Word of the Day: Pretentious

It seems that I've been hearing this word a lot lately. We can all be a little pretentious at times, and I won't lie, sometimes it's fun.

Pretentious - attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed; intended to attract notice and impress others
That pretentious couple always serves caviar at their parties, even though they themselves dislike it.

xoxo,
Sarah

Matchy Match

Our outfit choices were decided independently this morning. As we were walking out the door to church, I looked at Mary and said, "Wow, we look completely alike today. Even our bags match." The weather thankfully cooled down this weekend, so we were both eager to throw on the skinny jeans and longer sleeves for a day out before the heat strikes again this week.

We've always had this "freaky sister thing" where we will be thinking the exact same thing about anything and everything, and today it happened with our outfits. That's just what happens when your best friend is your sister.

Mary made brunch for us today, and we played vinyls in my living room.

You can't go wrong with Peter, Paul & Mary; Melanie; and Cat Stevens.

Mary's internship is wrapping up in a couple weeks, which is crazy to me. Time has certainly flown by this summer.  I've really enjoyed having her here, and I love our sister outfit posts. I won't have anyone to take my pictures anymore. A tripod just isn't the same.

What I Wore:
Peter Pan Collar Blouse - Love by Forever21
Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters
Ballet Flats - Urban Outifitters
Purse - Kate Spade

What Mary Wore:
Tie Front Blouse - thrift store
Skinny Jeans - Pacific Sunwear
Ballet Flat - Gap
Purse - The Icing

xoxo,
Sarah

Dragonette's Martina Sorbara

A couple weeks ago, I started researching upcoming concerts in my area because I realized I'm not seeing enough live music anymore. I discovered Dragonette in the process and was instantly drawn in to their upbeat, electronic sounds featuring Martina Sorbara's infectious voice. It's the kind of music that makes you want to dance no matter where you are. I can't wait to see the group in the near future!

After I watched a couple of Dragonette's videos, I was completely inspired by Martina's style. She's definitely got that edge in her personality which shows through in her style choices. And of course, I'm always a fan of a fellow girl with bangs. An extra piece of info, she's the daughter of a Canadian government official.

All that to say, check out Dragonette (use Spotify!). You'll be hooked in no time.



xoxo,
Sarah

Highs-and-Lows

I grabbed this little dress off the clearance rack at Nordstrom Rack about a year ago, and what do you know...high-low skirts are everywhere now! I remember something similar happening when I found my favorite accordion pleated skirt (before the trend hit hard) off the clearance rack at Urban thinking, "Hmmm, that's new, haven't seen it on anyone lately. I like it. I will try it."

It's a great dress, definitely worth the $10 (I think) that it cost me. I love the way the fabric flows when the wind catches because it feels like a cape flying behind me.

In other news, I was noticing how "monstrous" my calves have gotten since I moved out here. Since I opted out of having a car for the first few years, I knew walking would become a huge part of my life. I would say that I easily achieve between 22-25 miles on foot each week simply commuting places. Needless to say, I have muscular legs.

My hair has also lightened up quite a bit on its own here. This is probably due to so much sun exposure (back to the fact that I walk EVERYWHERE) and the quality of water (sometimes I feel like it smells of chlorine). Either way, my hair is turning to a pretty color, and I have a natural ombre since long hair fades.

I love my city. There are always places to go, people to meet, and new memories to be made. I have enjoyed it thoroughly, making the MOST of every opportunity. These are years that I will remember for the rest of my life. Of course, I still have my share of sad, indifferent, and "life-is-not-fair" moments, but those times have made me stronger and equipped me for the future. Life is a constant learning experience if you allow it to be.

It's been especially fun having my little sister here with me this summer. She is truly one of my best friends, and it is going to be weird having a room to myself again when she heads back to the homeland.

The girls with the bangs. Some people think we're twins.

What I Wore:
Dress with High-Low Skirt - Nordstrom Rack
Vintage Belt - my grandma's closet (where I get all my best accessories)
Necklace - gift from Daddy
Wedges - TJ Maxx
Purse - Kate Spade

What Mary Wore:
Floral Dress - Nordstrom Rack (I have the same dress in gray)
Sandals - H&M
Red Purse - The Icing

xoxo,
Sarah

A Lovely Sunday

Sunday is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week, especially since I have my sister here with me. We start the day with church, followed by brunch and a quick adventure somewhere around the city (farmer's market, cute shops, or touristy stuff--hey, I'm still new-ish here, so no shame). After our runnings-around, we come back to relax, and I nap. It really gets me charged up for the week ahead.

Here are some pictures from this week's edition of Sunday.

Brunch. They had already cleared the table at this point, but it was AMAZING.

As my mentor told me, this is me looking "city-fied."

I love my new Kate Spade!

The hairstyle that keeps me cool. Plus, it's super easy to do. Tutorial coming in the near future.

Walking down the street.

Mary laughing with the Capitol.

We found orchids.

Botanic Garden.

About to call it a day at this point. The summer heat was getting to us!

What I Wore:

Floral Dress - Nordstrom Rack

Earrings - H&M Germany (when I visited there 6 years ago!)

Snakeskin Flats - Steve Madden (c/o TJ Maxx)

Purse - Kate Spade (my NEW one!)

Sunglasses - Kate Spade (c/o Nordstrom Rack)

What Mary Wore:

Geometric Print Dress - Hurley (I gave it to her!)

Sandals - H&M

Red Purse - The Icing

Sunglasses - Burlington Coat Factory

xoxo,

Sarah

Happy Days Begin and End with Kate Spade

This is a wonderful day. Why you ask? Because my new Kate Spade was waiting for me at home after work!

Everything about Kate Spade makes you feel good. Beyond the fabulous product, you feel like you're opening a present from your best friend.  Every little part of the shopping experience is fun--cute daily emails (especially when the sample sale has hit), adorable packaging, happy store visits...I could go on and on. Sorry lovelies, I have a degree in marketing and feel obligated to gush about good business when I see it.

Drum roll please...!

There's my new Kate. Worth every penny. Now I'm just trying to decide what outfit I'll wear to debut (less than 12 hours to figure it out)!

And, as Mary says, there's me looking like "Christmas" with new Kate. By the way, that dress is probably the second most favorite dress I own. Not surprisingly, it's from Anthro. I'll post some better outfit pictures when I've styled it more thoughtfully (end-of-the day look here). 

Time to call it a day!

xoxo,
Sarah

Chevrons & Accordion Pleats

Time for another outfit post! I absolutely love this outfit; it just came together so well. I found this dress at a local boutique back home while I was visiting during Christmas. The minute I spotted it, I knew it was for me. Why? Well, I adore accordion pleats and chevrons, and blue really makes my eyes pop (*insert winky face here*). Perfect fit, right?

I noticed the other day that I hadn't worn it yet, and that was just wrong. Lately, I've been realizing that it's important to wear everything in your closet before buying new clothes. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I have too many lovely items hanging in my closet that still have tags.

Other things happening lately, I have a summer roommate, and she is none other than my sweet and stylish little sister! Okay, let me correct myself and say "younger sister," as she hates being called little. I really don't get why, but I'm not the little (uh younger) sister in this equation. We've always been really close, so I love showing her my new life in this amazing city.

In addition, I feel like she's getting me out of my usual routine (in a good way) by discovering all kinds of new, fun things to do. I'm always hanging out with people, but sometimes we get stuck doing the same types of things and don't really experience everything our city holds.

Last weekend, my sister and I went to a record fair. There were vendors from all over selling vinyls, vintage clothing, and original artwork. Back home, we used to do stuff like this all the time, but I guess I just don't know as many hipsters now.

All that to say, we're enjoying ourselves. It's cool having another girl with bangs around.

What I Wore
Dress - Lucca Clothing
Ballet Flats with Ribbon - Urban Outfitters
Earrings - H&M London (little sister got them for me years ago!)
Sunglasses - Kate Spade (c/o Nordstrom Rack)
Red Vintage Purse - thrift store back home


What Mary Wore
Teal Button Up - Old Navy
Polka Dot Pencil Skirt - Forever 21
Strappy Sandals - H&M
Sunglasses - Burlington Coat Factory
Red Purse - The Icing

Stay tuned for more fabulous-ness from us!

xoxo,
Sarah

There you go stealing my heart...

We have a REALLY fabulous TJ Maxx nearby, and I love it because it's mostly high end designers versus just a small section. I still can't afford much of anything, but I was in heaven exploring and lusting after the likes of Tory Burch, Valentino, Kate Spade, and Nanette Lepore.

I fell in the love with this Tory Burch jacket and wouldn't even let myself try it on for about...2 minutes (can't stay away that long). It was made out of a fabulous white leather with cut-out hearts. I recognized it from a few seasons back and while it was going for $300 (down from $600), I had to pass today and understandably left a little heartbroken.

However, I have a BEAUTIFUL new Kate Spade handbag coming in the next several days, as they were having an online sale too good to pass up. It's still going on...25% off ALL sale items (dangerous, I know)!

I feel like having a Kate Spade handbag is kind of like a sisterhood around here--much like the Anthro girl. You just have this instant bond with each other. The other day I was at an event with work friends, and 3 out of 4 of us were carrying a Kate Spade. The next day marked the beginning of earlier-said sale, so of course we started comparing which one we'd be purchasing. I finally decided upon this lovely red one, as I've been wanting a quilted bag for a REALLY long time. I just can't wait for it to arrive! I loved my last Kate Spade, but now I'm afraid that I'm forever ruined for any other handbag... 

xoxo,
Sarah

Favorite dress

Yes, there's a random plant in my picture...but that doesn't matter.

Anyway, this is my absolute favorite dress! I unashamedly wear it multiple times a month - not because I have nothing else to wear but because I love it that much. Don't worry. I change up the accesorization. Pictured above is my basic wear of the dress (simply with a vintage black belt). I'm a huge fan of buying pieces that can be worn a multitude of ways, so another time, I'll do a series post with more variations with my dress. I just had to share this part today...as an intro. 

What I Wore:
Bow Print Dress - Nordstrom Rack
Vintage Belt - my grandma's closet
Criss-cross Strap Wedges - Urban Outfitters

How would you style this dress? 

xoxo,
Sarah

Best friends in the park

Hello hello!!

I know I've been AWOL forever. So sorry lovelies! My best friend (see above!) is in town right now, so I actually had someone to snap some pictures of my outfit today while we were eating lunch in the park. And...I included pictures of her fabulous outfit as well. Enjoy!

What I Wore:

Blue Dress - Nordstrom Rack
Vintage Belt - my grandma's closet
Vintage Hurache Sandals - thrift store

What Kristin Wore:

Floral Dress & Belt- Target
Woven Flat by Madden Girl - DSW

All together now...

By the way, I've known Kristin for like 20 years. Not even kidding. So great having her here for a few days!! <3

xoxo,
Sarah