Opposites Attracting…
On the evening of November 8th, I joined dapperly dressed guests heeding the dress code prompt “cocktail attire with running shoes,” at the “9th Annual Bash Benefit Dinner” for Back On My Feet Baltimore at the Marriot Inner Harbor at Camden Yards. Back on My Feet is a wonderful organization that is literally helping homeless men and women get back on their feet by committing to running 3 days a week – hence the interesting dress code! I have to say I was very excited to see how guests would pair elegance with sporty looking sneakers but was delightfully surprised at the results!
Josh T. – one of the volunteers- paired his Brooks running shoes…
…with a suit and his Route One Apparel Maryland flag bowtie for a super fun combination. He was not only boasting his Maryland pride, but setting himself up to be one of the best dressed men in the room.
Josh said he usually goes for a young professional preppy style, but that he felt the gala would be the occasion to introduce a fun element like the bow tie.
When leaving the event after a lovely night, I ran into Ivona Skirtun, looking absolutely stunning in her tailored Rue La La dress paired with her colorful ASICS.
She accessorized her outfit with a beautiful clutch she purchased in one of the shops at Cross Keys.
Ivona said she loved stylish athletic wear and accessories. (How can you not LOVE these sneaks?) On any given day, you can probably catch her wearing her favorite brand, lululemon.
The other day (a very cold and rainy one) I decided to make a pit-stop inside one of my favorite little thrift stores, Bottle of Bread, located in the historical neighborhood of Mount Vernon on Read St. Inside the store I met Kristin Tata. She immediately caught my eye because of her western look. She preferred to describe her style as “comfortable.” On a rainy and cold day like this one her main concern was finding the thickest and coziest sweater in her closet.
I love how she’s paired rugged pieces, like the sweater, her frayed-hem jeans and her heavy boots yellow and brown outdoor laces…
…with the more delicate and modern feel of her hat, made of felted wool with a simple light pink band, from H&M.
For a vintage-lover like Kristin, working at Bottle of Bread is probably a dream come true. This store has no shortage of awesome and unique pieces.
FOUND – In fact, Bottle of Bread is where this bag caught my eye – a vintage alligator skin purse with an animated gator coming out of the flap of the purse, looking almost as if it might come to life at any moment. It’s certainly an edgy statement piece. And versatile, too. It could be dressed up or down, looking great paired with a casual top and jeans, or with a colorful cocktail dress for a night out on the town. Either way, you’re sure to get some compliments when rocking this reptile.
