Fashion

What the Heck Does Organic Cotton Even Mean?

Published on May 10, 2018 by PeculiarPorter3 Comments

When you first start diving into the world of “sustainable and ethical fashion” you instantly become overwhelmed. There are so many factors that go into being a sustainable and ethical product and come to find out it’s almost impossible to find something that has the whole package. When it comes to shopping more ethically I’ve had to evaluate what parts of ethical fashion I find the most important. For example, an item can be sustainably made (with organic cotton and dyes) but not be made ethically (fair wages and normal work hours). The five most common factors in sustainable and ethical fashion are ethical production, transparency in the company, made with natural fibers/earth-friendly dyes, gives back to a cause, and local manufacturing. I happen to care about these factors in the order in which they are listed. What do you think is most important?

With that said, let’s dive into the reasoning why it matters to have natural, organic fibers such as cotton.

Although cotton takes up less than 2.5 percent of global cropland, 10% of all pesticides are used.

Remember learning about organic food in high school and how bad GMOs were for your body? Come to find out that we’re all wearing something that is way worse than consuming GMOs. Your skin is your largest organ yet we allow a plethora of chemicals lay on our skin… well unless you’re a hippy and don’t wear clothes. The constant contact of pesticides can cause you to have irritated skin, rashes, and even can cause headaches and dizziness. Umm… no, thank you!

These chemicals are up and personal with your goods every day and night. Ever forget to wash your jeans before you wear them and end up with blue/black hands from the dye? I’m super guilty of this and have plenty of blue/black hands before. Although pesticides aren’t as visible as the dye rubbing off on your hands, the same amount gets stuck onto your skin and rubs against sensitive areas. So if you don’t buy organic cotton make sure you wash your item before you wear it so that it removes some of the pesticides before you wear it.

The Cotton Industry is notorious for human rights violations in India, the world’s largest cotton producer.

The problem with cotton that as soon as you start to treat it with pesticides it only needs more and more pesticides. As soon as the farmers start to use the pesticides, they need more and more in order to keep up with the crop. This causes them to be in tremendous debt and sell some of their land to the people who sold them the pesticides, Monsanto. All while these transactions are going on, local communities near the farms are born with birth defects and mentally deficient as a result of the extreme pesticide exposure. When pesticides are sprayed they can actually travel two miles from the air and waterways. If that wasn’t worse enough, the same people who are selling the pesticides, taking the land, and allowing neighboring towns to get sick are also selling the medication to help with the illnesses. It is one big money scheme.

This isn’t only happening in India. The Environmental Protection Agency considers 7 of the 15 pesticides used on conventional cotton as possible or known carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. Farmers in the United States are also suffering from the harsh pesticides and are dying from cancer.

What are the requirements to be considered organic cotton?

No pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals are used when growing organic cotton
To be certified organic the soil must be free from chemicals for at least 3 years
The land, and soil, benefits from crop rotation
Organic cotton gets a GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard) to make sure that it is organic.

So how can I help this issue?

Cotton is in so much that we consume even away from our clothes. Our bedding, towels, money, tampons, make up wipes, q-tips, and so much more. So how can you help the cotton industry? By buying organic! So many companies are coming out with organic lines each and every day. Keep your skin and the environment happy by choosing to buy organic cotton. Here are just six of the many companies that have an adorable line of organic items:

Pact (Basics)
Patagonia (Organic cotton line)
Thought (Timeless Pieces)
Synergy (Currently eyeing everything at this store)
Groceries Apparel (USA Made)
Noctu (Cute loungewear)

You can even find some organic cotton in the sea of clothes at TJMaxx and Marshalls! I found these perfect casual t-shirts at Marshalls. They have been my go-to when I’m rushing to get out the door in the morning.

Do you own anything that is made out of organic cotton? Did you know that cotton was such a demanding crop? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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How to Style a Denim Romper for Hot, New York City Weather

Published on April 17, 2018April 17, 2018 by PeculiarPorter2 Comments

Hi friend! This past weekend, two of my college friends and I took advantage of the incredible weather and traveled to good ol’ New York City. For someone who lives only two hours away, I’m shocked at how little I’ve seen of the city. We walked a total of eight miles roaming around Dumbo, voyaging to the Highline, popping in little boutiques, and going out until 4 am. I already can’t wait to go back again soon.

Romper | Necklace | Shoes

The Brooklyn Bridge is something that I’ve wanted to see ever since I developed a little crush on Gossip Girl’s Dan Humprey back in 2009. I even was able to see the iconic Manhattan Bridge view that is shown in multiple scenes (keep scrolling) and act like a total tourist. Yes, I was being a total fangirl.

Since it was the first nice day of spring, everyone and their mother was out. Courtney, Mickey, and I puts around and didn’t mind the roaring crowd. We ended up walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at a snail’s pace to take in all of the scenery. The cool thing about the Brooklyn Bridge is that it was designed by a man but finished by a female engineer. Talk about a major girl boss.

Tip: There is no escaping the crowds in New York City so just accept the fact that you’ll be packed like a little sardine.

For the first warm day of spring, I opted for this adorable romper from Current Elliott and some comfy slides. Current Elliott is a company based in California where 90% of their denim is made. In an interview with LA Times, Brett Ramey, Vice President of creative for Current/Elliott said, “We wanted everything in the store, every material, to get better with age — like our denim.” That was the only quote I needed to read in order to buy this adorable romper. It ended up being perfect for the sunny, cloudless day.

If you have a curvier build, I recommend finding rompers that sinch you in at the waist with a cute detail such as a bow or belt.

Since I’m not someone who usually loves rompers, I was a little nervous about buying this one. After trying it on, I knew I had to have it. It is made out of a soft denim that is breathable and lightweight without feeling cheap. The little bow belt and the adorable buttons going up the middle of the romper were the two things that sealed the deal. Plus, it definitely helps that this one wasn’t too short. I’m only 5’4″ and I find it close to impossible to find a romper that is actually an appropriate length.

If you’re walking 8+ miles in New York City opt for shoes that are comfy and lightweight.

These shoes were a life changer because they are so versatile. I was able to wear them with jeans the next day and I even wore them out to a casual bar. New York City is all about walking so make sure you’re wearing shoes that you can put some steps on. Since these shoes are made with a pleather, they tend to not breathe as well as normal sneakers. Toms might be a great alternative to these cute, casual shoes once it gets warmer. I’ve been eying this slip on and this casual, white sneaker.

Other than the Brooklyn Bridge and MOMA, I rarely pulled out my camera because I just wanted to enjoy being with my two friends. After seeing the Brooklyn Bridge, we walked around Dumbo and popped into little shops. We eventually made our way to the meatpacking district to see the Chelsea Market and the Highline.

The next day, the weather did a huge 360° and went from 70°F to a lame 40°F. We wrapped ourselves up in our thin jackets and traveled to MOMA, which was luckily right down the road from our hotel. It was surreal seeing Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Monet’s Water Lilies. This is definitely something I would go back and see. You could spend hours in this six-floor art museum.

I already can’t wait to go back and explore more of New York City. I still need to explore the Top of the Rock, Williamsburg, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Building, China Town, Little Italy, and so much more. One day I’ll get there!

Have you ever walked across the Brooklyn Bridge? Is there a style item that you’ve always been scared to rock? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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How to Wear Your Chambray Button Down Three Different Ways

Published on April 5, 2018 by PeculiarPorter6 Comments

If you’ve been following along with me on Instagram you would see that I’ve been diving headfirst into the 10×10 challenge. For those who don’t know, the 10×10 challenge is a challenge that forces you to only wear ten items for ten different ways. For more information on what is included and discluded check out my story here.

Since I’ve been doing this challenge, I’ve been trying to come up with unique ways to wear my chambray button-down other than wearing it like a normal shirt. Here are the three aesthetics I’ve come up with during the challenge:

Casual

Layer the chambray top over a casual tee to create an effortless look.

For the days where it’s rainy and you’re running around doing errands, throw on a button-down chambray to add some texture to your outfit. I love wearing a chambray top like this because it is lighter than a cardigan while still giving you the extra warmth. Plus, it adds a little pop of color to an otherwise colorless outfit.

Preppy

Layer a stripe long sleeve shirt over the chambray top and have it peek out ever so slightly.

For the slightly chillier days, an easy way to warm yourself up is to layer a chambray top underneath a long sleeve shirt. In New England, this is the way we survive the awkward spring temperatures. In the spring, we never know if we’re going to be cold or hot so it’s better to layer and then take off the layers if we end up getting too warm. Plus, it automatically makes it look like you put a lot of thought into your look. If it doesn’t warm up soon I might have to wear this exact outfit for Memorial Day!

Feminine

Tie the dress at your natural waist to create a natural hourglass figure.

Out of all three of these looks, this one is my favorite. I’m a sucker for a good dress styled in a different way. If you recall, this dress was actually spiced up with a suede jacket before. To create a softer look for this bright dress, I decided to tie up a chambray top on my waist. The soft hue of the chambray top tones down the loud dress. Also, by tieing the buttondown at my natural waist it creates a very flattering silhouette. This is my favorite trick for making a dress into a skirt because it creates a very flattering contrast.

What is your favorite way to wear a chambray top? Let me know in the comments down below. Also, be sure to check out the rest of my 10×10 outfits on my InstaStory… only three more days to go!

As always,

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Half United: 7 Donated Meals for Every Purchase

Published on April 3, 2018 by PeculiarPorter12 Comments

Do you ever fall so hard for a company that you just want to scream from the rooftops so everyone knows about them? That is how I feel about Half United. In 2009, two siblings made an incredible company out of only $200. Their mission is that for every product a customer buys they will also be purchasing seven meals for children in the USA, Haiti, Fiji, and Cambodia. After running the company for almost 10 years, the company has donated over 800,000 meals to children in need.

I recently picked up two new items from Half United and wanted to share with you my little Half United Haul.

Bracelet | Necklace | Shirt

The way Half United helps these areas in more detail:

USA: Helps implement farming programs into schools. This allows meals to be packed for the hungry, food to be planted, and community gardens maintained. Half United works with the local communities to help improve daily lives.

Haiti: Each beaded item from Half United is supporting the livelihood and well being of artisans in Haiti. Each beaded item is created by men and women in Papillon. The beaded item is then hand-signed and completely unique.

Fiji: The funds sent to Fiji go towards supporting sustainable, thriving feeding projects at the “NCTC” primary school. Half United has funded sweet potato farms, student garden projects, honeybee farms, chicken coops, and more.

Cambodia: Half United has teamed up with the EAI orphanage in Phnom, Penh Cambodia. EAI focuses on empowering children emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Necklace

Half United sells different products ranging from slogan tees to jewelry. The big attraction is the necklace made from recycled bullet casings to represent the fight against hunger. I love the idea of using something negative and turning it into something good. I talk more about my necklace in my first Half United post.

Bracelet

The bracelet pictured is supposed to represent Half United’s connection with Fiji school NCTC. Half United provides meals to these children in need as well as fund the school for long-term sustainable employment. The Fijian people work on beehives to create wax and honey for profit.The brass hex nuts and washers on this leather bracelet represent the rugged farm tools needed to grow healthy food. The symbol of the hexagon represents the shapes in beehives. The leather in this bracelet is from Georgia and the bracelet itself is assembled in Wilmington, NC at the Half United headquarters. I absolutely love the idea of working with beehives because of how necessary it is to have bees in our ecosystem. Saving the bees was actually one of my first “socially responsible” posts I’ve done on Peculiar Porter. You can check out that post here. (I can fully admit now that the dress in this post is waaaaaay too short)

Slogan T-Shirt

As someone who travels and is really diving blindly into the line of sustainable/eco-friendly fashion, I was thrilled when I saw this adorable slogan tee. I’m a sucker for any white graphic tee and this one really poked the inner wanderluster in me. This same shirt also comes in black and they have other adorable slogan tees that say “Giving Back is the New Black” and “Fighter”. Stay tuned on a few posts coming up because I’ll be styling this shirt ASAP.

Have you ever heard of Half United? What do you think about repurposing bullet shells and using them for good? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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Everything You Need to Know About Buying and Selling Clothes on eBay

Published on March 22, 2018March 22, 2018 by PeculiarPorter4 Comments

eBay rocks my world. It allows me to make money without even having to move from my bed… okay, sometimes I do have to leave my bed to mail out a package. But other than that, it’s smooth sailing. If you haven’t tried to sell or buy clothes on eBay or you just don’t know where to begin, this is the post for you.

A few years ago my cousin started selling tons and tons of clothes, comic books, action figures, etc. on eBay and I didn’t think twice about it. It just seemed like unnecessary work for “little” return. Little did I know that he made way over a thousand dollars just from selling clothes on eBay. My green eyes turned a little bit greener when I thought of the cash I could make just by selling the clothes in the back of my closet. Not only could I make money from selling my clothes, I would be giving my clothes to someone who will appreciate them instead of throwing them away. After all, only 10% of clothes donated to charity get sold… the rest gets thrown away or shipped to countries who don’t need any more clothes. Also, if I wanted to donate money to charity I could donate my earnings directly to charities through eBay. So instead of throwing away your clothes let’s put them to good use.

Selling Tips

When I first started selling clothes on eBay, I was a little overwhelmed. Where do I begin? I called up my cousin and asked him for some tips and tricks and this is what we came up with.

Start off by looking what other people are pricing the same items for.

Before I list an item, I always look what other people are selling the item for and if they include shipping or not. I usually end up putting my item $1-$2 cheaper than what other people are selling their stuff for. This way people are more likely to buy my item for cheaper.

Measure everrrrrryyyythaaaanggggg.

One thing I was absolutely clueless about was making sure all of the measurements are listed on jeans, belts, and so forth. Make your life easier and just look at this guide to figure out how to measure your pants. For shirts, make sure that if you think it runs a little small or large you put that in the description. It’s all about behind honest on eBay.

Take pictures of every corner of the item.

Take pictures of labels, pattern, tags, buttons, hemlines… if you think of it you should take a picture of it then do it. Also, if you are selling something that has a rip or stain (which I personally do not do) make sure you take a picture of it so people understand what they are buying. If you don’t you could get a bad review and people will become more hesitant to shop from your store.

Add personality into your captions.

This is my absolute favorite thing to do on my eBay page. I love mentioning what someone can wear an item with and how fabulous they will look. I can just picture a total stranger reading my words and being super amused. Plus, this might make someone want to buy more because they can relate to the buyer. Make sure you include descriptors like “only worn once” or “it was the back of my closet since 2009 and has never been worn before.” The better the description, the better the outcome.

Shipping Tips

The hardest part about selling clothes is figuring out how to do the shipping. However, once you figure it out it will be second nature to you.

Don’t include free shipping with your jeans.

Jeans are typically heavy so they cost around $5-$7 to ship. This can be half of what you’re selling the jeans for so make sure that you calculate the cost of the shipping in the cost or just say shipping “$6.99” or whatever it is to ship. Sometimes I sell my pants for a super low cost because I know shipping is going to be so much. It all depends on if they’ve never been worn before or if you just bought them directly from J.Crew.

Shirts typically cost between $2.50-$4.50 to ship.

Since shirts are typically lighter you can make the shipping costs much lower. If you buy a scale (which I highly recommend you do) you can measure it the shipping cost before you put the listing up. It also helps when you do have to finally ship the product.

High priced items: include free shipping.

Personally, I think it is polite to include free shipping when someone is buying a big priced item. I sold a pokemon card for $150 and didn’t charge the customer shipping. Obviously, a little card didn’t cost that much to ship but I think it makes the sale go through that much easier.

Buying Tips

You know that awesome feeling when you return something that you weren’t really sure that you loved or not? You then get store credit or your money back and you feel this odd sense of power. Okay, maybe just me. The best part about selling clothes on eBay is that you have money you can either save or you can put back into finding something super cute.

Make sure you read all of the descriptions!

I almost bought a shirt that had a stain on it without even knowing. Just as I was checking out, I noticed the little description saying that there was a faint stain on the front of the shirt. That was definitely enough to deter me from buying the shirt. Also, sometimes the titles get mixed around when you’re posting so make sure that you’re actually buying the right size.

Play around with bidding wars.

This one is very new to me and it’s oddly thrilling to play the little dancing game. I’m currently in a bidding war on a beautiful Free People top. Fingers crossed that I win it because it is the cutest thing in the world. My tip would be to wait until the very end to bid the shirt up.

Search your favorite companies with descriptors you might be looking for.

Instead of just searching the name search key things you may be looking. This may be the textile-like “lace” or it could be a vibe like “edgy”. This will help narrow down the search and hopefully weed out the sellers that you’re not looking for.

What is currently on my watch list:

Free People Top, Vintage Belt, Feed Bag, Button Skirt, White Madewell Jeans

What do you think about selling or buying clothes from eBay? Have you ever done it or do you use sites like postmark? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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Rethink the Way You Buy Jeans

Published on March 20, 2018April 3, 2018 by PeculiarPorter19 Comments

Let’s talk about America’s favorite piece of clothing: jeans. I’m jean obsessed. Growing up my brothers used to mock me because of my different colored jeans. They even had a song for when I wore my pink pair… “Logan pink pants Porter” still rings in my ears to this day. Nonetheless, my love for the classic pair of jeans has never faded.

It didn’t occur to me how jeans were actually made until I watched the Trust Cost. I figured cotton and a little bit of stretch make the ideal jean. I knew so little about how much jeans and the cotton production ruin the environment surrounding the factories and cotton farms. I never knew that although cotton is only planted on 2.4% of agriculture land, it accounts for nearly 11% of pesticide sales in the world. I never even though of the beloved plastic elasticity in my jeans being the exact reason why it is so hard to recycle jeans. The more I researched the more I started to feel guilty about the cheap pair of $12 jeans I found at Marshalls. Who made those jeans and what conditions were they made in? I started asking myself more and more questions and found myself researching until the wee hours of the night. That’s when it occurred to me that needed to make a vow to stop buying cheap, fast fashion jeans and either thrift of invest in ethical jeans that will last. So when I was looking for a new pair of white jeans, I found Everlane.

Jeans | Boots | Sweater (Sold out… Similar) | Jacket (Similiar) | Belt (Same on eBay)

Everlane is a slow fashion company that focuses on basics with a touch of creativity. The reason I found this basic store so incredibly comforting is that they show the factories that make their clothes on the website and then break down the cost of the item directly (see their jean factory here). I know, wild. So let me take you through the process of making these jeans and explain to you why these ones, in particular, are the white jeans you need for spring.

“Belly” washing machines that are used in standard denim manufacture plants waste up to 1,500 liters of water per pair of jeans (about 132 Gatorade coolers).

Depending on where you live water may not seem that important because it always seems like it is raining or snowing (ex: these snowy pictures). But 35% of the world’s population doesn’t have proper access to clean water. Instead of wasting all of that water, Everlane’s factory, Saitex, uses a closed water system and super-efficient jet washing machines. The result? Only .4 liters of water is lost due to evaporation. By being conscious of the water consumption, Everlane is making a difference in jean production and the community around the factories.

Often times factories in developing countries dump polluted water back into the waterway, which directly affects the surrounding communities.

Saitex recycles 98% of all used water and when it comes out the other side, it’s so clean you can actually drink it. You don’t have to worry about Everlane’s factories polluting the surrounding areas. Instead, you can have a clear conscious buying a pair of wicked cute jeans.

Most denim factories use an insane amount of energy for their factories because they have to constantly dry the jeans.

Saitex airdries 85% of their jeans and the rest of the jeans are dried with energy coming from solar panels. This has allowed their factory to reduce energy usage by 5.3 million kilowatts of power and reduce CO2 emissions by almost 80%. Kudos for clean energy!

All denim creates a toxic byproduct called sludge.

No matter how clean a denim factory is, jeans will still create a byproduct called sludge. This byproduct is nearly impossible to get rid of until Saitex found out that when you mix sludge with concrete the toxic material can no longer leech into the environment. The factory uses this method to make concrete bricks to build affordable homes. So far, Saitex has built ten homes with these bricks. So not only are they creating jeans but they’re actually creating homes from a byproduct!

My top four picks for your white jean wardrobe:

Everlane ($68) | Able ($128) | Amour Vert ($178) | DL1961 ($188)

So if you’re ready to buy another pair of white jeans for this spring and summer why not buy a pair that is better for the environment. When you’re buying a pair of jeans that are better quality make sure to check what the jeans are actually made of. Look for the ratio of cotton to spandex and make sure that you’re not just buying a cheap pair of jeggings that will only last a few washes. A good pair of jeans will be made out of either 100% cotton or 99% cotton with 1% spandex. Staples, like jeans, that you wear again and again deserve to be invested in.

What do you think about Everlane? Did you know how jeans were produced? Let me know in the comments down below. (Also, I’m very curious if you think it’s wrong to wear white before Memorial Day… I clearly have no shame).

As always,

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How to Style My Favorite Spring Trend: The Wrap Dress

Published on March 15, 2018March 15, 2018 by PeculiarPorter38 Comments

Ummm… is it spring yet? I literally cannot stand another northeastern. We’ve literally had a snowstorm every single week for the past three weeks and I’m so over it. Although I do admit, it’s March and I oddly hum Christmas tunes every time it snows. Hey, it’s never too early to be in the holiday spirit.

So unlike mother nature, I’m ready to bring out the spring outfits as soon as possible. Bring on the floral print, pops of color, and a whole lot of sunshine. If you saw my s ummer barn wedding guide, you know that wrap dresses are a curvy girl’s secret weapon. It hits you in all the right places and makes you look like a million bucks. Seriously, invest in one that you know you’ll wear again and again and you can thank me later.

Go for a bold color for double the impact.

To me, yellow isn’t that bold of a color because it’s just something I’m naturally drawn to because of my pale skin and reddish-brown hair. What I mean by a bold color is picking something that is bright as can be. This yellow is bold because of how in your face it is. It can easily be toned down with some neutrals like this black jacket and booties or it could be played up with a green jacket and white shoes. Regardless, it’s fun to play with something out of your comfort zone once in a while.

Don’t be boring, try something daring.

The fun thing about wrap dresses is that they have so much added texture to them. For example, this one has florals and ruffles so it creates this extremely dramatic silhouette. Just like I did in this post, I love mixing this edgy, studded jacket on top of a feminine dress. It’s an outfit that instantly makes me feel like I can take on the world. Plus, it such a mix of textures that no one will ever expect so you’ll look instantly chic.

Ditch the flats and wedges and grab a classic, black bootie for the perfect winter to spring transitioning outfit.

Don’t sacrifice your little toes just yet! I love pairing booties with literally everything. They will look perfect next to your feminine dress due to their inherent need to be edgier than flats. Personally, I love the comparison of the leather jacket and booties next to this floral dress because it adds so much interest to the look. You almost don’t know where to look without being super overwhelmed… my kind of outfit.

Try wearing your dress as a skirt to get double the use.

As you probably know, I’m trying to incorporate more and more sustainable ideas and principles into this blog. What better way to achieve this than bringing up ways where you can get the most use out of your wardrobe! The best part about dresses is that you can wear them in so many different ways. Throw a shirt over the dress and you now have a skirt (seen here) or throw a turtleneck under the shirt and you now have a warmer look (seen here). With different colors, graphics, and accessories, you can make so many interesting outfits out of one piece. To me that is the best part about style: you get to be creative with it.

Personally, I can definitely see this dress in a million and a half ways. I can see it being paired with a bright green shirt and a jean jacket for a more casual look. I can see it with a pair of strappy sandals for when it finally stops snowing. I can also see it without a jacket to finally embrace the warm weather. Don’t stop at just one look… find a few ways to wear it!

How do you feel about the wrap dress trend? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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A Day in My Shoes: Thursday Uptown Boot Review

Published on March 13, 2018March 13, 2018 by PeculiarPorter2 Comments

If you’re not already aware, I’m an Instagram fanatic. I love the pictures, the advertisements, and mostly the Instastories. I can spend hours watching my favorite bloggers do mini haul videos, talk about their day, and videos of them traveling. (My favorite blogger’s Instastories are Emma from Emma’s Edition, Mallory from Mallory on the Moon, and Juliette from Juliettiful).

A few months ago when I was scrolling on my feed, I found an advertisement for Thursday Boot Co. and their amazing Instagram. These sleek shoes have a buttery leather texture, a smooth finish, and they have the cutest styles. I couldn’t love a boot more. I decided to flip through their website and I was quickly distraught because I love every single shoe. How could I pick just one? I ended up deciding to get the Uptown boot in black because my suede booties from J.Crew couldn’t handle this rainy-snowy, New England weather.

Order a size up in the Uptown Boot.

When they finally arrived, I was super excited and literally couldn’t wait to slide my foot inside the adorable boot. Sadly, the pair I ordered was just a smidge too small so I had to send them back. The process was incredibly easy. I simply printed out a packing slip and sent it back to the warehouse. They then sent me my new pair of boots (in a size up) a week later.

After looking at the reviews, I probably should have known to order a size up. I’m almost always a 7.5 shoe in everything and I never listen to reviews because my foot always ends up fitting. This was definitely the one exception so make sure you order a size up!

Thursday Boot Co cares about the people who are making the boots.

Thursday boots are made in New York City, Arkansas, and Lyon. Thursday Boots believe in fair labor and environmental conservation. Once a quarter, each manufacturing factory is visited in person to ensure that there is appropriate labor, operational maintenance, and that the waste management protocol is being followed. Since the leather industry is constantly bombarded with unfair labor and environmental practices, it is so refreshing to find a company that cares about the repercussions of working with leather.

What is the quality of the leather and boot?

I am pigeon toed which means I pretty much ruin all of the shoes I own. What it really means is that my big toes face one another and constantly rub against each other. This often makes the side of my shoes wear out. Instead of constantly trying to get around the fact that my feet are destructive little animals, I decided to opt for a shoe that I knew would withstand such torture. Thankfully, these durable leather boots are perfect for the job. The buttery leather is made of such a durable leather that has been able to withstand my awkward toes.

Not only are they durable enough to withstand my devilish toes, but Thursday owns up the process of making leather. Leather can be a very taxing material because it requires tons of chemicals and waters that often affect the areas surrounding. Thursday only works with tanneries that can provide traceable material records and receive high marks from the Leather Working Group for environmental practices and chemical management. By creating this promise they’re changing the standard for other companies.

Also, the boots are handmade! Each pair of boots goes through over 80 different steps before you get a pair. Talk about hard work and commitment to make the best shoe.

Would I buy another pair?

Oh, heck yes. I’ve already been eyeing the Duchess Chelsea Boot in black. This boot would be perfect for Sunday errands, touring big cities, and going pumpkin picking in the fall. I would also totally get this boot in the brown because I’ve actually never owned a brown boot! I could see myself rocking it in the spring with all my lighter colors.

Why the Uptown boot?

They literally go with everything! I could dress them up with a bold dress or style them down with jeans. I can wear these boots to anything! I personally love throwing on little socks and scrunching them down to create a really relaxed look. Here are just four ways I decided to style them:

New England Date Ideas During in the Winter

With socks at Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut

With a girly blazer at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

With a flirty dress at Terrain Garden Café in Weston, Connecticut

Lastly, with a bold dress that will be on the blog very soon…

So how would you style these adorable little booties? Have you ever heard of Thursday Boot co? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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(This was not sponsored by Thursday Boot Co… I’m just in love with their boots)

February Recap: Why the Heck I’ve Been Traveling so Much

Published on February 27, 2018February 27, 2018 by PeculiarPorter2 Comments

If you’ve been following me on Instagram for the past month and a half you may be wondering why the heck I’ve been traveling so much. Every single weekend in February I’ve been in some random town in a different state. Simply put, I’m having the time of my life.

Saratoga Springs, New York: Chowderfest

February started off with a bang in Saratoga Springs for the annual Chowderfest. All of my college friends crawled their way back to where it all began. It was like a winterized college reunion with a plethora of delicious chowders. Gaffney’s and Sweet Mimi’s were my favorites this year. (Sweet Mimi’s is always my favorite dessert chowder).

Anaheim, California: Trade Show

The Monday after Chowderfest I flew to Anaheim, California for a medical trade show. During the week, I was able to play ping pong against a robot, eat Mexican food outside, and wake up to an amazing view. I even was able to try my first In-n-Out burger! It’s very similar to 5 Guy but you don’t feel like you’re dying after. The fries are nothing compared to 5 Guys though. I’m still missing this burrito bowl.

Norwalk, Connecticut: Valentine’s Day Celebration

Robert and I stuck our faces on every tank at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. We saw seals, sharks, turtles, otters, and so much more at this lovely place. It’s quite a hidden gem in Connecticut. I’ve been to Mystic a few times but I highly recommend this adorable aquarium to putts around in. Plus, you can get ice cream at Milkcraft after! Still dreaming of this heavenly s’mores cone.

Fayetteville, Arkansas: Family Visit

My father and I had a blast visiting my brother in Arkansas. I was able to see the first Walmart, an amazing American art museum, and my brother’s incredible brewery. I’m still blown away by how incredible this art museum was. Check out this post to see more of what I did in North Western Arkansas.

Jersey City, New Jersey: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The last full weekend of February, Robert and I became very patriotic and visited both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I have lived so close to the Statue of Liberty and have never seen it with my own eyes. It was such an incredible thing to see how far America has come. If you visit the Statue of Liberty from the Jersey side (there are ferries both from New York City and Jersey City) you can see the breathtaking skyline of Manhattan. It’s just never something you will get used to.

My travel favorites (and big sized toiletry favorites).

Since I’ve been traveling a lot, I visited good ole’ Target to stock up on travel toiletries. While I was there I also stocked up on normal toiletries… hey, a girl like me can’t resist. One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to find more natural, eco-friendly products and companies. I was thrilled to find out Target has an entire section dedicated to natural products. I literally spent three hours just going through the two aisles.

Note one: I love the brand Shea Moisture and what they stand for but I hate this Daily Hydration Milk Mask. It had this odd burning sensation instead of a soothing feeling. The whole time I thought I was developing a rash. I wouldn’t recommend the facemask but would d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y recommend the facial moisturizer. It’s a lifesaver for the colder days.

Note two: I absolutely love the fresh smell of Tom’s natural deodorant, however, I was so sad to find out that it contains aluminum. For those who don’t know it is believed that daily doses of aluminum can cause breast cancer and Alzheimer. The whole reason I bought this new deodorant was because I knew Tom’s was a natural based deodorant. Other than the fact that it contains aluminum it’s a great product.

Favorite DIY Project: Graphic Tee Shirt and how to style it.

Is it cheating to say it’s my favorite DIY project of this month if it was my only one? Give me the benefit of the doubt… it’s been a busy month. But if I’m being honest I’ve been wanting to do this DIY for the longest time and it only took 15 minutes. If you’re bored one Sunday definitely give this easy DIY a try.

My favorite statement piece: This Pink Blazer

I literally keep reaching for this blazer and have no intention of stopping. I even stopped my Marshalls (again) to look for more blazers. Luckily for my wallet, I didn’t find anything as cute. But knowing me… I’ll probably be back there next week.

How was your February? What was the best thing you did in February? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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P.S. If you’re curious what March is going to bring check out my new About Me section. I’m really excited to start a new series very soon.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Baby Pink Blazer This Spring

Published on February 20, 2018February 22, 2018 by PeculiarPorter17 Comments

Do you ever just get sucked into another dimension when you walk into a Marshalls? Well, it happened to me last week when I went to get a pair of white jeans and ended up walking out with this entire outfit. Talk about a major fail. I didn’t even get a pair of white jeans. (Still on the hunt so if you have any ideas on where to get a great pair white jeans for a curvy girl let your girl know). I aimlessly rummaged through the different racks starting at one end and ending up in the aisle where they sell welcome mats (btw, I don’t even have my own house/apartment so who knows why I was looking at welcome mats). While on my quest to find white jeans (in the completely wrong aisle), I found this adorable pink blazer and knew I needed to have it. Back when I was interviewing for jobs I would always borrow my mom’s blazer because I didn’t think there was a need to buy a blazer. Well, times have changed and I’m head over heels for this baby pink gem.

Jeans | Shirt (very similar) | Boots

A blazer can instantly make a casual outfit look more polished.

The great thing about blazers is that they can easily pair with anything. A graphic t-shirt, ripped boyfriend jeans, heels, converse… you name it and it can be paired. I personally love pairing this one with casual t-shirts like this peplum or even a graphic t-shirt like the one I made here. If you want to add an interesting flair to your outfit this is the way to go. Band tees also look so cute because you’re pairing edgy with preppy for an interesting outfit.

If you love cardigans this will be your next best friend.

Personally, I’m a huuuuuuuge fan of cardigans. I think they can make you feel like you’re at home even when you’re doing overtime or at a weird sporting event. If you love cardigans and just want to look a little bit more polished, opt for a longer blazer. This will instantly make you feel just as cozy as your favorite cardigan. It is the perfect staple for an interview or professional event.

If you are about to graduate or have recently entered the adult world… it’s time you pick up a blazer. This is the perfect piece for when you want to nail a new job interview or have a work event. Plus, it instantly will make you feel more grown up. Just be careful that your blazer fits your personality and age. It’s a hard line to cross but I have the utmost faith in you that you’ll nail it. To nail it just opt for a fun color… you can’t go wrong.

Don’t feel like you have to stick to neutral colors like black, white, or navy. Step outside the box.

The best part about blazers is they come in a million and a half colors, patterns, and materials. So why go the safe route? Pick up that bright red one or rainbow pattern one. Or you can meet me half way and pick up an adorable blush pink blazer. It’s perfect for spring and will match all the white/light jeans you’re about to pull out from the depths of your closet.

Instant confidence boost.

I put on this blazer like I’m putting on a superhero cape. I don’t know what it is but when I’m wearing a blazer I feel invincible. Blazers have the same exact powers as a good pair of booties (will be talking about the ones I’m currently wearing asap), a good mascara, and even the same powers as your lucky t-shirt. So why limit your blazer to your interview or work day? Feel confident in what you’re wearing every single day.

Blazer 1 | Blazer 2 | Blazer 3 | Blazer 4 | Blazer 5

So there you have it… I give you permission to go ahead and buy that blazer and rock it like I know you can. Stay tuned to my next post where I’m going to let you know where the heck I am in these pictures. If you’re impatient like me you can always check out what state I’m visiting on my Instagram here.

What do you think about causally wearing blazers? Do you own any colored blazers? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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P.S. I updated my “About Me” section and I’m super proud of the way it came out. Check it out by clicking here.