tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78405423931667172612024-02-07T05:21:10.773-05:00Smartificial SweetenerAlways evolving.Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.comBlogger1023125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-1896411913373125802017-09-12T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-12T21:45:09.095-04:00Wine About It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some things I like right now:</div>
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September sunsets. Vinho verde. Pesto. Chai lattes. Sleeping with the windows open. Re-watching <i>Community</i>.<br />
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And of course, weekend trips to wineries.</div>
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New England wine isn't exactly ideal, but I'll take the scenery, a cheese plate, and a good group of friends any day.<br />
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And maybe roll a barrel home if they'll let me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaAiMCDSYu7K-Ec7aM4CSKSmNWgg0Fd3o1V0FIUymqCQ0QxfYhZUWZMV1QTwL-ZH_yoYM70T9DtWNd0mM_CodfxH0bhe6maBI-4c6lunspdNcBTawHFABf40Sv778pVitb-VWsM6taSU/s1600/IMG_1367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaAiMCDSYu7K-Ec7aM4CSKSmNWgg0Fd3o1V0FIUymqCQ0QxfYhZUWZMV1QTwL-ZH_yoYM70T9DtWNd0mM_CodfxH0bhe6maBI-4c6lunspdNcBTawHFABf40Sv778pVitb-VWsM6taSU/s1600/IMG_1367.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweater: Theory (similar <b><a href="https://www.shopbop.com/mackenzie-sweater-club-monaco/vp/v=1/1544853791.htm?folderID=13317&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=13497">here</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.shopbop.com/long-sleeve-back-pullover-chaser/vp/v=1/1596331491.htm?folderID=13317&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=83345">here</a></b>); Denim: <b><a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-ridley-high-waist-skinny-jeans-in-albie-lightwash-blue-with-rips-and-reverse-stepped-hems/prd/7947299?clr=albielightwash&SearchQuery=&cid=10769&pgesize=78&pge=0&totalstyles=78&gridsize=4&gridrow=8&gridcolumn=2">Asos</a></b>; Sandals: <b><a href="http://mgemi.com/before-they-go/the-nautico/00_1313_01.html#!/color/011">M. Gemi</a></b>; Tote: <b><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1051886&pcid=1051885&vid=1&pid=775405002">Old Navy</a></b>; Hoops: <b><a href="https://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/women/accessories/jewelry/hoops/Thiwet-Metallic/p/44523129-82">Aldo</a></b>; Shades: <b><a href="https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB2132%20UNISEX%20059-new%20wayfarer%20classic-tortoise/805289048534">Ray Ban</a></b></span></div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-73187242594864659062017-09-08T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-08T06:00:19.294-04:00For Your (Weekend) Consideration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQjrqTt9ruDR_cM5k3bIYW_an35dYl5G69l__A7g7-h3En1rFNGCsLjkNrr-wwi_L5of_LBY0EmCMAH6iwFi4PHzBda8dCHGM1v1EfFB-9xl84KA3WxMHVH3U8G06dCC3oGAmmqgMdJ0/s1600/IMG_1739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQjrqTt9ruDR_cM5k3bIYW_an35dYl5G69l__A7g7-h3En1rFNGCsLjkNrr-wwi_L5of_LBY0EmCMAH6iwFi4PHzBda8dCHGM1v1EfFB-9xl84KA3WxMHVH3U8G06dCC3oGAmmqgMdJ0/s1600/IMG_1739.jpg" /></a></div>
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Westport, Labor Day Weekend 2017</div>
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I'm looking at this sunset that DT captured over the weekend and thinking how quickly things change. How quickly a rainy day gives way to the most gorgeous sunset. How quickly summer fades into fall. How quickly you wake up and are in your 30s. Seriously, life - what's with the hurry?</div>
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Speaking of, I was looking at the truly devastating <b><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2017/09/photos-from-saint-martin-after-hurricane-irma/539103/">photos coming out of St. Martin</a></b> in the wake of Hurricane Irma and thinking how it feels like we were just there. I'm heartbroken for that beautiful island and its people. I'm still researching the best way to help there, but don't forget that people are still recovering from Hurricane Harvey in Houston and still need help. The <b><a href="https://secure3.convio.net/hfb/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30114a?df_id=9314&9314.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&s_src=HB&s_subsrc=harvey&src=lb&NONCE_TOKEN=09964802CDD78AA8E9507CE6E9FB6643">Houston Food Bank</a></b> is a great place to give if you can.</div>
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I've been a fan of Rebecca Solnit's writing for a few years now, since I discovered it. She is smart, observant, and curious about the world and I love that she has become a <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/08/t-magazine/entertainment/rebecca-solnit-writer-resistance.html?em_pos=medium&emc=edit_li_20170812&nl=nyt-living&nl_art=3&nlid=77992643&ref=headline&te=1&_r=1">voice of the resistance</a></b>.</div>
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As Americans, we usually eat our largest meal at dinner. But what we shouldn't be? This article <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/21/well/eat/the-case-for-a-breakfast-feast.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront">championing a large breakfast</a></b>, followed by a lighter lunch and dinner intrigued me enough to try it out. I can't really speak to the benefits yet, but I'm certainly eating less late at night.</div>
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To get back to a bit of frivolity, these <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Marni/Leather-ankle-boots/962097?page=ProductPage&designer=Marni&title=Leather-ankle-boots&pid=962097">Marni boots</a></b> are the chicest goddamn things I've ever seen and I need them in my closet immediately. This <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Maje/Snake-effect-suede-ankle-boots/998993?page=ProductPage&designer=Maje&title=Snake-effect-suede-ankle-boots&pid=998993">navy suede snake-effect Maje pair</a></b> are a close second.</div>
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To my Boston readers - what's your favorite workout studio? I've tried SoulCycle Beacon Hill, ReCycle, Barre3, and have some credits at B/Spoke, but I want to hear from you. What do you like, why do you like it, where should I be getting sweaty? Drop me a note at smartificial.sweetener@gmail.com.</div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-52844857058675365452017-09-07T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-07T06:00:45.224-04:00In the Weeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beach, please.</div>
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Despite the shift in weather, I'm still holding onto summer.<br />
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But I did have my very first fantasy football draft tonight. So fall is definitely creeping in.<br />
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I'm ok with it.</div>
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For now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxfA5PurATkyn6jPd7jcGxxxGG_r-PwvpvQap8QHedXj4AWH0X5Ds7NJrT_0t3ZP2IJPg-48kmJ86bcDNgarzQNuzhlYigpU5EVRGlop6mnZ8nXAfvXP_Yog8V3QwEVIO3URXLjgUMGE/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxfA5PurATkyn6jPd7jcGxxxGG_r-PwvpvQap8QHedXj4AWH0X5Ds7NJrT_0t3ZP2IJPg-48kmJ86bcDNgarzQNuzhlYigpU5EVRGlop6mnZ8nXAfvXP_Yog8V3QwEVIO3URXLjgUMGE/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Striped Tee: <b><a href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/92059?feat=6705-GN3&page=signature-nautical-french-sailor-tee-short-sleeve-stripe&csp=s&bc=32-302-6705">LL Bean</a></b>; Chinos: J. Crew (<b><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/H0440">similar</a></b>); Boat Shoes: <b><a href="http://www.sperry.com/en/authentic-original-2-eye-boat-shoe/24774W.html?dwvar_24774W_color=9265562&start=1&sma=sm.0000ci4hw7l01fdmu9z1shnizuj99#cgid=women-shoes-boat-shoe">Sperry</a> </b>(on sale!); Tote: Old Navy (<b><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1051886&pcid=1051885&vid=1&pid=775405002">similar</a></b>); Shades: <b><a href="https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB2132%20UNISEX%20059-new%20wayfarer%20classic-tortoise/805289048534">Ray Ban</a></b></span></div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-24014027960042434122017-09-06T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-06T06:00:13.816-04:00Recent Purchases<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 1024px;">
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Well, we're a bit behind on recent purchases around here. Luckily, moving, job-hunting, and briefly being the sole breadwinner don't lead to a ton of shopping, so we don't have too much of a backlog to work through. <br />
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Let's start with a big Asos haul - really two or three (or even 4) packages worth of goodies. Some goodies, some not-so-goodies,<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/recent_purchases/set?.embedder=3588808&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=227803910" target="_blank"><img alt="Recent Purchases" border="0" height="1024" src="https://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=e4zuPycfTtw4t7wkRZKw&id=vIsyG5SS5xGid23U2RAMMQ&size=c1024x1024" title="Recent Purchases" width="1024" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-gold-plated-sterling-silver-square-choker-necklace/prd/7188043?iid=7188043&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">1</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-slim-leg-crop-pants/prd/6271100?iid=6271100&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">2</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-180-denier-velvet-touch-tights/prd/6766938?iid=6766938&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">3</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-ultimate-ribbed-midi-tank-dress-with-raw-edge/prd/7882267?iid=7882267&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">4</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/seafolly/seafolly-mesh-about-mesh-about-high-cut-brazilian-bikini-bottom/prd/5638880?iid=5638880&clr=White&SearchQuery=Seafolly&pgesize=175&pge=0&totalstyles=175&gridsize=4&gridrow=23&gridcolumn=2">5</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-midi-wrap-dress-with-tie-detail/prd/7598575?iid=7598575&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">6</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-sundress-in-stripe-with-contrast-straps-and-rope-belt/prd/7475775?iid=7475775&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">7</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-sweater-with-rib-and-sporty-mesh-detail/prd/7818057?iid=7818057&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">8</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-contrast-stripe-navy-long-sleeve-tee-short-pajama-set/prd/7114568?iid=7114568&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">9</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-lounge-knitted-dress-with-elasticated-waist/prd/6895810?iid=6895810&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">10</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-high-waist-longerline-pencil-skirt/prd/7815419?iid=7815419&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">11</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-shell-top-in-clean-ponte-rib/prd/7356153?iid=7356153&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">12</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/adidas/adidas-originals-white-and-black-snake-print-superstar-unisex-sneakers/prd/6824968?iid=6824968&clr=White&SearchQuery=adidas&pgesize=39&pge=0&totalstyles=39&gridsize=4&gridrow=8&gridcolumn=1">13</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-gold-plated-sterling-silver-square-choker-necklace/prd/7188043?iid=7188043&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">Asos Gold Plated Sterling Silver Square Choker Necklace</a> - I'm gravitating towards dainty pieces lately rather than big statements and a simple, chic necklace like this has been ideal. I wear it as loose as I can, so it's not so much a choker as a collarbone-grazing necklace. It's so easy that I often forget I'm ever wearing it! <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-slim-leg-crop-pants/prd/6271100?iid=6271100&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">Asos Slim Leg Crop Pant</a> - In the market for work pants with a saggy bum? You hit the jackpot! I'm sort of kidding. The fit on these was not great for me, but ever body is different - maybe they'll work for you! <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-180-denier-velvet-touch-tights/prd/6766938?iid=6766938&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">Asos 180 Denier Velvet Touch Tights</a> - These are still in the packaging, but I always buy a couple of pairs of tights from Asos for the cold weather. They're inexpensive, they're pretty good quality, and they're super soft to the touch. <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-ultimate-ribbed-midi-tank-dress-with-raw-edge/prd/7882267?iid=7882267&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">Asos Ultimate Ribbed Midi Tank Dress with Raw Edge</a> - Man, sometimes Asos is so good and sometimes they are so bad. Take this dress for example: super thin, sheer, chintzy material that looks unfinished (and not in a cool "raw edge" way) and fits like a little boy's tank top. Needless to say. <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/seafolly/seafolly-mesh-about-mesh-about-high-cut-brazilian-bikini-bottom/prd/5638880?iid=5638880&clr=White&SearchQuery=Seafolly&pgesize=175&pge=0&totalstyles=175&gridsize=4&gridrow=23&gridcolumn=2">Seafolly Mesh About Mesh About High Cut Brazilian Bikini Bottom</a> - Seafolly is one of those brands I always mean to try and never do, until now! These bottoms were on sale and I'm really glad I grabbed them. The material is super comfortable and feels really good on. They're cute bottoms that I like to pair with a few different tops. Definitely a winner. <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-midi-wrap-dress-with-tie-detail/prd/7598575?iid=7598575&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">Asos Midi Wrap Dress with Tie Detail</a> - Will I ever learn? This cut of dress never looks good on me. Too floaty, too feminine. And seriously the most unflattering sleeve length on me. And yet, I keep buying them expecting different results. Unfortunately, this wasn't the dress that changed it all. That said, it was really beautiful and if you can pull off this type of thing, go for it! <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-sundress-in-stripe-with-contrast-straps-and-rope-belt/prd/7475775?iid=7475775&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">Asos Sundress in Stripe with Contrast Straps and Rope Belt </a>- Everything was wrong with this dress. The fabric, the cut, the color, the stripes, the length, the rope belt. All of it. I don't know what I was thinking. <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-sweater-with-rib-and-sporty-mesh-detail/prd/7818057?iid=7818057&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">Asos Sweater with Rib and Sporty Mesh Detail</a> - Things I thought this sweater would be: sporty and cute. Things I didn't think it would have: a weird drawstring bag on the front. <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-contrast-stripe-navy-long-sleeve-tee-short-pajama-set/prd/7114568?iid=7114568&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">Asos Contrast Stripe Navy Long Sleeve Tee and Short Pajama Set</a> - Pajamas should be soft and comfortable. It should feel good to put them on and crawl into bed. Pajamas should not be rough, unpleasant cotton. As cute as these were, comfort comes first. <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-lounge-knitted-dress-with-elasticated-waist/prd/6895810?iid=6895810&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">Asos Lounge Knitted Dress with Elasticated Waist</a> - Talk about cozy. This dress has so many of my favorite things. The color gray. A turtleneck. An elastic waist. Long sleeves. I almost (almost!) can't wait for cooler weather so I can bust this out. <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-high-waist-longerline-pencil-skirt/prd/7815419?iid=7815419&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=270908511">Asos High Waist Longerline Pencil Skirt</a> - Obsessed with this skirt. I love the color, the longer length, the cut, the fabric, everything about it. It's a sexier pencil skirt. I'll be pairing this with oversized chunky knits come winter. <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-shell-top-in-clean-ponte-rib/prd/7356153?iid=7356153&affid=14564&channelref=email&orderref=265685594">Asos Shell Top in Clean Ponte Rib</a> - I can't do boxy. I keep trying, but my bust is too large and makes the shape simply not work on me. That said, I loved this fabric and color. Really wish this would've worked. <b>Result: Returned</b>.</div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/adidas/adidas-originals-white-and-black-snake-print-superstar-unisex-sneakers/prd/6824968?iid=6824968&clr=White&SearchQuery=adidas&pgesize=39&pge=0&totalstyles=39&gridsize=4&gridrow=8&gridcolumn=1">adidas Originals White & Black Snake Print Superstar Unisex Sneakers</a> - As cute as these are, I had to send them back. adidas works best when it's simple. The snake print that I thought would be so fun, really just was too much. Plain black & white would have been the way to go. Next time, I'll know. <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-82596705817924305842017-09-05T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-05T06:00:12.140-04:00Summer Classic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know we're living in a post-Labor Day world, but I'm not ready to give up summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBACl6QAG40-xoWqBtFGHPBJB4nY0bKFm5xKJbinV-MP38g-5Bv0SheYLBjPwC_Dvf4ZV9U8TF3jbn5Q-I5Ps7z6I_8eXbbMFPB2H78EJcenlQu9-LXcYODnUNhaG60gbaeF_0u9unBU/s1600/IMG_1494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBACl6QAG40-xoWqBtFGHPBJB4nY0bKFm5xKJbinV-MP38g-5Bv0SheYLBjPwC_Dvf4ZV9U8TF3jbn5Q-I5Ps7z6I_8eXbbMFPB2H78EJcenlQu9-LXcYODnUNhaG60gbaeF_0u9unBU/s1600/IMG_1494.jpg" /></a></div>
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And you know the weather isn't either. Chances are, here in Boston we'll have a heatwave in mid to late September. And let's not forget that I got married barefoot and sleeveless on the beach here in October last year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nwcbsJ8KP-NXjIWdGmu26lLDiNXztqJwiMXbp_agLI_JWBXaH88F4Zo7cPLgWDFu-IkS4aawAwPGUyZHRzIbjBKvcmoYOddosWXzu-fcL7FMH7eLrre-oVDD15QKxTiBC2TA671rnfo/s1600/IMG_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nwcbsJ8KP-NXjIWdGmu26lLDiNXztqJwiMXbp_agLI_JWBXaH88F4Zo7cPLgWDFu-IkS4aawAwPGUyZHRzIbjBKvcmoYOddosWXzu-fcL7FMH7eLrre-oVDD15QKxTiBC2TA671rnfo/s1600/IMG_1500.jpg" /></a></div>
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There are a few fall things I'm on board with. Chunky sweaters, for one. And tall boots. And leather jackets. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqopYoX29Yo3BrquxDjPEac4bqs0CK8c-3OpibSFEEzAWnfpblVIO_uGPOxeXCUonvBox-HfmTkI6_U8o5p7AZT_aL3vW8vPzryJYc1puAq_g6DCSyENEy4a-ovQ3GusK6KD8NO-TkCM/s1600/IMG_1501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqopYoX29Yo3BrquxDjPEac4bqs0CK8c-3OpibSFEEzAWnfpblVIO_uGPOxeXCUonvBox-HfmTkI6_U8o5p7AZT_aL3vW8vPzryJYc1puAq_g6DCSyENEy4a-ovQ3GusK6KD8NO-TkCM/s1600/IMG_1501.jpg" /></a></div>
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But in non-sartorial things, I'm very into the whole back-to-school mode. Freshly sharpened pencils, empty notebooks waiting to be filled. No matter how old I get (shout-out to my fellow 31-year-olds!), I still love that newness that September brings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnpjbdgcNLEJsbCzCyyfvvRgHv1eWwkmV-NsytZlMAUKThzdEPvVeRYy9F1qgnufXzBofcwIP56yx8BtvgaoUdLwsk6Djy6-_5KBigOdTNFrUvC3Ca7KJDaV8hDlDBzHYuUGYo9eQOOM/s1600/IMG_1508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnpjbdgcNLEJsbCzCyyfvvRgHv1eWwkmV-NsytZlMAUKThzdEPvVeRYy9F1qgnufXzBofcwIP56yx8BtvgaoUdLwsk6Djy6-_5KBigOdTNFrUvC3Ca7KJDaV8hDlDBzHYuUGYo9eQOOM/s1600/IMG_1508.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hopefully this year, that means getting back into a routine. I just had my 3-month mark at my new job, we're settled into our apartment, and I've got a grasp on walking all around town. But I need to get back into a regular workout schedule, eating right, and making time to blog. All of those things have lapsed lately, but luckily, I was always a good student. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphKmAj6XEhTH9yxJQ7DXn8viKytbV84YopoDdRm-qUChFJAhvBPGCUfFwl5vH8gFYxnAu3SLSFB6JpMEscMExv8CUMIdm-h_WQ_4LR5T1GLMEaXkgd9ankN0XCR-NIHJHptwQHibc0fo/s1600/IMG_1512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphKmAj6XEhTH9yxJQ7DXn8viKytbV84YopoDdRm-qUChFJAhvBPGCUfFwl5vH8gFYxnAu3SLSFB6JpMEscMExv8CUMIdm-h_WQ_4LR5T1GLMEaXkgd9ankN0XCR-NIHJHptwQHibc0fo/s1600/IMG_1512.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress: <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Iris-and-Ink/Daisy-striped-cotton-mini-dress/843053">Iris & Ink</a> </b>(50% off!); Sandals: <b><a href="http://mgemi.com/before-they-go/the-nautico/00_1313_01.html#!/color/011">M. Gemi</a></b>; Tote: Old Navy (<b><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1051886&pcid=1051885&vid=1&pid=775404012">sueded version</a></b> - would be great for fall!); Hoops: <b><a href="https://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/women/accessories/jewelry/hoops/Thiwet-Metallic/p/44523129-82">Aldo</a></b>; Shades: <b><a href="https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB2132%20unisex%201-new%20wayfarer%20classic-tortoise/805289048534">Ray Ban</a></b></span></div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-21958274373732349762017-08-10T06:00:00.000-04:002017-08-15T08:00:45.333-04:00The Weekly Wishlist<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 1024px;">
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August is the best and the worst month. Summer is SO GOOD right now. The weather is amazing, you're getting in all the summery things you haven't done yet, and it feels like it stretches on forever. But...it's also pre-back to school time and fall is looming and you're all about the sweaters and the boots and the leather jackets. Well, I'm here to tell you that summer is the best and that now is a great time to scoop up some summer pieces at seriously discounted prices.<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/weekly_wishlist/set?.embedder=3588808&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=226684753" target="_blank"><img alt="The Weekly Wishlist" border="0" height="1024" src="https://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=uWAWeLS20spI0kzNlg9v9w&id=usd96l_B5xGdWxiBWc0rKw&size=c1024x1024" title="The Weekly Wishlist" width="1024" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-tropical-flamingo-shirt-short-pajama-set/prd/8306688?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">1</a> // <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/clearance/womens-swimwear/swimsuits/ws065/womens-ischia-halter-swimsuit">2</a> // <a href="http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Striped-Boucle-Sheath-Dress/SX00093,default,pd.html?cmp=AFC_US_CJ_Shop+It+To+Me,+Inc_**REDIRECT+LINK**_1827884&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=cj&utm_campaign=1827884&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.">3</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-ribbed-midi-slipdress/4546246?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=TAN%20OAK">4 </a>// <a href="http://www.saksoff5th.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442257208">5</a> // <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Kenneth-Jay-Lane/Silver-and-gold-tone-earrings/969000?page=ProductPage&designer=Kenneth-Jay-Lane&title=Silver-and-gold-tone-earrings&pid=969000">6</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-tropical-flamingo-shirt-short-pajama-set/prd/8306688?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">Asos Tropical Flamingo Pajama Set, $42</a> - These are just super cute, perfect for those mornings where you wake up early and want to have your coffee or tea on the porch before another gorgeous day begins. </div>
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<a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/clearance/womens-swimwear/swimsuits/ws065/womens-ischia-halter-swimsuit">Boden Ischia Halter Swimsuit, on sale $45</a> - I love the color-blocking of this suit, but if you're not into that, this style comes in almost a dozen other colors and patterns!</div>
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<a href="http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Striped-Boucle-Sheath-Dress/SX00093,default,pd.html?cmp=AFC_US_CJ_Shop+It+To+Me,+Inc_**REDIRECT+LINK**_1827884&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=cj&utm_campaign=1827884&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.">Brooks Brothers Striped Boucle Sheath Dress, on sale $118.50 </a>- This dress is the only item this week over $100, but I couldn't resist the alternating stripe pattern. This is the ideal summer at work dress. You'll look professional, while still being seasonal.</div>
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<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-ribbed-midi-slipdress/4546246?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=TAN%20OAK">BP Ribbed Midi Slipdress, on sale $29.40</a> - Omg this dress is giving me '90s minimalist dream vibes. The shape actually doesn't work well on my frame, but if you have a smaller bust, a slipdress like this will be a wardrobe workhorse.</div>
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<a href="http://www.saksoff5th.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442257208">Saks Fifth Avenue Lace-up Leather Driving Shoe, on sale $59.99</a> - White driving shoes are a tiny bit extra, but whatever. I love 'em. These are preppy gold as far as I'm concerned.</div>
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<a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Kenneth-Jay-Lane/Silver-and-gold-tone-earrings/969000?page=ProductPage&designer=Kenneth-Jay-Lane&title=Silver-and-gold-tone-earrings&pid=969000">Kenneth Jay Lane Silver and gold-tone earrings, on sale $22.50 </a>- Gotta love a great statement earring. These are super simple, but so chic. I'd pair them with a really neutral palette - a simple white dress or a gray tank and white denim. </div>
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Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-19053951693738528032017-08-09T06:00:00.000-04:002017-08-09T06:00:10.910-04:00Currently Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are so many great books I've read since we last chatted and I can't wait to share them with you. What are you reading this summer? Honestly, I haven't been reading as much as I'd like, but I can't complain about a much shorter commute. Still on my to-do list? Get a Boston library card. Also? Buy a bookcase so we can finally unpack all our books! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26883528-hot-milk">1</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68210.Gilead">2</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18770398-night-film">3</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28187230-the-woman-in-cabin-10">4</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26883528-hot-milk">Hot Milk</a> by Deborah Levy - Sofia and her mother Rose travel to Spain for the summer. Rose is sick and there is a clinic that Sofia hopes can help her. Rose's sickness is unexplainable, but Sofia hopes that the illustrious Dr. Gomez can shed some light on what is truly wrong with her. While Rose spends her days sitting in their rented house or at the clinic, Sofia explores the small, seaside town. She's stung by jellyfish, lets loose neighborhood dogs, and befriends a beautiful, blonde German. This is the type of novel where not much "happens", yet you feel changed by the end of the story. Levy's writing is beautiful, and I love how she captures those small, still moments.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68210.Gilead">Gilead</a> by Marilynne Robinson - You know that feeling when you're in the complete wrong headspace for a book? That was me with <i>Gilead</i>. I couldn't get into it. At all. I kept trying, picking it up, carrying on with the story, but it never connected for me. I'll eventually give it another try, because the writing was remarkable. The narrator is John Ames, a minister. He is dying, and writing down a diary of sorts to hopefully leave to his young son after he has gone. His life was a quiet one, and his diary shares that. It wasn't boring per se, it simply never came together. This will be a good one to revisit when I'm feeling introspective.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18770398-night-film">Night Film</a> by Marisha Pessl - Stanislas Cordova is <i>the</i> horror director. His movies have terrified, terrorized, and baffled viewers. And his personal life has been even more closely read than his films. When his twenty-something daughter Ashley is found dead, reporter Scott McGrath, who previously lost his job and his wife after digging into Cordova, needs to find out what happened to her. He is joined by two misfits, each with their own connection to Ashley, on his journey into discovering the truth about Cordova, his films, and Ashley's death. I loved every page of this book and didn't want it to end. Like, obsessively so. The descriptions of Cordova's movies made me want to watch them, even knowing that they are fictional. This book combines so many of my favorite things - horror, a relentless journalist, a haunted house, mysterious deaths, cults, corruption. I can't say enough about it.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28187230-the-woman-in-cabin-10">The Woman in Cabin 10</a> by Ruth Ware - Lo is a struggling travel journalist who finds herself with a huge opportunity. She's one of just a handful of people invited aboard a luxury cruise ship for its inaugural trip. But when a mysterious women shows herself only to Lo and then just as suddenly disappears, Lo's trip goes from working vacation to detective game. Feeling insane, Lo cannot get a grasp on what happened to the woman in cabin 10. And by the time she does, it may be too late. Ruth Ware writes these mystery novels that sell very well, but I just don't love them. They think they're much more clever than they are, they drag on too long, could definitely use an editor, and the twists are never as surprising as I hope they'll be. This was an entertaining and quick beach read, but I was a bit disappointed with it overall.</div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-34035242461325757532017-08-08T06:00:00.000-04:002017-08-08T06:00:02.582-04:00Knotical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Boom - blogging two days in a row!</div>
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I look super impressed with myself.</div>
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Now, I know it's August and the Nordstrom sale just wrapped and you're all super excited for fall fashion. I am too. But, summer is far from over.<br />
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Plus, layering isn't only for fall. Summer layering is a thing. Assuming it's not in the nineties with wicked bad humidity (Boston is infiltrating my writing).</div>
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So toss that light sweater on over your dress. </div>
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Rock your gold hoops.</div>
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And continue to have that black hair elastic ruin a perfectly good outfit photo shoot.<br />
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Summer is here, but it won't last forever. Get in those light layers while you can.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress: Old Navy (<b><a href="http://www.zappos.com/p/alternative-racerback-maxi-dress-eco-grey/product/7821128/color/301439?ef_id=U6IvDQAABZzYtn0F%3A20170808020208%3As">similar</a></b>); Sweater: Cotton Addiction (<b><a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/womens-peakaboo-pullover-sweater/prod1610004?showProducts=111&color=529&sizetype=Petite&size=S&color=529&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-non_brand_PLA_Women_Tops-_-0100179529000040&cvosrc=cse.google.0100179529000040&cvo_campaign=non_brand_PLA_Women_Tops">similar</a></b>); Bag: Target (<b><a href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/78927?feat=677-GN3&page=everyday-lightweight-tote&csp=f&attrValue_0=Sunflower/Bright%20Navy">similar</a></b>); Sandals: Splendid (<b><a href="https://www.shopbop.com/colleen-sandals-splendid/vp/v=1/1550286404.htm">super similar</a></b>); Shades: <b><a href="https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB2132%20UNISEX%20059-new%20wayfarer%20classic-tortoise/805289048534">Ray Ban</a></b>; Earrings: <b><a href="https://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/women/accessories/jewelry/earrings/Etoreven-Metallic/p/51718071-82">Aldo</a></b></span></div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-51933346593533741882017-08-07T06:00:00.001-04:002017-08-07T06:00:19.066-04:00It's Black, It's White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You guys. It has been a minute. Look how moody I've become.</div>
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It's actually been three and a half months, but who's counting?</div>
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I'm sorry I haven't been around, but this whole picking up your life and starting fresh thing is super time-consuming.<br />
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So, quick life update. I've been working for a couple of months now and am really happy with my new job. It's a completely different field with a very steep learning curve, so I'm really overwhelmed and busy, but I'm interested in the work and my office is full of really great, fun people. I will say, it's weird having to get used more than one co-worker. Actually having to talk to people is not my forte, but we're working on that.</div>
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DT and I are pretty much settled in our place. We need one or two more pieces of furniture, but we're in good shape. It already looks and feels like a real apartment that adults live in. Once we get rid of the mice, it'll be perfect. (I wish I was kidding.)<br />
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Summer has been amazing - lots of time spent in Westport and Maine with family. I took a quick trip to Disney for my grandfather's 80th birthday. We've been away a lot, but have managed to spend some time exploring our neighborhood and the rest of the city as well. All our weddings are late summer/early fall, so we still have those to look forward to!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyANWCNAyOVgnoxl_xl79inrJMuSXivs5JuF2i18Tx2VVLeBnTSpBhXiZIgRdc4b8ayzcaYb1QoSsEewFxE2nH_zGVw6C0nCG226erCslzaPNLImYNwYba4EUvKABp05T1ORDHn0hYR4/s1600/IMG_5462-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyANWCNAyOVgnoxl_xl79inrJMuSXivs5JuF2i18Tx2VVLeBnTSpBhXiZIgRdc4b8ayzcaYb1QoSsEewFxE2nH_zGVw6C0nCG226erCslzaPNLImYNwYba4EUvKABp05T1ORDHn0hYR4/s1600/IMG_5462-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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This space has definitely been neglected, as I've had zero bandwidth for anything other than work and basic bodily functions. But I'm finally getting back into a routine with work and workouts and a social life and *fingers crossed* the blog. There's great content lined up and I'm excited to share it with you. Assuming you're still here. Bueller?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MwVudU92XEMzYlJ6CB4uX_LkzXFVXagoWWFYuIseIoh2D4HooYW1N9iIqzM646CPx69eoPKSr-P6z8jrg3CA0j0tgKxgMTgcjIwh_JfamIBZVug4toDZpkoca9OC3hRTMDXvCfOmE7A/s1600/IMG_5369-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MwVudU92XEMzYlJ6CB4uX_LkzXFVXagoWWFYuIseIoh2D4HooYW1N9iIqzM646CPx69eoPKSr-P6z8jrg3CA0j0tgKxgMTgcjIwh_JfamIBZVug4toDZpkoca9OC3hRTMDXvCfOmE7A/s1600/IMG_5369-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jacket: Gap (<b><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1077589&pcid=5736&vid=1&pid=415738012">current version</a></b>); Top: Theory (sold out; <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Toteme/Macon-crepe-tank/829417?cm_sp=YMAL_-_TO[829417]_-_FROM[760985]">similar</a></b>); Skirt: Ann Taylor (<b><a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2050462?cm_mmc=feeds-_-adlucent-_-google-_-pla&utm_source=adlucent&utm_medium=feeds&utm_content=google&utm_campaign=pla&sid=545650&aid=%5BADL%5D%20%5BPLA%5D%20%5BShopping%5D%20-%20Categories%20-%20Brand%20-%20%5BDesktop%5D&kwid=productads-adid%5E93310058797-device%5Ec-plaid%5E186680828917-sku%5E12195675-adType%5EPLA&color=EYELET%20WHITE">almost identical</a></b>); Bag: Kate Spade (<b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-carter-street-berrin-leather-crossbody-bag/4641060?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=PLUM">similar</a></b>); Sandals: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016X221ZK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Soludos</a></b></span></div>
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Photos by <b><a href="http://www.maggie-main.com/">Maggie Main</a></b></div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-23468884702244159942017-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-23T11:38:18.370-04:00Springtime Blush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been back in Boston for one month today. This time in April, DT and I spent the day in a U-Haul, making our way north in a stuffed to the gills truck. And today, I'm sitting in a cafe, thinking back on all that's happened in the past month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeALERXsDjpelLx1KvZHVFi7JHasLH4YZi_L672SuYY7phxlEk_M1lVHyTpg5HsmiRkeRcBfRo-pqn7gsmS6ZZC_29rZH5iEIhDWr2Tvy_c6CVpVhUWcuTCf9bmlFP9VSX8Fe_XiiSE0/s1600/IMG_5764-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeALERXsDjpelLx1KvZHVFi7JHasLH4YZi_L672SuYY7phxlEk_M1lVHyTpg5HsmiRkeRcBfRo-pqn7gsmS6ZZC_29rZH5iEIhDWr2Tvy_c6CVpVhUWcuTCf9bmlFP9VSX8Fe_XiiSE0/s1600/IMG_5764-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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My job hunt is over - I'm employed and starting work next Tuesday.<br />
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The apartment hunt is over - we signed our lease yesterday on a great apartment in the South End.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AhyphenhyphentvOFRrUD20TXLWZhFdt1Vwb54kxf_m0uX6h76IUxp1BsGOvnyCJabZIG1_-ciPnM6nzfgEW222EM4DI5oyfTe5KKIUtKvI6bCr3-Awvk8cuouKhLuCL0a5fa0QUBlPwt6JuA_EVI/s1600/IMG_5770-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AhyphenhyphentvOFRrUD20TXLWZhFdt1Vwb54kxf_m0uX6h76IUxp1BsGOvnyCJabZIG1_-ciPnM6nzfgEW222EM4DI5oyfTe5KKIUtKvI6bCr3-Awvk8cuouKhLuCL0a5fa0QUBlPwt6JuA_EVI/s1600/IMG_5770-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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After living like nomads for the past few weeks, I'm finally starting to feel settled. Knowing that I won't be carrying my life around in a duffel bag soon is serious relief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5jrgdIc1xHlBAuGtBOpOeO4JQmehsoslWPX0j2dC2ZdA7GN-K7VMZCGhi5X-UCBv2eFO1zZ18FQ21psS0ZcHHZ8eXY5spiGalbNmxgeMrvgGi8GVv-Ka2Ybyf-o5fj5rUyvyvXM-pfU/s1600/IMG_5832-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5jrgdIc1xHlBAuGtBOpOeO4JQmehsoslWPX0j2dC2ZdA7GN-K7VMZCGhi5X-UCBv2eFO1zZ18FQ21psS0ZcHHZ8eXY5spiGalbNmxgeMrvgGi8GVv-Ka2Ybyf-o5fj5rUyvyvXM-pfU/s1600/IMG_5832-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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And I'm having so much fun exploring the city. I met up with <b><a href="http://www.maggie-main.com/">Maggie Main</a></b> my first week here for a photo session and shooting at the Boston Public Library was the perfect way to spend a morning.</div>
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Since that first week, I've bumped around Brighton/Allston, Cambridge, the South End, Back Bay, and the Financial District. I'm getting my bearings and it feels like home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD_iP0vcgokZta23BJOyEL0krSQMWgp5Ft8O5lqYH-ECSlAJgKISsuwNB-_MP06XcZTvCry-X7Ljfxeiww1Z4s05CdjoDTHAmlUvRQcX6CUSCQolO32BQH4WTVRFyWIxVbXA4f7uPCJ8/s1600/IMG_5752-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD_iP0vcgokZta23BJOyEL0krSQMWgp5Ft8O5lqYH-ECSlAJgKISsuwNB-_MP06XcZTvCry-X7Ljfxeiww1Z4s05CdjoDTHAmlUvRQcX6CUSCQolO32BQH4WTVRFyWIxVbXA4f7uPCJ8/s1600/IMG_5752-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cardigan: LL Bean (<b><a href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/86162?feat=503657-GN3&page=cotton-basket-weave-sweater-open-cardigan&csp=f">similar</a></b>); Sweater: Banana Republic (<b><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=77996&pcid=5032&vid=1&pid=382409062">similar</a></b>); Denim: Asos (<b><a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-ridley-skinny-jeans-in-opal-wash/prd/7129359?iid=7129359&clr=Midwashblue&SearchQuery=ridley&pgesize=57&pge=0&totalstyles=57&gridsize=4&gridrow=11&gridcolumn=1">similar</a></b>); Lace-up Flats: Halogen (<b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-katrina-pointy-toe-ghillie-flat-women/4128900?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=SILVER%20FAUX%20LEATHER">similar and under $60</a></b>); Crossbody: Kate Spade (love <b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-robson-lane-kendra-crossbody-bag/4521996?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NUTMEG">this one </a></b>and it's 50% off!)</span></div>
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Photos by <b><a href="http://www.maggie-main.com/">Maggie Main</a></b></div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-62463166572842115362017-05-05T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-05T10:35:18.252-04:00For Your (Weekend) Consideration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Cinco de Mayo! I hope you're able to have a margarita or six today in celebration. I'm usually a contrarian and have margaritas on St. Paddy's Day and visit an Irish pub on Cinco de Mayo (I hate crowds), but I think I'll have some tequila this year.</div>
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In addition to that, we've got a pretty full weekend, with a day trip down to Westport, followed by a Derby party. So many outfit changes, so little time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvyMErbblnpaDPqzXgEj7n5uWMb5JHfMUHK-ie9EFiHnb7hyphenhyphenww3EVk0B8Btbs45i3HLpJcNlobU6vhxz032BcUbLn-GmX0FopvbZZlLGrslkVYQI43QRhiK2JrD-EYw-Ie_gWr1IQQfs/s1600/IMG_1334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvyMErbblnpaDPqzXgEj7n5uWMb5JHfMUHK-ie9EFiHnb7hyphenhyphenww3EVk0B8Btbs45i3HLpJcNlobU6vhxz032BcUbLn-GmX0FopvbZZlLGrslkVYQI43QRhiK2JrD-EYw-Ie_gWr1IQQfs/s1600/IMG_1334.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pineapples & Pearls, April 2017</span></div>
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Dani put together a great cheat sheet for <b><a href="http://www.blondeinthedistrict.com/single-post/2017/05/01/Wedding-Guest-Chic">wedding dress codes</a></b>. And I totally agree with her attitude of it being better to be overdressed!</div>
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By now, I'm sure we've all heard about the insanity that was Fyre Festival, but this <b><a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/04/fyre-festival-exumas-bahamas-disaster.html">essay from an employee </a></b>really shows that the red flags were flying well before last weekend.</div>
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The House narrowly passed an abomination of a health care bill yesterday. I don't even understand how it can be called a health care bill when what it does is actually take health care away from millions and millions of people. And if you're a woman? <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/05/under-new-healthcare-bill-rape-is-a-pre-existing-condition.html?mid=fb-share-thecut"><b>Pregnancy, rape, post-partum depression, and domestic violence</b></a> can be considered pre-existing conditions. That's right - if your partner beats you, it's a pre-existing condition.</div>
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Angry? Good. <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2017/05/04/every-republican-who-voted-for-this-abomination-must-be-held-accountable/?utm_term=.9ebcdf68b2ff">Every Republican</a></b> who voted for this bill should be held accountable. You can do that by <b><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/swingleft">donating to the progressives</a></b> who will run against them in 2018.</div>
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Let's distract ourselves from all that terribleness with shoes. I bought <b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/steve-madden-irenee-ankle-strap-sandal-women/4667861?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=TAN%20NUBUCK">these in tan</a></b> and loved them so much that I just bought them in black as well. And since they're 30% off, I might have to grab them in pink too.</div>
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And once I have those in every color, I'll probably start collecting <b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-sheri-sandal-women/4523970?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20SUEDE">this pair by Sam Edelman</a></b>.</div>
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Here's <b><a href="http://themuse.jezebel.com/here-is-every-look-from-the-2017-met-gala-celebrating-c-1794816769">every look from the 2017 Met Gala</a></b>. I wish celebrities went weirder and more avant-garde, especially when the theme is Comme des Garcons! We're so obsessed with everyone looking good and pretty all the time, that we totally reject anyone who takes a chance and has some fun. Tracee Ellis Ross was a serious highlight for me.</div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-66850733704326649332017-05-04T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-05T09:50:42.402-04:00The Weekly Wishlist<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 1024px;">
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Prints are not my usual jam. I stick to plain colors in a neutral palette. And stripes of course. But I'm trying to branch out a bit, so here are some fun prints (yes, they're mostly stripes) for work and for weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/weekly_wishlist/set?.embedder=3588808&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=221121855" target="_blank"><img alt="The Weekly Wishlist" border="0" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=CRVFHgwkLRiLv25szskvTw&id=Amkacwsx5xG2l_AXzj2nyA&size=c1024x1024" height="1024" title="The Weekly Wishlist" width="1024" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-tops-t-shirts/long-sleeved-tops/wa771-blu/womens-meadow-spring-vine-olive-blouse?cm_mmc=CSE-_-Polyvore-_-SpringDrop1-_-15fs">1</a> // <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=579156002&vid=3">2</a> // <a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/buttonuppopovershirts/PRDOVR~G2679/G2679.jsp?color_name=deep-navy&srcCode=AFFIPOLYVORE_tunics">3</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-stripe-fit-flare-midi-dress/4616618?cm_mmc=overture-_-polyvore_cpc-_-Women%3ADresses%3ADress-_-5359912&polyvore_device=desktop&polyvore_group=Dress&rkg_id=h-2516d35e87e73a7f751e9f45d46e826c_t-1493990951">4</a> // <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/haven-shorts-jetset-diaries/vp/v=1/1586506906.htm?currencyCode=USD">5</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-breton-stripe-tee-legging-pajama-set/prd/7208970?iid=7208970&transaction_id=1025dc917b376a4443be9356cd434a&affid=14329&pubref=1015&istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&istItemId=xwpqxrrxrl&istBid=t">6</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-tops-t-shirts/long-sleeved-tops/wa771-blu/womens-meadow-spring-vine-olive-blouse?cm_mmc=CSE-_-Polyvore-_-SpringDrop1-_-15fs">Boden Olive Blouse, $110</a> - The print on this blouse is so pretty (it also comes in pink), but what I really like is the neckline. I struggle with traditional collars, mandarin collars are the bane of my existence, but this one if super simple and flattering. No flipping up or smoothing down required. I'd pair this with a navy or white pencil skirt, maybe yellow if I'm feeling nuts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=579156002&vid=3">Banana Republic Gingham Midi Pencil Skirt, on sale $69.99</a> - I love a print that's so large, it's almost mocking the print itself. Too meta? Anyway, this black & white gingham is all over everything at Banana right now, but the pencil skirt is my favorite piece. It's a great length, can work for a professional desk to drinks look, and would pair well with a variety of tops. This skirt might find its way into my closet, as soon as I find a job :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/buttonuppopovershirts/PRDOVR~G2679/G2679.jsp?color_name=deep-navy&srcCode=AFFIPOLYVORE_tunics">Madewell Button-Down Tie Tunic Shirt, on sale $59.99</a> - Alright, this is definitely more of a casual Friday top, but I love the tunic length and the front tie detail. If I'm being honest, I'd likely wear this on the weekend with white jeans for a preppy look, but it could definitely work in a creative work environment as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-stripe-fit-flare-midi-dress/4616618?cm_mmc=overture-_-polyvore_cpc-_-Women%3ADresses%3ADress-_-5359912&polyvore_device=desktop&polyvore_group=Dress&rkg_id=h-2516d35e87e73a7f751e9f45d46e826c_t-1493990951">Eliza J Stripe Fit & Flare Midi Dress, $158</a> - Does this dress scream "SPRING!" to you too? From the stripes to the color to the shape, it's perfect for all kinds of warm weather events. I would have rocked this on Easter, would wear it to a wedding or shower, or maybe for a dressier brunch. I'd change out the belt to give it a slightly different look - maybe a rope belt to go full on nautical or a tan leather belt for something a bit edgier. The options are endless!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="https://www.shopbop.com/haven-shorts-jetset-diaries/vp/v=1/1586506906.htm?currencyCode=USD">The Jetset Diaries Haven Shorts, on sale $69.50</a> - Shorts. I have a love/hate relationship with them. When it's hot, I want to be in dresses all the time, but I also want to be able to sit on the ground or ride a bike or be active. So, shorts it is. This striped pair is really cute, especially with the lace-up detail. A white tank, these shorts, and Jack Rogers - you're good to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/asos/asos-breton-stripe-tee-legging-pajama-set/prd/7208970?iid=7208970&transaction_id=1025dc917b376a4443be9356cd434a&affid=14329&pubref=1015&istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&istItemId=xwpqxrrxrl&istBid=t">Asos Breton Stripe Tee & Legging Pajama Set, $38</a> - I recently began upping my pajama game and now I'm obsessed. Cute pjs make sleeping even better! And they make lazy mornings seriously great. I see a lot of sets that are a long-sleeved top with shorts, but I like this pair with short sleeves and long pants. It's just different enough.</span></div>
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Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-19552244648427855022017-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-03T16:57:41.853-04:00Currently Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAelaz8_QTspXlxZ5nLn2i0zAIj0OF2ROc-6r3ax6YgYbJY9FwUzuY_8bV5TpocEAF2Np1dC129QKr5En76ONEmuYwKEeIqnqv_BVG3tOZdNiRFH6jDnbbgJ8UWh1NjadyyMs4nVXSEQ/s1600/Collage+5.3.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAelaz8_QTspXlxZ5nLn2i0zAIj0OF2ROc-6r3ax6YgYbJY9FwUzuY_8bV5TpocEAF2Np1dC129QKr5En76ONEmuYwKEeIqnqv_BVG3tOZdNiRFH6jDnbbgJ8UWh1NjadyyMs4nVXSEQ/s1600/Collage+5.3.17.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25666046-the-north-water">1</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25458371-the-loney">2</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29800596-the-special-power-of-restoring-lost-things">3</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23398919-bull-mountain">4</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25666046-the-north-water">The North Water by Ian McGuire</a> - Patrick Sumner is a disgraced army man with few options. He takes a job aboard the <i>Volunteer</i>, a potentially cursed whaling ship as the crew's surgeon. Also aboard is Henry Drax, a violent and cruel man with a taste for young boys. When one such boy comes to Sumner complaining of injury, a war between the two men erupts. The voyage only goes south from there, escalating to shipwreck and starvation. This book is dark, brutal, and graphic. It's also really fun to read, as far as those things go. I was hooked from the start. I've read a few whaling adventures in my day, but this one really captured the filth, the isolation, and the brutality of such a voyage. This is a great one, but not for the faint of heart.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25458371-the-loney">The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley</a> - If ever a book set a tone, this is it. Just thinking about it sends a chill through me. After the body of a child is found in The Loney, an isolated part of England, Smith, now an adult, begins to think back to his own childhood and his time spent there. At that time, he took care of his disabled brother Andrew. Their parents, the mother in particular, were incredibly religious and each year, they went on a pilgrimage to The Loney, to be pious, but also to hopefully cure Andrew of what ailed him. There is not much in the way of plot for much of the book - many conversations, descriptions - but you immediately have a sense of who the characters are and the environment that they live in. The relationship between Smith and Andrew is particularly well-done. The action picks up towards the end of the novel, and it's gruesome and terrifying. Hurley's prose is straight out of any great Gothic horror novel. If you can stick with this one, I really recommend it. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29800596-the-special-power-of-restoring-lost-things">The Special Power of Restoring Lost Things by Courtney Elizabeth Mauk</a> - Jennifer has been missing for a year. There are no leads, no clues, until a body is found that could be hers. During this lost year, her parents and brother have coped with the unknown in different ways. Her mother dresses up in Jennifer's clothes, frequents nightclubs she went to, and hopes to find the man who she believes killed her. Jennifer's father struggles with many of the parenting choices he made and wonders if he could have changed things, while Ben, Jen's younger brother, seeks her out in her friends. And they're all the worst. This book was boring and although it tried to show grief in different ways, which I appreciated, it didn't really work for me. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23398919-bull-mountain">Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich</a> - The Burroughs clan has owned Bull Mountain for generations. They've run moonshine, marijuana, and most recently, meth, untouched by law enforcement due to the mountain's unique geography. Clayton has distanced himself from the illegality by becoming sheriff in a neighboring county. When a fed knocks on his door looking for help, Clayton assumes this will be more of the same - federal agents coming in, not knowing what they're doing, and failing. But this agent has some secrets of his own. Firstly, I loved this book. It's like any movie or tv show starring Timothy Olyphant (someone make this happen). I love a good story of badness form generation to generation, betrayal, loyalty, all of the above. Also, the action here is fantastic. As things escalate, you know they're only going to get worse and worse, bloodier and bloodier. This was a super fun read and if you love family dramas, definitely check it out.Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-64943236893317493922017-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-02T06:00:22.844-04:00Walk, Walk, Fashion Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You now know that we've moved back to Boston, but one of the last really fun things I did in DC was be a part of the GlimmerNGloss event at <b><a href="http://www.eighteenthstreetlounge.com/">Eighteenth Street Lounge</a></b>.</div>
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Kelley of <b><a href="http://www.divinestyle.co/">Divine Style</a></b> styled me in a gorgeous navy maxi from <b><a href="https://www.shoprefine.com/">Refine</a></b>, one of my very favorite DC boutiques. Even though we had only met once before, Kelley got my style to a T. Navy? Check. Statement necklace? Check. Slit for some Angelina leg? Check!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDUMkp7B7viq21aKSv2QSWNbglvOmp9fKxXN6vWvBDyK9gjepeI3AWI3lrKTxWnIk09u5BJgAqtgf0_JmAiUP_G2qXEe7ss0UML4YXoOC2Pi-V4klFEyDukQeAYkdjoBf-SoGMCJ6d54/s1600/Erin+Fay+spring+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDUMkp7B7viq21aKSv2QSWNbglvOmp9fKxXN6vWvBDyK9gjepeI3AWI3lrKTxWnIk09u5BJgAqtgf0_JmAiUP_G2qXEe7ss0UML4YXoOC2Pi-V4klFEyDukQeAYkdjoBf-SoGMCJ6d54/s1600/Erin+Fay+spring+outfit.jpg" /></a></div>
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It doesn't have to be said, but I'm not a professional model. But with hair and make-up and a <a href="http://www.shannonfinneyphotography.com/">seriously cool photographer,</a> I was doing my best to work my angles!<br />
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Smize, girl, smize.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5Yb4_HAnUOCzA-63qBuG4Y_dBktRbNe0DqxFBNv-urRvUl_fxX9ykynK3Yi4g4YvUtgWlQlAZidyFMw20howXdOjT4UuEEKZeNdmqJGQHZKYu_GTgYCuNKy_AAlhcKvaoPIbKTwlXH0/s1600/Erin+Fay+spring+outfit+close+up+hair+makeup+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5Yb4_HAnUOCzA-63qBuG4Y_dBktRbNe0DqxFBNv-urRvUl_fxX9ykynK3Yi4g4YvUtgWlQlAZidyFMw20howXdOjT4UuEEKZeNdmqJGQHZKYu_GTgYCuNKy_AAlhcKvaoPIbKTwlXH0/s1600/Erin+Fay+spring+outfit+close+up+hair+makeup+jewelry.jpg" /></a></div>
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The event was super fun. After getting ready and taking some behind-the-scenes shots upstairs with my blogger babes, we headed down to walk in the fashion show portion of the evening. Let me tell you, standing on a stage having a crowd stare at you really messes with your sense of time. It felt like I was up there posing forever, but video evidence says otherwise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlq3S8azw9f9dco3alFBJ0cXgwq22TZzcpvTWtyE31q_mb2M14laFLBqZpJRM-I_osk3fAxTlI6kT66_siEQqWChKEwz3dAuV1FHPcOaTtxx_0QRw7HOUwfU-51C7E2mrfX2CyIeY92A/s1600/Erin+Fay+spring+outfit+additional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlq3S8azw9f9dco3alFBJ0cXgwq22TZzcpvTWtyE31q_mb2M14laFLBqZpJRM-I_osk3fAxTlI6kT66_siEQqWChKEwz3dAuV1FHPcOaTtxx_0QRw7HOUwfU-51C7E2mrfX2CyIeY92A/s1600/Erin+Fay+spring+outfit+additional.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm really lucky to have made such great DC blogging friends and even luckier to have been a part of such a cool event! As I joked to DT, we're moving just when my modeling career is taking off!</div>
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Naturally, Julie & I finished the night at Shake Shack, because that's just what us models do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHEBc4wxvZc1kn5sdBegKO8HwXyHbvCiDS3LUItfYY5NFMw8_YendwRK1WtCi7v9MEji3Mm7jmFTNIKouffkLaXxioEw5P40QzDDFiGqMV1loxNwKnNtrt4EfzKQWEINyEqxhqnPO614/s1600/Model+blogger+group+shot+at+GlimmerNGloss+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHEBc4wxvZc1kn5sdBegKO8HwXyHbvCiDS3LUItfYY5NFMw8_YendwRK1WtCi7v9MEji3Mm7jmFTNIKouffkLaXxioEw5P40QzDDFiGqMV1loxNwKnNtrt4EfzKQWEINyEqxhqnPO614/s1600/Model+blogger+group+shot+at+GlimmerNGloss+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bkgelwicks/">Baille</a> // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pnmcpherson/">Phoebe</a> // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedistrictdarlings/">Nicole</a> // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_divinestyle_/">Kelley</a> // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juju_pants/">Julie </a>// <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smartificial_/">Me</a> // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scrubstosequinsblog/">Kristen</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Styling by <b><a href="http://www.divinestyle.co/">Divine Style</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress and Necklace by <b><a href="https://www.shoprefine.com/">Refine</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/steve-madden-irenee-ankle-strap-sandal-women/4333055?origin=wishlist">Shoes</a> </b>(my own)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hair by <b><a href="https://www.jacarandahairdc.com/">Jacaranda Hair</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Makeup by Tamar C of <b><a href="http://www.makeupbyanab.com/">Makeup by Ana B</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Event Hosted by <b><a href="http://www.bodyrayssalon.com/">Body Rays Salon</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by <b><a href="http://www.shannonfinneyphotography.com/">Shannon Finney</a></b></span></div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-68405460014527368902017-05-01T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-01T22:43:03.555-04:00Life Update: Boston, You're My Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrTaq_YcL1iG_Z6kJoHBrmFP2GRfFSSK3gNUSQGHCup7TOZxXs87pDATklXGwS5yuZIZ4fVGAeSFGQqezPtLAgWZ5efBjpqdf6Kdi3vyqfToFlOTPf4vga76YgNGUXGkseeFp3kseslY/s1600/IMG_1680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrTaq_YcL1iG_Z6kJoHBrmFP2GRfFSSK3gNUSQGHCup7TOZxXs87pDATklXGwS5yuZIZ4fVGAeSFGQqezPtLAgWZ5efBjpqdf6Kdi3vyqfToFlOTPf4vga76YgNGUXGkseeFp3kseslY/s1600/IMG_1680.jpg" /></a></div>
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During my twenties, I floated along. After college graduation, I floated on home. After about a year, I floated down to DC to follow a boy. I fell into a job and stayed, out of loyalty perhaps, but also out of complacency to some extent.</div>
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There wasn't any planning or intention behind any of my decisions. From the outside, it looked perfect. I had a reliable job, a great relationship, a fun group of friends. Inside, I was full of doubt and uncertainty. As much fun as I was having, DC wasn't home, and I was often resentful of that fact. After my dad died, those feelings only increased. What was I doing with my life? That entire year afterwards is still a blur in my mind.</div>
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When I finally came out of that haze, I took a step back and starting making intentional decisions. As cliche as it sounds, life was too short. I accepted that I was in DC for the time being, however long that was, and I decided to make the best of it. Taking that breath of fresh air was what I needed. I started taking better care of myself, exploring more of my neighborhood, getting into a routine, meeting new people. And of course, as soon as I did that, I felt better. I was happier. No, DC wasn't home, but it was somewhere special and there was value to being there.</div>
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Early this year, we found ourselves at a crossroads where we could stick things out in Washington or we could do something scary and exciting by moving home. With no hesitation, I said, "Let's do it." And a few short weeks later, here we are. Jobless, living with family, and happier than can be. </div>
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Things will fall into place. They always do. We'll find jobs. We'll get our own apartment. We'll decorate and try to keep plants alive and have a housewarming party. We'll get settled by making new routines, finding that perfect little coffee shop, meeting new friends. We'll learn the bus routes and which shortcuts to take home. We'll shoot down to Westport or up to Maine for summer weekends. We'll curse the T and rush hour traffic. We'll build our lives here. </div>
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Boston, it's really good to see you again. </div>
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Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-54646257374084436992017-04-14T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-14T11:39:13.115-04:00For Your (Weekend) Consideration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After 8 years, today is my last day of work. It's bittersweet for sure, but more on the sweet side. I'm really excited to move back to Boston and make a huge career change, whatever that may be. With that in mind, it seemed like a good week to feature the Notorious RBG.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi3l-dDy0vNyduzvfpcPV1IjljvH5PvF4X6xiBZLgxrA2GwCDwL6xVZIBrlux4AJBDR06rP06f1O2HsFNQYQ_e8ezzKKUGyXsnRzdww_9_zqq5yKy77_3hi57cJAk3d-NFw3dz2FV3ZY/s1600/IMG_1393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi3l-dDy0vNyduzvfpcPV1IjljvH5PvF4X6xiBZLgxrA2GwCDwL6xVZIBrlux4AJBDR06rP06f1O2HsFNQYQ_e8ezzKKUGyXsnRzdww_9_zqq5yKy77_3hi57cJAk3d-NFw3dz2FV3ZY/s1600/IMG_1393.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN, March 2017</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I loved reading this profile of </span><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/04/17/margaret-atwood-the-prophet-of-dystopia?mbid=social_facebook">Margaret Atwood</a></b><span style="text-align: left;">. And really, if you haven't read </span><i style="text-align: left;">The Handmaid's Tale</i><span style="text-align: left;"> or the </span><i style="text-align: left;">Maddadam</i><span style="text-align: left;"> trilogy or </span><i style="text-align: left;">The Edible Woman</i><span style="text-align: left;">, pick them up.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">One of my biggest regrets living down here is that I didn't spend enough time in Baltimore. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't! Got <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/04/13/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-baltimore-maryland.html?em_pos=medium&emc=edit_li_20170413&nl=nyt-living&nl_art=2&nlid=77992643&ref=headline&te=1&_r=0">36 hours</a>?</span></div>
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Hitha's posts are always awesome, but I love her tips for <b><a href="http://www.hithaonthego.com/4-things-involved-politics/">ways to get politically involved</a></b>. </div>
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Looking for <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/12/fashion/online-shopping-boutique-owners-lisa-says-gah-the-dreslyn-shop-super-street.html?em_pos=medium&emc=edit_li_20170413&nl=nyt-living&nl_art=8&nlid=77992643&ref=headline&te=1">new online retailers</a></b>? I've got you covered.</div>
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<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/culture/jia-tolentino/on-finally-watching-girls-a-different-and-better-show-than-id-been-led-to-imagine">Jia Tolentino</a> finally started watching <i>Girls</i> and makes some really good arguments against the haters. Can't wait for Sunday's series finale!</div>
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Alright gang, that's it for this week. I'm not sure what my posting schedule next week will be since my mom is coming to town and we're doing all the packing and all the touristing. Enjoy your weekend and I'll be back in the very near future!</div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-1115448186796059352017-04-13T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-13T16:50:05.921-04:00The Weekly Wishlist<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 1024px;">
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This is definitely a case of art imitating life. I mean, as much as a blog collage can be considered art. But my world has been work and working out lately and not much else in between. It's amazing how productive I've become living by myself while DT is in Boston trying to set up a life for us! With the warmer weather's official arrival in DC, I'm looking to spruce up the old wardrobe with some new pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/weekly_wishlist/set?.embedder=3588808&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=220004719" target="_blank"><img alt="The Weekly Wishlist" border="0" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=iPkeeNLoF6tEZ3ovDSVg&id=shkvoIgg5xGp2kxnVTOTkw&size=c1024x1024" height="1024" title="The Weekly Wishlist" width="1024" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/yas/yas-eva-top/prd/7288959?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">1</a> // <a href="http://us.asos.com/yas/yas-eva-top/prd/7288959?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">2</a> // <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Alice-and-Olivia/Stretch-crepe-midi-skirt/828527?page=ProductPage&designer=Alice-and-Olivia&title=Stretch-crepe-midi-skirt&pid=828527">3</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/yas/yas-eva-top/prd/7288959?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">4</a> // <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Koral/Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank/867556?page=ProductPage&designer=Koral&title=Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank&pid=867556">5</a> // <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Koral/Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank/867556?page=ProductPage&designer=Koral&title=Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank&pid=867556">6</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/yas/yas-eva-top/prd/7288959?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">Maggy London Belted Sheath Dress, $138</a> - If there were a summery version of a power dress, this is it. The color is great and will look even better on tanned skin. The belt adds some definition. And the little cut-outs at the shoulder are trendy without being over the top. This is a great dress for work when you need to feel especially kick-ass. </div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/yas/yas-eva-top/prd/7288959?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">Y.A.S. Eva Top, on sale $25.50</a> - Can you ever have too many white blouses? Probably, but let's talk as if you can't. I love the mock neck and the cuff detailing. Of course, the open strip down the center of the top is gorgeous, but just make sure you layer a camisole under there for the office. </div>
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<a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Alice-and-Olivia/Stretch-crepe-midi-skirt/828527?page=ProductPage&designer=Alice-and-Olivia&title=Stretch-crepe-midi-skirt&pid=828527">Alice & Olivia Stretch Crepe Midi Skirt, on sale $99</a> - This is the prettiest color on my favorite skirt shape. The midi length is saved from looking too matronly by the front slit. This is a skirt that would translate super well from desk to drinks. </div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/yas/yas-eva-top/prd/7288959?CTARef=Saved%20Items%20Image">Zella Sweetheart Strap Neck Sports Bra, $54</a> - Zella continues to make really high quality pieces in fun, unique patterns. I've raved about their leggings in the past, but their sports bras and workout tops are just as good. I love the print here, the strap detail in front, and the straps in the back. This would make my workout just a little more fun.</div>
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<a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Koral/Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank/867556?page=ProductPage&designer=Koral&title=Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank&pid=867556">Old Navy Go-Dry Mid-Rise Compression Legging, on sale $22</a> - If you can't afford Zella (and I don't - I only buy them on sale), Old Navy is THE BEST option for reasonably priced workout gear. I find their leggings to be hit or miss in terms of comfort, quality, and sheerness, but the hits are seriously amazing. This pair with mesh detailing would be fun and also comes in black and hunter green.</div>
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<a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Koral/Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank/867556?page=ProductPage&designer=Koral&title=Vortex-cutout-slub-stretch-jersey-tank&pid=867556">Koral Vortex Cut-out Slub Stretch Jersey Tank, on sale $46 plus 30% off at checkout</a> - Unless you have abs of steel, you probably want a tank to go on top of that sports bra, so here's a great option. The color will match almost anything you pair it with and the cut-outs on the back are fun and provide you with much needed breathability.</div>
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Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-6619217869824561242017-04-12T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-13T13:03:54.144-04:00Recent Purchases<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 1024px;">
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Did you know Amazon has their own fashion line? I didn't, but when it went on super sale (I mean SUPER - all of these pieces were less than $20 at the time I purchased them), I bought some pieces to try them out. Everything is by Lark & Ro.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/recent_purchases/set?.embedder=3588808&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=216076717" target="_blank"><img alt="Recent Purchases" border="0" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=vQipt5tYWCCcPYVTt0eA&id=NBJCgzXq5hG6COopgymtUQ&size=c1024x1024" height="1024" title="Recent Purchases" width="1024" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUFX1QY/ref=od_aui_detailpages03?ie=UTF8&psc=1">1</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015665FIE/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">2</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0196BY5DQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">3</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0196BYD6K/ref=od_aui_detailpages03?ie=UTF8&psc=1">4</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D3R72BQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">5</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUFWQD8/ref=od_aui_detailpages02?ie=UTF8&psc=1">6</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUFX1QY/ref=od_aui_detailpages03?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Mock Neck Pieced Ponte Shift Dress</a> - This has a very mod, '60s, swinging London, Twiggy vibe to it. It's definitely something new for me, but I like both the fabric and the cut. And I always need more navy dresses for the warm weather. Navy is summer's black. <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015665FIE/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Sleeveless Layered Top</a> - I'm always on the lookout for work tops and I loved the champagne color of this one. However, when it arrived and I tried it on, it was so sheer that it was beyond inappropriate. Hard pass. <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0196BY5DQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Short Sleeve Eyelet Tassel Shift Dress</a> - Will I ever learn? I can't stop with the shapeless sack dresses, and yet when I put them on, they are the most unflattering silhouette ever on me. But I keep hoping that will change. Spoiler: it doesn't. This dress was no exception, but it's so cute! If sack dresses work for you, I suggest grabbing this one. <b>Result: Returned. </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0196BYD6K/ref=od_aui_detailpages03?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Sleeveless Tie Front Halter Maxi Dress</a> - Even though it took me a couple years to get on the maxi dress train, all aboard! Seriously, they're my favorite. I can use another one like a hole in the head, but I loved the print on this one and the color combination. The shape is nice too and it moves really well. I'm already planning how often I can wear this in the summer. <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D3R72BQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Crossover Top</a> - I love a good blouse. All the ladylike blouses with lace and high necks and ruffles have been calling my name, but there's something to be said for simple and classic. This crossover blouse is a faux-wrap style in a pretty hunter green color. Even though it's outside my usual neutral color palette, I've been wearing it often. <b>Result: Kept.</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUFWQD8/ref=od_aui_detailpages02?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Sleeveless Side Knot Detail Dress</a> - LBDs are a necessity. I have a few, but always have my eye out for another. This one was perfectly stretchy, clung to all the right places, and was really flattering on, but the material was complete crap. Sorry. It was too thin, seemingly sheer where it was stretched, and just felt cheap. <b>Result: Returned.</b></div>
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Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-19633579721698709202017-04-11T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-13T14:06:22.061-04:00That Time We Got Married: Part 5 Cocktail Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I swear we're nearing the end of the wedding posts. We just hit the six month mark and I'd say we're doing pretty good at this whole marriage thing. We're picking up and moving and uprooting our lives with no real plan, and while some may think that's irresponsible or scary, I think it's really exciting! </div>
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Ok, rewind to six months ago. We've <a href="http://smartificialsweetener.blogspot.com/2016/11/that-time-we-got-married-part-one.html">tied the knot</a>, we've <a href="http://smartificialsweetener.blogspot.com/2016/11/that-time-we-got-married-part-two.html">taken awesome pictures</a>, we've <a href="http://smartificialsweetener.blogspot.com/2017/02/that-time-we-got-married-part-three.html">celebrated with our families</a>, we've partied, slept, and <a href="http://smartificialsweetener.blogspot.com/2017/02/that-time-we-got-married-part-4-party.html">got ready to do it all over again</a>. Now, let's enjoy a lovely cocktail hour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qhYicnFd3Vl7ZK0EO7cdudRtcguDMXxsjLDIXSrTTAlPfqurgZDPMSt7pH25_r7FqEdvr8yRKpaqXGHlhxRDkfzuwBN5XaHz1WlEBQzpizkeoCx0Te7gHwEx6e3G9xlXPE43p4AarHc/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qhYicnFd3Vl7ZK0EO7cdudRtcguDMXxsjLDIXSrTTAlPfqurgZDPMSt7pH25_r7FqEdvr8yRKpaqXGHlhxRDkfzuwBN5XaHz1WlEBQzpizkeoCx0Te7gHwEx6e3G9xlXPE43p4AarHc/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0284.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you hear that? Oh yes, that's our lovely <a href="http://www.leandropellegrino.com/no_flash.php">jazz duo</a> setting a classy mood for the evening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmISbE4Y6dfZkss2rGyVOzgdPBB5YVS9UehMfao8MpCiOybPWTC5iRt-8UZqffR87a7tZzsftt5x48WzJaby2ZbMt2sJjO4TE3FXP39xQ3VL2DMgj3JtQBznqbb1a2IDLDFD8wvWnaddY/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmISbE4Y6dfZkss2rGyVOzgdPBB5YVS9UehMfao8MpCiOybPWTC5iRt-8UZqffR87a7tZzsftt5x48WzJaby2ZbMt2sJjO4TE3FXP39xQ3VL2DMgj3JtQBznqbb1a2IDLDFD8wvWnaddY/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0289.jpg" /></a></div>
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Everyone's faces when they walked into the <a href="https://www.whalingmuseum.org/">Whaling Museum</a> and saw the <a href="https://www.whalingmuseum.org/rentals/explore-our-grounds-and-spaces/bourne-building">cocktail hour venue</a> were amazing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBF97VEQHevhnXXvvUUiqr1GLg38C8aKwXtJJP6zDwGbnfndhDLqT2GKc26ZUsyT6YYox98h5uDVYbW3HwMb6YRJLdF7Jy23y1JxSyl77UfbMVvKCaoVIYwCNemH123IP2lGyUBdUBsM/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBF97VEQHevhnXXvvUUiqr1GLg38C8aKwXtJJP6zDwGbnfndhDLqT2GKc26ZUsyT6YYox98h5uDVYbW3HwMb6YRJLdF7Jy23y1JxSyl77UfbMVvKCaoVIYwCNemH123IP2lGyUBdUBsM/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0296.jpg" /></a></div>
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Why were they so psyched? Well, there was a whaling ship smack in the middle of the room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CneDtsYsN50A0oXTdQsHkej8_EgSX80d-Phs4b5EMUQpDJutf_8bP_Bp8Af9fqML-1VjfEQNqGw0CIs8tIOTi2cJK_MksJUh5oCcO9nCPqtbztHkioAiobxifUbAsby1xVD7uM6Nj4E/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CneDtsYsN50A0oXTdQsHkej8_EgSX80d-Phs4b5EMUQpDJutf_8bP_Bp8Af9fqML-1VjfEQNqGw0CIs8tIOTi2cJK_MksJUh5oCcO9nCPqtbztHkioAiobxifUbAsby1xVD7uM6Nj4E/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0308.jpg" /></a></div>
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Pretty sweet, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynNJutkVRCJthqdD30c1DUFKMwj_l6F8pncw_MmoeUgCG8ltsHNZarii9fs4pJaHPaNcNM9J27gntuidY9FQAXFRFctTN__cZaBJ6t6djzYBYEEX4L7BN9BUw7gH3XML7dFLQ31TF_Gs/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynNJutkVRCJthqdD30c1DUFKMwj_l6F8pncw_MmoeUgCG8ltsHNZarii9fs4pJaHPaNcNM9J27gntuidY9FQAXFRFctTN__cZaBJ6t6djzYBYEEX4L7BN9BUw7gH3XML7dFLQ31TF_Gs/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0315.jpg" /></a></div>
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All my hometown girls were there! And color coordinated like pros.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYB9n2im813vXUmKMcYoVIzvuJ0EMcrexYPRlP67hZPFD9jTbKlWg9EwQYtGIgpH40Ara1rR6FXd4yfbzEJixDdXjZ-cSEwuA2_UVlRGXZyWq8qBL2RRKfQ3F2K4sWXfCffzsjLwX125Y/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYB9n2im813vXUmKMcYoVIzvuJ0EMcrexYPRlP67hZPFD9jTbKlWg9EwQYtGIgpH40Ara1rR6FXd4yfbzEJixDdXjZ-cSEwuA2_UVlRGXZyWq8qBL2RRKfQ3F2K4sWXfCffzsjLwX125Y/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0317.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress: <b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/amsale-alyce-illusion-v-neck-pleat-tulle-gown/4245449?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=ROSE">Amsale</a></b>; Earrings: Forever 21</span></div>
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My unofficial bridesmaids looked amazing. I never expected anything less.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNyoFwJEdqdksSz1V03TGyyjDNzKEwq-KDiuiSIKEWp2VQLiiXZfZlcEWDMZExfxVW1jH5_rSlAWm-SRttc15ZW8u8Y7IKmZ1eLyAMUqz8Wa4Z2bjPxj8WDnnNDXNVgN56LdvSsAnGuk/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNyoFwJEdqdksSz1V03TGyyjDNzKEwq-KDiuiSIKEWp2VQLiiXZfZlcEWDMZExfxVW1jH5_rSlAWm-SRttc15ZW8u8Y7IKmZ1eLyAMUqz8Wa4Z2bjPxj8WDnnNDXNVgN56LdvSsAnGuk/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0324.jpg" /></a></div>
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After cocktail hour (way too fast - so many people to say hi to and not enough clamcakes in my life), we went upstairs to <a href="https://www.whalingmuseum.org/rentals/explore-our-grounds-and-spaces/harbor-view-gallery">where dinner and dancing would happen</a>.<br />
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I was obsessed with how everything looked and couldn't wait to a) eat and b) shake my booty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBw5pHVKZM0KOueXhY6se-6Ue0-SFURyX-O5rXiDfm1l0p2MPTUm9ZtyUMlokYVc38RFEN-eIJ95f9SwyNuaxPp7YKVCUx4hLqo3buATNHxLt6hKR1TO1266IpEYAxzULKr4ayhS3nRY/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBw5pHVKZM0KOueXhY6se-6Ue0-SFURyX-O5rXiDfm1l0p2MPTUm9ZtyUMlokYVc38RFEN-eIJ95f9SwyNuaxPp7YKVCUx4hLqo3buATNHxLt6hKR1TO1266IpEYAxzULKr4ayhS3nRY/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0336.jpg" /></a></div>
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But first, Dan gave a lovely toast. He told me he was going to thank all of our guests for coming and our parents for birthing us and all that, but then he started saying very nice things about me, which made me super uncomfortable! No compliments! Especially in public.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4gRIptTV_we5r9bNiI1Xg6ffZd_Yg0w0lS1lp1hVPSE_w09NTRovC67VyduVuCGfC1g_6gLiZQ8gTWPFm6Q8TCHP9nm9UIyB_NOzUiKG4R1vxKoE0wl2E97-xjPy1aniWJTifVTUmP0/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4gRIptTV_we5r9bNiI1Xg6ffZd_Yg0w0lS1lp1hVPSE_w09NTRovC67VyduVuCGfC1g_6gLiZQ8gTWPFm6Q8TCHP9nm9UIyB_NOzUiKG4R1vxKoE0wl2E97-xjPy1aniWJTifVTUmP0/s1600/October+08%252C+2016+-++Erin+%2526+Dan+-+0347.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then Dan's dad gave another toast, which was touching and sweet and had a shout-out to St. Mikes.<br />
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And then we ate! Well, I tried to eat, but we kept getting pulled away for group photos. Fiiiine.<br />
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DC!<br />
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Woburn!<br />
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All Dan's cousins!<br />
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The Taylors!<br />
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And all of the Dohertys! I'm amazed we all fit in the frame!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">All photos by </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://douglaslevyphotography.com/" style="background: transparent; color: #b2cb4e; outline: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Doug Levy</a></b> - hire him immediately.Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-24271665716446180452017-04-10T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-13T11:52:43.479-04:00Nashville Travel Guide<div style="text-align: center;">
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You guys... Nashville is incredible. Why did it take me so long to get there?</div>
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I'm so excited to tell you all about it. First off, know that I was there with 16 women for a bachelorette party. Slightly insane, but in the best way possible. I'll fill you in on what we did, where we ate, where we drank, and where we danced. This will likely be my longest blog post ever. So many things!<br />
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Thursday: Everyone flies in! We had rented two adjoining houses through <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11789750?guests=10&adults=10&s=DaIwQ58p">Air BnB</a> and although some people's Lyft drivers warned them that we were on "the most dangerous block in Nashville", we didn't experience that at all. We were surrounded by almost identical Air BnBs and I never felt unsafe. The house itself was spartan, but it had enough beds for everyone, a roof deck, and parking. Zero complaints. Also, it was just a quick ride from the airport. My Lyft was less than $20. <br />
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My flight had been delayed, so I was a bit later than I had expected and wasn't ready for a 5 pm go time, but the other early arrivals headed off to <a href="http://barsovereign.com/">Bar Sovereign</a>. After drinks, I met up with the crew and we went to the <a href="http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/neighborhoods/12south">12 South</a> neighborhood. The whole area was hopping, filled with cute coffee shops, bustling restaurant patios, and great shopping, including <a href="https://www.draperjames.com/store-locator/index/store/id/2/">Draper James</a>. The store was adorable and having an employee offer us sweet tea as soon as we stepped in the door was the perfect welcome to Nashville. We shopped there for a bit, popped into <a href="http://www.fivedaughtersbakery.com/">Five Daughters Bakery</a> for a quick donut (the blueberry with lemon curd makes me drool just thinking about it), and then headed up the street to <a href="http://embersskilodge.com/">Ember's Ski Lodge</a> for pre-dinner drinks. They had a great patio, 2-for-1 craft beers, and delicious mozzarella sticks, so they're ok in my book.</div>
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After more of our party rolled in, we walked back down 12th Street to <a href="http://edleysbbq.com/">Edley's BBQ</a>. They don't take reservations, but you order at the counter and then grab an open table. Also, the bar is separate from the food, so you'll need to order and pay separately. But damn, this food was good. I had the pork sandwich, slaw, and mac & cheese, along with a sweet tea vodka cocktail and I was in heaven. After dinner, we popped down the street to <a href="http://urbangrub.net/">Urban Grub</a> for more cocktails and a celebratory bottle of champagne in honor of the bride-to-be. They had yet another fantastic patio and we were able to sit outside at an enormous round table with a fire pit in the middle. </div>
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Our next stop was <a href="http://www.thesutler.com/">The Sutler Saloon</a>, located in a strip mall, but oh so much fun. On Thursdays, they have live band karaoke, which it took us awhile to realize because everyone who was singing was incredible. So unless you're a legit singer, I suggest only watching! Seriously, a dude got up and starting singing Radiohead's <i>Creep</i> and my friend and I (both Radiohead fans) said, "No way he'll hit the high notes" and damn, if he didn't hit kill it on those Thom Yorke high notes. That was super fun and when the band wrapped up, we popped downstairs for their '90s dance party, where the latecomers from the West Coast met us out. There's no better way to end a night than dancing to No Diggity with friends that you don't see often enough.<br />
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Friday: Up bright and early! We had <a href="http://biscuitlove.com/">Biscuit Love</a> for breakfast at the house, which was just what I needed after a late night. The biscuits were delicious, but I was really into the thin sliced ham and pimento cheese that came with them. After breakfast and showering, we went to the <a href="http://www.belmontmansion.com/">Belmont Mansion</a> for a historical home tour. Our tour guide was quirky and delightful, my favorite combination. He answered all our questions and seemed almost happy to be dealing with such a large group of ladies. The House itself was gorgeous and gave us a good sense of some of Nashville's history. Next, it was time to eat again (are you sensing a theme?). In the best move of the entire weekend, we had pre-ordered <a href="http://hattieb.com/">Hattie B's Hot Chicken</a>. And after seeing the line that went out the door and down the block, I'm so glad we did. We picked up our order and went to Centennial Park near <a href="http://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx">The Parthenon</a> to eat. Hattie B's was so good. My sandwich was either mild or medium (there was some mix up) and while there was definitely heat, the flavor was so good. Paired with pimento mac & cheese, collard greens, and sweet tea lemonade, I was living the Southern dream.<br />
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After lunch, we wandered over to check out <a href="http://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx">The Parthenon</a>, a full scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. There's also an art museum inside. At this point, some of the girls headed off to see the <a href="http://countrymusichalloffame.org/">Country Music Hall of Fame</a> and the <a href="https://www.ryman.com/">Ryman Auditorium</a>, but I peeled off on my own to visit Ann Patchett's bookstore, <a href="http://www.parnassusbooks.net/">Parnassus Books</a>. I'm actually going to do a whole post on the bookstore, but I'll just tell you here that if you love reading or bookstores or just really aesthetically pleasing organization, you will love this store. I spent over an hour there, just wandering around, reading a bit, poring over the card selection (very high quality), reading some more, putting back six of the eight books I was carrying around with me.<br />
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We headed home to decompress for a bit and enjoy some wine on our roof deck. Did I mention the weather was perfect? After getting sixteen women showered and dressed and made-up (no small feat), we went to <a href="https://www.pinewoodsocial.com/">Pinewood Social</a> for dinner. We purposefully got there a bit early so that we could check it out and have a drink. The place is huge, with an equally large outdoor space. There is bowling and bocce, a pool, a coffee shop, a huge bar, and did I mention it's also a restaurant? We had a private room for dinner and a pre-fixe, family style menu. I definitely recommend doing that if you're dining with a large group like we were. It makes things easier on both your group and the staff. Dinner was delicious! Really, the food was incredible. After each of us telling our favorite story about the bachelorette, we headed to Broadway! <br />
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Broadway is a shitshow. There are people everywhere. There are bachelor and bachelorette parties everywhere. There is live music coming out of every bar. It's a scene. Had we been a younger group, I suspect we would've spent more than one night on Broadway. But since we're all elderly, one night was perfect. We started at <a href="http://theacmenashville.com/">Acme</a>, four floors of insanity. When that proved too much for us, we went to <a href="http://robertswesternworld.com/">Robert's Western World</a>. Much more our speed. There was an awesome live band, cheap beers, and possibly some tequila shots. This was the type of place I came to Nashville for. After dancing to all the country music, we left and went to a bar that I'm convinced was a group hallucination. It was in a strip mall, down a giant metal staircase, and it was amazing. Other than maybe 6 or 8 other people, we were the only ones there and the DJ played everything we wanted to. <i>Footloose</i>, Britney, Ke$ha. You can only imagine. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldglorynashville/">Old Glory</a>, thank you for existing, if you actually do.<br />
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Saturday: Still with me? Saturday we wanted to explore East Nashville. Our morning started off with some chaos, as those of us who were ready first were sent to get coffee. We were directed to <a href="https://baristaparlor.com/">Barista Parlor</a>, a super cool and trendy spot. Now, if we were there to hang out and relax and take our time, it would have been wonderful. For people on a schedule, it was a nightmare. My iced latte was $6.50 and it took 15 minutes to make. As one of my friends said (while making eye contact with a barista), 'We're in the most hipster bullshit coffee shop right now." She wasn't wrong. BUT the coffee, when it finally came, was really, really good. And like I said, had we had time to kill, it would have been ideal. Now late for our tour, we rushed to meet up with everyone else at <a href="http://www.oliveandsinclair.com/">Olive & Sinclair</a>, a delightful little chocolate shop. Again, we had an awesome tour guide and she told us the history of the company, how she ended up there, and the process for making all of their different products. Also, directly across the street from <a href="http://www.oliveandsinclair.com/">Olive & Sinclair</a>? A coffee shop. Lesson learned.<br />
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Next up, more food! We weren't super hungry, but we made our way to <a href="http://thepharmacynashville.com/">The Pharmacy</a>. They don't take reservations (but you can call ahead to put your name in), so we were in line for quite awhile and by the time we were seated, I was ravenous. The restaurant and beer garden is known for its burgers, so that's what we all got. Mine was delicious and the house made sodas hit the spot. I wasn't quite ready for alcohol again yet, but they had an extensive beer list too. <br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO3-V-WBciPflhQP9PtptajjYajRGurqCP-tj5jyTZDl0y7uKXTZg5Z5RBesOp4Pn0BpcNv85GpwvTOD2ieMCHslljYgboZFOJxlPqqirstnn1ayRPbRXc_wjoJhlHmrrbCWqk1v2Eo8/s1600/IMG_1454.jpg" /></div>
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After lunch, we wandered around East Nashville, checking out lots of different shops like <a href="https://www.lhnashville.com/">Local Honey</a> and <a href="https://www.vinnielouise.com/">Vinnie Louise</a>. It started pouring, so we headed back to the house to prepare for the evening. We had plans to grab pre-dinner cocktails at <a href="http://thepattersonnashville.com/">The Patterson House</a>, but it wasn't the right place for a group as big as ours, so we found ourselves at <a href="http://www.theoriginaltinroof.com/">Tin Roof</a>, the perfect divey bar to kick things off. There was a band playing, it was happy hour, and we had a great time, but we soon had to make our dinner reservation at <a href="http://adelesnashville.com/">Adele's</a>. The space was gorgeous, our waiter was a trip, and the food was insanely good. We did the same thing as at Pinewood Social - family style pre-fixe. It's weirdly relaxing not to have to figure out what you want to order. The meal was pricey, but totally worth it for our last night out!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSXrL_z7Zleu2oUyS6h-7XH748fWJz7MQrQS1OfcRdUIralGQOUH4KIyI5UmXSLfZCiEMl4e8raHUry9Z_YbW_psuQkuf6MpEM3VAiq7wiJFS2j2GufYdYPRwAt2_DIArNknuH2drjhM/s1600/IMG_1463.jpg" /></div>
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Dinner was rough for some people who may or may not have fallen asleep at the table, so a carload went back to the house, while the rest of us went back to East Nashville to hit up a couple more spots. We started at <a href="http://www.urbancowboybnb.com/nashville/">Urban Cowboy</a>, a really bizarre bar tucked into the backyard of a bed & breakfast. The drinks were tasty. Nashville has an awesome cocktail scene. We had a drink there, a few more people went home, and then the last women standing dropped by <a href="http://bar308.com/">No. 308</a>, which ended up being the best bar in the world. I've never seen such efficient bartenders. They would make an elaborate "mixology" style drink in the same amount of time it takes me to make a vodka soda. They were so fast that they were never busy. We never had to wait for a drink. There was a great dj, spinning tunes on vinyl. They played bad horror movies (Zombeavers!) on a projector. The crowd was fun, the music was great, we had space to dance or just to sit at the bar. Another magical bar in Nashville. Apparently it's full of them!</div>
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Sunday: Last Day! A handful of people took off really early, but most of us were staying for at least part of the day, so we decided to drive out to <a href="http://thehermitage.com/">The Hermitage</a>, Andrew Jackson's estate. First, we were starving and in serious need of bagels, so we found <a href="http://www.bagelfacebakery.com/">Bagel Face Bakery</a>. I may have gotten two bagels, one with cream cheese and one veggie sandwich for later. Best decision ever. This was definitely a good spot, but I suggest getting there early because they close when they run out of bagels. Satiated, we were off to <a href="http://thehermitage.com/">The Hermitage</a>. Let me just say that Andrew Jackson was a garbage human being and arguably our worst President, so paying money to see his estate was not high on my to-do list. But my friend told me that when she visits somewhere that is objectionable like this, she'll then make a donation to a great cause, like the NAACP. I support that outlook. <br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiCh0lQBaYnh_f3gSb3yf8MFrBFqghKAaod0ICJe0iEQXVJe_eXZDxEyinlbZqXMlm03ekQ4_zJzFqvkNg-6lX46Ai7jWUNHdWezbd6h6d9e1L_I9Oh-NVXFTdz8PsCyUGjOhpPoHSJQ/s1600/IMG_1178.jpg" /></div>
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Anyway, The Hermitage is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Nashville. The home is beautiful of course, and the grounds are impressive, but in terms of other historical homes and Presidential homes, it doesn't quite stand up. Definitely go to <a href="http://www.belmontmansion.com/">Belmont Mansion</a> over The Hermitage. Before we knew it, it was time for the second wave to depart, myself included. While some people went to get ice cream at <a href="https://jenis.com/scoop-shops/12-south/">Jeni's</a>, I popped back to the house to change, eat my bagel sandwich (thinking ahead!), and grab my luggage. Another quick Lyft ride and I was on my way back to DC.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyYqzu3mFOGuIv9Q8gLrs3u0a2zfLv4f4pNqJHrJoqlrduP7QRXCCYsFuBNQJWfrKykcNO11mlwwxh_09YnHG5e7py_Ou8nzzf1s0tFPaFMscA2oNUfqybqodo6HjRpZX-GiEnMhFBNw/s1600/IMG_1464.jpg" /><br />
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Tips: </div>
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-Rent a car-</div>
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While Lyfts were easy to come by (and cheap!) it was worth it to have cars accessible to us. If we weren't drinking, we drove. For most of our daytime activities, this made the most sense.</div>
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-Have your ID-</div>
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I've never been so consistently carded anywhere else in my life. From dive bars to cocktail lounges, burger joints to fancy restaurants, we were carded at every single place we went. I'm not sure if Kentucky has strict rules on this or what, but don't leave your ID at home.</div>
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-Make reservations or at least call ahead-</div>
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Nashville has a vibrant food scene and places are packed. If you can, make reservations ahead of time. If the restaurant doesn't offer reservations, try to call ahead and put your name in, especially if you have a large group.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3hFJZFnMbBB6izQUHHQbbrZHVt_OjUa5_ZnzecvoRL_xJsCJbgvJfds0z0n1Nsoe24M_Z2dgtHov50o4PgZXXVkTkNmRGMU8i4YqJ1CIAN4LrwIrbfc5ZPWM4yyaz46MuUssFE-5WME/s1600/IMG_1142.jpg" /><br />
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<b>Where We Ate:</b></div>
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<a href="http://thepharmacynashville.com/">The Pharmacy</a></div>
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<a href="http://adelesnashville.com/">Adele's</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinewoodsocial.com/">Pinewood Social</a></div>
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<a href="http://edleysbbq.com/">Edley's BBQ</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fivedaughtersbakery.com/">Five Daughters Bakery</a></div>
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<a href="http://hattieb.com/">Hattie B's Hot Chicken</a></div>
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<a href="http://biscuitlove.com/">Biscuit Love</a></div>
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<a href="https://baristaparlor.com/">Barista Parlor</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bagelfacebakery.com/">Bagel Face Bakery</a></div>
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<a href="https://jenis.com/scoop-shops/12-south/">Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams</a></div>
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<b>Where We Drank:</b></div>
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<a href="http://bar308.com/">Bar 308</a></div>
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<a href="http://theacmenashville.com/">Acme Feed & Seed</a></div>
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<a href="http://robertswesternworld.com/">Robert's Western World</a></div>
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<a href="http://urbangrub.net/">Urban Grub</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbancowboybnb.com/nashville/">Urban Cowboy B&B</a></div>
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<a href="http://embersskilodge.com/">Ember's Ski Lodge</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldglorynashville/">Old Glory</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thesutler.com/">The Sutler Saloon</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.theoriginaltinroof.com/">Tin Roof</a></div>
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<b>Where We Played:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.draperjames.com/store-locator/index/store/id/2/">Draper James</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.belmontmansion.com/">Belmont Mansion</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx">The Parthenon</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.oliveandsinclair.com/">Olive & Sinclair </a></div>
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<a href="http://thehermitage.com/">The Hermitage</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.parnassusbooks.net/">Parnassus Books</a><br />
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<a href="http://countrymusichalloffame.org/">Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.ryman.com/">Ryman Auditorium</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.vinnielouise.com/">Vinnie Louise</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.lhnashville.com/">Local Honey </a></div>
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<b>Where We Stayed:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11789750?guests=10&adults=10&s=DaIwQ58p">Air BnB</a><br />
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Have any questions about my time in Nashville? Leave a comment below or drop me a note at smartificial.sweetener@gmail.com!</div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-39620705708447104482017-04-07T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-07T06:00:20.104-04:00For Your (Weekend) Consideration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friday, we made it! </div>
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I'm sleepy, so let's keep this short. But how much of a babe is Bonnie Raitt on this album cover? Rocking the flares and the off-the-shoulder top. Everything old is new again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd3KpK5CRMn6lr57HK3qBibTL-SSmFoMM9g9Z-DRhupsC9LfnHpoR3_FRvXrykz-uBe2ulUK17F7oNekbgRnR3VFqFftMRXj_XytUTRm4LdxA5K6XeyQl88YNVkQw-y0fhRoKjh99n8w/s1600/IMG_1458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd3KpK5CRMn6lr57HK3qBibTL-SSmFoMM9g9Z-DRhupsC9LfnHpoR3_FRvXrykz-uBe2ulUK17F7oNekbgRnR3VFqFftMRXj_XytUTRm4LdxA5K6XeyQl88YNVkQw-y0fhRoKjh99n8w/s1600/IMG_1458.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Big Little Lies</i> was even better than I expected. I've been reading lots of articles after the finale, but <b><a href="http://www.vulture.com/2017/04/big-little-lies-is-a-commentary-on-gender-bias.html?mid=facebook_vulture">Jen Cheney's</a></b> is one of my favorites.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/fashion/j-crew-jenna-lyons.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0">Jenna Lyons is leaving</a></b> J. Crew. Despite J. Crew's recent downfall (both in sales and in style, as far as I'm concerned), you can't deny that Lyons gave both a name and a face to a previously nameless, faceless catalog and mall store. Whether that was a good idea is up for debate.</div>
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Do you want a 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli bag? Do you want it for<b><a href="http://www.saksoff5th.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441987283"> 48% off</a></b>? If I wasn't moving and therefore, trying to save money, I would be seriously considering this purchase. </div>
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OMG. It's the attack of <b><a href="http://www.racked.com/2017/4/4/15136836/off-the-shoulder-blouse-pinstripe-luxury-shirts">The Shirts</a></b>! Rebecca Jennings, I don't know you, but you are my spirit animal.</div>
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Tuesday was Equal Pay Day, which is not actually a holiday to be celebrated! As always, some people will claim that the wage gap isn't real or that women are the ones hurting themselves by having children. The National Women's Law Center created a great <b><a href="https://nwlc.org/blog/a-field-guide-to-the-mansplainers-who-emerge-every-equal-pay-day/?utm_source=nar.al&utm_medium=urlshortener&utm_campaign=FB">how-to on dealing with</a></b> various wage gap deniers.</div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-44999656608239946922017-04-06T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-06T12:25:55.418-04:00Spring Staple: The Field Jacket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's downpouring in DC today, so let's talk spring. April showers and all that. Side note: is this just a New England thing, or were you taught this entire thing?</div>
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<i>April showers bring May flowers.</i></div>
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<i>And what do May flowers bring?</i></div>
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<i>Pilgrims!</i></div>
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Mayflowers. Pilgrims. Get it? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJOrrf7Km-Rwd9xCf7Tc5m7qNIQbTUBeRsue7Z1jKeO0PorSf9Y_psOHy2cT0QtpP5HkB67_GK5o_LXH2lKX4S9B3nds4H69G4itTBMmSj3RfAnCGGNdX3kaxlqrsLPa0sc_hRYnsiYA/s1600/IMG_1054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJOrrf7Km-Rwd9xCf7Tc5m7qNIQbTUBeRsue7Z1jKeO0PorSf9Y_psOHy2cT0QtpP5HkB67_GK5o_LXH2lKX4S9B3nds4H69G4itTBMmSj3RfAnCGGNdX3kaxlqrsLPa0sc_hRYnsiYA/s1600/IMG_1054.jpg" /></a></div>
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Alright, so after that bizarre tangent, let's talk spring staples. We all know the basics - light sweaters, open-toed shoes, a good raincoat. But my personal favorite is the field jacket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjsvuUgBs4OpfLWKQu5tQW6vi_ZfJuvKwTaA1oMEP7C8jy_HwvmIcQtMUmn_04xf9HgX4Zvrjlts8ZDf1sEe6SayDcEB3IN9_wSqQZGQqo9w-80pkeYCgI1CUP88G2w3GEi8_jh-lG0c/s1600/IMG_1055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjsvuUgBs4OpfLWKQu5tQW6vi_ZfJuvKwTaA1oMEP7C8jy_HwvmIcQtMUmn_04xf9HgX4Zvrjlts8ZDf1sEe6SayDcEB3IN9_wSqQZGQqo9w-80pkeYCgI1CUP88G2w3GEi8_jh-lG0c/s1600/IMG_1055.jpg" /></a></div>
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Army jacket, military jacket, field jacket, whatever you call it, you know precisely what I'm talking about. It's usually some shade of green, it's lighter than a coat, and it's the perfect thing to toss on for unpredictable weather.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N8Lvvlli7jCj3mj-T6bYwYYNTmf6wBKXJr1Fj7BJ3HLQ4l3bVkK_xeXsioptzoxBweSAtdnHI_yEzUPFbl-9d1pTRgZZ4E0dBHTiYR_xLLvGGXz7KzjXqTh39KmgA570SMZ8DmnCVm8/s1600/IMG_1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N8Lvvlli7jCj3mj-T6bYwYYNTmf6wBKXJr1Fj7BJ3HLQ4l3bVkK_xeXsioptzoxBweSAtdnHI_yEzUPFbl-9d1pTRgZZ4E0dBHTiYR_xLLvGGXz7KzjXqTh39KmgA570SMZ8DmnCVm8/s1600/IMG_1080.jpg" /></a></div>
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I bought this one at <b><a href="https://www.shoprefine.com/">Refine</a></b> back in the fall, knowing that it would be exactly what I needed come springtime. It doesn't provide warmth or waterproofing, but the styling of it is what mattered to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvihK4pVAaqQUgR7_UurwjewIrE389jH2QABvuZIy43F6a-ylPSHx-lmAtfZjF2nyhEPC7DLTUpUo7d9IbCkCV7SGAwTQFQxTJpx58q7h7VcoCiZVbvFWCtdbc6OakHL6L_Iw-bszWhko/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvihK4pVAaqQUgR7_UurwjewIrE389jH2QABvuZIy43F6a-ylPSHx-lmAtfZjF2nyhEPC7DLTUpUo7d9IbCkCV7SGAwTQFQxTJpx58q7h7VcoCiZVbvFWCtdbc6OakHL6L_Iw-bszWhko/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" /></a></div>
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From the snaps to the pockets to the collar, it's a piece that I'm constantly reaching for when I need a topper. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyEl0FffFlj8G620rgfcQOaaVLBaeSIx5YswxLnvbl5-fED0w5JSAnCro76Qws-yAGzdQpunul3ErkGBEOTy4phXspJlabE0kNimP6325FU-lt3GR8MrzXY2fOdXbbAiiEMxaplE12HI/s1600/IMG_1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyEl0FffFlj8G620rgfcQOaaVLBaeSIx5YswxLnvbl5-fED0w5JSAnCro76Qws-yAGzdQpunul3ErkGBEOTy4phXspJlabE0kNimP6325FU-lt3GR8MrzXY2fOdXbbAiiEMxaplE12HI/s1600/IMG_1077.jpg" /></a></div>
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As I commented to a friend on Instagram, I love this jacket for spring layering. Sitting in the sun and starting to bake? Jacket off. Wind picks up? Jacket back on. Rinse and repeat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z229Km50PlioSOsj4EjkJ9GaDkARVlkPF1UG0FWRshQGoQzToTx-y1_HtoxxJywzM9Zinxs5hR9yQEbW5SAy2ADGlFb7LDlvzZYpJFqzlva2ebv9cjbl2GwEz1dXlLbg-cjR8MJqWQE/s1600/IMG_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z229Km50PlioSOsj4EjkJ9GaDkARVlkPF1UG0FWRshQGoQzToTx-y1_HtoxxJywzM9Zinxs5hR9yQEbW5SAy2ADGlFb7LDlvzZYpJFqzlva2ebv9cjbl2GwEz1dXlLbg-cjR8MJqWQE/s1600/IMG_1049.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jacket: via <b><a href="https://www.shoprefine.com/">Shop Refine</a> </b>(options <b><a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-utility-jacket-olive-s-mossimo-supply-co-153-juniors/-/A-50967423?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Women+Shopping&adgroup=Fashion%20Jackets_SC&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9061285&gclid=CLmp_MqYjtMCFZaKswod1R8Ovw&gclsrc=aw.ds">here</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/612?originalProduct=84879&productId=1410572&attrValue_0=Olive%20Gray&pla1=0&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla_with_promotiononline&qs=3126429_google&lsft=qs:3126429_google&gclid=CO603ciYjtMCFYePswodjIAKFQ">here</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/612?originalProduct=82662&productId=1369179&attrValue_0=Olive%20Gray&pla1=0&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla_with_promotiononline&qs=3126429_google&lsft=qs:3126429_google&gclid=CPrz_8KYjtMCFUiHswodKx4OKg">here</a></b>); Sweater: Theory (striped options <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Equipment/Leigh-striped-cashmere-sweater/770801">here</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Theory/Belira-Evian-striped-wool-blend-sweater/777921">here</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Sonia-Rykiel/Striped-knitted-sweater/877531">here</a></b>); Denim: <b><a href="https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants/denim/PRDOVR~G1997/G1997.jsp?color_name=frost-wash">J. Crew Factory</a></b>; Boots: Nine West (similar <b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-penny-boot-women/3302621?cm_mmc=google-_-productads-_-Women%3AShoes%3ABoots-_-553591&rkg_id=h-341b97897877ae6b3db301d78cc04f86_t-1491425741&adpos=1o29&creative=57187812113&device=c&network=g&gclid=CNbtheyZjtMCFcKEswodPQoINg">here</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.doddsshoe.com/born-helen-golden-sand-full-grain-d78692.html?gclid=CIPRu-CZjtMCFcSIswodX8MCrQ">here</a></b>); Tote: <b><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=2215810020000&cid=1051886">Old Navy</a></b>; Shades: <b><a href="http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB2132%20unisex%201-new%20wayfarer%20classic-tortoise/805289048534">Ray Ban</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What are your spring staples? Let me know in the comments!</span></div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-3177298881120164752017-04-05T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-05T11:15:49.842-04:00Currently Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I always say, so many books, so little time. </div>
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I went to an author talk last week and as I was perusing the shelves, a woman behind me commented that if she stopped sleeping, she would finally have time to read all the books on her list. Last night, I lived that, waking up at 2am and not being able to fall asleep. Instead of tossing and turning endlessly, I finished the book I was reading. Turning a negative into a positive right there!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26209454-intrusion">1</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29904284-evelyn-after">2</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29981261-the-butterfly-garden">3</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16143347-we-were-liars">4</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25893709-my-name-is-lucy-barton">5</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29057891-interference">6</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26209454-intrusion">Intrusion by Mary McCluskey</a> - When Kat and Scott's only child dies, they grieve in different ways. Scott throws himself into work and distraction, while Kat flounders, floating around their empty house day after day. A woman from Kat's childhood comes back into her life, and into Scott's, and changes everything. Long story short, I hated this. I found it trite and boring. It wasn't a good representation of grief, or of healing. Blah.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29904284-evelyn-after">Evelyn, After by Victoria Helen Stone</a> - Evelyn is living in suburban stay-at-home hell. That is, until her husband calls her in the middle of the night to come get him - he's been in an accident. In her sleeping pill-induced stupor, Evelyn drives to go get him and sees that he isn't alone. He's with a woman he claims is a patient of his, but Evelyn isn't so sure. After that event, Evelyn begins rediscovering herself. She finds out who the woman was and starts researching her, even going so far as to show up at her husband's art gallery. When the two of them strike up a relationship, Evelyn comes alive for the first time in years. This was...fine. Very middle-age awakening. I wouldn't recommend it, but if you needed a quick beach read, this would fit the bill. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29981261-the-butterfly-garden">The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchinson</a> - This is my type of read. Well-written, but super dark and fucked up. What does that say about me? Inside a mansion lies a garden, a butterfly garden. The butterflies are young women with stunning wings tattooed onto their backs. And like butterflies, they have been captured and are kept for their beauty. When the garden is discovered, the detectives are trying to piece together exactly what it is they've found. One butterfly, Maya, tells them her story, slowly, piece by piece. And yet, she hides details, she is dismissive of certain questions, she's lying about something. The book jumps back and forth between Maya's life before the garden, her life inside the garden's walls, and the police interview after her escape. I loved this, but be warned that there are many scenes of rape and abuse.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16143347-we-were-liars">We Were Liars by E. Lockhart</a> - READ THIS RIGHT NOW. Is that enough of a recommendation? Ok, what are you getting yourself into? Four teenagers, three of them cousins, spend their summers on their family's private island, just off Martha's Vineyard. Their grandparents are the heads of the family, and they have built themselves a house, in addition to building each of their three daughters a house of their own on the island. The Liars, as they are called, are the next generation of this wealthy family. While they keep to themselves throughout the school year, every summer the family descends onto the island and they live in paradise. However, after one of the cousins suffers an accident of some sort, everything changes. I really can't say more without spoiling the story, which is fantastic and amazing and with a perfect twist that I did not see coming (the best kind of twist). This may be marketed as YA, but people of all ages should be picking this one up.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25893709-my-name-is-lucy-barton">My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout</a> - This is a short and wonderful read. Lucy Barton is recovering from surgery and her estranged mother comes to sit with her in the hospital. They have conversations about Lucy's rural childhood, her father, her husband and her young daughters, motherhood, womanhood, and other "big" ideas. Strout writes in a seemingly simple style, while weaving in gorgeous imagery and true to life themes. I'll be picking up more of her work.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29057891-interference"></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29057891-interference">Interference by Amelie Antoine</a> - I cannot begin to describe the anger I felt when I got to the "twist" of this novel. I practically slammed my Kindle into the ground. We have a beautiful French couple, Gabriel and Chloe. They're young, in love, newly married. And then Chloe drowns. Gabriel is bereft, struggling to right himself. He joins a bereavement group to cope and it is there that he meets Emma, a young photographer. They strike up a friendship, which begins to turn romantic. And then the stupidest, most insipid, insulting, idiotic "twist" happens and it's truly the angriest that a book has made me in years. Hard pass. </div>
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<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840542393166717261.post-11234585004932041402017-04-04T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-04T06:00:16.990-04:00How to Pack & Dress for a Nashville Bachelorette Party Weekend<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 1024px;">
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I'm so excited to tell you all about Nashville and where we went and what we did and mostly, what we ate! But let's start with what I packed for the trip.<br />
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The trip was Thursday-Sunday and we were doing lots of touristy things, along with a couple of "theme nights" thrown into the mix. It was a bachelorette party after all.<br />
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I packed last minute aka the morning of and think I did a pretty good job, all things considered! As usual, I stuck to a color palette where almost every piece could mix and match. Even though I planned each outfit, I knew I would be able to make substitutions based on weather or preference or just because!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nashville_packing_list/set?.embedder=3588808&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=219089862" target="_blank"><img alt="Nashville Packing List" border="0" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=xBrnuagbkgbx5mcB6OMJsg&id=rAC9_hwT5xGliR3YnPGFCQ&size=c1024x1024" height="1024" title="Nashville Packing List" width="1024" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Toppers: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/london-fog-heritage-trench-coat-with-detachable-liner-regular-petite-nordstrom-exclusive/3396685?cm_mmc=overture-_-polyvore_cpc-_-Women%3AOuterwear%3AShortJacket_Coat-_-622720&polyvore_device=desktop&polyvore_group=Short%20Jacket%2FCoat&rkg_id=h-341b97897877ae6b3db301d78cc04f86_t-1491253345">trench</a> // <a href="http://www.fashionoutfit.com/women-s-basic-moto-rider-faux-leather-zippered-jacket.html?code=120-471&gclid=CJ27tpKp99ICFdmCswodBukFrg">leather jacket</a> // <a href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/116176?feat=503657-GN3&page=double-l-cotton-sweater-open-cardigan&csp=f%22">open cardigan</a> // <a href="https://www.veronicabeard.com/apollo-db-blazer.html?color=Black">blazer</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Tops: <a href="http://www.fashionoutfit.com/women-s-flannel-plaid-checker-rolled-up-shirt-blouse-top.html?code=376-467&gclid=CJjVt4eo99ICFYePswodaH0HRg">plaid shirt</a> // <a href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/92960?attrValue_0=White/Classic%20Navy">striped tee</a> // <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Autumn-Cashmere/Ribbed-cashmere-sweater/742969?cm_sp=YMAL_-_TO[742969]_-_FROM[789150]">sweater</a> // <a href="https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2791048/womens-sonoma-goods-for-life-striped-lace-up-tee.jsp?ci_mcc=ci&utm_campaign=MISSES%20SONOMA%20TOPS&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=55767832&CID=shopping15&gclid=CJqP67CbidMCFYaPswod5M0JrA&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CMP0gbGbidMCFdJDNwodazUEjg">lace-up tee</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Dresses/Bottoms: <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=524584032&CAWELAID=120280880000226381&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=39045364292&CATCI=pla-61865531738&cvosrc=cse.google.PLA_Nonbrand&cvo_campaign=661500921&cvo_adgroup=39045364292&cvo_crid=138689418216&Matchtype=&tid=gppl000013&kwid=1&ap=7&catargetid=120280880000097078&cadevice=c&gclid=CKfD1cKbidMCFYKKswodItwDaw"> jumpsuit</a> // <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/843053">striped dress</a> // <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/mile-high-super-skinny-jeans/vp/v=1/1561725186.htm?folderID=2534374302185180&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=65572">denim</a> // <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/688417">black dress</a> // <a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2009284?color=PINK">floral dress</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Shoes: <a href="http://www.naturalizer.com/en-US/Product/EC0218400-3014888/Naturalizer/Ban+Brd+Lthr+Wde+Clf/Joan+Wide+Calf.aspx?partnerid=adwordspla&cvo_adid=3014888-EC0218400-4.0M&cvosrc=cse.GoogleShopping.EC0218400&cvo_campaign=General&KPID=3014888-EC0218400-4.0M&k_clickid=72cc749d-ef1a-40c4-b38b-fb5ed922ab2a&gclid=CN7lgumn99ICFYmPswod1OsBnA">boots</a> // <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-yaro-ankle-strap-sandal-women/4447280?cm_mmc=overture-_-polyvore_cpc-_-Women%3AShoes%3ASandals_Slides-_-5235368&polyvore_device=desktop&polyvore_group=Sandals%2FSlides&rkg_id=h-341b97897877ae6b3db301d78cc04f86_t-1491253377">sandals</a></span><br />
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This was it! I stuck to my usual neutral palette - mostly whites, camels, and blacks, with some navy thrown in. And of course, some stripes! The plaid button-up was for our America theme night, but otherwise, it would have stayed home. I did have <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/J-Brand/Mid-rise-skinny-jeans/792726?cm_sp=YMAL_-_TO[792726]_-_FROM[744123]">one more pair</a></b> of denim that I packed, so I was working with two pairs of jeans for the weekend.<br />
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How did I mix and match these pieces? Well...</div>
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<img alt="Nashville Outfit List" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEis-bTzccCyRnR3vbg7sCTxu112wqwOEs8rCVqHHzvtpIYcv0VJfYeTh6amNJaN_MrpPGdBiEY0h7fehyphenhyphenJVuczL4xMAfGNrFjvffbCdJTeOVglfivcGTVUbRp5BxNUR2E0tpsZz_xRnYsBTAHQW-glcWWp8jJwBxkCc3V9t_hyphenhyphenYKXkZPyVXQvcRWLWigcnTIP4mihD1rmSHd5XuG-3kXPOrKCnokKjVdpDSKsd3SjncSRhhSUfR=" /><br />
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As you can see, I was able to make quite a few outfits from just a few pieces. I'm so glad I threw in my leather jacket last minute - I ended up wearing it out every night! </div>
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And I didn't overpack - the only item I didn't end up wearing was the floral dress, which I only brought as a second option for "Chic" Saturday night. Almost every item was worn more than once. My only complaint is that I wish I had brought a pair of flat sandals (like my Jack Rogers). The boots and sandals are both really comfortable, but there were a few times I wanted something a bit easier.<br />
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I was really happy with what I packed and wore. There was never a dreaded "what will I wear tonight?" situation. And let me just tell you, that black jersey jumpsuit is one of the best things I've bought in a long time. Mine is from Old Navy, but the one I linked to is from Gap and suuuuper similar. It feels like pajamas, but you look incredibly chic and stylish in it. I almost flew home in it, but the risk of dealing with a jumpsuit in an airplane bathroom was enough to force me to change!</div>
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I know I promised that <b><a href="http://smartificialsweetener.blogspot.com/2017/03/back-in-black.html">last week's outfit</a></b> would be my last turtleneck, but well, I lied. </div>
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What if I tell you this outfit is really, truly, the last one of the season?<br />
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Yeah, I don't know if I buy it either.<br />
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Turtlenecks aside, I spent the weekend doing a million things, from an author talk at an independent book shop to drinks at Cantina Marina to checking out a new bar on H St to reading in my favorite coffeeshop. I'm soaking up all of the DC I can before my imminent departure.<br />
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I'm going to miss this town.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweater: Alice & Olivia (sold out, <b><a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/Shop/Product/Tibi/Cutout-knitted-sweater/866703">similar</a></b>); Faux Leather Leggings: <b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-faux-leather-leggings/3828364?origin=wishlist&mr:trackingCode=63C48149-66DD-E411-B067-90E2BA285759&mr:referralID=NA">Spanx</a></b>; Kicks: <b><a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/product/internationalist-id/?piid=43594&pbid=101127021">Nike</a></b>; Bag: <b><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=2215810020000&cid=1051886">Old Navy</a></b>; Shades: <b><a href="http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/RB2132%20unisex%201-NEW%20WAYFARER%20CLASSIC-Black/805289048527">Ray Ban</a></b></span></div>
<br />Smartificial Sweetenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618519294802594579noreply@blogger.com0