Be Free

Yesterday, my dear friend Amber and I did some exploring up in Bucks County. It was raining but the earth was vibrant nonetheless. The park was almost completely silent except for a few diehard runners and some deer, which we came to befriend. (The deer kind of terrified us at first, that is, until we realized what they were.) Amber is an incredibly talented photographer-- she somehow managed to get a smile out of me. (Sneaky.) Seriously though, check out her work. 

xo,

e.m.

Autumn Sunset

There is nothing more beautiful than an autumn sunset. Living slightly north and the teensiest bit east of Center City makes for some spectacular views of the sun floating and descending over the Philadelphia skyline. It was a bit distracting while we were taking these photos but isn't that rosy tint the loveliest?

xo,

e.m.

coat/ F21, jeans/ H&M, bodysuit/ American Apparel, bag/ vintage, shoes/ Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn, hat/ Cov-ver, necklace/ 14th & Union, watch/ Michael Kors, sunglasses/ Prada

*photos by Danielle Conyers

Dark Blue

It's been rainy, windy, and wonderful. I've been enjoying the weather, spending a lot of time outside, and inadvertently dressing like my surroundings. It's not a terrible thing. I can say that this outfit sums autumn in Philadelphia up pretty well-- predictably composed with just a hint of somberness and a little unexpected twist.

xo,

e.m.

dress/ GAP (it's on sale now!), shoes/ Jeffrey Campbell, necklace/ 14th & Union (via Nordstrom Rack), bag/ vintage, watch/ Michael Kors, bracelets/ Urban Outfitters, vintage (similar, similar.) 

*photos by Chaucee of Streets & Stripes

Halloween...ish.

Halloween. I've never been into it. I think it's a cool holiday and I can dig the vibes but the general shenanigans associated with dressing up and going out, I just can't get on board with. You know how I feel about social situations and as far as the costumes are concerned, I've always been a bit of a Jim Halpert. If I was to go out, however, I'd probably wear one of these little numbers. If you need a good last-minute costume, look no further. 

1. Mermaid: A plain green skirt will do just fine here, extra points for sequins or a little peplum detail. Pair it with a regular tee or a crop top, which you can embellish with this simple DIY. Add some nautical touches such as a shell purse, starfish earrings, or a rope bracelet, some matching green pumps, and you'll be looking' fine strolling along down a-- what's that word again-- oh, street. BONUS: Carry a fork around to fix your hair just like Ariel with her dingle hopper.

2. Cat: I know, I know. This is the most predictable one of all but it's a classic and there's a reason it's been repeated for (probably) centuries. Leather or faux-leather leggings are very on trend right now so if you don't already own a pair, you should have (relatively) no problem finding a pair. Add a biker jacket, some sexy boots, and some DIY ears. BONUS: Cats are always sitting in the corner judging everyone so why not capture that same snark in the form of a graphic tee?

3. Tina Belcher: How could you not love this one? Find a simple navy blue skirt and a baby blue tee. Pair with some tube socks, Chucks, and thick black glasses. BONUS: An affinity for backsides.

What will you be dressing up as this Halloween? 

xo,

e.m.

Night on the Town

I would be delusive to not confess my ongoing obsession admiration of Kim Kardashian's sense of style. Forget what you think about her as a person, the way she dresses is on point. (I also think she's very beautiful and has a fantastic set of eyebrows.) I tried out that aesthetic for a night on the town. To be honest though, I was a little self-conscious in this figure-hugging skirt/top combo. It was great for one adventurous evening but until I'm a little more comfortable with my bod, I think I'll stick with how I usually dress. Still, it's fun to try a little something different every once in a while, no?

xo,

e.m.

skirt/ Helmut Lang (similar), shirt/ American Apparel, shoes/ Vince Camuto (no longer available, similar),  bag/ vintage, watch/ Michael Kors

Joules S/S 2015 Preview

My little trip up to New York was made even lovelier when the folks over at Joules asked me to stop by and take a look at their Spring/Summer 2015 collection. I'm a fan of their whimsical yet durable pieces and I can confidently say that I was not disappointed. 

The collection was split into pretty pastels on one end and bold primaries and neutrals on the other. While I tend to gravitate towards earth tones and muted patterns, I fell in love with some of the pastel prints, particularly the watercolor dress pictured above. (Along with that yellow bib necklace-- meow!) I could see myself wearing it with a straw hat in a rowboat on the Seine with a baguette in my hand. (A girl can dream, can't she?) That pattern is incorporated into a lot of pieces, whether it be a lining of a blazer or a panel in a mixed-media top. This spring is all about mixing patterns. I love the way Joules matches elegant florals with strong stripes, wouldn't you say?

A highlight of the collection for me was the rainwear. Hailing from The UK, Joules certainly knows a thing or two about rainy days. (Or so I'm told.) In addition to their already wonderful collection of patterned wellies, they added a few solids as well as some textures. The raincoats are all so classic and well-constructed, I don't see how I could possibly make it through the spring without one, especially now that I bike to work.

The worst part about the collection? We're going to have to wait for it... however, it shouldn't be so bad because I'm told they're going to start rolling out select pieces in November. Keep an eye out!

xo,

e.m.

Fancy on 42nd

Breakfast in Brooklyn, midtown explorations, and Central Park afternoons. Life is a dream.

xo,

e.m.

dress/ vintage via Evangelina's Fancy, shoes/ Tory Burch (similar), bag/ vintage, sunglasses/ Urban Outfitters, watch/ Michael Kors

Apples + Bourbon

Some may try to tell you that pumpkin is the flavor of the season but I will vehemently disagree. Is there anything better than biting into a crisp and juicy apple? There are so many different kinds to choose from and you can do pretty much anything with them. Make them into pie, make them into juice, plus it's been said that an apple may even be a better choice than coffee in the morning. Who knew?

What you'll need:

  - Fresh apple cider-- if you're really domestic, you can make your own. We don't have that kind of time in this house so we just bought a gigantic jug from a local orchard.

  - Bourbon. Bulleit is my favorite at the moment.

  - Cream Soda

  - A sprig of Rosemary and some extra apples to garnish. (Optional.)

Fill a short glass halfway with ice and artistically place a sprig of Rosemary and some thin-cut apple slices. Fill the glass halfway with apple cider. Add a shot and a half of the bourbon and top it off with some cream soda.

Between the warmth of the bourbon, the snap of the cider and the soft sweetness of the cream soda, this drink is autumn in a glass. Drink responsibly. 

xo,

e.m.

Late Summer Wedding