Displaced Urbanite

Into the Glimmer...

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:38:00 +0000

Hello there! It's been a while, no? And lot has changed around the DU stomping grounds. In the past several months, I relocated to Charlotte (instead of Charleston), got a new job at a big dotcom, ran my first 5K race, started training for a marathon (and I'm throwing a half marathon in during the training process), met a bunch of new people, picked up a new hobby (stand up paddleboarding!), started mulling over my jewelry line again, and visited two cities I've always wanted to see (Asheville, N.C. and Charleston, S.C.). Also, I turned a year older. Ahem.

So in terms of my 35 Before 35 list, not only am I a year closer to 35, but I've also crossed out a few more items including: #1 (move out of PA), #5 (get a job I love in an industry I love), #19 (run a 5K) with 20, 21, and 22 to be crossed off by Thanksgiving. And #4 (finish grad school) will be done by Christmas. And a few more are lined up for the last few months of 2012 and early 2013. So, not too shabby for my first year of list conquering.

But with all of these changes in my life, I don't feel like Displaced Urbanite is the right place to continue blogging. It seems so...hopeless. And that's not how I feel anymore at all. I'm no longer struggling in an area where I feel like I don't belong and where every road leads to a dead end. I'm in a new city, with new opportunities, at the start of a new journey. And so friends, thank you for reading this blog and I hope you'll join me as I go Into the Glimmer.

35 before 35 update

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Just in case you were wondering, I haven't forgotten about my 35 before 35 list. I revised it a little based on some changing goals (for example, I added things about my pet photography business and removed a lot of things about this blog), but it's still a good list!

So, without further rambling from me, here are my recent 35 before 35 accomplishments:

8. Redesign my pet photography website
Admittedly, this is still a work-in-progress, but I've got a new brand identity and an updated website. I used SquareSpace instead of Wordpress to design it, but overall, I'm pleased with the experience and how the site is shaping up. You can check it out here. I'm still working on updating the blog, though.

9. Lose that last 15 pounds
It's gone, people! Gone! But I've been getting more and more into boot camps and training, that I'm probably on my way to losing another 10 pounds, which is just fine with me!

32. Watch LOST from beginning to end again
One of the more frivolous goals on my list, but it's done! Man, I forgot how much I love that show. And since I crossed this one off early, I have enough time to watch it again before I turn 35!

I also added a few fitness goals, like run a Warrior Dash and do a Metro Dash. I'm already on my way to the Metro Dash since I start training for that this Saturday (that's 5 hours at the gym, kids, wish me luck!).

And it's not on the list, but I'm considering renaming and redesigning this blog. I have no idea what I'd rename it at this point, but I want a name that's less location specific and I just want an entirely new look (because really, I feel like this one is a little half-baked).

So there you have! A few goals accomplished and a ton more go! Have a great Thursday!

And...changes (again!)

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:55:00 +0000

So many crazy changes going on around here! It's been a little bit of a whirlwind these past couple months and I'll try to get a few more blog posts lined up to discuss, so your reader might get flooded with DU insanity over the next week (sorry!), but first, my favorite change!

Remember how we were moving to Charlotte? D has been there for two months or so, and I'm still in Lancaster because I haven't found a job there yet. But not finding a job there, as frustrating as that's been, is probably a good thing because...

D got a promotion and we're moving to Charleston, S.C. instead. Charleston! Even though it's not (what I consider) a big city, I am still so excited! I'm moving to the beach! The beach, people! If you've read my blog at all over the past few years, you know the beach is one of my favorite places ever.

Charleston Skyline by Carl's Captures

Rainbow Row by zoonabar

Not to mention some of the other cool things going on in Charleston, like Charleston Fashion Week, the prevalence of indie and emerging designers, its proximity to Savannah and Savannah College of Art & Design, and....the beach! I know I love California (always and forever), but I do think Charleston is going to keep me happier on the East Coast a lot longer than other cities might.

It's still up in the air when exactly I'll move there, but I'm really hoping to be there by mid-summer. D will be there ASAP.

So cheers to Charleston and my newest geographic adventure!

look i'm loving:: floral jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:25:00 +0000

I'm channeling my inner Kelly Kapowski here. I don't know about you, but between her adorable on-again-off-again boyfriend, Zack Morris, and her equally adorable, colorful 90s wardrobe, I pretty much wanted to be Kelly (really, did any girl from the ages of 10-15 not want to be Kelly during Saved by the Bell's run?).

But now, true to its cyclical nature, fashion has come back around to some of those 90s styles I rocked as a tween and teen. This time though, while I may delve into floral jeans territory, I still plan to leave the sky-scraping, hair-sprayed-up-to-there bangs firmly anchored in the past (where they belong).

Shop:: Floral Print Skinny Jean, Delias | LC Lauren Conrad Pointelle Chiffon Cardigan, Kohl's | Vintage Cotton V-neck Tee, J.Crew | Millie Necklace, Stella & Dot | La Mer Collections Turquoise Crystal Chain Wrap Watch, ShopBop | Denim Dreams Artisan Bracelet by Bling, Glamour, & Glitz, Etsy.com | Martina Patent Wedges, J.Crew

Shop:: Current/Elliott Floral Stiletto Jeans, ShopBop | Slub Knit Drop-Shoulder Sweater, Gap | Berhta Flats, Nine West | Mixed Brass Lariat, Bauble Bar | LC Lauren Conrad Gold-Tone Simulated Crystal Filigree Ring, Kohl's | Heidi Clutch, Deux Lux

line i'm loving:: lc lauren conrad

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:49:00 +0000

I'm not normally a Kohl's shopper, but the LC Lauren Conrad line has sucked me in! It reminds me a lot of other higher end lines that I like, like See by Chloe and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, and of course, Paper Crown, which is Lauren's contemporary line. I adore the LC Lauren Conrad blazers and have nearly all of them (some styles I have in multiple colors, too).

As for prices, I find them to be pretty reasonable as well. My only complaint is that there are more synthetic fabrics used than I'd normally like (polyester instead of silk, acrylic instead of cotton, etc.), but given the price points, I understand that. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the recent collection:

Necklace: Silvertone Simulated Crystal Necklace | Sweater: Lurex Open-Work Sweater | Blouse: Solid Pleated Top | Pants: Pleated Trouser Pants | Ring: Silvertone Simulated Crystal Flower Ring | Bracelets: Tri-Tone Simulated Crystal Cuff Bracelet Set | Blazer: Ruched Boyfriend Blazer | Dress: Floral Shirred Dress

Does anyone else love this line?

35 before 35: displaced no more

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:06:00 +0000

Photo by zzmartinj

I know I haven't talked much about my 35 before 35 list lately. I've been working on it, and to be honest, it needs a serious revamp as priorities have changed (mostly swapping out all things jewelry design for all things pet photography, and also removing anything related to this blog and its page views). I'll get around to that update soon, but first I am super ridiculously pleased to announce that I can now cross number 1 (yes number 1!) off my list. Yep, I'm moving out of PA!

Without getting too specific, an opportunity came up in Charlotte, NC for D (with promises of more opportunity in the future) and we just couldn't say no. So off to Charlotte we go!

I'm still looking for a job and hoping to land one very soon so we can get settled, and of course, I'm thrilled to be heading to a larger urban area again. And yes, I'm taking my pet photography business with me. Word on the street is that there are lots of pets in Charlotte. :-)

Photo by kanpai80

Photo by hardingphotos

weekend wishes: peaches and green

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:59:00 +0000

We've had an unseasonably warm winter so far this year, which means spring fever is hitting me even earlier. And what combination is more spring-like than grassy green and petal peach?

1- Stella watch in rose gold, Fossil / 2- Kelly Glam Collar, Bauble Bar / 3- Cabana Dress, Madewell / 4- Pretty Edgy Nail Polish in Vivid Palmetto Green, Essie / 5- Nuance Salma Hayek Cucumber & Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover, CVS / 6- Martina Suede Wedges, JCrew / 7- Felix Weekender Duffel, Deux Lux

introducing:: my pet photography business

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:19:00 +0000

I've been loving taking pictures of homeless pets for the Humane League and now I've decided to branch out and make a business out of pet photography. I built myself a (temporary) website that I'll be using while I ~~fight~~ work with Wordpress.org and build my permanent site. It pains me a bit because I'm basically using two Blogger blogs as one website - how exceedingly clever of me - but I figured a temporary site is better than nothing, right? Right.

So anyway, if you've enjoyed my pet photography posts, be sure to check out my new site! I'll be posting my pet (and shelter pet) photography there instead of here from now on, and keeping DU focused mostly on fashion and style. But don't worry, my beagles will still make appearances here every now and again (I can't help myself).

if i were going out tonight...

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:38:00 +0000

...this is what I'd wear:

Shop: Tamarind Sequin Pant, Calypso St. Barth; Cashmere V-neck Sweater, J.Crew; Black Tuxedo Blazer, LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl's; Drift Earrings by Lulu Frost, Charm and Chain; Lucas Ring, Dannijo; Woven Cresent Bag, The Limited; Calcagni Wedges, Aldo

(But I'm just chilling at home with D, the puppies, a glass of wine, and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.)

Happy 2012, everyone!

happy holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:03:00 +0000

A few of my holiday photos with warmest holiday wishes from our family to yours:

outfitted:: fuzzy wuzzy

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Shop::
Top: Target (old); Faux Fur Vest: Piperlime, no longer available (similar); Jeans: American Eagle; Necklace: Piperlime, no longer available; Boots: LC by Lauren Conrad Tall Platform Boot, Kohl's; Bracelets: J.Crew, JewelMint

meet mimi

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:28:00 +0000

We are puppy foster parents! Sweet Mimi girl is looking for a home for Christmas. She's such a good girl and knows how to sit, stay, and "go lay down in your chair" (yes, she's been here for a week and she's already claimed a chair!). Mimi is available for adoption via The Humane League of Lancaster County and you can see her info here. Someone needs to adopt her soon before I turn into a foster failure and end up keeping her!

look i'm loving:: cobalt and sequins

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Shop::
Classic pave link bracelet, J.Crew; Sloan cuff bracelet, Dannijo; Stella gold-tone watch, Fossil; Blueberry skinny jeans, Joe's Jeans Fifty Five Colors; Wynter sweater in sequin stripe, J.Crew; Envelope clutch, The Limited; Melina leopard platform pumps, Bakers

Shop::
Hide and Go Sequin gold sequin skirt, LuLu's; Mossimo Supply Co. t-shirt, Target; Black Collection Ruched Sleeve Jacket, The Limited; Lina calf hair platform wedges, Ann Taylor; Multi-strand Marine necklace, The Bauble Bar; Tight-end Tights in black, Spanx

look i'm loving:: mint maxi dress with soft neutrals

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Such a casual, cozy (but still pulled together) look for the cooler fall weather.

Shop:: Mint Maxi Dress, LC by Lauren Conrad at Kohl's; Rayne Necklace, Kendra Scott; Hooded Dolman Sleeve Sweater, Gap; Soft-sided Tote, The Limited; Pour La Victoire Laisha, 6PM

outfitted:: gold sparkles

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

I bought these ridiculous gold sparkly booties on a whim a few weeks ago and I've been trying to figure out ways to incorporate them into my wardrobe. Obviously, I'm not going to wear them into the office, but they work well with ripped up jeans and a t-shirt or this little ivory tunic dress for a night out on the town.

Shop: Dress: H&M (last year); Cardigan: J. Crew Factory; Booties: Charlotte Russe Glittery Lace-up Platform Booties; Necklace: vintage upcycled from local store, Building Character

outfitted:: peachy

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:57:00 +0000

Saturday night D and I went to see Gaslight at The Fulton Theatre. It's part of our holiday tradition to get all dressed up, go out to dinner, and see a show at the Fulton. Usually we see whatever musical is playing in December, but I was intrigued by the "psychological thrilled" description of Gaslight, even though I didn't really know much about it, so we went a month earlier than usual. And it definitely didn't disappoint! I'd recommend it, but it closed tonight. But if you're in the Lancaster area, you can check out Hairspray at the Fulton starting November 30 through December 31. If past musicals staged there are an indication of the future, I'd say Hairspray will be fantastic!

So anyway, I had originally planned on wearing something a little more "holiday" (read: sparkling, sequins, gold, etc), but I'm not quite in holiday mode yet, so I pulled this frothy little number out of my closet instead. And while we're talking about dresses and theatre, why do people not dress up anymore for such an occasion? Sure, some people were dressed up, but for every person who donned their sparkling theatre best, there were about 10 more rolling in looking like they were hitting up a local dive bar. And this is a really nice, formal theatre. Do not get. Am I alone in this?

Shop:
Dress: Random boutique last year; Blazer: LC by Lauren Conrad (no longer on website, check stores, similar, similar in grey); Booties: Bakers Chelsee; Earrings: JewelMint Versailles (no longer available)

over the weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:03:00 +0000

I finally took off the royal blue manicure from my Rainbow Brite Halloween costume and replaced it with Essie Sew Psyched topped with Sephora by OPI Only Gold for Me topcoat:

My dinner at Ma(i)son, a downtown Lancaster restaurant inspired by French Country cuisine and local ingredients:

Meadow loves Lucy:

Stella turned 8 this weekend and we had a Stellabration, complete with burgers and fries from McDonald's:

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

First two pics by me on my iPhone. Last two pics taken by D on his iPhone.

Adoptable dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Happy Saturday, everyone! This morning I headed over to the Humane League to take some pictures and thought I'd post the pics here in hopes of spreading the word about adoptable pets in the Lancaster, Pa. area.

Memphis (cream) and Diego (black)

Punkie

Miss Muffet

Lexi

Guess which one I wanted to take home with me?

For information on adopting these dogs, visit The Humane League of Lancaster County's website.

outfitted:: one more halloween post

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:34:00 +0000

Before we launch full-force into Thankschristmahanukkwanzasolsticenewyears, I figured I'd suck the last life out of fall and post the Halloween costume I wore this past weekend when I braved the snow to head to a party. I definitely don't get creativity points here since it was a pre-packaged costume (minus the shoes, hair ribbon, and jewelry), but I did get compliments on its coolness and cuteness most of the night. There's definitely a lot of love out there for 80s nostalgia.

So here I am as sparkly, shiny Rainbow Brite. (Excuse the weird pointing-and-laughing pose. There weren't very many full-length shots taken. And this was the best of the bunch, so yeah..)

And here's a picture of a snow-capped pumpkin. You don't see that every day, right?

Let the holiday craziness begin!

halloween snow dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:12:00 +0000

Well. It seems that The Nightmare Before Christmas has landed here in Lancaster in the form of a Halloween Nor'easter. There's already about 6 inches on the ground and it's still snowing! Apparently this one is for the record books because the last record-setting early season snowfall was back in 1925. And this one has it beat.

But, I'm still planning on heading out to a Halloween party tonight, and the snow didn't stop me and Mr. DU from visiting the Humane League this morning to take pictures of some adoptable dogs. I think the snow made the pictures extra cute, don't you?

Jeeter

Farrah

Cuddles

And two of the dogs weren't much for the snow, so I took their pictures inside.

Annette

Ruby

And just for fun, here's a picture of my little Lucy Beagle in our backyard:

For information on adopting these dogs (but not Lucy- she's mine!), visit The Humane League of Lancaster County's website. And if you're out and about in Lancaster tonight, drive carefully and stay safe!

happy halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:50:00 +0000

I mentioned before that late summer into early fall is one my favorite times of the year. Weather-wise that's true, but to be perfectly honest the entire stretch of months from August through December gets me pretty stoked. It starts in August with my and Mr. DU's birthdays and just keeps rolling along into Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas (and Festivus!), and finally, New Year's. And now an anniversary thrown in there, too- Mr. DU and I celebrate one year of marriage this December.

But this year since we aren't getting ready to move or to walk down the aisle, I had more time to plan for Halloween. So I transformed our our kitchen into "Sleepy Hollow Tavern" (sign from the Homespun Raven), stocked up on Oktoberfest beer and pumpkin ale, and threw our first annual Halloweenfest costume party.

And I admit, I recycled my costume (I didn't have that much extra time to get super creative!). I wore this same dress for the same costume idea nine Halloweens ago. In case you can't tell by the stiff arms and awkward stance, I'm supposed to be Barbie. And Mr. DU? Well, he's got a bad hangover.

35 before 35 No. 7: work for a company i believe in

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:16:00 +0000

Just to refresh your memory, I created 35 before 35 back in June as a way to challenge myself to meet some of my goals. And while I have been quite busy lately with work and grad school (and clearly not posting on my blog), I'm happy to cross the first of my goals off the list! That's right, I'm crossing off goal number 7, work for a company I believe in. The caveat? It's volunteer work, but hey, it's my list and I never said it had to be paid work, right? Right.

So anyway, said company is my local Humane League where I volunteer as a photographer (and website writer when/if I have time). And I couldn't be happier! I get to play with adorable dogs and take pictures of them to help them find forever homes! It's perfect. So perfect that I'm considering launching a side gig doing pet photography because taking pictures of them is so fun. Here are a few of the pictures I've taken of these precious puppies:

Nene (adopted!)

Duke

Melvin (adopted!)

Rockstar

To see the rest of the pictures I took, visit my Flickr page. Visit The Humane League of Lancaster County to see adoptable dogs, or like them on Facebook for the most up-to-date news and photos.

oh, autumn!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:47:00 +0000

After a fun-filled summer of beerfests, baseball games, and the beach, I'm excited for all things autumn- pumpkin ale, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin lasagna (really anything pumpkin), and crisp evenings, cozy sweaters, Sunday afternoons watching football and cooking something tasty in the crock pot, and of course, all of the fabulous fall fashion.

Late summer into fall is easily my favorite time of the year, when balmy August nights start to give way to cool September evenings. I can trade in my flip flops and sundresses for ballet flats and long-sleeved silky tops, and generally don't have to worry about being a sweaty mess by the time we walk to our destination. And while it may be Spring 2012 in New York right now, I'm all about Autumn 2011. I haven't really done any serious shopping for the past few seasons, but this year, I'm really excited about some of the fall fashions. That, and I think my taste has changed a bit over the past few years, from a little twee and ruffly to a little more modern and edgy.

So, here are a few things I'm craving for fall (besides everything pumpkin):

{Shop}:: Marlie Sweater, Abercrombie & Fitch; Clara Skirt, Abercrombie & Fitch; Hammered Sequin Tank by Vince, PiperLime; Druzy Quartz and Chrysophrase Earrings by NYC Jewelry Design; Stella Plated Stainless Steel Watch in Gold, Fossil; Svetlana Bracelet, Dannijo; Tight-End Tights in Black, Spanx; Seychelles Theory Boots, Zappos

{Shop}:: Christina Skirt, Abercrombie & Fitch; LC Lauren Conrad Ruched Open-Front Boyfriend Blazer, Kohl's; Silk Layering Cami, J.Crew; Greer Wedge Ankle Boots; Bekah Necklace, Dannijo; Amelie Leather Clutch by Ira Grant; Spanx Tight-End Tights in Bittersweet

outfitted:: white and breezy

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0000

This gorgeous dress has been hanging in my closet for two summers now and this is the first time I've worn it. Not because I don't love it, but because I often find it not-quite-appropriate for whatever event I may have considered wearing.

But last Saturday was Mr. DU's birthday and we had reservations at Checkers downtown, and I figured that was as good as an occasion as any to rip off the tags. And so, I did.

{What I'm Wearing}:: Dress, Banana Republic; Espadrilles, Seychelles (circa, 2008); Jewelry, Sun Sugar Studio

PS - Sorry for going MIA last week. I've been a little busy with work and I was also enjoying my last week before the new semester starts. I can't promise I'll be posting every day, but I will try to get at least a few posts a week. I did buy a new laptop, which I'm hoping will help motivate me. I'd much rather veg out on my couch with a laptop in the evening rather than sitting at my desk at home for another few hours after sitting at a desk at work all day.

goodbye irene

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Many of my favorite beach towns were hit this weekend by Hurricane Irene (we also got hit where I live, but not very badly). Thankfully, the damage wasn't nearly as bad as expected in the coastal areas in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.

We got ready for Irene by cleaning out our basement, which normally floods with the slightest drizzle, and waited out the storm with beer, food, and Wii. This morning, our basement is completely dry. I credit this to the fact that we cleaned it out. Had we not bothered with that, we'd have gotten a foot of water. Murphy's Law and all that.

I hope everyone in the path of the storm stayed/stays safe and dry.

Yes, that is pumpkin ale you see. I was probably a little more excited than I should have been to see that at the beer distributor yesterday.