Tag Archives: free people

goodbye, sweet june

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June began with a wedding and ended with a window.  The weeks between brought sunshine, studying and sugar.  Most days were dominated by a study of the social history of Providence as chronicled in architecture (one of the best college courses I’ve taken thus far) and twirling about with Free People.  In the sugar department the aforementioned gourmet donuts via new kids on the block, pvdonuts, do indeed taste every bit as good as they look.  You can’t call yourself a pvd kid until you’ve tried one, and they are well worth the wait.  So go get ’em, guys.

In travel news, it seems Watch Hill always calls us without warning.  But I’m not complaining; our spontaneous trips to Westerly always yield good conversation and a refreshing shift in perspective.  Together we leave with a deeper understanding of each other, the kind only an empty beach, popcorn, and pinot grigio can invoke.  And of course, Olympia Tea Room never disappoints- sometimes Marcia even offers free cake…

 

 

cutesy couple photo by Michael Collins.

 

stitched

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Hello, friends.

Things have been rather quiet here on the little bloggy lately.  It’s been an interesting, er…difficult, week.  In the midst of the gourmet donuts and spontaneous trips to Boston that typically comprise my admittedly semi-charmed-kinda-life, a big ol’ window blew straight off its tracks and onto my face.  No, literally.  The heavy metal frame pierced a nice stripe on my cheek, leaving torn skin in its drunken wake.  And wake me it did!  Ripped right out of a dream and into a rather painful day…

Twelve hours of stress.  Twenty minutes of bated breath.  Ten minutes of acute discomfort.  Five stitches.

A wise bear once said, “They’re funny things, Accidents.  You never have them till you’re having them.”  You cannot control what happens to you, only how you react to it.  You know, some clichés are worth repeating.  I choose to interpret this accident as a reminder.  A reminder to be intentional, to never despise the mundane, and to appreciate every single gift.  I’m so thankful for my sight, for two Stevens, for my body’s wonderfully weird ability to repair itself, and for the brave surgeon whose many hours of study and skilled hands fixed up my face.

Today, I’m happy to be on the mend and making plans.  Thanks for listening.  We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

 

xx

 

 

grunge-tastic photo by Kelly Louise Photography for Free People Providence.

plié this way

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I remember the first piece of Free People clothing I ever wore, because I still own it.  Decidedly outside my usual color scheme, the tangerine hoodie is embroidered in thick black thread with an intricate floral pattern.  It has been mine for nearly a decade, a most prized gift for accomplishing the awkward task of turning fifteen.  Since then I’ve moved from my parents’ home to my brother’s, to a shared apartment in Providence before finally my own, and a certain orange sweater has come with me every time.  Though admittedly not something I wear every day, that Free People hoodie gives me such fuzzy feelings.

These days my uniform has changed slightly, from tangerine sweatshirts to easy dresses, flowy tees and seamless intimates by the boho brand.  It would be no exaggeration to say my closet is chock full of freeps…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So when Free People contacted me about styling a few pieces for their Movement is Free campaign, I yipped, squealed, and jumped on the idea.  Kelly did what she does best (with a side of cuteness and Christmas) and HERE WE ARE!  On the FREE PEOPLE WEBSITE!  Sorry for the shouting.  I’m a tad excited.

Go check it out, if you like.  Let me know what you think, should you feel so inclined. I’ll just be here, happy-dancing…

 

all photos by Kelly Louise Photography.

summer solstice

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Monday morning starts with an apartment in the trees.  On the West side of Providence, somewhere on Broadway, I sit in a yellow kitchen surrounded by the most vivacious potted plants I have ever seen.  I don’t think the owner of this apartment has ever thrown away an empty bottle of liquor; he chooses instead to make the many vessels into candlesticks and homes for dried lavender.  This is a sentimental touch that I, of course, appreciate.  Samara buzzes all around me, and when she stands back my hair is curled, lashes applied and lips fully glossed.  Melissa dresses me in a way only she could, romper and tank layered and ready to “lounge”.  There’s a python peaking out from a rock across from me, and she’s growing longer by the minute, clearly curious of my intentions here.  Under Evan’s direction, I rifle through records, thumb through ghost stories, and dance- freeps style- to Magpie Blues Collection, Volume 1 on vinyl.FullSizeRender 101.jpg

Emily joins, her blonde tresses mirroring mine, and together we prepare for the outside world.  Outfits changed, hats and sunnies placed and replaced, we take to the streets for record shopping, bike riding, and other “first day of summer!” tom foolery.

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When the evening is closing in and my architecture class drawing near, a few polaroids by the river commemorate the end of our “Best Day of Summer”.  And all sarcasm aside, with (free- thanks Evan!) lunch at Geoff’s, a cuddle sesh with Hudson, and an introduction to some talented new friends, this day really is going to give the next 72 a run for their money.

hair + makeup: Samara St. Martin

styling: Melissa Csigay

first 3 photos by Frame & Anchor, all others by Kelly Louise Photography for Free People.

stay tuned for more about the making of this collaborative video…

s n e a k peek: fp x fbp

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On Monday a few of the FBP ladies and I got together with girls of Free People Providence for an exciting collaborative photoshoot of the Free People Movement collection.  We headed over to the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket to fill up the bare industrial space with soft spandex, tulle, and floaty port de bras.  Here’s a little behind-the-scenes action, stay tuned for the official photos…

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follow @freepeopleprovidence and @festivalballetprovidence for the latest.

desert rose

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Okay, now can you just spin a little bit…Ah! What are you, a ballerina or something?  From behind the camera, Daniela’s sweet tone and playful question made me giggle.

Between barefoot pirouettes, Actually, yes, I am!, and another wild twirl in the lowest, most careful demi-pointe the muddy cobblestone prescribes.

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Decked out in Free People, in the ridiculously talented company of PVD’s most inspiring photographer and FP PVD’s resident graphic designer/goddess (check out that typography below), I twirled the day away and had the loveliest of times.  Why can’t every day be this dreamy?

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Thank you, Free People Providence, I so enjoyed being a part of your Desert Rose Campaign.  Now to make those clogs mine…

photos by Daniela Dawson, Let Light In text by Emma Kunz, rose quote by Charles De Leusse.

this week’s pinterest wish list

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My pinterest boards are getting pretty clogged up, so I figured I’d share a few things that I would love to be rocking this season.  First, in a sea of pigeon-toed fashionistas donning all black outfits, this interestingly tailored wool blazer from Madewell caught my eye.  I love its unique shape and refreshing light gray color.  When these charcoal suede and leather Nike’s popped up on my pin-filled screen, I knew it was love at first sight.  Even if they only come in men’s sizes (what is up with that anyway, Nike?!), I’m still picturing them with skinny jeans and a varsity jacket.  Next up, a few Free People items- surprise, surprise.  This embellished peterpan collar sweater is to die for, no?  And if anyone is searching for that perfect leather jacket, FP’s black motorcycle jacket has come to save the day (plus it’s actually vegan “leather”…animal friendly- yay!).  Last but not least, I’ve been lusting after Ariel Gordon’s initial necklaces ever since spotting them on Pinterest some time ago.  They are delicate, dainty, and adorable…need I say more?

cashmere and chai

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{yoon sweater, free people tunic, frye sandals, marc jacobs crossbody, ray-ban clubmasters}

It is reeeaallly feeling like fall here in Providence!  I must say, as much as I love warm weather and tank tops, I cannot help but miss my cozy sweaters and knee-high boots during those sweaty summer months.  Today I “bundled up” with this ultra soft cashmere cropped sweater by Yoon (last seen here) thrown over my favorite Free People tunic.  Honestly, this dress was without a doubt my most frequently worn item of this summer- I swear I just kept reaching for it over and over, and it never got old.  I can’t wait to bring it into fall with boots, jackets, sweaters, and heels.  Of course the vanilla chai is a mandatory accessory!

What makes you excited for fall?

ballerinas for free people

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A few weeks ago, after doing our own little private ballet class (that is true dedication right there, people!), the roommie and I decided to fool around and take some artsy/dingus/ballet nerd pictures with our upcycled Free People dance bags.  Go ahead, laugh at my silly pink trash bag pants, you know you want to.

If you follow Free People on Instagram like I do,  you know that they have a contest every Friday asking fans to get all dolled up in their FP duds, snap a picture, and upload it using the hashtag “fpcloset”.  Although the free bags they give you when you purchase something in store does not exactly qualify as “current Free People merchandise” (details, details), we thought recycling the bags to tote our pointe shoes and toe tape was clever and figured it would be fun to try and enter the contest anyway.  Long story short, we came no where near winning, but had a fabulous time goofing around and taking the photos, and our final picture actually received an impressive amount of “likes” (take that rules and regulations!).

Does anyone else upcycle their Free People bags?  What do you use them for?  I’d love to hear all about it!

newbury stroll

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After dropping off Melissa at the airport to embark on her Roman adventure, the roommie and I decided to stick around Boston for an impromptu stroll around the city.  We ended up walking up and down Newbury street and doing some fantastic bargain hunting.  I fell hopelessly in love with this “brushstroke” clutch at Kate Spade, but alas had to grit my teeth, take a deep breath and walk on by its high price tag.  Instead, I scoured a few basement blowout sales and  came home with a Free People shirt AND dress for $50, and an adorable top from Zara that cost me a mere $20.  Cha-chiiiing!  Here’s a peek at the Zara find:

I’m pretty in love with this shirt  It’s got a very ‘now’ peplum silhouette, and the sheerness of the lace and be turned up or toned down by implementing different undergarments for various occasions.  I’m already picturing it with faded red cropped jeans and boots for day and a tight, black knee-length pencil skirt and pumps for night.  Can’t wait to bust it out!