progress, progress

I’ve lived in Pittsburgh (and the same apartment) for over a year. For the last, well, decade, I haven’t stayed in one place for more than twelve months. Finally, I’ve had time to settle in to my new place and begin to claim it as my own. My living room, dinning room, and kitchen were more or less done six months ago. (Mostly given to that the fact that my kitchen is smaller than a walk-in closet) But my bedroom has taken longer to come together. I wanted a simple, neutral pallets of whites and creams with a focus on texture. What ended up unfolding is far from that but no less awesome. Actually, probably way more fun to look at. I have images and color everywhere, yet somehow everything still seems comfortable and in order. It’s the perfect embodiment of my style: classic and neat but undoubtably sprinkled with color and pattern. The room has a way to go, but so far, it’s a pretty good start.

eclectic bedroom gallery wall eclectic bedroom gallery wall

gallery wall? check.

Unique way to use a postcard collection for decoration

bookshelf? check.

Handmade Corkboards

handmade cork boards? check.

Repurposed Wire Basket for Drawers

repurposed basket drawers? check.
Jane Austen Reads + Hat Box

Jane Austen novels? obviously.

Cheers!

Sarah

Defining a Style Uniform: Friday

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.

My Style Uniform: Boy Jeans + Graphic Tee + Blazer on miaprimacasa.com 3My Style Uniform: Boy Jeans + Graphic Tee + Blazer on miaprimacasa.com 3Ann 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.*

Quantum Theory

Three years ago, I bought a secondhand Theory blazer at a thrift store (Shhh! It only cost me $3, but served me well through  many an interview). Due to it’s practical silhouette, quality material, and beautiful coloring- the light gray makes it possible to dress this blazer up or down-, the blazer is still serving me well today. So when I found out that Theory was having a winter warehouse sale and everything was up to 80% off, I spent a good chunk of my evening browsing the beautiful collection. Thanks in part to the cash I just dropped on a new screenprinting class I’m taking (!!!), my self control held out, and I haven’t (yet) made a purchase. But that doesn’t mean I can’t share my favorite finds with you. Browse away, and resist- if you can!
Ballet Flat Theory miaprimacasa.comEnid Abru Flat, $99

C108010R_P5N_0

Miry Lofty Mitten, $39

Theory Creeper Shoe miaprimacasa.com

Put Some Prep in Your Step

Because preppy will always look good.

Here are the looks that are inspiring me right now:Preppy Fashion miaprimacasa.com Preppy Fashion miaprimacasa.com Preppy Fashion miaprimacasa.com Preppy Fashion miaprimacasa.com Preppy Fashion miaprimacasa.com Preppy Fashion miaprimacasa.comFollow me on Pinterest for more Preppy, Tom Boy, Classic fashion.

My closet can’t get enough:

Rugby Shirts

Graphic Tees

Pom Pom Hats

Over-sized Knits

Plaid Scarves

Tailored Blazers

Puffer Jackets (and Vests)

Jen ne sai quoi

What are your favorite preppy styles?

Cheers!

Sarah

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

Autumn 2013 Trends

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!

Free People Neutrals

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…

Madewell Tom Boy Style

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.

 

GAP moto

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….

Bien Fait Sweater Madewellj.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. 😉

Forever 21 Varsity Letter Jacket

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?

The Only Time It’s Okay to Wear a Side Pony Tail

The Majestic, an old theater turned bar-dance floor-concert venue, in downtown Madison, puts on an 80’s vs. 90’s dance party a few times each year, and I’ll admit I’ve been to more than a couple. This time, my friends and I actually dressed up, and I had a chance to wear some of my vintage 80’s clothes and jewelry. …And my friend Julie got the chance to relive the side ponytail (along with a pair of hot pink leg warmers).

80s Leggings 80s Dress and Earrings 80s Dress

Which do you think wins? 80’s? Or 90’s?

Sarah

How to Style…a Sporty Dress

Sporty Dresses Spring 13

DKNY, Rag & Bone, Victoria Beckham, Spring 2013

Photo courtesy of Glamour

This spring’s trendy sporty dress is fun and flirty, but how do you style it? Dress it up with wedges or down with sneakers or take it flirty and casual with colorful flats. Here are three ways I’d style a sporty dress. Add tights to my second look, and I’d wear that work now! How would you style your sporty dress?

How to Style a Sporty Dress

Steffen schraut
stylebop.com

Karen millen
karenmillen.com

Dress
modcloth.com

Tory Burch patent flat
$310 – harveynichols.com

Pastry trainers
$90 – bankfashion.co.uk

Dorothy perkin
dorothyperkins.com

Round sunglasses
ocshades.com

Maybelline lipstick
$21 – nelly.com

Because Sun Stays: My Favorite Spring Trends

Spring Trends on Miaprimacasa.wordpress.comSpring Trends on Miaprimacasa.wordpress.com Spring Trends on Miaprimacasa.wordpress.com Spring Trends on Miaprimacasa.wordpress.comOversized

Pastels

Simplicity

Menswear-inspired

Neon

Textured Sweaters

Hybrid

Sheer

Lace

Chambray

What are you favorite spring trends?

Ciao!

Sarah

Falling in Love with My Closet: Ferragamo Shoe Collection

Lately, I’ve been experiencing closet remorse. For most of my life, I spent relatively little on clothing and accessories, but as soon as I entered the work force, began earning an income, and started working in the apparel industry, I’ve since built a nearly completely new closet. As a result, I’ve felt a bit guilty about my wardrobe collection. To be fair, I shop primarily resale, and I’ll be honest, clothes shopping is now a (serious) hobby of mine. In an effort to remind myself that I’ve built my closet into a solid (but not frivolous) collection of quality items, I’m going to feature some of my favorite pieces on Mia Prima Casa. I’m excited to showcase these unique pieces (most of which are vintage or antique) and I hope they inspire you a bit too!

My first feature is probably my favorite: my Salvatore Ferragamo shoe collection. Most of these heels are vintage circa 80s and 90s, but the burgundy pair on the end was a deal from the Florence Ferragamo outlet. I could go on about the quality and comfort of Ferragamo heels and the amazing history of the man (like my own great grandparents, he grew up poor in Southern Italy), but I’ll leave you all with one of his many sage pieces of advice:

Better to wear a shoe that’s too big than one that’s too small.

That could be akin to “make no small plans,” don’t you think?