In This Post: While my dreams of attending Princeton University may not have come true, I had a great time exploring Princeton, New Jersey with my family last month in comfy ballet flats and a stripped blue skirt!
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The Look: Me Too Ballet Flat (also in pink) // Target Skirt // Target Blouse (also worn here, similar style here) // Francesca’s Tote (similar here)
Basically all throughout grade school, I had my heart set on going to Princeton University. I lived about 20 minutes away from the campus in New Jersey until I moved to Pittsburgh in 7th grade. They have a great dance program, and given that ballet is my first love, it seemed like a good college choice. I was always in awe of its captivating charm and beautiful buildings – it also seemed to be gorgeous no matter what time of the year we were stopping by. Even the houses leading up to the town are dreamy to glance at on the ride in. Tree-lined neighborhoods, well-kept flowers, and ivy covered walls add natural accents to the town’s historical charm and culture. I may not have ended up attending Princeton, but I had a lovely time walking around its streets with my family during our New Jersey adventures back in June.
The shopping scene is also noteworthy. Whether you want to explore thrift stores and small town boutiques or designer stores like J. Crew and Kate Spade, Princeton has you covered. Nassau Street is the main drag where you’ll find most of the action. My family doesn’t hang out in any spot for too long (unless there’s a bench), so I’m constantly pulled between taking photos (or trying to convince my sister to take my pictures) and browsing through shops. Photography usually wins, but I did enjoy stopping into the Paper Source store. There was also a little local market going on by the library that made me realize just how much of a community fills up the town. My sis and I split a cupcake from one of the vendors and I prayed to the god of teenagers that it would put her in a good enough mood to finish off taking the rest of the shots I wanted to get (thankfully it did, paired with a Starbucks bribe).
I love how the photos turned out (thanks, Lexi!). I kid you not, the skirt I’m wearing in these photos is on clearance for $6.89 at this very moment and it’s still available in all sizes except for XXS, so go buy it! My sister called this my “teaching preschool on the prairie” outfit. Teenagers are so lovely, aren’t they? I don’t care. This skirt makes me feel feminine while still being easy and comfy for summer. The asymmetrical white blouse isn’t available online anymore, but I did just see it in a few sizes at my local Target store! If you can’t find it, this one-shoulder option and this cold shoulder top will give you a very similar look.
When going on a day of exploring, comfortable footwear is a MUST. I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous about my muscular calves in this skirt with its length, but I knew if I could find the right shoes, I’d be golden. Mission accomplished! The Me Too flats I’m wearing were both easy-to-wear and gave my legs a lengthened look. They have a rubber, treaded sole so they’re practical and durable. There’s also a ribbed pillow insole that made these comfy to walk around in all day long. Plus, I love the almond shape of the toe! They also have a whimsical patterned pair, a pretty floral pair, and a pale pink color that will give you all the ballerina vibes.
