More Adventures: Parks, Art, and Cookies

Here are a few more pictures, and an additional outfit, from the week of Kellie's visit to St. Louis. These pictures are actually from Kellie's first day, when we explored Forest Park's Jewel Box and Art Museum. When Kellie and I studied abroad, in Madrid, one of the places we frequented on a regular basis was Retiro, a refreshing park located amidst the hustle and bustle of la ciudad. While St. Louis has less hustle and bustle than the metropolitan madness of Madrid, Forest Park is still offers a welcoming respite to its visitors. Since Kellie had an eventful morning before arriving in St. Louis (waking up early, landing in Atlanta, and navigating Lambert), I thought that Forest Park would provide a soothing introduction to this great city that I currently call home. (Don't worry Mom, St. Louis is just my sort of home).

The first picture (above) was taken in the art museum, through one of the interesting looking glasses in the basement of the museum. Just after this photo was taken, after a 2-3 minute interlude of trying to make creative poses, Kellie and I were caught off guard by a few museum workers who burst through the doors behind us. (Well, they didn't quite burst through, but their sudden arrival did surprise us).

Below is a picture of the first reunion of The Tres Amigas since May of 2008! After my night class, Rachel (center) and Kellie and I caught up and reminisced over giant peanut butter cookies from Great Harvest Bread Company. Here we are:

PS- I also wore this shirt, and belt, on a separate occasion when I went to the Missouri Botanical Gardens with my office roommate, Emily. Here is the ensemble that these items went with:

(George Washington Carver and I admiring a plant)

Emerald Green Silk/Cashmere Cardigan: Martin & Osa

Ivory Ruffled Button-Up ("Bits of Pearl") Blouse: Odille, purchased at Anthropologie (currently in the sale section)

Brown Furrowed Belt: Anthropologie

Charcoal-Grey Tank Top: Abercrombie & Fitch

Medium-Dark Rinse Straight-Fit Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch

Silver Flats: American Eagle Outfitters (from last year, but currently available online)

Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie. . .

("Photo Opportunity"- Thank you Budweiser Brewery!)

Hello Bloggers!

It's been a while since my last post, the last few weeks have been a bit busy. As some of you may know, one of my dear friends, Kellie, came to St. Louis for a visit last week! She, along with my other dear friend Rachel, were my closest friends during the semester I spent at SLU Madrid. It's been nearly 2.5 years since the last adventure of the "Tres Amigas," so our reunion was well overdue.

Even though I've lived in St. Louis for over a year, there is still so much of the city that I still need to explore. During Kellie's visit, for example, we went to the top of the Arch. Of all the things to do in St. Louis, I can't believe that it's taken me this long to actually do!

Anyways, it was great to catch up with Kellie (and Rachel), and to explore St. Louis! Some of our favorite spots were: The Gateway Arch, The City Museum, The Missouri Botanical Gardens, Bailey's Chocolate Bar, and the Budweiser Brewery. If you ever visit St. Louis, or live in/near St. Louis, I highly recommend each of these attractions.

(Kellie and I with a friendly Park Ranger at the Arch)

During this time, I also got to put together some ensembles that I thought I should share with you, my readers. This particular post includes the outfit that I wore to the Arch, the Budweiser Brewery tour, and a brief tour of SLU. From head to toe, this outfit included:

Ivory Craft & Creation Cowl-neck: Deletta (from Anthro, this season)

Turquoise lace-trim tank top: American Eagle (from two years ago- one of my favs)

Greenish-Blue Glass Pendant: purchased on eBay

Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (from many seasons ago, also one of my favs)

SLR Camera Bag: Tamrac

Jeans: Martin & Osa (last season, RIP)

Shoes: American Eagle Outfitters (also from two years ago)

(SLU's mascot, the Billikin, and I)

I bought It. . .

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever dreamt of the perfect jacket? Perhaps more than dreamt- have you ever imagined the cut, color, and details of a jacket that would suit you oh-so-perfectly? When you go to the mall, or browse the Internet, that jacket (or other item of clothing) is nowhere to be found, and you end up settling for something close to the masterpiece you once imagined.

Well, last Saturday, when I entered Anthropologie, I saw the jacket of my dreams - and after trying it on, I bought it. A cool, neutral, early tone of soft wool, lined in a fun print, and surrounded by ruffles and buttons and elegantly bursting with chic confidence. Let me introduce you to my once-imagined dream jacket, the Cream Confection Jacket from Anthropologie:

As the weather cools down in St. Louis, I will hopefully post pictures of me, wearing this gem of a jacket.

Well, I've found my dream jacket- what dream item of clothing is at the top of your shopping list this Fall?

The End of Summer and the Beginning of Fall (Semester)

While the summer season persists (with high temperatures and humidity), summer ended for me and many this week. Yes, summer is over and the school year is here. I've looked forward to the first week of school almost every year of my academic career, but this year I looked forward to this week for a new reason because this year I am teaching! This summer, I was able to work as a swim instructor (the best summer job!)- but this is my first time as an instructor at the college level. I am (only) a TA, but I get to teach 2 sections of Public Speaking this year. So far, I've had two sessions, and each of those sessions have gone really well! I'm sure that I'll talk about this more in the future, but I mention this change/opportunity as an explanation in some changes that you will see in my blog. In addition to the casual outfits I usually post, I will also post outfits that are more professional and work-appropriate. So. . . something new to look forward to!!!

In other news, I recently moved into a new apartment! This is another change that you may notice in my future posts. I feel much safer in my new apartment, and it is so much quieter- I love it!

More about this outfit that you see above and below. . . I believe that I took this picture when I first began packing. I should explain that the inner tubes (from Target) are used because I was deflating them, and I realized that they went well with my shirt; and the goggles (in the photo below, by Speedo) were in the same closet as the inner tubes. Because staying hydrated is an important summer priority, I also threw in a bottle of sparking raspberry-lime water from Trader Joe's. Everything else is fairly normal, but I thought explanations of the unusual items were needed- just in case any of you were concerned that I "lost my marbles" so to speak. Anyways, the first photo reflects my new favorite outfit. As August cools down, my jeans are marking more and more appearances with lightweight summer shirts that have been staple items of this summer. I could wear this outfit to dinner with friends, shopping, or even at a family get-together. Here's the run-down of this outfit:

Fake pearl earrings- Target

Rhinestone bib necklace- American Eagle Outfitters (currently on clearance for 7 dollars)

Pale blue, pleated, knit top- C. Keer (from Anthropologie)

White lace tank top- Aerie (Summer 2009)

Dark rinse skinny jeans- Abercrombie & Fitch ("Erin" fit)

Purple and blue flip flops- Ipanema (very, very comfortable!)

For those of you starting new semesters, preparing to start new semesters, and for anyone getting ready for the upcoming change in season- I wish you all fresh beginnings and renewed enthusiasm! And, as always, remember to stay hydrated!

Revisions. . .

Hello!

Well, we've made it to August! The summer heat seems to be more extreme than ever, but thankfully, I have spent the first two days of August at home (3 hours north of St. Louis). Before leaving St. Louis for the cooler air of Peoria (well, 10 degrees cooler), I sort of/kind of repeated an outfit that I posted a few weeks ago. I say sort of/kind of because I was wearing the same outfit, but the heat index prompted me to make a slight adjustment. This isn't really too weird, but since I'm a novice blogger, I thought I should preface this outfit posting incase and of you wondered "oh hey, did I see this outfit before?"

The answer is- yes, kind of/sort of. Anyways, here is my revised outfit:

Dust-Rose top: Deletta (from Anthropologie)

Charcoal, lace-trim tank top: American Eagle Outfitters

White skirt: Abercrombie and Fitch

Book: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley (The title, written in the 1700s is a bit misleading, it's really a guide for "walking the walk" of Christianity, written by one of the founders of the Methodist denomination).

Well readers, I hope that August is treating you well. Keep cool and stay hydrated!!!

Stay Cool and Stay Stylish!

Greetings Readers!

Oh my- it's almost August, can you believe it? July flew by so quickly that so much of it seems like a blur. An event that I DO remember quite well took place on July 10th- my friend Erin's wedding! This day was wonderful for so many reasons- a beautiful ceremony between two wonderful people, a re-gathering of high school friends, dancing (and being asked to dance), and wedding cake. Also, having a ladybug land on my arm- which is apparently good luck!

Another thing that I remember about this occasion was the outfit I wore (of course!). Here's a bit of info. on this ensemble:

-CZ post earrings: Target

-Jeweled-bib necklace: American Eagle Outfitters (currently on clearance)

-Watercolor-silk dress: Donna Morgan (available at Nordstrom)

-Antique bracelet: ebay.com

I am in love with this dress! I wore it to a wedding in March and paired it with a cardigan, a ribbon (around my waist) and teal tights (pictured below, with my friend Sarah, who was also at the wedding). Before the summer ends, I must find another occasion that calls for this dress- any suggestions?

Until next time readers- stay cool and stay stylish!

Mid-Summer Jean Appearance

Good Morning Readers!

This has been one hectic summer: taking a summer class (Qualitative Research Methods), working as a research assistant, teaching swimming lessons, trips home for birthdays, weddings, and such- and these commitments seem to have taken a toll on the time I spend on this blog. Is summer supposed to be this busy? The picture above reflects my current state of mind (stressed and pressed for time), and the current state of hair (frizzy- which is why I'm rocking the waves).

The outfit above features items from some of my favorite stores and these items are as follows:

-Navy Blue Printed Tote: Abercrombie & Fitch

-Dusty-Rose Cross-Over Tank: Anthropologie

-Grey Lace-Trim Tank: American Eagle Outfitters

-Dark Rinse Erin Skinny Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch

-Dark Silver Pointed Flats: Nine West

The weather in St. Louis has been quite brutal. It seems that each day carries heat advisory upon heat advisory- a forecast that banishes any possibility of skinny jeans (except maybe in the air-conditioned safety of the classroom where my night class takes place). Anyways- on Friday there was a brief respite from the heat, and I was able to wear my skinny jeans! :)

Well, Readers- stay cool this summer!