The Girl Next Door

those little things

2011-02-20T12:30:00.001-05:00

It's those little things that make a room.

Escape.

2011-02-20T02:42:00.000-05:00

Escape.

Mornin'

2011-02-01T15:51:00.001-05:00

Ain't it the truth.

Chicago

2011-01-21T14:29:00.000-05:00

One of my top two American cities,

thus far.

I have yet to experience California's spectacular cities.

One year. Can't wait.

childhood.

2011-01-11T01:27:00.000-05:00

Childhood in

Erlangen, Germany.

TheNewYear

2011-01-10T00:24:00.003-05:00

Here's to a fresh start...

A head's up...

And the beginning of another chapter...

-----------

Starting the new year with the far away family in Canada;

fabulous.

Make a wish,

it's 2011.

*Polar Bear Plunge photo credit - Diane Brown

2010-12-30T03:20:00.001-05:00

Christmas.

Bring on the cold.

2010-11-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

Mm :)

Bring it on, winter.

I'm ready for you.

Boots - Passed down from mum

Wool socks - Market in Slovakia, handmade

Black leggings - Express

Best thrift find yet...

2010-09-22T21:49:00.000-04:00

Oh, yes.

Legit vintage.

$12

Such a happy day.

Freiburg, Germany

2010-09-15T02:53:00.000-04:00

Lucerne, Switzerland

2010-09-13T01:55:00.001-04:00

Lucerne, Switzerland

Wish I could have stayed longer than just one day,

but it was peacefull nonetheless.

Rain has that effect on cities.

Kandern, Germany

2010-09-09T01:02:00.000-04:00

For a portion of this past summer,

my family and I volunteered at an English Camp in Kandern, Germany.

Not only was it the highlight of my summer,

but it was also THE best family bonding experience in my life.

Kandern, Germany

The campers and staff of EC4 2010.

Simply the best :)

Little brother.

View from one of the lounge windows.

Our fantastisch translator.

Taking all the campers to the pool was quite the train of Euro vans.

The men of my life; my little brothers.

Just impossible to capture a perfect day in a photograph.

Lovely sister.

View from the kitchen window.

I could not ask for better sibilings :).

Taking a break from the travels and fashion and chaos of life.

I'm finally home.

Home is where the heart is, and that is with my family.

This post is dedicated to my them in thanks and love.

I'm back, and better than before :)

2010-08-31T20:46:00.000-04:00

The year I was 21;

I was diagnosed with Celiacs.

Traveled to 8 countries.

Started 2 new careers.

Switched schools.

Switched majors.

Switched states.

Broke up.

And started all over.

On August 20th I turned 22.

I can only imagine what this year will hold,

and I'm excited to find out.

Ready to start a new journey as a new 22 year old :).

Niagara

2010-07-19T16:32:00.000-04:00

Went to Canada to visit my family.

We were actually in the country for a total of 30 hours.

By far shortest Canadian trip ever.

But we drove home via Niagara Falls.

If you've never been, go.

It's quite a sight.

Success

2010-07-14T22:26:00.001-04:00

Successful day thrifting.

Flapper dress - St. Frances Thrift, $8.99

Brown leather jacket - Dorthy Lane Goodwill, $15

Green bag - Dorthy Lane Goodwill, $14

Brown sandals - Dorthy Lane Goodwill, $3.99

Gold necklace - St. Frances Thrift, $2.50

Also got a fantastic red vest at Harvest Thrift Store for $2.99,
but forgot to include it in the picture.

Island Escape

2010-05-29T20:11:00.001-04:00

Just returned from an eight day vaca on Daufuski Island
(accross from Hilton Head, South Carolina).

Needless to say, it was paradise.

In with the new.

2010-05-15T02:15:00.000-04:00

Took me 3 days straight, but I finally finished my new room :)

Out with the old.

2010-05-15T02:03:00.001-04:00

I loved my room.

But I am now switching schools, states, and lifestyles.

Room had never been this messy before, but since I was leaving, there was no point to cleaning it.

Surrounded by inspirations.

And goodbye :).

Take me for a ride

2010-05-05T01:57:00.002-04:00

I've got the travel bug.

Who'd like to take me for a ride on a big jet plane?
Or simply ride with me.
:)

There's a whole world that needs to be discovered.
Let's go...

Wanted to Share

2010-05-04T22:04:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd share:

The outfit I paid almost nothing for :)

Hat - Slovakia (mark down)

Scarf - Finland (gift from ex)

Purple Shirt - Free box at university

Stone Ring - Italy (street market)

Gold Rings - Gift from little sister

Bracelet - Thrift Store (actually a necklace wrapped around)

i dig it.

Budapest, Hungary

2010-05-02T23:17:00.000-04:00

The inspiration bridge for the feature film "I Robot".

This was spring of 2008,

yet it feels like last month.

Oh, how I wish I could escape back into the bliss of traveling.

Fears seem to vanish when exploring.

Heaven

2010-04-28T10:13:00.001-04:00

Every time I fly

and see a different view of the sky

I wonder what heaven will be like...

Such beauty.

Lisbon, Portugal

2010-04-24T16:42:00.001-04:00

The lovely city of Lisbon.

Complete with lovely melodies.

Erlangen, Gemany

2010-04-21T03:15:00.006-04:00

Going back and visiting;

Where my childood took place.

And my memories began.

My childood home.

I can only hope to have this kind of love at that age.

Childhood neighbors and now grown up friends.

Oh, the power of letter writing.

Keeping friendships alive for years and years.

Morocco [Africa]

2010-04-21T02:48:00.000-04:00

If I were to go back a second time,

I would not be afraid to take more pictures.

However, with 4 bodyguards, I still felt a little uneasy.

Turku, Finland

2010-04-20T00:38:00.000-04:00

When a heal breaks

2010-04-20T00:13:00.000-04:00

Finally made it to Finland...and then the heal on my left boot broke lol.

At least there was snow, otherwise it would have been even more awkward walking/hobbling around the city of Turku.

The Streets of Stockholm

2010-04-17T15:20:00.000-04:00

March 2010

Stockolm, Sweden

Landing in Denmark

2010-04-07T16:44:00.002-04:00

I apologize, it's been quite a while since I've posted.

I've been busy with fashion and traveling =)

In the air, over Denmark.

Minis in Stockolm

2010-03-29T04:15:00.000-04:00

It may not be fashion, but it sure is cute :)

Stockolm, Sweden

Never Enough

2010-03-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

Nope, you can never have enough accessories.

No way, no how.

Most of these are from thrift stores; where the real treasures are.

I Love This Class

2010-03-04T16:02:00.000-05:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday I look forward to this one particular class because it has so many interesting fashion choices.

I love that everyone has their own unique style and self expression.

Julie got the FABULOUS sweater at Wal-Mart!

Love, love Stephanie's boots, a gift from her grandmother.

From his vest to his boots, Daniel's pieces never cease to amaze and inspire me.

4 Year Anniversary

2010-02-25T00:38:00.001-05:00

This was us 4 years ago...

And today...we're still together :)

Maybe one day this distance will come to an end.

Until then, I love you from afar.

Happy 4 year anniversary, Gabko <3

Canada - A Breathe of Fresh Air

2010-02-22T16:55:00.000-05:00

Mt. Washington, British Columbia.

Lemme just say...

2010-02-21T02:40:00.002-05:00

Before I get back to the traveling pictures....

and while it's still New York Fashion Week...

I had to share this awesome outfit I put together at the last minute, seriosuly.

And the price I paid for everything...it's just too good not to share!

This outifit wasn't planned at all - but I love how it turned out!

Doesn't that always seem to happen?! ;)

Every item - under $5 : D

Now that's how I shop.

Black and White Blazer - Goodwill, $3

Purple Dress Shirt - Wal-Mart, $3

Black Skirt - Kohls, $5

Black Tights - CVS Drug Store, $3

Black Boots - Gift from my mum

Purple Heels - Goodwill - $4

Black and White Belt - My grandmother's (real vintage right there)

White Bangle - Claire's, .50 cents

Question Mark

2010-02-17T01:33:00.000-05:00

High fashion or just plain strange?

I'm still trying to decide.

(And by the way, heels were $4 at a thrift store. Score.)

Love from Afar

2010-02-14T01:33:00.001-05:00

Where ever you may be,

even across the sea,

i love you with all my heart.

athough we're still apart.

Sending my love from afar,

across the ocean to where you are.
i miss you dearly, my love.

so consider this, your valentine's day hug.

-Sarah Brown

[Sending love from the English Channel]

Vienna, Austria

2010-02-11T00:49:00.001-05:00

Let's Travel the World again...

The stare off...

Yoga in the park...

I like to mimic statues...

Mmmmm

2010-02-09T15:49:00.000-05:00

Mmmm, love a man with good style.

In Honour...

2010-02-08T18:03:00.003-05:00

Even though I could care less about football...in honor of the Super Bowl last night...

My friend and I had a little get-together to watch the game's commercials ;) Yes, for real.

When the game came on we switched to "The Biggest Loser" :).

ANYWAY, we both didn't have any Colt's or Saint's attire (even though we both go to school in Indiana).

So, we represented where we are from - not where we currently live.

Swaziland and Canada :)

Soccer and hockey, yet we were watching American football.

We found it comical,

and I thought I'd share =)

City of Lights

2010-02-07T02:03:00.001-05:00

Having been inspired this past week by great [thrifting] finds, I once again have the urge to travel.

NYC, the city of lights...although they weren't found at thrift stores, I have bought of my most prized possessions in this busy city.

One of the best finds I've ever found? - that black and red Roxy coat.

Oh, yes. New Year's Day 2009 at Pac Sun for $40.

Doesn't get much better than that.

It may be over a year old, but I still wear it almost everyday (when it matches ;) lol).

Somethings never go out of style.

Especially when found at an extraordinary price.

Jewls

2010-02-06T10:42:00.000-05:00

I'm stuck and mesmerized by the incredible jewlery that can be found at thrift stores.

All the above jewlery was found at a Goodwill or other independant thrift store for the low price of $1-2.

Incredible. Just incredible.

Can't Get Enough

2010-02-05T18:37:00.001-05:00

Can't get enough fabulous thrifting finds!

Wedding Dress - Goodwill, $8

Scarf - Street Market in Florence, Italy, $6

Black Jacket - Indepenent Thrift Store, $3

Brown Bag - A gift from my Grandmother, from her teen years.

Photography by Andrew Bash

iheartit

2010-02-04T20:40:00.001-05:00

Sticking with my thrifting theme from the previous post, this outfit is another thrift store snag.

Leapord print T: Wal-Mart, $1

Mini Black Sweater: Good Will, $3

Gold Butterfly Necklace: Goodwill, $1

The prices make this outfit even more fun to wear.

Photography by Joanna Wiseman

The Splurge

2010-02-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

BEST thrift store snag ever - 3 pairs of fabulous heels for $3.99 EACH.

Thifting doesn't get much better than that.

(Mind you, I wear size 11 - and that is a hard size to find!)

Perhaps

2010-02-02T21:31:00.004-05:00

One day I'll get married....until then, I'll have fun in as many bridal dresses as possible :)

The Very Best Accessory

2010-02-02T16:48:00.002-05:00

Scarves go with any outfit, add color and can be worn multiple ways, creating variety.

(With my litte sister Amy and boyfriend Gabriel)

Let's Travel to the World of Fashion...

2010-02-02T15:46:00.001-05:00

My travel musts, especially when traveling overseas, include comfy jeans, a big scarf, a reusable water bottle, a big bag and of course a good book (for when two of your flights are delayed four hours...you miss your third flight....and end up taking a seven hour train ride).

The scarf serves as a fashion piece as well as a blanket during the long flights and the big bag serves as a wonderful "extra" carry-on bag ;)

My little sister looked amazing when she arrived in Vienna, Austria to celebrate New Year's Eve this past December.

(Notice her comfy jeans, big scarf and big bag.....)

Leeds, England

2010-02-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

No matter how hard he tried, that big dog could not beat that little dog lol

Madrid, Spain

2010-02-01T20:42:00.000-05:00

Florence, Italy

2010-01-31T13:10:00.002-05:00

Wedding dresses don't impress me easily, probably because I've worn so many.

But strolling through Florence, I saw the wedding gown of my dreams.

No need for anytime soon, maybe one day...

Budapest, Hungary

2010-01-30T23:12:00.001-05:00

Stop lights for bikes - i like that.

Vienna, Austria

2010-01-30T00:11:00.000-05:00

Fashion is necessary in any religion.

Bratislava, Slovakia

2010-01-29T18:14:00.001-05:00

Nuns and graffiti on the "New Bridge" downtown.

Florence, Italy

2010-01-29T10:10:00.002-05:00

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? It was an awkward moment...

In Honor of His Birthday

2010-01-28T16:26:00.006-05:00

He turns 21 today :)
My boyfriend, Gabriel. Lives in Slovakia and studies in Finland.

So in honor of his birthday, today's blog is dedicated to him.
Photos from the past 4 years.

Happy Birthday, Love. --- Vestko Najlepsie Laska.

Have a wonderful birthday, baby :) I miss you.

Sunrise in Slovakia

2010-01-27T23:34:00.000-05:00

Sunrise.

From the bus.

So refreshing after a long, night drive.

Leeds, England

2010-01-27T03:04:00.001-05:00

The 7 Euro ($14) lunch. Insanely expensive.

Prague, Czech Republic

2010-01-26T23:11:00.002-05:00

Sharing at the Prague Zoo...and exploring the city.....while capturing awkward photos...

Podturen, Slovakia

2010-01-26T15:23:00.000-05:00

Nitra, Slovakia

2010-01-26T08:18:00.000-05:00

Coffee and cake.

Homemade by a very hospitable elderly couple.

Leeds, England

2010-01-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

The laws of Leeds...

Pisa, Italy

2010-01-25T14:57:00.001-05:00

Apperently, babies aren't supposed to touch the bags...

Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia

2010-01-25T02:34:00.000-05:00

Nurnburg, Gemany

2010-01-24T17:49:00.002-05:00

Lookng down from the castle wall, I could see a table dining through an open roof in a cafe. When they saw me taking thier picture, they began to wave. Although one man seems a bit camera shy...

London, England

2010-01-24T01:53:00.000-05:00

Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia

2010-01-23T18:08:00.004-05:00

With skies like this, I'd grocery shop every day.

Paris, France

2010-01-23T07:14:00.001-05:00

[reflection of] The Slovak Cafe

2010-01-23T07:05:00.002-05:00

Outdoor cafe. Europe's most common meeting place.

Vienna, Austria

2010-01-23T06:55:00.001-05:00

The castle of Bratislava, Slovakia

2010-01-23T06:01:00.002-05:00

[the reflection of] Florence, Italy

2010-01-23T05:56:00.006-05:00

Pisa, Italy

2010-01-23T05:51:00.003-05:00

Hop on a train and come explore Europe with me...

2010-01-23T04:46:00.003-05:00

In the beginning...

2010-01-23T03:00:00.005-05:00

i'm so very excited.

i've wanted to blog for quite some time now, but never knew how to begin...or what to say...

but, here i am.

excited to share my thoughts, ideas, photos, inspirations and dreams.

here's to the beginning. the beginning of something new.