It's that time of year...midterms

This is what I've felt like this past week.

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As midterms week inches closer and closer, I get busier and more tired. Having late-night dance team practice with a 7:30am class the next morning is a recipe for exhaustion! I do admit, I love dance team and the 7:30am class is my favorite of all my classes, so it is worth it. I do need to take care of myself, though.

Last semester I wrote this post about "surviving" midterms week in terms of staying healthy and studying. I am so glad I re-read it, because I really needed to read those tips again. I need sleep! I need sleep to memorize the material I learned that day, to have a clearer mind, and to be able to focus more and be productive.

I suggest reading it if you're nearing midterms too, or are just really busy! Taking care of our bodies is so important, yet it is often quickly neglected when we get tied up with other things. I just took a nap - I needed it! I feel much more awake than earlier this afternoon, and am ready to go to practice.

Happy Leap Day!

xo

plaid & stripes with olive pants

Button-up shirt: Madewell Necklace: Muses & Rebels Pants: F21 Boots: Corso Como Watch: Michael Kors Ring: Kate Spade

Since I only have about twenty minutes between getting home from rock climbing and leaving for classes, I'm always in a rush! I sometimes just switch out my leggings and sneakers for jeans and flats and throw on a hoodie before heading to class. But today was different - I picked out my outfit before rock climbing. I should've realized this earlier...it's just like choosing the next day's outfit before bed so you don't have to groggily put something together the next morning. Sometimes I can throw together a rockin' outfit in a rush, but it's much nicer to have the clothes laid out and ready to go.

I used to wear these olive-colored jeans all the time last year, but haven't lately. I decided to pull 'em back out and pair them with the plaid button-up and striped belt. The boots add a neutral contrast and the accessories play off the colors in the rest of my outfit.

xo

cable knit and leopard print

Sweater: J. Crew Headband: Henri Bendel Necklace: Muses & Rebels Ring: Kate Spade Bracelets, tank: F21 Watch: Michael Kors Jeans: Nordstrom Flats: unknown (aka my mother's closet)

I went for a classic look today with a cable knit sweater, skinny jeans, and leopard-printed flats and added the accessories to put more life into the outfit. I just realized the color scheme exactly mimics my bedroom - I didn't even mean to do that! I love the combination of red and purple, and the animal print packs an extra punch.

After getting only a few hours of sleep last night, I needed some rest this afternoon. I watched an episode of Dance Moms (so much crazy, so much awesome) and took a short nap. Now it's back to business before performing at the last men's basketball game tonight!

Oh yeah, the second photo was taken in my bathroom because I wanted to get a closeup of my accessories. Total MySpace mirror pic right there. Don't mind the awkward green hand towels in the corner. Haha.

xo

casual sunday

Button-up, ring: F21 Tank: Nordstrom Bracelets: New Look (London) Boots: Chinese Laundry Leggings: Trouve

I was about to title this post "Lazy Sunday," but then realized that today is anything but! I've been out and about running errands, and tonight I have two meetings and dance team practice back to back. Busy day!

Because of all the running around, I decided to wear a casual outfit that is comfortable but not sloppy. I adore these leggings - they're very comfortable and warm - by Trouve. It may be hard to tell in the photo, but they are lined to give them a "riding pant/equestrian" feel. I saw a lot of leggings like these, or the ones with the patches, when I was in Italy.

Hope you have a great start to your week!

xo

a few kate spade spring pieces

I've always loved the vibrant colors and cute prints from Kate Spade. I'd enjoy going to the Kate Spade store on vacation and look at all the fun pieces they have. 

Anyway, I still love Kate Spade today - some things are a little out of my personal price range, but it's always fun to be inspired! Here are a few of my favorite pieces out right now:

Treasure Chest Statement Necklace

This would work with so many outfits! It can add flair to a casual outfit and complement a dressy one. So pretty!

Thin Bow Belt

A thin bow belt has been on my wishlist for quite some time! A black one would go with everything, but this also comes in a coral-orange color as well. This would be a perfect addition to a pair of bright, colored jeans this spring!

Signature Spade Quilted iPad Sleeve

I have the laptop version of this sleeve (I didn't see it online) and I love it! Mine is in black, with gold metal accents. The inside is lined with an adorable polka dot pattern. I like how it is simple yet fun, and totally functional.

[Random, but funny story: my mom had this red Kate Spade purse when I was in elementary school, and there was a point in time where I was at the exact height of the bottom of the purse when she was wearing it. So when I walked next to her and she'd stop, bam! The purse corner would hit me in the head! Haha. Just imagine that...]

xo

winter florals

Blazer: Nordstrom Tank: Madewell Shorts: Nasty Gal Boots: Corso Como Tights, bracelets: F21 Watch: Michael Kors Ring: Kate Spade

Floral shorts! Wearing shorts in the winter in a floral print make me feel a little rebellious. With just a couple of pieces to save your skin from the wind and cold, floral shorts can be incorporated into an appropriate winter outfit, and then flawlessly transition back into spring and summer.

Plus, these shorts have hidden pockets - who doesn't love those? It's a random but nice - and convenient - detail.

I think I'm going to take a nap now...I'm exhausted! I had a fantastic workout at the gym but I need to recuperate a little. Ah, I love the weekend.

xo

dreaming of rome

This semester I am taking a Roman archaeology class, and today's lecture only had me dreaming of my days in Rome (I studied abroad in Florence last summer with a four-day opening tour in Rome.) I miss it so much! When the professor showed a photo of the Stadium of Domitian on the PowerPoint, I could almost taste the nutella and strawberry gelato I had near Piazza Navona.

The first gelato I ever had

One of the three fountains at Piazza Navona

We discussed The Colosseum earlier this week...

I met an Italian who said "I live that way, near the Colosseum" like it was no big deal

We talked about The Pantheon too!

The oculus inside The Pantheon

The Vatican is gorgeous! It was cool to see some of the art in the book that I saw in the museum.

I took this photo of The Vatican from far away at this other castle! What wonders a zoom lense can do

I am so nostalgic right now. I miss Italy so much! I so, totally, completely, hope I am fortunate enough to go back and visit.

But for now, my Roman archaeology class will just have to suffice!

xo

quick jewelry tip

Have you ever worn jewelry that turns your skin a greyish-green color? The stud earrings I wear almost daily leave a colored circle behind, and a few of my rings do the same on my fingers. Ick!

Sometimes, it's a love/hate relationship with these earrings

On the bright side, there is a way to prevent this! I heard from a friend that if you paint clear nail polish on the part of the jewelry where the color rubs off, it'll stop it from discoloring the skin. So simple, so brilliant.

xo

nail art for fall 2012

I was perusing Fashionista today and saw their post about the nail art on the fall 2012 runways. They mentioned that the nail art trend may begin to dwindle by then, and that most of the nail polish colors were variations of nude.

Since nail art is so big right now, however, I thought I'd share two of my favorite looks! I think both of these looks can be used any time of the year.

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The two-toned color is so interesting. The red draws the eye to the blue detailing. This is so unique! Love.

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This was my other favorite look. It may be hard to tell in the photo, but the tips are a metallic gold. It's a twist on the French manicure; more elegant than the neon tips I've seen lately. This would match just about everything!

When fall gets here, I guess we'll see what happens to the nail art trend. For now, though, bring on spring fashion!

xo

california dreamin'

I absolutely love California.

Every time I visit, I experience true joy and miss it so much after I leave. I get the feeling that it is where I am supposed to be. I almost went to college in Southern California, but decided on Gonzaga in the northwest instead (which is an awesome school). When I decided to go to Gonzaga, I knew after graduation that I would like to move to California.

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I graduate in just a little over a year. Fifteen months, to be exact. I have fifteen months to enjoy college, the best time of my life, before I move on to my other dreams.

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I'm nervous. I've been to California countless times, but I've never lived there. I know only a few people. But that's what makes it exciting. A new, fresh start.

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Sunny weather, being active, living near both the beach and the city...ah, it sounds so wonderful. I know Southern California can have its flaws - expensive living, overdone plastic surgery, the occasional earthquake - those are just stereotypes. I may love it, or I may hate it. I just know that I need to at least get it out of my system ... so I'll have no regrets.

Cheers to the next fifteen months, and to whatever's up ahead!

xo

at the coffee shop

Sweater: Anthropologie Tank: Nordstrom Jeans: Joe's Headband: F21 Flats: Report

I am currently at this little coffee shop (actually, it's quite big for a coffee shop) about to do homework. But I'm blogging first. Because that's more fun. :)

I realized that I have three midterms, a paper, and a project all due in the same week, so I'm trying to get ahead with my homework for the 3-day weekend. (Thank you, President's Day holiday!)

Enjoy your Saturday,

xo

very pose-y today

Cardigan: Aritzia Blue tank, headband, heels: F21 Jeans, white tank: Nordstrom Necklace: H&M Bracelets and ring: Tiffany & Co.

Tonight I am going out to dinner with some friends to try Indian food for the first time! For some reason, it is one cuisine I have never tried. I hear it is great though - I'm just a little nervous about the spiciness! After dinner, we're going to head downtown to see GOP candidate Ron Paul speak. I'm excited to see one of the presidential candidates.

Happy Friday!

xo

So I just finished The Hunger Games...

...and I. am. obsessed.

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I am so blown away by how amazing and creative this book is. Taking time out of my super-busy days to read a non-required book for fun is really saying something for me. Reading the last page was one of those moments where I didn't want to finish it because I didn't want it to end! I just have to say, Suzanne Collins is brilliant.

It seems like everyone is buzzing about the upcoming movie, and I tried my best to stay away from the movie photos and trailers while I read the book. I didn't want it to change how I saw things in my head. 

Here's the movie trailer:

So excited! Any other Hunger Games fans out there? What did you think of the first book? Who is going to see the movie opening day? (I know I am!)

Now, on to book two...

xo

PS - S/O to Zephyr for mentioning me about yesterday's post for College Fashion's Hautelinks! Thank you!

Spice up your space!

Last fall, I wrote an article for the pilot issue of Sweet Lemon Magazine about decorating tips on how to add color to a room without painting the walls. 

I photographed my room at home for the magazine, but since moving into an apartment at school, I've had to work with different furniture and space. Here are some photos of how I set up and organize my new dresser - I hope this provides some inspiration to those of you who want to spice up your space!

Here are three ways to add color:

1. Jewelry! I have a lot of big, trendy, colorful pieces, so I use a jewelry stand to organize it and put it on display. I got this jewelry stand from PB Teen many years ago, but they have newer versions. Urban Outfitters is usually another good place to look for jewelry storage as well. 

To the left I have necklaces hanging on thumbtacks to draw the eye up and keep them (mostly) untangled. The more necklaces you hang, the less you can see the actual thumbtacks!

2. Board of inspiration! I have a leopard-print whiteboard from Target that I learn up against the wall and place papers on with magnets. I ripped out an article that I liked from ELLE magazine, put up a clipping from The New York Times style section, and a couple other little notes from friends.

3. Stack of books! I love stacking a few small "coffee table" books on a tabletop. Depending on the type and number of books, you can play with size, color, and height. Since you don't actually need a coffee table for displaying books, this would be perfect in a dorm as well!

Here you can see the necklaces better (and part of my Fiorentina soccer scarf hanging below!)

A closer shot of the top of the dresser

Small dishes for watch, bracelets, and lip gloss

I like to keep daily essentials separate, so I put the watch/bracelets combo I often wear in this dish I got from American Eagle last summer. On the right, I have lip glosses and balms (from M.A.C. and Benefit) sitting in a dish I made at one of those paint-your-own-ceramic places. What I liked about painting my own dish was that I could choose whatever colors I wanted! I used brown, red, and purple colors to match my room.

xo

I think I dressed for the wrong holiday...?

wrong outfit AND awkward pose?!

Dress, belt: F21 Leggings: H&M Rain Boots: Sperry Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture

So I might have leaped a month ahead to St. Patrick's Day in terms of my color scheme for today - I did not forget that it is Valentine's Day! I just wanted to wear this dress. It's new. Wearing new clothes is exciting. I wear pink all the time anyways.

I love the cutout details of this dress, though. The color and style make this dress perfect to wear with leggings and rain boots (it snowed today) or with wedges and a sun hat (for when it warms up).

Also, I know it's getting late, but I just found out that Ben & Jerry's is giving out one free scoop of Americone flavored ice cream today! So grab your date or some friends for a free treat!

I love anything free. Free my favorite price. Can you tell I'm a college kid?

xo

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is one of my favorite shows. I've been a devoted fan since the season one premiere and still watch every episode to this day. It gives me a nice break on Monday evenings to immerse myself in the drama and the fashion.

Tonight's episode...where do I begin? Georgina bothers me (doesn't she always?), Nate is always stuck in the woes of trying to date someone new (I still love Nate, though), Chuck is off following Blair (though isn't the fact he has a dog adorable?), and Serena is kind of being a little selfish. Oh, and Blair and Dan kissed. What?! That upsets me. I've been rooting for Chuck and Blair since season one! Hopefully things will turn out with Chuck and Blair eventually.

I can't believe I just devoted a whole blog post to ranting about the episode. I could go on, but I'll save you from that. If there are any other GG fans out there, what is your take on the episode? Do you think Chuck and Blair will finally be together without something getting in the way?

xo

Photos (of previous episodes) courtesy of the CW website

windows phone?

I've been Team BlackBerry for the past few years. I loved my BlackBerry. Then I got a new one, and a few months later, it began to stall, freeze, and run out of battery often. I hate complaining about it because I have loved this little BlackBerry for so long! But now, it is not keeping up as well with other smart phones currently out, like the iPhone and the Windows phone.

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Next month I think I'm getting a new one - most likely a Windows phone. I've heard great things about it and that it keeps up with iPhone (unlike my BlackBerry currently). Does anyone have one? Do you like it?

I'm sorry BlackBerry...but I think I gotta make the switch. Eek!

xo

Brands I Love: Tory Burch

I've been loving the brand Tory Burch for the past few years. I got my first Tory Burch tote for my birthday a few years back, and have worn it almost every day since! The durability of the bag plus the classic pattern made me venture out to find more Tory Burch clothes and accessories.

The Tory Burch website defines the company:

"Tory Burch is a luxury lifestyle brand defined by classic American sportswear with an 
eclectic sensibility and attainable price point. It embodies the personal style and spirit of its CEO and designer, Tory Burch. Recognizing a void in the market for a sophisticated aesthetic at an attainable price point, Tory wanted to create stylish yet wearable clothing and 
accessories for women of all ages."

The Reva flats are seen everywhere on college campuses, with their long-lasting comfort and almost endless supply of color and pattern options.

Shop flats

Some of my favorite picks from the spring collection:

Skirt, Tote, Sunglasses

Tory Burch even did a cameo on Gossip Girl! Season 3, I believe. Serena [Blake Lively] was interviewed by her. Bonus points - one of my favorite brands and favorite shows!

xo

I'm wearing shorts!

Shirt: Subdued Firenze Denim shorts: Rock & Republic Tights: Capezio Knee socks, scarf: Nordstrom Silver and black cuff: unknown (aka my mom's closet) Silver bracelets: New Look (London) Boots: Chinese Laundry

I took a big leap in terms of my outfit today - I wore a pair of shorts in February. I'll often see the shorts + tights combo in magazines, online, other blogs, etc. but don't see the combo much on campus. I decided to give it a shot! I "winter-fied" the outfit with the tights, knee socks, boots, and a scarf. I also wore gloves and a hip-length, black pea coat (not pictured). It actually ended up being too warm! Go figure.

But really, shorts can't be that summery because of the length - people wear miniskirts with tights/leggings/boots all the time! If you're weary about shorts in the winter, I urge you to go for it! Dark denim or thick fabrics (leather, tweed, khaki) are great choices this time of year!

Oh and last night Gonzaga beat rival team St. Mary's! So proud to be a Zag.

xo

green stripes

Sweater, coat, skinnies: F21 Boots: Corso Como Watch: Michael Kors

Today I went for more of a classic look. I love this bright striped sweater and the elbow patches. I threw on this brown coat with matching boots and was good to go! It was a pretty easy combo considering how short on time I was. Today is such a busy day!

Anyways, I'm off to go to the GU/St. Mary's game. Going to be INSANE!

xo

H&M Blazer

Look at this amazing H&M blazer! It would be a great transition piece from winter into spring.

Blazer can be found here.

I love the model's outfit. It is so classy and put-together. The vertical stripes elongate the body without taking too much attention away from the rest of the outfit. 

Can I go somewhere sunny with palm trees and wear this blazer too? Please?

The blazer comes in more colors, like red, navy, and grey, but my favorite is pink:

Put this on my spring shopping list!

xo

Remember this?

Shirt, belt: F21 Tank: Lucy Jeans: DL1961 Boots: Corso Como

Hmm...this outfit looked a little different in my head. Remember this shirt from a few days ago? I decided I wanted to belt it! I chose this bright pink belt with camel-colored trim, and wore brown jeans and boots to tie the colors together. Usually black and brown work well for me, but I'm a little uncertain about this combination. Maybe a different shirt and belt next time? Who knows. I'm okay with it enough (read: lazy enough) to wear it the rest of the day!

And on that note, time to study for a test this afternoon. Adios.

xo