Summer vacation has commenced and I can think of no better way to kick it off than…
THE STORY
…heading into the city to spend the day with my babies at Pridefest 2018. We attended a few years back and this year it was even better. I cannot think of a more joy-filled, fun and colorful event to attend.
Pridefest is about so much for than a good time though…it’s about love, inclusivity, diversity and equality. I remember a time when our White House was lit up in rainbow colors for the month of June. I remember a time when our government was proudly leading the way to ensure equality for all…sadly, not so much now. Now the White House refuses to even mention that June is LGBT Pride month. Now the government is doing everything that it can to quash the basic human rights of those they deem to be “different”. And on that my friends, I call bullshit.
Now more than ever, events like Pittsburgh Pridefest 2018 as well as pride events all over the country, are so very important. We as a people have to stand up and we have to show up; we have to advocate and make damn sure that our voices are heard. I will fight until the end to ensure that my gay child has the exact same rights as your straight child. I will do whatever I possibly can to contribute to a culture in which everyone feels accepted, valued and loved regardless of the absurd labels that society places upon them.
Yesterday there was a young boy, maybe 14 years old, standing in front of us at the parade. As a trans group made its’ way towards us in the parade he became so excited. He was bouncing up and down clapping and quietly, over and over again, he was saying, “My people, my people…” I teared up watching him and when I turned to my son he was teared up as well. It was a beautiful thing to witness his joy at seeing “his people”, but it was also heartbreaking because seriously, shouldn’t we all be “his people”?
One of the highlights of yesterday’s event was a big one for me…I lost my “blogger meet-up virginity”! My beautiful blogging friend Sam of Moxie Mama, whom I had met through social media was also at Pridefest, so we met up for a quick chat and a photo or two. We already had a lunch date scheduled for later this month, but since we were both going to be in the same place it would have been silly not to find one another don’t you think? Of course Sam is just as fabulous in person as she is in the social media world and I can’t wait until our lunch date. If you aren’t already following Sam on Instagram, you should definitely check her out!
THE OUTFIT
These pants are the black version of the American Eagle Tomgirl Pants that I have already waxed poetic about here. They hit that sweet spot; easily straddling the line between “work” and “casual”. I own them in black, navy and gray and have worn them numerous times both to work and just out and about running errands and whatnot. I honestly cannot recommend them enough.
The American Eagle love continues with the sweatshirt, although it is from Aerie which is an offshoot of the AE brand. My love of sweatshirts knows no end, but they aren’t exactly practical in the Summer. Give the sweatshirt short sleeves however, and now we’re talking a sweatshirt that is more warm weather friendly.
As per usual, when putting together a work outfit I like to strike a balance that hits right on the edge of casual. Overly professional work looks just aren’t my jam. To take the sweatshirt and slightly slouchy pants into work wear territory, I added my purple block heel sandals and the floral scarf tied to the belt loop for a little dose of the unexpected.
THE TIP
Whenever possible, find pieces that will work equally well for work and for play. In doing that, you add way more mileage to your closet.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Pants: American Eagle; Sweatshirt: Aerie; Sandals: Aerie
