perfect spring weather

These are the days I live for. High 60s, breezy, low humidity. Perfect for a cotton pullover, shorts, and sneakers. My L.L. Bean fisherman sweater has been holding up nicely. Also, I found these old A.P.C. Madras shorts stuffed in the back of a drawer.

Such a pretty print on this Black Crane square tee at Steven Alan.

Unfortunately my trip to Montreal was a bust. I was hit with a particularly nasty virus while there, and after 6 days of fever, chills, body aches, and a negative strep throat culture, I am finally back on my feet. We're hoping to go back soon because I loved what little I did see of the city.

The weather has reverted to proper spring mode. I'm wearing my Steven Alan white overalls, a merino pullover, and a button-down shirt today. Lots of work to catch up on. I'm looking forward to celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary in the first week of June. Hopefully the weather will behave. I really want to spend that weekend at the Algonquin Provincial Park. This looks amazing.

Montreal!

Source: flickr.com via Annie on Pinterest

We're heading to Montreal on Tuesday morning for a quick two day work trip. We're staying with friends in the Plateau neighborhood. I've never been to Montreal before. I know it's a favorite destination, so I'll be going through a few of your archived posts (Julia and Joyce, anyone else?) for tips. Considering we'll have 2-3 little kids with us, I don't want to make ambitious plans. However, if there's something you think I should absolutely see or do while there, please let me know!

Broke

A white oxford shirt, boyfriend jeans, and black flats. It never gets old.

We were in a holding pattern for a year, waiting to replace broken things or make an upgrade. I'm glad I spent money on quality goods during my improvident years because they lasted through many years of use, but we're at a breaking point in every sense right now. Hopefully things will work out better next year, but they may not. I've been writing a post in my head about being a young academic couple and having a family, but I don't think I will ever publish it. Partly because this blog isn't anonymous enough. But mostly because I want to perceive myself as stoic and pragmatic even when I feel the complete opposite.

And anyway, even when falling apart has become a condition, I'm happily reminded that a white oxford and denim is all it takes to look pulled together.

ETA Thank you to everyone who has commented. It's always good to hear that I'm not alone. 

These days

Back during my early spring of Great Expectations, I updated my worn-out closet with several new things from J.Crew. Now that the dust has settled, I'm feeling sheepish about my mini shopping spree. Well, at least I'm prepared for any teaching that comes my way...!

shirt dresses by sea

from french garment cleaners

Thinking about the North Shore and lobster sandwiches today. And these shirt dresses...But I think what I love most are those dogs.

white on gray at steven alan

Steven Alan Maia Dress

Beautiful white on gray print at Steven Alan. It's a rainy day here in Toronto. 

Leave it to Townes Van Zandt to phrase things just right:

the good with the bad

julia's new gretel tote

i'm sorry if i haven't responded to your LoGE requests this past week, my trip to CA was difficult on many levels. i am trying to focus on the positive, or at least maintain a baseline of okay-ness.

in the meanwhile, julia's photo of her new gretel tote is so peaceful and calming. i feel it's time to do another closet and house purge after my roller-coaster winter and spring.