Heat Spell

It appears that 90 degrees is my breaking point. 90 degrees is where my brain melts and all I want to do is lie on the ground and admit defeat. The thermometer crept above that 90 degree mark before I even made it out of bed today. I knew before I even opening my eyes that the entire day was going to be a constant battle against the heat.

So Alex and I went swimming. We went out for dinner. And when the time came to take pictures, I headed straight for the shade. Though the stand of trees in only a small belt next to the pond, once you enter the inside of their borders, you've entered a different world. Even here, I couldn't hide from the sun.

Nor could I wear the shoes I attempted to wear the rest of the day. I just received these hand-painted beauties in the mail, and put them on immediately. However, my previous blisters weren't approving of the choice. I had to show you anyway. I just love the little birds!

What I could do, though, was catch a glimpse of the house Alex and I are soon going to live in across the water. Yes! We bought a house! I'll be sharing more pictures and details soon. Even if no one is reading these words but me, one day I'll be able to look back on these days as a huge turning point in my life.

Homeowners... I can't imagine.

Outfit Details:

Blue Top: thirifted

Blue Skirt: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted

Handpainted Wedges: eBay

Autumn Hideaway

Although it's been beautifully warm and all I want to do is pile up leaves and jump in them, tragically, I still have to go to work. I know! It is in fact, very, very unfair. Who could ever desire to waste the precious hours of light when soon we're going to practically be drowning in darkness?

I can cut the melodrama now.

But honestly, I wanted to kill two bird with one stone today. First, I wanted to go to one of my favorite hideaways by one of the lakes near my house and climb trees and enjoy the falling leaves. Secondly, I wanted to attempt a work-appropriate outfit that avoided a ton of black.

I wear a lot of dark colors to work because my job involves handling inks, and they get everywhere. If I wear light colors, they'll stain for sure. So my normal work attire has been very dark and full of layers. It was so nice today I had to get away from the somber colors. Winter is coming, but it isn't here yet! I opted for colors that remind me of fall: a bright red, and a warm purple. I was actually kind of impressed after I put them on. It was definitely an outfit by accident. I can't say I'm complaining, though. I felt very classy at work today. And I got to play in the leaves. Although tree-climbing in heels before my timer went off on my camera was a feat, and never to be repeated. Ever.

Outfit details:

Red Peter Pan Collar Top: Vintage (thrifted)

Plum Cardigan: Mossimo

Belt: (thrifted)

Jeans: Wet Seal (thrifted)

Ribbon Heels: Work-Safe Payless

Necklace: Vintage (thrifted)

Trinity Bracelet: Present brought home from Ireland by a friend.

A Business Trip

Last week I ended up having to train in Marquette, MI for my new job. It was a very...hot and cold experience, if I may. While the weather was so beautiful I just about cried (high 80's? In October? Only in Michigan...), there were some things about the trip that left something to be desired. I'll keep the complaining to a minimum, because it was mostly a little bit of homesickness for my boy and my kittens. But, the training itself was terrible, and I lived for the moments I could be exploring the town instead. It's actually a city, complete with my shame of a shopping addiction: Target. The only one in the U.P., actually. My life is so hard. The city is the largest in the U.P., and one of the oldest in Michigan, and as such has a fun cultural atmosphere. Complete with one of the largest college campuses in the state, it's still a mining town, and the ore boats that dock daily are gigantic. I couldn't stay away from the water, and got my fair share of hypothermia dipping my feet in the beautiful blue waters of Lake Superior, the deepest freshwater lake on Earth. I love this lake, and miss it very greatly when I'm away from it, so pardon all the pictures of the water. Next time I'm there I'll be sure to take more pictures of the downtown area. It's a beautiful town with great architecture and some wonderful secondhand and consignment shops. I picked up some great finds! I'll be sure to show them to you as soon as the weather cools off. It seems the season has gone in reverse and back to summer. I'm not complaining, Indian Summer is truly the best.

Also, if you're ever in Marquette, make sure you stop by The Wild Rover for some truly great Irish food. Your taste buds will thank you for the Boxty, the Bangers and Champ, and the Guinness Beef Stew. But stay away from Casa Calabria if you're thinking Italian; it was a fancy place in '83 when it was built but the only thing ever updated was the price for truly mediocre food. It was outrageously expensive, loud, dark, and just... ugh.

I took what felt like a million photos; please enjoy! Especially look at the Stadium Dome. The people working on (or rappelling down it?!?) are so tiny!.

Study Break

My week has been so hectic. I just don't know how else to describe it. Two very important exams, more homework than I have desk space for, and to top it off, I've finally started my new job! So far, I've been working full-time hours, which doesn't work at all for me with how much school is on my plate.

That's why, on the day of my exam, I had no take a break from studying to enjoy the sunshine for a moment. It was such a beautiful day! I took to opportunity to pretend that the sun was shining in an Indian Summer style, so I wore a soft rayon shirt and paired it with a light, airy skirt.

I realized after getting dressed that it was a little chilly for such wear. So I grabbed my favorite cardigan to enjoy the light a little longer before getting back to work.

Oh, and I was stumbled upon by the herd of deer who live in the woods by my house. They are so friendly here. Hello lovely deer!

Outfit details:

Blue Boyfriend Cardigan: Urban Outfitters

Teal Rayon Top: (thrifted)

Belt: (thrifted)

Blue Printed Skirt: American Eagle (thrifted)

Mary Jane Flats: Payless

The Wilds Help You Learn Who You Really Are

 

 

There's this beautiful place just down the street from me where a large cement run-off pipe takes the groundwater to one of the lakes I can see from my house. It's this gorgeous place, with overgrown grass, old mossy trees, flowers and wild grapes. It was the perfect place to debut some of my local finds. The colors are a bit somber for the season, but I love how cool they felt on this warm summer day. The skirt is the perfect length for me, and I adore the bag and boots. The tights were merely to keep the weeds off of my legs. I didn't want to take chances on poison ivy. 

The pictures are self taken, and some altered a little to show the actual colors. Even in partial shade the sun wiped out all of the color the clothes had. Me, I'm just terribly pale.

Ruffle Tank: Old Navy (thrifted)

Pleated Skirt: Vintage (thrifted)

Tights: Target

Boots: Target (thrifted)

Bag: Carryland (thrifted)