When the Happiness Melts Away

This is a terribly tough post to write.  I'm writing this before I even start telling my extended family and even friends what is going on in my life.  I hope to have written down some of my feelings in this post, in order to help articulate myself better when I do tell my family and friends.  Although, most definitely I will be telling my family my news before I hit the publish button.

Ok, so here it goes.  My husband Zach and I are getting divorced.  As shocked as you all might be to hear it, most of my friends weren't all that shocked by the news.  My blog is meant to be my sanctuary of all things fun, happy, and cute.  Being a cute married couple used to be part of that.  But after the past year and a half things had gone sour and I hate to admit this to the world, but I fell out of love with my husband.  It's the worst feeling in the world to have to admit to that.  I lost tons of sleep as I contemplated divorce in my mind for the last few months.  My weight dropped almost 10 pounds, and my happiness was just gone.  I found refuge in a lot of my friends.  They may not have known everything that had gone on behind closed doors, but they had an idea.  My happiness needs to be the forefront of my mind.  And even though it will be tough being single since I haven't been on my own....well ever....I look forward to this next chapter in my life.  It will include school again, freedom to do as I wish when I wish, and lots of heat and serve meals (joking about that last bit).

There is no easy thing about divorce and it's the scariest step I'm ever going to make in my lifetime.  Zach was a huge part of my life and I love his family as much as my own so I would hope to never have to say goodbye to them forever.  I'm going to conclude this by stating the fact that divorce is a huge suckfest.  I might be emotionally ready for this, but the stress of everything will be daunting.

***Regular posting on my blog  should commence on Saturday.

Philly We Loved You!!

 

These photos are just of Eastern State Penitentiary, but enjoy the adventurous tales of our whole trip to Philly:)

Our time in Philadelphia was too brief, but we managed to have an awesome time...despite the crappy weather.  We arrived Friday afternoon and settled into our hotel for a couple of hours and then skitted off to south Philadelphia to head to a cute vintage shop and then we headed to a bar for drinks.  While there I drunkenly watched Slap Shot for about an hour and just laughed.  Then we went to Franklin Fountain per Veronika's suggestion before meeting up with her and her husband at a cool cantina for more drinks, food and chit-chatting.  It was pouring rain and just crazy trying to drive around there, but in the end it was a great first night in Philadelphia. 

On the day of Riot Fest we had to kill a few hours before the show, so we thought, "why not visit Eastern State Penitentiary?"  I am obsessed with Ghost Hunters and they've visited that place twice before, so it made perfect sense for me to go over there and experience some of (if any) the super natural.  Sadly, the only thing I came away with was a somber empathic feeling.  It was quite depressing, but the building itself was very beautiful (for a prison anyways).  Lots of windows along corridors, a beautiful synagogue and the fortress wall was made of glistening stones.

Our next stop was Riot Fest.  Zach and I actually got reacquainted at a show (nearly 9 years ago) so we have always had a common bond over musical taste.  Each year we try to fit in a few concerts and this year we got lucky and we were able to see about 5 great punk/hardcore bands all at once!!! I'll do a special mixtape post later this week and share some music with you all.

And that's that!  It was a terrific trip which would've been even better if it was longer.

The Scenic Eastern Shore

Before I hit the streets of Philidelphia and enjoy some fun times I thought I'd do a quick post with pictures I took earlier today while on the Eastern Shore.  The Eastern Shore is basically a long  peninsula that stretches from Delaware to Virginia with beautiful scenic lookouts.  I've always wanted to take a detour to a lookout so that's just what we decided to do. 

It was also so peaceful to listen to the sandpiper birds milling around on the beach and the breezy air blowing off the waters.  It was nice to sit and watch for a few minutes before we had to get back on the road. 

And just in case you are wondering, this is my go-to look for any type of travel.  Some super stretchy jeans and a loose top.  Its perfect for staying comfy while stuck in a car for about 6 hours and its also kind of stylish...if I do say so myself.  It's also a good look to sport while tromping around town and stepping into bars for a cold yummy beer:)  It's vacation after all!!

Top, H&M

Jeans, Forever21

Steve Madden Brogues, Plato's Closet

Vintage Necklace, Thrifted

Getting Snappy

The other day last week Zach and I took a little walk around our neighborhood and decided to take pictures along the way.  Not just outfit photos, but scenic photos.  I bought Zach this mini Diana camera last year as a bit of a surprise gift and for the first time this summer I finally remembered to take it along for a little trip.  It's such a cool little gadget and it takes really neat photos.  The only downside is, I have to send out the film to be processed since the local camera shop closes too damn early to be of any use to anybody.

Anyways, it was also fairly hot that day, which is why I'm wearing a summery frock, as opposed to the autumnal ones I've been wearing.  This dress was a second hand gift from one of my best buddies, Brittany.  She thought it was too short on her, so it was gifted to me.  Now I am wondering if this is a tad too short on me since I'm about 2 inches taller than Brittany.  Hmmm...well I think it's okay anyways.  Those darn Forever 21 dresses have a way of being confused as a dress, a tunic, or a top so it's up to us to make the better judgement...or lack there of hehe..

Oh and lets all have a moment of silence for these pretty brown shoes.  A little monster named Archie took a chuck out my perfect Brazilian leather shoes so now they are no more.  I'm shedding a tear just thinking about it.

Forever21 Dress, 2nd Hand

Vintage Flats, Thrifted--no more

Vintage Necklace, Flea Market

Vintage Camera Bag, Thrifted

Booking it To Brooklyn

This past Sunday while in NY, I decided to book it to Brooklyn with Zach and his uncle and take a trip to the Brooklyn Flea and then the Brooklyn Brewery.  My dress was a tad bit too fancy for such an excursion, so I threw on a denim jacket for an instant casual look.  I actually ended up totally in love with this outfit!!  Not to prissy and not too laid back.  The dress is actually something I purchased with a ShopBop gift certificate that  I won through a giveaway and its my first purchase from the Madewell line.  It's silk and soft and I can't wait to see what it will look like with dark tights for winter:)

The trip to Brooklyn was quite an ordeal only because the easiest train to get there ended up being closed for the weekend, so we ended up taking a very long subway which then led to a very long bus ride.  I was groggy from zero caffeine and just about ready to kill someone, then we got dropped at our stop about 15 feet away from a little cafe that served coffee from the sidewalk:)  So coffee in hand I was able to meander the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg with Zach and his uncle and had a ton of fun playing dress up in the vintage!!  Then we headed to the Brooklyn Brewery and got some yummy beer and enjoyed a very educational tour.  Yup, it was awesome!!  Of course, since we went to the brewery I also had to take a mini trip to Beacon's Closet where I found an awesome vintage Coach tote and striped vintage sweater:) 

Yup!! So that was my busy fun filled Sunday!!! (I miss NY)

Dress, Madewell

Denim Jacket, Gap

Vintage Belt, Thrifted

Swap.com Bag, ModSwap Party

Flats, UO

Greetings From New York!!!

I've been on a brief hiatus from blogging for a quick trip to NYC and just wanted to pop on the blog and say hello! I've been busy running around doing fun stuff, shopping, and lots of meeting new people. It's just so fantastic!! So happy to meet all the new people at the Mod Swap and then the Stylish Picnic. Great times!!

Photos coming soon!

Its A Wrap!!!

Sometimes I just want to put on a wrap dress and call it a day.  Today was one of those days I suppose.  I've already worn this dress about four times since I got it 12 days ago and its quickly becoming one of my favorite dresses.  The best part about the dress is the ties are so thin you can easily put a belt around the waist of the dress to give it a little more interest. 

To add more to my ultra easy dress I put on some cute vintage wedges and then put little pigtail buns on my head for some whimsy.  I've been more inspired to actually do my hair lately and I'm kind of liking this!  I  lived in this hairstyle when I was 14 years ago.  I think I was mimicking one of the girls from Sweet Valley High or something when I got obsessed with cutesy hair styles.  Which probably means I'm too old to put my hair like this.  Meh...I don't really care. 

So my plans for Labor Day are funtastic!!  I'll be heading to a baseball game with Zach and my Dad and then later on Zach and I will be going to his mom's place to watch House Hunters since Zach's Uncle Norman will be on the episode!!!  I'm so excited to see someone I know on TV and then see how they edit someone's personality for "reality".  They proclaimed Norman as "opinionated" so lets get see:)

Jacket, Thrifted

Dress, Thrifted

Shoes, Friendly Fox Vintage

Belt, UO

Cooped Up for Irene

So I've been cooped up in the apartment waiting out the storm and I've become quite bored.  We still have power so I figured I'd use good use of the electricity by doing a quick blog post:)  I got dressed up just for the fun of it and made a very bright outfit.  I've had this pretty Liberty of London for Target tunic sitting in my closet for ages and thought it'd be fun to sport it on an ultra stormy day.

And just to give you all a glimpse into my day, I've been busy doing house work since I haven't much to distract me and also I've been watching the news covered via internet streaming and radio.  So far we have flooded streets and a water main break in our area, but we're safe and sound in our cozy apartment.  Taking the dogs outside is quite the chore though.  Nothing is fun about that.  Hahaha...And they don't appreciate it either:)

If you all are on the east coast, stay safe and dry!!!  Hopefully I'll be back to regular photos and what not more sooner than later.  The streets are lined with debris and branches and clean up may take a while in our neighborhood.

Tunic, Target
Vintage Shoes, Thrifted
Cuckoo Clock Necklace, Jaclyn1423
Hat, UO

Sweating Patchouli

 

Is it a dress or a top?  I think my friend Ashley told me she used to play this game in Forever21 or somewhere like that.  These are the clothes which you're just not sure whether its for a small child or a scandalous lady who enjoys having almost all of her legs exposed.  Take this, for what I assume to be a tunic, for example.  I picked it up in the vintage section at the thrift store and pondered for a moment if I could indeed wear it as a dress.  I could imagine myself wearing it as a tent dress with sandals and just soaking up the summer sun whilst sipping on a cool drink.

Sadly, this was totally not fit for being worn as a dress.  I was saddened at first but figured I'd go balls to the walls hippie and wear my biggest bell bottoms with it and some chunky platforms to bring out the late sixties vibe from the handmade tunic.  It worked to my advantage I think.  It was even a perfect outfit to wear in the 110 degree heat, because the clothes barely touched my body.

Anyways, that is the long winded story of my outfit.  As for the rest of the story, I wore this look out to visit my friend Brittany for coffee at this new little cafe called Cafe Stella.  Oh my goodness, I've never had such awesome coffee.  It was so so good.  I ordered myself a french pressed iced coffee (my fave drink at the moment) and a delicious vegetarian frittata.  And just look at the pretty set up they have!!  The eclectic decor was charming, to say the least.  If you live in Norfolk or in the Ghent neighborhood I'd definitley point you to Cafe Stella for an excellent brewed cup of coffee. 

Vintage 60s Tunic-handmade, Thrifted
H&M Bell Bottoms, Thrifted
Platforms, Forever21 via TJ Maxx
Plarn Bag, Plarn it All
Belt and Bracelet, Thrifted