Photo Pop Philly Tips & Tricks

Photo Pop Philly

Photo Pop Philly, the city’s first and only interactive pop-up exhibit, is back for its second season! It’s curated by my friends at Philly PR Girl, and I had more fun than I expected when I checked out last summer’s Photo Pop. I’m excited to check out this year’s “Sweet Paradise” at The Bourse later this week.

Don’t know what to expect? I’m sharing some tips I learned last year!

1. Coordinate your outfit.

This is by no means a requirement (wear whatever you makes you happy!), but I’m glad I stayed on-theme last summer. The theme was classic Philly — red, white and blue — so I wore my favorite cherry red dress from Smak Parlour (also seen here). Each installation was pretty colorful, but by wearing coordinating colors my outfit either popped or matched the decor, instead of clashing. Coincidentally, my friends Chelsea and Cortney also ended up matching the theme, so it worked out even better!

Sweet Paradise looks to be even more bright and colorful (sneak a peek on Instagram), so I’m still debating what to wear. Maybe a white dress? Send help!

Photo Pop Philly

2. Bring your friends.

Most of the fun at Photo Pop is taking lots of cute pictures for the ‘gram. Personally, I think friends make the best “Instagram Boyfriends,” so make it a girls’ night. Plus, then you can take a mix of group photos and solo shots, without having to worry about asking too many strangers. To make things that much easier, unlock your phone so you don’t have to constantly use Touch ID.

Photo Pop Philly

3. Credit the artists.

Besides Philly PR Girl, many local artists work hard to bring Photo Pop Philly to life. So credit where credit is due! Tag your selfies and Insta posts so other people can find these talented individuals. Some of my favorite installments last summer were by @nero_one and @amberellaxo.

Photo Pop Philly

Photo Pop also hosts occasional special events (we went on a girls’ night themed-event) which is another great way to get more bang for your buck. Have you been to Photo Pop Philly or similar exhibits? They’re not for everyone, but I had so much fun snapping pictures with my friends. I’m looking forward to checking out Sweet Paradise soon, and I’ll definitely be sharing on my Instagram.

~ Sarah

Spring Refresh

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit | Shades of Sarah3

It’s been a long time since I have devoted any time to my little space on the Internet.

By all accounts, 2018 was a ~year~ and 2019 has been flying by so far. This is what I shared on my personal Facebook after the New Year:

Last winter was rough, with a broken heart and broken bones (unrelated) and a life-changing medical diagnosis. (At one point, I was seeing a physical therapist, therapist and psychiatrist all at the same time.) By December, I was settled into my first house (my first mortgage payment was due January 1st, which is some subtle symbolism). In between, I reconnected with old friends and made new ones, started a new job, went to four concerts and who-even-knows-how-many sporting events, went on two great trips to Florida, got my first tattoo, snuggled with a lot of precious dogs and turned 28. For the first time in a really long time, I feel like my life is moving in a positive direction. Who knows what 2019 has in store, but hopefully it includes some more sleep and less emotional whiplash.

I can now report that my sleeping habits are no better this year than last. To review what may have been buried in those ramblings (and is relevant to my blogging career):

  • I started a new job last summer (and bought a great dress to celebrate). I’m a staff writer at Luxury Daily, which means that yes, I get paid to write for a living. We’re a small staff, so we all write a lot. I also work remotely in Philadelphia most of the week, which means I’m spending a lot more time in hoodies and leggings.
  • I bought a house! Many thanks to my parents for helping me out with the down payment and their support over the years. I closed in November and moved in later that month. I’m pretty much done unpacking, but still have a ways to go when it comes organizing and painting.

I think those are the main reasons why this blog has been super quiet for awhile. I’ve missed blogging though, and I’m brainstorming new things to write about! Any suggestions? Do you want to hear more about WFH, or house hunting or having dogs as a twenty-something?

Watch this space! But in the meantime, here is one of my favorite early spring outfits (and yes, we’re still having chilly 50-degree days):

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

I shot this look with Audrey in Old City last month. Thank you, Audrey! Tell me about your spring go-tos! You can never trust spring weather in Philly!

Thank you to anyone and everyone who reads here!

~ Sarah

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Cardigan: LOFT | Sweater: LOFT | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: Kohls | Beanie: Five Below | Bag: Century 21

Gameday

University of Miami Gameday Outfit
University of Miami Gameday Outfit
University of Miami Gameday Outfit

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: college football season! Sports are a big passion of mine, but there’s nothing like the highs and lows of being a Miami Hurricanes fan.

I didn’t go to a big football school but all’s well that ends well, because I can’t imagine rooting for a school other than Miami. (Side note: former Fordham quarterback and head coach Joe Moorhead is now the head coach at Mississippi State, a Power Five school. It’s, um, not going great.)

This weekend, I’ll actually be back home in South Florida. The main event is my mom’s birthday celebration (hi mom!), but luckily for me, the festivities coincided with FSU week. Florida State-Miami is one of the best football rivalries (seriously, read about it), and one of the most stressful days of the year for me.

I still have vivid memories of Miami’s 16-10 win when I was in middle school, and even more memories of curling up in the fetal position in front of a TV during seven(!!) consecutive meet ups that Miami lost. Suffice to say, my dad and I will be in the stands on Saturday.

I should clarify: this is not the outfit I’ll be wearing Saturday when it’s 90 degrees. When I’m in Philadelphia though, sometimes I want to go out to watch a game without resorting to jeans and a jersey. A vintage wash Miami tee (now almost a decade old) and a corduroy skirt are a fall-friendly pairing, while a denim jacket and glitter sneaks keep it casual and comfortable.

Now, to cross my fingers for some great Miami Hurricanes football.

~ Sarah

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Tee: Target, a million years ago (very much need this one from AE, more college gear here) | Skirt: c/o Tobi (similar) | Sunglasses: c/o SelectSpecs | Bag: Anne Klein via Ross | Denim Jacket: Rainbow (similar at Target) | Sneakers: Old Navy (similar)