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what I wore : swans + summer legs

by Kaylah Stroup June 4, 2015
details 
dress – via
jean jacket –thrifted
back patch – Stay Home Club
belt – thrifted
boots – Palladium Boots
pins – Good Vibes Only by Pintrill, Cat by I like Cats, Pineapple by Valley Cruise Press

I’ve got my summer legs going on. Summer legs being when I’m covered in scratches, bruises, mosquito bites, and of course, an uneven tan finishes off the whole look. They don’t look too rough in these photos but they feel it (the lighting was definitely doing me some favors!) After spending the day previous traipsing around in the woods in shorts it actually stung to put on lotion and sunscreen. Women’s bodies, according to the media, are supposed to be flawless. We’re supposed to have long, lean, absolutely smooth barbie legs. Every year for as long as I can remember this is what my legs look like as soon as the weather warms up. I’ve never felt uncomfortable about it, but rather worn all those things as little badges of a summer well spent. My legs, especially my knees, are covered in scars. I can’t recall what they’re all from but I’m willing to bet they’re all from something fun. I like my summer legs, a lot.

Speaking of leg stuff, I am all about this boot and dress combo. Over the fall and winter I slowly but surely amassed a pretty awesome collection of Palladium Boots except I wasn’t sure how they’d translate into my summer wardrobe. Although I’ve managed to pull it off with a few outfits in the past (see here + here) I was still nervous they’d have to be put away until jean weather came back around. Nope, I’m way into not only how dresses and boots look but how I feel in them. It’s a fun combo. Something about a good pair of boots just makes me feel invincible.

So basically the gist of this whole post is I feel real good. I also might have been trying to talk myself into getting a new pair of boots from Palladium Boot’s macaron collection. Just look at those colors!! So darn pretty.
xoxo

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where I work…

by Kaylah Stroup June 3, 2015

I’ve been living in my “new” apartment for around four months now. It took a while but I’m finally at a point with my office where I’m super happy with how it’s shaping up. My apartment has two bedrooms. I took the larger of the two for my office. Partly because why would I need to sleep in such a large room? But mostly because the evening light is perfect in here. I’m definitely most productive in the morning but the lighting in here as the sun starts to go down is so relaxing and a boost to my energy level.  Bonus points for the fact that my plants are absolutely thriving in this room.

The newest addition to this room, and what finally made it feel finished to me was adding a second desk. After I started sewing again I realized having a second desk was a necessity. I didn’t feel comfortable sewing on the glass top of my computer desk and it was annoying to have to always be scooting my computer and papers out of the way. The right side of the room was a bit heavy anyway so adding the second desk to sew at not only gave me more room to work but balanced out the room.

Just like every other room in my apartment, other than my living room, I still wouldn’t consider it 100% finished. I’m sure there will be lots of little changes here and there for as long as I live here but for right now, I love it! It’s fun to have so much space dedicated to work. As much as I loved the office in my last apartment, working in a corner of the living room wasn’t exactly ideal. This is my favorite office space to date!
xoxo

Sources : 
▴ sewing desk + computer desk
▴ paranoid pennant
▴
▴ tooth pencil holder
▴ ice cream cone lamp
Lockers were the best craigslist score ever, and nearly everything else was picked up second hand.

A few related posts : 
▴ My collection of curiosities
▴ The story of my lockers
▴ Vanity Tour
And of course, if you’re curious what I do – see here. 

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abandoned greenhouse – revisited

by Kaylah Stroup June 2, 2015

Back in January I shared photos of an abandoned greenhouse that Jeff, Brandon, and I visited. (See here) Although I loved the photos I got on that visit I was really excited to go back in the spring and see it all grown up. Last week I had that opportunity.

As we approached the greenhouse the three of us each let out an audible noise of excitement about how insanely green the place was. We even questioned how plausible it actually was to photograph since it looked so overgrown. Would we even be able to move around with all the vines, trees and greenery? Funnily enough once inside I was a bit underwhelmed with the growth. It wasn’t until I got home and looked at the photos from the last visit that I realized how much more green the place was. Inside, surrounded by all these plants, it’s less like a greenhouse and more like a jungle. Save for the broken glass and pieces of metal peeking through in certain places it’s easy to forget what this used to be.

We read a few different accounts from people that had also visited. They said to watch out for foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife. So I entered with my fingers crossed, I wanted to see animals in here so bad. The pictures would have just been amazing. Alas, I didn’t see anything more than a quick orange cat who wouldn’t let me within 25 feet of him.

I’m hoping to get back here in the fall too, of course! It’s so much fun to be able to compare photos and see how it changes. Plus this place covered in shades of red, orange, and yellow has to just be magical.
xoxo

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Friday Favorites #314

by Kaylah Stroup May 29, 2015
Very much into this patch, for obvious reasons.
 (via: WishboneMM)
 This puppy is way out of my bra budget but my goodness, it’s gorgeous!!!!
(via: Anthropologie)
Okay!!!
 (via: Awkward Ladies Club)
Always a sucker for a good looking backpack. Would you just look at this thing?!
 (via: BagDoRi)
My view on a lot of things. Maybe this shirt would stop people from asking about my hair in public…?
 (via: alphonnsine)
This would be perfect in my apartment! I will always love old pull down charts. 
 (via: From Belgium with Age)
My beautiful city, on a necklace!
 (via: Crave Jewelry)
These lip glosses look so lovely. Love the shade of that first one.
(via: Batty’s Bath)
Oh, opal! You are so beautiful!
 (via: Rho & Jo)
It’s quilts like this one that make me want to just spend hours in front of my sewing machine.
 (via: Mast General Quilts)
Why yes, I would like to add this globe to my collection!
 (via: Two Moons and Hannais)

Link Love…
▴ The design lab Bandaru Organics has is pretty awesome. You can vote on different styles of plugs you’d like to see in production. Those shark ones are way too cool.
▴ Because a giant cat face pillow is just what everyone wants, right?
▴ Super Mario Question Block coasters!
▴ Danielle from Condensed Star Stuff  is giving a free print away with each order while supplies last!
▴ I wish these cactus pajamas came in adult sizes.
▴ But speaking of cactus, I am very much into ! Perfect for a trip to the desert, eh?!

Happy Friday!
xoxo

Ps. Don’t forget to browse my Everyday Favorites if you want to see more fun finds!

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Rockefeller Park Greenhouse

by Kaylah Stroup May 26, 2015

While Elycia, Ivan, and Milo were out I wanted to show them all my favorite things about Cleveland. Nearly all of those things involve bikes, or food. Bikes were out of the questions with Milo and by Wednesday we didn’t want to eat anymore so I was kind of stumped about what to do. Jeff suggested the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse. I had heard of it, of course, but had never been there. I was under the impression it was super small, and not exactly worth a visit.

I was 100% completely wrong. This place is AMAZING. It was built in 1905, used originally to grow plants for the city. This place is stunning inside and out. There are multiple rooms with different themes, and tons and tons of plants. Parking and admission are free. You basically have no excuse to not love this place.

We spent a ton of time in there, way longer than any of us thought we would. Like I said, I always assumed it was really small. I remember reading a review of the greenhouse that said something about how it was a waste of time and that just kind of stuck with me. While the greenhouse isn’t massive by any means, you can easily spend a few hours admiring everything, especially if you have a camera with you!

I was most enthralled with the desert room, well duh. I went through there at least five times. My favorite plant in the whole place was a century plant, seen above. I didn’t really know much about them but due to the size and name assumed it must be super old. I did some research when I got home and read that century plants actually only live to be 10-30 years old. They’re native to Arizona so I’ve got my fingers crossed to see some of those babies on our road trip next month! I would LOVE to see one in the wild.

This is easily one of my new favorite spots in Cleveland. An absolute must if you’re in the area. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon. It’s free and possibly best of all, we only saw a total of five other people during our whole visit. That’s my kind of place!
xoxo

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Friday Favorites #313

by Kaylah Stroup May 22, 2015
Absolutely, positively need this shirt.
 (via: blackbird tees)
You guys, Treehotel in Sweden literally has some of the coolest places to stay ever. I would happily stay in any one of their seven rooms but the UFO has my heart. That’s some bucket list material right there.
 (via: Treehotel)
 Easily one of the cutest ever.
(via: )
Hah! How cute is this chameleon necklace?!
 (via: designosaur)
I LOVE this tiny skull ring.
 (via: Datter Industries)
If I can’t live in a beautiful home this style, at least my animals can, right?
 (via: HabiFab)
These prints by Nan Lawson are adorable. She has a handful available from different movies but I picked the two of my favorite movies.
 (via: Nan Lawson)
? Yes, please!
 (via: )
Does anyone out there have a rainbow maker? Are they as awesome as they sound because I could use more rainbows in this place!
 (via: Urban Outfitters)
Plant these to help save the bees!
(via: Hannah Rosengren Illustration)
In the past year or so I’ve begun collecting signs, these two would be an awesome addition!
(via: Sideway Signs)

Link Love…
▴ Another Beetlejuice inspired print!
▴ These plugs from Bandaru Organics are so pretty. Love the colors!
▴ The more I think about it the more I want a swing in my apartment.
▴ Eye love this phone case!
▴ If you ever wanted a dress covered in poop emojis – here it is!

Happy Friday!
xoxo

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road trip dreaming

by Kaylah Stroup May 21, 2015
Now that I’ve told you I’m going on another road trip I can subject you to hearing about it all the time just like everyone who has seen me in person this last week or so. It’s essentially all I think about and nearly every other conversation I have is related to it. I just can’t believe it’s actually happening again. *knock on wood* I am SO excited. It’s a little bit too soon to start packing but you best believe I’m already planning what I’ll be packing.

// //

I’m obviously trying to save every penny I can for the trip. Every thing counts, especially when you’re in In-N-Out territory and are a bit of a burger maniac. Y’all, I cannot wait to eat In-N-Out again!! But the day after I booked my plane ticket I stocked up on film and then went straight to TJ Maxx. I wanted to buy something special to wear on the trip. I tried on a handful of things but wasn’t particularly crazy about anything so I left empty handed.

// // //

Then this morning as I was catching up on the internet after a little three day break (My favorite Canadians came for a visit! More on this soon. I have, uh, 40 billion photos to edit) I saw was having and I immediately set to work browsing for thing I’d love to wear and take on my upcoming trip! There is seriously so much cute stuff marked down right now.

a // // c

I’m most interested in finding cozy shirts for the trip. I recently picked up these shorts, which aren’t currently on sale but are worth every penny, and now I just need some tops to go with them. Even though my wardrobe has changed from all dresses to a good mix of jeans and dresses I don’t really seem to have very many shirts.

a // b //

The last trip I didn’t take a single dress just because I knew I probably wouldn’t want to wear a dress when I hadn’t showered in a few days. The two above though look so cozy and relaxed I think they might be perfect for long days spent in the car. I’m especially fond of . I should probably grab it before it sells out in my size!

One of my road trip goals is to actually get photos of myself this trip, proof I was actually there, ya know? Jeff mentioned another couples outfit post in the desert with cactus, and I am 100 kinds of into that idea, I just need to make sure I pack something that will make me feel super cute no matter how sunburnt, and sweaty I am! 
xoxo

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It’s the little things…

by Kaylah Stroup May 18, 2015

So, how precious is that salamander? It’s a Northern slimy salamander, Plethodon glutinosus, and yes, he was very slimy. When I got to my parents my dad was removing the wood that didn’t get burned over the winter from the porch. He called me over to see what I assumed would be a big spider (because if you’ve never had a massive woodpile right outside your door – they’re spider city, man!)  but it was this little guy! My goodness, that little face is so adorable. There are some animals that I just can’t wrap my head around the fact they’re actually real because they’re just so neat, and this is definitely one of them. I took so many photos of him but when it’s something like that it just never feels like I took enough.
xoxo

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what I wore : owl keep you

by Kaylah Stroup May 13, 2015

details
dress – (three years ago)
cardigan – via
lapel pin –
belt – thrifted
camera bag – via
shoes – thrifted

I started cleaning out my closet this week in preparation for a shop my closet sale. (more details on this soon!) This was one of the dresses I grabbed for the sale pile simply because I rarely wear it. It’s been in my closet for a few years but has maybe only been worn five times. Before I started photographing everything I tried on this dress and basically just said “Haha! …No!” I might not be as crazy about the pattern as I was when I first got it but it just fits so darn well. It never needs ironed, and for some magic reason, pet hair doesn’t stick to it. Those are two major bonuses! Yeah, so I’ll be keeping this one for a while longer.

While I was sorting things for the closet sale I kept finding myself thinking “well, maybe if my body looked more like this the dress would look better”, “it’s my size, why doesn’t it look right?” or things along those lines. It was discouraging. I was dwelling on it for the rest of the day then it hit me, there is nothing wrong with me. Why should I feel bad that a certain dress isn’t flattering on me? I’m definitely an advocate of wearing whatever the heck you want regardless of what’s popular but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to wear what I feel flatters my shape the best. I think it took until then to realize that just because something is the correct size doesn’t mean it’s going to look awesome, and that’s okay. Maybe that’s all ramble-y, or doesn’t properly illustrate what I’m trying to say but this is a reminder that your body is perfect just the way it is, don’t you ever doubt that especially because of a piece of clothing!

My favorite spot to take outfit photos is out of commission at the moment. Like I mentioned in a previous post, it’s a giant abandoned building and for the past few weeks a construction crew has been working there. I suppose they’re trying to spruce it up so it will sell. Hope the kitties who live there will still have a place to stay! While they’re working on it I have to find a new dependable spot to shoot. I spotted this wall along the side of the road and figured it’d make a nice background. I didn’t count on the crazy amount of traffic though. Mostly people just slowed down to stare but I had a few folks who honked which scared the heck out of me. I’m just relieved no one stopped to ask what I was doing. I’d have probably done this… which totally reminds me of this gif of Homer Simpson.

very sneaky, right?

Hope you have an awesome Wednesday!
xoxo

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About Me

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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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
  • shop