Dublin: Merrion Square Park

Just a couple of pictures from Merrion Square Park over the weekend. It's very cute and is generally pretty quiet, at least compared to the nearby St. Stephan's Green. It's also right next to the National Gallery, National Library, and a branch of the National Museum (natural history, I think?). Most importantly, though, it is home to the most important sculpture in Ireland, that of queer patron saint Oscar Wilde. Love!

 Oscar looking lovely and sardonic.

 

The gardens in the middle of Merrion Square.

Another favorite of mine in Irish history, (Theodore) Wolfe Tone. The father of the Irish Republican movement and he of the awesome name.

Outfit Post: Fastest Hands in the West

I love that it's cool enough here to wear my tweed "professor" blazer (it has suede elbow patches!). I paired it with trouser-cut jeans and my explorer boots and, best of all, this little badge found amount my grandparent's things (my mom thinks it probably belonged to one of my great-aunts).

The badge says: (top bar) "Presented By Underwood Typewriter Co. Inc." (second bar) "Forty Net Words" (star) "Speed * Accuracy" 

How adorable is that?

Blazer: Banana Republic Outlet

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Bead-trimmed camisole: Gap

Boots: Aldo

Badge: Vintage, baby!

New Obsession: Avoca

Last week I wandered into the Dublin branch of Avoca, an Irish clothing and homewares store that is like something out of a dream. The only way I can describe it is that it's like if Anthropologie, the Paper Source, a gourmet food shop, and Monsoon got together and had a baby that's all grown up and doing its own thing now. They specialize in knits, both clothing and home goods, which are all made in Ireland at Avoca Handweavers, which has been around in some form or another since the 18th century! Their knits are so well made and soft and have fun, whimsical designs. I think all of my Christmas presents for folks back home will be coming from here!

Piles of knit scarves.

 I really want one of these "Home" throws...

 ...and a hand-knit hot-water bottle cozy!

 I love the way the outfits and accessories are put together. The layers of knits and different colors and textures are definitely suited to cold, grey Irish winters! This dot cardigan with its mis-matched buttons is especially cute.

 LOVE the button line of dishes.

 

 I want to start eating Irish (/British) breakfasts with soft-boiled eggs just so I can use cute egg cups...

...and sequined egg cozies! (Yes, to keep your egg warm)

Outfit Post: First Day of School

Today was my first day of classes and I'm so excited to dive back into school! I had two classes today and will have two on Wednesday; it's a pretty light schedule so I will be excited to find an job or internship to keep me busy. It was gorgeous and bright out so I went with an outfit with lots of color.

Pale pink tank: Target

Green cardi: Gap

Floral embroidered circle skirt: Nordstrom's Rach (I've had it since high school!)

Purple tights: Target

Flat oxfords: Urban Outfitters

Outfit Post: Urban Explorer

I wore this outfit today to go to the National Gallery of Ireland and visit Merrion Square Park, home of my favorite sculpture in Dublin (more on that tomorrow!). I am trying to make my new boots more versatile, but the truth is a don't wear a lot of colors that go with caramel. But I adore the boots so I will pair them with everything!

Cardigan, top, and navy tights: Gap

Ruffle skirt: Target

Lace-up boots: Aldo

Outfit Post: Circus in Town

I call this dress my circus dress because of the exuberant little polka dots all over it. I also seem to unfailingly wear it with this same pair of fuchsia tights because they match just perfectly. I tried to give my hair a bit of a bouffant ponytail but I haven't bought any product yet so it fell pretty flat. And yes, I am feeling like I need to trim my bangs already - they are at just-too-long when I like them long-but-not-too-long.

Dress: Anthropologie

Blazer: Gap

Tights: Target

Flats: Old Navy

Dublin

I woke up this morning with a yen for exploration. So, I put on my (new!) explorer boots and set off for Rathmines, the town/suburb closest to my dorm in Dublin.

Explorer boots! (They are these ones from Aldo)

I first visited the Rathmines Bookshop and Bookcube Gallery, where I ended up talking with the artist owner for over an hour about the art world in Ireland! He told me about a few great resources that will be helpful while I'm here.

Then I walked down to the canal and visited with some swans. They are very friendly and will come right up to you to see if you have any food to give them.

Finally, I made my way back home while admiring the quirky architecture of the residential areas of Rathmines.

Perfect tiny blue porch.

I love the cheerful red trim on this house.

New haircut + glasses

Just in time for Dublin!

Autumn

I've been at my parents' house in Spokane for the past week and it's in the cool fifties/sixties here, which is making me absolutely yearn for cozy fall clothes. In thinking about my fall (and back-to-school!) wardrobe, I am feeling majorly inspired by the forties-Welsh-seaside vibe of Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller's wardrobes in The Edge of Love. I love the mix of patterns and textures! Perfect for damp Irish weather.

Edge of Love 1

Edge of Love 2

Edge of Love 3

I will definitely be keeping my eye out for cozy fair isle sweaters, cable-knit tights, crochet, tweed, and old-fashioned Liberty florals for fall!

Want...

Pom-pom bedding. It's like a bedding version of a children's bullfighter...

Bedroom shot from Living Etc via The City Sage. Gratuitous Paloma Faith shot from her appearance on Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Old family slides

My granddaddy was an enthusiastic family photographer his whole life, documenting all family events from the biggest to the most mundane. My mom and my aunts have been going through the family "stuff" since my grandparents passed away earlier in the year, and my mom recently brought home a small box of slides. We scanned in a few and I pulled these ones out because of the fabulous fashion in them. Enjoy!

My grandmother, looking gorgeous.

I love this glimpse into 50s suburban life - especially the short-shorts, rolled sleeve, rolled hair, and cocktail combo.

My mom is rocking her dad's Shriner's hat, but my favorites here are my aunts' plaid berets and my grandmommy's suit and matching red purse and shoes.

Easter Sunday best! Love!

Fab girls' party dresses (at my Aunt Suzi's eighth birthday)

Also love her carousel cake!

Finally, how fabulous does my grandmother look here in front of the sphinx? Navy shirtdress, red bag and heels, awesome sunnies, and great Vogue pose. I want to travel like that!