What's fun & fashionable in the 419?

Looking for something fun & fashionable to do in the 419 this weekend? If you're into art and ready for holiday shopping, there's plenty on the calendar! I'm going to be checking people off my gift list at Handmade Toledo's Maker's Mart. This incredible "indie craft fair" happens twice a year and each time I count down the days. I'm so excited to see past and new vendors; their unique, handmade creations and the local pride the arts community shares.

Meet Rachel, the designer behind Ray Ann’s colorful jewelry

I recently discovered that a friend from high school, Rachel Najarian, creates and sells colorfully beaded jewelry locally in Toledo. I jumped at the chance to borrow some of her pieces to be the inspiration for some outfits and to support a local artist!

My 1920s Birthday Celebration

My best friend, Brittany, and I were born three days and a three-hour drive apart.  We met 14 years later here in Toledo, Ohio and have together shared about all of the things you imagine as teenage girls become crazy college kids and now young women.  We've grown even closer in the past few years as our lives settle into a similar rhythm we strive to compose.  Today we live about three blocks apart.

Flappers Fighting Alzheimer's

Before my grandmother passed away she no longer knew who I was. She often asked for family members who had died long ago and became frantic at her loss of memory. She suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, this is an all-too-common way in which we must say goodbye to a loved one. More terribly, it’s an all-too-common way those with the disease must say goodbye to the world.

Behind the Scenes with Humans of Toledo

The stories of people I met while visiting New York have stuck with me and still fascinate me. Stories – unedited, raw narratives that stumble out of someone’s mouth – make us feel empathy, yearning, shared sadness or triumph…  They make us feel connected, like we’re not alone in this life.

They remind me to “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,” as written by Ian MacLaren.

Hello, 2014: A Holiday Recap

My holidays were filled with love, laughter and cocktails, as I hope yours were too! They were so much fun that I took an unplanned break from blogging to enjoy my family and friends and relax. But now I’m back to blogging and so excited to share with you!

At this time of year, I have more chances to dress up, don fancy jewelry and try something a bit more daring. So here’s a brief recap of what I've been up to – and what I've worn – over the past several weeks.

#MyFirstBusinessTrip

Right now, this Toledoan is in Kansas City, Missouri for my first business trip! Thanks to my employer, I have the opportunity to attend the #Sizzler13 conference, meet fellow digital media junkies, stay in a room on the top floor of the Westin, sleep in a king-size bed with white cotton bedding, swim in a large heated pool, eat KC’s famous BBQ and post, tweet, insta and blog ‘til my heart’s content. All while flaunting my carefully planned wardrobe. I’m pretty happy to be here.

Day 1:
When I arrived on Sunday, I changed into a comfortable and casual combo of a loose-knit sweater and white shorts to register with the conference and find a place to dine. I ventured all the way to the lobby’s bar where the menu’s lobster macaroni and cheese convinced me to get a table. I settled in with my Sizzler program, a glass of Riesling and the most decadent mac & cheese. I think I’m going to like business trips.

 

The Details
Sweater: Aéropostale, just purchased on Saturday, available here
Shorts: Aéropostale
Dangle earrings: Estate sale
"C" stud earrings: New York & Company
Rings: Auction, courtesy of my friend, Patty
Watch: Mathey Tissot, auction, Patty
Gold and white studded bracelet: Forever 21
Bag: Kate Landry at Dillard’s
Shoes: Bakers