Jet Lag

Happy Wednesday, friends! 

And by happy Wednesday, what I really mean to say is, HOW IS IT NOT FRIDAY YET-day. While I’m ever grateful for the shorter week, let’s be real - we all need a vacation after a long weekend.

Something that makes the workweek even more unbearable? JET LAG. 

Somehow I forget how awful it is every time I go on a trip across the coast. I learned after a trip to California a few years ago that the red eye is never, ever going to work for me. I always assume I’ll get tons of sleep on the plane, but I never do. I remember calling my boss after getting in at 6 AM that I was going to sleep for ‘just a few hours’ then come in. Ya - that didn’t happen. I slept until about 3 PM and had to use an extra vacation day. Major womps.

This time, we booked a mid-day flight out of San Francisco (a day early too!) so we could ease back into East Coast time. 

And yet, somehow it still feels like I’m dragging myself out of the dark unknown every time my alarm goes off at 6 AM. Why do my eyes hurt so badly? Why is it so hard to keep my eyes open? Why can’t I muster up the energy to do my hair? Thoughts of drifting to sleep consume me. HOW ON EARTH DO YOU DO IT, SARA?

But as I learn to accept the things I can not change, I’ve learned to just go with it. Because really, this won’t last forever. It’s only temporary - until next time.

Wearing Just Female skirt via Lynn Louisa, Halogen top (old), Veja sneakers via Anthom, Clare V clutch, vintage scarf, Oakley sunnies via Ditto (use ITSJULIEN for a free month!), MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy.

Lou & Grey Sweater

I don’t know about you, but this week is going by SO SLOWLY for me! Maybe it’s the rainy days or the cold weather…but I’m not letting it rain on my parade. In one week, I’ll be on a plane heading for sunny Florida! I’ll be trading in my turtleneck for t-shirts and my scarves for a swimsuit. GOOD RIDDANCE.

But until I do, I had to share this shoot from my trip to New York. For a morning of trekking around SoHo (in search of the cutest cafes and the cobble stoniest streets) I wore my snuggliest sweater from Lou & Grey. They just opened a store in Tysons and it’ll give you ALL THE COZY FEELS, friends. I paired it with light-wash denim and my favorite tennies from Anthom.

I won’t bore you with how dreamy it was in New York (you can read that here), but I will let the photos do the talking. Can we talk about the light for a moment? It was like mid-morning (we got a late start because CHOOSING WHAT TO WEAR IS HARD, PEOPLE) and the light shone through the buildings as if it were sunrise. It had me feeling some kinda way.

Wearing Lou & Grey sweater (similar and LOVE this one!), denim, Veja sneakers from Anthom, Sophie Blake cuff and earrings (similar.)

Something about New York

Another fashion week season has come and gone…and while I spent most of the insanity-ridden hoopla comfortable in my PJs, I loved keeping up with all the shows through streaming and of course, Snapchat.

While all my friends were in the thick of it all, I was switching screens between watching the Tory Burch show online and on Kayak.com, planning an exit strategy from this unsightly weather we've been having.

But while I certainly didn’t miss running around in sub-zero temps in my very highest heels, I was bummed not to be there in person. Because to me, there’s nothing like New York.

A few months ago I had visited New York to see one of my favorite people in the world, Cheralee! While we were there, we ran around the city like madwomen, snapping photos, shopping and eating ALL. THE. FOOD. Not to be cheesy, but it was kind of this magical experience - I was inspired by every street we walked down, by the incredible flavors in each of the dishes we devoured, and by getting to work my creative side by taking photos all day long.

I wore a plethora of outfits during my trip, but I wore this Just Female dress to dinner at a delightful farm-to-table restaurant in West Village called Westville. I snagged it before my trip at Lynn Louisa, one of my very favorite shops in Georgetown. I paired it with this pretty plaid jacket from Lou & Grey at their new Tysons location (another one of my go-to’s for all the cozy goodies.) And because we’d be taking the subway and walking just about everywhere, I donned my favorite shoewear trend, sneakers!

There's just something about New York. I can't WAIT until my next trip...but due to unforseen allergic reactions to the cold, it may just have to wait. ;)

Wearing Just Female dress and K/LLER earrings from Lynn Louisa (my favorite little Georgetown boutique!) c/o, Lou & Grey jacket c/o (sold out, more cute jackets here!), Veja sneakers via Anthom, Vaska bag via Estiletta c/o, Sophie Blake ring and Ray Ban sunnies in black matte. Photos by Cheralee

Brrr

Winter is here. This became painfully evident to me last night as I walked to my bus in what felt like 20-degree wind gusts. I immediately was filled with ALL THE REGRET about not wearing fleece tights and a hat. This is my first winter with short hair too - so I feel like I'm at a bit of a learning curve over here. Hats and scarves every day from now on!

This scarf is handmade by a local DC designer, Betsy, CEO and founder of Zophia. I love the frayed edges yet classic pattern is has. Betsy is MAD talented when it comes to designing clothing. She designed the tropical crop top I’m wearing here and here. Who knew that such a statement top would be such a staple in my closet?!

Most times when I’m getting dressed, I plan it around a certain item and then use the process of elimination to help decide the rest. I wore my favorite navy shift dress from another local designer, Erika Schrieber (you can find her stuff at the Sophie Blake Pop Up in Mosaic District) and my FAVORITE marble sneakers from Anthom.

I wore this out for a lunch date with Betsy at my go-to spot, Malmaison in Georgetown. If you haven’t been (see photos here!), I highly recommend it!!

Wearing Zophia scarf, Erika Schrieber dress, Halogen leather jacket, Veja sneakers via Anthom
Photos by Betsy

Find the Light

There’s something truly magical about finding the right light. Sometimes in the morning, I’ll legit stop on my way to work and admire the way shadows are cast or the way the sun looks peeking out from behind a building. Those moments inspire me.

I think the same can be said about style. Sometimes we find our light, something that brings us happiness, in the most unexpected places. For me, a huge light in my life is supporting small businesses. Are things more expensive? Usually. But are they pieces I find myself reaching for over and over again? Most definitely.

I’m proud to share today’s post because each item is from a small businesses. The skirt is made by a local designer, Erika Schrieber. I bought this dress for my birthday and snagged up this skirt (that I’ve been eyeing FOREVER) of hers when it went on sale on Stylecable. The zipper detail is so insanely cute and adds a bit of edginess to the whole look. 

The top is by Ksenia Schnaider, one of the coolest designers I’ve found. It’s from a new-to-me site, ODIVO, that carries a ton of outrageously gorgeous (and somewhat underground) brands. I’m dying over this dress! 

My necklace is from one of my favorite jewelry designers, Sophie Blake. Not only is she one of the sweetest, most talented women I’ve ever met, but her pieces are all insanely cool. She’s one of the only designers where I love each and every single piece in her collection. My hubby got this necklace for my birthday (my exact instructions were: Go to Sophie Blake, tell her you’re my husband and she’ll tell you everything I love.) That’s how wonderful she is. She's celebrating her one year anniversary in her pop-up at Mosaic District this Saturday so be sure to stop in and check it out (you KNOW I will!)

Last but certainly not least, these super fun Veja trainers from Anthom. I was devastated when Anthom left the DC area for the big apple, but thanks to their inspiring Instagram account, I spotted these beauties and called their store immediately. My size was in stock and they sent them out right away. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of white trainers and the marble detail on these adds such a cool touch to the closet staple.

Now I want to know - what inspires you? What brings you joy? Share in the comments below! XO!

Silk screen Ksenia Schnaider tee via ODIVO c/o, Erika Schrieber skirt via Stylecable, Sophie Blake necklace, Veja Sneakers via Anthom, Retrosuperfuture 'Lucia Francis Puma' sunglasses, Halogen leather jacket. Hanuel bracelet c/o, Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown lipstick in "Siren" c/o