Free People Atlanta: Yes and Yes

So my friends have suffered from my excitement and enthusiasm regarding the Free People Atlanta store for the past several weeks. Upon overhearing a mere rumor that the brand was going to branch into my fair city, I started drilling everybody I knew for more details. When? Where? Do you think you'll have these 80 things on my wishlist?

I started hoarding all of my favorite pieces from work in order to be properly Free People'd up when the magic day finally arrived. And the store did not disappoint, friends--I wanted to see and touch and try and wear everything.

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Free People Atlanta!

I've been keeping my mouth shut about this event because I thought it was top secret! So sorry to those of you who have been in the dark. As the flier above implies, the first Free People store in Georgia is finally here! In the main "strip" of Lenox Square mall is going to be our own personal destination for all things bohemian, rock 'n roll, and vintage-inspired.

The soft opening pre-party is this evening, and I've made it my business to attend! Hope to see some of you lovelies out there! I'll be the one alternately squealing in excitement and snapping paparazzi photos of the crowd. 

FP Atlanta Event on Facebook

Free People Atlanta Facebook Page

Leopard Burnout

Now that it's really, officially summertime, the inevitable shift in retail happens. That's right, I'm already unpacking boxes upon boxes of fall clothes at work. Among the sweaters (gasp!) and coats (ick!) came this leopard spotted number.

I surprised myself by being so drawn to it--it's really the culmination of so many things I don't like in my wardrobe. It's jersey, it's black, it's got a hideous backwards hook and eye detail, and it's a JERSEY DRESS.

Let me tell you about me and jersey dresses: despite the fact that I wear them all the time, I totally do not get along with them. I always turn my nose up at these jersey garments, scoffing that they are too easy to wear, and if I wanted to wear something easy I might as well be wearing sweats.

But...

They're easy. And summer means carefree, easy dressing. Especially when it's high heat and a squillion percent humidity. Okay, the JERSEY DRESS. Okay, so I gave in.

I always promise myself I won't talk about the weather, but I guess that ship already sailed. It's not really seriously a squillion degrees or a squillion percent humidity, I think I've just been reading too much of the Shopaholic series this summer.

Outfit details:

• Free People burnout leopard dress from Squash Blossom (not yet on site, similar in pink)
• Madewell confetti scarf (similar by Tolani)
• Hayden Harnett Wyeth Hobo
• Dolce Vita for Target buckle boots
• Chan Luu wrap bracelet in khaki mix (also not on site, sigh)
• TOMS eyewear Classic 101 sunglasses

Take From Me My Lace

It's been a cruel, cruel summer so far. And the heat is forcing me to be extra creative so I don't perspire through all layers of my garments before arriving to a specific destination. Enter: this month's Everybody, Everywear theme.

Lace! Well, minus the sticky sweaty polyester blends, lace is instant built-in ventilation. Combined with a crop top silhouette, it's almost enough to keep cool out of doors. You get just enough of a breeze on the small of your back to dissuade that pool of lady glistening to form. 

Hot hot heat: crop tops and high waists are my best friends right now.

I chose to keep it more modest (or maybe this makes it more risque? I can't tell anymore) by wearing an underlayer that's supposed to show. Another case of taking matters into my own hands: you don't get that "oopsy there's my lady things" moment if you're declaring, "these underthings are part of my outfit, thanks."

Outfit details:

• H&M lace crop top (similar styles: one, two, three)
• Free People lace trim bandeau in neon yellow
• Free People Cascade Convertible maxi skirt
• Lucky Brand Abeo platform sandals
• TOMS Classic 101 sunglasses
• Necklace and white bracelet: gifts from South Africa
• Blue/black bracelet: purchased at flea market in Paris, but identical ones available from Madewell

Stay tuned for snapshots from my last few days in France! Oh yes, there are more adventures. You didn't think that was it, did you?

Maxi Monday

As a skeptic, when many of my astrology buff friends began to warn that Mercury would be in retrograde last month, I rolled my eyes. So of course, in an ironic twist of fate, the unthinkable happened. I was in a car accident at the beginning of the month, with no injuries except to my vehicle. And so I was without my primary mode of transport for almost a month! In a city as car-centric as Atlanta, and with as many obligations in as many different neighborhoods as I currently have, it was ridiculously inconvenient.

I finally got her back a few days ago, and phew, is it good to be back in the groove of things.

 

So that explains the setting for this photo set--I'm sorry but I can't help celebrating! Driving a rental car was totally bizarre--no matter how toy-like my own car is, driving much else feels like I'm riding in a styrofoam packing peanut.

And this skirt is my new favorite thing. Funny how that is, that so often the newest thing in the wardrobe is easily the current favorite. When Free People sent out an e-mail featuring this very skirt (as seen in this fp blog post), I immediately knew it was for me. Maybe in multiple colors.

I think she and I will have many adventures this summer! The swish-swish of the high-low hem is perfect for the hot and humid months ahead.

Speaking of hot and humid--local friends in the South, I've got a special announcement and goodies for you tomorrow!

Outfit details:

• Free People Cascade Convertible Skirt (worn as dress)
• Secondhand J. Crew jean jacket (similar current styles: here, here, and here)
• Motif 56 belt via Anthropologie (other amazing options from the brand: here, here, and here)
• Alex & Ani assorted bangles (feather bangle)
• Jan Michaels poison ring
• Madewell Sunset sandals (sister styles here and here)

Spring Wishlist: Shoes!

I've just about lost my mind with the winter doldrums. I'm ready for warm temperatures, and with them, new shoes! I've been daydreaming about a couple pairs, some I've been eyeing for ages.
 

Clockwise from top left:

1. Swedish Hasbeens Mimmi clog sandals, approx $292 at swedishhasbeens.com. Available in just a few more days, I can't resist the sweet bow and perforated leather on this pair. Mandatory for tea parties and channeling your inner Minnie Mouse.
2. Madewell the Dustbowl boot, $142 at madewell.com. I love me a good desert boot, and this is my favorite for the season. Love the skinny laces, and the sandy tan color. This one gets my vote over Clarks, J. Crew, and all of the femme'd up options.
3. J. Crew Marguerite suede wedges, $165 at jcrew.com. What better to pair with your new highwaisted wideleg jeans? Very 70s yet extremely modern. Love the leather wrapped wedge on this pair.
4. Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff Matilda shoe, $109 at freepeople.com. Been completely obsessed with this collaboration since it was announced. After stalking the Free People, Bloomie's, and Nordstrom sites every single day in 2011, they're here!!
5. Toms Canvas Wedges, $69 at tomsshoes.com. Comfortable, versatile, and socially conscious to boot. I want to wear these everywhere from the beach to dinner and drinks.

And don't forget! You've still got just a few hours to enter the bunting necklace giveaway!

Gearin' Up for Fall + Book Fest

Labor Day is just on the other side of this weekend, and that means the end of summer, beginning of autumn, and the highly anticipated Decatur Book Festival! And so with the holiday weekend rushing upon us, we've been working like Christmas elves at Squash Blossom stocking the store with lots of awesome new goodies.

I'm especially drooling over this Ayala Bar necklace. It's so intricate, and I feel like I can conquer the world in it.

And since I believe you can never have enough Frye boots, I'm already plotting my next boot purchase. I love all of the colors and finishes on this trio. Now only to pare it down...

All of the new fall pieces from Free People have been blowing my mind, and more than ever, I'm oh-so-excited for the seasons to change. Feeling extra inspired by the September Free People catalog, my girls Jules, Santi, and I styled our favorite pieces from the Squash Blossom racks.

I love how the looks from the same set of clothes can fit so many occasions and personalities. We have something to dress an Ice Princess, Desert Storm Barbie, a Winter Elf, and your inner rockstar. I feel like I've been slacking on my personal outfit documentation, but really it's just fallen to the wayside of dressing up as someone new each day.

 

My weeks are still jam-packed, but I've almost got the groove of my new fall schedule. I feel like I haven't blogged in ages due to constant Important and Urgent Tasks. I think another week of classes (and, whoop, Monday off!) will do the trick.

Until then, I'll be playing dress-up at work. Come see me if you need your fashion fix this weekend, we have an epic selection right now! Or if holiday weekend sale shopping isn't quite your speed, the book fest has something to offer for every bookworm.

Welcome, Springtime!

Outfit details: Heritage 1981 floral shirt
American Apparel Jersey Pocket Skirt
Thrifted belt (similar and on sale!)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo
Steve Madden studded sandals:
(hot alternative; affordable option)

I was sooo happy today to be able to rejoice in the warm weather with bare legs and sandals! I kicked off the sunny season with a trip to Rita's to enjoy a free Italian ice. Longtime readers will know that I am completely obsessed with cool treats, especially Rita's flavored ices and yummy frozen custards. I have atleast four frequent customer punch cards in my wallet, and always want to go back for more! My favorite flavors are mango and black cherry, but I'm always curious to try the wacky new flavors they have. Today they had a marshmallow Peeps flavored ice available--it was very sweet and tasted like a cross between cake batter and marshmallow.

I loved the idea of pairing the western shirt with this metal tipped belt. I felt very modern prairie. The sudden pastoral and western influence is the result of my obsession with the Pioneer Woman cookbook I got back in January, and one of my favorite shows--Big Love.

While her outfits are very modest, I love Chloe Sevigny's character's wardrobe. The calico blouses, cowboy boots, and floral print dresses are definitely inspiring my mode of dress and driving my vintage and thrift searches. I've run across a good selection of calico fabrics lately and hope to come up with future project ideas so I can pick them up. I just need to get a move on with my current pieces first!

Say it out loud

Tee, American Apparel; leather jacket, Anthropologie; jeans, 
J Brand; corset heels, Free People.


Friendship rings, Marc Jacobs special items; 
nail polish, OPI Pamplona Purple.

Another quick casual outfit. I wore this around town to run errands and grab lunch with one of my fave ladies. Having so much free time is bizarre. I couldn't imagine living my life like this where I am just a lady who lunches. And shops. Although I suppose it might be interesting in a "my life is a Woody Allen film" kind of way.

I love this jacket and still feel a little crazy for buying it. Atleast it is convertible so there are different options for wearing it - from edgy and urban to ladylike and prim. This is what I wore to go pick up this:

Is anyone else attending a screening tonight? Apparently at 24 I am still a huge dork. I also spent an embarrassing amount of time in front of the New Moon display trying to decide which shirt I wanted.

Ahh, I'm excited! It's going to be super fun times.