Rainy Day Activity

With 9 days out of the next 10-day forecast boasting of cold, drizzly rain, it only makes sense to strap on your rainboots, grab your rain jacket, and start puddle jumping! Caught in the chilly wind but wanting to dress in the light clothes of spring, I opted for layers on this relaxing Sunday afternoon. From trying out a new coffee shop with Mom to cozying into the couch at small group, this sweatshirt dress is just the ticket for appropriately wearing sweats outside of the gym, don't you think?

With all cares tossed to the wind, some natural waves seemed fitting for today--then one needs not worry about having your locks blowing about!

It was rather windy...one might even call it a wind tunnel....

What do you like to do on a perfectly rainy afternoon?

Soggy cheers to you!

A

 

 

 

 

Wearing: Madewell sweatshirt dress, American Living denim jacket (old), JCrew rainboots, Madewell bow belt, JCrew silk scarf

Baseball and Ball Caps

There is something so simple yet delightful about baseball.  Yeah, American pass-time and all...but more than even watching the game, the sound of a game (MLB or little league) has a way of taking you to a state of pure relaxation where you can soak up the simplicity of whacking a little stitched lump of leather with a long, shaped piece of wood...or metal :)

Also, the man at Costco was entirely thrilled with my choice of  ball cap and inquired as to what the insignia symbolizes...I had to let him down easy and confess that all it was built up to be was a bunch of wonderful swirls.  However, I like to think it is the scroll-y monogram of a monarch from the late 1700s hailing from France. That just seems appropriate, right?

Cheers to my fellow Euro-monarchy history-loving readers,
A

Wearing: JCrew jeweled-collar blouse [similar], Crewcuts boys' rolled-collar crew (old), Gap chinos, Michael Kors sneaks, JCrew ball cap, Madewell Arrowstack necklace, JCrew brompton bag (old)

Grand Stroll(er)

What's the greatest part about springtime in Minnesota? You can finally take a stroll on all the cutest avenues and start soaking up that vitamin D...not to mention wearing dresses.  There is something uniquely wonderful about dresses--you put such little effort in but end up looking all pulled together.  Which is great when you have a baby in tow!

We had to stop in at the glasses shop to try on a few fun frames! (And say hello to the chihuahua dressed in a polo and sweater vest...)

 

That's when I saw these crazy frames...they have women's legs as the bows! Heels and all! How could you not feel just a little bit glam when sporting these?

But let's not forget about the elephant in the room...I was really out with this guy! Just hanging out in the sunshine :)

 

Wearing: American Living denim jacket (old), ANNO Design Stockholm dress, Madewell Arrowstack necklace, dainty gold necklace, Nike Flyknit sneaks (now on SALE!), Aden + Anais frog spitcloth

What's your favorite go-to activity when the sun is shining and you have a minute to kill?

Cheers,
Alissa

Peaches and Cream

HE IS RISEN.  HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Oh what a joyful day it is that we may rejoice of our risen King! Forget those egg hunts and chocolate everything, for the Savior has struck down death and sits at the right hand of God.

There is not much I don't like about Easter...the hymns, Holy Week services, and shouting "He is Risen" waiting for that "Indeed" response!! But on a more superficial level, I also love the pastels, sunshine, and new life bursting forth in springtime buds. It was a wonderful, sunny day as I celebrated Easter by volunteering at church for some of the services, had a lovely light ham lunch with my family, and relaxed with my mom as we watched the classic "Easter Parade" with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.

My favorite depiction of the beautiful display of Christ's love through lyrics is the third verse from In Christ Alone:
There in the ground His body lay//Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious Day//Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory//Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine//Bought with the precious blood of Christ

Do you have any favorite hymns or Easter Sunday traditions?

 

Cheers on this sunny Sunday!
A



Wearing: Madewell embroidered blouse (old), J Crew double serge pencil skirt [similar], J Crew glitter wedges, J Crew necklace [similar]

And let it be known that I am a difficult one to capture on camera...I'm usually too busy telling a story to stop for a picture.  Hence, I get a lot of snaps in "halfway to a word" pose.  It's cute, I know.

 

Ok, fine. Let's take one last look at these sparkly gems...don't they sorta make you want to giggle and draw outside of the lines of your coloring book--just a little bit?

Textures

As "spring" seems to be eternally lurking just around the corner, feeling inspired by the sunshine, new blooms, and dainty florals will have to wait as us hearty Minnesotans continue in our mixture of textures.  To bring some playfulness to the gloomy skies, I threw together all the fabrics I love: denim, wool, silk, sparkle, and leather.

Well, sparkle isn't quite a fabric...but in my book, it fits.

Today was filled with baking, chatting, laughing, and some sweet fellowship.  Taking the opportunity to make some snickerdoodle blondie brownies was worth it.  YUM.  Maybe, if you're lucky, I'll share the recipe with you...

Until then, how are you remixing spring? Outside of the continued sweater-weather, do you have any tips or tricks up your sleeve for warding off those not-quite-springtime blues (or should I say, greys)?

Cheers!

Alissa

Wearing: J.Crew jeweled denim blouse (old), J.Crew wool Minnie pant (old), GentileSouls loafers, Anthropologie silk scarf, Target faux-mohair hat, Skagen watch, J.Crew quilted baby brompton

Structured Sweats

Happy Monday! The weather is brisk, the snow is swirling, the sun is overshadowed by the clouds, and yet today couldn't be a better Monday!

First, I get to wear sweats to work.  TO WORK.  That's right! This weekend and next, I have had the pleasure of working for a pop-up shop of Lululemon for their Warehouse Sale, #March2MN.  It's been stellar.  I have been re-styling some "workout" pieces in my wardrobe to make them more public friendly.  I like the items from their collection that can serve the sweaty workout then transition to a coffee date!

Second, I get to gather with some of my gal pals this evening for a prayer night.  So fun to share life with one another around coffee, laughs, and a few tears.

After being immersed in the world of J.Crew for many moons, you start to think the half tuck is the only way to wear a shirt.  But there is an art to it...still perfecting it myself.  But I like to think it gives the perfect balance to the "just rolled out of bed look" and the "ladies to who lunch."

Just found this little piece of heaven in my sister's get-rid-of pile.  It weighs about 100lbs and therefore it the comfiest and closest thing you will find to taking your bed and comforter with you everywhere.

Like the incredible hulk, this crazy shirt has the ability to transform! The collar can adjust to show off a little personality...  Whether a classic fold-over, an uptight-hipster-straightjacket version, or (as my sister likes to call it) a Christmas-ribbon-candy swirl, this shirt is perfect for any occasion.  And made from athletic tech material, it is comfy, quick drying, and perfect for travel.  So who's with me? I'm ready to hop the next flight to anywhere!



See? The sun came out, my friends! I love flying because then we can be reminded that whether we see the shining rays scattered around town or covered by the gloomy grey sky, the sun always rises.  What joy to remember that!!

So enjoy these last days of bitter cold as we draw near to the cheeriest of seasons and welcome new living things of the Earth!  What's your favorite way to wear sweats? The classic...at the gym as you workout? :)

Cheers,
Alissa

Wearing: Lululemon Lab blouse, Lululemon trousers [similar], Madewell necklace, J.Crew sweater (old), Michael Kors sneakers (gifted from boss)