Relax, Relate, Release

+12.7 Cool points if you know where the title of this post came from. If not, (don't worry, you're still cool!) here's an early 90's tv lesson for you from one of my favorite moments from one of my favorite shows of all time.

I found myself needing to relax, relate, and release a few days ago after I let stress get the best of me. I decided to take a walk around one of the many lakes we have here to decompress.

It got me thinking - though physical activity is best, what is the sartorial equivalent to a walk around the lake? What is the most relaxing thing one can wear while out and about? (No - bathrobes, PJs and snuggies do not count as clothes that can be worn outside the house).  Thinking of a blogpost I saw it hit me: a maxi dress. Maxi dresses are fashionable and comfortable, allowing plenty of room for movement and lounging. Also, some maxin' and relaxin'.

Here are some of my favorites:

Felicity & Coco

Rachel Pally

Asos

Victoria's Secret

I've Pined some more maxi fantasticness. Check it.  
What is your secret to sartorial stress-relief? (It's ok if it's a snuggie.)

Danger, Nature, and Neutrals

Happy Monday fellow fresh people! I hope your weekend was superb.

I ventured out to some green territory that wasn't so much green as it was green adjacent. Either way, I loved the nature in this spot so it seemed like a good - albeit dangerous - place to take a few snaps. I shall explain..

Ever since I got this top from Sugarlips I've been obsessed with it. It's a great not-so-basic basic, and I love that. I've worn it casually, to work, to school, and out for general merriment. I love the neutral color blocking and the way the middle panel extends just a bit - gives the top a little something extra.

On this particular occasion, I paired it with some ripped jeans and my fave neutral pumps of the moment and a red lip and bright nails, which are great color pops to a neutral color palette.

Some simple accessories topped off the look. It was quite subdued, so it was cool to have the interesting jeans for some visual interest.

This is when ish got real. There I was, minding my own business like this:

And then out of nowhere I was attacked ya'll!

There had to be millions (slight hyperbole here. Slight.) of gnats, and they were on a mission. A mission to take me down. Luckily, my expert swatting technique defeated them, and I lived to see another day. It was a close one...

Walking away victorious from an epic battle.

What's your favorite way to add pop to neutrals?

Top: c/o Sugarlips
Jeans:Rachel Rachel Roy (long ago. Similar here or make your own!)
Heels: Rachel Rachel Roy
Bracelets: Forever 21/Behind The Scenes Boutique

Pillars & Patterns

Not long ago I hit the steps of one of my absolute favorite places in the city, the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This is where I go to find inspiration, to relax, and to see some amazing art. Besides all of the wonderful things that exist inside the building - the building itself is beautiful. The original part of the MIA (there have been a few additions) opened it's doors in 1915 which, by my mathematical calculations, was a super long time ago.

It's beautiful in the daytime and ridiculously cool at night time:

http://citynoise.org/article/3033/by/dostoy                                      http://www.365twincitiesmn.com

On this sunny day, I decided to wear a vintage paisley dress. Paisley scares me, it can be a hard pattern to pull of without looking like the 70's threw up on you, but this dress caught my eye. I love the bold colors and the classic shape:

Because the pattern is so heavy on the top, I wanted to break it up a bit. I threw on my favorite vest, courtesy of the 90's.

For a pop of something different, I chose my favorite fuchsia platforms. Solid bold shoes finish off the busy pattern nicely.

 One of my favorite parts of the building, besides it's beautiful massive pillars, are the doors. They are the original doors and quite cool to look at.

If you're in the Twin Cities, definitely stop by (It's Free.99 ya'll, can't beat that!). If not, I'm sure there's something equally as awesome in your city. Where do you find inspiration where you live?

Photos: K. Diarra Photography

Dress: Vintage
Vest: Vintage (via Salvation Army)
Heels: Aldo
Bracelet: Arden B
Earrings: Forever 21

When I Move You Move

Well, in this case the only one who is moving is me, but you can if you'd like.

I'm in apartment search mode peeps. If you've ever been there, you know how much fun (read: 5% fun, 95% I don't want to do this anymorrreee!) it can be. In my search I've come across some studio options - about which I initially thought, "there's no way! I mean, how could it possibly contain all of my activities like sleeping, reading, and finding things to order to avoid having to cook!?!"

The interior designer in me knew it could be done stylishly and functionally. A studio (done right) can be a great option for folks who don't need a lot of space but still what a place for everything and everything in it's place. Fresh gear is nice, but a fresh space is also quite important - we all need somewhere to recharge. Somewhere to be rested and inspired all at the same time.

Check out some fantastic examples I stumbled upon in my search:
(Click the links to see more)

apartment-design.onsugar.com

hgtv.com

blog.vastudc.com

interiorfans.com

And my favorite:

Elledecor.com

How do you keep your space fresh? What's important in a space to make it rejuvenating and inspiring?

Man-tastic

Happy Monday errrybody!

We'll be back to our regularly scheduled style later this week, so come back for that! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and got a chance to honor the man in your life (blood related or otherwise) who has been a father for you.

I hung out with this handsome guy....

Fantastically man-tastic pose.

This is vintage 3 piece suit perfection. Go ahead people, take all of this flyness in...

My dad is a super cool guy who is really silly and frequently cracks himself up with his jokes...clearly that's in my genes so it's totally not my fault that I do it too.

Successfully holding a baby and a birthday cake...that man can do it all!

I think the thing I admire most about my dad is how hard he works and his dedication. He always worked to provide for us and give us a good life. Things weren't always perfect, but we always had what we needed thanks to this dude. He's also quite creative. I think I get my affinity for all things interior design from him, he's good at that kinda stuff. I'm really blessed to have him.

That is one good looking family and one very distracted baby...

So basically what I'm saying is, my dad is the greatest. If you ever meet him, I guarantee you'll be his friend before you leave the room and you will have laughed at least 2.7 times for every minute that you're around him. He's just that kind of guy. Also, he's handsome...did I mention handsome?

How did you celebrate this weekend?

It's Heart out Here!

Happy Monday peeps! I hope your weekend was mighty fantastic!

I opted to enjoy the sunniness that was present in my two days off. Also present - temperatures above 90 degrees. I'm one who loves the ridiculously hot weather, so I didn't mind - white shorts and a kicky top helped me beat the heat! I didn't really beat it. I'm pretty sure it beat me, actually. By the end of the day I just laid out in my room with the air on, being completely unproductive. Yup...the heat won.

The black and white stripes interrupted by the dash of color on the heart and color are fun touches, but still keep the classic appeal.White shorts are quintessentially summer...this pair was a perfect find! Light fabric, not too short, not too long.

I'm not the type to wear my heart on my sleeve, but I will wear it on my chest. 

The sweetness of the shirt is cute, but to add a little edge I threw on this metallic bangle and some lattice strapped heels.

How did you beat the heat this weekend?

Top & Cuff: Forever 21
Shorts: Behind the Scenes Boutique
Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Beautiful Day in the Neighhhhhborhood

Happy Monday friends!

This past weekend was all types of fantastical weather-wise. I took to a remote city street, not too far from downtown, to takes some pics and happened upon an unexpected urban dweller. Stay with me, I shall explain.

I was in a relaxed mood so I dressed to reflect. And nothing says relaxed like a breezy tank and 4 inch pumps, right? Right!

"Life is Beautiful." And, apparently, so is the ground as I'm admiring it quite intently.

I was feeling a bit of an eighties vibe. I found some fantastic door knocker earrings at a vintage shop last weekend and I love them. They make me happy. Matched those w/ some graffiti-laden shoes and had a small motif happening.

A light, loose tank and loose fitting trousers are a great way to stay cool on a warm day. I loved these pants the moment I saw them. the relaxed fit and the elasticized cuffs at the bottom make em a little bit funky, no?

As my trusty photographer (hey mom!) and I were leaving, I spotted something you don't see everyday in the middle of a metropolitan area....

Howdy neighhh- bor! Get it? Because horses "neigh!" It's funny! (Note: It's not that funny)

So clearly I had to take this opportunity to get my "take yourself super seriously standing next to something odd but extra cool" fashion pose on:

Bam

 What's the weirdest thing you've run into in your city?

Tank: Forever 21
Pants: American Apparel (thrifted)
Shoes: Rachel Rachel Roy
Bracelets: Forever 21/H&M
Earrings: Vintage