Lately I’ve been thinking about all the little hidden gems that we have around town. There are the pretty historic buildings, quirky shops and restaurants, and other little landmarks that make the area what it is. Even though though Phoenix has my heart, I am a Mesa, Ariz. native, and I sometimes like showing off the town I grew up in. Now, for those of you that aren’t from the Phoenix Metropolitan area, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and Phoenix are all connected, and if you drive ten or fifteen minutes one way you are more than likely able to end up in a different town. I know this isn’t how many city areas are, so I am thankful for being so connected to so many great towns.

Cardigan: J Crew

Button-up: Levi’s

Bracelet: gift from Le Mode Accesories

Belt: Vintage/used to be my mom’s

Jeans: Levi’s

Bag: Buckled Down Handbag, gift from Le Mode Accessories

Shoes: Burlap TOMS

Last week Scott and I went to downtown Mesa to do a little antique shopping. I went into it planning on finding a pretty vintage broach to give my cousin to wear on her wedding day (or whenever she wanted really), and ended up coming out with not one, but two vintage broaches!

Downtown Mesa has some really amazing exposed brick buildings. It may sound nerdy, but I totally dig the aesthetics of exposed brick, and love how it gives off this city feel (even in a small town, and by small town I mean Mesa has around 500,000 people living in it).

While Scott and I were in downtown Mesa we definitely felt like we were in some small town elsewhere. Growing up I traveled, A LOT, and I’ve spent plenty of time in teeny, tiny towns across the West coast. I’ve always found them interesting, as they always seem to have something special about them. Some of my very best thrifted finds have been from small town thrift stores, and some of my favorite coffee shops are in super small towns. I really adore the small town life, but honestly don’t know if it’s for me. I just love my city too much.