La Dolce Vita

hat // top // bag // jeans // espadrilles

A couple weeks ago I fell down the Etsy rabbit hole. There are so many amazing things on Etsy these days and after some arbitrary clicking and searching I stumbled upon Hats By Olivia. Olivia makes the cutest beach/summer hats I have ever seen. I immediately wanted one, but I was struggling on decided between "yes way rosé" or "rosé all day." I messaged Olivia with some questions and after chatting a bit she mentioned that she had made a "la dolce vita" hat before. Done! It was meant to be. I mean, I have to have a "la dolce vita" hat for my summer in Italy... right?

I couldn't believe how quickly I received my custom hat. I am not sure if you can tell, but the saying on the hat is done with hand-stitched sequins. I also love the pom-pom detail, which comes in several color options if you are so inclined. I have always loved hats, especially when I am traveling, but lately I am turning into quite the hat lady. And I am ok with that.

As soon as my hat arrived, Kelly and I headed out to snap a picture on our favorite pink wall. I wasn't planning on a full outfit shoot, just snapping some pics of the hat and my new gingham bucket bag. But one thing led to another and before I knew it we were staging a full on shoot (who doesn't put fresh blooms in their bucket bag?). If only I had done my makeup and coordinated my shoes better, but c'est la vie.

The final product was worth it and Kelly and ended up having a blast on a random week-day afternoon.

Be sure to check out Olivia's whimsical designs! And don't forget you can customize.

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Conference Chic

trench (last seen here) // dress // purse // ballet flats

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat (HinHH), then you know that I am in Boston for a conference (the Annual Meeting of the Renaissance Society of America). And today is the big day that I am presenting my paper.

This look, however, is actually from yesterday. Because I could never get away with wearing something like this to present a paper. Sad, but true. Basically, this conference is a sea of conservative neutrals and frumpy black ensembles. Needless to say, Jess and I stuck out in our gingham, stripes, and florals (#sorrynotsorry).

While I will make concessions when presenting, because I don't want to detract from my work, I refuse to do so when I am not presenting. Because I shouldn't have to suppress my individual style to prove my integrity as a scholar or commitment to discipline of history (here is a great article on this issue).

For my presentation today, I went with a more subdued, but still fashionable and gorgeous, blouse and simple black skirt. You can read more of my tips for dressing for a professional or academic conference here.

Have a great weekend!

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Outfit: Cape Trench

cape trench // stripe top // jeans // sunnies (c/o Ditto, also available here) // bag (old, similar) // shoes

Capes always unleash my inner Blair. There is just something about them that make me feel fabulous and like I could take on anything. I love that this jacket merges the classic trench with the trendy cape. It's the best of both worlds.

I was surprised at how stiff the cotton of this trench cape was. But I guess that makes sense, since a heavier fabric would be necessary to hold the shape of the cape. The arm slots feel a bit awkward at first, but after wearing it for a bit, I forgot they were even there. I paired it with a neutral striped tee and my favorite flower print lace-up flats.

Happy Friday!

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Making Prints and Patterns

Apologies for being a little MIA this week. Last week, spring break, was supposed to be my week to catch up on life and even start some fun new sewing projects. But, unfortunately, I had to spend most of the week (and this week) writing a conference paper. This paper is one of those that is just slightly far enough from my particular field that it requires a lot of extra work to ensure I know what I am talking about.

Despite not being able to sew, I have been able to design some fabrics! As much I am enjoying learning to sew, I am really loving the ability to design and create my own fabrics. It's great because you can create exactly what your wardrobe is missing or the perfect piece you can envision, but never find. You can also make affordable prints inspired by your favorite expensive designers (you probably remember this Kate Spade-esque floral pattern I created).

I use Spoonflower to print my creations. I love their linen-cotton canvas and cotton spandex jersey. If you are feeling inspired to create your own prints and patterns, here is a great lesson on how to make a pattern seamless or repeating (which is key when printing yards of fabric). I use this Wacom tablet and these brushes.

I think I have taken to creating prints because it's quicker than actually sewing a skirt or dress lol. But I am excited to get to work (hopefully this weekend) on a dress using my coral poppy fabric. You can see all of my fabric creations here.

Outfit: Striped Trench

trench NOW ON SALE! (neutral beige version here) // Suite dress (similar) // sunnies // hat (similar) // bag (old, similar) // wedges (similar)

Let me tell you how much I love this trench. It is unique and fun while still being comfortable and flattering. I love that it is so light weight and wrinkle resistant, which makes it perfect for traveling. It will definitely be coming with me this summer, since it's the perfect weight for May's temperamental weather in Italy.

Naturally, I can't leave stripes well enough alone and I had to pair it with a little floral. My favorite Suite dress worked perfectly. For those of you who aren't familiar with Suite, it is a line of fun and whimsical party dresses and escape coats created by my good friend in Florence, Jen. You can see all of her creations on her Instagram or in her Etsy store. She also does custom work, like this little number that she created for me last summer.

Finally, I completed the look with my latest pair of glasses from Ditto's Endless Eyewear Program (which you can read more about here). One of the best parts of this sunglasses rental program is you can go bold and have a little fun with your sunglasses with zero commitment. Sometimes you just need some oversized, orange sunnies in your life.

Happy Monday!

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Outfit: DC Plaid

Zara coat (old, similar here and here) // popover (similar) // skirt // wellies // bag (similar) // sunnies // beanie

Last Wednesday I hopped on a flight to DC to visit my cousin who is in his first year at Georgetown Law. My other cousin (his sister) also joined us for a fun long weekend of cousin bonding. Although technically my cousins, these two goofballs are the closest thing I have to siblings, and I missed them like crazy while I was abroad last year. The three of us are very much alike and had a fabulous time touring DC together.

Unfortunately, our timing wasn't great weather-wise. We hit, what will probably be, the last weekend of cold weather. I couldn't believe that it snowed Thursday night! I guess no one told DC it was March. Since we were spending most of our time outdoors sightseeing and exploring, I brought lots of layers. Despite the chilly temps, I still wanted to wear color (shocking, I know). I love the unique and vibrant colors of this skirt. I highlighted the skirt's hints of pink and red with my pink popover and red boots and purse.

I feel like I am beating a dead horse, but I swear by these Hunter Tour Boots for travel. According to my phone, I walked 11 miles in them Thursday and my feet were warm all day and didn't hurt once. I once walked some 13 miles in them in London, and, again, zero foot discomfort. There is nothing worse then blisters and sore feet when traveling, so I always make an effort to invest in comfortable, yet stylish, shoes for travel (you can read my tips for selecting the best shoes for travel here).

On another note, I finally realized that I had my Snapchat set to friends only. So no one but my friends saw any of my snaps from Europe last fall. Total Snapchat fail. But I did figure it out, so you can now see my snaps. Although fair warning, when I am not traveling, it is mostly cat snaps (#sorrynotsorry).

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Outfit: Rose Kicks

dress // blazer (old, similar) // sunnies (and in pink here!) // kicks // bag

I am currently obsessed with this Kate Spade rose print. I love this dress and this skirt, which was the inspiration behind the fabric I designed and used to make a pleated skirt. As soon as I saw that the print had been released in Kate Spade's line of Keds, I was sold. I love a pair of cute kicks and these will go great with both skirts and shorts/pants.

I also loved the way Kate Spade styled the pink rose print with black and white stripes. Enter this versatile ponte knit striped dress. I purchased it ages ago and it has been my go-to comfy dress since. It could not be easier to wear. I was so happy to see that J.Crew just re-released it in two colors! A perfect stripe, flattering cut, and utilitarian fabric make it a wardrobe MVP. To complete the look, I topped it with my favorite pink linen blazer.

I am back in Florida this morning after an incredible weekend in NYC. I was so lucky to have an amazing tour guide and I promise to share more tomorrow.

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Outfit: Weekend Spots

hat (old) // denim jacket // top (on sale!) // skirt // bag (old, similar) // pom pom // sneakers (old, similar) // sunnies (via Ditto)


I feel bad posting this outfit as much of the country digs itself out of a crazy blizzard. It did get somewhat chilly in Florida. But, here is the thing with Florida, as chilly as it gets, the sun is always there to heat everything up by the afternoon.

J.Crew's flared skirts (this flutter model and the older flare version) are a wardrobe staple for me. They are so comfortable and flattering, and come in a variety of great colors. I really hope they don't stop making them. I must own a dozen by now and I wear them constantly. Whether dressed up for work with a blouse and/or blazer, or dressed down for the weekend with a t-shirt and denim jacket, these skirts are definitely a wardrobe must-have!

In other news, my get-back-into-shape-after-eating-my-way-through-Italy regimen has begun. I am so tired and so sore. Spending a year in Italy is great... getting back to my pre-Italy health and fitness level... not so much. But, I keep reminding myself that the hardest part is restarting. Hopefully I will be able to lose my pasta belly quickly (although, I still maintain she was worth it).

Happy Monday!

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