#Trending

This post was inspired by the fact that something pretty monumental happened today. 

Get ready....

My mom went shopping for me!

 It's not that it's the first time that this has happened... she's surprised me with a lot of my favorite things (my fur vest that she bought me in high school--before fur vests were even cool, mind you, my butt zips--before butt zips were even cool too!...and I don't know what else but there were lots more I am sure)...but the first time it's happened in a long time. I am not allowed to have any of these items yet because it's not Christmas yet, but I did see them and they are wonderful. They're also very trendy and while my style usually stays pretty classic, there are quite a few trends around lately that I've had my eye on.

Crushed Velvet

Ugh I WISH I could pull this trend off. As much as I hate to admit it, I think my interest in the velvet trend is very Syracuse influenced. The Armory Square Urban Outfitters had a pair of black crushed velvet leggings and I am so interested. I feel like because everyone and their mother wears black leggings to everything these days, a velvet pair wouldn't be too outrageous. I am also interested in some sort of flppy A-line velvet skirt...which I am sure can also be found at UO. 

Patterned Leggings in General...

Despite my fear of not being able to pull of velvet leggings, I can't help but continue to swoon over patterned leggings in general. The other day, a friend said that anyone can pull anything off as long as they have the guts to actually wear it. While this can be kind of a sticky statement... I don't think I will EVER be able to rock a middle part, sorry Syracuse... I think for the most part what she said is true and I am keeping my eyes peeled for a fun pair of tights to break up all the black.

Loafers

Ok I know these shoes have been trendy for a while now but I've never really felt like I needed to own a pair until now. I just want a really durable (and cheap, preferably cheap... but does durable and cheap really exist anywhere outside of L.L. Bean? Lmk) pair of black or cheetah print loafers. If you see a pair hmu... for real though I'm on the prowl (haha get it, prowl? Cheetahs? ha ha ha haaaa).

 Cropped Shirts

You should go out and get this top. I know it doesn't look too exciting in the picture, but trust me it is. Also, it's on sale: $17. If that's not reason enough I don't know what is. My mom got me a shimmery silvery skirt from BCBG, a pair of these fantastic gold and black shorts that look like a skirt (also BCBG), and a burgundy faux leather skirt and this black crop top goes with ALL of them but each outfit looks completely different. That's magic, that is. Naturally I am going back for every other color the store had. 

Leather

There's a lot of leather stuff out there right now. Leather pants, leather skirts, I've even seen a couple of leather tops. I don't want to commit to this trend TOO much, mostly because I feel overheated and claustrophobic when I think too much about leather pants BUT I can dig it in little doses. Of course, J.Crew kills it. 

LOOK AT THE JODHPUR BUTT ZIPS I MEAN REALLY JC YOU SLAY ME. 

There's also the tuxedo stripe butt zips AND LOOK AT HOW THEIR PAIRED WITH CAT PRINT LOAFERS I MEAN COME ON. And the $695 full leather butt zips if you really want to go there. 

Booties

It literally pains me to write the word 'booties,' I hate it, it just sounds weird to me... but I want a pair so I had to do it. I have this dress that I got from Madewell a few weeks ago and I know the only thing that's going to look good with it is a pair of b**ties. These are the ones. Unfortunately I don't have $228 kicking around but you bet if I did I'd be rocking these b**ties.
 

Staying True

I know I usually stick to pretty light subjects for my blog, like Barbour coats and monograms, but it was important to me to have this said.

Tomorrow afternoon I will leave Syracuse for the next nine months.

This has definitely been my hardest semester to date.

I thought I was done finding out who my real friends were in life but I guess I am still trying to figure that out. It sucks that it never really gets easier when you find out people you thought had your back don’t. And even though I should be used to it right now, finding out that people aren’t who you think they are hurts just as bad. The good part about this semester is that it really made me appreciate the few people I do have that will stand by me no matter what.

Syracuse is a big party school and for someone who doesn’t really enjoy big crowds, or drinking, it can be really hard to find people that want to do the same things that you want to do—or more importantly, friends who care enough about you to make a compromise with you.

It’s especially hard when people just can’t understand that I don’t like the same things they like. Unlike most students at Syracuse, I don’t get a sense of relief from drinking until I black out, or being around a ton of people all the time. I don’t feel good having surface-scratchingly shallow conversations be my only form of communication. It’s hard when they can’t sympathize with being painfully homesick or wanting to talk about deeper things than fraternities and sororities and what happened at the bar last night. It’s hard when they don’t know where you’re coming from and don’t care enough to try and learn. It’s hard being considered “lame” for not drinking, not going out, and for staying true to my long distance relationship. It’s hard going out and then constantly being questioned for not drinking. It’s just hard.  

I know this school wasn’t the right choice for me, and even though that isn’t going to change I do try to make the best of it. The one thing I never complain about at Syracuse is Newhouse and the amazing education I am getting there. The other are the few friends who are true. Being away from Boston and Wellesley these past two and a half years at school made solidified for me how much I truly love home. I don’t think I ever would have truly appreciated where I come from until I left and lived somewhere else.

I think this semester taught me that even though sticking to my values and beliefs can cost friends, they’re not the real ones anyway. I am proud of myself for not compromising who I am and what I feel is right in order to fit in.

This semester taught me that being alone isn’t always bad and that I can be strong when I need to be and ask for help when I can’t. I took on a job at school and keeping busy by working hard made the time go by way faster. Going out to dinner alone isn’t quite as awkward as you think it might be and you never have to fight anyone off for a treadmill at the gym at 8pm on a Saturday night.

That being said, at times it has been incredibly difficult and unbelievably lonely. It’s made me appreciate the littlest things, like a stranger being polite at Starbucks, or a teacher making small talk in a meeting, or even something I used to hate, like working in a group project, like never before. More than anything, I crave being around family and close friends who understand the power of a Waban walk and the value of deep conversation.

I am so grateful for the true friends I do have both at home and at school and I am so happy that I get to spend my senior year reunited with them. I think that London will be the perfect (and much needed hiatus) from Syracuse and it will bring the refreshing perspective that I need.

Mark & Graham

 

Like most cool things, I found this company on Pinterest. First of all, they have this super cool monogram maker that I am not at all ashamed to admit that I spent a good 30 minutes playing with. Ugh it even has this perfect monogram guide with information on the difference between guy and gal monograms, married couple monograms, and even how to monogram a confusing last name--stuff I didn't even know about!!! So handy!!

But, most importantly, their products are ADORABLE. Monogramming is so trendy right now that I was beginning to feel like I wasn't seeing anything new. But Mark & Graham have so many cool things I had a hard time deciding what to feature on the blog.

I love the stripey shirts in the picture above. I did a similar thing with an old L.L. Bean Sailor Shirt a few summers ago and I absolutely loved it, but it would definitely be cool to have an upgrade!!

 I also love these cuffs. Having the full name in the lowercase font is really cute and quaint and I love this because its the type of jewelry that you can leave on for days at a time--just my style!

Finally these city necklaces are perfect. They don't have a Boston OR a London though so I'll just have to wait until they realize what they cool cities out there are.

Anyways, this website is definitely worth a look, even if it is just to mess around with the monogram maker for a few minutes (or 30...)!

The Best Summer Ever

I would actually give my left arm to relive one week of this summer.

yea

Kitties in IKEA! In England!!

I am SO into this. 

AND its in England! I hope everything in England is as great as this commercial.

Why couldn't they have waited for me, I would've offered up some serious volunteer work to be a part of this wonderful advertisement. 

More here. 

Vineyard Vines Beaded Neck Tank

I love these outfit ideas for the Beaded Neck Tank from Vineyard Vines. I put away my white jeans back in October, but I love how winter resort-y this outfit makes them look--it works!! Leopard loafers and velvet leggings/pants are definitely on my wish-list this Winter.

The Perfect Flight Attire

I am really excited for England. 

Like REALLY excited. 

Like, there is 30 days, 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 33 seconds til I board my plane excited.

Like.... I know five other adjectives to describe how I am feeling toward my upcoming trip...

thrilled, 

enlivened,

enraptured, 

psyched.

elated...

for London.

I can't wait.

I've been doing some careful planning to determine the absolute perfect outfit to wear for this plane ride. Lauren Conrad and Emily Schuman being my main inspirations. When I was younger I was all about comfort in flight. I would wear a full sweatsuit, no makeup, and hair in a sloppy ponytail. Now I feel like it's important to be comfortable AND stylish. There's nothing worse than showing up to a beautiful vacation feeling less than glamorous. Especially after the six hour flight to London I'm really relying on the whole "look good, feel good," motto to get me through. Here's what I came up with.

After careful planning, I'm going to (SHOCK) wear my Black J.Crew Pixie Pants (aka ButtZips). Comfortable doesn't even begin to describe these pants---which lends to why I own three pairs and rarely wear anything else. They are stretchy but don't lose their stretch...ever. They also aren't quite as freely stretchy as say, a pair of WunderUnders, meaning you can wear them on Thanksgiving Day and eat your heart out and they'll still hold you together (Or so I've been told...). Also, they're black so when I inevitably spill something on them mid-flight it won't be noticeable. But most importantly, they're super chic and look totally put together even though they take zero effort at all.

 

 Next, I am going to wear a simple white tank top layered with a light sweater. Layers are KEY. I've sat on a five hour flight to Aruba under -30 degree air conditioning and frozen my butt off, but I've also sat on a flight to Syracuse and was literally suffocating due to lack of layered clothing and an overcompensation on in-flight heat. Neither were great experiences. Layers people, layers. 

I am not a big Pashmina person... but some kind of scarf seems to be essential. My mom always travels with a fluffy Pashmina in a color that will match most of the clothing shes packed. She wears it as a scarf through security but then as soon as we get in the air she whips it out as a snuggley blanket and I am ALWAYS jealous that I didn't think to bring one. Since I am more into the loopscarf trend I think I will wear my warmest one and use it as a pillow if necessary. 

The only thing I can't decide is whether to wear my Barbour coat or my North Face Parka while flying. I have this image of myself landing in London looking the part in my Barbour, also its kind of heavy so I feel like it will take up a lot of suitcase space so it might make sense to wear rather than pack. But the North Face Parka practically doubles as a giant down comforter. Decisions....

There are now 30 days, 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 9 seconds until I board. Just saying.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you have a great day of food, friends, and family! 

xx

Newbury St. Shopping

On Monday my mom and I took the day off from work at the WHB and ventured into Back Bay to do a little Christmas Shopping. And by a little Christmas Shopping I mean one big gift...for me.

I am finally the proud new owner of a Barbour coat!!!!

Ok, not actually YET, because my mom is making me wait til the real Christmas morning, but it's here in the house! I have it somewhere!! I officially am ready for London and will fit right in haha. 

I absolutely CANNOT wait and in exactly 30 days I will be sprinting off my Virgin Atlantic 747 to make a big reunion lovey scene with Lewis in the middle of Heathrow. 

Couldn't be more excited.

There will be pictures, probably.

My mom and I strolled around Newbury St., me happily toting my crisp sage colored Barbour bag, and enjoyed a late lunch at Trident Booksellers and Cafe. Deeeeeelicious. Get the Trident Chicken Salad. Go!

 

P.S. How cute (and CLASSY!) does Princess Di look in her Beadnell? Ugh I am in love. 

CHOPPED

I cut my hair!!

Four inches to be exact, six from the (shockingly!) shortest layer.

It was very daring of me. My hair grew to be quite long spending the entire summer soaking up more than my fair share of Vitamin D and fresh ocean water.

My hair gets bleached really quickly by the sun and I absolutely love how blonde and shimmery it gets...but it also makes it grow like a bona-fide weed. After taking a few pictures at my sorority's Fall formal last weekend I realized that it was definitely a bit TOO long to compliment my face. Working at a salon this Fall really opened my eyes to the benefits of a good haircut. A few inches off can take precious minutes off of styling time and can even help a blowout to last more than just a day. My head feels a lot lighter and even though I miss my long ponytail I know it will be grown back double the length before I even land in England, but until then I am loving my choppy layers!

On My Christmas List...

 1. Barbour Women's Fleece Betty Gilet, apparently this helps the Barbour coat transition seamlessly from Fall to Winter. It looks so warm and soft and I think it would even be cute worn separately from the coat.

 2. Barbour Waxed Cotton Hood, so that it can be a Fall coat, Winter coat, AND rain coat! Ugh the possibilities are ENDLESS.

 

3. The Best American Infographics 2013, how cool is this?! I love The Best American series and this is such a cool new idea. We're always looking at Infographics for design (and content!) purposes at Newhouse. Another great way to present creative communication.

4. Kai Perfume, I've posted about Kai Fragrances before. BUT IT SMELLS SO AMAZING. It smells like an island or a vacation. Ok it smells like Nantucket. It's perfect. Whenever I sneak a spray of my mom's bottle of Kai I can't resist but smelling my wrist all day. It's creepy, I know. But thats how delicious it smells!

 

5. J.Crew Excursion Vest, I've posted abut this a billion times also, but its the perfect vest and it comes in a million different colors and I STILL DON'T OWN IT. Something needs to change!

6. HandBag Butler Charging Purse, Shameless pitch for the WHB. The Handbag Butler Charging Purse is the bestselling item at the store this winter. Usually I'd accuse gimmicky things like a wallet that charges your iPhone of being tacky or not cute. Rarely are functional things actually attractive. However this actually is!!! The leather is nice, it's cute, it's the perfect size to fit the phone, money, keys, and whatever else you'd need for a night out. I picked out one in Almond Brown for my Christmas gift from the store. I think it will be perfect for nights out, days in the city and travel-packed days in London!

7. JoJo's Bling Earrings, I have a SERIOUS addiction to Jojo's earrings. I convinced my mom to order them wholesale for the WHB and ever since they came in I find every excuse to stand in front of the display and try on every single pair. They're literally candy. I have a honey colored pair and am currently coveting a navy pair. They also make pearl earrings and they were PERFECT, unfortunately hopefully the bottom of Spectacle Pond things they're perfect too because that's their new home.

I haven't found the perfect ones yet (suggestions welcome!) but also....

8. High-waisted Jeans from Madewell or Urban.
9. A brown leather cross-body bag for London.
10. Short brown leather boots.
11. New make-up from Bare Minerals.
12. Statement necklace.

Thanksgiving Break Thus Far!

Being away from Syracuse Being home has been AMAZING so far! I've been working at my mom's store a lot which has been really fun and really exciting!

It looks really good and every time I go in for a shift I end up picking about 100 things I want for Christmas.  

I've been eating REAL food...

 

Tycho and I indulged at Shake Shack the other night...

 And I've been making far too many ham and cheese grilled sandwiches. 

All in all its been amazing and I am in total denial that I have to go back to hell Syracuse, next week for finals.

Endless Love Trailer

Me and Christina went to see Catching Fire a few nights ago and this was one of the trailers before it. I am so intrigued.

Song Addictions: 212 Ft. Lazy Jay - Azealia Banks

The Power of CAMP

Every summer at camp Bruce Netherwood, the director of Camps Burgess and Hayward presents his "Philosophy Talk," on the last night of staff training. I truly love camp more than anything else in my life. I can say with 100% certainty that I have never been happier than I am the days I spend at 75 Stowe Road, Sandwich MA, 02563. After two years away last summer I was a bliss and contentment that I didn't even remember existed within myself until I was back in the setting that it was allowed to be reborn. I remember about ten days in this past summer, calling my mom in tears, not because I was homesick like I am every single day at college, but because I was so happy to be so happy. Going to camp was the absolute best thing I have ever done for myself AND the best thing that my parents have ever done for me. I hope that those who aren't lucky enough to have had the same experiences that I did at camp can watch this video and begin to understand a little better why it is so special.

Technology is Amazing

Stop what you are doing and watch this video.

Ok, you watched it?

Did you cry? 

Because I did. Technology blows my mind and these girls are awesome.

Albuquerque Balloon Festival

This is amazing. Someone take me.
Seriously though this just jumped to like #1 on my Bucket List. 

Vest Obsession Strikes Again

Inspiration for basically every outfit I've worn all month, all I need in my life are more vests and sweaters:

My love of stripes and fur translates to fashion as well as kittens...

Dark denim + navy stripes + beige vests = PERFECT FALL OUTFIT.

I love the orange in this outfit as well.

THIS.

My entire summer wrapped up into one song.

Be More Accurate...

Weekend at Home Purchases

It had literally felt like FOREVER since I had last gone shopping! I really shouldn't have but I can't say I'm not glad I did.

I was originally on a mission for a new comfy sweater. I had something Free People in mind but I literally couldn't find anything anywhere. I was just about to give up when I saw the Diamond Jacquard dress at Madewell. It's super heavy weight and warm so I thought it would be perfect for working at The Wellesley Holiday Boutique this winter and dinners out in England.

I was walking out when I couldn't resist going into the new Lululemon store. I've been needing a new pair of Wunder Unders since I broke the cardinal rule of yoga clothing and washed my crops AND my pants in a load with cotton towels :(((( ruined. Don't do it. Learn from my mistakes people!! So as I am trying on my new pants (apparently the new Full-On Luon material is supposed to be more resistant to pilling--fingers crossed) I needed to try on a tank top to make sure it looked alright. And then naturally I had to buy the tank top too...

All in all, successful trip, a little TOO successful probably. Except I never got a sweater... Until next weekend!

 Lululemon Energy Tank (in White)

 

The New Full-On Luon Lululemon Wunder Unders

 

Madewell Diamond Jacquard Dress

Tortellini, Spinach, and Tomato Soup

I successfully cooked again! 

I was so inspired after the Tunacados that I decided to make something else I found off the internet. Trying to figure out how to combine the random groceries I have in my apartment is becoming like a fun nightly game.

Tonight I made a garlicky, tortellini, spinach, and tomato soup. I've had the tortellini in my fridge for a while but since I never really have time to work out anymore I never feel like I deserve to indulge on pasta unless I am at Pastabilities. The soup makes the tortellinis seem a little lighter and I love anything with spinach and tomatoes. It was a little more "garlicky" than I anticipated but definitely an easy meal!

THE TUNACADO

I thought I would hate living on South Campus this year. 

Namely because even though its only about a mile away from campus the bus journey can take up to a half hour. Despite that, it does have quite a few perks. I love having my own room, turning the light off when I want to, not having to wear shower shoes or carry a shower caddy, and just having more space in general. But most of all, I LOVE being able to cook for myself. 

I've always been a healthy eater and the options at the dining hall were far from satisfactory--or healthy. That being said I don't really know how to make a lot. My dinner options are pretty limited to stir-fry, stuffed peppers, and eggs. However, in my recent homework procrastination I came across tuna-stuffed avocados. 

The Tunacado, if you will. 

SO. 

DELICIOUS.

And literally so simple. You literally just make tuna however you usually like to eat tuna (I like it with onions and a little bit of mayonaise and a LOT of pepper) scoop out a little of the avocado, add it to the tuna, and then stuff the whole mixture back into the avocado, add salt, and eat with a spoon. Done and done. 

SO GOOD.

Amen

Happy to say I've got it all, except that whole political awareness part...

What I am Reading, Watching, Eating, and Listening...

This blog was starting to look a little too much like a playlist...

Reading:

I've always had this intense fascination with Elizabeth Smart and her kidnapping. She's been so reluctant to discuss her experience for so many years (understandably) so I cannot wait to read about her story from her perspective.  

Watching:

This movie is hysterical. Long story short its about a drug dealer who has to smuggle tons of weed across the border. He doesn't want to seem too suspicious so he recruits a stripper, a dork, and a homeless girl to be his fake family. Excellent.

Eating:

Anything and everything pumpkin. Pumpkin muffins, bread, cupcakes, pancakes, the possibilities are endless!

 

Listening:

Because I couldn't resist throwing my latest song obsession in a blog post...

Adore You - Miley Cyrus

Alright, you can't say she didn't do anything right. 

The Beginning - John Legend

His hand gesticulations are a little ridiculous in this video, but great song--thanks to Lily for showing me!

1901 Ignition - Phoenix & R. Kelly

Story of my Life

Vests on Vests on Vests

Fact: I need more sweaters and vests in my life. But since absolutely every penny I own is going toward England right now I've got to pick one. Vests are the move, no question. 

Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
I think this might be my next move. I have the Retro X Vest and it's definitely my favorite item of clothing, but I think a non-fleece vest might be a good option.

Women's Retro X Vest
THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. Enough said.

Women's Red Blaze Vest
Another good version of the puffer vest.

L.L. Bean Women's Goose Down Vest
I like this a lot. Such a good selection of colors as well!

J.Crew Women's Excursion Vest
LOVE these. Really wish they would go on sale though.

Old Navy Women's Quilted Barn Vest
A much more affordable version of the J.Crew style.