playing tourist in my own city: hotel monaco

There are few things I love more than exploring old and new places in the city that I call home, Pittsburgh, Pa. I like to think of it as playing tourist in my own city. A few weeks ago, some co-workers and I headed downtown for a networking event at the newly-opened Hotel Monaco. I was in awe of the super-chic, colorful and quirky decor, as proven by my three Instagram posts that night. [Isn't there an unsaid rule against that or something?] This is not your cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill hotel; it had a very uniquely grand feel.

The colorful floral chandelier was so perfectly perched above the hotel lobby. Is this fixture to die for or what? I pretty much need one for my apartment, even though something tells me it wouldn't quite fit. Also, take a peek at the tufted yellow couch in the background. Swoon.

I had to take a photo of this book, because obviously. As you can tell, no detail was overlooked in the lounge areas. Beautiful artwork on the walls, gorgeous patterned rugs, and coffee table styling. This was a form of heaven for me.

We decided to ride the elevator to the top floor, in search of the penthouse suite. The geometric carpet mixed with floral wallpaper in the hotel halls were perfect. The added pop of color on the doors had me sold! Even the bathrooms were gorgeous, and I don't think I've ever called a bathroom pretty before.

Much to our surprise, we actually did get a peek at the penthouse suite [we think]. Because this was the week of the hotel's soft opening, some items weren't fully complete yet - like the knobs on the double doors of a room at the end of the hallway. Naturally we looked through the hole and snuck a few pictures, and I dreamed of one day staying there.

There were countless other areas that I wanted to photograph, but I didn't want to look like too much of an overly-excited tourist. If you decide to go, I promise you won't be disappointed. Needless to say, I will be paying Hotel Monaco another visit in the near future. I am dying to go to brunch or happy hour at the hotel's restaurant, The Commoner, so be sure to keep a look out for that post in the future!

Do any of my Pittsburgh readers have favorite places they've visited recently? Please let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,
G

easy transition

Like most young professionals, I often try to stretch the life of an outfit by picking pieces that can easily transition into a post-work setting. Lately, I've been all about the skirt, tights and boots combo. It's so easy, chic, and comfortable! Below is one of my latest outfits that you can easily transition into happy hour or dinner with friends.

[the base.
skirt, last year, similar | LOFT
sweater | LOFT]

I like to call these two pieces the base. These items can stay constant throughout the day. It might come as no surprise that both the skirt and sweater are from LOFT. I love these pieces because they are both comfortable and seasonally appropriate. When paired together, they create a nice textural appeal. The unique pattern on the skirt is modern, while the basket weave on the sweater is super cozy. Bonus: the sweater goes with literally everything. If I could get away with wearing this sweater every day, I would.

[the variables.
tall boots, two (three?) years ago | Steve Madden
ankle boots | BP. by Nordstrom]

Next are the pieces that you can wear to make the outfit work-appropriate or happy hour-appropriate. As you can see, my tall boots are well-loved. When I wear these with a skirt at work, I tend to pair them with tights. For this particular look, I went with navy tights (at work, the less skin, the better in my eyes). To transition into a post-work look, you can keep or lose the tights, and put on these heeled ankle booties. They are perfect for fall and winter, because they are still dressy enough, but also provide warmth.

[more variables.
monogrammed necklace | Etsy
statement necklace, last year, similar | J.Crew]

When it comes to necklaces, I am definitely not shy with rocking a statement in the workplace. However, with the pattern on this skirt, I would pair it with something more simple, such as this monogrammed necklace. However, when you're ready to add some glam, I would throw on something edgy like J.Crew number pictured above.

Two simple changes can take your look from day to night. I would love to know, how do you transition your outfits from work to play?

xoxo,

G