short hair long hair

I was browsing Zara's website and realized that I was taken in more by the model's short hairstyle than by the clothes. I'm in the process of growing my hair out, and I know that short hair requires too much fuss and upkeep for me, but I can't help but be tempted. And Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann's hair exemplifies everything I want in my hair but can't have. I love the bangs and the way it's shaped in the back. It's messy and refined.

ace & jig for little ones

at sweet william

Mittens in May

I can't believe I had to wear wool mittens on my bike commute this morning. I was ready to pack away my jackets and raincoats, but it looks like our never-ending winter is hanging on for the final week of May.

The Tote

Photography by The Daily Prep

Thanks to Sarah for the L.L. Bean tote bag sale tip. I went with a large bag, open-top, regular handles, in dark green with monogramming. It took me a few minutes to figure out my initials because I have a hyphenated last name. In the end, I went with something that isn't entirely accurate but is more aesthetically correct. I'm sad that they no longer offer the traditional diamond monogram. I had to settle for the "classic" style. For some reason I've been obsessed with monograms lately.

Steven Alan Memorial Day Wishlist

Henri Jumpsuit. $259. Still too much for me, and silk is impractical, but I love how polished and sharp this jumpsuit looks.

Georgette dress, $159. Beautiful color, slightly more practical.

Bianca dress, $179. If only I had a wedding to go to this summer.

FWK Engineered Garments, Field parka, $259. Perfect shade of blue, thoughtful details and so well made.

Superga Cotu Classic lace-up, $45. Bought my first pair in April. Comfortable and roomy for my wide feet. They run a little short and very wide. I went with my usual 39s.

uniqlo oxford shirt

Does it fall apart after three washes?
How is the fit?
Should I wait for a promotion, or is $29 a fair price for what you get?

I don't see the point in spending more than $50 for a oxford cotton button down shirt in white. I've never bothered to try on Uniqlo's oxford shirts while in NYC, and now I'm wondering if I should order one sight unseen. In general I would rather buy a 100% cotton shirt that isn't wrinkle-free or see-through. Maybe that's too much to ask at that price point?

blue

Uzi maze top in blue

Whit dockside dress with cutout back in dragonfruit print

Two lovely blue prints at Conifer Shop. The Uzi tank is definitely going on my shopping list for summer.

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.

a.p.c. ajourees sandals

i love the contrast of leather and suede, the tiny wooden wedge, and the perforation.
at french garment cleaners (formerly stuart & wright)

The end of winter

This ace & jig Jardin top will be waiting for me when I visit home for a week next Tuesday. Elias will be one on April 1. Holy moly, I can't believe it!

east coast meets west coast (fwk engineered garments)

every time lauren posts outfits at arrow & arrow, i feel like i've found the promised land of outfits. i've now spent 10 years east of the Sierra Nevada, and i consider my clothing choices informed just as much by east coast prep and pragmatism. the second outfit also confirms my deep-seated belief that there's nothing wrong with me that can't be fixed by a freshly washed white button-up shirt.

no snow today!

ace & jig turnaround top at conifer shop

it's a good day when it doesn't snow and there's only 9 days left in march.

Playing dress up

Steven Alan Julien jacket
J.Crew Tilda oxford top
J.Crew Pinwheel eyelet pencil skirt of course it's on sale right after i wear it!
Club Monaco Riley merino crewneck
Rachel Comey Mars boots
J.Crew enamel bangle