Like a (Hair) Virgin, Touched for the Very 1st Time

So after yesterday mornings post I did a ton of thinking! Yes, I did try to apply the "steps" and while it did get me thinking about many things I noticed that I do way TOO much for other people; basically I let other peoples ideas/beliefs get in the way of my own. Although I think this is just something all 20-somethings go through, that cliche "discovery"/"finding myself" phase, I can't help but want to do something to break the cycle...so I dyed my hair. Me, the indecisive and predictable girl did it; problem is, you can barely notice a change. I guess my dark brown hair was too much for the lightest golden brown natural instincts hair dye product (any suggestions how to go lighter without breaking the bank? I really want to change it up!). Besides the hair-dye-fail, I decided to mix up my food/meal routine as well (strange again) and made a delicious chocolate smoothie last night for dessert (totally making it again tonight!) and went out last night to socialize with friends I never see; senior year is weird for me--I feel like I never see anyone anymore. Between my homework, internship, job applications and "me" time I rarely have the energy to see old friends--this is all changing! What did I wear last night to the local college bar? I felt more NYC than Narragansett, RI but I loved it nonetheless:

T-shirt: GAP, Blazer: Dalia Collection, Jeans: Forever21, Belt: GEORGE, Wedges: Nine West, Earrings: NYC boutique

How do you change "it" up? Whatever that "it" may be?

Any hair-dying suggestions?

Chambray-Chunky-Knit-Silk-Leather

I am wearing so many different fabrics/textures today--and I love it. I usually am pretty skeptical when it comes to mixing and matching prints, textures, colors, etc. I think it comes from my thought that I can't pull it off. However, I have come to find that personal style comes from stepping outside the box every now and then, trying and blending polar opposites, hoping to pull everything together into a cohesive look. While I am definitely not the most stylish, I can see myself evolving and becoming more confident in my outfit choices which is a huge goal of mine; being able to wear whatever my heart desires, picking something up in a store and reinventing the way I wear it (multiple wears/multiple uses)! So why not blend chambray, silk, cotton, chunky knits and leather? Today I am wearing:

Blouse: Chambray (label unknown-bought at Marshalls), Leggings: The Girls, Boots: BASS Outfitters, Sweater: American Eagle Outfitters, Scarf: OSCAR by Oscar de la Renta, Belt: borrowed from Mom, Necklace: initial chain (gifted from Aunt L), Earrings: Street Vendor (China Town, NYC), Watch: Michael Kors (not pictured).

Unfashionably Me

So my lack of outfit posts lately makes me sad, I guess it's been a mix of three things:

1. Stress: I know I am a notorious list maker but it seems like I have 1 million + things to do and it's only getting longer. It's as if I woke up two mornings ago and finally realized that I am getting older...I was so consumed with being a "kid in college" I didn't notice the world spinning around me...I guess you can say it's finally catching up to me, and very quickly I may add.
2. Intimidated: I don't know if I have posted about this before, but in short my sister has amazing style, literally she can put anything on and make it look effortlessly cool. Although I try to wear some of the things she does, ultimately we have different tastes...but I can't help but be intimidated by her outfits. I guess in a weird way I am trying to find something so unbelievably cool that she says, "Wow Cass, I love that!"
3. First week HOME: Basically ='s bumming it hardcore. I did find out that I need to head to my internship early for StyleWeek in Providence so I guess I won't be bumming it for long.

Today I just wore the leggings, sweater, UGG boots combo (typical Long Islander outfit I'm afraid) and got a manicure/pedicure with my sister...Essie color Luxedo which is a dark purple. I love it and it made me feel good that some girl asked me what color it was and then swapped her polish choice for mine.
I also got these Kate Spade earrings from my Dad/Mom/Sister as a little pick-me-up and token of good behavior? Hmm, either way it was a really nice gesture and I absolutely love them. Kate Spade emulates a classic and all-American style that I love, very girl next door, which is how I see myself.


Anyway, I have a ton on my mind tonight so I am going to continue to think (way, way, way too much) and then sleep because I am going to Florida in the morning to visit my Grandma! It's going to be very different this year since my Grandfather will not be there--but I know he will be looking over us watching us.
How do you guys deal with stress, loss, lack of inspiration?
Maybe I will consult D and get some outfit posts tomorrow!?!
Have a great Holiday, hopefully I will be able to blog from Florida!

Va-Va-Va-Vintage!

Don't hate me...please don't hate me!

I wish I could blog nonstop but finals are annoying (so much to do, so many to-do lists...okay, secretly i love that part of this week...I'm a Virgo, I like lists!).
I have lived in comfy clothes (but tonight I am going to dress up because I am going for a fun finals-break dinner with my roomie Sydney! So prepare for some cute outfit post either tonight or tomorrow!
Right now I want to talk a little about Vintage clothing/accessories.

I love vintage, but I never used to. The thought of wearing someone elses old stuff made me want to gag. I am unsure if it's my recent love of "going green" or appreciating how things were made in the past, but I just love digging through the racks at vintage/thrift stores and seeing what I can find!
I recently took a trip to a thrift store in Greenwich, RI and purchased two blasts from the past.
One is a Christma-kuh present for my sister, and you would think I wouldn't post about it because it would ruin a surprise...well no surprise. When I found it I feel in love with it (for her!) and told her almost immediately. It is a vintage gold sequin bag with a long gold chain.
It's very Kate Spade Holiday Season Ad Campaign mixed with some Old Hollywood glamor.
Here a picture: but Dani you can't have it until Saturday...haha!
And for me, I got a pair of beautifully delicate gold/diamond accent earrings (okay, okay, it's costume jewelery but I still love it)
Anyway, I love thrifting and I suggest going sometime.
I can't wait to go to NYC and go to my favorite vintage store Buffalo Exchange! They have such great designer finds at ridiculously low prices (um...Theory blazer for $5, Coach distressed leather and fringe purse $35, Tory Burch tunic $25)
Has anyone thrifted before?
Tell me where and what you got!
xoxo.

Oh and check out my inspiring pictures of the day--cozy, chic wilderness fantasy?--I think so! Wish I could let you know where it's from but I found it on a random blog with no source/link. If I find out I will post immediately!