Baby Went to Amsterdam

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Sarah S.

Ready for a quick trip through the stunning Netherlands? Scroll through my favorite photographs from my week-long stint in my sister’s new home.

Amsterdam

bike culture at its best

vintage shopping in Jordaan in Amsterdam

the moment I realized that I bought the right back pack for this trip

hagal slag (aka sprinkles. but doesn’t it sounds so much better in Dutch?)

Badgers’ pride in Den Bosh

beauty at the rijksmuseum

the Heineken Experience. there’s only one.

den bosch garden of earthly delights mural

Hieronymus Bosch leaves his mark

Dutch roses in bloom

high top sneakers european fashion inspiration

black eyelet high tops that served me well on cobblestone, train platforms, and bike pedals alike

stroopwafel- a dessert second only to gelato in my book

the best thing about The Netherlands? a beautiful and thriving bike culture. not to mention no hills.

the cathedral in Den Bosch

a little bit of our nanno in Holland

Want more inspiration from Amsterdam? Check out my newest Pinterest board:

tot ziens!

Sarah

So Fancy

It’s amazing what $12 can do. As you know, I’m one of those crazy people who picks out her outfits for the week on Sunday night. Who has time to worry about what they are going to wear at say, six o’clock on a Tuesday morning?!

Previously, I stuck some nails into my wall to hang my week’s outfits on, but this past weekend, with the encouragement of a very fun aunt (shout out, Aunt Jeanine!), I purchased a rolling clothes rack from Ikea.

Now my bedroom feels like a fancy Dutch blogger’s bedroom. Sort of.

Closet Organization Ideas miaprimacasa.com

Sprezzatura

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Sarah S.

Almost half a year in Europe and my sister‘s fashion sense is starting to look like a cross between Madewell and Florentine street-style (apparently, she was once confused for a true Italian) . I recently visited her at her new home just outside of Amsterdam; these are my favorite shots of her new style.

p.s. sprezzatura: a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it.

Pirates, Sparkle, & 16 Miles

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Sarah S.

Being away from family can be hard enough, but when holidays roll around it becomes that much harder. Thankfully, for Easter this year, my little sister was able to take a break from being a genius med student at RIT to spend the weekend with me here in Pittsburgh. The weather was perfect! And compared to Rochester, NY, it probably felt like heaven.

Before Michelle made it down here on Saturday afternoon, I snuck in a 16 mile marathon taper run. Why am I tell you this? Because sometimes, when you’ve run over 20 miles in one go, you start to forget that even 16 miles is impressive. This is my attempt at reminding myself that running 16 miles (or any amount for that matter!) is an accomplishment–one of which I should always be proud!

Sparkle was a key component of our Easter weekend attire.

I took Michelle to her first professional baseball game. The Pirates lost, but it was an exciting game no less, complete with the classic Pittsburgh Pirates fireworks show. (By the way, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a professional baseball game that didn’t involve the Brewers. Seriously. I saw the Cubs play them in Chicago…then again in Milwaukee…and now they played the Pirates in my new city. It’s like my Wisconsin ancestors are trying to speak to me…)

Instead of the traditional Easter ham dinner, we opted for homemade squash pizzas, complete with kale, Brussels sprouts, and vegan cheese. Recipe (Michelle’s original) soon to follow!

My Easter outfit of choice: Madewell fruit dress, Lands’ End Canvas Merino sweater, vintage Salvatore Ferragamo heels, statement necklace (a great find from a Chicago second hand shop), and a gorgeous sparkly clutch (a gift from an old roommate). Michelle looked gorgeous in an Loft eyelet tee, J.crew cardigan, Ann Taylor pencil skirt, and sparkly J.crew flats.

Hope you all had a fabulous Easter weekend as well! Here’s to more sunny days filled with Pirates, sparkle, and lots and lots of miles.

Cheers!

Sarah

More Sustainable Fashion? H&M’s Spring ’14 Conscious Collection

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Sarah S.

I’m not going to deny that the H&M Conscious Collection does come off a bit like “green washing,” but I’m also not going to deny that I appreciate H&M’s vision for a more sustainable fashion future Yes, fast fashion is driving waste up like crazy, and in my opinion, it’s a company’s duty to support the environment, community, people, etc. (stakeholder theory, anyone?), but some companies still choose not to put effort into sustainable initiatives. H&M seems to be giving it a good shot, and you can’t be upset about that. ALSO, their newest Conscious Collection is gorgeous.

You already know that I’m anti-pants, so it’s no surprise that I fell for the collection’s striking soft pants- both cuffed and open legged.

H&M Conscious Collection Spring 2014 miaprimcasa.com

The pieces feel so versatile as well. This top could be dressed up for a casual work day or worn over a bikini on the beach.

Learn more about H&M’s vision for sustainability here.

What’s your favorite piece from the H&M Conscious Collection?

Cheers!

Sarah

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

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.*