Do you think we'll be in love forever?

As most of you probably know, Tavi and some of her fellow Rookies have been traipsing across the country on their Rookie Road Trip! I met Tavi a few years ago, and we quickly bonded over our love of musical theater. I liked her for her unique, young feminist perspective. She liked me because I knew all the words to "Into the Woods." It's been insanely exciting (slash-jealousy-inducing) watching Tavi become a leader in the fashion world, pulling girls from all over the world closer to her eclectic taste in girl-flicks and her passion for feminism. I love everything she's done over at Rookie mag, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next...

The Queen Bee and Teenage Goddess herself!

 Rebecca & Allegra a.k.a. Rory Gilmore

CLIO WHERE YOU AT CALL ME

It's so crazy -- I actually bumped into a girl I met when I took a jewelry-making/metal-working class at Moore when I was in high school. We bonded over our Rookie-love and our desire to bring something similar to the post-grad demographic. I would love for someone to tell me how to pay my bills, develop a healthy relationship with a credit card, and accept that I will be living with my parents until I'm 29. We spoke to Tavz about the topic, sujesting (SEE WHAT I DID THERE) that we could start an online source called "Semi-Pro." We didn't remember that Tavi will, in fact, get older someday, and hopefully Rookie will expand their demographic a bit! In the mean time, I'll put in some search-time over at Thought Catalog for pearls of wisdom from older kin (let's just hope there aren't 23 articles about the release of "Magic Mike" this week... I mean, enough already).

 Some kinfolks, I think!

 HAZEL HAZEL HAZEL HAZEL IS AMAZEL

Petra is actually from the 1970s I'm not even joking time travel is real, people. 

 Violent Femmes blasting on Tavi's Fisher Price record player. Killer.

 SLUTEVER!!

In honor of the beauty that Rookie has brought to my summer, I created a playlist that reflects this week's goings-on... the excitement of the Rookie Road Trip, working lots of hours at Madewell, summertime vibes, and the 1970s supermodels that are the Collins sisters. Enjoy.

Independent Summer (find me on Spotify, yo: Sara Neville)

1. Nico: These Days
2. Violent Femmes: Blister in the Sun
3. Lana del Ray: Diet Mountain Dew
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: Simple Girl
5. The Magnetic Fields: Andrew in Drag
6. Robyn: Call Your Girlfriend*
7. Best Coast: Mean Girls
8. The War on Drugs: Brothers
9. J.D. McPherson: Scandalous
10. The Ruby Suns: Tane Mahuta
11. WILD FLAG: Glass Tambourine
12. Fort Lean: Beach Holiday
13. The Drums: Let's Go Surfing
14. Fleetwood Mac: Never Going Back Again
15. Lykke Li: Dance, Dance, Dance

* P.S. OMG HAVE YOU SEEN THIS?! GIRLS ROCK!!!

xox,

Sara

The maxi/midi hunt

If you follow me on tumblr, you'll know that I've been hunting around for maxi and midi length skirts and dresses for summer. Now, I rarely set out to shop with a specific goal in mind. I work in retail, and the aesthetic of the brand is so me that I barely do any shopping outside of our store. When I do, it's usually a quick run through of the sale rack to see if anything catches my eye.

Madewell jersey maxidress, neon belt & chambray, Warby Parker Huxley glasses, 

Belle by Sigerson Morrison flats, frizzy hair: mama & papa

That being said, the heat wave this past week made me realize that I have little to no clothing appropriate for the searing summer sun. I decided to go on a mission: find skirts to wear out and about and at work for the hotter days this summer. I crave the maxi and midi length because I'm kind of a tomboy when it comes to my personal style, and I'm definitely on the modest side. I love the cute factor and vintagey vibes evoked by a tea-length skirt, and the effortless nature of a maxi-dress so I set out to find some under $60. Another plus: I've been hoping to girlify my wardrobe. This recent desire for skirts is definitely helping things.

LITTLE DID I KNOW IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND ANYTHING I LIKE. Okay, not impossible... it just took a lot of digging. I searched the mall & a few other stores before resorting to the internet. I have yet to make decisions, but here are some of the pieces I'm thinking about...

• ASOS skirt with soft pleats ($46.40)
• ASOS maxi skirt in grunge floral print ($49.71)
• ASOS simple full skirt with paperbag waist ($58)
• Sparkle & Fade maxi pleated chiffon skirt ($59)
• ASOS midi dress in spot print ($46.40)
• Cooperative Summer breeze midi dress ($59)
• ASOS summer midi dress in boat print ($53.02)
• ModCloth outdoor concert dress ($42.99) - out of stock! :(
• Cheap Monday striped maxi ($66.28)
• Warehouse t-shirt maxi dress ($46.40)

I'm leaning toward the maroon pleated skirt & the striped jersey maxi dresses. What do you like?

xox,
Sara

New York state of mind

When I realized that I had Monday and Tuesday off this week, I decided to make the most of my time and take a trip up to Staten Island to visit family. I had such a great time playing with little bean, Ramona, and hanging out with her ma & pa. We all hiked over to Coney Island to watch the opening game for the minor leagues: the Staten Island Yankees vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones! Go Cyclones!!

Ramona was thoroughly awestruck by the Cyclones' mascots, PeeWee and Sandy the seagulls.

Ramona & her mama 

Yeeeeah, Cyclones! Baseball cap: J. Crew (similar one here), scarf: Madewell

I am so ready to find a "real" job in New York. I always feel so comfortable there. Cross your fingers for me... the hunt continues!

xox,
Sara

A beautiful union

Yesterday I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon and evening with two dear friends as they officially embarked on a lifelong journey together. I've known Meg for a few years now, and she and Jason are two of the coolest people I've ever met. I've always admired Meg for her commitment to music. Her passion leads her daily life, and that's something I strive towards. She is a musician, a teacher, and a loving soul, and yesterday's ceremony and reception reflected everything I love about her!

1. Outside of the theater where the ceremony was held. This old stone building is tucked away in the woods, and the rustic interior was perfect for the aesthetic Meg & Jason set out to achieve. Wooden signs like this one were sprinkled all over the ceremony & reception.
2. The stage was set in hues of cream and blue. The bridesmaids all wore cream dresses - each a different style, handpicked by the girls themselves - and the groomsmen all wore khakis with blue button-ups, yellow bow ties, and SUSPENDERS. Meg's dress was stunning, and they were quite a pair up on stage there. They wrote their own vows and had me weeping in my seat.
3. Programs were made up like Playbills, listing the cast of characters and the varied acts we'd be seeing onstage. The vintage typewriter is a killer touch.
4. The reception hall reminded me of "The Farmer and the Cowman" scene from Oklahoma! in that it was set up like an old-fashioned, town-wide social. There were lights strung from the rafters, and strips of lace and burlap hung on either side of the dance floor. 
5. The sweethearts' table!
6. A parting gift from the newly-married couple. Some of their favorite songs, and a few done by them! I can't wait to listen to it.

xox,

Sara

Inspiration concentration

Before I reacquaint myself with my tripod and the embarrassing process of taking photos of myself while everyone in the neighborhood gathers around and gawks, I'll leave you with some photos that have been inspiring my sartorial choices as of late...

Marina Munoz (via hanneli.com)

Ashley Olsen (via olsen-obsessive.net)

Leandra Medine (via Man Repeller)

Uma Thurman (source unknown)

Behati Prinsloo (via J. Crew)

xox,
Sara

An intro of sorts

Girl Next Door: The cultural and sexual stereotype of the girl next door or the All-American girl is invoked in American contexts to indicate wholesome, unassuming femininity, as opposed to the culture's other female stereotypes such as the tomboy, the valley girl, the femme fatale, girly girl, or the slut. Examples: Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) in Beverly Hills, 90210; Penny^[9] (Kaley Cuoco) in The Big Bang Theory; Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) in Spider-Man (Read more at Wikipedia: Girl next door)

The reason I chose this name for my blog was not because I particularly identify with this whole feminine/sexual/cultural stereotype thing (although you will find out that I have a lot to say about stereotypes and women's issues -- holler!), but because "girl next door" is how I'd describe my personal style. Sure, that may sound as boring as waiting for your mom in the car, twiddling your thumbs while she prayed a rosary (or 6) in a local chapel,* but I kind of pride myself on being a pretty average kid.

I mean, there are plenty of bloggers out there who have insanely cool and weirdly specific brands of personal style, but what about the average schmo who just wants to feel confident in her jeans-and-a-tee uniform? Who adds a little spice into her everyday wardrobe with inspiration from Madewell or Tomboy Style? Who compulsively saves fashion-related images on her computer because that's all her brain can manage at this point on her post-college path?  I AM THAT SCHMO. I can help! I no longer wear sweatpants outside of the house and have banished my Uggs to the darkest corners of my closet.

In a nutshell, here's what I wear: denim, plaid button-downs, chambray everything (more like cham-WOW!), tees & layers, scarves, utility jackets, flats, sneakers or boots.

Can we just take a moment to look at that little dancing peanut? I mean, why am I not a ballerina right now for real.

I may not be as sassy as Brenda Walsh or as "all-American" (read: ginger) as Mary-Jane Watson, but I feel like I'm relatable, na mean? I've got plenty of love for overalls and silk scarves and paperbag trousers and Jackie cardigans and all that is plain ol' American fashion. Let's see if that gets me anywhere, shall we?

xox,
Sara

* Not necessarily based off of true events when I was 12

Resorting to this. (Yes, I went there.)

I forgot how big of a Thing resort wear has become! Up until this weekend, I thought I had looked through all of the Resort 2013 collections and was excited to savor the taste of what is to come from Marc Jacobs (Strawberry Shortcake & friends as teenagers/upscale mallrats), Oscar de la Renta (Hamptons glam, obvi), and Chanel (human cream puffs, circa 1997).

OH CONTRAIRE! Resort is a Thing, remember? A THING. Ever since fashion designers and their PR teams discovered the internet in 2008, they have been maximizing their opportunities to reach le masses (read: us). This is why we've seen a rise in pre-fall and resort collections, am I right?

Well, regardless of the reason, I am thrilled to have all of these photos to devour, as my post-college state has left me with more time on my hands than Steven Tyler has rings... (shut up... I know).

I'm surprisingly into this urban badass vibe, despite being the "I have to go home" girl myself 

(Just Cavalli, nymag.com) 

It's too easy to picture rainy days and backyard BBQs in these digs 

(Band of Outsiders, nymag.com)

Every girl needs a sassy gay tracksuit in their life. It's time to trash the terrycloth, boo! 

(Bottega Veneta, nymag.com) 

Clashing prints & paneled pants? You're killin' me, Lam! 

(10 Crosby Derek Lam, nymag.com)

Don't get me started on the scarf-tying here. Don't even do it.

(Celine, nymag.com)

As good as Ashley Olsen makes a matching suit look, I wasn't sold until now.
Oh, and pants with a stripe down the side? Losing my mind over here.

(Preen, nymag.com)

Even though these are my favorite looks, I've pinned a ton more over on Pinterest: 2013 resort! Feed my pathetic Pinterest obsession by checking them out!

xox,
Sara

Reviving the girl next door.

As a fresh college graduate, former blogger, and fashion enthusiast, I figured it was about time to revive my old style blog. For those of you who don't remember style-magnet, it's okay, I barely do either. I stumbled into the blogging community in early 2008, and eventually decided to stop blogging when I started my undergraduate career at a local Penn State branch campus. Now that school is all wrapped up (holy crap I can't even believe it) and I'm spending all of my time watching LOST on Netflix, I've decided to resuscitate my inner blogger.

I've been active online over on tumblr and pinterest as birdwings and on twitter as @saranev, so see what I'm all about over there. In the mean time, here are some highlights of my former life as style-magnet:

Hangin' with Erin, Tavi, and Craig at the Weardrobe Bloggers' Conference, September 2008. 

Katie Gallagher, Spring/Summer 2009 - my first fashion show!

Alice + Olivia, Spring/Summer 2009 - my first fashion week presentation, where I spotted The Cobrasnake, Tallulah Harlech, Fabiola Beracasa, Jared Leto, and Kelly Rutherford. 

Stay tuned!

xox,
Sara