Weekend Walks
Posted on November 7th, 2017
There are so many little joys that have come from living closer to my family, from casual weekend lunches to impromptu walks after work. I could pretend that I had not thought of this before we moved, but I’d by lying– as soon as I knew we were moving to New York, I called permanent, forever dibs on my favorite family chore: dogsitting Gracie, our family dog!
My parents travel very frequently, so Gracie has already had several extended stays in Westchester. I think she views it as her vacation home. During the week, a dogwalker spends time with Gracie during the middle of the day and Ian and I handle the morning and evening duties (we hate leaving her to go to work!), but on the weekends we have time for long, leisurely walks around town.
Even though my new office is the most casually dressed at which I’ve worked, I still find myself taking it down one notch on the weekend. With our marathon training schedule, we’re running somewhere between 13 and 20 miles on Saturday mornings, so the last thing I feel like doing after showering and a little recovery is putting tight clothes on my achy body. I’ve been reaching for looks like these frequently.
The “athleisure” trend can be a bit misleading. There is no real exercise I could do in this cozy Athleta wrap cardigan, for example, but it is a good pre/post class piece for those 6am workouts, and can handle a long puppy walk and weekend errands, too. It is more of an elevated jersey sweatshirt material, has enough length to provide coverage in the back, and is crazy soft and comfortable. I now own three of these Ts, which similarly provide a longer length that makes them easy to wear with everything (size down, though!).
I also recently went back to Lululemon leggings after a few years away while I worked my Nordstrom discount… guys. They’re so expensive, but so worth it. No other garment makes me quite as appreciative of my Bar Method booty. I was in denial, but am willing to admit the error of my legging ways.
Shop my look and similar pieces below (click to view in browser):
{Fun}draiser
Posted on November 6th, 2017
Sometimes, nonprofit work is a grind. The tasks are not always glamorous; the challenges and logistics can be daunting. But sometimes, the days are fun, the wins are quick, and things fall into place.
My best friend, Hannah, was married in St. Louis during the last weekend of October, and my mom and I were both so excited to have an excuse to head back to the Midwest. We have so many friends and family that we do not see nearly often enough; I had not been home for five months. We devised the perfect scheme to lure them all to one place so we could visit with all of them during our relatively limited window of availability– under the guise of charity, naturally!
The best smelling, best visually merchandised shop in St. Louis is K. Hall Studio, and my mom and I have been fans for a long time. (Good chance you’re familiar with the products they wholesale to Anthropologie and other retailers) My mom asked if they would be willing to stay open late for us on a Thursday evening, allow us (along with a friend) to throw a cocktail party in their shop, and donate a portion of sales to JDRF. Miraculously, they agreed!
We spread the news to everyone we knew with our “Mummy Needs a Drink” invitation via Paperless Post. A perfect pre-Halloween theme, set in a venue that immediately makes you want to start your holiday shopping. We planned a few snacks, and offered beer, wine, and {spiked} cider. What else is there? The team at K. Hall was amazing in their support.
The two hour event flew by, and we felt so fortunate to have so many shoppers join us for a visit. Definitely the most low maintenance, most fun event for JDRF I have worked on. This is a great time of year to approach your favorite boutiques, local or otherwise, to see if they would be willing to partner with you in support of your favorite causes. Generosity, shopping, and social engagements are at an annual high– ’tis the season!
Wearing: Dress // Shoes (size up at least one size!)
The Internet Absence
Posted on November 5th, 2017
How are you? It’s been a while! The past few weeks have been a time of adjustment and activity. I’ve really, really missed sharing on this platform and the creative outlet it provides, but truthfully, I did not feel like I could deprioritize anything else (including sleep!) to carve out the time to create content I wanted to share. I thought I would check in as this low key weekend winds down! Here is what I’ve been up to in my internet absence:
I started a new job. Obviously, getting in a groove with my role and company (and the daily commute into NYC) has taken most of my time and mental energy. Being at a start up is a completely different challenge, but I’m really loving my broader book of work, the fast-paced, efficient culture, and the variety of experience… and the product, too 
I signed up for another marathon. Ian and I will be running 26.2 miles to support JDRF again in January, and we’ve been pounding the pavement and logging the miles to get ready. (+ Bar Method… always Bar Method)
I stepped up my volunteering. I’ve been pretty focused on working with JDRF since graduating college, but I know there are so many fantastic organizations doing incredible work. I wanted to diversify my experience by learning from other perspectives, approaches, practices, etc. The Junior League supports a myriad of groups, provides excellent member training, and offers social opportunities in my new community, too. I’ll be wrapping up my provisional membership period at the end of the year, and am looking forward to exploring new areas in 2018. (Don’t worry– JDRF has not been neglected!)
I traveled to two weddings (+ one bachelorette party), and was particularly honored to stand with my best friend when she married her groom in St. Louis last weekend. My jaw was on the floor when the bouquets were delivered to the suite where Hannah’s bridal party was getting ready!
We made more progress on house design. We’re expecting the permits back for our renovation any minute now, and have been combing the internet for inspiration, products, and designs that will make this old house into our perfect first home. The kitchen pictured above (source here) has a similar layout and several elements we’ll be using in our kitchen, too.
I started reading more. The commute on Metro North is perfect for reading, something I freely admit I have not done enough in the past few years. I’m currently reading Here I Am, and would love if you would share your recommendations with me for my new pick.
On the one hand, September feels so long ago, but on the other hand, I can’t believe the holiday season is right around the corner (and in my industry, it’s here!!). I’m definitely packing as much as I can into each day, but am reaping the rewards of a very full and very happy life.
PS Just a reminder that you can always follow me on Instagram for more real time life updates!
Between Seasons in the Hudson Valley
Posted on September 20th, 2017
Between family vacations and our minimoon I’ve definitely done my fair share of preaching on the greatness of Mohonk Mountain House. On our way back from Saratoga this weekend, my family took a few hours to check in on our little slice of heaven as “daytrippers” for lunch, a carriage ride, and a little strolling around the grounds.
The northeast is unspeakably gorgeous in the fall, and it was apparent that we were just a few weeks away from the bold fiery colors that characterize autumnal bliss in the Hudson Valley. Sunday was quite warm, however, and I found myself caught between that summer and fall state of mind.
With weather that feels like sundresses but a calendar that says otherwise, I have found myself looking to blend the two and reaching for neutrals. Layering a pullover sweater over a dress is both a figure flattering and practical solution. The sweater can be removed if need be, and you’ll still look put together underneath. I find this usually works best with a sweater that is a bit longer and a bit looser, and pairs nicely with straighter dresses (shifts, sheaths) than with fit & flare. Black & white is not my usual color scheme (contrary to recent appearances), but it’s always a safe bet for any season. I’m also counting this as my personal “wear white after Labor Day” rebellion!
If it seems like I am constantly wearing the same pairs of shoes recently, it is because I am. Most of my shoes are in storage, but this has been an interesting insight into how many pairs of shoes I really need. And yes, I could have edited out the bandaid, but I decided to go for some blogger realness instead.
I know some people are opposed to the sweater + dress look– what is your stance? Shop similar pieces below (and click here to view in browser):
JDRF Takes Saratoga
Posted on September 18th, 2017
What a weekend. I’m so glad I don’t start my new job until Wednesday, because this was one of those weekends where you feel totally wiped on Sunday night and I am grateful for time to collect myself!
One of JDRF’s coolest fundraising and community initiatives is their Ride to Cure Diabetes program, an annual series of five weekends in gorgeous locations around the country centered around a 100 mile bike ride. Thousands of people from around the country fundraise and participate each year, and the triumphs are really multifaceted. The riders feel tremendous pride in their personal physical accomplishments out on the course, the whole community celebrates the substantial amount of dollars raised (over $38 million raised through the program to date!), and it is an amazing way to connect people impacted by type one diabetes from all over the country. My family’s first ride was in 2007 when our involvement in JDRF was less official, but our involvement has escalated, and the rides are a big part of our calendar each year. My godparents have gotten amazingly involved, too, and joined us in Saratoga this weekend, too.
While I didn’t train as a rider for this past weekend’s Saratoga event (with moving that was just a bit too much to handle!), Ian and I were so excited to jump in and support while having a great excuse to go to Saratoga. It was wonderful to get to know Saratoga in a sleepier state, separate from the horse racing craziness, and it is an incredibly charming town. Great shopping– I particularly loved Violet’s and the Pink Paddock— and delicious restaurants all along a walkable downtown strip. We also took advantage of Saratoga Spa State Park, which was the perfect place to run a (very flat!!) half marathon on Saturday morning after we sent the riders off shortly after sunrise.
PS Can any botanists confirm whether this is a fading lavender field? It looked like a magic purple field of clouds, but I imagine there is a more technical explanation.
My grandmother had made the journey to Saratoga from St. Louis, too, and the three of us spent most of our time during the Saturday staffed at the finish line, cheering for riders as they returned from the road and making sure they were well taken care of. Over 600 people came through, and the inspirational feeling that permeated each time a rider crossed the finish line never faded throughout the day. Naturally, my highlight was seeing my two parents cross the finish line together. Not their first time, not their last, but I never cease to feel so proud of their accomplishments. I can only hope their grit, determination, and dedication are genetic!
All in all, over $2.7 million was raised this past weekend for diabetes research. We often say that a diagnosis with type on diabetes comes with a silver lining: admission into a very friendly, supportive club that no one really wants to join. This weekend was a great illustration of that– yet another event I leave feeling hopeful for a cure and inspired by people I would otherwise never have met.
Friday Five
Posted on September 15th, 2017
In the handful of days I have before I start my new job, Ian and I will be heading to Saratoga to join my family for JDRF festivities this morning. Another perk of living on the east coast– when we had originally discussed this trip back in February, we were planning two flights and a bunch of time off work. Instead, we’re just a few hours by car! I’ve never been to Saratoga and the weather for this weekend looks gorgeous, so I’m really looking forward to it.
Mail Days… After two months of waiting, the sunglasses case (designed by Lycette) I had made for myself earlier this summer is back from the finishers. I almost never stitch things for myself, so it’s an extra fun treat! I have been loving my new(ish) Sonix sunnies, and they fit perfectly inside. My next canvas is en route– can’t wait to get back to stitching again.
Magnolia… Chip & Jo are coming to Target! Their affordable collection, Hearth & Hand, hits stores on November 5, but unlike limited time capsule collections, this will be more of a permanent collaboration. I admit that as much as I adore them and what they do their actual aesthetic is sometimes a bit too shabby chic for my personal tastes, but I’m sure I’ll find some way to bring a piece of Fixer Upper into my home.
Mimicking… This look on Sarah Vickers is such a wonderful embodiment of real life, everyday, classic autumnal dressing– and at 8 months pregnant, no less. And such a good example of the wonders a pair of shoes can do. (Author’s note: I’m pretty sure I’ve looked more pregnant after simply going out for pizza)
Mulling over… I’m a week late on this one, but this article with Reese Witherspoon’s thoughts on ambitious women really addresses a dynamic I have contemplated for quite some time. The gendered language around ambitious women is certainly discouraging, and we have seen the impact those attitudes have on opportunities and representation. What would happen if we encouraged women to be a little more ambitious?
{Half} Marathoning… Being upstate with gorgeous weather and a few hours of free time were too tempting– Ian and I are going to run a half marathon in Saratoga on Saturday morning! Nothing official, we just plotted out a 13+ mile route to explore on our own. I haven’t run more than 10 miles at one time since January, so I’m looking forward to stretching my legs in a beautiful place.
Here’s hoping we all end the weekend feeling content and counting 10 toenails on our feet!
Nordy Girl No More
Posted on September 13th, 2017
We moved 82 days ago, but it has not been until today that I have needed to say one of the most difficult Seattle goodbyes. Today is my last day with Nordstrom, and I am closing out a chapter in my professional career that has not only brought me opportunity for growth beyond my wildest dreams, but has also brought me years of immense joy.
When Ian and I were assessing our options when he received a very enticing offer in New York in the spring, I was pretty panicked by the thought of losing my professional momentum even as it was fairly evident that the move would be the right choice for our family and future. Logistically, I also knew it would be a pretty tricky time for my team at work to be playing a man down. I presented options to my team’s leaders, and it was mutually agreed upon that I should plan to support the team remotely for a while until a smooth transition could be planned. I was pretty elated with this outcome– I was eager to continue with some of the exciting projects on which I was working, and from a personal perspective it would be one fewer urgent variable as Ian transitioned jobs, we moved 3,000 and we bought a home.
But alas, that transition time has arrived. To say I’m a bundle of mixed emotions is an understatement, but I can truthfully report that the prevailing sentiment is gratitude. I wanted to learn and be challenged, and Nordstrom presented me with so many incredible teachers and problems to solve. My experiences were enlightening and empowering; each new day felt like an adventure. In a world where “I hate my job” seems to be the catchphrase of so many millennials, it’s not easy to give up this kind of situation!
I have no doubt there are many exciting, fulfilling days ahead both professionally and otherwise. (I do have a wonderful next chapter lined up already, but I’m a little superstitious and don’t want to say anything specific before my first day next week!) But today, I’m a little sad, a whole lot grateful, and really, really happy I was able to be a corporate #NordyGirl. If you want tips on how not to cry during your exit interview…. don’t ask me because I wept like a baby.
To the Nordstrom family, I say: Thank you for being a friend.
Black, White, and Cotton All Over
Posted on September 10th, 2017
There is a definite perception (not entirely unfounded) that price and quality of materials are directly correlated. Polyester and synthetic fabrics are more readily available at lower price points, and when I’m shopping with higher price sensitivity, I often have trouble finding a lot of options with natural fibers that are more comfortable. Let’s be honest, this isn’t a prissy high maintenance thing– my skin breathes better in cotton, cashmere, and wool, and sometimes at the end of a long day that acrylic/nylon sweater NEEDS to come off.
I was drawn to the graphic weave of this sweater as a piece that would not require much fancy styling, and quickly clicked “add to cart” when noting the 100% cotton marking (aka no dry cleaning) in the product description. It runs true to size for a slightly looser fit that would look good with jeans or over leggings and boots. I popped it on with a pair of black ponte knit pants, which continue to be the only pair of non-jeans pants I own/will willingly wear. Black ponte knit pants = dressy leggings you can get away with at work = pajama party at the office, it’s the transitive property.
The weather was gorgeous this weekend, and we spent a lot of time just enjoying being outside. Larchmont has a small-town village center which we found ourselves strolling several times over the past few days, which was particularly fun with a little white dog in tow… also espresso.
Sweater // Pants // Bag- similar 1, similar 2 // Sunglasses // Shoes- similar 1, similar 2
Shop a selection of budget-friendly cotton sweaters below (if you’re reading this via an email feed, click here to view in browser):
Friday Five
Posted on September 8th, 2017
A short but productive week! Ready for another weekend where we’re staying in town before we start the every-other-weekend travel schedule until Thanksgiving-ish. Two of our best friends are coming up for a Westchester date tomorrow evening, and my dad is coming up to see our house for the first time on Sunday, so we’re looking forward to playing host (as if we didn’t just move here three weeks ago…).
This picture was snapped on an evening walk at a house around the corner. Such a good example of an English garden– teach me your green thumb ways!
On Friendships… I really respect Jess & Hallie‘s honest posts about the struggles they had in their friendship in the past year. Everyone knows, accepts, and discusses that romantic partnerships take work, but there are a lot of parallels in platonic relationships between two people, too. I have had times where I have felt I have lost my way with some of my dearest friends, but it is always, always worth it to try to work through things with the people who mean most to you.
On Puppies… Gracie is back from the Hamptons, but my parents are still on the road, so Gracie is having a few days in Larchmont with us. I’m loving having a little white fluffy shadow, and she is loving the freedom to join us on car rides, run around in a yard, and receive pats from cute children in our neighborhood.
On Autumn… Normally I reassure myself the there are still a few weeks of summer after Labor Day, and growing up in the Midwest temperatures often lingered in the low 80s until October. This year, I’m already packing up summer clothes and reaching for transitional pieces. Due to my distaste for wearing long pants, I see this as a regrettable situation.
On the Electoral College… For any other American political science nerds out there, I found this article interesting… by which I mean I read the whole thing and did some additional research and still haven’t decided how I feel about the proposal. I have problems with the Electoral College, but I’m not sure this is the solution.
On Shopping Local… This morning, I drove up to Darien after dropping Ian at the train to visit what is quickly becoming one of my favorite boutiques, Kirby & Company. With an impressive greeting card selection, tons of cute giftables, a little cafe, and some amazing home decor pieces, it is pretty much everything I am looking for in a store. I was there scouting inspiration for our renovation, and ended up picking up a casual 10 cards and some other little items. (Not sponsored, just real love!) I also swung by Darien Sport Shop and was able to get the snuggly Sail to Sable top I’ve been coveting for fall. It’s just in that perfect sweet spot of dressy sweatshirt that you can get away with on casual Friday while also pairing perfectly with your weekend leggings and riding boots.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and sending extra good vibes to readers in the Southeast facing severe weather.
PS I updated my “Wearing & Wanting” sidebar this week– including the perfect red raincoat on which I have already gotten so many compliments!
Labor Day Weekend Snapshots
Posted on September 5th, 2017
Busy weekends with back to back adventures have their place in life, but there is something so blissful about an open weekend. On Friday, I was practically giddy at the thought of three days without much on the calendar. There would be time to get stuff done, time to continue exploring our new neighborhood, and time for fun, too. Despite a somewhat lackluster weather outlook in the Northeast, the weekend delivered in spades.
Saturday was our lowest key day. It was overcast and chilly but not raining, so we had an 8 mile run before setting out on important local expeditions: I needed to find a nail salon, and Ian needed to find a barber. To celebrate our self maintenance successes, we had a quick lunch at Walter’s, a hot dog stand that has been a Westchester staple for almost 100 years. Certainly the best $2.50 hot dog I have ever eaten! We spent the rest of the day mostly basking in the glorious return of college football before our usual early bedtime.
We awoke Sunday to a monsoon, but would not be deterred from our day of exploration. One of our groomsmen has just started law school at Yale, and we were so excited to take advantage of the fact that we finally live close to our friends that we forced ourselves on him after only one week of classes. On the first leg of our Connecticut adventure, we stopped in Westport. I had been dying to visit the Serena & Lily design house, which on a rainy day felt like a cozy day at the beach.
With the weather having interrupted our plans to visit while strolling around the Yale campus, we had no other choice but to queue up for America’s best pizza at Frank Pepe’s. It was my first Pepe’s experience, and as a devout pizza lover I found it practically holy. Worth waiting in the rain for sure!
The sun broke through on Monday, and Ian and I woke up for a sunrise run to say goodbye to summer. Always painful when the alarm goes off, but always worth it. Besides, we were on a schedule– we had a date in Queens!
For our anniversary, Ian had given me tickets to the US Open. I had only been to the US Open once and never to a day session, and Ian had never been to a professional tennis match at all. The US Open feels like the Disney World of tennis, and from junior girls’ doubles to men’s singles in Arthur Ashe the excitement is palpable. We really want to make this an annual Labor Day tradition. Sipping a Honeydeuce in the sun watching world class athletes is the perfect summer send off.
Summer is my absolute favorite, and I will never say I’ve had enough, but our Labor Day Weekend was a wonderful encapsulation of summer’s sweetness that leaves me satisfied and looking forward to next year! And looking on the bright side: at least autumn is my second favorite.
