Snapshots of Summer

Camera: Nikon FM 10
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400
Click photos for an enlarged view

Drifting

Yesterday I watched Wendy and Lucy, one of last year's indie gems starring Michelle Williams. I read a review online describing the lack of emotion in the film which left me quite puzzled as I found the film to be emotionally explosive. I thought of it as a more subtle brand of emotion - quiet and reposed rather than loud and boisterous.

Williams plays a drifter named Wendy on a journey from Indiana to Alaska to find work. The film focuses on her relationship with her dog, Lucy, and the people she encounters in small-town Oregon where her car breaks down. With the burden of her financial situation weighing on her shoulders, Wendy makes a series of decisions that shape the time spent in a locale that should have been long gone in her rear-view mirror.

Have you seen this film? Care to share your thoughts?
Image source.

Parcel Post

A couple of months ago Raquel and I decided to do a package swap. One day last week I found the package she sent tucked into my post office box. Here is what arrived for me after a transatlantic journey from Portugal to the United States:

Two postcards from Raquel's trip to Barcelona, Spain earlier this year.

The cutest little handmade polka dot bow pin (also from Barcelona).

A bar of delightfully scented soap hand-decorated by Raquel's aunt.

A card holder made by a friend of Raquel's. Yes, it's made from coffee bags! How neat is that?!

A lovely green stone necklace from southern Portugal.

Thank you again for such a wonderful array of gifts, Raquel! :)

Green love

Cardigan: Target, Tank top: F21, Shorts: self made from a pair of Levi's, Sunglasses: Macy's, Shoes: Zara, Swan necklace: Much Love

These self made cut-off shorts have been a staple in my wardrobe this summer. Paired with a tank top and an airy, open weave cardigan I've been good to go. This basic black, white, and denim combination serves as the perfect canvas for a wash of colorful accessories. I cannot get enough of these perforated green flats from Zara (I hit shoe gold at Zara in Boston last month!). In addition, my go-to necklace of choice these last few weeks has been this green swan pendant I purchased from Much Love's Esty shop. After seeing the necklace on her blog, I knew I had to have one! Look at how sweetly Anna wraps her shop items in sheet music! She also included a lovely yellow flower pin with my purchase that I cannot wait to work into some outfits. Be sure to check out Much Love's Etsy -- everything is currently 25% off! Go treat yourself! :)

Saturday Morning Cup of Coffee

This morning I am sipping my coffee from this delightful mug featuring the cover of the February 20, 1926 edition of The Saturday Evening Post. The title of the illustration is "Cup of Coffee" and was done by Scottish born magazine illustrator Penrhyn Stanlaws. I acquired this newly favorite mug of mine from a small department store's Summer blow-out sale. I can't remember exactly what I paid, but it wasn't much more than $1.00

Below are a few of my favorite illustrations Penrhyn Stanlaws contributed to The Saturday Evening Post during the 1920s and 1930s. Images are sourced here.

Cup of Coffee February 20, 1926 | Cup of Coffee March 24, 1928

Purple Posey May 22, 1926 | Pink Rose Bouquet June 18, 1927

Snowball Fight February 18, 1928 | Girl and Water Lilies September 7, 1935

Air Mail

So many lovely things have come my way via air mail these last few weeks. Wouldn't it figure that I am camera-less and could not document their arrival as it happened. Ah, such is life sometimes. I could argue that it's partially my own fault as I've actually been able to afford buying a new camera for a while now, but have spent my extra money on other random goodies. I've never blown an entire paycheck on one thing before, but I think in a few weeks I'll do just that and buy myself a nice, new digital point-and-shoot. Until then, I will have some pictures to share thanks to my sister letting me borrow her camera. Thank you, sister! ♥

The first bubble-wrapped surprise to arrive was my Pay it Forward gift from Anna at Much Love.

A nice letter written on the sweetest stationary ever!

An adorable necklace with charms of some of my favorite things!

Straying from the project's hand-made stipulation just a wee bit, Anna thoughtfully included coins from Australia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia for my coin collection!

How cute is this?! A drawing of me from a photo I shared in this post.

Thank you again, Anna! Your amazing creativity absolutely astounds me! I love everything to pieces :)

Layers for Autumn

Autumn-inspired blog posts and wish lists have begun surfacing from those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. With only a little over a month until my favorite season returns, I couldn't help but share some of the things I'll be wearing and searching for as the leaves begin to fall.

Anticipating Autumn by TranquilEmily featuring J Crew

Anticipating Autumn 2 by TranquilEmily featuring American Eagle Outfitters

What is your favorite season to dress for?