In this post, we’re sharing how our planned out day went all wrong and then turned into an unexpected escape. It also includes some fall outfit inspiration!
**This post contains shoppable affiliate links which means we may make a small commission if you click on or purchase from them, but we really do love these items! [c/o] indicates a gifted product.**
He Said…
His Look: [c/o] Director watch from Escape Watches ($225) // similar Express moto jacket ($228) // fleece jogger pant from American Eagle ($50) // similar black v-neck t-shirt ($8)
Sometimes I just need to get away. Disappear. Escape from reality for awhile. Unfortunately, I’m not always able to pick my whole body up and go to a new location, because, you know, life. I’ve found successful ways to mentally escape with things like music and video games, but nothing is quite the same as being able to physically be somewhere that isn’t home or work.
So, when all the puzzle pieces of this life thing decide to fall into place and allow me the opportunity to escape, I like to take advantage of it. It doesn’t always have to be far. It doesn’t even have to be a new place every time. Typically, if you can get me somewhere near water, I’m satisfied. When Allyn and I originally set out for our journey on this day, the destination was not where we ended up. We planned to go to a nice park and have a relaxing afternoon where we could take some photos of our beautiful Escape watches. Then came traffic. Then construction. And then like three hours just disappeared. I swear it was only a 21 hour day. And so, in what seems to be a recurring theme in our lives, we had to call an audible and adjust our plans.
The best thing that came out of the plan to relocate (we ended up at South Shore Riverfront Park near South Side Works in Pittsburgh)? I got to spend some time near water. While I’m currently longing for the ocean, a river was a fine substitute on this day. As Allyn and I were walking, taking in the sights, enjoying each other’s company, and taking some photos, I was able to step outside of myself for a minute and appreciate the calmness that the situation provided me with. It’s not often that I feel I’m able to relax enough to truly appreciate and enjoy my experiences in life. The ironic thing about the whole day is that our plan was to photograph watches made by a brand called Escape, but originally, our focus wasn’t on the escape at all. We were more concerned about a schedule and the lighting for our photos. I guess sometimes life works in mysterious ways, because after we had to relocate, my focus was much more on utilizing this day to escape the everyday stress and enjoy the experience. It could also be that the watches contain some sort of magical power. I still don’t entirely rule that out (seriously, I’m in love with mine, which is the “Director” watch.)
Perhaps mini escapes like this one are easier for me to appreciate because I have less time to let life creep in. Whatever the reason, I was happy the day turned out the way it did. The biggest step is getting out of the door and setting out for the journey. Sure, it can be good to have a plan, but sometimes, having a plan fall apart can be the best part. Just escape.
She Said…
Her Look: [c/o] Serenity watch from Escape Watches ($175) // denim shirt dress from Target ($28) // woven vest from Target ($27) // similar grey distressed boot from Born ($240) // stud earrings from 7 Charming Sisters ($17) // Audrey Petite Carryall from Kyla Joy Handbags ($548)
I think Shaun gave you most of the story, but basically, I was so unprepared for everything this day threw at us – more on that in this vlog post. I honestly didn’t think any kind of escaping or relaxation would be happening. But, nature, fashion, and Shaun have a mystical way of grounding me back down. One of the reasons I am so passionate about fashion is because when you get legitimately intentional about what you choose to put on your body, you can actually carry with you influential reminders of exactly what you need on any given day.
Just like the unexpected way my Kutula Kiss bracelets whispered for me to stay peaceful when I was on vacation with my family, my watch (it’s the “Serenity” style) reminded me that my energy in this experience was better spent being channeled towards escaping rather than stressing. I actually have two more watches from Escape I originally wore during New York Fashion Week (here, here, and here) two years ago that I haven’t stopped wearing since.
I also felt at ease wearing this denim shirt dress. Shirt dresses are always one of my go-tos when I can’t figure out what to wear because they’re always flattering and they can be styled for literally any season. Take any of the shirt dresses you might have been wearing during the warmer months (although you probably do still want to buy the one I’m wearing because IT HAS POCKETS) and add something like this woven vest (it also comes in red and black), or this open cable knit poncho, and you’ve got an easy, cozy outfit for heading out on your own fall adventures. I adore comfy sweaters (they are one of the few things that get me through the fall season), however, I can get frustrated by constantly having to push the slouchy fabric out of the way of my hands. So, I was relieved when I found this vest because it gives me all the fall comfy feels while keeping my hands and arms free.
