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"what i wore"

what I wore – on the beach

by Kaylah Stroup April 23, 2019
The Dainty Squid
lake erie beach glass
the dainty squid, beachcombing
lake erie beach glass
Joules rain boots
Perkins Beach, Cleveland, OH
lake erie beach glass
count blessings, not calories

outfit details – sunglasses, jacket, sweatshirt, jeans, rain boots & camera bag.

Just a couple of photos from the beach late last month. Right now, more than ever, I’m especially thankful to live so close to the lake. I know I’ve said it before but it’s my favorite place to just relax and unwind. I love plopping down in the sand and searching for treasures. Nothing but me and the crash of waves. It soothes my soul like nothing else.

Lake Erie, I love you!

A few related posts – camera bag review, my favorite spots to beachcomb in Cleveland & tips for finding beach glass.

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what I wore – coffee date

by Kaylah Stroup March 25, 2019
Kaylah Stroup

Long time, no see, eh?

I have really missed taking outfit photos! Now that the weather is starting to get a bit more agreeable here in Ohio, it feels like a good time to get back into the groove of it.

Jeff shot these for me early Saturday morning before our weekly coffee date. We’ve been talking a lot about moving lately. Where is kind of up in the air. (I mean, definitely still the same general area since he has a great job here.) We both want a yard, Klaus deserves one, and a bit more space. We very quickly became painfully aware of how much further our dollar would stretch outside the city though. There’s a possibility we just stay in our same apartment for a few more years – try hard to save and take more time to consider what we really need in a home. At the same time, we could also buy a house in the country sometime in this year or next. It feels like change is coming. Luckily, we’re both very much on the same page about it all. It consumes so much of our conversations. It’s exciting, scary, and I think we’d both kind of want to fast-forward to a decision – city or country, buy or rent.

All that to say, I’m making sure to treasure every second in the city these days, especially our coffee dates. I didn’t grow up in walking distance of anything so I’m still quite chuffed to live so close to so many things. Our apartment is just around the block from what has become our favorite weekend morning hangout spot. I love waking up and walking to get coffee with my husband. (All parts of that sentence seem unthinkable to teenage Kaylah.) It’s my favorite thing right now. The weekends that we don’t make it happen feel like something is missing, like we didn’t quite celebrate the weekend correctly.

outfit details – beret, sunglasses, coat, dress, tights, shoes (c/o Modcloth)

xoxo

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what I wore – overalls, always

by Kaylah Stroup December 5, 2018

what I wore the dainty squid kaylah stroup

details
hat – Moorea Seal – no longer available (similar)
glasses – Louise wide via Warby Parker
sweater – striped sweater via Joules (beyond cozy!!!)
overalls – black overalls via Amazon
socks – Happy Socks – no longer available (similar)
shoes – Reebok Cotton & Corn c/o Zappos

Teenage Kaylah definitely would have scoffed at my short pants. Admittedly, they’re a little short, at least for this time of the year, but I LOVE these overalls. These are my seventh or eighth pair so I guess you could say I’m a bit of an overall aficionado. I’ve learned things I really like and dislike in a pair of overalls and these have all the things I like and none of my dislikes. In case you’re curious, my number one dislike in a pair of overalls is when the straps in the back go all the way down to the waist instead of connecting to a larger piece midback. The straps fall down constantly! I probably won’t get too much more wear from these outside of the house until the warmer weather makes a return though. I’m looking forward to wearing these, cuffed a bit shorter, all spring and summer long paired with my favorite sandals. It’s a perfect look. I was already trying on summer outfit ideas in the mirror because I am soooo ready.

The sizing options on these overalls nearly scared me away since they come in small, medium, large or extra large and for a pair of pants, I feel like that’s super vague. I suppose I buy pjs in sizes like that but I’m a heck of a lot more picky about how jeans fit than jammies. Since Amazon has super easy & free returns I just went for it. I really wanted a second pair of black overalls, okay? I chose large. I’m very happy with how they fit. If I were going for a tighter fit, I definitely could have pulled off a medium but I actually was looking for a pair with a more relaxed fit. They’re roomy throughout the legs without looking oversized. The waist even has enough room to fit a bulky sweater without looking stuffed. I’m around five foot seven inches with a long torso and these fit perfectly lengthwise in my torso. Always an issue with overalls!!! The only real questionable thing is the length, which I already mentioned makes them a bit more suited for warm weather. Based on review photos though, if you’re shorter they’ll most likely be perfect on ya!

Not so fun little tidbit about these photos, I re-twisted my ankle while taking them hence why there are so many of me sitting (which actually became my favorite shots!) I briefly mentioned it previously but I sprained my ankle back in the middle of October. It swelled up to the size of softball almost immediately and gave me the gnarliest bruise I’ve ever had. It wasn’t getting better quick enough for me so I ended up going to urgent care where I got X-rays and was told it was just a sprain, no big deal. What I didn’t realize about sprained ankles is that they apparently take five hundred years to heal and my ankle would be as fragile as glass even when it felt okay.

The day I went out to take these photos I was being careful. I knew I had to watch my step. Shortly after getting to the beach though, I put my foot down wrong when stepping off of a piece of driftwood and in slow motion, I felt it roll. Gosh, it was such an awful feeling, even worse than the original injury. I stayed long enough to get the rest of my photos and immediately went home where I spent the rest of my day on the couch with an ice pack.

It’s been a real rollercoaster healing this dang thing. Some days I definitely feel like I’m on the mend and then two days later it’ll be causing me lots of pain. Fingers crossed it starts to make progress quickly. I really want to get at least one last bike ride in before the end of the year.

the dainty squid

xoxo

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what I wore : beachcombing

by Kaylah Stroup November 26, 2018

the dainty squid - what I wore beachcombingpink camera bag lake erie beach glass

It’s been a busy few days with Thanksgiving last week. Jeff had off Thursday, Friday, and of course, the weekend so we essentially had a four day weekend. Lots of food, and time spent with family and friends. It was lovely. I also managed to convince him to go to the beach with me twice(!!) – which makes it sound like he doesn’t have any fun but I think he might even enjoy looking for treasure more than I do. When I asked him to take a few photos of me he kept getting distracted by fresh finds the lake was washing in. At least I can pull myself away for a few seconds…

Beachcombing is one of my absolute favorite hobbies. I’m so happy my husband seems to be really getting into it as well. It’s a blast to share that with someone, especially someone who is just as hyped about the cool things I find as I am. It definitely takes a special kind of person to agree that finding a tiny shard of pottery with only the teensiest bit of color on it is cool.

After we throughly comb the sand, our routine has been to come home and spread out our finds on the kitchen table. It’s the best. I treasure our treasure hunting time together. I’m quite sad that we’ve fallen into this little pattern just as the weather is starting to change though. While you can definitely hunt for beach treasures all year long – I’ve certainly found great glass in the dead of winter – it’s a heck of a lot less enjoyable in the cold. Hopefully the coming year will hold lots of nice weather, treasure hunts… maybe even a metal detector and youtube channel? Who knows!

This post contains affiliate links. Check out our disclosure policy for more details.

details
coat – Once Upon a Thyme Hooded Coat c/o Modcloth
sweater –Dazzle on Demand Sweater c/o Modcloth
jeans – Karaoke Seamstress Jeans c/o Modcloth
camera bag – pink backpack via Amazon
boots – no longer available but here’s a light silver glitter pair!

PS. Modcloth is having a huge Cyber Monday sale! 40% off EVERYTHING. Includes already marked down items too!

beach glass

A few recent favorite finds. The green piece above is probably my all time best find. It’s such an incredible piece of beach glass. Perfectly worn down, big, and that color!?! Gah! So good. And below, my very first piece of jewelry found on the beach. Nothing special but there is definitely a thrill to sifting through the pebbles and seeing a ring hiding out.

lake erie beach glass

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what I wore : bluuuue velvet

by Kaylah Stroup September 24, 2018
This post contains affiliate links. Check out our disclosure policy for more details.

kaylah stroup - what I wore what I wore - the dainty squid Compania Fantastica dog shirt the dainty squid

details
hair dye – 1/4 tub of Punky Alpine Green mixed with a full tub of Punky Turquoise
(plus a glob of EVA NYC Therapy Session Hair)
glasses – Louise via Warby Parker
shirt – 3/4 sleeve top in dogs c/o Modcloth
jumper – velvet jumper c/o Modcloth
shoes – velvet flats c/o Modcloth

It’s been a while since my last outfit post which means it’s totally cool if I proclaim this is my faaaavorite, right?! Yeah? Because it is! In the last few years, I’ve definitely found lots of pieces I love and wear over and over again but I don’t recall the last time I loved a whole outfit so fiercely. It’s like each piece was made to go with the others.

The jumper is… well, perfect. It’s long enough to not show butt (which is definitely an issue I have with every other jumper I’ve ever found and tried on) It also just fits really well throughout. The straps don’t fall down. Seriously – it’s perfect. I love it with this dog top but I’m also excited to pair it with a black and white striped top, of course.

The top isn’t as perfect but to be honest, I could tell that from the product photos. That print though, it was irresistible to me. I love animal prints. My issue with the fit is that it’s short and wide. I have a long torso so with regular jeans it just looks plain silly. Luckily, the top works well with overalls, this jumper, and all my skirts. So, I guess, as long as you’re going to tuck it in, you’re golden. Prepare yourself for the compliments! (“I was gonna compliment your hair but then I noticed your shirt! Oh my gosh!” – Starbucks barista)

In this outfit I feel fierce, adorable, like a real-life cartoon character, and 100% ready for fall! Bring on the pumpkin patches (…and the weather that stays cool for more than a day at a time!)
xoxo

velvet shoes

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what I wore – a different kind of polka dots

by Kaylah Stroup June 5, 2018

what I wore, the dainty squid, ohio blog, target style pin game, flair, dainty squid, daisy natives kaylah doolan, cleveland blog, fashion blog, ohio

details
hat – thrifted
earrings – Target (similar pair)
cardigan – Charter School Cardigan via Modcloth
pins – girls support girls via Daisy Natives, look on the bright side via Rifle Paper Co
dress – Dalmatian Dress via Target
shoes – ballerina flats via Amazon (under $20 + they match everything!!)

I’ve always loved Target but y’all, they have been KILLING it lately. So many good earrings! I want all the housewares! And the clothes! Goodness gracious, the clothes! I don’t know when it started but basically every time I’ve been in there lately I find an item of clothing I really like. Most recently – this dress from the clearance section! I hadn’t seen in before and I apparently found the only one on clearance. (Most likely a return since it was marked ‘as-is’ and I still can’t find anything visibly wrong with it?) It’s not even my normal size but I tried it on anyway because the pattern was just too good to pass up. As luck would have it, the dress runs large and a small fits perfectly. Basically, it was there just waiting for me. You already know I have it in my suitcase for the wedding trip!

Hope you’re having an awesome week (+ that you find some hidden gems in the clearance section!)
xoxo

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what I wore: rainbows

by Kaylah Stroup May 23, 2018

details

glasses – Skunkboy in Panda Pearl via BonLook
earrings – Sass, Queen Hoops c/o Modcloth
cardigan – Charter School Cardigan via Modcloth
dress – It’s an Inspired Taste Dress c/o Modcloth
shoes – Color Me Casual Sandal c/o Modcloth

Earlier this month I got a message on Instagram from Modcloth (!!!) asking if I’d like to join #ModclothSquad. The purpose of the ModCloth Squad is to show a diverse range of personal style and creativity in outfitting while promoting the cultural values of inclusivity, female empowerment, and body positivity. Obviously my answer was a big fat yes! The hashtag, #ModclothSquad, is filled with tons of rad babes in rockin’ clothes. It’s one of the very few hashtags I actually follow. I’m super jazzed to be apart of such an awesome partnership!

This was also an excellent push to get back into the swing of outfit photos. I don’t know why it’s so easy to fall out of the habit. (Yes, I do. Winter is hard. Looking cute in the winter is still something I have yet to master!) I enjoy taking these photos so much. Even more than that I love looking back on them. When I look through my blog it bums me out so much that there are huge gaps in outfit photo posts. I truly enjoy them.

Anyway – This dress! I love the way it fits and feels. It’s structured but still very comfortable. Plus (and probably most importantly) it has pockets! I loved it from the second I put it on. I liked it even more after Jeff’s reaction to it. He said “Ohh! That’s going on our wedding trip, right?” Now it definitely will be!

Obviously, I chose the shoes knowing they’d look real rad in one of my found on the beach photos. The morning after I got them I made a point to go to the beach right after I woke up. I LOVE how it turned out. That probably won’t be the last time you see me doing it either! I mean, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – right?

Hope you’re having an excellent week! (Here’s a photo of Professor that should help if you’re not! You’re welcome.)
xoxo

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what I wore: bridal shower ready!

by Kaylah Stroup February 27, 2018

heart knee tights

I haven’t been that great at blogging about wedding related stuff. It’s nearly completely consuming my life but at the same time, it’s almost like there isn’t a whole lot to share, at least not that I’m willing to share just yet! What can I say? I like to keep secrets! The biggest thing I want to talk about is my dress but I’m absolutely not spilling the beans until the big day! No one other than my mom has seen it, and she hasn’t even seen it on me. I will absolutely share with you some photos of what I’ll be wearing to my bridal shower brunch though!

I teamed up with David’s Bridal to showcase one of their little white dresses. I wasn’t aware they had so many cute casual options! I also recently discovered the joy of bell sleeves so this little number couldn’t be more perfect. I had planned to pair the dress with some bright color tights but apparently I got rid of all mine at some point. As luck would have it, I did discover these heart knee tights in the bottom of my drawer. No idea where they came from but they’re definitely super appropriate.

Ya girl is ready for brunch and to get married!!!

details
lace dress with bell sleeves c/o David’s Bridal
flower headband c/o David’s Bridal
fringe booties by Alpine Swiss

This post is sponsored by David’s Bridal. Thanks for supporting the companies that help support The Dainty Squid!
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what I wore : covered in bugs

by Kaylah Stroup February 19, 2018

beetle blouse! overalls + a button up shirt beetle blouse

details
hat – Target
glasses – Louise via Warby Parker
shirt – Bug Me button down by Catalog Classics (no idea why that listing only takes you to one specific size but here’s a link that shows all available sizes)
lapel pin – Caitlin Stout (no longer available)
overalls – TJ Maxx (I also recommend checking out Charlotte Russe if you’re looking for overalls!)
boots – fringe booties by Alpine Swiss

You guys, I found a beetle shirt!!! Last summer I found that beetle dress which was AWESOME but also a bit obnoxious. Obviously that doesn’t stop me from wearing it, and I definitely have a penchant for loud clothing. I also really enjoy wearing things that look moderately normal from a distance but up close reveal something super fun. This shirt falls into that category. Unless you’re really looking at what I’m wearing you might miss the fact that I’m covered in tiny colorful bugs!

I’m always hesitant to purchase button up shirts online since they almost never fit correctly. Hello, gaping buttons. Thank you, boobs. Buuuut when it comes to unique patterns I have a hard time resisting. Happy to report this button up fits like a dream. No gaping, it’s long and isn’t too tight in the shoulders! I’m wearing a size medium, FYI. It’s also super breezy and lightweight. It’ll be a great transitional piece when Spring finally decides to show its face here in Ohio. I’m, clearly, super stoked on this purchase!

Happy Monday!
xoxo

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About Me

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I'm Kaylah! Renovating a 150-year-old home in Northeast Ohio. Likely found in my garden.

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new rug, fresh floor, polished furniture! gah! it’s just so pretty. 🥲🖤

#stroupmansion
one of my favorite things to do is pull my chair o one of my favorite things to do is pull my chair over directly in front of the fireplace in my office, snuggle up under a blanket and read. Without fail, every single time, within ten minutes Professor joins me! It’s one of those things where I always think “I wish I could get a picture of this!” 

Well guess who finally remembered to set up the tripod before getting cozy! 🖤
my favorite four books I’ve read so far this yea my favorite four books I’ve read so far this year! ✨ have you read any of these? any great reads in 2023 yet?! 📚🖤

(As always, I’ve got them in my stories if you want a screenshot. If you see this after the first 24hrs, they’re in my saved stories under ‘books!’ along with a bunch of others. 🖤)
Combining my old interests (cemeteries!) with my n Combining my old interests (cemeteries!) with my new interests (this old house!) 👻🏚️ Can’t tell you how excited I was to find that the original owner of our home is buried a short drive away. Had to go say hey and let him know about the heavily tattooed, green haired gal working on the house now. 😜
🐢!!! Okay, now to make stands for everything el 🐢!!! Okay, now to make stands for everything else that isn’t easy to display because this turned out so cute!!
the spare room throughout the years! ✨✨✨ 1. the spare room throughout the years! ✨✨✨
1. Today. 🖤
2. 2022 - Refinished the floor, handmade custom trim, fresh walls I spent 99 years mudding and sanding to smooth out and repair.
3. 2021. Peace out carpet squares. See you NEVER!
4. 2020. The room on the day we moved in. 
5. The room in 2013 while the house was abandoned.
just a nice little photodump ✨✨✨ cats, the h just a nice little photodump ✨✨✨ cats, the house, rainbows, lake erie 🖤
now vs when we bought ✨ plus some bonus plant ph now vs when we bought ✨ plus some bonus plant photos because yesterday was plant maintenance day and everything is looking 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻!
slowly but surely! 🖤✨ slowly but surely! 🖤✨
If you never hear from me again, it’s because I’m embossing all my books! 💁🏼‍♀️📚📚📚✨ For real, I’m obsessed! I’ll share a link in my stories as well as a better shot of what mine looks like.
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THE DAINTY SQUID
  • blog
    • all the posts!
    • stroup mansion
    • some of my favorite posts
    • plants + gardening
    • beauty, fashion + hair
    • reviews
    • window shopping
    • explore everywhere
  • about me
  • contact