Backtrack: Sentimentality

Hello Readers!

This week is my Spring Break! So far, it has been the epitome of relaxation. Going to my home church and then meeting with family on Sunday, meeting with my cousin (and friend!) Katie at my favorite coffee shop, and then catching up with a friend over dinner at delightful cafe. And today, sleeping in, writing a blog post- and then who knows! The world is my oyster.

This break is the perfect time for me to catch up with you all on this blog. I can't remember when the outfit from this particular post was taken, but I enjoyed the outfit so much that I wanted to make sure that it made its way onto this blog. Nothing spectacular, but very everyday and very comfortable. These pieces also hold sentimental value.

I look like sort of like a former A&F employee with those colors... oh wait, I am.

 The cardigan, with the ruffled detail, is a piece I purchased in the summer of 2009. I'm pretty sure I bought it at the St. Louis Galleria's J. Crew store the night before my first day of grad school orientation. And, in the 80+ degree weather, I wore this cardigan. This time, the weather was more appropriate.

I am thinking about across the forehead bangs. This was an exaggerated attempt with overgrown swoop bangs. 

The abstract grey and white patterned v-neck top is from an Ann Taylor Outlet store. I purchased it last spring while driving back to St. Louis from a conference in Milwaukee with my friend and fellow grad student Deanne. It was a piece I fell in love with instantly, and I was delighted to find it in a size that fit and flattered. 

I really like how the textures and colors of this outfit came together. The print of my blouse makes these neutrals a bit more interesting

Do you see that dainty gold and pearl necklace? This was a gift from parents to my late grandmother (my Dad's mom) and I inherited it while I was a student at the college where I currently teach. Of all the pieces of this outfit, this is one dearest to my heart. Every time I wear it I think about my memories of her and the lessons I learned from her life. She was an amazing woman!

Sentimentality and outfits seem to go hand in hand... for better or worse! I think I'll count this outfit as a "better" occasion. What do you think?

Retail Details:
Navy Cardigan with Ruffles: J. Crew
Abstract White and Grey Top: Ann Taylor Outlet
Grey Lace-Trim Tank: American Eagle Outfitters
Light Grey Chinos: Abercrombie and Fitch
Necklace: Gift
Light Brown Boots (not pictured): Ann Klein

Next to Normal

Hello Again Bloggers!

Originally I planned to drive home for Easter Break on Wednesday, but had to delay my plans because I came down with a migraine/throbbing headache earlier in the day.  Thankfully, my Public Speaking students were giving speeches, so I did not have to stand up or talk very much.  After I taught I went back to my apartment, shut all of the blinds, took medicine, and went to sleep.  When I woke up, I determined that it was too late to drive home and that driving 3 hours with a headache probably wasn't the best idea. So what did I do instead?

I went to a musical at The Fox!

The current musical playing at the Fox (I think the 24th was the last night), is called Next to Normal.  I didn't know very much about the show, but I heard positive reviews from various people on campus and on The Fabulous Fox's website, I saw that the musical and the lead of the musical were both award-winners.

I tried to sneak a picture of the set! It was a three-story cross section of a house and the band was on the sides of the second and third level.

This was the second time that I attended a show at the Fox alone- which sounds terrible but I actually enjoyed it!  Yes, I would rather go with friends and share the experience with them, but going alone affords the luxury of spontaneity (I bought the tickets 3 hours before the show), and alone I felt like I was able to connect with the show even more.  I was more aware of my fellow audience members, more aware of little things on stage (the set was amazing!), and more entrenched in the story.

The story, I felt, was written well, and each of the leads were excellent actors who played roles that were believable and vulnerable. Most of the singing was great, except for the lead, played by Alice Ripley (who won a Tony award for this role).  She did such a great job acting the part of Diana, but when she sang her voice revealed what sounded like a lot of damage.  The night of the show, her voice was flat and sounded ridden with vocal nodes.  It was painful to listen to, and I imagine that it was painful for her to sing.  I really hope that she is able to rest her voice and get better soon!

So- what did I wear to the show?

Retail Details:

Off-White Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch

Beaded Leather Belt: Anthropologie

Green Silk Strapless Dress (with a bubble hem): Banana Republic

Off-White and Beige Spectators: Seychelles