fresh flowers & a fred meyer adventure

last week, i had the pleasure of attending the grand opening

of the newly renovated fred meyer in bellevue. 

'grand' may be an understatement, as the gorgeous store

is comparable to a whole foods or metropolitan market (think

gourmet grocery and home shopping!). in addition to the large

grocery, home decor, and apparel departments, fred meyer 

has an in-house starbucks (with ample seating for your morning 

or mid-day coffee break), and a hot food area with 

a variety of delicious lunch and dinner items.

disclosure: i received store credit for my review and event recap. 
as per usual, all opinions are my own!

the home and garden department

has beautiful flowers, and i am now more excited than 

ever for springs arrival. seattle sunshine, if you would

just cooperate, too!

 store renovations included: energy efficient lighting,

polished concrete floors, a murray's cheese shop,
a bistro with an assortment of middle eastern food,
sushi and other seafood in the ready-made area
 and an incredible growler and wine bar (with ten different
beers on tap and 16 rotating wines to sample!);
shop, sip and enjoy!

i must admit, i left the party happy and very, very full.

i sampled grilled cheese, cake, hummus with fresh vegetables, 

cheese and crackers, cookies, chinese eggplant, pitaya, salami and a cupcake;

if only my weekly trip to the grocery store could be this gratifying!

 

photos by jenn from hello rigby 

blouse: zara (exact here), jeans: american eagle, 

leather jacket: nordstrom, boots: c/o bohoo, fringe purse: target,

rings: forever 21

fred meyer was already my grocery and

cosmetic/drugstore of choice (hello to all the shampoo, 

face wash and makeup products!). visiting the new

location in bellevue has me loving fred meyer more! 

fun fact? when working at preschool, the kids and i would

walk to the local fred meyer each week for fresh fruit

and snacks to share. it quickly became a favorite 'field trip'

of sorts - for both the students and staff.

the new store is located at:

 2041 148th avenue north east,

bellevue, washington 98007.

next time you're over in bellevue, be sure to stop by!

i will be making a special trip to the east side for lunch and

grocery shopping this weekend.

i am looking forward to the tasty wood-fire pizza, an array of

fresh fruit, and of course, a treat from the bakery.

xoxo.

coffee dates & leather jackets

not sure what to wear? need an additional layer?

is your outfit feeling a bit drab? grab your nearest leather 

(or faux leather) jacket! i was inspired by fellow blogger and friend, 

julia's post (from style and cheek) discussing the importance, or perhaps

necessity, of owning a leather jacket. it seemingly goes with 

everything in your closet, from jeans and a t-shirt, 

to a floral print dress or skirt; a leather jacket 

will make a statement and instantly pull together your look.

i picked up my faux leather jacket last summer, 

and while it was too warm (and then too cold) to wear it,

i've worn it repeatedly over the last several weeks - with dresses to work,

 a blouse and black denim for brunch, and of course, 

paired with a graphic t-shirt and ripped jeans for leisurely weekend 

activities. i think my favorite look, however, is wearing my jacket with more

feminine pieces, such as this long-sleeved, floral dress.

my jacket is very light weight, so i can wear it over sweaters 

and not feel uncomfortable. the studs and zipper detail are fun 'pops' as well.

life (and fashion) is a balancing act, don't you think?

while a leather jacket, particularly a genuine leather jacket, 

is an investment, you can wear it with more budget-friendly items.

my dress, purse and ankle boots were thrifted, 

so i don't feel quite as guilty about paying more for my jacket.

a leather jacket won't go out of style either, like other more trendy,

seasonal pieces. although, i must admit, i seldom experience 

buyers remorse; please tell me this isn't just me?

photos by bailey makaimoku photography

jacket: nordstrom (similar here and here), 

dress: astr (thrifted via buffalo exchange), rings: forever 21,

boots: thrifted (via buffalo exchange), purse: thrifted (via seattle goodwill)

and sometimes, when you're taking photos and mentally

planning blog content, you need to enjoy a delicious iced coffee.

i am slightly embarrassed to admit that i have a new coffee obsession. 

the starbucks cinnamon almond milk macchiato is beyond

delicious! it's refreshing and instantly satisfies my sweet tooth

(and caffeine addition). have you tried it?

xoxo.

the perfect bag for a day in the city

how is it that the weekend seemingly comes and goes so quickly?

friday finally arrives and *blink* the weekend is over! 

filling your schedule with coffee dates, blogging,

a family dinner, while also catching up on several tv shows, 

and that essential saturday afternoon nap, certainly does not help.

if we just had an extra day (or two?), i would be 

a very happy and more productive lady!

disclosure: embrazio graciously provided me with the handbag featured

in this post! all opinions are my own.

for an afternoon in the city, a stylish, yet functional

handbag is essential. my work bag (a tote i picked up on sale a 

few months back) is ideal for commuting, as i can easily stash my book, 

water bottle and other essentials. on weekends, 

however, i prefer something slightly different.

i need a bag large enough to carry my phone, wallet, and beauty

essentials (i can't go anywhere without chapstick, a lipstick or two, 

and oil blotting sheets). while a tote is more practical than 

a clutch, this black leather crossbody bag is the 

perfect size, shape and style for every city-loving gal.

embrazio is a colorado-based company, and their gorgeous 

products are handmade in leon mexico. also on my wish list? 

this brown, leather tote and this gorgeous leather bracelet!

i love the luxurious feel of the leather and the convenient

 zipped pocket (to easily store my driver's license and debit card).

 the crossbody link chain keeps my hands free for a latte, fresh flowers from 

pike place market and my ever-present iphone! 

#bloggerproblems

additionally, the black and bronze coloring make this bag both trendy and 

versatile; it can be paired with just about anything in my closet!

when styling my crossbody bag, i chose black joggers and a cropped, 

scalloped sweater (currently on sale!).

for walking purposes, i opted for clogs instead of heels,

but these could easily be swapped out for a dressier evening or date-night look!

i kept my jewelry (aside from a statement ring) relatively simple,

as i wanted the handbag to stand out.

the link chain strap can easily be tucked inside the purse, 

allowing it to act as a clutch. this particular style is also available 

in all-black, cognac, black and gold or a black and silver combination.

photos by karya schanilec photography

sweater: zara (exact here), jogger pants: nordstrom rack,

clogs: born (similar here), ghost babe ring: c/o leia beila jewelry (exact here),

savannah leather envelope clutch & crossbody bag: c/o embrazio (exact here)

do you have a purse preference when exploring your city

(or somewhere new, too!)? i love something chic and feminine,

yet functional; this embrazio crossbody bag is the perfect combination!

xoxo.

a look back at 'diary of this girl'

^^^ my first (professional) blog header! ^^^

in the five years i have been blogging (more than five-and-a-half,
really!), this little blog has evolved. i, too, have come a long way personally, 

professionally and otherwise! i started blogging as a creative 

outlet upon landing my first "real" job after college. 

i wanted and needed a hobby; i have always been passionate about both fashion
and writing. a fashion and lifestyle blog

felt like the perfect means to channel these interests. 

and in 2012, 'diary of this girl' was born!

in the beginning, my photos were taken on various phones
by anyone and everyone willing 

(from family and friends, to coworkers and random passersby). 

my small presence on the internet was a way for me to stay connected with family

and friends who didn't live in the seattle area;
they would email or text that they enjoyed following along
during my post-college life adventures!

my initial posts included various rants, inspirational quotes 

(often borrowed from the web) and very (very!) poor quality outfit 

pictures. i have to admit, i wish i still had some of the clothing

i wore in the early posts. for example, where are those sneakers 

and that one pair of polka dot shorts!?

^^^ my second blog header ^^^

this blog was and continues to be a great passion of mine.

after five years, i still thoroughly enjoy writing content, putting together 

outfits, and of course, talking about all things fashion.
 i hope you will continue to follow along, too!

 the photos (thankfully) got better over time, and i think my 

decision to work with a professional photographer in late 2015

was the best choice i could have made for my blog. 

my blog looks and feels more polished, and i am grateful for

the handful of photographers i have had the pleasure of working with.

i still enjoy browsing the archives to read what was going on 

in my life at the time (also fun? seeing the

dramatic change in the length and color of my hair!). though 

the quality of my photos were sub-par at the start, they're a great representation of 

how much i have learned and grown as a blogger. you live; you learn! 

my favorite part of blogging? the supportive

community of bloggers i have met in the seattle area!

i feel fortunate to live here, where fellow bloggers are less

competitive (and more welcoming) than other u.s. cities.

i cannot tell you how much i enjoy attending blog-related events,

or simply catching up with fellow bloggers over a cup of coffee.

you can bet food and outfit photos for social media will be required, too :)

and don't worry, i by no means plan to give up blogging.
rather, i want to reiterate how much i enjoy this unique, creative
process; i hope you will continue visiting here for fashion tips,
inspiration, and to stay in touch with other life events.
i still have an intense shopping addiction, outfit ideas galore,
and some fun collaborations planned for future posts. xoxo.

the annual 'spring-cleaning itch'

we experienced a brief glimpse of spring last weekend

(i think a full 24 hours sans rain!); the sun even poked her head out,

albeit brief. the city seemingly comes alive when we transition from 

winter to spring, and i must admit, i couldn't be happier!

with temperatures in the low 50s, i was beyond eager

to ditch my heavy coat and all-too-familiar rain boots.

each year, as spring approaches, i experience a rather intense

desire to purge my closet. i want it all gone. and clean. and organized.

 i am done with everything warm, thick, waterproof - 

anything that reminds me of winter. black jackets and sweaters? goodbye!

 i want to chuck everything i have lived in for the past several

months and welcome lightweight, colorful and vibrant pieces.

disclosure: value village graciously provided me with a gift card used to purchase some of the 

items worn in this post. as per usual, all opinions are my own!

the spring purge doesn't mean throwing away clothing,

shoes and accessories (not in the literal sense). instead, 

i separate what i no longer wear or need into distinct piles:

sell, give, and donate. i plan to do an additional blog post detailing

this process (as it has become quite methodical). in general, however,

i choose a few items that are newer and perhaps more 'trendy' 

to sell at local consignment shops. i also have a pile

that i offer to my roommates, coworkers, and of course, my mom.

lastly, i donate the remaining items at value village

(you can find the donation site nearest to you here).

and it seems my attempt to purge and de-clutter my closet this

season was futile; unfortunately, i rarely drop off items at value village 

without also bringing one or two (or sometimes, several) 

'new' things home. it's a vicious cycle, i tell you.

while i may have gone into the store several

bags lighter (with a more organized car, bedroom and closet!), 

i came out with a new spring-inspired outfit.

'you're only going in to drop these things off, megan.'

this is the mantra that runs through my head upon entering

my local value village. whether or not this repeated mantra actually

works is still up for debate.

photos by karya schanilec photography

blouse: daniel rain (c/o value village), jeans: american eagle,

purse: steve madden (c/o value village), shoes: converse (c/o value village),

bracelet: gift from my parents after their recent trip to mexico, rings: forever 21

and while my meager attempts at keeping my closet

clutter low are seemingly futile, i know that both 

shopping and donating at value village makes a difference.

last year, they kept 650 million pounds of textiles and goods

out of landfills. that's quite a feat! 

have you experienced the annual spring cleaning itch? 

how do you stay organized, and what do you typically

do with items you no longer wear or need? let me

know in the comments, and happy cleaning (and donating!).

xoxo.

dressing for the weather (which means rain!)

if you live in seattle, or the surrounding area, then you know

all anyone is talking about is this darn weather. it may seem 

silly (or trivial, perhaps?), but we haven't had a break

 from the rain in weeks. sunshine, where are you?

i know i am feeling a bit vitamin d deficient, and fellow 

bloggers, you can relate to this - it is incredibly difficult to take 

photos during a downpour. unfortunately, photos taken indoors

rarely turn out for me #bloggerproblems

my dear friend, jenn and i decided to brave the rainstorm 

last weekend to photograph a few looks. we may have had to dry out

 after and opted to enjoy lunch (and dessert, of course)! 

hopefully you can't see my 

large goosebumps or the water spots on my jacket.

dressing for the ever-present rain has become my morning

dilemma: black rain boots? grey rain boots? and which

black jacket should i wear? the long one? or the longer one?

this mantra goes through my head each morning, and 

let me tell you, i am about ready to throw away everything

black and waterproof! this girl wants to embrace spring and all

that accompanies it: dresses sans tights, everything pastel, sunshine, 

and even the new 'seasonal cup' at starbucks. 

photos by jenn from hello rigby

dress: loft (similar here), jacket: nordstrom rack (similar here),

necklace: nordstrom, ring & shoes: forever 21, purse: stitch fix

any tips or locations you have for taking photos

during bad weather are greatly appreciated! preferably, 

places that are covered (to protect clothing and cameras, 

and to prevent hair from becoming too wild). i am hopeful that our weather will

 soon improve so i can pack up my heavy sweaters and coats and wear 

lighter, more colorful pieces

in celebration of spring. until that happens, i'll continue

lusting after the adorable spring clothing in all the storefronts

and beach / vacation photos via pinterest.

xoxo.

a few thoughts on turning 29

this past weekend was filled with birthday celebrations!

my family, friends and very sweet coworkers

spoiled me with decorations, delicious treats, and a few wiener

dog items (you know i love anything with a wiener dog!).

i must admit, i woke up monday morning still quite full, 

but feeling loved and appreciative of everyone who helped make

 my day special; thank you, thank you! 

my brother came home from school for the weekend, 

which was a wonderful surprise! my family and i enjoyed

dinner together on saturday, and sunday was spent 

consuming donuts, cookies, clam chowder, bacon, pizza, pancakes

and a few other items. needless to say, i opted for a comfortable

(and forgiving, very forgiving) birthday outfit. 

this pleated midi skirt did the trick!

the past year has been filled with change. i 

sometimes forget how old i am (28...? 29...? 30...?), yet i still

enjoy reflecting on the year prior. have i changed at all? did i 

meet my goals? what challenged me? have i become a stronger woman

following these challenges? i'm pretty proud of where i am right now 

(both personally and professionally). let's see what 29 has to offer, too!

a few scattered thoughts:

...blue nail polish, i'll never tire of bright, colorful nails...

...mom and dad, thank you for your ever-present 

support and encouragement (especially when i was looking for a new job

last year, and when i then spent weeks frantically studying for my exam)...

...under eye wrinkles, where did you come from? skincare regimen, 

get ready to up your game...

...chocolate and candy currently on my dresser, you really need to go. 

and you should be replaced by green juice...

...electric tooth brush, please help me rid my teeth of these 

seemingly permanent coffee stains...

...tiny room, you desperately need a deep and thorough spring clean...

...bank account, i promise to be better about spending less

and saving more. i'll at least try to do this...

...leopard print boots, i'm so happy to have found you 

in the depths of my closet...

...seattle sun, please come back...

...to my readers, thank you for your continued support (and for following

 along during mindless rants, like this one)...

^^^ pins have quickly become one of my favorite accessories! ^^^

photos by jenn from hello rigby

shirt: zara, pleated skirt: nordstrom rack (exact here), 

boots: nine west, pins: nordstrom rack (similar here), purse: monsac,

denim jacket: thrifted (via value village), rings: forever 21

i may or may not have worn this exact outfit to work last week

and then again for some birthday fun this past weekend.

i usually strive to mix and match different pieces in my closet

to avoid being deemed a 'repeat offender.' but hey, sometimes you find a look you

love, and you simply have to wear it multiple times (in the same week).

xoxo.

current obsession: the bomber jacket

here, there, everywhere - bomber jackets are making an appearance!

whether you're browsing pinterest, or looking through the racks of your

favorite department store, bomber jackets are a fan favorite. 

while i appreciated this particular style of jacket last season, 

i have to admit, i didn't purchase a bomber jacket until earlier this year, 

when an army green style arrived in my monthly stitch fix

(in case you missed it, i recently styled the jacket on my blog here).

whether it's paired with a light sweater, wrap dress, or a simple tee,

let your bomber make a statement. i like the versatility of my 

chic, green coat, but the embroidered floral print makes this jacket 

(and the rest of my outfit) pop; remember, it's all about the details!

i picked up these distressed, patched jeans at the zara

end-of-season clearance earlier this year, and while i typically

prefer darker denim, i love this light wash for spring. the boyfriend

style will be perfect with sandals (if the weather ever warms up -

i'm beginning to lose faith!).

in true seattle fashion, it absolutely poured rain when trying

to take these photos. thankfully, the very patient and talented karya 

suggested we pop over to the sky-bridge between nordstrom and pacific

place. it was a much appreciated reprieve from the rain and cold temperatures.

 #photochallenges

photos by karya schanilec photography

jacket: zara (thrifted via seattle goodwill), t-shirt: j.crew,

jeans: zara (similar here), purse & sunnies: forever 21, 

shoes: nine west

and believe it or not, i thrifted this bomber at my local goodwill

for $15! if you're eager to try a new trend, but don't want to 

burden your wallet, be sure to check a nearby thrift store.

you can likely find a jacket (and other items, too) from last season,

at a fraction of the cost! i've linked a few additional jackets i'm

lusting after below:

1 // 2 // 3 

who else is ready for the weekend?

this week has felt especially long. my birthday is on sunday,

so i'll be over here eating far too many donuts, cookies, and 

cupcakes galore. after all, you're allowed to eat all your favorite

treats on your birthday, right?! thankfully, these boyfriend jeans have a bit 

of extra room, as i'll certainly be needing it!

xoxo.

fitness meets fashion (& a few tips to keep you motivated)

let's be honest, the excitement of the new year is slowly wearing off,

and my continual resolution to be more active (and consume

fewer baked goods and ice cream cones) is not going quite as well 

as i'd hoped. i enjoy keeping active, and i strive to hit the gym

a few times each week, but there are days i'm simply too tired. or i can't

fathom fighting the crowds for my favorite stair climber. or 

that double chocolate brownie is staring me down. however, a new 

pair of running shoes (and a reprieve from the seattle rain)

is a great way to get back on track! 

disclosure: brooks running graciously provided me with the running shoes and outfit i'm 

wearing in this post! as per usual, all opinions are my own.

since college, working out has become an important

part of my life. i should probably preface this by stating that 

i am in no way a fitness expert; in fact, quite the opposite. there

are loads of machines at the gym that i find utterly intimidating.

however, i've rounded up a few tips for you that have been 

of great help to me, in terms of living a healthy lifestyle (or attempting

to live a healthier lifestyle, as i just polished off the last 

of my valentine's day chocolate):

find a fitness buddy

whether it's your coworker, best friend, or significant other,

working out with a friend is far more fun (and appealing, in my 

opinion) than doing it alone! check out a local yoga class

or go for a stroll around your neighborhood. either way, you're

enjoying time with one another while doing something active.

wear a fitness tracker

i've had my fitbit flex for just over three years, and i can honestly

say, i don't know what i'd do without it! transitioning to an office job,

where i spend the majority of my day seated at a desk, means 

i must be more conscientious about moving my body - 

especially if i am hoping to get 10,000 steps in each day. i prefer to go for a 

walk during my lunch break, and i take every opportunity to walk over and 

grab a glass of water, stop by my supervisor's desk, etc. etc. 

invest in quality shoes and attire

when it comes to running shoes, i learned the hard way, 

you get what you pay for. that pair on clearance? not 

as well-made or supportive as a quality running shoe. brooks are

known for their running shoes, and i'm already on my third pair!

you should replace your shoes every 500 miles (or every six months, 

depending on the nature of your workouts).

another gym essential? a supportive bra. for years, i purchased those 

pesky pull-over workout bras and seemingly cringed when they cost more than 

15 dollars. ladies, a sports bra can truly make or break your workout. 

a wire stabbing you in the chest? a bra that offers little-to-no support? 

no thanks! brooks can get you fitted and 

provide you with a bra unique to your workout; if you're attending a 

yoga class, for example, the type of support you need will differ from what is 

required when going for a run. 

stretch, stretch, stretch

until recently, i would seldom stretch before

or after my workout. i could climb stairs, lift weights or jog and then simply

go about my day. as i've gotten older, i've realized the importance

of stretching both before and after working out, as well as throughout

the work day. 

remember to hydrate

though it may not need mentioning, don't forget to hydrate!

i drink far too much coffee (and subsequently far too little water); i need 

reminders to drink more water throughout the day, especially if i 

know i'll be hitting the gym later. adding a slice of cucumber or lemon to my 

water bottle, keeps me drinking far more water than i normally would.

photos by karya schanilec photography

don't forget your greens

green smoothies, green juices, green vegetables, 

i love you! this is a more recent infatuation, and it might take

your taste buds a bit of time to get used to, but i can't get enough.

this kale, cucumber, lemon and pineapple smoothie from pcc may be a bit

daunting at first, but after a few sips, you'll come to crave it.

shirt: brooks fremont running tank (exact here), 

jacket: brooks dash half zip (exact here), tights: brooks greenlight capris (exact here),

shoes: brooks purecadence 6 running shoe (exact here)

with my brooks running outfit and shoes, i feel an increased

motivation to workout. this look is both functional and fashionable

and will seamlessly transition from the gym to an afternoon coffee

(or smoothie) date with friends!

how do you dedicate time to your overall health and wellness?

any tips for curbing an insatiable sweet tooth is also appreciated.

let me know in the comments below.

xoxo.

i'll take all the ruffles & polka dots, please!

a trend that's prevalent for spring 2017? ruffles, ruffles, 

and more ruffles. they're everywhere - on skirts, dresses, swimwear, 

blouses, etc. etc. and i have to say, i'm loving it!

i purchased a few sweaters and long-sleeved blouses

with ruffles that i've worn this winter, but i am eager to 

introduce brighter and lighter ruffled pieces

as we step into spring. this polka dot, sleeveless blouse 

(borrowed from my mom!) is no exception. 

the ruffle detail on this blouse is subtle, yet feminine.

 i've seen many blouses with what could be termed, 'ruffle overload,'

where the ruffles are a bit too over-sized and somewhat silly looking.

too many ruffles can leave you looking and feeling

frumpy, as your shape is overshadowed by excess fabric.

while i greatly enjoy trying new trends and sharing them 

here on my blog, i don't want be wasteful or wear pieces

that aren't authentic to my personal style. i think shopping and

putting together blog-worthy outfits can be a balancing act! i don't 

necessarily want to purchase a trendy item, at a high price point, that may

or may not go out of style within a few months. 

i am working to create a more simplified, timeless wardrobe

that allows me to easily dress for a variety of occasions 

(this means a major closet purge is in order). of course, 

i want to have fun with what i'm wearing, too, as fashion is a 

creative outlet!

are you a fan of the ruffles? what trends are you looking forward

to this spring? i'm ready to say goodbye to this dreadful

rain, snow and the freezing temperatures. it makes getting 

dressed each morning a bit of a guessing game, as you never know

what to expect for the day ahead - i make sure

to dress in layers and always have a hooded jacket with me!

photos by karya schanilec photography

blouse: loft (similar here), jeans: zara, purse: steve madden,

jacket: zara (thrifted via seattle goodwill), boots: matisse (similar here)

i rounded up a few ruffled items i'm lusting after for spring below!

dress // blouse // romper

ruffles, polka dots and floral prints - i can't get enough!

xoxo.