A Quick Moment Among The WildFlowers

Traffic People Maxi Dress.  Honoring that inner voice.  

I woke up today (today that I'm writing this post, not today that I took these photos) feeling a lot of anxiety and heavy-burdened.  Some hard ongoing health issues for a few people dear to me and a to-do list full of the yucky stuff...dentist appts (nothing like a broken tooth to jumpstart that to the top of the list), reports due, bills to pay.  Stuff that just has to get done.  In my comfiest sweatpants. 

Rewind to the day of this shoot, this dress, feeling ethereal.  Hanging out with one of my dearest friends to take photos, doesn't even feel like work at all.  Magical evening light and for sure magic in those wild mustard plants.

Both are realities.  This is what I love about fashion, it can transport me, elevate my mood, make me feel like I have super human powers...Major TO-DO list to tackle - put on my best, most comfiest sneakers.  Feeling like I need an extra person in my corner, I wear the socks my mom gave me for my birthday right before she passed away.  Strutting down the street - for sure in my best fitting pair of jeans.

Having the chance to wander through the wildflowers, only a magical dress will do. 

These little voices are inside me, and one way I honor them is in what I wear.  

About this magical dress, it's from Traffic People.  I have posted about this brand before, they are a favorite, for their bright prints and flattering styles.  It's a bit vintage and a bit modern, born in the heart of London.  Which of course makes them even cooler.  You can see more of my favorites here and here.

dress - Traffic People c/o

jewelry (necklaces, tassel bracelets, and earrings) - Queen Anne Frame & Gift

photos by Angie, isn't she great?

best,

Kirsty

Free Flowing In My Red Pants

That Vacation State of Mind.  Can't it be like this always?

Ah, vacation.  Am I right?  I LOVE vacation, duh - who doesn't?  I am actually NOT good at planning or prepping for vacations but I'm getting better.  I do however, love putting together outfits for my trip, not a surprise I'm sure.  And I love the influence places have on my style, currently I'm still slapping on the self-tanner and wearing big ol' beach hair (well that might be in part from my lack of time to wash my hair.)  Beach vibes it is!  

These particular pants are so fun, like start busting out crazy legs when walking, because they are just meant to flow.  Super comfortable and flattering, and an awesome deep red color.  They have just the right amount of interest that elevates an outfit but not so much that they take thought in wearing.  

So, when I need a vacation moment as I'm hustling down the street - I'll probably be wearing these.  

Few more outfit notes:  

My tank top is from one of my favorite brands for tanks and flowy tees.  They always fit right in the armpit area and have a wonderful amount of fit and flow.  I wear these all summer long.  Queen Anne Dispatch carries most of this line, if you are in the Seattle area shop local.  

My earrings, speaking of local - YES, I have been looking a long time for seed bead earrings that weren't mass produced crud, but also still affordable.  Hello - these are time intensive and the price should reflect the labor.  This is a new line I have at my shop, fair trade jewelry working in partnership with a family in Vermont and village in Guatemala.   

pants - Bobi, also at Queen Anne Dispatch

tank - Bobi, also at Queen Anne Dispatch

shirt - Bella Dahl, also at Queen Anne Dispatch

earrings - Queen Anne Frame & Gift

Short and sweet blog post today, because if I want to actually post this I have to wrap it up and really these photos do their own talking.  It was so fun to be with Angie and shoot again where it all began, for your viewing pleasure here is our very first photo shoot together.  

You need to know this outfit is at Queen Anne Dispatch and their Friends & Family event is this Friday - tomorrow!  It will all be 20% off, if you live in Seattle get there - shop the day, or join the party (and shop) from 6 - 10pm.  If you don't live in Seattle, you can call and ask for Sabrina, they can ship!

Let if flow.

Kirsty

I've Got The Party Pants, & Shirt...Now I Just Need A Party.

Brunch.  Work.  Date Night.  Ladies Night.  Blog Events.  Ice Cream.  Coffee Dates.  Cocktails.  Summer BBQ.  Dinner Party.  Garden Party.  Window Shopping.  Shoe Shopping.

I love this outfit.  It's the type of outfit that makes me think of everything fun.  Oh the places I shall go in palm print pants and the perfect tailored shirt.  

I've got the perfect outfit covered.  Now that calendar...

And who wants to join me? 

 

shirt - Sarah Alexandra c/o

pants - Traffic People, Queen Anne Dispatch

shoes - Dolce Vita, old.  similar

ring - Queen Anne Frame

similar palm print pants here...

I also wore this shirt here, see more of why I love it.

And these pants have a matching top, seen here.

photos by Courtney.

Happy Tuesday.

Kirsty

I Put All My Winter Sweaters Away Except This One...

Because it's Tuesday and cold outside.  Sometimes your outfit looks like Friday's and the weather forecast ahead is glorious.  Then it simply drops 20 or 30 degrees, like no big deal.  And I simply switch out my kimono for my cardi.  Also no big deal.  Same sandals, tank and jeans. 

This sweater also comes in handy for those late evening activities, because you never know what's going to happen when the sun goes down.  Hey, keep it clean, I'm just talking temps.

This is the sweater that stays out all year long. 

This sweater is by Not Monday.  If you don't know this brand, you need to check them out.  They make my favorite tees.  And this cardigan.  The attention to detail and craftsmanship are on point.  This sweater has been worn and worn and you can't tell.  That is what I want in a sweater, and what I am willing to pay more for. 

Because I know it will last.  And I won't have to replace it next season.  Except that I want it in all colors. 

Oh a girl can dream.

Bonus the founder is a fabulous women, committed to the quality and vision of her brand.

cardigan - Not Monday c/o.  here

jeans - Joes c/o.  here

shoes - Cocobelle c/o.  here

bag - Hobo c/o.  here

necklace - Lucia K. Jewelry

So here's to endless warm summer nights, but just in case they aren't, warm that is, this cardigan has me covered, either way many moments under the stars please.

photos by Angie.

best,
Kirsty

Paper Bags and Platforms

Are you a fan of the paper bag style pant?  It has always drawn me but I rarely find a pair that works for me.  It's one of those styles that has to fit and flow just right, because you are definitely adding volume and want to accentuate the waist as a balance.  The volume should look like it's coming from the fabric not you.  In my opinion that is how this style is flattering.   So I have tried on A LOT of this type of pant but rarely a success.

This style is quite popular right now with the high-waisted pant trend that is taking over.  Yessss.  And it's such a good one.  This style is effortless, aka easy, adding great interest to an outfit, simply add a tee and cute sandal, which is how I wore it the rest of the trip, and you're ready.  I just jazzed it up for photos.  You know, to make it more interesting.  I can't wear a tee shirt for every.single.post.

Plus this awesome top is over 75% off right now.  You're welcome.

These particular shorts are from Numph DK.  A clothing brand I discovered at my favorite local clothing boutique Queen Anne Dispatch.  You can also find most of their line at Numph.com, and also some styles at Pintucked.  I can always count on this brand to have edgy yet sophisticated styles, mixed with bold happy prints and unique fabrics.  That is exactly the tune I like to sing, and I am always looking forward to their next designs.

Speaking of tunes, random thought...I am the worst singer, and lately I can't help but bust out a tune, much to my children's dismay.  Not sure where that is coming from, it cracks me up.  It also warms my heart because my mom used to do the SAME thing to us and man was I always so annoyed.  Oh the eye rolls.

Maybe someday they will appreciate my voice.  I often remind them that they used to ASK every night for me to sing them each a song at bedtime.

Ok back to the outfit, because I cant leave out the shoes.  In two days I bought pastel sneakers and floral loafers.  And they are my marvelous rotation.  I freakin love these shoes.  Something about a whimsical floral, I love the mix of this feminine print with a more masculine loafer style shoe.  AND then add a platform with STRIPES.  These shoes also look particularly nice with a really undone hem.  I plan to get a lot of wear out of these.  ps - they are currently on sale for under $50.  Whoop Whoop.

You're welcome again.

shirt - Derek Lam 10 Cosby c/o.  on sale 75% off in navy, in red.

shorts - Numph DK c/o.  find here

shoes - Abound, Nordstrom Rack

socks - not seen but SO necessary, Smartwool

sunglasses - Queen Anne Frame

earrings - Lucia K. Jewelry (and Queen Anne Frame) 

And the beach hair situation, it's just so outside my comfort that I am not even going to mention it.  

Happiest Wednesday.

Photos by Angie.

best,

Kirsty

Farmers Market Style

If you follow along on my instastories at all, then you will know that most Thursday evenings between June and Oct you will find my family and I at our neighborhood farmers market.

It is such a lovely piece of our summer evenings, as our market not only has awesome local produce and vendors, but food trucks and live music, making it a community party every week.  So great right?

And whatever event is occurring in my life it affords an outfit or two to go with it.  Hmmmm...oversized down jacket "oh that would be perfect for school drop off and pickup."  I so want to wrap myself up in that all winter long, right??  Oh man if only.  Farmers Market season "oh that linen extra wide leg pant would be perfect."  Sure I'm not in the mindset of festival style, but for surely I have farmers market chic on my mind.

This is how I justify and make wise shopping purchases, key word not practical but wise.  But honestly sometimes a great outfit, or shoe, or bag, is what pops me out of bed in the morning.  and a good cup of coffee of course.  Even if it's just to go grocery shopping.

Just one more thing on this topic, people often say "I love this but where would I wear it?"  Where is the eye roll emoji?  Honestly if you love it then just wear it.  If it lightens your step then any occasion is the perfect occasion.  If you need there to be an element of practical then fine, but wouldn't we all be happier if we just wore what we loved no matter?

So I shall end on a functional note.  My bag.  I don't discount the power of a functional piece, case in point my little cross body bag is perfect for Farmers Market or festivals, or concerts...Just your essentials, hands free, and add a tassel.  In neutral so you can grab and go no matter the fabulous clothing you are wearing.  No brainer.  I like to spice mine up with a printed bandana.

 

pants - Mango.  similar

tank - super old Anthro purchase

cross body bag - Hobo c/o.  on sale here.

 bandana - Queen Anne Frame.

market bag - Queen Anne Frame.

"Dress up begins at age 5 and never truly ends."  -Kate Spade.  So dress up tomorrow and see where it leads you.  Even if just to the grocery store.  Do I make myself clear?

Full disclosure...I occasionally do my grocery shopping in PJs.

Happy Wednesday and thank you for reading.

photos by Angie.

best,
Kirsty

I've been having way too much fun in my instastories lately, you can follow my instagram here thekirstyfiles