Up Close in Philly with Van Gogh's Ear

Philadelphia is one of my favorite cities, and as close as I live to it, I don't visit as much I should. The arts, culture, history and overall atmosphere is something to experience. 

I'd heard about the Van Gogh Up Close exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so my best friend, who happens to be an art teacher, and I decided to make a trip of it. 

Outfit:

Purple Leopard Print Sweater - Forever 21

I Heart 21Vibrant Skinny Fuschia Jeans - Forever 21

Pampa Wedge Booties - Mia Shoes

Leather Satchel - Zara

Jessica Jacket - RachelRoy.com

Pyramid Stud Stretch Bracelet - Forever 21

Nameplate Bracelet - Erica Weiner

Rhinestone Thread Bracelet - Laila Rowe (similar style)

Chandelier Crystal Necklace - Forever 21

Photos weren't allowed in the exhibit, but to see his paintings up close - some of which you can step right up to and really let your eye dissect - is amazing. For such a tortured soul, he created beauty, definitely an irony of his life. Oh, and his ear wasn't on display... would have been cool though. Just saying.

Of all the periods of art, I'd say modernist, impressionism and pop-art are my personal period favorites. I'd seen photos of Edgar Degas' Little Dancer, but luckily, the statue was on display. I stumbled upon oil paintings by Leon Frederic (second image below), entitled "Four Seasons", which depicts children painted in themes of the four seasons. My photo doesn't do it justice, but the detailing is ridiculously beautiful.

One of four pictures in Leon Frederic's "Four Seasons".

Creep eye jewelry. 

After the exhibit, we grabbed lunch, soaking up Rittenhouse Square and the plethora of shops along Walnut Street, and later hit up some bars at the Piazza and along Market Street. I'd love to live there... in fact, I think I like it better than New York. New York is great, but Philly's speed is more my pace. Looks like I'll have to make more day trips... 

Arm Party - Bloggers Do It Better Assignment

I've heard good things about Kristina of PrettyShinySparkly's Bloggers Do It Better assignments, and so I hope this goes over perfectly for my inaugural BDIB post.

I love the look of stacked jewelry - especially mixing metals of like with various textures and finishes. When picking jewelry, I try to choose pieces that I know will work with the majority of my wardrobe, but have a uniqueness to them. And many have significance to me...

Like the Norma bracelet I purchased during a Bust Craftacular from Erica Weiner. She had nameplate bracelets at a bargain, but didn't have my name. I loved the delicateness of the bracelets, so I figured I'd choose the most awkward name I could find. And that's how Norma and I ended up together...

Starting from the top:

Braided sterling cuff - Gift from my mother

DIY Braided friendship bracelet

Norma nameplate bracelet - Erica Weiner

Adjustable sterling stone bracelet  - Bought on a trip to Cape May, NJ

Leather and turquoise bracelet - Bought on a trip to Cape Code

My grandmother is a huge source of fashion inspiration. She was always adorned in some type of lavish costume jewelry. Diamonds, faux gemstones, chunky bangles - I used to sit on her lap and play with her jewelry... And I think her keenness for accessorizing stuck with me. The dainty silver watch I'm wearing doesn't work, but it was hers...

Sorta feels like wearing a bit of history when I look down at my wrists.

Lotus and Leather Bracelet courtesy of J.Rudy Lewis

Vintage watch - My grandmother's

Jade bangle - Bought in Chinatown

Zebra  cuff - Urban Outfitters