I can see clearly now the rain is...

Here! It's still here. Why? Summer just started, so now I'm going to whine (okay, not really...well maybe a little bit). Today is going to be an AWESOME day, I can feel it already. Wanna know why? I'm sure you do.

Oats, canned pumpkin, banana, blueberries, blackberries, cinnamon, peanut butter!

First off, I love mornings! I've said this tons of times before but I really do! Today I woke up to a light drizzle (that's better than a torrential downpour though!) and decided hot oats would start the day off right. So I concocted an oaty, pumpkiny, peanut buttery breakfast complete with several a glass of Arizona Diet Lemon Iced Tea, the new SELF Magazine and my Google Reader!

I found this sweet little article written by Molly at Smart, Pretty and Awkward and I had to share it with you all. It's about time management, and balancing everything that a twenty-something faces in her life! So check it out and stop by Molly's blog too!

Anyway, today will be awesome because...I'm going on another date. I'm just a dating machine lately. Well not really, but I'm putting myself out there so kudos to me, air-fives all around! Yeahhhhhh! Even though sometimes I get bit by the self-esteem-downer bug, I've been trying to think confident and be confident. One lady who is truly helping me out is Meg over at Sunshine 'n Spice! Her posts are not only hilarious but so genuine, she really embraces herself, quirks and all...we should all try and be a little bit more like Meg, girl knows what's up!

Day in a nutshell: gym, shower, work, get ready fo' my date :) 

Any dating tips? 

Confidence tips? 

Life tips?

Since it's raining let's just all sit by the fire and make s'mores and cuddle...sound good?

Rain & Richie

Majorly crushing on Nicole Richie right now! 

 

(via Tumblr)

I'm off to take a nap...and then watch a movie...and then paint my nails.

Taking a much needed LAZY day!

What are you doing on this rainy Thursday?

Rainy Day Plaid

I woke up this morning to the not-so-gentle pitter-patter of rain drops...I heard the howling wind, felt the subtle shake of my (rented) beach house and looked out the window to see the rough crashing of waves against the shore of Bonvue's little beach. A while ago I decided that flannels and plaid perfectly accompany rain--soft, warm, and comfortable these pieces are my rainy day staples; naturally I broke out the plaid today. And in case anyone wants to know what music meshes perfectly with days like these...Florence + The Machine.

I'm Wearing:

Cardigan: GAP, Flannel: Forever21, Turtleneck: Ralph Lauren, Leggings: The Girls, Boots: NYC Boutique

How do you feel about rainy days? Hate/Love? Love to Hate? Hate to Love? 

Color Me Gray

Today I woke up in the greatest mood despite the rainy weather and charcoal gray sky; the moody weather inspired my outfit today, I am wearing different shades of gray and black:

Cardigan: BASS Outfitters, Dress: Mimi Chica (worn as skirt), Knit T-shirt: Ecote (via Urban Outfitters), Tights: BASS Outfitters, Boots: BASS Outfitters, Belt: unknown, Watch: Michael Kors 

What are you doing on this rainy day? 

Blah-de-da Day

So today was such a rushed morning for me...I was thinking that maybe I wouldn't even be able to post, how sad is that?
Let me explain, I woke up around 6:40 am (why can't I ever sleep?!) and wandered downstairs to get some Cran-Grape Juice, when I came back upstairs I just closed my eyes in my bed and BLAM, I wake up to my alarm clock at 8:30a am. Now, to most of you this is really early, and you are probably thinking "why would you set your alarm at that time if it's past the time you want to get up?" Well readers, it's because I never sleep that late so the alarm clock is really pointless...but I guess it saved me today.
Essentially, the whole morning was rushed, I was throwing clothes left and right and I was unsure of the weather, is it raining or sunny?

This is what I settled on:
Black Old Navy Leggings. Apparently these are the only leggings that do not fall down 2 seconds after putting them on. Seriously, I know I wear my black Forever21 leggings all the time and they are comfortable...fabric, but they suck at staying in place. Next time I am in Warwick I am totally going to buy some long Old Navy leggings because nothing can compete. I am also wearing my gray and red stripped tunic that I recently got at Wetseal for $7.00. I have never really shopped there before but I had to run in the other night to get some accessories for our 80's social on Monday and I saw stripes and couldn't resist...I am a prep after all!
Lastly, I am wearing my Sperry Top-Sider's which are the best most comfortable shoes in the entire world, perfect for those not so-so-rainy days, but still see puddles on the group sort of mornings.

Anyway, I am going to continue my hectic day right now, doing homework, going to the gym after classes, rushing home to shower, attend "So you think you can dance" Philanthropy Week event, and then a BET vs. CMTV social later...oh the life of a busy college girl.

*Please, please, please follow me and comment if you like what I am posting about...It would really mean the world to me!!!
Have a great Wednesday!

And again, sorry for the blurriness, I need to find out a way to take clear body-shot pictures on my camera self-timer without them looking horrible, and this iphoto thing is not working out!

When it Rains, it Pours!

Rain, rain go away, come again another day!
Ugh, it's raining in Rhode Island...again. This state just seems to flood non-stop and as much as I love my Hunter Rain boots, I didn't have it in me to wear them today. I thought to myself, if I do not acknowledge the rain, maybe it will stop, and maybe I won't get soaking wet walking up the massive hill from the commuter parking lot to the memorial union...no such luck AKA drenched!

So what did I decide to wear on this rainy day that I refused to recognize?
I decided to wear my long black Forever21 leggings. I don't really know why but rainy days require leggings, or sweatpants. I hate when I wear jeans in the rain. They get wet, stiff and I am just uncomfortable for the remainder of my time wearing them. However, I must admit when you finally take them off and throw on a pair of comfy sweats there is no better feeling in the world. Throw in some fuzzy socks, a stack of glossy fashion magazines, and a cup of hot tea and I am in heaven, I don't know about you guys.
On top I decided to wear my Kimichi Blue (brand) purple and black plaid long sleeve tunic from Urban Outfitters. Well actually this was my sisters and she gave it to me, so thanks D (I needed a long shirt to wear on days like these!). For boots, I am wearing my Bass Black leather Biker boots. They are so comfortable and cute and I actually love them! Funny thing is, they are actually good in the rain because the droplets fall right off of leather.
And...despite my complaining that I was drenched walking up here (I actually looked like I went through a car wash), I am dry now and pretty toasty sitting in the Ram's Den, waiting for my friend Derek to come sit with me (so I can procrastinate further...hello procrastination Friday?!?) I am consumed by the aroma of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches and hazelnut coffee and it just makes this rainy day seem so much better.

Hair= naturally wavy (leave me alone, it's raining and frizzing up, not quite Richard Simmons style...but pretty close)
Makeup= same old, same old. However, in the new Women's Heath Magazine this month cover girl Lauren Conrad gives her tips to do the perfect "top line" with eyeliner so I am trying that later today. You know just bumming around on my rainy Friday, listening to The Script and attempting to do my eye makeup like my girl crush Lauren Conrad (wow, I have a lot of girl crushes right? Ah, whatever, I am just an inspired girl!).

I hope everyone has a great Friday and a great weekend!
Thanks for reading and please remember, if you ever want to comment, email, tweet to me (anything!) don't hesitate, I would love to hear from you all!

*I have a Tumblr which is filled with inspirational pictures and quotes, check it out!

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire!

Welcome to my post filled with lies!
Okay, fine I am not lying, but I kind of am....let me explain.

This morning when I woke up I looked out my window as I simultaneously checked my igoogle homepage. I wanted to scope out the weather and I read that it was going to be 70 degrees with a chance of rain. I looked outside, and it looked mucky but it wasn't raining. I got dressed, creepily caught E in the bathroom and asked her to take my picture and walked outside to my car. Then I realized, that it wasn't random leftover droplets flying off tree leaves hitting me in the face, but actual raindrops falling from the sky...IT WAS RAINING! My outfit no longer complied with the weather and I ran upstairs to change. So while the pictures E took were what I started off wearing I had to change it up...
Just know that I swapped my flats for Sperry boat shoes, my long black cardigan for a short black one, un-tucked my shirt, ditched the belt and put on a raincoat.

But here I go describing what I intended to wear today...before Rhode Island rain decided to make it's self a part of my day. I started off with my half button gray beaded J. Crew T-shirt that I got at the outlets about 2 years ago. I don't wear it as much as I'd like to but I had a presentation today and it is a very "sophisticated" t-shirt (or at least that's what I tell myself.) In my opinion, J. Crew just can't go wrong. Everything they design is comfortable and classic. Every time I wear a piece from J. Crew I have a huge smile on my face! And have you seen their catalogs? I love every element of the company: from the colors to scenery they use. I especially love how the movie cast of the Romantics was featured in the past catalog (have I mentioned how much I love Katie Holmes? Major girl crush!)
Okay, so on top of the t-shirt I am yet again wearing my GAP long black waffle cardigan. It really is just the most perfect length and totally comfortable. I think I live in it...I wash it though, I promise! Okay, so I am also wearing my dark wash BASS jeans. I love the company BASS, and they have some great pieces, I also love that their shoes are being featured more and more in major fashion magazines and also sold at Urban Outfitters. I have been wearing BASS for a while, before most people even knew what it was (My Grandfather worked for the company, hello corporate discount!) and I love how the brand has become more fashionable. Lastly, I am wearing my GAP denim ruffle ballet flats. They are seriously worn thin because I lived in them this past summer but I just can't seem to get rid of them. However, since I can now feel the street below my feet when I strut around campus I am thinking they must go to the big shoe grave in the sky. The good news about this is that now I can look for a new pair...Tory Burch Reva flats in copper anyone?


So far on this murky day my clothes are different than I originally photographed (I had a disclaimer about this on my blog so you were forewarned!), and I have had my eyebrows freshly waxed.
So despite the weather I am having a pretty good day.
I just want to end this post giving a special shout-out to one of my best friends
RACHAEL ROSE
who is the big 2-1 today!
We celebrated last night at Charlie O's but the "Rose Bowl" continues! I can't wait to celebrate with you.
Love you one million red M&M's!
"Matrix" on Thursday!

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'...In the Rain

Hey Ladies (and maybe some Gents?!?!)
It's raining in Rhode Island today (again!) It seems like when it rains in this state it goes on for days and I am praying we don't have flood warnings like last spring semester. When I woke up and saw the weather I thought "great, I need to wear a gross outfit to school today." However, fear not fashion friends, I reevaluated my statement and decided to try and "rock" something fashionable and cute. It proved to be a difficult task though, involving me throwing clothes everywhere and storming around my room listening to old Michele Branch songs. I got the job done though, even though all I wanted to do was cuddle under my covers in my comfy black sweats and watch movies until I felt my eye lids flutter shut and I transcended into a sweet, deep sleep....but NO! I am sitting in the Rams Den blogging about clothes (which I am rather addicted to doing now, so I don't mind one itty bit!)

Today, my final outfit settled on black leggings bought at Old Navy for $15.00. While these are way more expensive than the type I normally buy ($5.00 Forever21 anyone?) I think they are more comfortable and less see-through. Girls, you know what I am talking about. When I wear these leggings I don't need to worry if my shirt rides up past my butt a little bit, no one will see through my pants ha-ha-ha! Okay, so on top I wore my charcoal gray waffle long sleeve button down that I got at the J. Crew Outlet store years ago. I am a big fan of flannel, waffle and thermal shirts and wear them religiously, they are especially good for laying during the upcoming cold months. I wore my light gray Mossimo for Target long sweater vest which is very versatile and looks great with jeans, tights, dresses, skirts, the works! I think vests are great because they can totally change up an outfit you wear all the time. Or, if you have an intense floral print dress that you think you can never wear again because it is oh to memorable, belt a long vest over it and voila instant change in the outfit! On my feet, I had to put away my beloved Sperrys, I know they are water proof but it is raining cats and dogs! I wore my distressed red short Hunter Rain boots, purchased at Marshalls for $20.00 and retail for about $150.00. Lastly, I am wearing a metal and stone (unknow stone I must add) necklace that my grandparents purchased for me while they vacationed in Nova Scotia, Canada. This is the first time I am wearing it, so I had to do a shout-out! I just love bargains and I am definitely a "Marshall's Ninja," or at least that's what I tell my friends.

I really love this blog and I love how I have more followers. Please feel free to contact me about anything, comment on my posts, tell me what your loving, ANYTHING! I really want to try and get this blog established. I was just accepted to the IFB network (INDEPENDENT FASHION BLOGGERS) so hopefully that will help catapult me into the blogosphere. Thanks for reading and following! I will do my best to entertain and inspire you all!

Remember:
"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain"
~Author Unknown

My Grandfather's Legacy

I know this is a fashion blog (so I promise to get to the fashion soon) but my family went through a really difficult time this past weekend and I think it will help me to write about it. My grandfather passed away on Friday, and I went to his funeral this past Sunday. While the whole event was overwhelming and sad, I heard something at his service that is relevant to all of our lives, every person leaves behind a legacy; big or small every individual leaves something behind to be remembered by those who loved them.

In my case it is my grandfather's wedding ring. After the service my grandmother gave me his ring and placed it on a gold chain, something that I never expected or thought I deserved to ever have. A wedding ring is a huge sign of commitment and love, and although she has many other mementos of my grandfather, it was very special that I was given it out of the four of his grandchildren. The gold ring hangs on a dainty but sturdy long gold chain and I will never lose sight of it's significance or importance to me and my family. It is a constant reminder of the legacy that my grandfather bestowed upon me.

Sorry about the minor tear-jerk, but this post revolves around the ring (now a necklace) so it deserved a honorable mention. As for the rest of my outfit today...When I woke up I saw the rainy, murky Rhode Island weather that I always pray NOT TO HAVE! I just can't stand the rain on campus, it floods everything and the one lane on 108 is constant traffic 24/7. So far, we are not at the extreme of the floods of last Spring semester, so let's keep our fingers crossed. I wanted to dress comfortably and casually, especially since the chance of more rain is high.

Although I own very nice Hunter rain boots (we are in Rhode Island and you would be a fool not to have a pair), I don't like how I feel walking in rubber boots; I feel stiff, sticky, and tense in my legs and I hate that feeling so I chose to wear my weathered and most trusted pair of shoes, my SPERRY TOP-SIDERS. They are boat shoes and literally are so comfortable they feel like you dipped your feet into butter. I have gone through about 3 pairs and will be a Sperry devotee forever, I highly recommend them, they are perfect for walking in the rain or shine and they always look "vintagey" and effortlessly cool. As for clothing, I wore a faded glory 3/4 sleeve flannel shirt. It is a half button down (I posed a half button down earlier in the week, I can't get enough of them) in a faded tanish-camel color. I love this color because it is such a great neutral you can pair it with anything AND I DO!

Word to the wise: Only buy clothing that you can think of getting multiple uses out of in colors that you constantly wear. Statement pieces are fun sometimes but I always go back to my trusted classics, they make me feel comfortable and protected.

As for the rest of the outfit, I paired my sperry's and top with my favorite pair of BASS strait leg jeans in a medium wash. I love jeans and can completely sympathize with people saying they have a hard time finding the perfect pair. I have tried them all and have recently discovered BASS which is a part of a company that also owns IZOD, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein (all stores which have great pieces that withstand the changing fashion industry- classically cool!)

Lastly, I topped my outfit off with the necklace that my grandmother gave me which holds my Grandfather's ring. This is really special and does seem to top off my outfit in the most perfect way possible. Anytime I wear it I will think of how lucky I am to have had him in my life for 21 years! He was a great and stylish man and he will always be missed and greatly loved by my family.

This post is dedicated in his honor.