TRAIL MAGIC

(Free People romper, sweater from Nordstrom, Madden girl sandals - similar, vintage bag, Michael Kors watch, bracelet from Plato's Closet, random sunglasses)

These photos are from a little stroll Zachary and I took in Harper's Ferry, WV on Memorial Day. Didn't know a post was going to come out of this, but I couldn't resist sharing one of my favorite places here again on the blog. Zachary was like a little kid in a candy store when he found out the Appalachian Trail runs through the town. The box of "trail magic" was outside of someone's house and filled with goodies for the hikers. Never knew there was this other whole world of hiking out there. It's true that we learn something new every day! 

GRADUATION WHITE

(Free People dress, Steve Madden wedges, ring from random boutique, all thrifted bracelets) 

Enjoyed my graduation today with my family by my side. We spent the afternoon together before I had to catch the bus back here to the city. I wish there was more time we could all spend together, but life just always seems to get in the way. Also, thank you to everyone who came out for my graduation party yesterday. Loved seeing everyone who means the most to me. I am now off to bed to catch up on some much needed sleep.

P.S. - I purposely did not share photos in the entire cap and gown outfit with you all for a reason. That thing was not cute. Instead, here is the white dress I opted to wear today!

MISMATCHED

(Free People top, Old Navy button up, Nasty Gal suede chap leggings- similar, Nine & Co. boots - similar, Michael Kors watch, gifted rings, thrifted bracelets)

My Saturday was spent with Brianna at my favorite restaurant in the whole world, Main Cup. We enjoyed delicious bourbon pecan coffee (yum!) along with brunch. I have had this FP top since December and could never figure out something to pair it with. This happens a lot with purchases- they just sit in my closet with their tags on for awhile. And, I hate when that happens. I finally threw it over a plaid shirt and thought it could work. Not so sure how I feel about it fully yet, but it was something different and unexpected. 

Now, I am off to enjoy my Sunday with family. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

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FLOOR LENGTH

(Free People cardigan, top from Old Navy, H&M scarf, velvet pants from Nasty Gal- similar, borrowed Stuart Weitzman boots, Steve Madden bag- similar, Michael Kors watch, other random and thrifted jewelry) 

 This past Wednesday was the IFB Conference at Milk Studios here in the city! It was a great opportunity to meet new people and gain amazing advice from different panels of top bloggers and writers. Stay tuned for a lot of changes that will be happening right here on the blog! I opted for a more casual outfit for the day in order to be comfortable for the 830am- 5pm conference. I will be posting some more about the day, including my favorite panelists and new bloggers I had the honor of meeting. In other news, I am off to Bloggers Night Out tonight. So excited!

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Photos taken by Rebekka Schuman

FREE PEOPLE LOVE LETTER

Since you all know I have an obsession with Free People, of course I had to take part in this. Check out what they are doing here. It's not too late to send your ♥ love letters ♥ - you have until Friday. My letter was a little "preschool-ish," but I simply listed everything I loved.. including their amazing company.

And, can I just say that I am so in love with the January catalog?! I guess it had to be awesome because it is my birthday month. ;) See it here. Oh, and I have to ask.. are you a NY or LA girl?

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SOUTH MOON UNDER DENIM EVENT

The Bethesda Denim Event at South Moon Under was Saturday. Here are some photos that I snapped for their blog, but also wanted to share with you too. They had goodies, mimosas, and even a contest to enter for a free pair of Citizens jeans! The store was set up perfectly with all the great denim brands they carry. Check out their creative fall windows! They made the hanging feathers themselves. It's so much like the aesthetic of Free People.. of course I loved it! I spotted a necklace that was calling my name, literally. My mom tried to convince me to buy it.. haha. More than anything, I gained inspiration from their merchandising in the store. I held myself back from buying everything there.

It's Monday and freezing outside, again. Time to start another crazy week.

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VELVET LOUNGE X FREE PEOPLE

Check out this video that was premiered at the Velvet Lounge fashion show during Frederick Fashion Week! Credit goes to Tim Scott, a local filmmaker from Maryland. The video was shot in Cape Henlopen, Delaware and features Free People's upcoming line. Such perfection! 

See my previous post about the fashion show here. 

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LIFE LESSON

Happy Satruday! 

Enjoy some random inspiration from my August travels. Hope you're weekend is off to a good start. I bookmarked one of Free People's 'Saturday Do' posts awhile ago, and I have gone back several times since to read it. Of course I have been wanting to share it with you all, and now is the perfect time. It's just what I need to hear as my college graduation approaches so soon.

One of the life lessons that comes with age, is that life is not always the same – there are many phases, and change is a continual force that will take hold of your life as it progresses. Before the change comes, it’s typical to be in a state of limbo. You’re figuring out what to do next, and this can be unsettling for the psyche.

It’s the unknown of change that humans fear. Although I’ve experienced it too, this fear continues to puzzle me. Every time I’ve gone through a big change, I’ve found myself in a new chapter with new enchantments. An entirely different moment, no better or worse than what came before. You gain new perspectives, and learn things that you would never have gotten the chance to learn had you stayed put in life. So why are we scared of this?

I’ve come to the conclusion that it is entirely mental.

It’s time to adapt – to face our fears, and learn that change is normal and healthy. To become wise we must gather life experiences through the passage of many phases. So next time you find yourself in that state of limbo, and it’s scaring the crap out of you, don’t let your fears get out of line. Know that it means you have once again come to that point where you can grow from change, and look forward to the surprises that lay ahead – you never know what you’re about to learn.

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