Livin' in Color

So the grad. party was an all around good time. Looking back on the night, I can't help but think about how my personality has changed. In the past I was always a black and white type of person. But over the past few months (post-grad), I've encountered so many changes that it would be impossible to think so extremely...black...white--good thing too, because I look ravishing in colors other than black, like coral for example ;) Anyway, back to the point I've been trying to make. At the party I ran into friends/acquaintances I haven't seen in years--and you know what? I liked them. All of them. Which makes me think...why did I pass such harsh judgements on people in the past? Why did I shut myself off from so many great people that surrounded me? I am completely different than my high school self (thank God!) and so much happier post-grad than I ever could have imaged.

By the way, I'm wearing: Maxi dress: Marshalls // Wedges: Dolce Vita for Target // Belt: Borrowed/stolen from Mom // Watch: Michael Kors

Here's to living a beautiful life! 

If You Don't Focus On Your @$$, No One Else Will

I found that quote in Women's Health Magazine (by associate editor, Cristina Goyanes) and it just cracked me up so I had to share it with everyone! So....my first strength training/lifting session is today and I have been waiting all week for it to be Thursday. I've been so inspired by all you amazing ladies out there who are lifting and proving that girls can be strong, powerful and BEAUTIFUL at the same time--I'm going to be a major copy-cat and lift too (isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery?)

Strength training has always been something I refused to partake in. I thought weights and lifting = intense World's Strongest Woman muscles (aka here) and that's just not my look. I prefer having a toned body and I know lifting will give that to me--thanks for opening my eyes, ladies!

With all that said, I have always had trouble with my clothing identity. Are you lost yet? What I mean is, in high school when I was an athlete, I dressed like one, re: baggy shorts, hoodies and the like. Then I went through this sorority, girly-girly phase where I only wore sundresses and skirts (not to the gym of course, but you catch my drift). Why can't I just wear work-out clothes (ie: sweats) and feel just as beautiful as when I wear a great pair of jeans and wedges to go out? Well, I can, it's just about thinking that I can and having the confidence to do so. Let me introduce y'all to yesterdays shopping trip:

Left: 2 pairs of Champion for Target shorts, Champion for Target dry-fit t-shirt via Target // Right: True Religion flare-leg jeans, BCBG knit t-shirt sweater, Testament buttoned blouse via Marshalls

So the point of this post: lifting does not equal manliness, girliness doesn't mean you can't wear shorts, sportiness doesn't mean you can not wear dresses, and if you want to look good, focus on your ass at the gym. Oh, and listen to this because it's amazing:

Long Distance Friendship

Do any of you have a friend (maybe even a best friend) who you hardly see? Last summer I interned in NYC and met a fabulous group of ladies--there were 5 of us who did everything together. The only downside--we are all from different places. We kept in touch over the school year but when summer rolled around again and we still hadn't seen each other it felt...eerie. One of the fabulous ladies I am describing just flew into the city yesterday for an interview (fingers crossed) and we spent the afternoon catching up, getting lunch and shopping! Even though almost a year has passed since we actually saw each other, not counting hour-long conversations iChat and Skype, it felt like nothing had changed, like we never left each other. It really made me appreciate the true friends in my life. Whether they are here or miles away, true friends will always stick around.

I wore- Blazer: Target // Blouse: Marshalls // Tank-top: Target // Pants: GAP // Shoes: BCBGeneration (not pictured but tan wedges) // Watch: Michael Kors // Bag: Long Champ (not pictured)

Black & White

Do you think in terms of black and white? I definitely do and it's something I am trying to work on--everything looks so much better in color, don't you think? I have been facing a few road blocks lately and it's so discouraging...what do you do when things don't seem to be going your way?

To brighten up this post, I finally made overnight oats in a almost empty peanut butter jar. The results were phenomenal, just see for your self...

Oats, peanut butter, grape jelly, banana, cinnamon

Sorry for the horrible pictures of my outfit (no photographer) but I'm wearing:

Blazer: Forever21 // Blouse: via Marshalls // Pants: GAP // Shoes: Franco Sarto // Watch: Michael Kors // Nail polish: Tart Deco

What's in my Bag?

I always loved these posts--maybe I am just the nosiest girl ever but I always wonder what everyone carries. Good thing I was inspired to do this today, because I have been on the go since I woke up (minus a little nap) and have lived in my gym clothes...gross? Please forgive me!

The Details:

Bag: 5th Avenue Leather Bag (just purchased at the Tanger Outlets during my trip to Ocean City, MD). I love how big it is, I can tote around my computer and all other "necessities"

ipod: Nano; I recently got into country, so if you have any face-paced(ish) songs please comment them :) 

Lypsyl: best chap-stick ever!

Gum: Trident (orange flavor), I am a huge gum addict.

Planner, notebook, pens: I am OCD about making lists and jotting down every little thing (PS: I'm a sucker for school supplies)

Book: I just finished The Island by Elin Hilderbrand and need to return it to the library. Call me Carrie Bradshaw but I love the smell of library books. This one is a great beach read if you are looking for a new book.

Keys: along with a host of key-chains ranging from a Tiffany & Co. one I got when I turned 16 (from my aunt) a Coach "C" from a friend, to a gym pass swipe-card.

Wallet: Juicy Couture pouch. I just like how small it is; I'm all about the "grab and go".

Sunglasses: O by Oscar de la Renta (purchased from Marshall's for $10)

Blackberry: I must stay connected at all times! It's a sickness. 

So there you have it!

What's in your bag? 

Like any of the same stuff as me?

Floral at Formal

Last night was my last college formal...

It's bitter-sweet to say the least but I am so glad I got to spend it with my lovely and beautiful friends (I mean sisters!). Today is my last formal chapter meeting too; tons of "lasts" this weekend! I wanted to share a few pictures from last night. I wore:

Dress: Allyn Paige New York // Shoes: BCBGenergation // Clutch: via Marshalls // Bracelets: NYC Boutique, Tiffany & Co., Gifted from Aunt

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and lazy Sunday! It's finally sunny, let's hope it lasts!

Spring Break Packing Woes

Hey everyone! I am leaving for Spring Break tomorrow so unfortunately this will be my last post (I won't be back until next Sunday!)...while I have been running around doing last minute things, manicure/pedicure and a little trip to Target, I need to buckle down and start packing. I wish some stylish blogger out there would just tell me what/how to pack for my 7-day cruise (I need to reuse almost everything I bring), here are some of my essentials:

Forever 21: straw fedora, GAP: flip flops, Target: Dolce Vita for Target wedges, Tote bag: Long champ, Maxi Dress: clearance rack at Marshalls (mine looks similar to the one pictured), Magazine: Marie Claire March 2011, Bathing Suit: Rampage

What should I pack? Any advice?

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).

Internship Loving

Today was the first "official" day of my internship in office. It was so much fun and I am starting a ton of projects for various clients (I don't know how much I can blog about, I will definitely ask so I can share some fun stories with you all!) The dress code was very casual so that is exactly what I did:

Cardigan: Gap, Button Down Shirt: clearance rack at Marshall's, Jeans: Forever21, Boots: Bass, Belt: gifted from Mom, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelet: H&M

I wish I had more time to blog about my day but I have so much work to do!

And the snow won't stop falling...I just want to play (sadly I must work-on...)

How is everyone's week going? Are you guys as busy as me?

Ohhh...and a special thanks to Sydney for helping me with the pictures!  

Last 1st Day

So today is my LAST 1st day of undergrad, how is this even possible? Although it feels as if time has passed by quicker than I could ever have imagined, I feel as if I accomplished a lot during my 3.5 (so far, almost 4) years at URI. I am not going to sadly post about my fears for the future (although I can't promise that won't happen eventually), but instead I will happily and excitedly tell you all that my roommate S took some great shots of me for your viewing pleasure. Just looking at the quality of these pictures makes me smile! It is so much better than my Photo booth Mac application, the pictures are so crisp and clean!!! Anyway, she has agreed to become my official blogging photographer so here we go blogosphere--I will only post clear and pretty images of myself for the rest of our union (which I hope is forever, because I thoroughly enjoy you and my blog friends!) I am wearing:

Vest: Mossimo for Target, Stripped T-shirt: American Eagle, White Long Sleeve: Target, Leggings: The Girls Leggings (from Marshalls), Leather Boots: Bass, Belt: gifted/borrowed from Mom, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelet: H&M

Don't you love dressing up for the first day of classes for the semester? What do you like to wear?

Black, Brown & Blue, Oh My!

Hey Guys! I am running out but I wanted to do an outfit post! I am heading to the mall with two of my friends/fellow volunteers from StyleWeek! I dressed up (a little) because who knows where we will end up...we are going to Providence after all. I never thought I could wear navy blue, black and brown at the same time but I guess I proved myself wrong. Today I'm wearing:

Blazer: Dalia Collection, Tunic: clearance rack at Marshalls, Belt: gifted from Mom, Leggings: Target, Boots: boutique in NYC, Watch: Michael Kors

Camera Creeping like Crazy

I NEED WANT A NEW CAMERA...but the ones I am looking into are so expensive. Okay, okay, when I say, "looking into" I mostly mean typing "good digital SLR camera" into Google and seeing $800-$1,000 options which leads to my next thoughts, "no way compadre!" I know nothing about photography (except that one class I took in high school for my art credit) but I do know that I love taking pictures when I am on vacation, out with friends, and doing outfit posts for my blog...my Nikon Coolpix is just not cutting it. Every time I take a picture it looks pixilated and blurry so I must resort to the help of my friends cameras or use Mac Photobooth (which is decent but not the quality I am looking for). You see, I am a perfectionist, I need everything to be just so, and although I am learning to roll with the punches of things not being "perfect," I think having pride in the pictures I blog and post about is important. Therefore I need your help! What kind of cameras do you use? Where did you get them? Is eBay even a place to consider looking? I would ideally like something at the lower end of the camera-price-range...oh and easy to use because I'm a novice-beginner-so-make-my-life-easy-please-help-me-kind-of-girl!
Last night I met up with some friends at the bar. It's always nice to catch up over some red sangria...then white sangria...then tequila shots? Maybe I should cool it? It's my last semester though and classes didn't start yet, I think this makes it okay. Last night I wore:

Blazer: Dalia Collection (with leather wrap belt), Leggings: clearance at Marshalls (with leg zipper detail on back), Blouse: Mossimo for Target (silk blend), Boots: Sam Edelman, Watch: Michael Kors, Necklaces: gifted from Aunt

Marshalls Boot-y

It's no secret that I love the store Marshalls! The store has discounted designer clothes, shoes and accessories and I have a serious addiction. I think I can go there every single day and find something new. Well today was the day I found two pairs of shoes and I couldn't put either down. I bought both which is totally out of character for me, I tend to be a bit very frugal and have a case of martyrdom when it comes to buying new things (especially when people are buying me gifts!); I really need to love something to buy it. With all this said I will be returning one pair of shoes...but which ones? Please help me out! I need some different perspectives.

Sam Edelman boots

Rampage peep-toe boots   

 

Leather on a Sunday

This is a really short post because I am PACKING my life up again...destination: Rhode Island, my last semester of undergrad. While this is semi-sad (and when I say this I must admit that I have cried numerous times over the course of this break, wondering where all the time has gone) I am really excited to start my internship and gain some MAJOR EXPERIENCE in the Fashion PR and interactive world.
I have been totally inspired by LEATHER JACKETS lately and I really, really, REALLY want one! Today my mom spotted a beautiful Michael Kors Leather Biker Jacket at Marshalls, sadly it was not purchased (I definitely would have snagged that on my next trip home). But here is a little leather inspiration found at the blog, Blog de Luv Aj, check it out for awesome fashion shots.

Happy Sunday!

What do you think of a leather vest, leather skirt & a tucked in button-down? 

Sexy & edgy yet still polished!  

Florida Living

Hey everyone!
I have literally been gone for what seems like forever! I hope every one's holidays have been filled with fun, laughter, presents, food, and fitness (yeah, yeah, I like to work out!).
My outfit posts seem to be going down the drain recently, I don't know why but I have not been dressing up at all since I have come back from school. Next semester is a new story, I have an internship so I will need to dress up a lot, especially during StyleWeek...how cool is that, I can't wait to tell everyone about it!
Anyway, since I have been down in Florida I have bought a few new things...thanks Grandma!

• Calvin Klein black velvet t-shirt
• Converse black jean leggings (okay, "jeggings")
• Mossimo for Target black blazer (on sale for $20!)
• LeSportSac messenger/satchel bag (gifted from Grandma!)
• a bunch of little odds and ends...eye shadow compacts (NP Set), cute little notebook (a la Target)

Question: am I the only fool who gets deliriously happy walking into Target? It is just such a happy place!
Anyway, this is just a post to get me back into the blogging game...I really missed it and I am going to try and do an outfit post later now that I figured out how to get Wifi in a Florida-retirement-community...yay internet access at Grandmas!
Okay, I am off to enjoy the sun and just lay low and relax until Friday...since my flight has been moved from tomorrow until then (THANKS EAST COAST SNOW STORM BLIZZARD CRAZINESS!)

Love.

Last Day of Classes!

Oh-my-gosh!
Today is the last day of classes and it is surreal; how can I be approaching my final semester of college? Time seriously goes way too fast, it's hard to catch my breath sometimes.
Just being in Rhode Island has been a great experience and a collage of images from my time at URI constantly plays in my mind; it will forever be on repeat, streaming through my entire body.
Just yesterday, as me and my roommate S were walking on Narragansett Beach, bundled in long, down, furry coats, scarves, gloves (thanks Grandma!), hats, and Uggs, I couldn't help but feel like I was living in a movie scene: staring out in to the deep sapphire ocean, watching brave surfers glide through the crashing tides, kicking the sand up with our boots, dancing on the seashells and staring at the boats on the horizon.
Sorry for the sappiness, but I am growing up so fast--AH!
Recently I have been filling out intent to graduate forms, spring internship paperwork, doing final projects and portfolios, going out to the bars to celebrate (successes, failures, love, loss?), decorating our Christmas tree (my house looks like Santa's workshop, thanks SYD!) and getting ready for formal. It seems like I have the most massive to-do list of life...but for some reason it makes me feel like I am really accomplishing a lot, and I am learning a lot about myself in the process: body image, time management, relationship issues (friends/boys...definitely not men!) and all the other issues a twenty-something girl deals with.

Here's my last day of classes (Fall Semester) outfit. Keep in mind, it is absolutely freezing so I wanted to stay warm. I also had to walk from the middle-of-no-where-commuter-lot, to the emporium to get my eyebrows waxed (hello formal on Sunday, and eyebrows are very important to keep groomed!) and back to Roosevelt Hall to get more internship forms (woo-hoo, not!); therefore I needed the Uggs today!

• Jones New York, distressed red boat neck 3/4 sleeve t-shirt
• Bass, medium wash jeans
• Marshalls, gray leg warmers
• Uggs, chestnut short
• Gap, gray cardigan (not pictured)
• Marshalls, mutli-colored circle scarf (not pictured)

So life is hectic, and I am loving every second of it...I don't know if it's the cold air blowing all around me or the anticipation of great things to come, but it feels so great to be alive!
There's a Holiday Mini-mall in the Union today...I need a little finals-week-pick-me-up. I saw some great hand-knit ear/neck warmers...do I dare?
I'll report back with my little splurges!
xoxo.

Seeing Spots

It is freezing this morning!
I was starting to get comfortable with the whole flip flops and t-shirts in October kind of thing. But since it is now officially November I think that it makes sense that my toes are frozen solid in my GAP flats!
This weekend was so much fun and I am officially HALLOWEENED out! 4 nights of festivities is just way too much. I got about 5 hours of sleep a night since Thursday, but that's college for ya right?!?

Anyway, this morning when I got dressed all I wanted to do was be comfortable so this is what I wore:
I started off with my medium wash BASS jeans. Let me clarify, I own abut 4 pairs of jeans from BASS (I know I wear them all the time but it's because they are the perfect amount of stretch and stiffness, and YOU CAN NOT GET THAT EVERYWHERE!) I just washed this pair too so they are tight in all the right places, nothing beats freshly washed and dried jeans....NOTHING!
On top I decided to wear a black button down (3/4 length) blouse that I got on clearance at Marshalls.

Word to all my faithful readers: check the clearance racks at places like Marshalls and TJ Maxx first because usually their discounted items are amazingly cheap and out of this world!

I decided to wear my blue GAP denim ruffle flats...again! I think I posted once about my random fixations on certain items and how I wear them until I basically can't anymore. Funnily enough this is turning into one of those types of things...again. This summer I lived in these flats, then got bored with them, threw them in the back of my closet (well actually meticulously placed because I have closet organization OCD) only to return to them...right now!

But remember my whole motto on a statement piece: let the other aspects of your outfit be basics? Well, I am trying the animal print trend. I am not a huge pattern/print type of gal. I can appreciate it on others and subtly mix it into my style, but it is not my thing. However, I really wanted to try a splash of leopard print in my life and did through the gray leopard print scarf.

Funny story about this scarf: I went with my friend to Walmart to get a Halloween costume for him and he decided on a camouflage t-shirt, plastic machete and black bandanna (a type of soldier in the wilderness type? who knows!) Although the drive to Walmart took forever (thank you 25mph speed limits everywhere in Rhode Island) it was necessary because he wanted to spend his $30 Walmart gift card...because most college students have Walmart gift cards. Anyway, for taking the trip he bought me this $5.00 scarf and to be quite honest it is so comfortable I think I want to go back and get more!

Lastly, I threw on my GAP long black waffle cardigan (here and almost every other post!) because it is so chilly out, and let me say this did not warm me up, I really need to look for a new winter coat...a long length, super comfortable, plush, piece of amazingness might I add!

Oh, and accessories: I decided to wear my favorite beaded ring that my aunt got for me (seen here).

I hope everyone has a great Monday!
Stay WARM!

Fur-eezing

Okay, so let me start this post off by saying that last night was absolutely insane!

I had my interview in the morning and it went well. As I headed from beautiful and sunny Providence into foggy and rainy Narragansett, I realized that I didn't have a Halloween costume yet. Now most people (aka non-college students) are thinking to themselves, "Halloween isn't Thursday, why do you need a costume now?" Well dear readers, let me answer that question for you. Thursday night is basically Halloween, actually any night the week before Halloween is Halloween, catch on yet? I need multiple costumes. Last night I was a cop and basically scrambled to get a costume together, eventually borrowing it from my friend K at around 8:00pm. I think tonight me and my friend R are going to be nerds? Everything changes though, just like my daily outfits my Halloween costumes are just as dynamic and susceptible to changing at the last minute.
Funny story:
Last night at the bar the cop asked me if he could borrow my handcuffs. Mind you, they are plastic and in my "altered state" I found this comment to be hilarious. I usually try to avoid cops, but last night we were laughing with them, using my plastic walkie talkie, yelling "10-4 and copy ranger." I LOVE COLLEGE!

Needless to say, when I woke up this morning I was a mess! For the past week or so my first class has been canceled so I could take my sweet time in the morning, but this morning it's back on so that means I had to get it together...and quickly! So I did what any normal fashion blogger would do...basics and a statement piece...easy & breezy!
I am wearing my medium wash BASS jeans, with a black tissue long t-shirt from J. Crew. I think I have spoken about how awesome the Crew tissue t's are. They are super comfortable and if you go to the outlets to buy them (instead of full retail price in the store) you can get them from next to nothing. I basically live in the 4 or 5 that I have. I am wearing my denim GAP ruffle ballet flats (that I previously spoke of throwing out! The time is not now! I made an executive decision) complete with band aids all over my foot because my heels last night (Thanks Syd for letting me borrow them!) were too small and too high and I wore them for way too long and walked way to far!
Statement piece = Kenzie black knit and faux fur vest purchased at Marshalls for $25.00!
Okay, so I know many people are not into the faux and I wasn't up until recently. I remember making fun of my sister D who loved her when she got one last year. I thought it was beyond ugly, and just nasty! I have obviously changed my ways and love mine! I think it's definitely a hate it or love it type of piece but it's so warm and comfortable I don't care!

So that's my post for the morning. I hope everyone had a great 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th night of Halloween? I'm not sure what number we are on...last night was #1 for me. On to #2 tonight and more to follow. Ah! That's a lot of costumes I need to get/make/create! Good thing I love making outfits, this is going to be fun. I am thinking nerd tonight, basketball player, pirate? Who knows but I am going to have an awesome time!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN WEEKEND! LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN...OR CONTINUE.
XOXO.

Power Blazer

Hi! Hi! Hi-yah!

(catch my Heavy Weights movie plug?)
Big news!


So usually I don't blog on Tuesday and Thursdays because it is my day off from classes. But, today I had an interview for a possible internship next semester. I had to dress the part and nothing says, "hire me!" like a chic blazer, so obviously I wore one and I loved my outfit so much I decided I had to post about it!

I decided to wear my black "nameless" dress that I got on TJ Maxx Clearance when I was home this summer. It is a really great basic and has a cinched waist so I can wear it with a belt or without one and my waist will always look tiny! Isn't that amazing? I feel like for me (and most girls that I talk to) anything that will make your waist smaller is a definitely spend-worthy purchase. So, if you don't own a black cinched waist dress, get on it! I wore black stockings that I purchased at Target and let me tell you I think they added a lot to the outfit. I remember about 2 years ago I hated stockings/tights with a passion. I don't even think I remembered wearing them since I was about 5, and let me tell you they were hot pink and polka-dotted nonsense! Anyway, I am back into tights, I love how they can just add instant class to an outfit. I really want to try them under shorts in winter, but I wonder if I am that daring. This blog has given me a ton of confidence so I really think I am going to try it soon! Back to the outfit...I wore my Forever21 black and gray blazer that I wore here. I love this blazer and it was the inspiration for my whole outfit.
Correction: Anne Hathaway's blazer in the movie was my inspiration but this is what I had so I decided to "work it!"
I love how blazers scream "POWER!!!!" and they really do add a sense of polish and sophistication. I guess it is just very academic looking and very Ralph Lauren & Tommy Hilfiger-ish (by the way don't you love the new TOMMY add campaign?!?! It is so rustic, comfy, traveling-prepster and I love it!)
Lastly, I wore my black short Payless booties (with a heel) that I seem to wear all the time. They need to be replaced soon because I wore out the sole pretty bad. I think it's hilarious that I bought them for a social (for a sorority event last year, and always reached for them first when I get dressed now-a-days). It was definitely a cheap thrill turned great investment.

Do you guys have any items like that?
You buy it as a joke and then basically end up living in it?

Anyway, I am off to get ready for my first event of Halloween weekend. I don't have a costume yet per se but I have a lot of creative juices flowing and a play list of Britney Spears to inspire me...yeah I am going there right now!
Have a great day!