Celebrity Style: Keri Russell

I love Keri Russell. Ever since I saw The Magic of Ordinary Days and realized she has curly hair, I have been a fan. Now, thanks to Pinterest, I also know that she has great style! I posted a picture of her adorable living room here, and her simple, classic outfits are fantastic.

It's no secret - I love stripes. And navy and white strips are the best kind, in my opinion. I also love the fact that it would be easy to recreate this look with a striped tank and a pair of white jeans.

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She looks amazing in all white - something I probably would not be brave enough to try. I love how she pulls classic shapes together - like these high-waisted tailored pants and white blouse - and yet adds her own flare with the platform pumps and popped collar.

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And just as stunning as her all white ensemble is this black jumpsuit with a pop of pink.

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Just check out her shoes! I like that she pairs some trendy pumps with her structured blazer and cigaret pants. This is another one of her looks that would be easy to recreate.

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Ok, confession time. Women who dress to the nines when they fly intimidate me. You know the ones I mean: the 5 inch heels, the layers of jewelry, the perfectly coiffed hair, and the flawless makeup. Even on my regular days, I just let my hair air dry and throw on some basic makeup. I don't know how it can be practical to travel like that! On the other hand, it bothers me when people wear their pajamas on the airplane. Granted, there are some long international flights, but you're on a plane - people have to look at you! At least let them look at something pretty. Keri nails "travel style" with classic, comfortable pieces. You can never go wrong with some skinnies and a button up!

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Fall Pieces

Raleigh weather has been glorious this summer. I mean, days upon days of sunny 80 degree weather - who could complain?! I love being able to pair shorts with bright sweaters in the middle of July. But this cooler summer weather and the fall styles in retail windows have me thinking ahead to days of jeans and vests and scarves. Until then, here are a few of the things I have my eye on for the fall:

Blue and white has to be my favorite color combination. 

This classic scarf from Sole Society is right up my alley.

Loft now carries an adorable line from Lou and Grey. 

This slouchy, linen jacket would be perfect for a cool summer evening or a brisk fall day.

I loved this herringbone vest that J. Crew Factory  carried last fall, but they sold out before I could snag one. This year as soon as I found out they were back in stock, I ordered one right away! My cousin just moved from Maryland to Raleigh (right across the street from me! But thats another story for another day) and I told her that one of my favorite things about winters here is that most days you can throw on a vest and a scarf and you're good to go! No bulky coats to lug around and swelter underneath once you're indoors. 

At my new job, I have to keep my things in a locker while I'm working. A casual clutch would be perfect because I could grab it on my way out, toss it in my locker, and still have something classic to carry if I have plans after work. I love this simple, leather, foldover clutch from K. Slademade - even though it is a little out of my price range right now.

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy all the summer Raleigh has left!

Newness

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Everything seems to be beginning all at once. This week. Today.

All though college, I wondered what life would be like once I was done with school. Now that I'm no longer a student, I realize I am just "starting" - new job, new address, new people, new opportunities, new perspectives. Life seems to have reset itself, and I am relishing it.

Today was my first day working in an environment that is absolutely new to me. I have almost always been self-employed, so working a fast paced job in a large company is such a refreshing change. Even from what I saw today, opportunities are endless and everyday there is something new to learn. Later this week I'll be living at a new address, and I can't begin to describe how excited I am make an empty place into my place. Life feels like a blank slate today. Anything can happen. So many things will happen, and I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for when they do.

Oh, Instagram...

I saw this article the other day and had to chuckle:

What I Instagrammed Vs. What Was Really Happening, or My Entire Life is a Lie

Olivia is on point with her witty, yet slightly self-depricating perspective on "presenting the real version of yourself" via Instagram. I'm definitely guilty of number 2. But number 9 hit closer to home, because, even though I don't really eat pastries, her "What it Looks Like I'm Doing" pretty much sums up how I want people to perceive me - and I don't even own a bike! 

In all fairness though, I do like to see well presented, aesthetic pictures on Instagram - even those that are obviously staged - because it's nice to catch a glimpse of someone's creativity. Little bits of beauty from the lives of others can often inspire me to go ahead and paint that picture frame, or read a new book, or grab coffee with a friend, or try a new recipe. Nothing wrong with that. But it's also a good reminder to avoid presenting myself as someone that I'm not. 

Inspiration

Moving comes with some major perks: deciding on furniture and decor, for example. All those hours on Pinterest will finally pay off! Here are a few living spaces that have caught my attention lately:

 Emily Henderson's adorable first apartment.

Keri Russel's Brooklyn living room featured on Elle.

Laura Bateman's D.C. apartment featured on The EveryGirl.

And this cozy little corner from Domino.

Hopefully, I'll be able to post pictures from my own little apartment soon! 

Moving Out

     Moving out. Two parts exciting plus eight parts "what the heck have I gotten myself into!" You mean I have to be a grown up now? With insurance and utility bills and everything? Man, if I had known what it meant to "grow up" back in 5th grade, I would have just stayed there forever - doing homework, playing house, digging holes in the yard with my brothers, and begging my mom for a dog. Yet, here I am, sitting at home on a couch in my bedroom (which is much too small for a couch) getting ready to move this white, three-seater to my new apartment in a few short weeks. Raleigh better look out!