Fare Thee Well, WordPress.com… Hello The Fashion Investigator!

Hi All,

I just wanted to drop a quick friendly note to let all of you fantastic followers know that I have shifted sites, and will no longer be actively using “Life On The Run” anymore. No worries though! I now have my brand new, shiny, self-hosted website The Fashion Investigator. If you have been following for very long, then you know that my content has always been fairly research based and that I enjoy sharing information about history, trends, and designers with all of you. I’m a nerd, and I love to learn about this material! The Fashion Investigator is just a more focused, better-branded opportunity to do that, and I have the ability to customize things quite a bit more. If any of you have any questions, concerns, or would like to submit any questions for the site that you might have about fashion or beauty, or you would just like to have chats, then please email me at SK@TheFashionInvestigator.com. Additionally, for all of my Instagram followers, you all have probably already noticed this shift, as my Instagram handle has shifted to Fashion_Investigator and my Twitter followers also, my handle is FashionInvstgtr. Everyone will still receive updates from my new site, everything is automatically transferred. Guys, thank you SO much for all of your support on this blogging path, and I am excited to receive feedback from all of you and to share a love for fashion! Here is a sneak peek of my upcoming post on The Fashion Investigator for tomorrow… Serious love and affection to all of you! -Shian

Spanish Inspired Streets

I spent a few days in St. Augustine, Florida with my four best friends last week and had a truly wonderful time enjoying their company and my first real vacation since I began working over a year ago. St. Augustine has two key factors that make me love the city. First, it’s a gorgeous beach town and second, which I appreciate perhaps even more, it’s the oldest city in America. Channeling the beachy, vintage feel of the city I kept it simple and polished with loose curls and braids surrounded by colorful Spanish scenery.

Fun history fact about St. Augustine- MLK Jr. spent a significant portion of time successfully rallying for civil rights in the area, including dealing with the aftermath of a horrible incident where a hotel owner poured acid into a swimming pool in opposition to protesting. (I wrote a paper on this in college, growing up near the city I never knew any of this and found it fascinating!)

| Top- Charlotte Russe | Skirt- J. Crew | Necklace- Century 21 | Lipstick- Sephora Cream Lip Stain |

Hamptons Summertime

Last weekend a group of friends and I spent an amazing weekend up by the Hamptons in Greenport Harbor. We stayed in a phenomenal house and had loads of fun on the trip, hitchiking to the beach (hitchboating, I suppose would be more accurate terminology?), eating at ridiculously delicious restaurants and just generally enjoying ourselves around the town and house. The weather was cool, and the area has a very laid back atmosphere, so outfits tended to be keyed towards this look. Jeans and big, fun floppy hats with a smear of red lipstick to provide a bit of glamour were my go-to.

1- |Dress- Forever 21 (Very Old) | Lipstick- Sephora “Always Red” | Sunglasses- Ray-Ban |Bag- Kate Spade (similar) |
2- | Jeans- J Brand | Top- Anthropologie |
3- | Jeans- Flying Monkey (Similar)|

 

 

Little Black Dress, Lotta Starbucks

 

When I put this outfit together, I had zero intentions of writing a post about it. My goal was to go to Georgetown, pick up some new foundation and lipstick and perhaps peruse some of my favorite stores (shoutout Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Barneys New York, Madewell) for birthday present options, surely to be a purse or watch. Sidenote- my birthday is next week and I am pretty stoked. I love birthdays, and I am going home to Florida for a week to spend time with my friends and parents, go to the beach, hit up my favorite coffee shop (shoutout Karma Cream– seriously if you’re ever in Gainesville, FL go there!) and watch the Gators have a hopefully-improved season opening game of football.

Moving on- Brett and I decided to go on an adventure to our favorite spot in DC, a hidden little place right near Georgetown to relax in nature and read books (we are cool, no shame in my nerd game). As evidenced by literally every photo, I also enjoyed a half-priced Iced Blackberry Mojito Tea Lemonade from Starbucks. Until the end of this very-nearly-ending summer you can get your own half priced beverage too, post 2 pm. Whilst on this adventure, I found lots of fun places to take photos, and the above are some fun ones.

| Dress- Incredibly Old (Similar) | Shoes- Article& Article& Article& (on sale!) | Bag- Kate Spade (similar)  | Nails- Nails Inc. Soho Place Gel Effect |

Electronic Mural- PS I’m Back!

 

Hello all, I sincerely apologize for the delay in posts! As I let everyone know on my Instagram- SK_OnTheRun, I have spent the last few months prepping for and taking the LSAT (It went well!). I was also preparing for trial at work and that wicked combination did not allow for copious amounts of free time to gather quality photos or conduct any sort of historical research. So, I decided to take a break and return whenever I had the opportunity to actually devote the time and energy into Life On The Run that I wanted to dedicate for top notch posts.

While on my brief sabbatical, I did manage to compile a small amount of neat information to share with all of you so look forward to a very fun post on the Downton Abbey costume exhibit coming soon in addition to the ever-enjoyable general outfit posts to come as well. Thank you again for bearing with me and I look forward to sharing and interacting with all of you again!

PS- This photo was taken in a really neat area on the way to Chinatown in DC. The pavilion has a constantly shifting electronic mural with really neat colors and pixellations, so that is how this image came about.

| Shoes– http://www.articleand.com/dolce-vita-nanette.html | Top– TJ Maxx | Bag– http://www.toryburch.com/thea-triple-zip-compartment-satchel/22149655.html?start=15&cgid=handbags-thea-collection&dwvar_22149655_color=001  (Similar) | Necklace– Francescas | Skirt– Nordstrom Rack |

Bohemian Spring

Now that the weather is so nice, I’m making an effort to spend every moment outside. Spending time near the Capitol was a great way to do that, and in between lots of LSAT studying we managed to take photos in some really beautiful locations!
Top-Nordstrom Rack | Shorts-Thrifted | Necklaces -Swarovski (heart) Tiffany & Co. (Green circle) | Shoes– Platos | Belt– Francesca’s Collection | Bracelet– Thrifted, Century 21 | Bag– Madewell

Cherry Blossom Festival

This weekend, one of my good friends and fellow sorority sister alumni came into DC for the first time just to see the cherry blossoms we have to offer. We went down to the Tidal Basin, where they are in full bloom, and they were absolutely gorgeous. I actually had no plans to go there, but I’m so glad she came down because I would have missed one of the most lovely things my new home has to offer. (There were, however, tons of tourists, which was insane and rather overwhelming!) For this look I chose something summery and cheery to celebrate the warmest day of the year thus far, and I was so happy to be in shorts! Originally, I started the day in a pair of sandals I had just purchased (Joe’s) and on my way there the shoes broke. Thus, I popped into H&M and got these cute, extremely cheap tennis shoes. Brief fun history lesson- Did you know the Japanese gifted the DC cherry blossom trees to the United States in 1912? As a history nut, it was very interesting to hear about how this occurred. In recognition of our friendly ties to Japan, the country gifted America with several thousand trees, the first two being planted in the exact same spot I stood by our very own first lady Helen Taft, and the wife of the ambassador involved in the transfer. (http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/history/)

Top– Cotton On | Shorts– Nordstrom Rack | Shoes– H&M | Necklace– Bealls Outlet | Watch- Michael Kors | Shoes– H&M | Bag- Top Shop | Sunglasses– RayBan

We Can’t Stop- Bangerz Tour DC

Thursday night I had the opportunity to attend the Miley Cyrus concert at the Verizon Center in Chinatown. It was completely impromptu. I was actually planning to go to LSAT class, then my friend Alex invited me to go with her and I couldn’t refuse. (I can make the class up, don’t worry scholarly friends ;))

Let me preface this by saying I love Miley. The girl is crazy, but even during her show it was evident that she is completely down to Earth and a real human not a glamorized nutso pop star. I will say that there were some very very young kids there dressed in crop tops and leotards which was a little disturbing. But other than that the show was a blast.

Originally I had the outfit posted at the top planned, but I had to modify a bit after putting everything on and realizing it was a bit too chilly to go full on lace, so I switched to a more substantial shirt.

Miley was sporting her typical leotards and crazy outfits (if you follow her on Instagram you know she’s a Moschino fanatic) and she rocked quite a bit of that bright yellow, some interesting plaids, and fantastic striped pants. She really shined during her segment of the show where she simply sat on stage and took a few requests, singing two of my favorites “Jolene” and “Summertime Sadness.”

Top– H&M | Jeans– Giti| Shoes– Nordstrom Rack | Watch– Michael Kors | Necklace– Vintage

Surrounded By Florals

Growing up in Florida, I took advantage of year-long sunshine, and beautiful scenery everywhere I went- tropical beaches, rolling fields that were the brightest green, basically paradise. Well, moving to DC certainly provides one with beautiful sights as well, though in a much different format- museums, famous sights and beautiful architecture being the most prominent. I must say that I’m a fan of both, though I am a sucker for nature and trees. And the past 2 weeks I have realized that DC has something Florida never boasts quite so wildly- spring blooms.

After this incredibly long winter I thought the world was brown and cold forever and that everyone hated everything and that’s how eternity was going to be (dramatic, and illogical to be sure) But somehow, all of that started to change in the last few weeks. Daffodils are springing up everywhere, grass is actually growing, snow has stopped falling, legs are starting to creep out of pants and tights (yay!) and trees are blooming into fairy tale status beauties. I had the opportunity to spend some time strolling through some of the local parks in Foggy Bottom yesterday, and below are some pictures from my adventure.

For this look I went with crazy bright colors and kept it very blue. Thus, I didn’t overly accessorize because I didn’t want my outfit to go from wild and flashy to a little bit insane and gaudy. (It’s a fine line, that one 😉

I was a bit overly enchanted to come across this cutie. (Fun fact, I had a pet duck growing up!)

Top- Francescas / Jeans- Forever 21 / Shoes- Madewell / Watch- Michael Kors / Bracelet- Vintage Egyptian Piece

A Rainy Saturday Calls for the Brightest Colors… and Salvaging Damaged Goods

Brett is in the process of moving into his new apartment in the most gorgeous part of DC (in my opinion) DuPont. While I had hoped to take some pretty shots outside on Saturday, apparently America decided to flood and it’s been pouring nonstop. I actually had a mini freak out because I thought I had ruined my brand new bag from Madewell (see below) because the white parts turned all blue and the leather was stained all kinds of wet. It seems to be drying nicely though the leather is still in the stage of questionably stained (any advice?) So, instead of nature or monuments, you can get a glimpse into his bright, cheery new place.

 I always try to wear something colorful or exciting when it is raining. I’m not one of those people that loves cozy days spent snuggling in the rain, that’s not my jive. I like sunshine and joy and an utter lack of wetness, unless I am intentionally jumping into an ocean, spring or bathtub. So, to fit the theme, I chose this acid green top from Loft that I purchased last summer. It’s almost tissue-like, and has cute little polka dots. It’s also pretty sheer, so I had to pop an undershirt under it. The jeans are a dark wash from Nordstrom Rack, and my necklace is actually a great steal from Bealls Outlet! I’m not sure if any of my readers have every been there, but I bought a ton of statement necklaces there while I was home in Florida for Christmas, so if you have one, definitely peruse the jewelry section, very, very cheap.

The only time I will give you a bathroom selfie on the blog, considering it’s new and has a cool black and white pattern 😉

Here is a close up so you can see the lipstick I’m wearing, recently purchased and am obsessed with- Revlon Colorburst. This is a mix of two shades, the matte “Showy” and the shiny “Vivacious.” I highly recommend the lacquers they offer, though the matte seems to be a bit drying, so I always mix them.

The carpet is pristine, so of course I had to go barefoot since my shoes were all wet! Very nice view of rowhomes though.

This is the full outfit, including my Steve Madden oxfords which if you look closely at the laces you can see also got a bit drenched.

So friends, if any lesson is to be learned from the shoot, drape yourself in bright, cheery colors on rainy days, and never EVER bring your favorite new items out to play in the rain, you just might regret it! Check out my Insta and Pinterest for more photos of my life and times.