Rainy Day Blues

 

 

 

 

This past weekend was rather dreary down here in Philly. So I took advantage of making the most of things inside and cleaning up the apartment before going away for the first time for more than a couple of days. I also embraced the blue tones with this awesome printed maxi skirt I scored from TJ Maxx.

Easy & Carefree

Wish this was how my life was going but at least I can dress like it is. I love being able to just be comfortable some days but still being able to be styled and put together. This look can come across as someone who does care about what they look like but also cares about making it work for them and their daily life. I love being able to put relaxed looks together like this.

Pants- Free People

Top- TJ Maxx

Shoes- Madden Girl 

Taking Time For Yourself

I've been so busy I haven't even posted in days! This is how I knew it was absolutely time to just take a break, even though a thousand things need done, and take some time for myself. The holiday season is one of the best of the year but it can also be the most stressful. It's important that in these next couple of months you take moments to yourself to breath and appreciate all the little things that go unnoticed while rushing to get things done.

Like appreciating the moon and sun being out at the same time. 

And of course by taking a little time to myself to relax that includes doing a little bit of shopping. I am in love with this new sweater I purchased from LOFT, it's going to be the perfect thing to keep me warm through these snowy Pennsylvania winter months. The rest of my shopping I did online starting to compile my Christmas wishlist. Here are a few items that I'm really hoping Santa comes through on: 

An all white headdress. 

Chanour Antalya Coin Collar Necklace 

Reverse Sweet Worship Velvet Fringe Kimono 

Boys Boys Boys

Who doesn't love a well dressed man?  I figured I'd have fun and switch gears a little bit to write a little about my opinion on men's fashion. Trust me I am not a shallow person but a first impression is definitely based partially on looks, if you don't have a nice smile that speaks some confidence this is your first mistake. Also, I believe there is a double standard in society where women are expected to look their best for their significant other but men get to slack on this. If you want to hook a good looking girl then you must dress the part too.

Casual Attire for Men 

As attractive as some frat boys can be, please do us all a favor and lose the boat shoes. Unless you live near a bay area or beach there is absolutely no reason to wear these hideous shoes all year round. Also I suggest to liven up your wardrobe if you're in a frat, don't just go with the typical polo or button up & pastel color shorts. Be the different brother wear a graphic printed tee or something that speaks to your hobbies and personality versus the brotherhood. You will be able to attract many more girls this way.

Photo Copyright 

Then there are the boys on campus who just don't care, stroll into class everyday with the bed head hair & sweats on. It's time to wake up boys, if you have a problem getting ready before 9 AM you're going to have a problem getting used to a full time job. It shows more dedication to your profession if you dress how you will for work about once a week. Even if you're going to be in business casual it's good to get an idea of what this will look and feel like. In return it will also give you more confidence about the path you have chosen.

USA Today agrees with me

Making sure you will be career fair ready is a very important thing!! Even if you're only a sophomore it's important to start attending things like these while you're in college to prepare you for grad school and job interviews. You can never have too much practice at the interviewing process and how to dress for it. If you need a suit and tie combination make sure it is the proper fit. Nothing looks sloppier to an interviewer than wearing something that doesn't fit. It's also important to remember that most of your prospective employers are going to have a more traditional view on the interview look. Don't go with a crazy printed tie or an odd color suit because even though you may think you'll stick out it's probably something they're not looking for from someone who doesn't have the job already secured. Stick to a simple black, navy, or charcoal colored suit and white or blue button up, this is the most classic interview look.

Some simple Do's & Don'ts for interview wear

Putting a nice smile on with any outfit adds a lot to a guy's look, you are more appealing and look easier to approach. Plus you never know who's day you'll make by just giving them that simple smile. Show those pearly whites boys!



Feedback on this blog would be much appreciated as I stepped out of my element on this post!! 

Follow Your Dreams

Watching one of my favorite TV channels the other night, BRAVO, I heard a quote that struck a chord  within me as something to live by. Courtney Kerr of Dallas Most Eligible is getting her very own TV series but on the commercial she states, "If the dreams you have don't scare you a little, then they probably aren't big enough." I feel as though this is something everyone should really take to heart and take a serious look at.

We are still at that period in life where we don't have to know what we want to be or do for the rest of our lives. Sure we're all working towards degrees right now to hopefully be employed in that field but that reality of the situation is that may not happen & it may be a safe option some of us are choosing to be financially secure after school. If you have big dreams, if you really want to be a doctor, or own your own business someday then DO SO, do not ever let anyone get in your way of saying these things aren't possible. The only things that aren't possible are things that you aren't able to set your mind to and to motivate yourself to get to where you'd like to be in life someday.

Achieving your dreams and becoming successful is powered by personal support, determination, and willingness to sell yourself to a company you want to work for. You must be willing to do that 300 plus hour unpaid internship to truly grasp the idea of the mission of this company and how you are going to help them achieve it. Do your research on the types of companies you would be interested in working for, or a business that could help you gain the experience you need to successfully start up your own in that industry.

In the age of technology we are blessed with the vast encyclopedia of information that the Internet blesses us with, and we should be using this to our full advantage. On almost all companies websites there is a tab for a career section, to post up coming jobs and internships you never would've known about without searching for.

For example here are a few of the sites which I've been looking at for internships this coming summer.

URBN Career Opportunities- Urban Outfitters, Free People, & Anthropologie

Free People Job Opportunities- Free People

ANN INC. Careers- ANN Taylor & LOFT

These sites have been so helpful to let me know what exactly each company is looking for in employees, when internship deadlines are, and how to apply for the right position for you.

When going for your dreams don't ever let the idea of something being too big or life changing is impossible to achieve, you'll surprise yourself at how far you can get when you truly believe in yourself & ideas.

Tis The Season To Spice Things Up

Sometimes you need to take a break from the norm. Break out of that daily routine and throw some spontaneity in your life. Skip class today and go enjoy lunch with a friend, dance in the rain, or just curl up and relax with a good book. Life can't always be taken so seriously, we have the rest of our lives for that. It's time to live in the moment and enjoy what mother nature gave you before father time takes it away. (Thank you Marisa for the wonderful quote)

On that note I also feel very strongly about not caring what others think & say. You eliminate a lot of little daily stresses when you stop taking things personally. A suggested book that I absolutely love is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Especially when it comes to your personal style, don't ever let someone tell you how to dress, unless it's an important family event and mom's opinion over rules. Be confident enough to not give a fuck what anyone else thinks when you are questioning whether or not something looks right or matches. It doesn't matter, what matters is what you think and how you feel about yourself. So often we over look our own feelings & tastes to fit into the mold of society but that needs to stop. 

Today's look included: 

LOFT Knit Sweater Vest

LOFT Maxi Skirt

Free People Henley Thermal

Minnetonka Moccasins 

I've said it before I'll say it again

I'm really all about the details! I love to observe things whether it is someones outfit, mannerisms, or the little things throughout your day that usually go unseen. When you take time to notice these things I believe you truly gain an understanding for living in the now and taking advantage of being in the moment. Life becomes a bit more beautiful when you pay attention to details.

I'm constantly styling my outfits with extra accessories just to add some detail in case I don't already have it. It just adds that spice to any plain look! I already had a dash of detail with the sequin front Free People shirt I chose to pair with some dark wash skinny jeans and brown slouch boots. For the details I added a body chain & a raw gem stone necklace, I like how the two contrasted with each other. Then chose some of my favorite rings for some finger candy. But my favorite detail was my headband, a simple but classic addition to the fall get together.

What is your favorite detail to add? 

Wildfox Couture

A new dreamy brand alert for all you vintage lovers! Introducing Wildfox Couture a brand that was officially established in L.A. in 2007. This brand was born on the love of vintage tees and has grown into a vintage inspired clothing company. After coming across this interview with the two girls who originally founded the company I was ever intrigued by this brand.

Good news....free shipping!! 

It really shows you how the power of a dream can become a reality with the proper dedication and commitment. These girls just had a profound passion for vintage tees and used the knowledge they had gain from working in the fashion industry to create this amazing company. Graphic prints, fun analogies, and 70's inspired fits parade themselves in the Wildfox clothing lines. Some of their exclusive lines of clothing include sunglasses, denim, swim wear, and intimates just to name a few of the most popular.

Marianne- Windchimes

Bad Kitty Buchanan Dress

Weird Overside Tee

Although it might be hard to justify spending $80 on a t-shirt, I know you've all done it before. It's amazing to see how the visionaries that created this brand truly brought it to life. How they are now nurturing a growing parent company into something that could one day be as big as Urban Outfitters.

White Label American Glitter Sequin Shorts

Great Catsby Baggy Beach Jumper

70's Banquet Nantucket Jumper

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Lazy Daze

It's just one of those mornings you wake up and nothing is urging you to get out of bed in a hurry. Slowly sipping on my coffee I am looking forward to the long day ahead of me by letting go of all the stress I've been through the last weekend. Getting towards the end of our term in school the projects and exams seem to be piling up but I have to keep reminding myself worrying does nothing.

When dealing with stress of school, work, and social lives you have to remember to leave time for yourself. And trust me I know everyone has those days where you feel like you have absolutely no extra time to even take a deep breath. Today I am writing about the importance of making time for yourself! With the change of seasons it's an easy time to get sick if you aren't taking care of your body either, and ain't nobody got time for that.

So here is some of my advice for making time for yourself so that you are feeling your best through the stressful, sickness filled fall before the holiday season hits. First, even on these most stressful days with getting school work done if you are feeling super fatigued take a nap! When your body is aching for rest you must listen to it, forcing yourself to stay up with caffeine or Adderall will just hurt your immune system in the long run and make you feel worse. Next is your body needs to stay hydrated during this dry season, try to stick to one soft drink a day and substitute more of these sugar filled drinks with water. Drinking more water than you think you need will help keep your body ready to fight of illness.

If you don't already make time to work out or have at least some additional daily physical activity in your life you need to start making time now. This will help keep your immune system strong and keep you happier through these stressful times of college. Next time you're frustrated with a paper and stuck with where to go with it, go for a run and clear your mind. The biggest excuse for not working out is not having enough time but trust me you'll find if you make time for these things to treat yourself better your body will surely notice. You'll often find yourself more energized and focused after working out. Another suggestion is to take a bath at least once a week and allow your body to sweat out all of the toxins ingested the past weekend. If you don't have access to a bath you can still use bath bombs in a really hot shower to get the soothing effects in the aroma.

So remember when you are stressing the most and feel like there is no time, take a break, stop what you're doing, and make time for yourself to relax so that you can be at your full potential.

Even my pup Bruiser wanted to be lazy today. 

To Infinity And Beyond

A fall trend that I don't see going anywhere for seasons to come is the infinity scarf. It's a simple, comfortable, stylish piece that can be added to almost any fall outfit. Not only is it practical for the freezing bitterness of the winter season to come but it's adorable!

My particular taste prefers the giant, knitted infinity scarf that can feel like a soft pillow sitting around your neck all day. Although printed and skinnier infinity scarfs can be stylish and a bit more decorative they just don't have the same comfort level. It took me a while to find the perfect knit scarf but finally last fall at Connections, a local boutique, I found the perfect one and it was affordable. It was basically my trusty side kick all winter, accompanying me from late nights with friends to early mornings walking to class. I love this scarf so much that in the spring during one of Connections sales I bought another one in a different color (one of my better life decisions).

I feel like I can go anywhere with this scarf. 

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

A long weekend with lots of work to be done and little motivation to be had. Especially with such a beautifully warm fall weekend in PA, all I wanted to do was go on a hike with my pup and relax. Of course life isn't always fair, you have to go to work anyways and find the strength to get through hours of studying and writing papers. Don't let it bring you down because you're not the only one feeling this way. 

On the bright side I was very excited to receive a package from Nasty Gal with a couple new killer accessories. My favorite piece by far is the body chain, it is an eye catching piece that you can literally wear over anything! The simple going out for the afternoon I paired the body chain with this weekend was perfect for getting coffee with a friend or walking a local pumpkin patch with your niece & nephew. The short sleeve sheer blouse with golden details complimented the accessories I chose to pair up. I then wore some skinny dark wash jeans with army green boot socks & a matching green cardigan.

 Alright time to get some rest before the week begins!  

Green & Purp

Friday is always a great day, even though the fog has barely lifted from our groggy Pennsylvania morning, I can feel the good energy in the air. As the weekend approaches and only a few classes are left to attend the weekend mode is slowly setting in. Time to have fun, enjoy being young, and relax because I deserve it after this long week.

I wanted to be fall casual today as autumn is finally setting in. It felt like the perfect wind chilled day for a sweater skirt, from Urban Renewal. I paired this with a plaid green v-neck tee, textured tights, and my Pink & Pepper boots. To tie the look together I threw on my velvet scarf, an upcoming trend for the 2013 holiday season. Also I tried a new hybrid hairstyle of a french braid bun, let me know what you all think about it!

Have an amazing weekend! Live it up to the fullest! 

"Nasty Gals Do It Better"

Many of you probably already know this wonderful website but for those of you who don't here is a formal introduction. Nasty Gal the one stop shop site that allows every girl to find their inner badass and flaunt it. Their slogan is "Nasty Gals Do It Better" and speaks true to the mission their brand is trying to achieve. Nasty Gal puts emphasis on allowing their teams members to not only inspire but also be inspired by their clients.

Nasty Gal was founded in 2006 by Sophia Amoruso who had a very successful eBay account selling vintage and thrift shop finds. She has continued this passion for finding the best pieces that are inclusive to her site and allowing her team of buyers to immerse themselves in the world of fashion to pick up collections that are unheard of & create one of a kind collections. Her team came together from a group of friends who cared a lot to help Sophia build this amazing company.

Nasty Gal Lifetime Of Nightime Dress

Motel Edie Overalls 

Warm & Toasty Infinity Scarf

Ever since it's beginnings on eBay Sophia takes pride in how much dedication she puts forth to continue growing her passion and vision for Nasty Gal. She is hands on with all aspects of the company still from buying, shooting, styling, and communicating with her audience. There is nothing more satisfying to her than to know her clients are pleased and will continue to be loyal to this brand. Without the group of clients who support and love Nasty Gal it would not exist.

Fan Girl Ear Cuff

Now seven years later Nasty Gal has completed and sent out its first ever catalog, introducing a new channel for their retail advertisements. After receiving this catalog I couldn't get their unique fall trends out of my mind. Even if you don't see yourself as the Nasty Gal type, I'm sure there is something on the site that could suit your fancy. They even won "Fastest Growing Retailer" in 2012 from INC. magazine.

I am just personally so inspired by Sophia's story and the creation of this original brand. It takes more time, effort, and self-motivation to create your own successful business than one can imagine. 

Positive Is How I Live

Getting back into the routine of the weekly class, work, homework schedule is a bit challenging after a fun weekend. You find yourself slowly dragging your limbs out of bed in the morning. It's tough to motivate yourself enough to get in shower when the sun isn't even shining yet outside. Every inch of your soul wants to crawl back under the covers and never come out.

But you have to get up and you might as well try to make the most of it. I tell myself in the morning to be happy, think positive, and be thankful. Chanting this self-mantra helps actually create my daily reality, instead of seeing a frost-bit lawn outside I see a beautiful photo opportunity to be taken before it all melts away. Living life positively is absolutely a lifestyle that can be embraced and this also rubs off on others around
you.

After seeing a sticker that said, "Positive Is How I Live", in a market in St. Thomas, USVI. I knew this would be a quote that would stick in my mind forever. It's a choice, even in the most frustrating moments of your day you can learn something and gain something positive from the experience. When you feel good about what you're doing, how you're acting, and where you're heading it will show through a confident smile.

Everyday you get to make the choice about how your day will go. I believe girls who are more positive show more confidence in their day to day activities. So go out their and conquer the day! You're in charge.

SO DO YOU! 

My little niece Kierra Jo wanted to be included in today's photo shoot! 

Today's outfit post included free people skinny corduroy jeans, Ziginy moccasin booties, a thrift shop button up flannel, and a Pink Floyd crop tee.