Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh: Heaven

Dress// Bow Pumps// Sunglasses 

Chanel Bag (less pricey here) // Earrings 

Last night, the Renaissance Hotel had a fabulous event called Heaven. They transformed the entire lobby into a 70's disco. There were lots of delicious drinks, food and the dancing was amazing. If you follow me on snapchat (SummerWind41490), then you got a glimpse into what a fun evening it was! The event was sold out so it was full of people and everyone was having such a great time. Not to mention, the place was decked out with the most amazing decor and decorations. The music was disco, obviously, which I don't know much about, but they threw in some motown every once in a while which was great! 

A lot of people were in 70s style outfits, but I wore this great dress I've had for a few months now. I love the super pale blush shade and the way it spins-- perfect for a night of dancing! Have a fabulous day! 

What I'm Loving Lately

I thought I'd share some of the things I am loving lately. These paper products courtesy of Amy Ruth Designs have made my desk a whole lot brighter. 

I'm obsessed with this GiGi New York case. It holds your phone and cards/money but has an case attachment that your phone just sticks inside.. it makes it super easy to remove your phone to take photos, talk on the phone, etc. I recommend this for anyone and everyone. It's so nice to only have to take this out when I run errands! 

OPI Big Apple red is the polish color I wear almost exclusively on both my nails and toes. It's the absolute perfect red in my book! I didn't edit this photo at all, to try and show off the actual color of the polish! I have also been searching high and low for a solid gold signet ring and it's impossible to find. I first looked at local jewelers, and when I had no luck, I went online. My dad has one, but the jeweler he got his from (who hand engraved his monogram!) has since died. He has had his since junior high and wears it daily. I finally found a great option via J. Crew. It's solid 14k gold and has a night weight to it. I wouldn't normally order fine jewelry from J. Crew but this is a great option and well priced! I first ordered it without monogramming to make sure it was a quality piece of jewelry and fit my pinky perfectly and then sent it back to have monogrammed. Hopefully the monogram turns out well! 

Tassel Earrings// Top// White Pants// Tote 

I almost always wear diamond or pearls studs, but have been pulling out these gorgeous turquoise statement earrings. They're different and fun, and also add a fun pop of color to any outfit. I love this color for summer! 

One of my good friends, Amanda and her husband Ronnie are expecting a baby girl come fall! I am so excited for her! She recently had a fun little gender reveal/bbq party at her house. She is such a great cook and always comes up with some unique dishes. This time she added some fresh mint from her garden to the watermelon and it was so good! Something so simple made your average watermelon even better! 

A few Saturdays ago, my work team headed to a Riverhounds soccer game. The Riverhounds are Pittsburgh's soccer team. I had never been to a game before, so it was a lot of fun. The stadium is gorgeous and offers sweeping views of the city skyline! 

Dress// Bow Flats 

I am always at Hotel Monaco for post-work drinks. It's a great place in the city for happy hour and right across the street from my office. I broke this dress (last seen here) out from my closet and remembered how much I love it! 

My first TEDx Experience is in the books! I shot this photo from backstage before the speakers started! It was so much fun to be part of a production team and make such a fun event happen in my city! 

Everyone always talks about #Manhattanhenge which is pretty spectacular! I spotted this downtown the other day as I was driving home. The sun was setting directly down a street in downtown Pittsburgh. It was stunning (and also blinding!!). 

My sister, Callie, and I checked out the newly opened Biergarten at the Hotel Monaco. This is a great new rooftop bar, with some really cool views. This lace peplum was perfect for the occasion! 

I got this tassel necklace  while in Dallas. I could never figure out what to wear it with, but I wore it paired with this white sweater for a nice pop of color. 

Sweater// Dress// Sandals 

This is a mirror selfie I took while staying at the Renaissance Pittsburgh. I got this dress last year from J. Crew. It was one of their collection pieces and I got it on a really good sale! It's so bright and every time I wear it, I get a ton of compliments. Right now, Factory is offering a very similar version. It makes for a really great cocktail party dress, but also good for work! 

What have you been loving lately? Have a fabulous day! 

Grace Kelly

I'm very much into bygone eras. I'm truly convinced I was born in the wrong decade. The 40's, 50's and 60's were most definitely my favorite time periods, but most notably the late 50's and early 60's.  Grace Kelly has to be one of my favorites from the past. She is stunningly beautiful but also so very elegant. The way she dressed and the way she carried herself are truly inspirational. There are two very clear things I notice about Grace. 
The first, is that everything I have ever seen her in, is something I would wear presently. It is all extremely classic and ladylike. There's even a photo of her in a simple button down, denim and brown leather loafers...which is a trio of pieces I wear often.  She is also in a lot of neutrals such as cream, camel, navy, black, etc. It just goes to show that investing in classics and neutrals will not let you down! 
The second, is that you can clearly tell that Grace's clothes are always well tailored. I know I write about this a lot on Summer Wind, but I think a great tailor is highly underrated in today's society. Everything that comes 'off the rack' is made from a template. When you have your clothing tailored to your body, it instantly makes you look put together and chic (in my opinion). Having something tailored to fit you can even make something you thought you didn't like, turn into something that you absolutely love. 
Of course, I don't get everything tailored; It'd be too pricey to do that. I think tailoring key pieces like a little black dress, a gorgeous coat and the perfect pair of denim are all worth it, though. 
So those are my two takeaways from Grace Kelly: wear classics and have them tailored. I'm well on my way to being her, then, right? ;) One can dream. Have a fabulous day! 

Draped Blouse + Skater Skirt

Draped Blouse (just $50!)// Jacquard Skirt

Speedy 30// Sunglasses// Heeled Sandals 

The other day, one of my coworkers and I had to wander around Pittsburgh for a photo shoot project. Besides being really fun and creative, I also explored some places I haven't been. Case in point, these photos are taken on Duquesne University's Campus. I'll have to share some more photos that give you a sense of the beauty in a follow up post! 

I spoke at Duquesne University on a panel in the late fall, but since it was at night, I parked in a parking garage and beelined it to the lecture hall without taking in the atmosphere. 

My coworker had gotten her masters at Duquesne (and my mom went to Duquesne, too!) so it was great to be on campus during the day and have her as a tour guide. I had absolutely no idea how gorgeous the campus is! If you are in Pittsburgh, it's definitely worth checking out. The grounds are lovely and the views are pretty incredible, too. 

Since Duquesne is a Catholic school, they have a massive Crucifix on display. Let's just say, it is the strangest/borderline creepiest Jesus I have ever seen... and I feel bad about saying that because... it's Jesus. But, apparently, the students call it 'scary Jesus'.... you can't make these things up. 

Anyway, now on to the outfit. With the weather warming up and the campus being so close to my office, it's great to have this spot to escape to if I want eat lunch outdoors and avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown! 

The shirt I am wearing in today's post is something I had been looking around for quite some time. I wanted a sleeveless, neutral blouse that could be worn dressed up or down. This really fits the bill and was at a great price point, too. I think it'll look great at work, but it also worked well with this going out combo. I also plan on wearing it with white jeans for a simple and casual all-white look. 

The skirt is gorgeous. I love the fabric and colors. My only gripe is that when I ordered it, I was expecting it to be lined, and it is not. It says that in the description, but I wasn't paying attention. I think it is gorgeous, but a skirt at that price should be lined. Oh well, I've still received many compliments on it! If you are looking to order, it runs true to size. It's on the shorter side, so I would say it is not a work appropriate piece, but is perfect for a young woman going out on the weekend! Have a fabulous day!