Two Nautical's Don't Make A Right

E here, if you haven't already guessed by the title of this post, this is a nautical themed outfit. [I'm obsessed with everything nautical.] However as the title suggests, two nautical's don't make a right. As much as I love the nautical look, I tried not to overdo it too much. Since the tank is a solid nautical print, I didn't want to add too many nautical themed accessories. Instead, I opted for simple accessories; gold anchor studs, a beaded rope necklace, and my favorite sunnies. I mean Sperry Top Sider is about as nautical and preppy as you can get!

Whenever you're putting together a themed ensemble you want to try and create a focal point that ties the whole look together. Here the nautical print served as the base for the outfit, so I just added accessories that that would compliment the overall look. 

I picked up these cute anchor earrings at Forever 21 for just $3.50! The best part about it was that they were part of three pack of nautical themed earrings so I really got my value for my money.



The final touch for this look was the rope sandals. Don't they just scream nautical?!


Thrifted items; nautical tank: H.I.P. $7.99 (Crossroads Trading Co,) navy sweater: JCrew $9.99 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; jeans: JCPenny's $25, sandals: Curfew $9.99 (Fred Meyer,) beaded necklace: GNW $5.99 (Fred Meyer,) aviators: Sperry Top Sider $30 (Nordstrom Rack.) 

The great thing about Seattle is that there are so many different marinas and beaches to choose from.

  This particular spot is one of my favorite places to hang out in the summer because of the great view of downtown, Puget Sound, and Mt. Rainier.

On a bright and sunny day like this you can see Mt. Rainier in the distance.

The perfect end to this lovely spring day was the sunset. Talk about picturesque! Until next time. Happy Sunday! 

-E

Saturday Date: Finding Nemo [Pt. 1]

 

 

E here, I was fortunate enough to score a rare weekend day off with my husband, and what better way to spend our time together than to take a trip to the aquarium. I enjoy going down to the waterfront this time of year because the weather is nice. I don't get to go to downtown too often, so I was excited to take in all the sights. There are so many great attractions to enjoy on the waterfront: the Aquarium, the ferris wheel, and of course Pike Place Market. 

Behind me is the Seattle Great Wheel. We didn't go on it today, but we went on it last year when it first opened. It offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and downtown Seattle. I highly recommend it if you aren't afraid of heights! The gondolas are large and can hold several people, and are also climate controlled which makes for a more enjoyable experience.

 

A lot of the animals were out in full force today soaking up the sunshine and just generally hamming it up for the tourists! My favorite exhibit? It's so hard to choose, but I'd have to say that the new harbor seal exhibit was definitely in my top three. 

 

They are just so darn cute! Not to mention they are really entertaining to watch! I love the way that they zoom around the pool as if they're putting on a show, or how they bob up and down like a buoy. 

Another exhibit in my top three is the octopus tank. What I love about the octopus tank is that it is designed in such a way that allows you to get really close and observe it. I learned something new about octopuses today. Apparently an octopus has the ability to remember a face! I already knew that octopuses were intelligent creatures, but I didn't know that about them. Pretty remarkable right?

 

My final top three exhibit is the underwater dome. The underwater dome is one of my favorite parts of the aquarium because it's as if you're actually in the ocean observing all the fish. A lot of aquariums offer similar exhibits that you can walk through, but what's spectacular about this one is that the aquarium is built on the pier right above the ocean so you get the feeling that you're truly in it! Unfortunately I couldn't get a picture of the big glass windows that make up the dome because it was so crowded, but the picture above is a shot of the top of the dome. What's cool about this picture is that the scuba diver on the other side of the glass was talking to us about how cold the water was, and all the fish that he was swimming with. Talk about a fun and interactive exhibit!

The title of this post is finding Nemo, so I thought it would be be appropriate to end with the famous clownfish. I have to say that the clownfish is just as cute in real life as the titular character in the Disney Pixar movie. It's really funny to see the reaction that kids get when they see the clownfish and go look it's Nemo! Their faces truly light up with excitement it's so adorable!

 

Thrifted items; trench: Gap $20 (Crossroads Trading Co,) jeans: American Eagle $5.99 (Goodwill,) booties: Emiko Kamishima $27 (Buffalo Exchange.) Non-thrifted items; tank top: Love by Design $5 (Fred Meyer,) sunglasses: Sperry Top Sider $25 (Nordstrom Rack,) Octopus necklace: $10 Fuego.

 

The great thing about these booties is that they are very versatile and go with just about anything. Plus they make really comfortable walking shoes.

 

Going to the aquarium gave me the perfect excuse to wear my octopus necklace. It's a really unique piece and I don't often have an occasion to wear it. I love collecting unique, one of a kind pieces for my wardrobe. I picked up this particular piece at Fuego. Well that's all for this edition. Check back tomorrow for part deux of my Saturday date where I'll discuss the market, and give you some recommendations on the best places to eat.

Happy Saturday!

-E 

Layering 101: Corduroy

 

 

 

E here, corduroy was never my thing growing up, but as I got older I started to look at it differently. For a long time I had always thought of corduroy as being really dated, but then I saw other people wearing it and I changed my tune. When paired with the right pieces corduroy can look refined and polished.

 

 

The thing about corduroy is knowing what to pair it with so it doesn't end up looking too frumpy. Since corduroy is so structured, I decided to pair it with plaid and a delicate feminine scarf to create contrast. Most people think that everything needs to be matchy-matchy but I find that to be boring. Outfits are more interesting when you mix them with different prints and textures.

 

 

Thrifted items; corduroy blazer: Banana Republic $9.99 (Goodwill,) plaid button down: Indigo $4.99 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; jeans: Levi's $15 (Macy's,) boots: Pink & Pepper $30 (Fred Meyer,) scarf: H&M $8, aviators: Sperry's $30 (Nordstrom Rack.)

 

 

 

Here I tried to keep it simple and go for a casual, laid back, layered look. It might have been sunnier here than the rest of the country, but it was still cold! When putting together layered looks, I try to go for pieces that will layer easily (in terms of movement.) I always make sure when I buy blazers or jackets that they are a size bigger so that I am still able to layer underneath them. Well that's all for now, hope my tips help. Until next time!

-E

Leaves Are Falling.....

 

 

 E here, it's been awhile since my last post. I work in retail management, and with the holidays approaching its one of the busiest times of the year for me. I will post as much as I can in the coming weeks. For this photo session, we went to one of my favorite local Seattle parks - Discovery Park in Magnolia.  I hope you enjoy my photos.

 

Thrifted items; trench coat: Banana Republic $10, stripe shirt: Ann Taylor $7.99. Non-thrifted; scarf: d&y $5.00 Fred Meyer, globe ring: Curfew $3 Fred Meyer (not visible in this picture,)  jeans: JCPenny's $20, sunglasses: Sperry's $30 (Nordstrom Rack,) rain boots: Hunter Nordstrom (gifted.)

 

 

 

 

 The colors of the leaves were so vibrant today that it appeared brighter for being such a grey and drab morning. It was simply stunning walking through the park and admiring all of the beauty that fall brings to the park. This is by far one of the best parks in the Seattle area to visit because of the diversity of trails, picnic areas, beach access, and of course for walking those furry friends. There is so much to see and do all year long.

 

 

The best part about owning Hunters? They go with practically anything, and they add a particular touch of sophistication and style to any outfit. You can pair them with jeans, skirts, or wear them with a dress and tights/leggings on a cold and rainy day. Personally, I love to wear them with jeans and a trench coat. It tends to be pretty windy where I live because of my proximity to the water, so they are a must have. Especially during these rainy months!   

 

 

Another added bonus? They are very comfortable. However if you have athletic calves like me, trying to wear boot socks with them on top of jeans/leggings does not work too well. If this is the case for you, I recommend purchasing the "Huntress" variation of sizing (wide calf) which I am wearing. They look exactly the same and are available at most retailers such as Nordstrom's, Macy's, etc. along with the regular width Hunters. They come in a wide variety of colors but I prefer black because it goes with everything and will not show dirt nearly as much as the brighter colors.

 

 

Located at one of the highest areas of the park, the chapel is an iconic landmark visible from many of the walking trails down below.

 

 

 

 

 

I really love the rustic beauty of this old chapel. I can only imagine what it must have been like back in the day. It has a lot of charm and character, and is one of my favorite places to visit in the park.

 

This area overlooks the rolling hills that face out over the Puget Sound. In the summertime this part of the park is popular for flying kites, and also serves as the perfect site for having picnics and sunbathing with a good book.

 

 

 

One of the many things that I love about this park besides the majestic view of the Puget Sound, is the natural scenery. Sometimes when strolling through the fields, forest, or trails, you can spot a rabbit in brush such as this.

 

That's all for now. I will try to blog more this week, assuming my busy work schedule will allow me the time! Happy Sunday!

-E