Portland

The last 14 days has been a complete, wonderful and chaotic blur. Work has been a hectic roller coaster; leaving me exhausted and out of breath every evening. Before my 4 day trip to Las Vegas to work the Stitch Trade Show my boyfriend and I took a spontaneous trip to Portland Oregon as a last summer get-away before he flew home to Belgium for the rest of the month. We spent the night in a hotel where we could finally watch some shark week programs (we don't have cable at home), then we had some wonderful brunch, walked through the weekend market, did some shopping, spent some time in the rose gardens, and took a little nap in the lawn at the arboretum.  It was a short 18 hour visit but it was nice to escape our regular weekend routine and to spend some alone time together. Here are some photos of our day in Portland. Oh, and while you're scrolling feel free to go to your Spotify and listen to First Aid Kit - that's kind of the vibe I was feeling during the trip and again while preparing this post. Thanks Grace for recommending them to me!

Wearing: Vintage maxi dress, Jeffery Campbell mules, Aerie bralette, Urban Outfitters belt & bag.

xx

Evening Lake Adventures

It's become somewhat of a ritual for Gilles and I to head over to varying access points to Lake Washington on hot evenings. It's nice just around dinner time or even a little later, because the beaches and docks tend to be less crowded. We like to kick back and jump in the chilly water to cool off before heading back to our insanely hot apartment. The other night we took some steaks and threw them on the grill, then we found the most secluded little beach area which I absolutely loved. My 7-ft man friend didn't really approve of the size (he requires a little more room to spread out and relax). 

But man it sure is cute right?! It's nice and shady, private, and romantic! Or at least I thought so.

Awkwardly grinning up at my giant. 

Wearing: Triangl Swimwear bikini top, American Apparel high-waist bottom, under vintage Levi shorts.

Vegetarians shield your eyes for the following photos!

Ta-dahhh the Grill-Master is me!

I hope everyone is finding time to enjoy the longer days and warm weather. And for those of you living in the Pacific Northwest....wow isn't it absolutely beautiful around here? Honestly, I think Washington is beautiful even when it's raining but it is something else when the sun is shining on all of this green; making the scenery appear even more lush and vibrant. And the clear skies are allowing the most glorious views of Mt. Rainer; its just breathtaking. I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can until the Rainy season begins again. Do the same.

xx

Warm Weather Workdays

Every year around Mid-March I find myself begging and praying to the weather gods for an early summer. Dreaming of soaking my face in the warmth of the suns rays, being able to keep the layers of clothing light and breezy, never worrying about how my goosebumps are surely making my leg hair grow faster...ok so that last one was maybe TMI but whatever, ladies I know you feel me. Ah summer. Wonderful right? Wrong; well, partially. Sure I'm happy to be able to go for a late night swim here and there, and yes sandals are 1000% more comfortable than boots stuffed with giant wool socks. But man, I was just not bred for the heat! Living in an apartment with no air conditioning and that has beautiful large windows that allow maximum sunlight is terrible. I come home all sweaty from work and inside it's guaranteed to be 10 degrees warmer. Not to mention, I'm running out of clothes to wear! 

For those of you who don't know me to well I must confess something, I am seriously addicted to sweaters. There must be some kind of sweater-shoppers-anonymous or some kind of group that I can belong to because my sweater obsession is out of control, and quite costly I might add! Hence, my tank/shorts/dress options are quite limited. Luckily it will be fall soon, in the meantime here are a couple of outfits I've been keeping in rotation for when the days reach the 90's. I know, I know - I  should probably be avoiding wearing black because it traps heat. But sadly most of my lighter-weight items are black, so let's just move past that already. 

Light-weight floral dress American Eagle, silky black button up Nordstom

Silky tee American Apparel, trousers Urban Outfitters, sandals H&M

If anyone has other ideas of how to style work-appropriate outfits with black pieces for those hot summer days please let me know! I'm always looking for ways to improve my day-to-day work style. Now, It's funny because I see my readership increasing exponentially, but maybe you're a bunch of shy peeps like me who don't want to leave comments. Well don't hesitate to answer or leave your feedback, I'd love it! Except you mom, please don't comment, it'll embarrass me and I'm trying to be a big girl. ;)

xx

CHBP

This post is long overdue. This last week flew by so fast yesterday I didn't even realize it was Friday until after the work day had ended. I was a busy worker-bee and felt delirious because of the heat and the straining week that had come and gone so abruptly. Anyway, last weekend I went to the Capitol Hill Block Party, well the last day at least. That's true fashion for me, last year it was CHBP and Bumbershoot for only the final day (that's when the best shit happens). It was a beautiful sunny day after a few of rain so we really lucked out! There were only three performances we watched, how can you commit to standing in a crowd when all the best people watching is going down at the food trucks!? I'm so lucky to have someone who enjoys shamelessly staring at others as much as I do.  Here are a few photos of the event and what I wore.

I sported this super psychedelic patterned dress with it's ultra 90's silhouette. I felt like Buffy on Acid 

(minus the acid of course)

This performer was surprisingly awesome. When we walked over to the smaller stage and saw him jumping around we weren't preparing ourselves for much. But he had everyone sit down on the ground pow-wow style and he rapped about important social issues. He was charismatic, funny, and had a good voice. I love surprises like that. 

As the sun went down the entire population of the party gathered around the main stage to wait (for too long) for A$AP Rocky.

I'll admit, he was worth the wait. His performance was fully equipped with lights, lasers, smoke, confetti, Nirvana and Wu-Tang. He brought everything to the stage and tailored his show for Seattle specifically. Even though I haven't really listened to his stuff that much I enjoyed it and it was magic.

xx

In Her Cell

I don't know if this has been "a long time comin' for you" but it sure has for me. Maybe I'm the only weirdo who wonders about blog titles and names, or why people call things by a certain name. Regardless I've been itching to explain for sometime. It's hard though, putting thoughts and feelings into words that make sense to everyone. I'm just going to speak frankly, and if you learn a thing or two about me along the way, well then I've accomplished what I've set out to. You see, I don't want this to be just picture post after picture post. I want people to understand who I am and how I think. I've never been that great at getting close to people, especially a large amount of people. I have friends...sort of..so don't get me wrong. And I sure can talk A LOT as some of you who know me in person might recall. But I would definitely argue that I'm commonly misunderstood. What happens with the majority of people on this planet is, outsiders form an idea of who they expect you to be before they even really get to know you, and more often then not once a person does get to know you to a certain extent they might even still believe their preconceived notions about you. That's just the way humans operate, we are all judgmental to some degree and I don't even mean that in a negative way; it's just a fact. 

So first here are some things about me maybe not everyone knows or believes:

1. I prefer sad songs to happy ones, even when I'm in a happy mood

2. I believe in being nice to everyone, even if it is artificial at times. Call me fake but I'd rather dislike in silence than be rude or mean to someone and possibly have a greater negative impact than I'd ever guess

3. That being said, it's really difficult for me to dislike anyone. That is the truth whether you believe it or not.

4. 75% of my time I'd rather spend alone. 

5. Being around large groups of people, even friends, makes me physically tired

6. On the top of my head my favorite music right now is: Phosphorescent, Girl in a Coma, Lana Del Rey (always), Youth Lagoon, The Sugarcubes, The Smiths, and Brandi Carlile. 

7. So no, I don't really like hip hop/rap/r&b all that much. With the exceptions of: Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Slick Rick, and the occasional ratchet song my Boyfriend blasts in the car on a warm night with the windows down.

8. I'm obsessed with the moon. I believe its phases often have a strong affect on my mood. 

9. I've said this since freshman year in high school and I mean it: I don't believe any one is better than anyone else. Unless, you see your self as better than a person - this automatically ranks them better than you.

10. I hate when people correct me and others when they know exactly what we meant. I mean shut up. 

11. In my opinion, my sister is the most irritating and the most incredible person on the planet.

12. I'm a cat person 

13. I live in dreams of the future, which classifies me as an anxious person.

14. I over analyze everything and there is always something on my mind.

15. My heart is located in my head; and although I love dreams, I often feel like mine are a kind of cage. My dreamy heart is always wondering, wishing, contemplating, analyzing; it's full of madness and trouble. It's stifling and as much as I hope for or dream about a free life with no obligation or worry, my thoughts keep me grounded, flightless. Dreams and ideas are what keep me so content with myself, they keep me isolated. 

So I call it in her cell for two reasons. One, the song In Their Cell by Girl in a Coma is my absolute go-to when I am ever in need of creative inspiration. See, it plays in the background of this Nylon Magazine video from years ago that featured Mary Kate Olsen. It's such a short clip into the making of the cover for that months issue, but theres something about it. Being a twin, I grew up with an absurd connection to the Olsen twins and to this day their personal style, artistry, creepy attachment to each other, and money-making brilliance is something that I admire. 

The second reason is that I want this to be a place where I can express myself. What I'm doing at the moment, what I think about what I'm doing at the moment, and whatever else. I want people to come into my cell, to see what I feel is cool at the moment or to see a little bit more of me. My actual life might not be all that interesting but my imagination, ideas, and interests are. My mind is like a Wonderland and in the famous words of Lewis Carroll: 

"Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast" 

So let me share them with you. I'll try to be better about posting on here, promise. For now, check out the video I was talking about. Maybe you'll think I'm crazy or maybe you'll enjoy it too. 

xx

July 12th

Saturday was the most romantic day I have witnessed so far. I had never been to a wedding as an adult (or even past the age of 10 for that matter) so I was pretty excited to experience one through my oldest friend as she married her high school sweetheart. On the drive up to Stanwood for her dreamy farm wedding, my sister and I gushed about what we expected it to be like and how eager we were to see her dress, hear their vows, and watch their first dance. Here are some photos from the magical day.

The venue was breathtaking

meet the glowing mother-of-the-bride

After the reception was over, the guests sent off the newly wed couple with sparklers. It was such a wonderful party with delicious food, a volleyball net, and a crowded dance floor. I'm so happy for my dear friend and her family that feels like my own. There will be more pictures from this day on my Facebook.

xx

Moonlight Glow

This past weekend was packed with some great experiences, which also means that the time flew by before I could blink or breathe. It's unfortunate that it had to end. My sister flew in to town on Thursday for a quick visit and to attend a friends wedding (more on that later); since her stay in Seattle was going to be a short three days we tried to cram in as much as possible. On Friday night we had a few friends over at my place for a delicious home cooked dinner, followed by a night of drinking, dancing, and moonlit skinny dipping at the lake. Here are some pictures of what I wore to the Woods on Capitol Hill.   

These gorgeous silk pants were a treasure find at Goodwill, the bra top is Freepeople , and the platform sandals are from h&m. 

I'll have more group/fun pictures up on my Facebook soon for those of you that are friends, or friends of friends!

xx