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

It Doesn’t Get Better Than Tom Boy, Ambiguous Neutrals, & Moto! (i.e. My Fave Autumn Trends)

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Sarah S.

Every fall it’s impossible not to find a handful of beautiful, inspiration trends, and this year is no different. Here are my top faves…and who is doing them best!

1. Ambiguous Neutrals

I love this trend for cosmetics in particular (I’m addicted to a pale, barely-there nail color), but it translates effortlessly to apparel too…and even better in lingerie and intimates. Free People wins my vote for offering a gorgeous selection of nude intimates. Browse their ethereal “Sheer Shop” and just try not to buy something…

2. Borrowed from the Boys

Madewell is my top retailer for tom boy styles. But instead of being in-your-face boyish, Madewell strikes a perfect balance between sexy and casual cool. Let’s be honest, pulling off a tom boy look is 80% attitude. My personal style is certainly more feminine (and definitely not cool enough), but adding a touch of tom boy helps keep things in check. Like those weeks when I know I’m wearing too many dresses with cardigans, my Madewell slouchy rugby stripe sweater is there to save the day.

3. Moto

Good ol’ GAP has one of the best selections of moto-inspired apparel this season. An extra plus? At the GAP, you won’t break the bank on a hot trend (I got this jacket for 30% off). If I weren’t buying clothes for three months (my newest challenge now that the triathlon is over), I’d be all over their moto pants. And coated jeans. And moto puffer jacket. And biker jeggings….

j.crew horse sweater

4. The Conversation Sweater

j.crew and Madewell get the tie for this one. Mostly because I really, really want the Bien Fait sweater. Get it? If not, désolé, je ne suis pas désolé. 😉

5. Sporty

…but definitely not a yoga-pant, sweatshirt look. Instead varsity letter jackets, rugby stripes, and boxy cuts make this trend. Forever 21 gets the job done at their usual how-the-heck-do-they-do-it?! low prices. For me this trends might mean sneaking my ever-growing workout wardrobe into my daily wear. Think: Nike Luxe Track Pants.

What’s your favorite autumn trend? Do you think my list is missing anything?

J.crew DIY Denim

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Sarah S.

JcrewDYIDenim2

JcrewDYIDenim

J.crew has some unique DIY denim styling ideas, including my favorite: DIY patchwork monogram and patch-pocket fading. I’m up for giving the patchwork monogram a try one of these days, but in case you aren’t so inclined to spend time on these looks, here are some great store-bought alternatives. View all of J.crew’s DIY denim ideas here.

Colorblock Denim Wester Top, now $39.99 at American Eagle Outfitters.

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90s Denim and Gingham Top, $30 at vauxvintage on Etsy.

A Week of Inspired Outfits: Monday

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Sarah S.

A friend and coworker recently told me that humans are only able to make a limited number of good decisions. After a certain point, our decisions become worse and worse. And when you consider all the little decisions one makes in a day, “What should I wear?” seems like a wasted decision that could be spent, say, deciding what your monthly wardrobe splurge should be. That said, I decided to make this week’s outfit decisions all at once. I first chose five outfits from some of my favorite catalogs (J.Crew, Free People, Lands’ End Canvas, and Anthropologie) to base my own outfits on. Each day’s outfit is inspired the professionally styled look…and is one less decision I will have to make that day.

Monday’s Inspiration:

Lands’ End Canvas

J.Crew

…And Monday’s Outfit! Cardigan, Lands’ End Canvas

Skirt, Lands’ End Canvas

Shoes, Lands’ End Canvas

Belt, Forever 21

For full disclosure and all of that good stuff, I currently work at Lands’ End (so it should be no surprise that I often end up wearing their merchandise!).