#OOTD: The Bold Shoulder (Feat. Light In The Box + Sydney Love)

March 28, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Personal Style

As much as I hate to admit it, during the winter months I am more than guilty of simply slipping on an over sized sweater, some fleece lined leggings, boots, and my parka to commute to work and school. Even though I am a style blogger, as I have mentioned time and time again, I hate the cold and therefore would rather look like a hot mess than freeze in the frozen tundra that Pittsburgh becomes in the winter. However, just in time for spring, we are finally warming up here in the 'Burgh and that means I can finally get back to looking human--I mean styling, some of my favorite spring and summer pieces, starting with this darling office appropriate outfit that I am featuring in today's post.

Let's Do Lunch

Even though I am back in school part time online, I am also still working at my office job at DSG until the end of July when I begin to get ready to transition into a full time student at Point Park University. So needless to say, I'm more than happy to be back dressing nicely for work, even though my office dress code is pretty relaxed, I personally just don't like to look sloppy. So to celebrate the nice, warm weather in my own way, I decided to dress up in this adorable off the shoulder blouse, some white skinnies, and my ever trusty black flats and grab lunch from the Primanti's down the road from my office.

The first piece I would like to talk about in this outfit is this off the shoulder blouse from my sponsor and affiliate, Light In The Box. Some time ago, this blouse actually was included in one of my style guides earlier this year, so I was stoked to have the opportunity to finally style it. The reason I love this blouse so much is because of the unique way that it is cut and because it is definitely a style trend for spring this year. As I've mentioned before, bare shoulders and updated oxford shirts are a must in your 2017 spring and summer wardrobe.

The other reason why I love this look is that even though it is appropriate for the work place, it also makes for a darling outfit to just go out in. The reason this outfit works for both work and play is because the blouse is a perfect transition piece for day to night due to the fact that it can still be worn with a cute pair of pants or dressed up with a denim mini skirt, which would make for a great after work happy hour outfit.

Lastly, to further accessorize this look, I decided to pair it with this gorgeous new bag that I received from my most recent collaborator, Sydney Love. This bag is absolutely perfect for spring and summer due to its light color and fun design. This bag is also quite spacious and easy to keep organized, which scored it major points with me! I also just adore its structured design and how soft the material is, making this bag one of my new summer favorites! Also, I have some good news for my readers too! If you love the purse above or any of Sydney Love's other awesome designs, you can get 25% off your order when you use the code "starkravingchic25" at check out! Pretty nifty, huh?

One Last Look

What looks are you looking forward to styling now that the weather is heating up? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a great spring look or Sydney Love bag that you just adore? I'd love to see it! So feel free to tag me in a post or in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I styled in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Also, In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

#OOTD: Matinee at the Museum (Feat. Make Me Chic)

March 23, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Personal Style

Though I am generally one to enjoy my Sunday's by going to brunch, recently I have been finding my time better spent wandering around museums. If you remember, in my last outfit of the day post, I spent my Sunday at The Andy Warhol Museum, and talked about why I have such a special connection with my main muse. Well, in today's post, if you couldn't tell from the photo below, I took to exploring the Carnegie Museum of Art and I have to say it was a wonderful way to spend my Sunday afternoon.

*Photographed in the Hall of Architecture.*

As I said earlier, and in my last #OOTD post, ever since I was a child I have enjoyed finer, cultured activities that not all, but many, people my age find boring. However, due to my infatuation with the arts and education, I am absolutely thrilled to be back downtown frequently and putting my museum pass to good use again. Though I have been to the Carnegie Museum of Art hundreds of times, in my more recent visits, I have been rushed through it, so this time it was nice to sit back and take it all in for a change.

Gleefully Grecian

Though I love many of the exhibits at the Carnegie (the Teenie Harris Exhibition being one of my all time favorites), I'd have to say two of my other favorite places to go in the museum are the Hall of Sculpture and the Hall of Architecture. Not only is the art in each of these rooms absolutely captivating, but the structures themselves are absolutely beautiful too. For instance, when in the Hall of Architecture and the Hall of Sculpture, you can't help but feel that you have traveled back in time to ancient Rome, due to the 144 architectural casts, 69 plaster reproductions of sculpture, and 360 replicas in bronze, that Andrew Carnegie brought to Pittsburgh in 1907.

*Photographed in the Hall of Sculpture.*

For my Sunday afternoon outing to the Carnegie, I decided to wear this adorable, two piece shorts set, from my sponsor, Make Me Chic. The reason I chose this duo is firstly because I had nothing like it in my wardrobe which I am currently in the process of revamping and decluttering (Post on that coming soon!), but also because I loved its chic yet casual look. The reason I love this set so much, is because though it is darling, it is also incredibly comfortable. And, though the material is light wait, it is also a bit thicker, making it a viable outfit option for the chilly days of early spring, all the way through early fall.

To style this two piece set for my day at the museum, I chose to pair it with my vintage, red leather bucket bag with my Hermes rodeo charm, along with my red, Nine West flats. The reason I chose these items is that I just loved the way the rich reds complemented the deep blues in the two piece set. I also felt that the red added some nice contrast to the duo, making this outfit more visually interesting.

Lastly, to add a touch of shimmer to this look, I paired this outfit with my gorgeous Elle earrings by Kendra Scott, this pretty (and fitting) marble accent cuff from SLATE, and of course my Ritani ring and its counterparts. The reason I chose these pieces is because I loved how the cobalt blue earrings matched this set, and the bracelet was just the right touch with out taking away from the look--the stone accents matching the atmosphere was just a happy accident.

One Last Look

What are some of your favorite rooms or exhibits at your local museum? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a sweet photo you just have to show off of your local museum or a darling outfit of your own? Feel free to tag me in a post or in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic! Later, dolls.

Xx, Bree

The Fort Lauderdale Chronicles: Spring Break 2017

March 21, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Lifestyle/Travel

Much like every blogger, I obviously love my blog. It's my baby, my creative outlet, and I have worked so hard over the past two years to make it the success it is today, so obviously I cannot see myself ever just giving it up. However, that kind of hard work (especially while juggling classes and a job) also entails many caffeine fueled, sleepless nights, writers block, and frustration which leads to a meltdown or two similar to Fiona Gallagher's from Shameless last season:

Yes. I look just like that, aside from the fact I definitely do not look as pretty while crying, how does Emmy Rossum do it? Anyways, jokes aside, as much as I love my blog, when I get to that state of frustration, it reminds me to step back, relax, that I am only human, and believe it or not, I need a break. And as I am sure many of you know from past posts, I ended up doing just that, and actually had a break for spring break--which is why I was M.I.A. for four days. And man, was it liberating!

You see, normally when I go to Florida to visit John he is still dealing with his classes and I am perpetually busy with my blog, so though we spend time together, we also spend a lot of time working along side each other too. Which means I always end up bringing my laptop, iPad, my million and one post-it notes, and all my stress. Well this time, since my beau was actually on spring break too, he decided I needed an actual vacation and planned a romantic seaside getaway for us in Fort Lauderdale. His only condition was that I had to leave all of my work at home and enjoy myself. At first it was odd because I honestly wasn't quite sure how I would cope not working for a few days, but as soon as I saw the beautiful inn John picked out for us to stay in, I was thrilled and just knew that this was in fact the break I needed. And after having four gorgeous days just relaxing with my man, I have to say I came back home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired to get back to work here! And even though I've already done a few posts since I returned, this one is a bit different simply because I've decided it would be nice to share some of my more personal details with you guys, so here are some of the highlights from John and I's trip!

Snaps & Such

Though I did bring my Leica with me on this trip and took a few professional grade photographs for this post, there were points in our vacation where I wasn't so much focused on shooting, but just having a good time. However, while strolling along the board walk and stopping at my favorite restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Lulu's Bait Shack, I was armed with my iPhone and here are a few of my favorite candid moments that I snapped!

Pretty palm trees on the board walk.

View from Lulu's Bait Shack.

Not quite sure why there was a dummy of Castro on the street, but it gave John and I a laugh regardless.

Town center in Fort Lauderdale.

First ever trip to IHOP!

The Sea Side Inn

Next up, John got us a room in this nifty little seaside hotel, Lauderdale By The Sea. The hotel itself had more of a mum and pop or B&B feel, but it was lovely on the inside and had a gorgeous court yard which was great for enjoying our morning cups or tea and coffee.

Outside view of our hotel and the court yard.

Though the hotel looks tiny from the outside, it was actually quite spacious and homey on the inside.

I just loved the little work station complete with a live plant.

Comfy and cozy beds with a vintage photograph of Lauderdale By The Sea back in its early days.

One thing that I was very excited about, is that this hotel had a complete kitchen along with this cute little breakfast nook!

Lastly, the bathroom of the room was cute and spacious as well, and the little sign just gave John and I a chuckle.

Funky Buddha

Next up, John treated me to lunch and drinks at the Fort Lauderdale brewery, Funky Buddha. For those of you who have never been or heard of Funky Buddha, it is a brewery with a huge selection of in house beers and a tapas menu. It's quite the laid back place and is definitely the place to go on a lazy Sunday afternoon to just hang out and enjoy a couple brews.

Just outside of the brewery.

As I stated earlier, I really love the laid back vibe of Funky Buddha, as well as their chill atmosphere.

It's also a bonus that Funky Buddha's beer and tapas selection is excellent!

Casual Date Outfit

For John and I's casual date to Funky Buddha, I decided on a more whimsical and relaxed out fit, because I was on vacation after all! So I paired my Victoria's bikini top with my white criss-cross cami from Fascino, my Oliver Goldsmith sunnies, some high waisted shorts from ModCloth, a basic tan leather bag, and my black flats.

And to add the finishing touches to this outfit, I paired it with gorgeous Delilah Druzy neckace by SLATE. The reason I chose this necklace is because I felt the blue stones added a nice but subtle pop of color to this outfit.

A Perfect Moment

Lastly, on John and I's way home from the hotel, I decided to snag a photograph of this barn because the lighting was absolutely gorgeous. The story behind it though is, in order to get this photo, I actually ended up having John pull off the freeway. So we ended up having a little adventure of our own.

If you can't tell from this article, I had an absolutely wonderful time over my spring break! I just can't thank John enough for putting this all together for us, as well as just being an outstanding human being. If you're reading this Affection Rabbit, I love you and you are just the best!

So, did any of you travel anywhere exciting for spring break? If so, let's chat about your adventures in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a sweet photo from your travels? Feel free to tag me in your post or Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx Bree