right now

This summer sped by, and I was at a 6 week program without computers so I didn't make any blog progress, but I'm full of ideas now. I'm planning on committing to the changes I announced in my last post and only posting content that feels completely authentic. Additionally, I'm not using @outfitsandobservations on Instagram anymore, so if you want blog updates or to see what's going on in my life, follow @coffee.claire !

I want to put a spotlight on some of the little things I'm loving at the moment. Here are some items that make my world seem more special. I hope you enjoy them and comment some of your favorites. Also, no books on here because I'm planning a separate, books-only post for soon!

Eliza Starting
This podcast is done by a 17 year old girl named Eliza who lives on the Upper East Side. She's the cutest and talks about all of the things she loves, her favorite parts of the city, and what it's like to be a teenager today-- how it's more complicated than older generations give us credit for-- in ten minute weekly episodes. She's extremely articulate and smart without seeming pretentious. It's cool to listen to her talk about things I can directly relate to, like the college process and how much she loves BORNS.

Gossip Girl
Not to be on an Upper East Side streak, but this is another one of my loves lately. I watched it all freshman year and was completely obsessed, and now I'm rewatching it and loving it all the same. I'm not typically a dramatic tv girl, but all of the characters and the craziness they create are impossible to look away from. I'm currently on season 5 and fully immersed in the lives of Serena and Blair.

Depression Cherry
Beach House's 2015 album has been getting me lately. Listening to it feels like some combination of a dream and a low budget movie. It's the perfect album to write or read or drive to, and it flows together perfectly.

Tusk
It's my favorite Fleetwood Mac album and has been on my record player consistently for the past year. "Storms" is one of the most beautiful and emotionally strong and dear-to-my-heart songs of all time. Tusk is potentially the purest example of the band's stunningly crafted lyrics. It also houses "Sara," "What Makes You Think You're The One," "Angel," and all the rest. Listen to it all the way through!

Tarte's Liquid Eyeliner
I've been using the "lights, camera, lashes" precision longwear liquid eyeliner, and I'm so impressed by it. The felt tip pen allows for such a smooth line, and it stays the entire day. My favorite makeup is winged liner, so this has been a huge help with that.

21c's Pop Stars Exhibit
When I visited 21c in early June I was completely unprepared for this exhibit. There's a piece that took Britney's "Baby One More Time" and gave light to how elegant, how emotional, how raw those lyrics are. There's focus on the beauty of a pop song and how it can be a catalyst to fame. There's a mirror with Paris Hilton carved/ marked into it via thousands of words said and written about her by friends, tabloids, herself. There's an image of Lady Gaga as a Renaissance-esque beauty. The whole collection is fabulous, and I'm not sure how much longer it will be on display.

much love,

claire

outfitsandobservations@gmail.com

Portland part two

In my last post, I wrote about the first half of my Spring Break trip to Portland, so I couldn't leave you guys hanging on the second half! It was equally wonderful and full of distinctly Portland-y adventures.

On Saturday morning we ventured out to the Portland Saturday Market, a sprawling group of vendors selling various handmade items. We also stopped for the famous Voodoo Donuts because that seemed to be everybody's number one recommendation for the trip. I certainly wasn't disappointed, though I was shocked when a homeless man mooned us during our breakfast. I was informed that's not a typical part of the experience. The sun was shining that day so we soaked it in and walked down the river front.

Sunday was my favorite day by far! It began with a visit to the Portland Art Museum, which had a captivating modern art showcase and a few Monets and Van Goghs, which you guys know I'm a fan of. There was also an incredible exhibit called Ride, focusing on Paige Powell's photography and life/ culture in the Andy Warhol era. Then I met up with Allison and Marian (my fantastic cowriter at ZCM) and they took me on a full day of surprise adventures! I got to try out an authentic Mexican food truck, play around at a nickel arcade, and eat at their favorite diner with the BEST milkshakes. We ended the night with watching Stuck in Love, one of my all time favorite movies, projected onto Allison's wall.

Now that I'm writing about Monday, I'm not sure which day was my actual favorite. After we woke up we headed downtown to have breakfast and coffee at Case Study. I finally got a taste of "real" Portland weather (drizzly rain). We decided to see Radiation City's show at Skype Live Lounge, and I fell in love with them during their quick set. Please check them out because they have wonderful music and phenomenal passion. It was only two and all of this had happened, but then we went to a MAGAZINE STORE! There were rows and rows of titles I'd never even seen before, pure bliss. Because of the rain, we finished off the day with some shopping, and I found my prom dress at Nordstrom! I mentioned last post that the first day of the trip was one of my best "first days of vacation," and this was also one of my best last days of vacation.

We had to fly out early Tuesday morning, but I had a perfect vacation to reminisce on and edit pictures from. In that short time I fell in love with Portland, and I can absolutely see myself there in the future.

much love,
claire
outfitsandobservations@gmail.com

Friday Night at Crystal Bridges

PacSun Shirt, American Eagle Jeans, Savoir-Faire coat, Steve Madden boots

Last Friday night when Abby and I visited Crystal Bridges for her human spotlight post, she also snapped some pictures of me and my outfit of the night. Of course, I had to capture some of my current favorite pieces as well. What's your favorite piece(s) at Crystal Bridges?

We mainly explored the museum's permanent collection so we would have time to eat and get coffee after. I've seen most of the pieces countless times, but new details continue to stick out each time I visit. Seeing and discussing pieces with Abby changed some of my perspectives on things as well; she also pointed out paintings I'd somehow skimmed over in the past.

I've been wearing these high waisted jeans a lot in order to continue with my crop top habit in the colder weather. They're amazingly comfortable and flattering, which is saying a lot from me, because jeans are typically my last resort. I'm a fan of the whole 70s aesthetic that's so trendy this season, particularly the lace front tops. I'm obsessed with this coat and the immediate celebrity quality it produces. Adding it transformed a black top and jeans outfit to a full-on glam look.

(always a fan of Impressionist art-- see my post about the Met)

(reminded me of the Virgin Suicides book cover)

love,

claire

outfitsandobservations@gmail.com

the met

I expected to continue my posting streak in August, but then junior year started! Adjusting back to a school schedule after this summer has been difficult, especially already juggling class, homework, cross country, clubs, and friends! Once I get the hang of this level of productivity again, you'll be hearing more from me.

I've been back in Fayetteville for a month, but I never got around to doing this post, so here I am! I visited the Met for the second time when I was in New York last month and had one of the best days of my life. We're lucky to have Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, but the Met is a taste of heaven.

Lucky for me, the museum houses nearly twenty of both Van Gogh and Monet's works, my two favorite artists. Seeing those pieces in person is such an experience, and I got emotional. The Met also features enough Impressionism to keep me occupied for days. The Irises and Roses exhibit showcased four of Van Gogh's still life floral paintings and the story behind them, such a stunning highlight.

Another style that catches my style is Hellenistic, particularly the marble statues. I just think there's something so pure about them, and the Met displayed them beautifully.

Much Love,
Claire
outfitsandobservations@gmail.com