architecture

The Hidden City

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The past two weekends I have done my best to scope out potential Philadelphia friends by volunteering at The Hidden City Festival. It’s not a traditional festival by any means, but over the course of several weekends, history and art nerds have a chance to see new exhibits and installations in historical sites off the beaten path. (Because there are only so many times you want to see the Liberty Bell.)

The site I volunteered at Sunday was incredible. The space was Global Dye Works, a former yarn-dying factory that opened in 1865. Granted that’s relatively young for Philly, but still, 1865. The installations were housed in the old boiler room, and while they were interesting and quirky, the factory floor just felt like a movie set. So cool.

I definitely missed out by not having my DSLR, but I was still able to capture a few cool shots with my phone. I love Instagram, I feel like since I started using it over a year ago I’ve gotten more creative with my photography (and not just through filters). I just pay a lot more attention to detail now I think.

The exhibit also got me started on some of the other things I want to see in Philly this summer (Welcome America is a given). So of course, I made a list to keep track:

Did I miss anything, Philly readers? Any fun festivals near you?

~ Sarah

Scenes from a City Weekend

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I spent a great (and exhausting) weekend wandering around New York and exploring a few new-to-me neighborhoods. On Friday, I explored the Bronx a bit (Norwood, above) while on assignment and ventured all the way to Queens to see my dear friend Christine.

Saturday, I slept in unreasonably late, then headed to Midtown. I spent the late afternoon and evening catching up with friends who are living in the area for the summer, before booking to Grand Central and catching the Metro-North back to school.

On Sunday, I went to see the children’s show The TRUF is producing (playing until July 14!). Between shows, I got some fresh air and walked around Tribeca a bit. I also saw the construction of the Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center site. It honestly looked stunning in the late afternoon sunlight.

 Oh, and I also drank lots of sugary soda, even though I know better. Old habits and whatnot.

How was everyone else’s weekend?

~ Sarah

Fashion Inspiration: St Pancras Station

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Since some of my friends – and my blog’s biggest fans – have been studying abroad all semester, I asked them for ideas on new places for Fashion Inspiration posts. First up is St Pancras Station, as suggested by my friend Katie, who is in London. Located in Central London, this railway station has been celebrated for its Victorian architecture. Isn’t it gorgeous?

St Pancras StationCoat – Shop Ruche; Dress – Warehouse; Earrings – 1928; Scarf – Topshop; Tights – Topshop; Oxfords – ASOS.

The thing that first stood out to me was the rich color palette used in the station’s façade. I started with this rust-colored, ribbed sweater vest and emerald coat. Both have fun, retro shapes and seem really comfortable. The third primary color in the St Pancras station is mustard, so I added this floral mustard circle scarf. The print adds a dainty touch the look, much like the green teardrop earrings. Tone down some of the look with opaque black tights and a pair of black oxfords for some British flair.

What do you think of this fall outfit? What your favorite London sites?

~ Sarah