Monday, October 31, 2011

Popular Prints for F/W '11-'12 - Shopping Guide & Inspiration, Part 3/3

Roxy S from Miami and New York [Lookbook]
Today we're wrapping up the Popular Prints series with Navajo! If you missed the first two shopping guides for Animal and Plaid, check 'em out!

This native-inspired print is definitely one of the defining trends for fall/winter 2011-2012. Stores are carrying many different pieces with the print and I am seeing it everywhere on campus. Take a look at the shopping guide below with inspiration from a few Lookbook ladies!
1. Street style photo from Lookbook of Natalie H from Sweden
2. Street style photo from Lookbook of Amy S from South Africa
3. Street syle photo from Lookbook of Alexandra P from Vigo
4. ModCloth "Manzano Mountains Scarf" - $17.99
5. Topshop "Cable Knit Tights" - $24.00
6. Nordstrom "Lily White Banded Skirt" - $22.00
7. Topshop "Knitted Macrame Vest" - $92.00
8. Forever 21 "Distressed Leatherette Boots" - $32.80
9. Forever 21 "Tribal Print Legging" - $12.80
10. Nasty Gal "Belizean Belle Tee" - $58.00
11. Forever 21 "Feather & Suedette Earrings" - $4.80
12. Forever 21 "Beaded Knuckle Ring" - $3.80
13. Forever 21 "Ethnic Print Cardigan" - $34.80

I have that skirt from Nordstrom (number 6)! It looks a little different in person than in the photo, but I still really like it. I also love the drapey cardigan from Forever 21 (number 12). It would be perfect to wear with other cozy pieces by the fireplace this winter.

xo



outfit indecision - again

As per usual, I changed my outfit twice this morning. I took one photo, thought it looked a little awkward, and changed the outfit. I wasn't totally pleased with the look or how it looked on. That's the beauty of taking pictures of your outfits - you see what truly looks good and what doesn't!


Therefore, I changed into this outfit below! I wore the same shorts from the "in the garden" photos. This time I added a leather jacket (not photographed) and a pair of tights because it was a lot more chilly than the last time I wore the shorts.
Cardigan: Nordstrom Tank: James Perse Shorts: Nasty Gal Tights and bracelets: Forever 21 Watch: Michael Kors Shoes: Tory Burch

Have a great Halloween!

xo

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Popular Prints for F/W '11-'12 - Shopping Guide & Inspiration, Part 2/3

On Friday I began the first of the three Popular Prints shopping guides on animal print. You can check it out here if you missed it!

Today we're looking at the second featured print, plaid. Plaid is a classic print that has been a fashion staple for years and will continue for many more. From preppy to grungy, to anything in between, there are many ways to incorporate plaid into an outfit! Check out the shopping guide below with inspiration from two fabulous outfits from the ladies I found on Lookbook.
1. Street style photo from Lookbook of Anosha T from Boston
2. Street style photo from Lookbook of Alexandra P from Vigo
3. Forever 21 "Fold Over Mid Shaft Boot" - $34.80
4. ModCloth "Hold Me Cloche" - $49.99
5. ModCloth "Going Study Skirt" - $64.9
6. ModCloth "Homemade Marshmallows Coat" - $177.99
7. Nordstrom "Dollhouse Plaid Peacoat" - $64.00
8. Forever 21 "Cotton Plaid Shirt" - $19.90
9. ModCloth "Crop Swap Top" - $29.99

Happy shopping! Check back soon for the last shopping guide on the navajo print!

xo



Friday, October 28, 2011

Popular Prints for F/W '11-'12 - Shopping Guide & Inspiration, Part 1/3

Magdalena K from the UK [Lookbook]
As fall/winter fashion continues, three prints have stood out to me as major trends to define the season: Animal, Navajo, and Plaid.
 
 
I went over to Lookbook to find some inspiration on these prints to share them with you! Lookbook is my all-time favorite site to browse street style. The men and women on the site put together the most artistic, creative, and beautiful outfits and always inspire me to up my game in the style department.

Today we're looking at animal print. Right now leopard is really popular, but other animal patterns will work as well! Add an animal print accessory for just a touch of the print or go more full-out with jeans or a fur coat. It's up to you - just make sure to add fierce confidence.
1. Street style photo from Lookbook of Maritsa K from Istanbul
2. Street style photo from Lookbook of Jennifer G from California
3. Street style photo from Lookbook of Savina V from Greece
4. Current/Elliot "Stilletto Skinny Jeans" - $198
5. Forever 21 "Geometric Panel Necklace" - $6.80
6. Forever 21 "Faux Fur Leopard Jacket" - $47.80
7. Forever 21 "Cheetah Knit Sweater" - $19.80
8. ModCloth "No Short-age of Chic" - $87.99
9. ModCloth "Yes, Yes, Shawl" - $23.99
10. ModCloth "Electric Lioness Top" - $59.99
11. Forever 21 "Rhinestone Leopard Ring" - $7.80
12. Nasty Gal "Leopard Velvet Turband" - $18.00
13. Forever 21 "Leopard Ankle Booties" - $27.80


Keep checking back in the next few days for shopping guides of the other two prints, Navajo and Plaid!

xo

Thursday, October 27, 2011

typical thursday

Cardigan: Macy's Tank: Nordstrom Necklace, Bracelets, Jeans: F21 Watch: Michael Kors Boots: Chinese Laundry

Despite what it looks like in the photo, this was actually a good hair day! Haha. As per usual, I only had a minute or two to snap a photo of my outfit today. I stuck with these boots two days in a row and stayed pretty casual. Then I added this necklace to mirror the colors in the tank. I also wore an ivory coat with big buttons over it when I went outside. Can't believe it's coat season already! It just got COLD in Spokane, folks.

Today marks the beginning of Halloweekend! This year I have costumes for Minnie Mouse and Spider-Girl. I haven't figured out my other costumes yet, but I might reuse my Twitter Bird ensemble from last year. I'm not totally sure yet. With Halloween on a Monday, it seems like people are going to celebrate properly 5 nights in a row. I'll see what I end up doing.

Does anyone else feel like college kids celebrate Halloween way more than actual kids?! (Not that I'm complaining!)

xo

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

a wonderful fall day

Sweater, tank (underneath), bracelets: Nordstrom Watch: Michael Kors Jeans: Joe's Boots: Chinese Laundry

I tried a different watch-bracelets combo today; it's nice to switch things up. I also love how the fairaisle tank underneath the sweater adds a dose of cozy to the outfit. I got to sleep in today because I didn't have classes till later so I wanted to stay comfortable with my outfit while still looking put-together. Even after sleeping in, I still had enough time to curl my hair and watch a little TV before class. My Super Sweet 16 reruns, anyone? (For junior high and high school nostalgia purposes only, of course).

Today was the day when the leaves just FELL off the trees! Every year a ton of leaves just fall basically overnight and it shows that autumn has officially arrived. I'll try to get out and take some photos to put them up here; campus is gorgeous right now.

I also am in the midst of re-designing my logo! I feel like my design right now is slightly amateur-hour and I want it to look more professional...we'll see how it looks...but if anyone has any recommendations for blog and/or logo designers please send them my way! I'd definitely appreciate it!

xo

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

a bright blue tank to match the bright blue sky

Tank: Nordstrom Jacket: Italian leather market Necklace: H&M Black jeans: Hudson Flats: Report

Okay, so my tank isn't quite sky blue, but I love the rich, saturated cobalt color and the contrast with the black and silver. "Black and blue don't go together?" Think again! That rule has been outdated for a while now, and I am glad. Because I like this color combo a lot.

Awkward story: On a day I wore a cobalt dress with black tights in high school, and a friend said to me, "You look like a bruise! Okay, well you don't look like a bruise, but you're wearing bruise colors. So, kind of." Thanks for the observation...

Enjoy the lovely day today. :)

xo


Monday, October 24, 2011

monday afternoon

Shirt: Nordstrom Black tank, bracelets, ankle boots: F21 Jeans: F21 Watch: Michael Kors Earrings: New Look (London)

This shirt is new! I got it this weekend with my parents. We took a nice big trip to Nordstrom (one of my favorite stores), so there will probably be more outfit posts in the near future with new clothes from Nordstrom.

I like the color-blocking of the shirt and how the colors reflect the leaves of the changing trees outside. Also, adding a little height with boots always pulls an outfit together.

xo


Fall Family Weekend

Every year, our campus has a Fall Family Weekend. This year, my parents came over to school to visit, shop, and watch me perform at the basketball scrimmage. Overall, it was a great weekend and nice to see my parents.

And here are some photos in color (that bread was amazing):
Click the photos below to enlarge them - they're panoramas!

xo

EDIT: On my computer, it won't let me enlarge the photos as of now but it usually does. Let me know if it isn't working or check out my Flickr page to see them.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Familia

Jacket: Arden B Shirt: Nordstrom Skirt, ankle boots, and bracelets: Forever 21 Watch: Michael Kors

My family (minus my brother) just got here! I'm going to go meet them in a few minutes. We're going to do a little shopping, go to this restaurant called Europa (which I hear is amazing and tastes authentically European) and catch up.

xo

Thursday, October 20, 2011

cozy cozy and a spider bite

Cardigan: Aritzia Grey tank: Target Pink tank: Nordstrom Black bracelets: F21 Shoes: Sperry Leggings: H&M Watch: Michael Kors

Make fun of the MySpace-style mirror pic all you want, ladies and gents! I wasn't wearing a lot of makeup and have a spider bite on my face (conveniently covered up with concealer) soooo didn't feel like doing the typical outfit photo today. I think not really editing this photo shows the colors and lighting a lot better than yesterday's outfit photo, too.

Anyone notice the tank and shoes from my personal vintage collection? I really do wear them often! I'm also wearing the (faux) diamond studs, but you can't see them. This outfit is so cozy and perfect for visiting the doctor (cough cough spider bite), going to classes, and running around all day.

Tomorrow it is the beginning of family weekend and my parents are coming up to school to visit me! I'm excited. Dance Team is also performing for the first time this year at a basketball game. I have a feeling it's going to be a great weekend. This exact weekend is always the time when the trees change color and a TON of leaves fall.

Have a good weekend!

xo

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

a dash of stripes

Sweater: Anthropologie Tank: James Perse Pants: Forever 21 Flats: Tory Burch Watch: Michael Kors Bracelets: Forever 21

After taking those gorgeous photos in the garden over the weekend, I was not too excited to take an outfit photo inside. Yet I didn't have much time, so I snapped two photos, edited them, and headed out the door. I am definitely not a fan of the lighting in my room...at least I have Photoshop! ;) (I'm still trying to decide if the indoor photos are better edited or not...)

I really like this sweater. The different colors and the stripe layer-thing add more dimension to what would otherwise be a typical cardigan. The bottom around the back has ruffle trim too, which adds a nice little detail. I wore it with a simple black tank and flats and olive green skinny pants. It is a very comfortable outfit and was perfect for class on this semi-warm fall day.

xo

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

more "in the garden" photos

Here are more photos from the "in the garden" post from yesterday, as promised! Check out yesterday's post if you missed it and my Flickr for even more photos!


Have a happy Tuesday!

xo


Monday, October 17, 2011

in the garden

Blazer: Nordstrom Tank: James Perse Shorts: Nasty Gal Wedges: Tory Burch Watch: Michael Kors Black bracelets: Forever 21 Orange bracelet: Nordstrom Hat: American Eagle Earrings: Nordstrom Scarf: Escape Outdoors

Today Abbie, Morgan, and I went to a park with all these beautiful gardens. When we got there we found out that all the flowers are going to be cut down tomorrow, so we were very lucky to be there today! The flowers are so beautiful. After living here for almost three years, I never knew all these gardens existed. They're like hidden gems amongst the big city.

I just got these shorts in the mail! I've been wanting printed, flowy shorts for a while now, and figure these will be versatile in all seasons. They are also very appropriate as they match the flowers. I added wedges, a tank and blazer, and piled on the accessories. I thought the hat and scarf were a little too much so I took them off later. (Oh, and did anyone notice I finally took an outfit photo OUTSIDE?! ... this is a once in a rare opportunity! Haha).

More photos to come SOON! I'll edit them after I do some homework and post them tonight or tomorrow.

xo


Saturday, October 15, 2011

When life gives you lemons...Read a magazine! (Preferrably Sweet Lemon)

Sweet Lemon Magazine launched TODAY!
Photo courtesy of the Sweet Lemon Magazine Facebook page. (Like it!)

I love, love, LOVED the first issue. You can read my article on pages 116-117. :) My story is called "Ways to Brighten Up a Room Without Paint." It was my first time dipping into the decorating-writing-pool and think it turned out pretty okay!

What I love about this magazine is that it is catered specifically toward college-aged or post-grad women. I could relate to every article; I thought the content was great. It's also an online magazine which makes it instantly available worldwide - I read it right when I woke up with no need for a trip to the magazine aisle at the grocery store!

Congrats, ladies! I can't wait to read the next one.

xo

PS- click HERE to read it!

Fashion in "The Help"

I finally saw The Help last night! After hearing rave reviews and the promise of both laughter and tears, I knew it would be a great movie. And a great movie it was. The storyline and acting were incredible, but one of my favorite parts of the movie was the wardrobe. I loved the old-fashioned dresses, heels, hats, and jewelry of the time.
Loved that green and pink dress. Everything is just so proper.
Minny's HAT! Could I get away with wearing a hat like that? Preferrably in pastel pink or green? ...maybe?
Emma Stone is so sophisticated with pearls and a lovely dress.
Photos courtesy of the movie website.

Another thing I loved about the movie was the fantastic scenery! It makes me miss the south and want to go back and visit. The beautiful front yards with the big trees and flowers in front of the mansions was very visually pleasing. I couldn't find any photos online of the scenery, so I guess you'll just have to go see for yourself!

xo

10 Tips: Midterms Survival Guide

Right now I am smack in the middle of midterms. Earlier this week, I started feeling sick - and quickly bounced right out of it! If I hadn't used these tips below to get better, I wouldn't have been as clear-headed to study for my exams. I'm not a real doctor or anything, but doing these things keeped me healthy! Keep reading for my top ten tips on staying healthy and studying.

Staying Healthy
It is so easy to catch the bug that always seems to be going around this time of year. People are stressed, not sleeping, and getting sick. Try these tips to help avoid getting sick:

1. Get enough sleep: Make sure that you get at least 6-8 hours of sleep a day. I know that sleep is one of the first things to go when there are homework, projects, and studying to do, but not getting enough sleep will make things worse. When you don't get enough sleep (or any at all), you are more likely to be cranky, tired, and less alert the rest of the day. Also, sleep is your only energy source other than food, so when people don't get enough sleep, they tend to overeat...(this explains midnight snacks, which I admit I am a culprit of occassionally!) And lastly, when you sleep your brain memorizes what happened that day - so if you're trying to memorize your study guide, getting sleep will help lock it in your brain for good!

2. Eat well: The day I woke up with a sore throat I immediately made a fruit smoothie for breakfast rather than my usual eggs or cereal. Not only did the smoothie soothe my throat, but it provided so many healthy nutrients from the fruit. Eating lean protein and lots of fruits and veggies will help build the immune system to fight any infection. A friend also told me that her nutritionist said that for every 25 grams of sugar, your immune system is lowered 25%. So steering clear from foods with processed sugar will definitely help fight off infection as well!


3. Vitamins: I take a multivitamin every morning to get the nutrients that I sometimes don't always eat in food. I admit, there are definitely days where I realized I've eaten fruit but no veggies so taking supplements are a great way to get well-rounded nutrients! I don't recommend replacing actual food with supplements, but they're a nice little extra when you don't get in all the nutrients your body needs for the day.


4. Exercise: Whether it is getting in some time at the gym, participating in an intramural game, or taking a walk with a friend (or significant other!), exercise is really important for staying healthy. Not only does regular exercise help prevent diseases and other illness down the road, but it also can help knock out an incoming cold, or even keep it at bay to begin with! I've read that as long as you don't have a fever or are throwing up, then your body can handle light exercise if you're feeling under-the-weather. Exercise also gets the blood circulating and provides a fantastic amount of natural energy without a caffeine crash from that sugar-free Red Bull.

5. Take a break! When life gets busy, it can be easy to just skip time to relax. Everyone needs a break here and there, even if you have to schedule it! If you're studying for hours, take 30 minutes to catch up on an episode on Hulu, take a lunch break with a friend, or paint your nails. Making time to let yourself relax, laugh, chat, sleep, or read can help you de-stress - or not even get stressed in the first place!


Studying
I feel like midterms are almost harder than finals in some cases because there is no prep week. At my university, we get one week before finals where nothing worth more than 10% of our grade is due - so all the big papers, projects, etc. are done before and we get to use prep week for more time to prepare for final exams. But midterms don't get a prep week. Even though we've only learned half of a course, other big papers, projects, etc. are still due and club meetings and sports practices are still held. So in a sense midterms can get really draining. Prepping well can help you avoid the drain:

1. Get organized: Use a calendar or a planner to write down everything you need to do for class. Read chapters 4-6? Write it down. Paper due Thursday? Write it down. Study group Monday at 2:30? Write it down. That really simple half-page write up? Write it down...even the easy, little stuff is easy to forget! Go through the syllabus for every class and make sure that you are on schedule and aren't forgetting anything. With everything written down, you won't forget about anything!

2. Make a list: of everything. Use either one piece of paper/sticky note/journal for everything, or make separate lists for different categories - whatever works best. From writing down what groceries to pick up next, to emailing your professor, to sports practice/intramural games, to taking your laundry out of the dryer, you'll make sure that you won't forget a thing. Keeping the list(s) in a convenient, visible location where you'll see them daily will be a nice reminder in case you (almost) forget to do something.

3. Choose your best study method: Figure out how you understand/memorize/focus on things the best. Getting together in a group to study is a good way to pick up on, clarify, or learn more about concepts because there are other people to talk it over with. Explaining a concept in depth to someone else will make it easier to explain it on the test, since you've already done it before. Flashcards and color-coded study guides also work for many people. Practice quizzes and review questions in textbooks are another good way to practice.

4. Find a place to study: I know people that study best with the TV on, music loud, and lots of people around. Though I learned in my Consumer Behavior class that your memory associates what you learn with your learning environment. So if you're sitting in class at a desk or table in class with no music on or people talking, then it's usually best to study at a desk or table with no music on or people talking. Going over the material in a similar environment will set off subconscious associative cues from the environment. In the end, though, as long as you can find somewhere that lets you focus and put your full attention toward studying, then you should be fine. The library, study lounges, and coffee shops are good places to try if you can't seem to focus in your own room.

5. Ask for help if you need it: Professors are always there to help. I remember freshman year when I was too nervous and intimidated to go into office hours and didn't fully understand my first college essay - I ended up not getting a good grade or feedback. When I went into office hours for the second essay, I ended up getting an A. If you need help, do not be afraid to ask! Professors have office hours for a reason, and that is solely for helping you. Friends and classmates are also great resources to turn too as well. Your classmates are learning the material at the same time, and your friends may have taken the class previously or can provide a fresh perspective on a subject.


Phew! That was a lot of tips. I hope they help! If you have any more tips on studying or staying healthy, feel free to share them with a comment!

xo

Thursday, October 13, 2011

in a good mood today

Jacket, Shirt, Tank: Nordstrom Skinnies: Forever 21 Shoes: New Look (London) Ring: Juicy Couture Watch: Michael Kors Scarf: Subdued Firenze

I'm in a great mood today! I was starting to get run down/sick/achy/stressed because of midterms, but then I realized I need to get rid of all those icky things. So I ate super healthy and had vitamins to get rid of my sore throat, got (some) sleep, and focused on getting stuff done. I woke up not feeling 100%, but a lot better than yesterday. It was sunny today too, and waking up to blue sky always makes you feel better.

I went to lunch again with my friend Abbie today, (every Thursday we go somewhere for lunch!) and tried this new cafe and got an enchilada. We sat outside because it was nice out and surprisingly warm. I had a quick break and now it's back to class and finishing things up before the weekend!

xo





Tuesday, October 11, 2011

My "Personal Vintage" Collection

I saw a tweet earlier today that asked, "What are your pieces that are 'personal vintage,' as in you've been wearing them for years?" It was something like that - I thought it was from Refinery 29, but I couldn't find it when I went back to their profile! Anyways, it made me think about what my personal vintage items are. There are quite a few items in my closet that I've had for what feels like ages (I know, seven years isn't a lot to some people, but right now it feels like it to me!)

Building a classic wardrobe that lasts can be simple. Just find what pieces are comfortable, flattering, good quality, and most importantly ones that you LOVE! Below are a few items of clothing I feel like I've been wearing forever.

CLOTHING
L to R: Pink tank from Nordstrom, leather jacket from an Italian market, white and gold tank from Macy's, and dress from Nordstrom.

LBD - Little (Lace) Black Dress
I've had this LBD for about four years now, and have worn it so many times. I've worn it to class in both high school and college, to run errands in, to parties, to celebration events, and just about everything else. It shows up in so many photos from the previous years that I debate whether or not I should wear it so often! I like switch up my tights and boots with it in the winter or wear sandals and stacked bracelets in the summer.

Long Pink Tank
I've had this tank also for about four years. I love the bright pink color and its surprising versatility - yet, I usually wear it with the same similar outfit combos that I love so much. In the summer I pair it with shorts; in the winter I like it with leggings or skinny jeans.

Leather Jacket
[folded in the photos]
I just bought this jacket over the summer so I'm not sure if it would qualify as "personal vintage" quite yet but it is quickly becoming one of my wardrobe staples. I wear it often and with just about anything - jeans, dresses, skirts, over a sweater, etc. It's a great jacket, perfect for the season, and has been durable thus far with the weather.

White and Gold Sparkle Tank
I've had this tank for SEVEN years! I got it when I was 13 in junior high and wore it about once a week and still wear it from time to time. This tank has remained a consistent piece of my wardrobe all the way back in the awkward "Myspace mirror pic" days (see first, below) up until recently in college (see second, below).
Come on, you have to admit you took MySpace "mirror" pics too...(give me a break, I was 14 here)
I'm still wearing the same shirt, so many years later!

SHOES & ACCESSORIES
L to R: Boat shoes from Sperry, Grey boots from Chinese Laundry

Pink Boat Shoes
I've had these Sperrys almost as long as the white and gold tank - SIX years! I got them on my 14th birthday during back-to-school shopping. They're a little beaten up from wearing them everywhere with everything for years, yet are still ultra-comfortable and in great condition. I like wearing them with jeans the best, but they're a great alternative to flip flops in the summer as well.

Grey Boots
I got these boots four years ago and was ecstatic when I was wearing them the same time I saw the Gossip Girl season one episode where Serena was wearing them! Blake Lively has a similar taste in shoes as me?! (Yeah, I know, it's a character and they have wardrobe stylists. Whatever.) I like how they can fold up or down from knee-high to over-the-knee boots. They work well over tights with skirts and dresses or paired with skinny jeans.

Diamond Stud Earrings
Earrings from Claire's
These aren't as old as the previous pieces, but I've had these (faux) diamond earrings for about two years now and wear them almost every day. I was with my friend Jenn when she got her cartilage pierced and she got a free pair of earrings - how generous of her to give them to me! They go with everything and will never go out of style. It's the perfect way to add a touch of sparkle to everyday outfits.

What is in your "personal vintage" collection? I'd love to know!

xo