A Room with a View

In Amsterdam, Andrew and I stayed in an affordable little B&B that just so happened to be a spare room in a Dutch woman's house. She ran the business from her home, renting out her guest room (with an amazing view of the Jordaan district) to travelers and offering the best continental breakfast I've ever had.

I woke up with a sore throat and runny nose the morning that we left for Amsterdam (four hours of sleep a night for two weeks will do that to you!), so having a cozy room in the city was a godsend. Even though I wanted to see as much of the city as possible, I knew I had to take it easy with a cold. So, we spent our mornings leisurely eating breakfast in the room and enjoying the view from our window. We visited right before Christmas, so lights were strung all down the street and we could hear people playing Christmas carols in the road. It was a wonderful atmosphere...and exactly what I needed after an incredibly stressful two weeks.

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Outfit Details:

Dress—Anthropologie "Brushed Terra Dress" (remixed) | Sweater—Anthropologie

"Swoop and Glide Pullover" (remixed) | Cardigan—H&M | Beanie—Krochet Kids (shop)

P.S. this is a picture of the scary metal staircase leading up to the living room of the B&B. Andrew and I (somehow) managed to lug our four suitcases up it in the pouring rain on the night we arrived. I seriously don't know how we did it...it was scary enough just walking up and down the stairs in normal conditions!

P.P.S. Happy Martin Luther King Day!

On the Edge

{Sweater—Urban Outfitters (remixed), Dress—Anthropologie "Brushed Terra Dress" (similar // remixed),

Scarf—Forever 21 (similar), Socks—Target, Boots—Marks & Spencer (similar), Bag—Fossil (shop)}

I explored the Cliffs of Moher in this comfy, layered outfit. Although the sun shined all day long, the temperatures were a little unpredictable because of the wind. That's why I opted for breathable layers—a cotton sweater, tights, and a light scarf—and threw on my black peacoat when it got really chilly.

This dress has been one of my go-to pieces in Ireland. It's actually one of those dresses that looks better when it is layered with other items, rather than when it stands alone. Last year, I almost didn't purchase it because I thought it looked a little "bland." However, because of its neutral color, it matches with almost everything and I love throwing my mustard sweater over it (as you can see...I had the same idea back in January). It just goes to show, you never know what simple purchases might become your most-loved closet staples.

P.S. These photographs do a pretty good job at showing how close we were able to get to the edge of the Cliffs. The view was truly incredible!

Seattle Adventures: Part II

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Anthropologie "Brushed Terra Dress" (remixed)

Cardigan: Forever 21 (remixed)

Denim Jacket: Life in Progress via Forever 21

Scarf: vintage

Belt: Anthropologie

Fleece-lined Leggings: Anthropologie

Boots: Cathy Jean Shoes

typical tourist picture...I had to.

We spent the morning of my last day in Seattle eating doughnuts at Top Pot and walking around Kerry Park—which has an amazing view of the whole city. Luckily, the skies were clear in the morning so I managed to see the wonderful Seattle skyline (remember these pictures?) firsthand. Other than New York, I definitely have to say Seattle has, by far, one of the most beautiful and memorable city skylines I have ever seen.

After enjoying the view of Kerry Park, we headed over to the University of Washington and managed to catch an hour of sunshine to see the cherry blossoms before it started raining again. The UW campus is absolutely gorgeous and reminds me a lot of my own campus—but just a little bit nicer in every way.

Back in high school, I had applied and got accepted into UW, but chose to go to college in LA. Wandering around the campus really made me wonder what it would have been like had I decided to go to UW for undergrad, instead. And honestly, after finally visiting the campus, I could definitely have seen myself here and might consider it for graduate school if I decide to get an MBA.

Overall, it was a wonderful trip and I am so glad I got to spend a few days with one of my best friends. She is so lucky to be living in this amazing city, and who knows, maybe in a couple of years I might wind up here as well...

Until next time, Seattle.

Layers

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Anthropologie "Brushed Terra Dress" (here)

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (remixed here)

Denim Jacket: Life in Progress via Forever 21

Scarf: Forever 21

Watch: Michael Kors

Tights: HUE

Boots: Anthropologie "Buckled Paddock Boots"

Seeing as I have class from 9am-6pm every Thursday, I have quickly learned the art of layering. This may look like three outfits...but I promise it's just one. It's chilly in the morning, temperate during the day, and then freezing at night, so I have to dress for all occasions.

Luckily, I chose comfortable and versatile pieces for my long day on campus. This is the second time I have worn this dress (and first time I have blogged about it) and it's already becoming one of my favorites. It's soft, comfy, and warm...all good qualities to have in my {clothing} book. With this dress as my base, all I had to do was throw on a loose cotton sweater, weathered denim jacket, and long scarf to create a functional layered outfit, good for any time of the day!

Thank goodness its Friday! And I really, truly mean it. Happy weekend everyone!