Dress – Target (shop exact); Bag – Fossil (gift) (shop exact), (shop similar tote, similar crossbody); Wedges – Payless (shop similar).

Last week, I made an exciting discovery: I live within a mile from a Target. That’s within walking distance! That’s good news for my waistline, bad news for my wallet. During my first trip I was mostly good, picking up a few things for the house (including a crockpot), but I couldn’t resist this dress in the girls’ section.

It’s hot pink lace. I don’t know why it didn’t photograph true to color, but I promise it’s a vivid pink (like on the website), not a tickle-me-pink variety. I knew once I bought it I was going to save it for a date at the museum on the weekend. Pieces like my brown wedges and bag complement the pink and tone it down at the same time.

Sunglasses – Ross (shop similar).

I love this outfit (except my lack of a racerback bra) because it involves some of my new favorite things. Like my precious Fossil bag, courtesy of Nick as a graduation gift. Now that I’m supposed to be a grown-up, it was time for a classic, quality, versatile bag. It doubles as a tote and a crossbody and I’m determined to make it last forever even though I use it every time I leave the house because it deserves to be seen.

I kind of feel the same about my new sunglasses. I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of brown cat-eye sunglasses for years, and I don’t think my perfect pair exists, but at $3.99 this pair was worth settling for (thank goodness there are Ross stores in Philly). And before I forget, these wedges were comfortable enough to walk up the Rocky steps, so there.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

We only spent about an hour in the art museum, but it was pay-what-you-wish on Sunday so I still think we got our money’s worth. We spent most of our time looking at the collection of Monet’s (and other Impressionist works) because hello. So colorful and springy and perfect. (More eloquent words on Monet have been written).

The parkway & skyline

George Washington

University City

For dinner, we went to Mad Mex, a Mexican place in University City. (A block over from this street, but how pretty.) We were starving, so no Instagrams of the meal were taken, but it was pretty good. Not as good as my favorite places back in South Florida, but with the prices, I can’t complain. (Ok, I can — they don’t serve refried beans. It boggles the mind.) And the white wine sangria? Two thumbs up.

Dinner was followed up with a walk around the neighborhood/UPenn campus. We also saw a subway station (above) and I was super excited. I miss the D train. And the Bronx.

Any recommendations for the next Philly neighborhood I should explore?

~ Sarah