Lazy Sunday: Slow Walk

I love walking, and city living means doing lots of it. Usually, however, walking in the city involves some combination of a quick clip, blaring headphones, a destination, and a deadline. But instead, this weekend I've embraced* the art of walking slowly.

At a slower pace, deeper, fuller breathing comes naturally and continually focusing on slowing your steps begins to slow your mind chatter too. Headphone free, it's easy to tune into your surroundings and feel more present, more connected. Without a set destination, you have the freedom to explore a new neighborhood, peak at that garden smiling at you from around the corner, or head down your favorite street "just because". No time constraints means you can go as slowly as you can stand, and not worry about what's to come next. So pop on a breezy outfit - a paper thin tunic and super soft shorts perhaps - and go for a nice, slow, walk.

*Well... I didn't intentionally embrace it so much as become aware of the benefits of slow walking when I wore a pair of not too comfy shoes that forced me to walk super slow and forgot my headphones at home, but regardless.

Lazy Sunday: Reading Riot

I am forever reading too many things at once, and before I've whittled down my bedside book pile to a reasonable height I rarely restrain myself from making more trips to the library or the bookstore to contribute to the madness. Tonight, however, propped against stacks of pillows and fueled by a desire to simplify my literary rotation, I'm determined to finish up several of the half-read books and somewhat-skimmed mags claiming valuable nightstand real estate. Do you read several books at once? Typically I enjoy the variety but I think I've hit a critical mass.

Spring Dress

The weather is starting to warm just enough to make me think Spring may really be on the way, and that means it's nearly time for dresses again. How cute is this floral flock? I like that it's not overly flower powered, and it looks perfect for a Parisian printemps* stroll (that's spring in french... at least according to Google translator).

Fall Wardrobe Updates

Just because the mercury’s begun to drop doesn’t mean your account balances need to follow suit. It may be tempting to splurge on a new wardrobe to stay warm (and look cool) through the chilly fall and winter months, but you don’t need to run up your credit cards to fashionably brave the frost. With a little creativity and a few modest purchases, you can transition some of your mid-weight wardrobe staples into fresh, winter-worthy pieces.

A warm, charcoal grey cardigan is a great investment that can top any number of ensembles. Fastened over top of a basic collared shirt for work, worn open but wrapped with a belt over a colorful dress, or tossed on over a t-shirt for running errands, this old school sweater gives you endless options. The charcoal hue is more forgiving on paling skin than black, and the color pairs just as well with virtually everything.

Consider stockings and leggings your partners in crime. These leggy layers are key to staying warm and looking sleek. A previously warm-weather-only dress has a new lease on life when layered over a worthy pair of leggings and cute boots. Slip a pair of stockings on under your pants for the worst winter days to stay extra toasty.

Buy a few scarves to incorporate into you all-day wear. You can find these neck nuzzlers in beautiful colors and patterns to top off your favorite outfits. Wrap one loosely around your neck in lieu of a necklace. If you get a chill you can always wrap it around your shoulders instead or put it over your head for a trek outside

Lazy Sunday: Typing Away

Today's one of those autumn days when the trees aren't brilliant enough yet to warrant a leaf peeping, the wind's a little too whip-y to permit for outdoor anything, and the rolling clouds are just ominous enough to trigger a contemplative mood. Well break out the notepad and bic, moleskin and fountain, typewriter and ribbon, laptop and high-res, or whatever your recording implement of choice, because it is the perfect day to write. I am two emails into my long list of inscriptions, and there's no stopping me now. Writing is the perfect Sunday activity because it can be so emotionally cathartic. Give it a shot! Whether you opt for a letter, email, journal entry, poem, short story, free write, article, blog post, or more, it's sure to release some pent-up creativity and put you in touch with what's been on your mind.

Rainy Day Wear

It's been raining all day, and the chill of impending autumn is in the air. I'm not ready to say goodbye to summer sunshine, but the changing of the seasons always gets me excited for the changing of the wardrobe. My go-to item when the leaves start falling? A classic trench coat. It's the perfect piece for staying warm and dry and topping off a professional look or dressing up any old outfit - like these skinny jeans and deep red driving shoes.

Moving Day Dress

Can you tell where my mind is today? I won't be moving for another week but I am anxious to have everything packed up and ready to go. As a result, Apartment 303 is looking pretty bare these days. Studying is not going quite as planned - my "work 50 minutes break for 10" plan has reversed itself and it turns out working in 10 minute chunks does not a final paper make. Earlier I went to vigorously shake a nearly-full bottle of soy milk only to discover I hadn't closed the cap first. So I'm off to delay my scholarly productivity even longer and clean drying white puddles from the floor, the counter, the stove-top, the cabinet doors, the fridge, my shirt, my hair...

Lazy Sunday: Evening Grilling

It has been a 90 degree day in Denver, and apartment 303's clocking in at a rather cozy (ok, stifling) 81 degrees. The thought of turning on the oven is enough to make my toes sweat, so a no-cook dinner is in the works. If I had a grill, though, it would be the perfect evening to fire up some fresh vegetable kabobs and delicious Field Roast Smoked Apple Sage grain sausages (soy free and vegan, because the best grilling is done without cruelty) to accompany a crunchy iceburg salad. Perhaps some watermelon for dessert? Yes please. Dinner would naturally be followed by serious hammock lounging (1 hour minimum) and reading on the porch by candlelight. Ah...

Lazy Sunday: Reading Up

It's another Sunday night of homework, laundry, and putting away groceries for me, but if I were to have a lazy Sunday this week it would look something like this. It must be the recent holiday that has me yearning to learn more about the issues we're facing domestically and educate myself about the current affairs and cultures of others residing on this fine planet of ours. Of course, educating oneself is best done from a stylish chair in a contemporarily well-lit room while donning a pair of old-school specs. Sipping a cocktail may dim your wits, so I'd opt for some fresh squeezed grapefruit juice to keep your mind, and palate, sharp. Naturally, when the time comes to join some equally enlightened companions for a deep discussion about the most fascinating tidbits you learned, you'll reach for your minimalist wooden briefcase to tote those dog-eared issues of the Economist and the New Yorker for quick reference. 

Yes, you can really buy this unique beauty of a briefcase designed by Japanese industrialist Takumi Shimamura. Check out the details at this roughly translated webpage. 

What will you educate yourself about this week? 

Fourth of July Inspiration

We've entered the fine month of July and that means 4th of July celebrations are upon us. Need a little outfit inspiration? There are so many ways to wear red white and blue, and show your own brand of patriotic style for that matter, without opting for rhinestone encrusted flag sweatshirts or George Washington novelty socks. Here are a few visual pairings to inspire your own take on patriotic fashion when the holiday hits.

Job Seeker

I spent the greater part of this evening perusing job postings online and beginning to wonder if I will find my calling any time soon (and more specifically, if I can get paid for it). The task is a daunting one, made more pleasant only when accompanied by a fun setting, tasty sustenance, and a cute outfit. This pastel ensemble may be muted, but the classic style still packs a punch when topped with a charming cap and unexpected specs. The combination of this coral toned pink and creme is one I can't seem to get away from either. Not sure what the colorful drinks pictured below are? Drop by tomorrow to find out!

Lazy Sunday: Out to Sea

My Sunday has been anything but lazy, but while my hands have been busy typing case write-ups and my eyes scanning international economics review sheets - my mind has been out to sea all day. Combing the sand patiently for fragments of sea glass, perfectly smoothed by years of the ocean's rhythmic dance with the shore. Swaying gently with each wave's swell, lulling me into a contemplative state. Savoring each spray of salty refreshment, a welcome relief from the white heat of the sun intensified by the water's glassy reflection. In reality, it's back to offer curves and trade tariff theory. In my mind, my toes dig further into the warm sand - an anchor wedged deeply in a dream I refuse to leave behind.

Attack of the Midterms

Wondering what I'm up to this week? You can rest assured that my view for the next several days will look remarkably like the picture below. Midterms have crept up on me stealthily this quarter, but today the pressure of what's to come finally hit. Only one more week to go till the onslaught of exams, papers, and project due dates.  My planner is covered with scribbles of group meeting times and haphazard to-do lists...which I hardly have time to jot down, let alone complete.