vintage Scarf: Quarter Life Vintage, Dollar Store Sunnies, Camp Shirt: Gap (via Goodwill), Shorts: Old Navy, Sandals: TargetFor cheering on D’s softball team in their first playoff game and a sunset barbecue I stuck with classic Americana,  khakis and a perfectly worn in camp shirt. The kitschy travel print scarf from the Lovely Lisa of Quarter Life Vintage was the perfect personal touch to this classic summer look. I love how vintage accessories and prints can really enhance even the most simple outfits. Little touches can add a lot.

What little touches have you been adding to your summer outfits?

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Casually Consuming Cocktails

Necklace: Target, Kimono Jacket: Forever 21, Dress: J Crew (gifted from sister), Jean Jacket (not pictured): TJ Maxx, Sandals: PaylessWhile this might not be the most exciting or flattering outfit I’ve ever posted it’s comfortable as hell when it gets hot and was perfect for an afternoon of day drinking in Provincetown. I’m making my patented “no one can tell I’m crunk, right?” face and fooling no one! What can I say, the mojito menu at Patio (which is AHmazing!) got the best of me and I loved every second. Right up to the point where I passed out in the passenger seat and slept the entire way back to my sister’s place. God, how I miss vacation.

What casual outfits and cocktails have you been enjoying this summer?

Vaca Recap: hometown tourist

The longer I’m away from my hometown the more I find myself wanting to do the more kitschy, touristy things when I’m back. So when clouds forced us off the beach D and I headed to the Wiggly Bridge and Steedman Woods for a woodland jaunt. It is a beautiful place to visit, pet friendly, and the perfect place to take a pre or post dinner stroll.Sunglasses: Downtown Threads, Blouse: Gap (via Goodwill), Crop Top: UO, Skirt & Bag: H&M, Mermaid Bracelet: Alex and Ani, Sandals: PaylessGrowing up baring your belly was a big no no so cropped tops are a whole new world for me. While I wont be sporting a bandeau top anytime soon I’m loving the little slice of skin that this bustier style top leaves exposed when paired with this gauzy white maxi skirt. The Gap by way of Goodwill button up was perfect for the light, early evening breeze that was coming off the water and lent a conservative, albeit casual feel to this beachy boho look.

Where do you stand on exposed abdominals and the like?

Vaca Recap: Blackfish, white dress

Gifted Earrings, Dress: Forever 21, Jean Jacket: TJ Maxx, Sandals: PaylessJust thinking about the mouthwatering dinner D and I had at Blackfish, a new American restaurant hidden in an old blacksmith’s shop in Truro, Massachusetts, makes me blush. Yes, it was that good. The seared scallops over a delicately decadent parmesan fondu were unspeakably good and the creamy broth served over local littleneck clams, pure ambrosia. And those were just the appetizers.

A casual little white dress, the cheapest pair of flip flops I own, and big hair seemed like the perfect compliment to the understated elegance of the ambiance and flavors at Blackfish.

What meals have made your mouth water lately?

Vaca Recap: My Traveling Pants

Sunglasses: Downtown Threads, Knit: TJ Maxx, Tank: Charlotte Russe, Paisley Pants: H&M, Sandals: Urban OutfittersI’m back from vacation and couldn’t be happier to be sleeping in my own bed again, though I already miss the beach. Traveling isn’t always comfortable when we set out on our week long vacation I made sure my outfit was.

These paisley print pants from H&M have become my go to comfort piece this summer and they were perfect for the long car ride. My light knit top (one of my favorite TJ Maxx purchases) was perfect for the freezing AC we encountered and the cream tank underneath proved to be the perfect layer. It felt like I was wearing pajamas but looked pulled together enough for an impromptu lunch date with friends at our midway point.

What pieces do you count on to keep you for comfortable summer travels?

Cat o’ Nine Tail Florals

Gifted Hat, Sunglasses & Skull Ring: Downtown Threads, Scarf: Carol Maguire Home, Top (?), Shorts: Old Navy, Converse: EbayFor a predawn fishing trip bright white converse may seem like an odd choice (I’ve been making a few of those lately) but they brought me luck and were perfect for the slippery decks and docks I encountered along the way.

After spending many summers avoiding shorts all together I decided to give the looser, longer boyfriend style short a try and to my surprise I am loving them. The subtle pinstripe reminds me of the OshKosh overalls I grew up wearing and makes pattern mixing a lot of fun.

What new summer pieces have you been experimenting with?

Hiking in Silk & Chiffon

Gifted Hat, Sunnies & Top: Downtown Threads, Skirt: Kohl’s, Beaded Bracelet: Rome, Ring: Charlotte Russe, Flats: TJ Maxx

I spent many a summer hiking in the White Mountains as a child, mostly it against my will. The only part I enjoyed was fording streams…. and eating mom’s homemade trail mix at the summit. I’m more of a lie on the beach with a book and a drink type than the trek up a mountain type, but every now and again even I enjoy a traipse through the woods…  in chiffon and silk.

Last weekend D and I  spent a gorgeous, albeit toasty, afternoon hiking through Mount Independence  and believe it or not I was beyond comfortable in my easy breezy fabrics and striped canvas flats.

What weekend adventures have you been taking/planning?