Sleepy Monday (plus, a little "over the weekend" too)

Oh Monday, you are a cruel mistress...

Blazer: Van Heusen via thrift (2.00)

Striped Shirt: H&M (24.00)

Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters (gift)

Shoes: Target (6.99 sale)

Necklace: H&M (9.00)

Ring: Forever 21 (3.00)

Did everyone manage to drag themselves to work on time this morning? I barely made it. I was definitely still in vacation mode, which made it seriously hard to wake-up and also informed my fashion choices: I just wanted something comfortable and easy. I love the relaxed, boxy fit of this boys blazer and coupled with the super stretchy skinny jeans, I almost felt like I was wearing pajamas! I've been wearing these flats a lot lately too, I love how the pointy toe makes up for the flat shape and adds some length to my legs. I've been searching for a pair of decent (I have high standards) heels forever, so until I find them, the pointy toe flats will have to do!

I'm grouping my "Over the Weekend" post in with this one, because I don't have much photographic evidence. My brother and his girlfriend came down from Maine for a visit, and on Sunday we went to Boston:

We ate bagels and window shopped.

Misty Morning

So, this outfit is kind of a rehash from Monday's but I figured I could get away with it because I'm on vacation?

Shirt: Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue via thrift (3.00)

Cardigan: H&M (16.00)

Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters (gift)

Shoes: hand-me-down Dexter's from Adria (free)

Necklaces: H&M and J.Crew ($9-14)

This field is one if my favorite places at my mother's house and today it looked beautiful in the mist. I love foggy mornings, and today the fog lasted all day, perfect weather in my opinion. I love how everything looks a little more saturated on foggy days

So far my week has been relaxing, nice because tomorrow (Thanksgiving) will be just about the polar opposite. Chris and I are from the same geographical area, which means we have a lot of family to visit. I'm excited though, I love Thanksgiving! I think it's one of my favorite holidays because it's more about enjoying the company of people you love, whereas Christmas has become so consumer based. I won't go into the whole Christmas tirade, but I have been thinking a lot about what I'm thankful for lately. I tend to complain about a lot of stuff but in the end I know I am lucky to have what I have. So, in the spirit of the holiday, a top ten:

I am thankful that...

1. I have a job I can complain about in a time when many of us don't.

2. I have clothes on my back.

3. I have a car that gets me where I want to go.

4. I have a family to visit and spend time with.

5. I have leftovers to eat.

6. I have a few good friends who understand me.

7. I can go to the doctor if I am sick.

8. I have a significant other who I can fall back on for support.

9. I have a warm apartment to go home to.

10. I have options.

So, my wonderful readers, what are you thankful for this year?

Daily Style...

This week's Daily Style posts will be considerably more casual... because I'm on Vacation!

Shirt: Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue via thrift (3.00)

Skirt: American Apparel via thrift (8.00)

Shoes: hand-me-down Dexter's from Adria (free)

Bag: Vintage Dooney & Bourke via Thrift (7.00)

Belt: Vintage via gift from Mom

Scarf: Thrift (.50)

Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)

First off, I'm gonna nip this right in the bud: Yes, that is a pot leaf on my belt. This belt has been mine since the seventh grade when my mom and I discovered it at an antique shop. I was super interested (read: obsessed) with the late 60's and hippie culture (I still own many of my mother's hand-made dresses from that time in history) when I was younger, so this belt fit the bill with it's hand-tooled leather, brass, and vague drug reference. It may not be everyones cup of tea, but you have to admit: it's pretty awesome.

My shirt is something I found last week when I was in Maine for work (I love worn in flannel), fitting because I drove back to Maine today! I'm now at my mom's house for the week, and I'm so happy to be here! This week is not only a small reprieve from my normal schedule but also marks the near-end of my travel season for work! Yay, no more living out of suitcases! I have to say I am looking forward to that last part the most, I have really felt like a one trick pony the last few weeks with my outfits! I can't wait to re-discover my closet!

This afternoon I met up with my brother for coffee, and he was nice enough to take some pictures of me at the scenic train station in town (thanks, John!). In return I took a picture of him:

And now I'm posting it on the internet.

Daily Style...

Maine is always on my mind...

Dress: American Apparel (49.00)

Scarf: Unknown... super old, probably free.

Belt: Gift from friend (thanks, Claudia!)

Tights: Vera Wang for Kohl's (7.00)

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell (39.00 sale)

I'm really digging this scarf look lately, it adds pattern and interest almost like jewelry would, but adds an unexpected twist. I wore this outfit up to Portland, Maine today to visit a high school for work, I wasn't expecting the day to go well because I left later than I wanted too, but everything ended up working out perfectly! I love days like today, and they sure have been few and far between lately!

I had two presentations scheduled for this school and about two hours in between them, it turns out that this high school is only a few blocks away from where my late Grandmother used to live, so I decided to take a drive by her house and around the neighborhood. It was kind of neat to see all the houses I remembered from when I was a little kid (I don't think I had been in her neighborhood since I was 14 or 15), and also to see that the new owners of her house hadn't changed much about it. Afterwards I made a quick stop at the Salvation Army that's down the street, I have such good memories of this area from when I was younger! My mom's stylish friend once took me to this Salvation Army when I was 12 (?), and I remember going there also as a teenager once I got my license. Both of my parents grew up in Portland and would always tell me about their memories of certain areas when we would drive through. Being in Portland always makes me miss Maine a lot, it's such a nice city!

To add to my good day, when I returned to my office this afternoon, I found out that my visit for tomorrow cancelled which means that I can get all of my paperwork done before I go to Philadelphia this weekend and before Thanksgiving break... and I also don't have to wake up at 5:00 am again! Yay!

What I (Wish) I Was Wearing...

A Coat Above The Rest $ 99.99

Frill & Grace Dress $79.99

Edie Wedgewick Shoes $159.99

The Paleontologist Tote $39.99

Make a Scene Tights $29.99

Bunny Hop Necklace $39.99

All items via ModCloth.com

I had one of those days again today, I was up at 4:30 am this morning on my way to work in New Hampshire for the day, so my outfit post just didn't happen. So instead, I'm posting what I wish I could be wearing. I have quite a few events coming up in the next month and a half or so and I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to wear (or, what the hell am I going to weaaaar!!!). Most of these events- gallery shows, family dinners, blogger meet-ups, holiday parties- take place during the day, so this outfit isn't as glitzy as your typical holiday ensemble, but I still think it's festive. A lot of these events are taking place in the city too, and I would love to not have to be relegated to flats but I need something I can walk in: these wedges seem like they would be walkable and arthritis-friendly! And best of all, the dress has a hood!

Daily Style...

Top: J.Crew (20.00? really old)

Skirt: Target (16.00)

Belt: Thrift (1.00)

Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)

Shoes: Target (6.99 sale)

Bracelet: Gift

Picture Taker: Chris

I look exhausted here, to tell you the truth I haven't been feeling that great for the past couple of days, and it's taken a lot of effort to do even the most mundane things- all I want to do is curl up on the couch. This outfit is perfect for the kind of day where I just want to be comfortable but have to work (like today): the skirt has an elastic waist and this cotton shirt is one of my favorites. I'll probably wear this again this weekend for my work-trip to Philadelphia for National Portfolio Day. Wow, I'm really struggling with things to say here, maybe that's the downside of blogging in the morning? In any case, happy Tuesday!

Daily Style (weekend edition)...

Sweater: H&M (16.00)

Skirt: American Apparel via Plato's Closet (8.00)

Shoes: Tag Sale (2.00)

Scarf: Mom's

Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)

Belt: Flea Market (2.00)

Purse: Vintage Coach via thrift (20.00)

Picture taker: Chris

This weekend was decidedly low key, it was just nice to finally be home. I wore this outfit on Sunday to run errands with my sweetheart- nothing crazy just out to get groceries, etc. The skirt is one of many that I found this past week in Albany, NY. I love the difficult color... Chartreuse? Avocado? Brown? No idea, but I'm finding that this scarf matches almost everything I own, so it works. I've been a teensy bit obsessed with little brown bags lately too, have you noticed? I'm so happy to be back to (almost) regular posting, everything feels off if I can't get a post up (plus, I feel guilty). Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Daily Style...

Sorry these are kind of blurry...

Shirt: Gap (35.00 sale)

Skirt: Target (16.00)

Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)

Shoes: Target (6.99 sale)

Belt: Vintage (gift)

Bag: Vintage Cole Haan (2.99)

Photos taken by Adria, thanks!

I'm sorry, I know I've been a terrible blogger lately. Since I've basically been in New York for two weeks, I've been living out of a suitcase- which, as you may imagine- is rather uninspiring. Today I had something to look forward to though: I got to drive home! I'm so happy to be back in my own space! I did make a pit stop on my drive though, I had made plans to meet Adria in Northampton, MA for lunch. And of course it's impossible for me to go to Northampton and just see one friend, by the time the night was over, we had gathered Ashley, Elise, Justin, and Ned! Consequently, I arrived home much later than expected, but now that I'm here, I'm happy to be sitting on my own couch. Albany was fun, but I missed my apartment! This trip marked the end of my week-long travel, now it's the home stretch, almost done! I hope you all have a great weekend and posting will be back to normal starting Monday, yay!

Art Notes...

All images ©Julie O'Boyle

I hope everyone enjoyed their Veterans Day! For me, it was so nice to be able to do something substantial. This morning I decided to trek out to North Adams, MA for a visit to Mass MoCa (aka: the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art). The drive between Albany and North Adams is beautiful (if you avoid the highway like I did) and reminded me so much of where my Dad lives in New Hampshire, I love mountain roads (I saw the most amazing sunset on the ride back!). The Mass MoCa galleries are located in a historic mill building with beautiful high ceilings and huge windows. Today there was a lot of video installation and my favorite artist out of all that was shown was Guy Ben-Ner. Ben-Ner recreates classic stories like Moby Dick and Don Quixote and often uses his family as co-stars. I added his "Moby Dick" piece below. This was my favorite video -I love it when artists don't take themselves too seriously- and his daughter is so cute! It's a long video but well worth taking the time to view- this is actually just Part 1 if you wish to watch the rest, Part 2 will come up at the end- enjoy!

"Daily Style" will resume tomorrow!

Daily Style/Thrift Extravaganza!

Dress: American Apparel (43.00)

Tights: TjMaxx (5.99)

Shoes: Urban Outfitters (19.99)

Belt: Thrift (2.00)

Necklaces: H&M and J.Crew

Sorry for not posting yesterday, the past two days have been so hectic! I was running around all day yesterday working but I did manage a stop at the American Apparel outlet (...yes, they do exist) where I picked up this cute shirt-dress. I've been eyeing this style for some time now and couldn't pass it up- I love how simple it is and it will be an easy all season piece. After spending all of last week in Fishkill, I'm now in Albany until Friday. Today has been an exciting day, this evening I met up with Jen from JenLovesKev for some shopping and dinner! Jen is amazingly sweet and friendly, and it was so neat to actually be able to meet her in person, especially since she's been crazy busy with her big move! I'm sorry for the low quality images below, but I wanted to show what I got! Our first stop was Plato's Closet and then we went on to Goodwill. After all was said and done I snagged five skirts, a dress, two belts, a quilted purse, and a mixing bowl for under $60!

Hair-do How-to #1

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was relaxing, and consequently, I really don't have much to share! I'm back in Fishkill for another week in upstate New York. I'm posting this a little early because I've got a busy day of work tomorrow. I've received a lot of questions on how I do my various hairstyles so I decided to try doing a video post to show you all! So, here it is:

So, be gentle- it's my first try! Let me know if you have any suggestions for future videos!

I'm poor. Let's pretend I'm not.

Love, love, love...

"Oxford Wedge" (168.00) via FreePeople.com

I've recently come to the sad realization that I can not wear heels without being in excruciating pain. I made the mistake of bringing a pair to New York with me this past week, and made the further mistake of actually attempting to wear them. Bad news bears. By the time 1 o'clock rolled around, my knees had swelled to the size of grapefruits and amputation would have been a welcome relief from the searing hurt coursing throughout my entire body. You might be thinking I'm being dramatic, but I assure you: I'm not. This whole course of events saddened me, I like how heels look. I think they put a certain polish on most outfits. Enter these babies. Maybe I'm fooling myself by thinking these wouldn't be so bad because they're wedges. I don't know. In any case, they're beautiful. Want. Covet. Love.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who left such kind and supporting comments in my last post. I really wasn't having a good day, and hearing from all of you really brightened things up! Thank you to everyone who reads my ramblings- you are all amazing!

Daily Style (or: Worst Day Ever)....

Ugh...I hated today...

Hat: Burton (chris')

Flannel: Hand-me-down

Cardigan: H&M (16.00)

Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters (gift)

Shoes: DIY

...But flannel makes everything better!

Oh, today was one of those days! Did you know that there are three John Jay High Schools in New York? Yep, me neither and neither did Googlemaps. I was happy to get back to my hotel this afternoon and schlepp around in my favorite flannel.

To answer a couple of questions left in yesterday's comments:

Q: Kayla said...Do you live in Fishkill now or are you from Fishkill?

A: Kayla, I'm actually in Fishkill on business. After reading how I worded my explanation of my wherabouts from yesterday, i realise I was pretty confusing!

Q: Tara said...Are you still in Fishkill?? I grew up near there! GO TO DIA BEACON! It's the most amazing art space. I could list a ton of things to do if you want! The Hudson Valley is great this time of year.

A: I am still in Fishkill and would love some recommendations on things to do! Thanks!

Daily Style...

Dress: Forever 21 (7.00 sale)

Scarf: hand-me-down from Mom

Belt: hand-me-down from friend

Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)

Shoes: Tag Sale (1.00)

Bag: thrifted vintage Cole Haan (2.00)

After wearing pretty much the same thing all weekend, it was nice to actually wear something different. I remember coveting this scarf of my mothers as a child, always using it to play dress up. After less than 24 hours at home, I'm now in Fishkill, New York. I was supposed to be here for two straight weeks, but after being home and then leaving so abruptly, I decided to return for the weekend. Even though traveling is part of my job, being away so often makes me feel like a bad girlfriend and a bad cat-mama. Chris and I did get to go to breakfast this morning, it was nice to be able to spend at least a little time together.

Also, a big thank you to Fashion Therapist and Marta Castellanos for the blog awards! Since both awards have basically the same rules, I've combined them. So, seven random things about me:

1. I love rockabilly and psychobilly music.

2. I have a pretty severe fear of flying.

3. I love watching large flocks of small birds.

4. I love to bake pies.

5. When I'm on the road for work, I love watching trashy T.V. (right now I'm watching "The Secret Lives of Women on WE).

6. I listen to Queen when I clean my house.

7. I have arthritis in both of my knees.

Now it's your turn! Tell me something about yourself!

Over the Weekend (or: My Weekend With Elvis)...

This weekend was quite the whirlwind! Friday, I flew down to Tennessee for work. My first stop was Memphis, where I went here:

At Sun Studios...

And then I drove to Nashville...

I wish I had had more time in Nashville, but after my event was over i really just had time to get changed and go for dinner on 2nd Street. I'm so glad I was able to visit Graceland and Sun Studios in Memphis though,but I wish I could have done so much more (Stax Records, The National Civil Rights Museum...). Tennessee was great, but I was very happy to get back to New England this afternoon. Tomorrow I leave for New York, where I will be stationed for two weeks (agh)!