Morning Coffee

A day off from work means a rare opportunity for a weekday coffee date. 

Last Wednesday, Bob and I headed to one of our favorite spots in town - Pistacia Vera - for warm drinks and some sweet treats. If you've been wondering who the mastermind is behind my photos so far - it's Bob! We've been having fun playing around with his DSLR camera and waiting patiently for the perfect light. 

The shirt I'm wearing is one that I've reserved for days where I know I won't be coming in to contact with any art supplies. It was one of my miraculous Ebay snags.

Back in 2012, I had been coveting a peter pan collar shirt for quite some time, but it was hard for me to find one that wasn't sold out and/or also in my budget. (I generally try not to spend more than $35-40 on tops). The lower-priced option from J Crew Factory was completely sold out, but my patience was rewarded when a similar style from J Crew popped up on Ebay in my size. Thanks to the "Buy It Now" option, this subtle and classic top was all mine! 

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Top // J Crew via Ebay (Holiday 2012)

Jeans // Banana Republic Factory Store (Fall 2013)

Shoes // Coach & Four, from SteinMart

Earrings // DandyTree on Etsy

Glasses // Ted Baker, from Rinkov Eyecare

Purse // Schuler & Sons, purchased at Anthropologie (2012)

Outfit Inspiration: Maria

I have sort of a love/hate relationship with musicals, but I have to say - one that's stuck with me through the years is the West Side Story. How can you hate any production with dancing gang members?! A cool added bonus - my maternal grandmother's cousin, actor Simon Oakland, played Schrank in the film. 

 West Side Story film stills - 1961

One of my favorite parts of the musical (especially the movie) are the costumes and I've always love the chic simplicity of Maria's white dress. 

I must admit that as an art teacher and an artist, wearing the color white terrifies me, as the prospect of sitting in paint, polymer clay or a variety of other art supplies and/or being hugged by a child with dirty hands is pretty much imminent. 

Thankfully, this white dress is only for special occasions where there will be no richly-colored foods or art supplies. 

And yes, I am wearing white after Labor Day. 

 OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress // Banana Republic Mad Men collection (Spring 2012)

Belt // vintage, from my maternal grandmother

Purse // Schuler & Sons, purchased at Anthropologie (2012)

Shoes // Bandolino, purchased at Marshalls (Spring 2011)

Earrings // Kristin Perkins Glass Jewelry

Since by blog is focused on affordable style, I should note that I only paid full price for one item I'm wearing, the handmade glass earrings from the ever-so-talented Kristin Perkins. I don't mind paying a little extra (or splurging, even!) on a quality handmade item, especially if it's made by someone I know. 

I will be featuring many handmade items on my blog in the future - including my own! Stay tuned and please share.