When I first moved to Baltimore, I lived on the cusp between Downtown and Mount Vernon along Cathedral Street. I frequented a corner coffeehouse with massive windows that filled to the brim with natural light every morning. At the time, this space was inhabited by Milk & Honey Cafe. Much to my dismay, the cafe closed within my first year in Baltimore. It remained closed for what felt like ages with only hints of hope at a new tenant in the historic space. Signs in the window hid construction and teased me with the newest addition to the block, "Cafe Fili". I was hopeful the cafe would open quickly, but above all, I wished the space would harbor the same magic I felt the first time I stepped foot on its tiled floors.
Fast forward, I was ecstatic when I saw Cafe Fili had finally opened. I remember, I rushed back for lunch (I love Mediterranean food). The windows were now filled with bar-style seating, equipped with USB ports and plugs for the creatives, students, and workaholics of Mount Vernon. The space maintained its vast seating options, including outside tables. But above all, my love for those large, front windows was rekindled.
Cafe Fili sits at my favorite view of the city. The straight shot down Cathedral Street not only ignites memories of my first year in Baltimore, but the buildings, the street lights, the pedestrians all remind me of New York. Perhaps the view transports me to times spent in another city; or it's a reminder of the eclectic corners of Baltimore City.
I recently went back to Cafe Fili with a fellow blogger, Arli, from Arli's Appetite. I am thankful to have made authentic friends through the social scene here in Baltimore, and she is one of the best. Sitting outside on a Sunday morning with a good friend, lattes, watching dogs and their owners stroll by, was the perfect way to round out a weekend.
I got the Avocado Za'atar Toast and a chocolate croissant; Arli got the Turkish Scrambler with potatoes. We both got (rainbow) lattes. No lie, the latte art is one of the many reasons I keep coming back.
In terms of what I wore, I've been loving the vintage, three-piece suit I bought from Carry On Shop at Johns Hopkins Hospital, so I decided to wear the blazer with my favorite black, vintage Harley Davidson shorts from Dig Basura.
There's something so attractive to me about lilac this season -- and the play between the structure of a blazer with the rugged edges of distressed denim. I paired the look with my gold-heeled, ankle-strap sandals, gold "scientist" necklace from Two Photon Art, and my floral Tory Burch crossbody.
SHOP THE LOOK
I left brunch feeling refreshed (and feeling myself) in this look. I've been a bit of a style rut recently for unknown reasons, and this look really brought me back to life. I felt like myself, walking tall in my heels and in my purpose.
As always, you can shop similar pieces to this look via the widget above or HERE. Shop the rest of my Instagram here! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on looks, adventures, and science!
Until next time, keep it local!
Xo,
