Date Night- A Little bit Country

Mike and I have fallen into a routine of going out for dinner at least once a week. I think it's important to spend time together outside of our apartment, and it's nice to let someone else do the cooking. Friday we stayed in and enjoyed a game night of sorts (I agreed to play Wii with Mike in exchange for him playing cards with me). We also had yummy pork roast and beer.

Saturday Mike had a ton of homework to do, but we went out for dinner anyways. Since I had plenty of time to get ready, I decided to do something I almost never do- curl my hair.

We headed to Brookline Village with the intention of getting some Japanese or Latin food. Due to long lines and restaurants that didn't look like what expected from the Yelp reviews, we ended up at Village Smokehouse, a Texas style barbecue restaurant.

Outfit: Dress- Dorothy Perkins; Jacket- JCrew (thrifted); Boots- Madden Girl

I loved it. The food was delicious, and it felt like Texas. The whole date just felt a little bit country, in a good way! I don't know if it was the curls, or the combination of boots, an A-line dress and a denim jacket. Maybe it was the fact that I had watched the first episode of Nashville earlier that day, or maybe it was just the country music and barbecue.

Old Friends

Saturday was the first day of autumn, and it is definitely starting to feel like it in Boston. We've been having chilly mornings, warm afternoons and breezy evenings. One of my favorite things about the change of seasons is pulling old favorites out from the back of my closet and wearing them again. It's like getting reacquainted with old friends! This sweater dress is one of the old friends I have been longing to get back in touch with. I wore it in my very first blog post, so it felt fitting to wear it on the first day of a new season.

I originally intended to wear my new black riding boots with this outfit, but I didn't like the way they looked with bare legs. I think they need to be broken in a bit. Instead I chose my cognac colored high heeled boots, and I really love the way this outfit turned out.

Outfit: Dress- Forever21+ (last year); Belt- H&M; Jacket- JCrew (thrifited); Boots- Madden Girl last year (similar here)

Mike snapped these pictures for me on our way to dinner. We went out for some delicious sushi  and then went to a party hosted by one of Mike's friends from law school. It was really nice to spend the evening with good company and drink some fall beers on the porch.

We did a lot of walking and standing. Although these boots are very comfortable for heels,my feet were killing me by the end of the night. Thankfully I'd thought ahead and thrown some flats in my purse, but I really wish I were better at wearing heels. Any tips?

Weekend Recap: Happy Blur

Happy Monday, y'all! I'm home from work today due to a doctor's appointment this morning, so it's a three day weekend for me. Thus far it has been a really great one. I finally got the rest I was craving and also managed to be really productive.

Friday night we had some date night barbecue at Sweet Cheeks Q  (so yummy!) and watched a movie at home. Mike snapped these outfit pictures for me on the way to dinner, but somehow they all turned out just a little blurry.

Outfit: Dress- Old Navy; Cardigan- Target; Belt- thrifted; Shoes- Payless; Necklace- Gift

Saturday I slept in, made french toast with bananas, and then made a trip to Ikea. That trip lead to assembling a bookcase, putting doors on it, and unpacking almost everything! I'm so proud/ amazed that we've only been in the apartment a week, but the only box we have left is stuff that we have to hang on the walls. Hopefully by the end of this week that box will be gone and all of our shelving and art will be on the walls. As soon as we're finished I'll post some pictures.

Sunday I had a brunch date with a friend and did some shopping. I redeemed my Old Navy extra bucks and got some shirts and a scarf. In sticking with my one in, one out policy, here's a recap of my purchases/ items to be donated for the week.

IN: Items purchased

OUT: Items to be donated (plus a scarf, not pictured)

How was your weekend?

My Vacation Style

One side effect of moving and travelling lots over the past three years is that I have learned to pack a lot of stuff into a small space. Summer trips are especially easy to pack for because summer clothes don't take up a lot of room. I managed to fit 3 swimsuits, 2 pairs of shorts, 5 shirts, 5 dresses, 3 belts plus under garments, sleepwear and a beach towel into a carry on sized suitcase. 

I never take enough pictures when I'm on vacation. I left my camera at the hotel a few times, and forgot to take pictures other times. As a result, I only got a few outfit photos and none of them captured the jean shorts and tshirts I was wearing 60% of the time. What I did capture were the sundresses I wore on the nights we went out for a nice dinner. 

Outfit: Dress-Old Navy; Sandals-b.o.c.

This picture is from the first night of our vacation. We met Mike's uncle for dinner after taking a little walk around the Westport, CT waterfront. Unfortunately, our time in Westport was mostly rainy. Between storms we managed to get in a short beach day at Sherwood Island, enjoy a barbecue with some of Mike's family and play some evening mini-golf on the Norwalk waterfront.

Outfit: Dress and Belt- H&M; Sandals- Payless

Thankfully, our time in the Mystic, CT area was storm free. We were able to enjoy a nice day at the aquarium, some Mystic Pizza, and a day at Napatree Point Beach in Westerly,RI. This picture is from our last night when we went for a walk along the Mystic waterfront before meeting Mike's friend for dinner. 

We had a great vacation full of sand, sun, seafood and ice cream! As much as I would have liked a few more days, it was nice to get back and sleep in my own bed. I'll share some beach/ bikini photos with you next week!

A Picnic and an Awkward Photo Shoot

Mike went to visit some family in Northern Virginia for a long weekend from Thursday- Monday. I was supposed to go with him, but unfortunately I couldn't get off of work. As nice as it was to spend most of my weekend watching girly movies and eating junk food with the cat, I'll admit I missed him.

Yesterday after work we met up for a picnic in the Boston Public Garden. After eating on a blanket by the pond I asked Mike to snap some outfit pictures for me since I didn't get a chance to in the morning. All of the resulting photos were blurry and/ or awkward, but here are a few for your viewing pleasure. 

Could I look any more bored?

In the middle of asking Mike to stop making me laugh because outfit photos are serious business.

Well I look terrible, but the garden was beautiful. The Boston Common and Public Garden is one of my favorite places in Boston. When Mike and I first started dating, we were working in the same office downtown. We used to take hour long lunch break dates/ walks around the common, so I love any excuse to go there with him! 

Outfit:

Dress and cami: H&M 

Shoes: Payless

Weekend recap: Newport, RI

On Saturday my beau, Mike, and I celebrated the end of his first year of law school with a little day-trip. First we went to Ikea to get some ideas for our apartment. We got some new bedding and some kitchen items and we made a list of furniture pieces we might like to get when we're finally in our first place together in September. 

After the quick Ikea walk through (Mike is not a shopper) we headed down to Newport, RI for some sunshine, sand and seafood! 

Mike and I on Easton's Beach

The view from our table at dinner

Best lobster roll ever!

First we got some sunshine and dipped our feet in the water at Easton's beach, and we took a walk on the Cliff Walk. We wrapped up our day trip with dinner at the Marina Cafe and Pub. It is a cute little seafood restaurant a little off the beaten path. Dinner was delicious, but the best part was our amazing view of the harbor. 

How was your weekend?

Lace and Black Skinnies

I wore this outfit on Friday to work, and then out for date night with my guy. We went to Grass Fed for burgers and adult milkshakes. If you're in Boston, I definitely recommend checking it out.

I am loving this H&M lace tank and the yellow one I wore earlier last week. In fact, I am seriously considering a trip back to H&M to purchase the coral one. When I find something I love I want to buy it in every available color. Maybe three is overkill?

Outfit:

Tank: H&M Conscious Collection

Cardigan: Target

Skinnies: Old Navy

Sandals: Payless

Necklace: gift

Brunch Booty

I have had one of those weekends where you don't get dressed. I've spent the weekend in leggings and sweaters. I finally got dressed this morning to go to brunch with my guy. I was excited to show him my new black skinny jeans because I think my booty looks great in them and I thought he'd agree.

I didn't take a picture of my booty (I'll spare y'all that shot) but my guy did compliment me on the jeans. Brunch was delicious and then I went back home and changed back into leggings and a sweater:)

Outfit:
Shirt: H&M a few years ago
Cardigan: H&M Men
Black Skinnies: Old Navy
Flats: Target
Necklace: Gifted

Sweet Hearts

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day everyone! Yesterday I decided to embrace the cheese and wear coral, pink and a heart-printed sweater. 

I spent part of my VDay sending out Vagina Monologues casting emails. We had nearly 40 women audition, and I know it is going to be an awesome show. Last night I had a low-key evening with my sweetie. We ate fried chicken (a weird Valentine's day tradition for us) and watched Glee and New Girl.


Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Camisole: Old Navy
Sweater: vintage/ thrifted
Tights: H&M
Belt: H&M
Boots: DSW 

A Low-key Date Night

Saturday night my beau and I met up for a low-key dinner out at our favorite Cuban restaurant. I had spent the entire day cleaning out my closet, so I really wanted to get dressed up. I knew the casual dining atmosphere and the fact that my beau would likely be wearing jeans and sweater meant I shouldn't get too formal.

When I purchased this dress I intended for it to be worn to work, but after just one washing it was too short for the office. I love the flattering cut and the fun print, so it was a perfect choice for a casual date. I paired it comfy faux-suede boots and tights. I love how long my legs look when my boots and tights are the same color!

Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Cami: Forever21+
Tights: Target
Boots: Payless last year (they're wide calf!)
Bracelet: Claires, purchased a few years ago.