J.Crew ‘Field Mechanic’ jacket / Sleeveless turtleneck sweater (similar long-sleeve version) / Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’ sunglasses / BaubleBar ‘Mason’ ring (c/o) / Sole Society ‘Faylina’ crossbody bag (c/o) / BP pave disc bangle (only $12!) / Sole Society ‘Laurel’ bootie (c/o)
Here’s a little background: I was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix), but haven’t lived here full-time in over 12 years when I moved out for college. After law school, I moved to New York and have been living there for over 4 years now (woah). My parents now live in San Diego, but James and I both have friends and siblings in different neighborhoods in Phoenix, so we try and make it back at least once a year.
But these days, my hometown feels somewhat like a distant memory … or an estranged relative – you know, the kind you’re forced to see during the holidays. I couldn’t tell you the best place to eat or a decent bar to meet up with friends. I’m not even sure I could tell you how to get from point A to point B without Google Maps. While this place will always been my hometown, I’m not sure if I would call it home.
On the flipside, I actually love exploring Phoenix whenever we come to visit. Considering that we’ve never lived here in our adult lives, these infrequent visits are an opportunity to experience new restaurants and see the city in a whole new light. If I were living here, I’d consider it crazy to drive 45 minutes to try the best taco in town or a new local coffee shop, but from a visitor’s perspective, I wouldn’t see it any other way.
It kind of makes sense though. Sometimes, we tend to take the places that we live in for granted and it isn’t until we finally leave them that we realize how special and unique our “home” actually is. I’m not sure when the next time we’ll be back in Phoenix, but I know that when we do return, there will be plenty of new things to explore about my old hometown.
What does it feel when you visit your hometown? Leave a comment below!
J.Crew ‘Field Mechanic’ jacket / Sleeveless turtleneck sweater (similar long-sleeve version) / Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’ sunglasses / BaubleBar ‘Mason’ ring (c/o) / Sole Society ‘Faylina’ crossbody bag (c/o) / BP pave disc bangle (only $12!) / Sole Society ‘Laurel’ bootie (c/o)
The jacket and the jeans are just perfect! Looks great!
http://chicglamstyle.com
I was actually thinking about this today. I still live with my parents and I’ve never moved in my life so the city I currently live in is the one I’ve always known but I definitely want to move out one day, or so I thought. Hearing from people who moved to a different city or even a different country and how much they hated it and wish they went back home makes me wonder if I would feel the same way. I love the city that I live in but I also want to move to other place and make it my home but I honestly don’t know anymore…
And your outfit is really pretty as well!
I think everyone should move away from their hometown once in their lives! Maybe you’ll love it, maybe you’ll hate it, but at least you’re guaranteed to experience something different. Hope you get the chance one day!
I certainly feel that way! I grew up in a really rural small town and now I live in downtown Chicago. Every time I go back I feel amazed at how small and unfamiliar it feels. And maybe part of that is going into a bar and spending less than $7 on a beer, which is always a nice surprise!
By the way, I’m hosting a blogger linkup on my blog today. I’d love for you to come share a post!
Style by Joules
Haha cheap drinks are my favorite thing about going back to AZ. Drinks on me! 🙂
I seriously feel exactly the same way!! I’ll forget street names or directions more and more when I go “home”.
http://www.maggiealamode.com
I know what you mean. My parents still live in my hometown but most of my friends and their families have left and every time I go back, I have fewer and fewer people to visit. Combined with the fact that my hometown has went from rural farmtown to giant suburb of Washington, DC and the changes feel so unfamiliar!
On a sartorial note, I absolutely love your sweater here! I can never seem to find the perfect turtleneck but I really love yours! :]