With Terra

So February was a bust for posts, huh? I feel like this time of year really starts to drag on. The holidays are over, but there's still a chill in the air and an unlikely amount of snow storms. It feels like everyone is anxiously waiting for spring to get here, the flowers to bloom, the warm breeze in the air, the sun staying out past dinner time.

A few weeks ago when Terra was in the city for NYFW, she was able to find a free moment to meet up with me for brunch. The weather was warm enough that I was able to get away with only wearing this coat when we met up. I actually got hot at some points! 

 

 

I've been in serious jean repeat mode. I wanted to wear something at least slightly different than my standard dark skinny jeans. Luckily I found this pair deep in my closet. They are now a size too big and a wash that, until now and since when I bought them, I would have turned away from. I'm glad they were able to stick around through several years and multiple moves. They are going to be a great go to jean for relaxed weekends.

Scarf from Anthropologie, Jacket from Anthropologie, Shirt from Madewell
Old Jeans, Booties from Anthropologie, Amber Ring from Portobello Market

This outfit actually started off inspired by an outfit I saw on The Sartorialist. Big scarf, mustard jacket, cuffed jeans. It's certainly a style I've done over and over before. It turned out a little different from the original, but I guess that's where the "inspired by" comes from. I can't help but feel drawn to that casual, wearable, everyday style. It's more relatable to me than any extravagant fashion trends. I definitely have a respect for that world. Its beautiful, its creative, and its artwork. But as far as my style-life I'm more inspired by what my friends and what strangers passing by are wearing. With all the NYFW events that were going on I couldn't help but think about how that world and my world of style are so vastly different. 

Photos by Terra

Of course Terra and I took full advantage of Sara and asked her to take some pictures of us being buddy / buddy before our brunch date was over. I need more Terra in my life as soon as possible. Please and thank you.

 

Thanks for sticking around while I did some real life dilly dallying the past few weeks. I just needed to take a moment to relax and not stress about having a schedule as a "blogger". Guess what though...I missed you guys. 

Scenes from a Weekend : XI

I stayed in the city this weekend and am happy to say I got so much accomplished! I finally wrote out a list of everything I've been neglecting and got to it. I put anything I could think of on there. Things I needed to get for the apartment, stores I wanted to check out, make up I've been wanting to try, a work out schedule, it was all there. I realized I'm a very goal orientated person. If there's no end point in sight, I tend to procrastinate. I even procrastinate things like getting up to refill my water, or get ready for bed (see also lazy). 

Outside of running around the city checking things off my to-do list, I spent a fair amount of time snacking and lounging at my apartment. On Saturday night I spent time with one of my oldest friends. We've known each other since pre-school! It was so great to help her celebrate her 26th birthday. We went to some of her favorite places in Brooklyn and enjoyed the company of a few close friends. I indulged in a vanilla-cinnamon infused margarita. It was absolutely delicious. 

Sunday was spent relaxing until I finally got motivated to go on a long run in the afternoon. I was really dreading it because my back was so tight and sore. It ended up being a good thing and helped loosen me up. The most rewarding part was going out to dinner with my roommate and her friend afterwards. A new burger joint opened up in our neighborhood that we wanted to try out. We all got the veggie falafel option (ha) and it was so good! It was a nice change up to go out for a casual Sunday dinner and be back before 9pm. All in all it was quite the successful weekend.

I had some of my standard snacks handy this weekend. I've shared my Yerba Mate recipe already, but if you are curious about anything else I've mentioned (ie. my homemade granola and kale chips pictured here) or are interested in me sharing more recipes, let me know! I'd be up for sharing recipes if there's any interest. 

Common Courtesy

I went grocery shopping last night and was hit by the realization that I might be more friendly than I think. Shocking, I know. There was a girl about my age in the tiny health food store and we kept bumping into each other, literally. The isles are so small that I often find myself rubbing a bit too closely with strangers. Last night a guy shopper even commented that the owners of the store must like to encourage the social aspect of shopping, as I was wedged between him and a gray haired frazzled customer unable to get away.

Every time the younger girl and I would get in each others way, we would politely back up and smile so one of us could get through. There was an awkward moment (of course) when I was squatting down trying to decided between almonds and pistachios, and she reached over my head to grab some pretzels. I stood up and nearly bend her elbow backwards. We both released a nervous laugh and apologized, but in a way it was quite refreshing. 

I'm not sure if the fact that I live in a big city has made me more aware of this, but seeing someone respect common courtesies always makes me feel better. Holding the door for someone, picking up something they dropped, saying please and thank you. After this incident in the store of two girls simply respecting each other I noticed how many other strangers didn't even thank me after holding the door open for them. I thought about how many times in the past I've dropped things and had people walk by me, seemingly annoyed for me being in their way. 

  

I'm not big on resolutions, but several years ago I decided to make one of mine be that I would smile at people when they passed me instead of looking down or away. I was in high school at the time, so you can imagine for a painfully shy teenager that was quite a feat. It always made me feel good though. Just that small connection.

Old BB Dakota Sweater, BCBG Sweater Dress from Lord & Taylor, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, Anthropologie Booties
Morgan Necklace gift from Tree & Kimball

It's the same for practicing the bare minimum in good manners. Sure you're on the phone, but you could still pause for a moment to say thank you to the girl carrying four heavy bags, managing a 95 lb dog, and holding the door open for you with her foot. 

Photos by Melissa

The debut of the Morgan Necklace! I've already wore this beautiful piece several times, but this it the first time its had its picture taken. I always get so many wonderful comments when I wear it out. Thank you so much Lisa for making something this amazing and naming it after me! The olive lace and blush beads really drive the point home that this necklace was meant to be mine. I think I'm in lust. 

Shop more of Lisa's creations on her Etsy shop, Tree & Kimball.