Dressed out: pineapple graphic tee

I don't go out very often. Not really. My style leans toward shared apps at happy hour or a few beers at a cook out. So, you know, not really "dressing out" occasions. But. For some reason in college I had these crazy, strappy, ridiculous heels. &. more surprising, they somehow made it through all my moves after college too  (1,  2 and 3). These shoes were on the road to staying with me forever (!).... until I decided to move across the country.  Shoes like these weigh a pretty penny and I just couldn't justify sacrificing any of my precious 50 pounds of luggage . 

So... on one of my last days in Ohio, I took these bad boys out for a goodbye photo shoot around the hood. Here we go: round three of four Ohio outfits, the out on the town graphic tee -- an alternative way to wear the dressed up graphic tee from yesterday. 

About this outfit: printed jeans, sleeveless tuxedo vest to add some layer and a fun graphic tee. Pretty normal ensemble for me, except for these crazy shoes. Which make it so very different.

On a little side note, I am really digging the sleeveless layers for these inbetween summer and fall days. I have another open vest from Curate Boutique that I've worn here before... twice actually... and I've realllly been eyeing this Modern Citizen sleeveless trench. What do you think? 

Graphic tee: (that my SISTER DESIGNED!!) sold out | similar
Sleeveless vest: From a friend exchange | similar
Printed Jeans: Curate Boutique old | same in limited sizes | similar
Heels: super old | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Sold Out | similar
Photography: Natalie Was Here/ Nikond3200 35mm / Edits: VSCO filters for lightroom

Dressed up: pineapple graphic tee

Have seen this tee?? Yes? How ridiculously cool is it that my little sister DESIGNED IT?!?! Yes! Many moons ago I went to visit Colleen in NYC while she was finishing her summer co-op. It turns out, while she was there, she made this. Seriously. She bought the pineapple, spray painted it gold, styled it for a tee and made it. 

So naturally, when it came out in the spring line this year, I bought it. 

Now, as much as they probably should be, pineapples are not usually a staple in my wardrobe. So when I came home to Ohio a few weeks ago to pack up what remained of my wardrobe, I decided I should find a few ways to style it. & so I've got two outfits! Yay! Today I'll share a dressed up version, tomorrow, a dressed out. Is that a term? "Dressed out" like for going out? Let's roll with it.  

About this outfit: I've always loved the graphic tee to work trend. I try to sneak mine into the office whenever I can. Usually I pair with a blazer and call it "business casual," but in the late summer Ohio heat, that was not an option. Luckily, everything looks business-esque in a black pencil skirt ;D

Funny story: I'm writing this post to you from the Caltrain which is on a NINETY MINUTE DELAY. We've been stranded for over an hour on the tracks. Forgive me if I sound a little bit dazed.... I am. Learning this whole Bay Area Public Transit thing is a daily adventure.

Pineapple Tank: sold out | very similar
Fitted Long Pencil Skirt: inherited from cousin | very similar
Nude pumps: BCBG old | similar
Bag: borrowed from Natalie | similar
Photos: by Natalie Was Here Nikond3200 35 mm / Edits: VSCO filters for Lightroom

Questions from a 20-something

We’re young. We’re learning. There are still some life skills that need to be nailed. Which reminds me, what’s the proper way to nail into drywall, anyway? What happens when the plaster literally separates from the wall? 

There are a lot of questions I have on the daily, some answers are an easy google search away. Some, though, are harder and more thought provoking. But you know what? I usually figure it out, and I thought you might benefit from what I’ve found. So here we go: five of my recent questions AND answers. 

Does food lose nutritional value when you freeze it?

No! For the most part. Food that is frozen at peak nutritional value will not lose any value when frozen. Even self frozen food. Good, right? I freeze my bread a lot.

Should you buy gifts for every wedding shower and wedding you’re invited to?

Yes, this is polite. Even if you can’t go? Still. How much should you spend? Apparently, for the wedding, you should cover the cost of your dinner at the reception. That varies, I know. As a general rule, at our age I think we can slide by with $50. What if that's too much for your wallet? I have a LOT of friends getting married, like, a lot. (yay!) So I'm trying to get creative with my gifts. Your friends understand. Any nice note and thoughtful gift will show your love and appreciation.

Can you order groceries on Amazon?

YES! Some. But there is also a new service I’ve been hearing about called instacart. It has some amazing VC backing. I got a direct mail piece (old school effective!) promoting their partnership with Whole Foods. Then the next day, I saw them announce a partnership in Minneapolis with Target. I think they are only in a few cities right now... Including SF. About to try it out fo sho.

Which form of caffeine will affect me the fastest?

My coffee connoisseur of a sister told me, as far as coffee goes at least, a Black or Red Eye gets the most in your system the fastest. That's one cup of coffee with the addition of a shot (or two) of espresso. Now as far as the battle between coffee, soda, energy drink, etc.. I'm not sure. Do you know? 

 Are elephants like super smart?

Apparently so.  That's probably why it is a compliment to say: "You have the memory of an elephant." Neat.

So that's all for now! I'm a never ending spout of questions though, so I'll have more for you coming up. And if you have any questions to add to my list, send them on over! :D

Photo: iPhone5s / Edits: Snapseed and VSCOcam

Late Summer Fashion: Skirt and Sweater

Let me tell you a tale of a girl who fell in love with a place. It was a magical land. Sure,  it was hot and humid all summer. Yes, true, it was bitterly cold in the winter months. But... every year, this magical land in the Midwestern United States would boast a few perfect days with a shining sun that warmed the skin to a dreamlike perfection.....

This was not one of those days.

Hi guys! Did you miss me? It seemed like time stopped in my whirlwind last few weeks. I flew home, spent some much needed hours with my family and a few friends before I moved out of my favorite apartment on the ever-perfect Ida Street. It took a lot of clorox, bruises and... SWEAT. That's right, Ohio. You saved up all your summer swelter for me. Coming from SF I wasn't used to 95 degrees with 90% humidity. You just wanted to give me one last taste of home ;D

BUT, in the spirit of nostalgia and to toast the many, many times we've done this before, Natalie and I spent Labor Day  afternoon away from the Clorox and sweating our way through one last marathon set of photos on Ida Street. 

So here you have it: one of four outfits I found in a closet I hadn't seen in 8 weeks. I'm very originally calling this ensamble the end of summer "skirt and sweater." Perfect for the day I wore it? HECK NO. It was way too hot. Perfect for both SF and Ohio weather today, why yes, yes it is. 

I smell fall in the air. Or maybe it's just a pumpkin spice latte ;D

Sneaks: Jack Purcell
Skirt: Fossil (before they cancelled their clothing line). Cannot find similar, but could possibly layer for this look?
Sweater: JUICY COUTURE.. can you believe it! High school dayz, my friends! Similar.
Sunnies: NYC street vendor. Similar. More Similar, but expensive. 
Earrings: Bought them literally off the ears of an artist/bar tender in Tahoe. Similar.
Photos: by Natalie Was Here / NikonD3200 35 mm / Edits with VSCO Filters for Lightroom

Crushing on lately...

Pretty, isn't it? It's hard to remember, in the midst of that daily grind, how pretty my new state is. It's been good, mostly. But it's also a little hard. I've been here for almost two months. That's two rent payments, one piece of furniture, a few kitchen supplies, and as of this weekend, a fan (finally!). The fan will be a game changer. 

California is a whole new animal. But it's going to be cool to tame it. Yesterday I cut my evening commute down to 80 minutes (rather than *gasp* 2 hours and 40 minutes on some nights). I think that's a really good start. Anyway, how are YOU!? I miss you guys! I wrote down a few of my current crushes, but really I'm just dying to hear yours. Let me have it!

• These shoes.
• This blog. 
• This article.
• This instagram. 
• This book. 

• This short video. 
• This sneaker. 
• This photographer. 
• This watch. 
• These tiny tattoos.

• These pants. 
• These popsicles.
• This Netflix binge. 
• These kitchens.
• This ice cream shop. 

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Photo: iPhone5s / Edits: VSCOcam for Lightroom