So on the first trip out to McKee-Beshers WMA this year my friend Jessy and I were faced with two things: people, and in my preferred spot, sunflowers that were distinctly NOT in full bloom. But on one of our very few field trips into this new normal where (to be honest) everything is still terrifying and terrible, we were not deterred. We instead ended up hiking further and deeper in parts of the area  I hadn't explored before, got very inspired, and 100% want to go back when it's not a billion degrees outside to explore even more.

Also, why are these trips the ones where I always end up sweating like I've never sweat before?




*Fit Note: Esby says this dress runs true to size, and for the most part I agree with them. I like how oversized the XL appears on me, but due to my slightly narrow shoulders I've hand sewn in a couple darts in the back so the sleeves won't slide down. The material doesn't have any stretch, so just keep that in mind if you decide to invest!

Fall has descended upon DC (yay!) and the wind on Saturday was not playing around. Trying to find a spot to take photos that was 1) secluded, and 2) out of the wind, proved to be impossible. In the end I just leaned into it and tried my best to keep my hair under control, lol.

Also, looking at these photos has left me with a question: are people actually belting overalls? Like for real? Because I can't imagine the awful things it would do to my proportions to even try.

Another one of things I get to enjoy while I'm in Pennsylvania is the orchard (& its incredible fruit offerings) of the Historic Round Barn. I've never had a better apple than the ones I've had there, and if you find yourself in the area you have to grab some for yourself! It's family run and everyone is so knowledgeable that it's impossible to leave without something tasty.

Have I spent any time here talking about the specifics of fit? Or at least how some of those fit decisions can be incredibly personal?

More often than not, I choose pieces that place me squarely in the traditionally flattering category. I know what I like to emphasize and what I don't, and I don't often stray from that. In my attempts to figure out this season though, I seem to be drawn more and more to those pieces that feel a little "wrong".  This dress from Lou & Grey/LOFT is a lovely weight, and feels much more expensive than it is. Add in sleeves and a skirt that stops just above the knee and I figure I've found a piece I can dress up or down, with sneakers or booties, for years to come. But it doesn't emphasize my waist. It fits in the shoulders and bust and then just kind of flows down the rest of the body. 

It's one of those pieces I bought because I feel great in it, even if it doesn't fit like so many of the pieces where I usually say those words. So...yeah. Sometimes you have to just buy the pieces that make you happy, even if they're not the ones you feel "fit the best".

Remember that post last week where I talked about all the things I was thinking about for Fall and I specifically said that I already had a lot of dresses?

Yeah, this still happened.

Fit thoughts: With the slight keyhole back and thinly strapped racer neckline, you should probably wear a strapless bra with this dress but I said f*ck it. My favorite racerback bras have a cute lace back and I just used a couple pins to make sure the straps didn't stray too far from the general outline the dress provided. Also, this dress isn't lined which I think is ridiculous for $200, so unless you're absolutely in love with it I kind of feel like this falls better into the "buy on sale" category.