In celebration of recent events, my nuclear family is jetting to Scotland for the next week (and London for a few days). It wouldn’t surprise you to learn that before almost every trip, I draw out a packing list that looks something like this. Doing so helps me focus my vacation vision, which inevitably has turned into an homage to my ultimate semi-sportif hip-hop lady-playa who digs the rolling hills – a flat brim hat, some Adidas spandex, an incognito trench, etc.

I’ll be carrying on my dad’s old backpack, a Lands End Canvas fisherman sweater, the St. James tee, some American Apparel and J.Crew tees, my London Fog trench, my Urban Outfitters jean jacket, Cheap Monday and Zara jeans, Adidas running spandex, a Gap henley, a Lands End Canvas polka-dot button up “borrowed” from mom, my men’s department J.Crew shirt, new Converse All Stars, Bass boots, Target socks, the Avs, the Cat Eyes, and SEE glasses, a DC baseball cap from Jonas’s baseball team, mom’s scarves, books, books, books, (screw e-readers), Moleskines.

Let me tell you, Enemy Number One to my bank account is Scoutmob – those crazy cats keep sending me to cute DC shops and MAKING me buy things! It’s not my fault!

The latest conquest happened at It’s Vintage Darling, an gem of a store right down the street from where I used to live. I left with this uh-mazing silk dress, in addition to a girl crush for the store manager, Elise.

Check out the Scoutmob post here and click here to see my last Illustrative Style with Nana.

This blogiversary is an amazing way to track my drawing progress…

Whether you viewed  those when I first published them or you are new to the site, I want to reiterate a) how grateful I am for your visit, b) isn’t it crazy how much you can improve at something if you put your mind to it? and c) this website gave me the gift of purpose, and without that I can’t imagine what my life would be today. I’m thankful that I can share something so meaningful to me with you.

PS: I missed my official blogiversary (April 28th) because I was busy yelling the loudest at my brother’s graduation… But better late than never, right?

I’m home for my bro’s graduation from college this weekend…

I go majorly chill when I’m in The Mitten, so I’m referring to this sketch from last year for some sartorial tips. You know, things with a loose crotch, shoes that you don’t have to tie, etc.

There’s another dress I bought at MANGO while on vacation in Spain a few years ago – it’s got an equally scene-stealing back.