Stripes in the City

Dress, Manteau (Marshall's). Cardigan, Issi (TJ Maxx). Red patent belt, Forever 21. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Black wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust collection. Black buckle flats, Coach. 

     The serenity of nature always brings me peace; but there is nothing compared to the energy of a city. Even a smaller city like Knoxville feels electric to me. There's something about urban sights and amenities that makes me imagine my future life, strolling downtown somewhere fabulous. Before classes for spring semester started (we have one class during the month of January; it's called a "J-Term"), Patrick and I spent a particularly warm day exploring downtown Knoxville. I went into several stores that I discovered that day, saw a sign that both an Urban Outfitters AND an Anthropologie are opening soon, ate in one of my all time favorite restaurants, and generally just enjoyed the vibe. 

     My outfit was essentially just a functional, warmer weather uniform. Flats, a dress, and a cardigan is a pretty basic combination, but I enjoyed playing with patterns and textures nonetheless. I find it doesn't really matter how simple an outfit seems as long as there are standout details that make even basic pieces feel special. That is the philosophy I've been employing in my purchases and ensembles lately and I can't wait to see where it leads me.

     Another great philosophy that I totally abide by was displayed outside of one of my favorite stores downtown, räla. I love going in this art based store for great tees as well as art prints and postcards. To see more of the stores I visited that day, stay tuned for my post on some shops in Knoxville later today!

Top of the World

White short sleeve tee, JCPenney. Ivory and red chevron skirt, Target. Mint purse, Francesca's. Jessica Simpson Cranaby booties, Dillard's. Vintage leather belt, thrifted. Hand painted cardinal necklace, local artist. 

     These pictures were taken on what I would describe as my ideal day. This past weekend, the temperatures hardly dipped below seventy. Now, I'll admit that I have a few Romantic ideals when it comes to snow and winter weather. One of the most pleasurable parts of the colder months is being able to pile on the layers and hunker down inside, cuddled with loved ones (and cats) and taking part in some of my favorite activities: reading, listening to records, crafting, catching up on blog comments...the list goes on and on.

     But when the layers come off and the sun comes out, I can't resist fleeing campus for an adventure. As I write this, I'm currently looking at about three inches of snow outside of my window. But my heart really belongs to the warm weather and trips up to the mountains that occur because of it.

     This particular spot is one of my favorites around where I live. It doesn't require any strenuous hiking (as evinced by my Western style boots), but rather just a beautiful drive through some of the more rural parts of Maryville. It's a never finished subdivision that I've actually visited before. This time, however, Patrick and I decided to wander down the road they had paved that we aren't sure leads to anything. We'll find out one day.

#teenvogue