Good Stuff

Friday concluded my first two weeks at a new job; so far so good! I like being back downtown and working in (arguably) one of Seattle's coolest buildings—the Central Library!

Seattle Public Library

I went to a women's benefit auction with my college friend Alison, her mom, and sister earlier this month up in Bellingham, WA. On top of winning a fun package I bid on for my mom (for Mother's Day) in the silent auction, I was also the very lucky winner of the most coveted raffle prize item. I still can't believe I won as I only purchased one of the $10 tickets (I'd already spent a pretty penny in the silent auction), but the prize was as follows:

A gift certificate for a two-night stay at a Cannon Beach hotel (I've been in love with Cannon Beach, OR since attending a wedding there a few years ago)
Fendi sunglasses
A nice leather purse
Another gift certificate for a store in Bellingham

 Alison and me at the luncheon

With my winnings! (glasses and purse pictured)

I've also been volunteering with the arts organization CD Forum and helping with their upcoming gala on May 3. For the past five weeks I've been spending Monday nights after work at event committee meetings. I'm in charge of running registration and I must admit I'm stressed out about it since all I've heard is how bad registration has gone in year's prior. Pressure much? I am happy to help out a cause I'm passionate about but I must admit I will be rejoicing come next Saturday morning when it will all be over!

I almost forgot! I had a week off before starting the new gig so I took a little trip to Austin, TX for a few days. I stayed with a girlfriend I used to work with for the first night, then in this cute little cottage I found on Airbnb the next two nights. I don't think I got a single picture of just myself on the trip but that's ok. Highlights included a jaunt to Barton Springs Pool on a hot day, a concert at Stubb's, lunch at East Side King (a popular local spot and brainchild of Top Chef winner and Austinite Paul Qui), a visit to the State Capitol (there was a pro-life rally happening outside and I sat in on a few Senate hearings), and spending time with a couple of Austin girlfriends who used to live in Seattle.

Barton Springs Pool

I am looking forward to some downtime after the first weekend in May. I have some reading to catch up on and writing on my arts blog; the Seattle International Film Festival kicks off mid-May and I'll be covering that. I also want to memorize a few poems and take an art history class.

Happy spring.

Spring Wardrobe

Is it spring yet? Oh wait, I temporarily forgot I lived here. Today I'm wearing a sweater, wool skirt, tights and riding boots.

However, when temps above 60 finally decide to grace Seattle with their presence, I'm thinking I need a go-to look for spring work wear. Afraid to say my work clothes have become some odd mix of biz cas with just cas. I don't feel professional or very put together most days and I'm definitely not clad for hopping over to that high-powered happy hour after work. I think I've become too Seattle. I'm also not sure if I'm really dressing age appropriately - a bit juvenile for the workplace perhaps.

So I've decided I want to make a conscious effort to step my game up. The look that's been on my mind lately is a dress paired with a cute blazer and heels. To make it not too stuffy (this is still Seattle) I'd pair a more fun or casual dress with the blazer and perhaps wedges or flats instead of the basic heel. Now I just need a windfall.

J. Crew has some good dress options right now.

All photos from J. Crew dot com.

Long time no see blog

Spring has sorta sprung here in Seattle but it's still cold, rainy and wet and has been for the past, oh, too many frikin' days. That said, I've been inspired by some spring-like threads and upcoming festivies I'll want to look pretty for.

I was admittedly inspired to do this post after reading Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP Spring Fashion newsletter.

The first item for spring Gwynnie endorses is military inspired items. I haven't fully gotten behind this trend but it seems to be all the rage. Next up is graphic prints. Now those I can get behind. Third is a solid color dress. Yes! Then florals. Again, yes. And finally a LWD. Now I'll actually have a specific need for one of these babies next month as I'm attending a "White Party" where wearing all white is required, not the people.