variations

We're twenty days into the third month of 2012.  I can't believe it.  Life lately has been uneventful but enjoyable- my free time has been spent with good friends and a cup of coffee, or at home with my piano and records.   The rest (and majority) of my time has been spent working, so I took a much desired break and went to New York for a few days.  I stayed in an apartment my parents had rented on W 8th St in the Village, and I spent my first afternoon window shopping for vintage clothes and listening to a pianist in Washington Square Park.  That evening I went out to celebrate Kallie's 25th birthday with a delicious beer and veggie burger at The Stand and a fun night out at The Bitter End (I left my camera home so no photos!)  I was sure that I wanted to wear my newly acquired 80s tapestry skirt, but it took me a while to figure out what to pair it with... I bring you multiple variations in the form of grainy photos snapped in a hurry.

I'm wearing a Forever 21 tank, vintage skirt, GAP shirt, vintage vest and $1 shoes from the Salvation Army.  

sunny afternoon

I'm wearing: Target dress o thrifted sweater and purse o borrowed boots.  All photos by Susie except for the last.

One of my favorite afternoons from my trip to Orlando was spent rummaging through records and vintage clothing with my sister, Susie.  We found a vinyl shop and Suse bided her time by sneaking photos of me while I lost track of time in the seemingly endless LPs.  My sister finally convinced me to move on, but not before I picked up a couple Talking Heads records and left my promise that I'd return.  We walked across the street to a trendy cafe where Susie and I bought a refreshing mint iced tea and a mint coffee, respectively.  There was a vintage clothing store a few doors down that looked promising, but it ended up being a disappointment.  Upon my entering the store the owner briskly stated that I was only allowed to come in because I had a lid on my drink, which immediately made me want to pour my half-full* cup of peppermint tea all over her over-priced Cosby sweaters.  I tried to brush off her derogatory comment but she critically eyed my every movement, all the time talking on her cell phone!!  It was obnoxious, so I left, and headed to a real gem, Dechoes Resale Emporium, where the employees are super friendly and actually offer you a beverage when you walk in.  Needless to say, I tried on a million things, but I limited myself to buying a flouncy purple dress and a cardigan with golf carts and palm trees embroidered onto it.  (How Florida can you get?)

*At least I'm an optimist?

visiting 12 south

thrifted headscarf o thrifted top o h&m shorts o thrifted purse o my sister's boots o antique skeleton key from France

I still have lots of photos from Nashville, but I thought I'd break to share one of the outfits I put together for the blistering heat.  I tried wearing my scarf as a turban for the first time using this great tutorial from Strawberry Moth.  I think I'm hooked!

Rachel recommended I check out the 12 South neighborhood, and I was so glad I did!  It is a really neat part of the city, and has a few cool vintage shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafés.  There was also an awesome music store with the nicest staff.  They let Dad and I play their fancy guitars, and my sister and I jammed on the shiny red keyboards.  I always try to find a piano to play when I'm on vacation, because otherwise I miss it too much!

greetings from praha

my outfit: dress/Tramp clothing | scarf/thrifted | tights/Primark | shoes/Bass

Prague is even more beautiful than I remembered.  We landed this morning after a nine hour flight (why so long?) and arrived at our apartment to be greeted by our sweet landlady, Andrea.  The first four pictures are from our apartment, and as you can see we have a lovely view from our balcony.  We spent the afternoon wandering into town, walking through the Strahov monastery and stuffing ourselves with sausage and paprikash.  The basilica is absolutely gorgeous.  There are rows of pews leading up to a marble alter and frescos spatter the ceiling.  Many people were on their knees saying prayers.  I got shivers when I read Mozart's name on the plaque outside the church, he played the organ there in 1787.