Adventures in Pittsburgh: Avalon Exchange

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Sarah S.

Avalon Exchange Pittsburgh, PA on miaprimacasa.com

Avalon Exchange is a very unassuming resale shop in heart of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill. So unassuming that I never ventured inside until my hairdresser recommended it to me. Not only was the shop filled with racks and rack of quality used clothing and accessories, but it was also packed with people. Apparently I’ve been missing out on quite a neighborhood hot spot.

The shop had a sizable selection of menswear as well as a robust women’s selection. The shoes in particular were great quality at very reasonable prices. You won’t find a thrift shop steal here, but you might find a pair of Miu Miu heels for less than $100. Which is certainly a steal in my book!

For less than $50, I left with some of the best vintage finds I’ve had so far this year. Needless to say, this is far from my last trip to Avalon.

J.crew Rugy, $1 from Avalon Exchange in, Ambercrombie Flannel, $14 from Plato’s Closet, Dooney & Bourke leather boat shoes, $29 from Avalon Exchange, Vintage striped sweater, $13 from Avalon Exchange, and a sneak peak of my latest screenprinting project

Vintage finds from Avalon Exchange Pgh on miaprimacasa.com

Strong Girls, Strong World

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Sarah S.

GUYS, you HAVE to check out this organization. Activyst (active + catalyst) sells functional gym bags and tees that help fund girls’ sports around the globe.

So, why is supporting girls in sports so important?

Because…”studies show that a girl who plays sports is healthier, more educated, more confident, and happier.”

I don’t need a study to tell me that’s true (personal experience will do).

I can’t wait to buy this tee. And geek out about this organization with anyone at the gym who compliments my t-shirt.

Cheers!

Sarah

The Uncovered Artistry Project

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Sarah S.

It started with a simple equation.

Art + Entrepreneurship = Empowerment. Add a couple business-savvy ladies and a serendipitous grant from Projects for Peace, and you’ve got yourself Uncovered Artistry Boutique. We’re a little shop built on the belief that business fosters empowerment in all its flavors (financial, personal, emotional, et al.). Our little piece of this cyber world sells the creative work of domestic and sexual abuse survivors, individuals who, more than most, benefit from the uplifting effects of art and business. Our roots are planted deep in Midwest soil, yet our reach extends to all those with an Internet connection and a penchant for joyful shopping. Shop the boutique today.

Four years ago, my sister and I started this small online non-profit boutique. Today my sister is abroad living and working in the Netherlands, and I’m working in the wondrous world of fashion in Pittsburgh, PA. Now that we can no longer run the organization together from our dorm room or basement, we wanted to make sure we still had a simple, straight-forward way to promote what we’re doing at Uncovered Artistry. So today, UA-related updates and behind the scenes stories live here with me on MiaPrimaCasa, which only makes sense really: the organization is a significant part of my experience as a post-grad twenty-something. To filter to UA specific posts, choose “The Uncovered Artistry Project” under Categories.

To learn more about The Uncovered Artistry Project and boutique, visit us here. And stay tuned for news and updates!

Defining a Style Uniform: Friday

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Sarah S.

Friday’s outfit is definitely my favorite, mostly because I am currently crazy about graphic tees and boys jeans. And I love how a well-fitting blazer makes the whole outfit look so chic. This outfit is absolutely the best of both world: stylish and comfy. Not to mention totally effortless.

Ann Taylor Loft Leather Blazer, American Eagle Outfitters Boy Jeans, Motivi Graphic Tee, J.Crew Patent Leather Flats with Gold Heel

Any opportunities to expand my wardrobe with this uniform outfit? I actually only own a couple graphic tees. Thankfully, I just started taking a screen printing class, so that’s about to change for the better very, very soon!

Related Posts:

Defining a Style Uniform: Monday

Defining a Style Uniform: Tuesday

Defining a Style Uniform: Wednesday

Defining a Style Uniform: Thursday

*For full disclosure and all of that good stuff, I currently work at American Eagle Outfitters.*

Defining a Style Uniform: Thursday

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Sarah S.

Oh, Thursday! Probably the best day of the week. Most of the work week is behind you but the hours don’t drag like Friday. And for some reason, it’s the day I like to dress up a little bit more than others. So of course today’s style uniform outfit obviously had to include a skirt. And leather.

Ann Taylor Loft Embellished Sweater, Anne Klein Watch, JCP Faux Leather Skirt, Sweater Tights, Handmade Silver Ring, American Eagle Outfitters Booties

Related Posts:

Defining a Style Uniform: Monday

Defining a Style Uniform: Tuesday

Defining a Style Uniform: Wednesday

I am Anti-Pants

*For full disclosure and all of that good stuff, I currently work at American Eagle Outfitters.*

Defining a Style Uniform: Wednesday

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Sarah S.

Wednesday’s style uniform inspiration is definitely my favorite: cool, simple, and most importantly, comfy. The outfit I came up with using my own wardrobe is probably the comfiest thing I can safely wear to work.

Aerie Silky Pants, Lands’ End Striped Henley Tee, J.Crew Print Mixing Scarf, Anne Klein watch, Pickwick and Weller Ribbed Tank, GAP Ballet Flats

Any opportunities to expand my wardrobe with this uniform outfit? My selection of soft pants is getting a bit out of control, so I have no wardrobe issues there! I am thinking of investing in some quality tees from Everlane or Pickwick and Weller to compliment my patterned soft pants and to make my style uniform the best combination: simple, quality, and comfort.

Not bad for hump day, right?

Cheers!

Sarah

Related Posts:

Defining a Style Uniform: Monday

Defining a Style Uniform: Tuesday

I am Anti-Pants

Put Some Prep in Your Step

*For full disclosure and all of that good stuff, I currently work at American Eagle Outfitters.*

Defining a Style Uniform: Tuesday

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Sarah S.

I own countless cardigans. I read Unabashedly Prep regliously. I’m ever on a search for the perfect vintage Ralph Lauren navy blazer. There is no doubt that I identify with a preppy style, but what I noticed while putting together my five style uniform outfits, was that I also gravitated toward graphics, drapey bottoms, black leather, and cheeky graphics.

Tuesday’s outfit shows more of my traditional preppy taste, complete with the classic chambray shirt, cowboy-inspired leather boots (the kind that get better with age), and a great fitting pair of Levi’s. It’s simplicity at its best.

Donna Karan Leather Boots, Liz Clairborne Chambray Shirt, Levi’s Skinny Jeans, Angela Caputi Bracelet, Fossil Watch, J.crew Leopard Print Belt, Wool Scarf from a second hand store in New Hampshire

Any opportunities to expand my wardrobe with this uniform outfit? One chambray shirt seems like enough for my wardrobe and those leather boots are so versatile, buying another pair would feel extravagant. I did struggle to come up with some fun stackable bracelets. I love the ones that Bauble Bar offers. They have so many, they’d suit every mood!

Cheers!

Sarah

Related Posts:

Defining a Style Uniform: Monday

I am Anti-Pants

Put Some Prep in Your Step

Defining a Style Uniform: Monday

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Sarah S.

I love the idea of a style uniform. I don’t mean an actual uniform, but more of an outfit guideline that makes putting together work outfits a breeze.

I’m one of those neurotic people who picks out all her outfits for the week on Sunday night (yes, shoes and accessories included….), so a uniform really appeals to me. It would make dressing easy and be the perfect, no-brainer way to show my style. And in the process of putting together a uniform, I’d have to work on defining what exactly my style is.

So, after thinking about the types of outfits that make me feel really, really confident, I put together five uniform looks, one for each day of the work week, that will hopefully serve as guidelines for my outfits going forward.

Monday

But now I’m faced with the hardest challenge: actually putting together real outfits from my real wardrobe. I think I’m going to discover some holes, and that’s great! I’m all about simplifying my wardrobe with the best key items I had find.

Below is what I came up with for day one, using only pieces from my wardrobe.

United Colors of Benetton Wool Sweater, American Eagle Outfitters Dark Wash Skinny Jeans, American Eagle Outfitters Booties, Vintage Perfume Necklace

The holes? Today was pretty easy! I own plenty of sweaters and perfect, comfy skinny jeans. But, I might want to consider some gold jewelry. Here’s what I’m thinking:

Cleo Pendant Necklace, $34 from BaubleBar.com

What is a staple piece in your style uniform?

Cheers!

Sarah

*For full disclosure and all of that good stuff, I currently work at American Eagle Outfitters.*

I Am Anti-Pants

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Sarah S.

Photo courtesy of whowhatwear.com

I have to agree with Lena Dunham. I’m pretty anti-pants. There was some point in the early 2000s when women’s pants became too tight and too low, and my love for pants started to fade (it was slightly renewed in 2007 when I discovered jeggings and again in 2013 when I bought my first pair of Levi’s). But today, my pant-love is fully restored in the form of the trendiest anti-pants out there. I’m talking luxe sweatpants (think: leather), structured leggings (but let me clear, these still aren’t pants and a long top is a must, in my book), and silky harem pants. We can all be thankful that pants these days are veering more Man Repeller than Christina Aguilera.

Below are my favorite anti-pants looks.

Which one is your favorite?

Aerie Sparkle Leggings, Ann Taylor Loft Mixed Media Blazer, Phillip Lim 3.1 for Target Studded Tank, American Eagle Outfitters Booties, Ann Klein Watch, Kate Spade Saturday Sunnies

anti-pants outfits on miaprimcasa.com Aerie Zipper Sweatpants, Madewell Sweater, Target Marled Socks, American Eagle Outfitters Booties, Vermont Wool Scarf from a second hand store in New Hampshire

anti-pants outfits on miaprimcasa.com Urban Outfitters Military Green Harem Pants, Kohls Lace Button Down, American Eagle Outfitters Booties, Handmade Leather Bracelets from a Wisconsin art show and a thrift store in upstate New York

anti-pants outfits on miaprimcasa.com Aerie Silk Pants, Aerie Chiffon Henley, Fossil Watch, GAP ballet flats, and a statement necklace I purchased from a second hand store in Chicago

*For full disclosure and all of that good stuff, I currently work at American Eagle Outfitters.*

Sweatshirt Weather

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Sarah S.

The polar vortex might be over, but it’s 20 degrees and snowy here in Pittsburgh, so I think it still qualifies as sweatshirt weather. Did I mention that this is the best trend, ever?…Second only, maybe, to luxe sweatpants….

MSGM Sweatshirt miaprimacasa.com