Suit Shopping Adventures with Adam: Where Romance Meets Tailoring

There are few moments in wedding planning as iconic as dress shopping—cue the “Say Yes to the Dress” montages, tearful moms, and glasses of bubbly. But let’s talk about the unsung hero of wedding prep: suit shopping. That’s right. It is simply one of those quintessential wedding tasks that often gets overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of dress shopping. But let’s get real for a second: a wedding without the groom’s suit? That’s like a taco without guac. And since Adam and I are equal-opportunity fashionistas (okay, mostly me, but we’re in this together), we recently embarked on the all-important mission to find the suit for him. So in this post, it’s not just about lace and tulle; sometimes, it’s about fabric swatches, bow ties, and whether my fiancé knows the difference between a shawl lapel and notched (spoiler alert: he doesn’t).

So, cue the cute moments, quirky one-liners, and a surprising amount of suit-related banter.

Step 1: Convincing Adam That Suit Shopping is Actually Fun

Let’s start here: Adam is the love of my life. He’s charming, funny, and has a heart of gold—but let’s just say he’s not exactly an aficionado when it comes to wardrobe choices. His idea of “dressing up” is putting on the one button-down shirt he didn’t spill coffee on. So, when I mentioned the words “suit shopping,” I could see the hesitation on his face (he also put it off for 3 weeks following our initial conversation).

But here’s the thing: I’ve learned the secret to getting Adam excited about anything—bribery, in the form of food. I dangled the promise of brunch after the suit appointment, and suddenly, he was all in. Pro tip: when in doubt, offer bacon.

Step 2: Entering the Suit Wonderland

We walked into the suit department, and it was like a fancy men’s wonderland. There were more shades of grey than a paint store, and don’t even get me started on the lapels and fabrics. Adam immediately gravitated toward the “safe” options—black, grey, something that said “I’m going to an important work meeting” instead of “I’m getting married to the love of my life.”

But Noah, Adam’s brother and a fashionisto himself, wasn’t having it. “Let’s change things up a little, huh?” he said, with a little wink to me. He pulled out a gorgeous slim fit, Calvin Klein dusty blue suit, complete with a subtle pattern. Adam looked skeptical, but I could already tell this was going to be a winner.

Step 3: The Suit Try-On Extravaganza

Adam stepped into the dressing room like a lamb to the slaughter, while I waited outside like a proud fashion coach, ready to cheer him on. A few minutes later, the curtain pulled back, and… wow. There he was, in all his suit-clad glory, looking like the cover model for GQ’s Grooms Who Clean Up Too Well issue.

Adam did a little spin in front of the mirror, pretending to size himself up like a pro. “What do you think?” he asked, with that adorable grin I love so much.

“I think we might need sunglasses at the wedding because you’re shining, babe,” I replied. To be honest, it took every ounce of self-control not to propose to him right then and there.

**Note: the suit coat is a little off in color as they need to order the exact color in Adam’s size—but that will be in next week!**

Step 4: Bow Tie or Traditional Tie: The Great Debate

The next hurdle? The age-old question: bow tie or traditional tie. I was team bow tie all the way because, hello, they’re cute and quirky—just like Adam. But he wasn’t so convinced. “Do I look like a professor who’s going to teach history in this?” he asked.

I gave him a look. “Actually, yeah, kinda like my law and ethics professor I had in grad school—maybe we should rethink this.” I was shocked to be disappointed at my own first personal choice. However, in the end, Adam did find an absolutely gorgeous, traditional, tie (and well okay, my mum found the tie and ordered it from Italy). And I, in turn, promised to stop making dad jokes about it. (But let’s be real, I’m not actually going to stop.)

Step 5: The Final Decision: Dusty Blue All the Way

After trying on a few more suits—some that were, shall we say, interesting (there was a plaid situation that we won’t speak of again)—we came back to the dusty blue number that had stolen both our hearts. It was sleek, timeless, and made Adam look like a dashing 007, minus the Aston Martin.

He looked at me in the mirror and said, “I think this is the one.”

I couldn’t resist. “You mean I’m the one, but sure, the suit’s great too.”

We laughed, and with that, the decision was made. Our sales associate Marina rang us up, we high-fived, and I made sure to snap a mental picture of Adam looking ridiculously handsome. (There may have also been a sneaky selfie or two. For posterity, of course.)

Step 6: Brunch, Because Priorities

As promised, we ended our shopping adventure with brunch. Over seasonal features and espresso martinis, we basked in the glow of another wedding task checked off the list—and, let’s be real, we also basked in the glow of how fantastic Adam looked in that suit.

I’m not saying the suit is what’s going to make our wedding day magical—that’s all about the love and commitment (and maybe the cookie table)—but let’s just say, when I walk down that aisle and see Adam waiting for me in his navy suit and tie, I’m going to swoon. Har’

One Last Look

Suit shopping with Adam was everything I hoped it would be: cute, quirky, a little chaotic, and a lot of fun. Sure, there were moments of confusion (why are there so many types of lapels?) and a near-miss with a plaid blazer, but at the end of the day, we found something that was perfectly him—and perfectly us. Plus, we got brunch, so really, it was a win-win.

Now, onto the next wedding adventure… I think Adam heard me mention “floral arrangements” and has suddenly developed an intense interest in golfing.

Are you getting married or have you ever planned a fall wedding? Let’s chat about it in the comments below and you can also always hit me up on my socials! Which are on Instagram (and connect with me on Threads!), Pinterest, BlogLovin, Twitter (oops I mean “X”, eyeroll), you can also like/follow me on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn!

Later babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Pssssst! If you love this outfit and want to shop Adam’s closet (at least for this post), you can find these pieces and similar ones here in my LIKEtoKNOW.it shop!

Date Night Chronicles: A Riveting Dive into 'The Psychology of a Serial Killer' with Dr. Rachel Toles

Following my Instagram story detailing Adam and I’s escapades over St. Paddy’s Day weekend a few months back, I had many questions about the show and what my thoughts on it are, and even some inquiries as to “why do you like that stuff?!”—so please, allow me to answer these questions here and now!

Picture this: an evening filled with chilling revelations, intellectual stimulation, and a touch of the macabre. That's precisely where Adam led us when he surprised me with tickets to "The Psychology of a Serial Killer" hosted by the brilliant Dr. Rachel Toles. As a clinical therapist with an insatiable love for delving into the intricacies of the human mind, this live show promised to unravel the enigma behind one of society's most chilling subjects: the psychology of a serial killer. Not to mention, be the perfect intersection of my professional curiosity and personal fascination.

Dr. Toles, a beacon of knowledge in the field of psychology, took center stage in a performance in a performance that left an indelible mark on my curiosity and fascination with the human psyche and surpassed all expectations. From the moment the lights dimmed, she effortlessly guided the audience through the labyrinth of the human psyche, unraveling the mysteries that shroud the minds of serial killers. Her expertise, coupled with a captivating stage presence, transformed what could have been a morbid exploration into an intellectual odyssey.

What set this live show apart was Dr. Toles' ability to bridge the gap between academic insight and riveting storytelling. Dr. Toles' ability to translate complex psychological concepts into a narrative that was both accessible and enthralling. With a unique blend of expertise and theatrical flair, she guided the audience through the intricate web of factors that contribute to the formation of a serial killer's psyche. The live show wasn't a dry lecture; it was a gripping tale that invited the audience to step into the shoes of those who navigate the darkest corners of their minds. Her narratives were not just informative but served as a gripping exploration of the complexities that define deviant behavior. Furthermore, what truly stood out was the integration of real-life cases and psychological theories created a profile of understanding that left me in awe of the intricacies of criminal psychology.

Adam's thoughtful gesture of snagging these tickets elevated the experience, turning it into a shared journey into the depths of the human condition.  The interactive elements woven into the show facilitated not only a deeper understanding but also sparked conversations between us about the factors that shape behavior and the thin line that separates sanity from chaos. Another aspect that elevated the experience was the interactive element woven into the performance. Dr. Toles engaged the audience with thought-provoking questions, challenging us to consider the factors that might influence a person's descent into criminality. This dynamic interaction transformed the show from a lecture into a collective exploration of the human condition.

Despite the inherently heavy subject matter, Dr. Toles seamlessly injected moments of humor and levity, ensuring that the audience remained engaged without sacrificing the gravity of the discussion. The show artfully balanced the gravity of its subject matter with moments of light-heartedness, ensuring that the audience remained captivated without feeling overwhelmed. Dr. Toles' ability to convey her expertise with a touch of humor added a humanizing element to the often macabre discussion, making the experience both enlightening and accessible.

At the request of my fiancé: #MustacheMarch

In conclusion, "The Psychology of a Serial Killer" rose above the conventional boundaries of a live show. Dr. Rachel Toles, with her expertise and theatrical finesse, crafted an evening that left me intellectually invigorated and emotionally moved. For anyone with a passion for unraveling the mysteries of the human mind, this live show is a must-attend – a thought-provoking exploration that lingers in your thoughts long after the final curtain falls. And to Adam, who knew the way to my heart extends beyond therapy manuals and the DSM – thank you for a night of psychologically stimulating theater that I'll treasure forever.

Have you ever wondered about the psychology of a serial killer, and perhaps which one do you find most fascinating? Or do you find this whole dive into the macabre and true crime trend abhorrent? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!

Xx, Bree

📣 Take Me Out to the Ball Game! 🎵

Last Saturday was a day of firsts for me! As a lifelong Pittsburgher, stepping into PNC Park for the first time was a moment I'll never forget. But here's the twist – my loyalty wasn't with the home team. Nope, I was proudly donning my Cubs gear. As a proud Pittsburgher, it might come as a surprise to my local readers that I was rooting for the Cubs. But there's a sentimental reason behind it that connects me to the team.

You see, my dear grandfather was a man of dreams and steel. Back in the day, he teetered on the precipice of becoming a bona fide pitcher for those illustrious Cubs. But life had other plans for him, nudging him toward a different career path at J&L Steel. Talk about a curveball! However, his love for the game never wavered, and his stories of near-glory on the pitching mound ignited a fire within me, starting an unconventional allegiance to the Cubs. So, there I was, a proud Pittsburgher, sporting my Cubs cap and ready to shout from the rooftops, "Go Cubs, go!" Being at the game, I felt a connection to him and his unwavering spirit.

To make the outing even more special, it was a double date with one of my best friends, her boyfriend, and my fiancé, Adam. We were all eager to soak in the atmosphere of the ball game and create lasting memories together. The excitement in the air was palpable as we entered the stadium, the anticipation building with every step.

As we settled into our seats, the stadium pulsated with an electric energy, infused with the fervor and enthusiasm of ardent fans. The ambiance was alive with the harmonious symphony of cheers, chants, and the collective heartbeat of the crowd. The resonant crack of the bat, the soul-stirring roar of the spectators, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly popped popcorn permeated the air, forming a delightful sensory overload that I will never forget.

Throughout the game, we cheered, laughed, and bonded over our shared love for the sport. It was a perfect blend of camaraderie and friendly rivalry, with fans from both sides engaging in good-natured banter. The innings ticked by, each one bringing a new wave of excitement and anticipation.

As the game reached its climax, tensions ran high. The Pirates and the Cubs battled fiercely, each team vying for victory. Every play, every pitch, held us in suspense, and we couldn't help but get caught up in the drama unfolding before our eyes.

In the end, even though the Cubs didn't clinch the win that night, the memories we made will last a lifetime. And beyond the final score, what truly mattered was the experience itself. The joy of being surrounded by friends, loved ones, and fellow baseball enthusiasts created a sense of belonging and community that transcended the game itself.

From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, every moment felt like a piece of history unfolding before my eyes. Attending my first baseball game was a milestone in my life, a cherished memory that I will carry with me forever. It reminded me of the power of sports to bring people together, to unite us in a shared passion and create bonds that defy boundaries.

Sharing this experience with my fiancé Adam, and our friends on a double date, made it even more special. There's something about the camaraderie of a ball game that brings people together, regardless of the team they're rooting for.

So here's to the magic of baseball, to the thrill of the game, and to the treasured moments spent with loved ones. Take me out to the ball game, indeed!

What’s your favorite pastime? And any particular team you root for? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!!

Xx, Bree