Friday, August 19, 2011

Seasonal situations and long-lost family [outfit]

BR Factory cardigan - 2011 - $12 on sale (similar) / Mossimo pocket tee - 2011 - $9 (similar) / Black Orchid gray jeans via Renew Denim - 2010 - $25 on sale (similar) / Classified flats via random mall store - 2007 - $10 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade doodle necklace - 2011 - gift (available) / Target earrings - 2011 - $6 (similar)
[Worn: 08.12.11—To: Work from home and to a casual dinner party]

It's summer here in Miami, but you wouldn't be able to tell by this outfit. Of my many, many quirks, one of the weirdest has to be my aversion to blowing cold air. Air conditioning, fans...I just can't handle it without being completely frozen regardless of the reading on the thermostat. I keep my apartment at 78 degrees and still wear pants and sweaters most days while K sits as still as possible to avoid sweating.  I sleep with a sheet and two blankets and sometimes still wake up cold when the a/c kicks on. From what I hear, the difference between summer and winter in Miami is about 8 degrees and a crapload of humidity, so I'm curious to see how the weather affects—or doesn't affect—my wardrobe as the seasons change.

That being said, this is actually a pretty dressy casual look for me (I put on earrings)! I've mentioned before how boring I dress out of the office, but you really don't want to see that, do you? There are a few examples in my road trip pics (ok, the Utah one is pretty dressy, too. See pics here). Why did I dress up for a day of working around the apartment? I had to be presentable for a dinner party.

You see, my mother-in-law's cousin lives out here, and even though they haven't seen each other in over 20 years, our contact information was passed to him through K's great-uncle, and we were invited to a casual dinner get together with him, his wife, and their friends. Being unfamiliar with the hosts and the fashion protocol for a "casual dinner party," I played it safe with gray jeans, flats, and jewelry.

Five hours and three servings of bobó (a traditional Brazilian dish) later, we finally headed home with full bellies and happy hearts. They may have been lost to us all these years, but wow, was it good to find some friendly faces. We went to church with them last Sunday, lunch after church, and are headed back there tonight for dinner. In just one night, we went from knowing no one in Miami to having a warm and welcoming family. It feels good.

What makes a new city feel like home to you? Does it take a while or are you an easy adapter?

6 comments:

  1. I'm the same way with the ac! i have to bring a cardy to work no matter how hot it is outside.

    it's been so long since i lived somewhere new but i think i usually adapt pretty quick. i love learning all about my new home town. Best wishes to you!

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  2. This is lovely, laid-back, casual. I love the earrings and pendant!

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  3. I love the outfit, especially the combination of bright t-shirt and grey cardi.I've rescently bought the imilar one)

    http://tri-skelos.blogspot.com/

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  4. @ lisa - I used to keep a silk wrap at work (and I used it a lot). I think we're still in the rush period of settling in, but we hope to do some exploring soon!

    @ triskelos - oo that's a fun color! There's just something about being near the water here that makes me want to wear lighter colors.

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  5. aww i love this! this outfit is great.. you should totally submit it to the wear to go girls facebook page! everyone would love to see this look. and its a great chance to be featured as best look of the week on their blog. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wear-to-go-Girls/138631736207424?ref=ts

    hope to see much more of you!
    much love, and happy blogging=)

    lauren

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  6. @ lauren - thanks for stopping by and letting me know about your page! Going to check it out now...

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