Outfit Of The Day

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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Why the Blog Name “Peculiar Porter”

Published on April 12, 2018April 12, 2018 by PeculiarPorter3 Comments

It’s been four years since I started my own blog. That seems wild to me. Thinking back to my first posts, I get a little embarrassed. I posted blog posts with pictures of me randomly posing next to graffiti and no text. Yes, it was just pictures with no information or point. Seriously, check out this one for an embarrassing reference. I even remember posting an Oscar red carpet critique back in 2015 and being super excited that 82 people viewed it. My words are jumbled all over the place and I provide no information whatsoever.

It took months to gain enough courage to tell people what I was doing in my spare time. I remember awkwardly asking Robert to take pictures of me in an abandoned factory near our school because I thought it would be great for some “edgy” photos. As time went on, I became more and more comfortable writing more about my life and things I’m passionate about. I blogged about my study abroad experience, my passion for bees, and now I’ve been trying to dive into the world of sustainable fashion. Although my creativity for my blog and my followers have grown, one thing that has always stayed the same was the blog name: Peculiar Porter.

Necklace | Shoes | Jeans | Cardigan (Similiar) | Shirt (Similiar)

Why Peculiar?

If I’m being honest, I would have picked a word that was easier for people to spell. You would be surprised how many people cannot spell peculiar. I usually get it spelled “peculair” or “peculer” and a select few actually think there is a “q” in the word. Nonetheless, I love the word peculiar because of how different it is. According to Webster dictionary “The word peculiar first meant “a person’s own.” You may have some quality that is just your own. No one else has it. That surely makes it unusual. This is how peculiar came to mean “unusual” or “odd.””

I really resonate with the idea that peculiar means that you have some quality that is your own. Instead of holding all of my different passions hostage, I wanted to share these unique ideas with the world. I’m someone who has an insane amount of passions and in a variety of different things (hence why I changed my major four different times). This blog has and still does act as an outlet where I can talk about these different ideas and share them with the world. Whether it is talking about my commute to work, travel, or sustainable fashion, I get to share my unique experience with you twice a week.

I’m so happy I started this journey four years ago and have meant some incredible people on the way. Blogging has become something that is so special to me because of how I can interact with people from all across the country and even world. Find out all the other reasons why I blog in this post.

Why include my last name in my blog name?

My last name is something that very important to me. Okay, I get everyone’s name is important to them but it’s something that has always stuck with me. In high school, I was always referred to by my last name because my brothers were always referred to by our last name. As someone who grew up with a boys name, I was really happened to be called something other than Logan. As time went on, I started to love both my first and last name more and more. I realized that having a boy’s name is something kind of special. I no longer get super awkward when people say “wow, I love that name for a girl” or rudely ask “why would your parents name you that” (yes, people actually say that)! Instead, I learn to take the compliment and always joke that I’m more likely to get a job with a boy’s name. Thank you cover letter scanners!

Five tips for coming up with a blog name:

Make it easy to spell.

This is something I deal with time after time when I’m telling people how to spell peculiar. Even when I need to give my email to a clothing store I always spell it out. If I were to do it again… maybe I would change the name to something easier to spell but if you really like the word that is all that matters.

Make it memorable.

Since there are so many blogs out there you really need a name that is memorable so that when people are searching for your name that it is easy to think of. Alliteration is a great way to make this easier or even something funny.

Short and sweet is better than long and bitter.

Let’s face it, we are all lazy! Make a blog name that is super easy to search and super easy to type. No one would ever remember “LoganPortersSustainableFashionBlog.com” instead they’ll remember that is short and sweet.

Your blog is about you so many sure that your name is personable towards you!

Don’t follow the blog trends that are out there but instead try something different! The best blogs I follow have unique names that have some personality in them.

Make it relate to your topic/niche.

When I started my blog, I had no idea that I wanted to switch gears and start writing about sustainable fashion. By incorporating the idea of your niche or topic in your blog name, it will be easier to get a better SEO ranking. This one obviously isn’t something that I did but it woudl be a great idea for new bloggers.

So if I’m unusual, I’m okay with it. I’d rather embrace it, take some weird pictures in a movie theater parking lot, and make friends with strangers on the internet. Why suppress something that makes you happy anyhow?

If you’re a blogger, why did you name your blog what it is today? If you don’t have a blog, why is your Instagram handle what it is? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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10×10 Spring Challenge: 10 Pieces, 10 Outfits, 10 Days

Published on April 10, 2018April 10, 2018 by PeculiarPorter22 Comments

After reading articles on how to appreciate what you have more, I stumbled across Style Bee’s 10×10 challenge. She developed a challenge to force people to become more creative with their clothes. While she was going through a shop-free fast she decided it would be the perfect time to create a challenge where she only wore 10 items for 10 days. Since I love a good fashion challenge, I decided to try.

Rules:

Pick any 10 items you already have in your current closet
Style those items in 10 different ways
Use 10 days to do it

PJs and workout clothes also do not count. Lee, from Style Bee, recommends that if you’re a beginner you start off with:

2 Pairs of Shoes (1 heel + 1 flat)
4 Tops (Consider pieces that layer well like a fitted long-sleeve, a button-down, and a cardigan)
1 Dress
2 Bottoms
1 Top Layer

I ended up picking 2 pants, 1 dress, 2 jackets, 4 shirts, and 1 pair of shoes. If I do the challenge again, I would pick a cardigan instead of a pink blazer because it is comfier and more versatile. Otherwise, I really liked my picks. I think for the summer challenge I would pick a few skirts instead of jeans.

Nonetheless, here are the 10 different outfits I ended up creating. If you want to see these outfits in action make sure you check out my Instagram page here.

Day One | Friday

I felt like a total rockstar in this outfit. There is something about a solid black and white outfit with a pop of color that always looks good. I ended up hanging out at friend’s new house (talk about major adulting) after work. I can’t believe I’m starting to embark on the age where my friends are all growing up. Please make it slow down ASAP please and thank you. This bag was definitely the highlight of this outfit due to it’s bright color.

Day Two | Saturday

I did absolutely nothing on Saturday and it was soooo nice. Most weekends I’m running around with my head chopped off so it was so lovely doing nothing. Well, I did take these pictures with a makeshift tripod (I set up my camera on a stool outside my house and hoped to God that my neighbors wouldn’t see me acting crazy). This layered outfit is perfect for spring because you never know how cold it is really going to be. Plus, I’m a huge fan of olive and light denim paired together.

Day Three | Sunday

Easter Sunday was a big day for me! I started the day going to church with my mom and ended the day with watching my brother propose to this girlfriend! Talk about a good day! An awesome outfit to match an equally as awesome day. I was slightly worried about doing this challenge during Easter because I knew I needed a fancier dress for Church. I ended up being able to transition this dress a few different ways. If I were to do the challenge again I would have picked a dress without a pattern because it was a little too recognizable for my taste. However, I would have still picked this bright yellow because it is perfect for spring!

Day Four | Monday

The best thing about this challenge was that it convinced me to pull out this scarf I purchased in high school. I bought this neck scarf thinking I would wear it one day and never did… until now. I love how the pattern looks contrasting with the stripes! This is definitely an outfit I would have never of tried if it wasn’t for this challenge so I’m super soaked about that.

Note: I did have to cheat on this day! It ended up randomly snowing so I needed to pull out my winter coat. I ended up wearing that winter coat on top of some of my outfits as the challenge went on. I felt guilty, but Lee said herself that this challenge is meant to be fun not stressful. Thus, I felt like it was okay for my first time ever trying this challenge.

Day Five | Tuesday

This outfit definitely got the most compliments out of all of these. One of my coworkers told me he liked my shirt three different times. I mean, I love a good green shirt but I’m not sure it deserved three different compliments. Anyway, I did end up tucking this shirt into my pants and throwing on my white belt just because I wanted to make sure I didn’t show any of my belly at work. During this challenge, I ended up wanting to wear this green shirt the most because of the bright color and soft texture. The power of a good t-shirt is really underrated.

Day Six | Wednesday

Since my coworker complimented my green shirt from the day before, I was worried that people would notice that I’m wearing the same shirt. Not one person noticed. This challenge was definitely a great way to refocus on the fact that not everyone cares about what you and other people wear. Often times what you say is much more important than what you wear. As someone who is very passionate about fashion, this is something that often escapes my reality. My work is very casual so it was really nice to be able to wear a fancier dress to work without it being a really big deal.

Day Seven | Thursday

Thursday was just another casual day at work. I love wearing my chambray top like this because it is the comfiest thing in the world. It’s like wearing a thick cardigan but wihtout the extra warmth. Out of all these outfits, this one was definitely the comfiest.

Day Eight | Friday

I wore this outfit to work but ended up throwing on my white belt from this outfit and making the necklace a lot shorter (check Instagram if you want to see the real deal). Robert came to visit me this weekend so we ended up going out with my friends to see a live band and play some games. I did end up switching into my outfit on day one but with blue jeans because I would be devastated if anyone split alcohol on my white pants. None of my coworkers noticed that this was the same stripe shirt I wore on Monday. My boss even complimented my top.

Day Nine | Saturday

I didn’t end up wearing this outfit the entire day because I was actually taking future blog pictures (eek, I’m so excited to show you them later). I love this outfit but it would have been a little too dressy for the day. I ended up going to Puerto Vallarta with Robert, taking pictures, and then watching Deadpool… laugh all you want but it was a great movie! I could definitely see myself wearing this outfit for a girl’s brunch or spring birthday party.

Day Ten | Sunday

If you followed my Instagram stories, this actually wasn’t what I wore on Sunday! Since I took these pictures on Saturday when I was planning out these outfits, I thought I was going to wear this. I ended up getting a little bit more creative and throwing on a thrifted belt alongside my chambray button up. I love this outfit too but definitely loved wearing a belt that I rarely get to wear instead.

My takeaways

I ended up trying new accessories that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

I loved being able to try out new accessories in order to spice up different outfits. It definitely made my challenge myself to rethink how I wear things and how to make them unique. Plus, I found out what items I gravitate towards more than others. I’m loving these white jeans and my green shirt!

No one noticed that I was wearing the same items over and over again.

Literally, no one noticed. I thought for sure someone would have said something about wearing my white pants twice during a work week. No one noticed or cared. This was a great reality check that not everyone cares about what you’re wearing so you might as well wear something that makes you happy. For instance, I’m never trying the wooden basket bag trend… maybe the woven ones but definitely not this bag. It’s more important to find stuff you like wearing instead of what other people like wearing.

I need to appreciate what I do have more.

It’s so easy to get swept up into the idea that I constantly need to buy new articles of clothes to keep things fresh. I really need to look at the items I already have and develop new ways of wearing them. Plus, I really need to appreciate that I’m fortunate enough to have all these clothes.

It’s more about a positive attitude than what you’re wearing.

People don’t care what you’re wearing, they care about who you are as an individual. It’s better to be positive and optimistic than negative and pessimistic. People want to be around you because of who you are not because of what you wear.

What do you think about the 10×10 challenge? Would you ever try something like this? What is your favorite outfit out of these 10? 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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11 Winter Outfits to Get Inspiration From

Published on March 29, 2018March 29, 2018 by PeculiarPorter5 Comments

I have some very exciting news… the ground is finally thawed and there is no snow to be seen! That’s right…. spring is finally here. I decided to do a little recap on my “winter” outfits just in case you missed something or if you wanted to read one of my lovely posts. As a blogger, it is so hard to take pictures in the winter because it is always so cold and if you’re too layered you look like a stuffed cabbage. Thus, most of these outfits are secretly worn with another jacket on top of them… I won’t tell if you won’t!

Remember during New Years where the temperature wouldn’t get above zero? Well, I certainly remember begging Robert to take pictures of this outfit in the fridged cold. We actually ran to a van to bring us to the Skytop Lodge. Check out how you can layer to your advantage in my post “The Ultimate Styling Tricks to Staying Warm in Below Zero Weather“.

My commute to work is still an hour long but I’m thriving thanks to the tips and tricks found in this post. Check out my favorite podcasts and radio stations to listen to so that I don’t go crazy. P.S. I can’t tell if I’m getting better or worse at driving as the weeks go on…

After coming back to my hometown, I found myself doing the exact same things over and over again. I’ve been trying to find new places to go near my hometown (like this art gallery) and decided to write a few tips on how to find these new places in your own hometown. Check out this post here. (Also, this vest is my absolute favorite thing to wear in the cold winter).

After I graduated, I applied to over 100 different jobs and went on some crazy interviews. After doing all the hoops and jumps, I ended up with a job that will really help my future. Check out more about what finding a job after college is like by reading this post.

This post is definitely perfect for this upcoming season because I show how you can transition some of your favorite winter clothes into your spring outfits. Check out this post here. Also, thumbs up to embroidered pants… I cannot get enough of them.

This was one of those weird days in February where it was warm enough to take my jacket off for a split second. Sadly, the next week the weather dropped to fridged temperatures and I need more than a light jacket. If you’re like me, I get pretty bummed around mid-February and it lasts usually throughout March (the worst of all months). It is usually because of days like this one where I thought it would finally get warm and sunny out. Check out how I combat my winter blues by reading this post.

New England Date Ideas During in the Winter

I’m obsessed with this feminine dress from Urban Outfitters. Something about the sleeves was really calling my name. Since Rob and I have been doing a lot of weird activities for date night, I decided to make a list of date ideas for the cold, winter months. Check out those ideas here. One of my favorite dates so far was going to this aquarium in Norkwalk, Connecticut.

The pink blazer that does all the talking is this one right here. If you don’t already have a blazer in your closet it is time you invest in one. They can add so much to an outfit and they’re a staple that will never go out of fashion. Check out more of my reasons why you need a pink blazer here.

I watched the True Cost on Netflix and it changed my entire perspective on the fashion world. Since watching this documentary, I’ve been thinking more and more about what I’m consuming and if it is really benefiting my life and others. I admit, I’m a self-declared shopaholic so it has been hard but I’m really trying to follow my tips found here. If you read any of these posts it should definitely be this one. Plus, if you really have enough time you should definitely watch the True Cost. I cannot recommend it more.

Wrap me up like a big burrito all spring long. I love wrap dresses almost as much as I love burritos… and that is saying something. Check out how to style the wrap dress this spring by clicking here. Plus, the best part about wearing wrap dresses is that you can wear them a thousand different ways. I plan on doing a 10×10 challenge in the month of April so stay tuned for that.

Following up with trying to think more about how I’m consuming, I bought these adorable white jeans from Everlane. In this post, I talk about how much work goes into one pair of jeans and how we need to rethink the way we buy our denim. You’d be surprised by how much denim effects our environment.

What was your favorite post or outfit? Let me know in the comments down below.

P.S. Happy Spring!

As always,

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Rethink the Way You Buy Jeans

Published on March 20, 2018April 3, 2018 by PeculiarPorter18 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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5 Ways to Stop Buying Fast Fashion Today

Published on March 6, 2018April 3, 2018 by PeculiarPorter26 Comments

Vent. Okay, so originally this post was going to be about my weekend and how wonderful it was visiting Terrain with Juliette from Julietteful (which by the way was all kinds of wonderful). But before I sat down to write this blog post I watched The True Cost on Netflix and I couldn’t focus because I was so unbelievably frustrated and overwhelmed. For those who don’t know, The True Cost is a documentary that explains negative impact fast fashion has on the social, economic, political, and environmental structures of developing countries. That was a mouthful. In short: fast fashion is ruining everything around us. But what really resonated with me were the following statistics:

The fashion industry is the world’s second-largestpolluter. (Oil is the first).
The world now consumes a staggering 80 billionpieces of clothing. (And we throw clothes away just as quickly as we consume them).
One-in-six people work in the global fashion industry. (The majority of them are women and are being paid less than $3 a day).
Only 10% of the clothes people donate to charity or thrift stores get sold (When the clothes are not sold, they are shipped to various developing countries where they are bought by the box and kill the local textile industry).

After watching this film, I feel so overwhelmed. I have been so blind to what was happening right underneath my nose. More than half the products I own I don’t even know where they came from. I don’t even know how my clothes came to American or the processes in which they were cut, dyed, or sewn. I love shopping and the “rush” of finding a good deal but I’m quickly realizing how wrong that is. Do I really want a cheaply made garment that will unravel after a few washes? Do I really want a garment that people have made with their own blood, sweat, and tears? I think it’s time I drastically rethink the way I consume, which is why I plan on implementing these steps into my daily life.

Sell your clothes on eBay.

I know it feels great giving your clothes to charity and thrift stores but the harsh reality is that only 10% of those clothes are actually being sold and the majority of those profits aren’t going back to charity. Some second-hand stores even have a 30-day cycle so that if they aren’t sold in the 30 days they are removed and either thrown away or shipped in a box to a developing country. Once the box arrives at the developing country, buyers pick random boxes without knowing what exactly is inside. Those clothes then flood the textile industry in that country and diminish work opportunities.

By selling clothes on eBay you not only make a profit, but you can potentially donate that money to a charity that you choose. You then can know how much of your proceeds are actually going to the charity. Or you can simply just keep the money and use it to purchase clothes that are sustainable. I’ve been selling clothes on eBay for about a year now and have made a decent amount of money. It is a great way to have a little extra cash and I often use that money to buy sustainable alternatives. Let’s face it, I own a good amount of fast fashion clothes but I’m not going to just throw them all away because that would just be adding to the problem. Instead, I can think of different ways to reuse these items and get the longest life out of them.

Shop on eBay or go thrift shopping.

Now, I know this idea might deter a few people but hear me out. This adorable dress was actually found thrifting. Since the cut of the dress is way too rebellious for my taste, I just threw on a simple turtleneck and called it a day. When I go thrift shopping, I really need to be in the right mood or else I won’t find anything. You really need to be open-minded to different ways you can style something. If you are, you’ll find endless things.

This is a great way to find vintage clothes and clothes for DIY projects. Plus, you’re helping cut down the impact of clothes that would be going to landfills and adding to our pollution problem.

Research the products and companies you’re buying from.

This is something I’m still trying to get used to. As an American and a blogger, I love consuming countless things I really don’t need. This is why I’m trying to refocus what I’ve been putting my money towards and seeing if it is really worth it. For example, instead of spending $50-70 bucks on a pair of cheap boots that I knew my awkward, pigeon-toed feet would ruin, I decided to buy a pair of high-quality boots from Thursday Boot Co. I did just as much research on these boots as I would on a camera. I looked up what type of leather they use, where they manufacture the boots, and what other consumers say about the boots. Since we live in such a technology-driven world, there is really no excuse to not researching a company before you buy from them. Plus, this really helps cut down on my impulse shopaholic habits.

Quality over quantity.

Just like my boots, you really want to make sure the products you’re buying are worth it. Are your boots going to last walking around three airports at top speed? Will that white shirt still look white after the 20th wash? Will that seam stay pull or unravel after the third wear? These are all questions I am starting to ask myself as I shop. I admit, I still shop and Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack. The only difference is that when I buy products from there I really want to make sure they’re really good quality. I no longer buy a $5 cotton shirt that is thinner than a piece of paper because I know that I might only get a few uses out of it. Plus, if the shirt is $5 think of how much the person making that shirt is getting paid. I’m hoping that as I start this journey I can start developing a sense of what is good quality and what isn’t. Lastly, just be aware.

Since fast fashion is so ingrained in our lives, it is so hard to quit cold turkey. I totally get that and I’m right there with you. But now that I’ve opened Pandora’s box for you, you’re going to start hearing a little nagging voice in the back of your head every time you want to buy a cheaply made shirt. Sorry! But, hopefully, your bank account will thank you.

If you want to know more about fast and slow fashion I highly recommend watching The True Cost on Netflix, listening or reading the book Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Fast Fashion by Elizabeth L. Cline, listening to the podcast Conscious Chatter by Kestrel Jenkins, and downloading the app Good on You. The following blogs are also great resources for finding more information on companies: Ecocult, Sustainably Chic, The Good Trade, and Ethical Unicorn.

Now I know conscious shopping isn’t for everyone, but I hope this makes you just a little bit more aware of where you’re getting your clothes. What do you think about fast fashion/slow fashion? Have you seen The True Cost? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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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.

10 New England Date Ideas for the Cold, Winter Months

Published on February 13, 2018February 13, 2018 by PeculiarPorter11 Comments

As some of you may know, my boyfriend and I have a long distance relationship… if you can even call it “long distance.” We live about two hours away from each other depending on if he is spending time in Long Island or New Jersey. It really isn’t that far in comparison to when we dated while I studied abroad in Italy. Over the years, we’ve come up with some interesting things to do. For example, this past weekend when we randomly decided to go to the Norwalk Aquarium and eat ice cream at Milkcraft (something I’ve always wanted to try). If you’re an avid Pinterest lover like me, you come up with some fun date ideas for when you do see each other. Here are some of the ones we’ve come up with for the cold, winter months.

Dress (Urban Outfitters, Sold out) | Necklace (Similar) | Boots (I’m obsessed)

Visit an aquarium or zoo.

The Norwalk Aquarium Robert and I visited this past weekend was a confusing mix of aquarium meets wildlife… and it was ahh-maz-ing. There were lizards, meerkats, otters, seals, sharks, sea turtles, and everything that makes the small child in my soul happy. If you want to see your date oooo and ahh over amazing creatures this is definitely a great date idea for you. Plus, some of the aquariums have giant Imax theaters so you get to see a movie and little critters all in one.

Try a cuisine you’ve never had before.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to travel far away without really traveling that far… welcome to study abroad via el’ stomach. Look up authentic restaurants near you and look up the menus online. If you don’t know what some of the food is on one of the menus, pick that restaurant. You’ll have fun trying out different things. If you want to try a bunch of items at once try a tapas restaurant. For example, Barcelona Wine Bar in New Haven is a great pick.

Take a hike after a light snowfall.

For New Year’s Eve, Robert and I visited Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania (okay, not New England but same idea). For someone who doesn’t go outside in the snow very often, it was one of my favorite trips I’ve been on. It snowed every night so we woke up to a winter wonderland. The trees were icy and we were bundled up like stuffed burritos. A date where you’re moving and grooving is always a great idea.

Visit a random town you both have never visited.

Since Robert and I live two hours away from each other, we find towns that are half way in-between us to visit. For example, this summer we explored Mystic, CT because it is closer to the Long Island ferry and this past weekend we visited Norwalk because it is equal distance from the both of us. This actually allows us to meet up in different towns that we wouldn’t normally and explore like pesky tourists. Hey, you need to find the fun in the little things.

Go to a demolition derby.

I find it hilarious that I included this while I wear this innocent, feminine dress. But every sweet dress has its tough side. Demolition derbies are very common in rural towns in New England. Most occur during the fall season but if you’re lucky some places have indoor performances. You might want to bring earplugs!

Go to a local museum you’ve never been to.

Most states have tons and tons of museums and some of them are even free! Connecticut is such a small state so if there are tons of museums here there must be quadruple museums in your state! Museums are a fun way to open your mind to different perspectives and maybe even learn a thing or to. I recently went to one of the Yale Art Museums with one of my friends and it was a blast.

Go see a magic show, comedy show, or a concert you normally would go see.

My boss is awesome and offered me two free tickets to see a Chriss’ Angel show. Robert and I watched Chriss’ in amazement as he made people vanish in midair, swallow razor blades, and even detangle himself from a straightjacket. My mind is still blown. Most casinos and large venues have fun, out of this world shows that you can see like that one.

Bundle up and go to a parade, Winterfest, or ice sculpting show.

If you follow me on Instagram or saw this post from 2016, you know the Siena College community means business when it comes to Saratoga Springs’ Chowderfest. We all get bundled up in countless layers just so we can trench through chowder lines. This year, I proudly consumed seven chowders. Most towns have festivals like this during the cold winter months. I think it’s some weird attempt to get people outside of the house. Hey, it works for me.

Go to a random antique or thrift store.

Wild Bill’s Nostalgia is a time capsule that is ready to be opened. This wild thrift store is stuffed to the max with collectible baseball cards, vintage clothes, retro signs, and so much more. You can spend hours just looking through things in this tiny store. Although this is an odd date idea, it’s definitely a great way to find some weird things together and create unique memories.

Scroll on Instagram through GEOtags and find a gem like Milkcraft.

I’m an Instagram fanatic and have “boards” in my library just like I have “boards” on Pinterest. I follow accounts like “ctfoodlovers”, “cteatsout”, “getseenct”, and “ctbloggerbabes” to see if there are some new and fun things to do in Connecticut. Most states have many accounts that are dedicated to finding gems like Milkcraft, Mystic Seaport, and so much more. Search random tags and you’ll find a few gems in no time.

What are some of your favorite dates for the winter? Are you doing anything special for Valentine’s day? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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P.S. A big shout out to my Instagram followers for convincing me to buy this dress. I’m in love with it.