twins in purple

^^^ just one picture, little dog! ^^^

dress: jcpenney (borrowed from mom), flannel: eddie bauer (borrowed from brother), 

necklace: francesca's, flats: dolce vita (borrowed from mom)

hello weekend - 

i am so happy you are here.

i had a little sleepover at my parent's house this weekend

to celebrate my dad's birthday.

and then i thought, well i should probably play dress-up while here.

i found some true gems in my mom's closet.

unfortunately, she was unwilling to let me 'borrow' them, 

other than for photo purposes;

but mom, i will be back! 

the celebration was complete with some snuggles from this dog.

i had to capture our matching purple, too!

xoxo.

c-o-m-f-o-r-t

t-shirt: nordstrom, sweater: urban outfitters, hat: target, 

leggings: american apparel, moccasins: minnetonka

on weekends, my style is all about being comfortable. 

whether lounging, cleaning up around the apartment, 

or grabbing coffee with a girlfriend, i tend to dress more casually;

oversized sweaters and flannel are my outfits of choice.

i wore this particular outfit to brunch with my girlfriend, 

followed by a nap and copious amounts of work.

how do you typically dress on weekends? 

let me know in the comments below.

xoxo.

p.s. this hat is the perfect way to hide unwashed or messy hair.

if only i could wear it constantly.. 

you can purchase a similar version here.

smile always; be positive

ombre top: tj maxx, pants: loft, heels: steve madden, 

ring & bangle: old navy, clutch: zara

i am a sucker for quotes;

whether on pinterest, or for home decor, 

i cannot get enough. 

my bedroom has an 'inspiration wall' that is covered in various 

quotes and words of encouragement.

i have several toddler-related / appropriate photos

containing quotes hung in my classroom, too.

while some are frivolous, i find that i truly appreciate

reading their positive message from time to time. 

it provides me with an instant pick-me-up, i suppose.

thus, when i saw a bag with an inspiring message, 

i knew it would be the perfect accessory 

(and even better, it was on clearance!).

are you a fan of surrounding your home with quotations?

xoxo.

derby ready

dress & hat: target, booties: thrifted, purse: tj maxx

all dressed up and nowhere to go! 

although i do look as though i could attend the horse races

with my oversized hat and floral dress.

the weather was unusually warm this past weekend, 

and i felt comfortable wearing this spring-like dress with a sweater. 

spring, are you here to stay?

i really do prefer your sunshine and warm temperatures. 

this weekend went by far too quickly.

i am working on an online class, babysitting in preparation for our 

upcoming trip, and trying to fit in time for naps, 

happy hour, and a bit of fun.

monday, i am not ready for you;

bring on the coffee!

xoxo.

#ootd

^^^ with pink ^^^

#ootd shirt: pink by victoria's secret, dress (worn as skirt): american eagle,

leggings: american apparel, bag: tj maxx, shoes: thrifted

^^^ and then i wanted to take 'super cool / fancy / creative jumping pictures'

and failed, miserably ^^^

i first saw this #ootd shirt on a fellow blogger via instagram.

after a sufficient amount of stalking and online shopping, 

i found it on sale at victoria's secret. 

upon discovery, i immediately said 'i need it!'

then i remembered that i have far too many graphic t-shirts;

i need another shirt like a hole in the head, 

as my parents often remind me (as do my girlfriends and boyfriend, willie). 

so one day last weekend, after a hair appointment, 

i raced into the local victoria's secret. 

i scoured the pink section, unable to find the #ootd shirt.

and alas, there it was! in the arms of the sales associate, 

organizing and folding the copious graphic t-shirts.

i scooped one up, ran to the (ridiculous and epically slow) line,

and off i went, with the #ootd t-shirt shoved in the bottom of my purse

(like that of a true shopaholic). 

now i can wear my #ootd shirt every day - 

i shall smile and think back to my sneaky clever endeavor,

in an attempt to buy and hide this silly shirt. 

xoxo.

all black, all day

^^^ what is the face i am making?? ^^^

tank & sunnies: nordstrom, skirt: thrifted ($10!), boots: urban outfitters, 

short necklace: letters by zoe, long necklace: little shop in idaho

willie and i are headed to san diego in exactly two weeks;

this girl could not be more excited. 

i need sunshine and relaxation in my life. 

i thought it would be fun to dig out some of my very missed 

tanks and shorts and sunnies to share on this little blog. 

this skirt is newly thrifted via crossroads trading company. 

i found it on the floor beneath the 'clearance' rounder,

and i must admit, it was a magnificent find. 

it is fluffy and soft and there is a slight sheen 

to the otherwise black fabric. 

i cannot wait to wear it again - for $10, i knew it was coming home with me.

happy saturday, everyone!

xoxo.

pinspiration

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a few things i am lusting after as of late. 

happy friday, everyone! 

xoxo. 

liebster award

thank you, amy, from work play for nominating this little blog for the liebster award.

this award is passed from blogger to blogger;

each recipient poses a list of questions about how and why we began writing, 

our interests, bloggers we admire, etc. 

while nominating new bloggers. 

the liebster award is a great means for discovering new blogs,

or learning more about your favorite writers. 

below are the answers to the questions amy posed for me.

thank you again, amy!

1. how did you come up with your blog name?

my writing is a sort of 'what first comes to mind' / stream of consciousness / diary. i think the title, 'diary of this girl'  represents that.

2. what is something most people don't know about you?

i make giant messes; we are talking epically big messes. from my skin and face products in the bathroom, to my shoes, clothes, and important papers. then i will go on a cleaning rampage, toss everything out, and organize it all. the next day, it will be again be a disaster. 

3. if you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would you go?

australia! 

4. favorite food? 

frozen peas and ice cream (not together, of course). 

5. biggest fear?

birds, they terrify me.

6. if you could pick, what decade would you have grown up in?

the 70s. i want to be a hippie! 

7. your favorite possession?

nothing sentimental comes to mind, so perhaps my vintage cowboy boots (is that ridiculous?). i purchased them at crossroads trading company for $18 and wear them constantly! 

8. spring, summer, fall or winter?

SUMMER!

9. favorite life moment?

graduating from college. the graduation ceremony was mediocre, but i remember celebrating at dinner with my parents and extended family the night prior. i could tell how proud my mom and dad were (i can still picture their faces!). my dad especially - it gives me goosebumps! 

10. books you want to read in 2015?

'we were liars' by e. lockhart

'the girl on the train' by paula hawkins

'wild' by cheryl strayed 

'orphan train' by christina baker kline

11. favorite store?

i cannot think of just one - maybe urban outfitters, crossroads trading company and nordstrom. 

my nominations are and questions for them are…

kaitlyn & lisa from 'sisters marie'

alyson from 'crushing on clothes'

maggie from 'bone & arrow'

katie from 'for lauren & lauren'

rebecca from 'eastside fashion'

windblown & sharing 'la macon'

^^^ hello, wind! ^^^

dress: ℅ la macon via sassafras, tights: forever 21, 

shoes: thrifted, bracelet: urban outfitters

there was an epic windstorm in seattle this past weekend; 

the intensity can be witnessed in the photos above!

we did not lose power, thankfully, but many people throughout the city did.

i have numerous photos of my wild and windblown hair,

and not near enough of the lovely detailing on this dress,

 handmade by shari noble of la macon. 

the studded pockets, soft leather, neckline, capped sleeves, 

and pleated skirt - it is incredible.

the thought and creativity that go into shari's designs are admirable! 

to shop this look, and to see other handmade, leather products, 

find la macon at sassafras or online, here.

shari, i very much enjoyed meeting you, seeing your design space, 

and borrowing this gorgeous dress. 

i look forward to visiting with you again soon! 

xoxo. 

styles by 'postscript apparel'

^^^ this gorgeous 'postscript apparel' blouse has been hand-felted ^^^

^^^ the blouse fits and hangs beautifully! ^^^

^^^ and then i felt the need to spin around and twirl my pretty skirt ^^^

blouse: ℅ postscript apparel via sassafras, skirt: ℅ hubris apparel via sassafras,

flats: thrifted, hat: target, bracelets: forever 21

owner and designer of 'postscript apparel,' claire gardipee,

is a seattle native.

she began sewing as a child and aspired to create a clothing line 

that is emblematic of "taking the time to craft something personal 

and keeping that item always as a treasure for the care that was put into it."

source

the silk blouse i am wearing was felted by hand.

it fits beautifully, and the silk is incredibly soft. 

claire, i am eager to see more of your designs! 

'postscript apparel' is available at sassafras

and on her website here.

xoxo.

lighter hair & thrifting

top: free people (thrifted), leggings: kensie, boots: urban outfitters, 

bracelets: forever 21 and target

i recently thrifted this fun and seemingly unique free people tunic at a 

small consignment shop in bellevue. 

i wanted to pair something simple with it,

as the top has a great deal of detail with the embellishments. 

with some leggings and ankle boots on, i was ready to go. 

i lightened my hair this past weekend 

with my favorite balayage specialist, chloe, at the northgate gene juarez.

to my local friends, chloe is amazing.

if you are in need of a new colorist, 

i cannot recommend her enough! 

happy monday, everyone! 

xoxo.

sunday funday

..because sometimes you just have to act crazy with your best friend.

m, i am so fortunate to have you in my life!

xoxo.

happy hippie with 'boho republic'

source

dress: ℅ BOHO republic via sassafras, sweater: urban outfitters, 

boots: steve madden, hat: target, necklace: ℅ sassafras

when seeing my outfit choices, 

my mom consistently tells me 'you were born in the wrong era.'

she feels i would have thrived as a happy / grunge-like, little hippie.

and you know, i think she may be right. 

however, with a gorgeous and modern dress like this, 

borrowed from 'BOHO republic,'

i can live out my hippie days everyday!

i cannot give this dress enough praise;

everything from the print, vibrant colors, and overall fit (incredibly flattering) -

it could not be more perfect. 

'BOHO republic' is a locally designed, modern-inspired clothing line.

it is sold online here and at local boutique, sassafras. 

and now i shall go dance around in my favorite dress!

xoxo.

wearing & sharing 'other peoples polyester'

source

'other peoples polyester', formerly 'lady konnyaku,'

is a local, handmade and knit clothing line, inspired by japanese street fashion, 

by the talented malia.

malia's designs are prepared in her studio, located below sassafras. 

i had the privilege of viewing the home of 

'other peoples polyester,' (OPP) and am grateful for the opportunity 

to share one of malia's designs with you.

^^^ top ℅ OPP via sassafras! ^^^

i love the detail of malia's design - 

the knit fabric is incredibly soft; the turquoise piping on the sleeve

and large buttons add both fun and flair.

top: OPP, skirt: hubris apparel ℅ sassafras (designed in portland, 

and sold locally), bracelets: american eagle and urban outfitters, 

flats: macy's

malia's designs are intended for everyday wear;

they are simple, yet chic, with little pops of color.

in addition, the knits are soft and comfortable -

whether wearing OPP to work, for an evening out or while at home, 

you will feel incredibly stylish wearing her vintage-inspired, fashionable line!

malia, thank you for the opportunity to share OPP with my readers.

i look forward to sharing additional designs in the future! 

xoxo.

Thank you, parallel jewelry!

^^^ handmade earrings, by parallel jewelry ^^^

sweater: american eagle, dress: h&m (swap with m),

boots: thrifted, earrings: ℅ parallel jewelry via sassafras

designer, jeni falldine, of parallel jewelry, was kind enough 

to lend me these gorgeous, handmade earrings to share with my readers. 

jeni is located in seattle.

you can find her designs at local boutique, sassafras, 

and on jeni's website here.

while i am normally drawn to statement necklaces

or large bracelets, something about these earrings 

made me think, 'i have to try them.'

jeni, i am incredibly grateful, and i will definitely be back to shop!

xoxo.

**this is not a sponsored post. all photos and opinions are my own.

pinspiration

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as the weekend nears, i sometimes need a little 

'pick me up' - some inspiration, if you will.

pinterest never lets me down;

quotes seem to really help; i have them hanging everywhere 

in my little apartment. 

above are a few of my current favorites.

where do you find inspiration?

xoxo.

yellow, black and fuzzy all over

sweater: urban outfitters, leggings: american apparel, t-shirt: nordstrom,

moccasins: minnetonka, bag: tj maxx

i know i dress up in many of my blog photos, 

and while i love dresses and skirts (and wear them often),

the picture above depicts my style 80% of the time (or maybe 95%..).

a soft t-shirt and oversized sweater, paired with my favorite leggings

is what i want to wear most days.

i added lipstick and a bright cross body bag to make this outfit

slightly more exciting. did it work?

happy almost friday!

xoxo.

brunch at the kingfish cafe

the large photographs, scattered throughout the restaurant, 

are family members of owners, laurie and leslie. 

everyone from their great aunt, mary, 

to third cousin (and poet), langston hughes, can be seen.

^^^ i went with the chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, and giant biscuit on the side! ^^^

^^^ the kitchen is located directly behind this front desk area ^^^

the kingfish cafe, located on capitol hill, offers incredible, southern cuisine.

opening in 1997, kingfish has been serving 

chicken fried waffles, biscuits and gravy, liver and onions,

 and of course, red beans and rice to both local friends, and those from afar. 

i had the pleasure of visiting the kingfish cafe for brunch 

this past weekend,

and the food did not disappoint.

my eggs, sausage and biscuit were incredible,

and the coffee kept coming, a necessity for this coffee fiend.

the cafe is rustic and vintage-like, but very comfortable.

while reading up on the kingfish cafe,

i realized they will be closing at the end of this month;

i highly recommend you visit before they do so 

on january 25, 2015!

you can read more about the kingfish cafe menu, decor and history here.

xoxo.