Ruffled

The Magic City Art Connection Festival was held this past weekend in Downtown Birmingham.  Very different than last year where I sweat off a few pounds.  Instead, this time around, the festival was on an overcast cool spring day.  Much more enjoyable weather to be outdoors.

{Shirt: F21; Skirt: H&M; Shoes: Sam Edelman; Bag: Zara; Watch: Marc Jacobs; Bracelet: Vince Camuto}

I’ve been eating a lot better and exercising more consistently lately (which explains my ability to fit in this skirt which had gotten…snug) but I couldn’t resist a treat from Steel City Pops.  And I treated my Pops to one too.  Tamarind for me, blackberry for him.

I was going to jump. But my photographer caught this instead which is, clearly, a million times better than any jumping shot could ever be.

{After fest drink at 5}

Basics

I’m always amazed how the simplest outfits sometimes get the biggest response.  In the 4 hours that I had this on I got complemented on my necklace (the male cashier at a restaurant wanted to know what it was made out of), my jeans (two girls stopped me to tell me they had been admiring them) and the gold heeled sandals.

{Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Zara, Purse: Zara, Necklace: Forever21}

Easter in the Apple

My Easter weekend was spent in NYC this year for a friend’s very late (as in 3 weeks late) birthday celebration.  Since the holiday isn’t usually thought of as a time to getaway like, say, New Year’s or Memorial Day I wasn’t quite sure what to expect out of this girl’s trip.  But it turned out to be great.

Thursday: Watched my Hurricane’s lose in the Sweet 16.  At least I was surrounded by other fans.

Friday: Having a sis who is also a curator has its benefits.  She suggested I skip the Met and Moma and check out the SMA instead.  I’m so glad I listened to her.  The Gordan Parks and American Cypher exhibits were excellent.

{Bouncing around.  Being ridiculous. Tenjune & Greenhouse}

Saturday: We reconnected with an old Birmingham friend who is now modeling in the city.  The best tour guide.  He took us to The Hurricane Club and PHD at Dream Downtown.  I laughed until my head hurt.  Then woke up the next morning, rehashed the night and laughed until I lost my voice.

{Dream Hotel Rooftop}

{Jesus statue spotted on solo walk around Brooklyn}

Sunday: We got gussied up, met one of my old friends from college and headed out to brunch at Piquant in Brooklyn.  The day ended at Le Souk where I danced (and wore white, finally) with no shame.

Peppy

You know those people who just don’t know how to act when a warm day comes around.  Yea, you’re looking at one of them.  It took everything in me to not pull out my white pants and open toed sandals when temps hit the 70s Friday.  This is how I felt inside all day:

{Dramatic expression of internal feelings}

Even though the perfect weather put me in a great mood, I decided to behave and keep my toesies covered.  However, I did ditch my coat and took my knees out for a spin.

{Top: H&M, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Steve Madden, Bag: Zara, Necklace: Vince Camuto, Sunglasses: Forever 21}

I’ve developed a bit of a peplum addiction which isn’t hard since most stores are pushing the trend pretty hard right now.  This is by far my favorite peplum top because of the amazing fit.  Funny thing is that although it fits like a glove once on, it’s nearly impossible to actually get it on because the crafty designers at h&m didn’t think to add a zipper.

The entire weekend should be gorgeous here in the south.  Hope you enjoy it wherever you are!  Oh me? I’ll just be getting low internally for the next few days in celebration of the warmth (ref: dramatization in pic #2)