I Went to Spain...

and it was gorgeous! 

Merry Xmas!

Picture Recap: My Weekend

I don't want to bore you all with tons of reading today. Okay, okay...I'm just really tired and didn't feel like typing much. Here are some pictures from the Brooklyn Flea Market. Check it out if you are ever in Brooklyn on a Saturday or Sunday! 

*Poor photo-quality, thanks to my hated beloved Blackberry!* 

#100

I can't believe this is my 100th post! While part of me wants to explain how much I love blogging and what it has done for me, I won't...(you can read my declaration page for that). However, I want to gush a little a lot *happy dance* for one small but MAJOR reason. I want to gush about all my amazing readers and followers. You seriously do not know how big of a smile I have plastered on my face when I read your comments...it is truly one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced. To know that some of you are just like me: interested in fashion and styling and approaching it from a laid-back "this-is-a-jog-not-a-sprint-learning-experience-let's-take-our-time-and-see-what-works-for-us" mentality, not a competition: trying to out-buy, out-wear, out-post, and out-follow (I guess that means get more followers?) fellow bloggers. I appreciate the relationship we have been building and I can't wait to see it's progression, this tight little community is something that I really treasure...okay, sappiness over.
I will be posting twice today, an OOTD post later, but I wanted to make this one separate...a tribute to my lovely co-bloggers and readers! So what are you posting now, Cassie? Well let me explain, this is just a little collage (I use that term loosely, one of my first attempts with these "collages" on blogger) of things that are getting me through this week. I have been thinking so much (over thinking actually) about the future, I just need to appreciate what is going on now.

Funny picture outtakes (aka mirror shots), studded bracelet (disclaimer: this doesn't fit in the equestrian and/or GI Jane categories), cozy nooks that I create in my bed, Forever21 Red nail polish (borrowed from J-9), LeSportsac paisley messenger bag to carry all my books to school (borrowed from Grandma! haha), inspirational sayings that remind me of what's important (gifted from Mom!), organized closet.

How do you relax? What de-stresses you? 

I will be back later (unless I fall under the pile of work on my desk again!) 

Thanks again for making me one of the happiest girls in the world, I love all of your support!

Just a Formal-ity

Hey everyone!

How was every one's weekends? Mine was jam-packed! Studying for finals, editing my writing portfolios, getting ready for formal, going to formal, and recovering for formal...
Side note: I CAN NOT believe that I just attended one of my last sorority formals (1 more!), I am getting too old and I don't know how I feel about that (more on that in future posts!)
Now here I am, sitting on my couch in my beautifully clean Narragansett house (1 time/semester cleaners came today!) watching 27 Dresses with Nicole, doing my portfolio...I mean blogging.
My whole body aches--5 hours dancing at Monet, plus drinking last night, plus a recovery workout this morning--I am drained. I can not wait to have a nice big dinner later, the usual: huge sweet potato, veggie burger, and a heaping pile of veggies...don't forget the microwave popcorn for dessert.
Obviously you want the play-by-play, eat-by-eat of my life...
I have no outfit post today, sorry, but I am just bumming it in sweats!
Here are some pictures from formal last night. The dress was a success, everyone loved it, although I felt kind of self-conscious in it because it was so body conscious. But...my friend Sydney said it looked great, and she is one of my best friends/wardrobe consultant and would never let me leave the house unless I looked good, so I guess I'm okay with the overall result.
My 5inch heels that were supposed to be "killer" weren't so bad...I definitely felt the pain the last hour of formal though. Miraculously, I wore them all night!
Anyway, I am off to work...or procrastinate.
xoxoSydney, Emily, Me, Elora
Niki, Me, Rachael

Why Am I Inspired?

In my first post I explained a little bit about who I am and why I am creating this fabulous fashion blog...however, I didn't really explain why I am so inspired by fashion. Fashion is the ultimate form of self expression; where else would bow-ties, rainbow suspenders, combat boots and feathered earrings seem cohesive? I am not saying everyone can pull off that look, but anyone can try it and I love that freedom. The freedom to look however you want, and try anything you want. Fashion is better than a tattoo or piercings (although I love both) because it can be here today, gone tomorrow. If something works, GREAT! But, if you decide that trendy sequined hot pink forever 21 skirt looks much better on the model in the catalog than you at a fraternity party, you can totally burn the skirt and forget you even bought it. There may be some Facebook pictures tagged of you in that heinous get-up but, un-tag the picture, un-tag the memory and burn the skirt- easy fix!

But the reason for this post...WHY AM I INSPIRED? I am inspired by the great women in my family who each have their own flair and aesthetic. Each woman is different and unique, has different hobbies, different eye colors and different hair styles but each influenced me in a really amazing way. I have two aunts, let's call them the ARTSY AUNTIES. One is an artist and one is a craftswoman. While Auntie Artist paints amazing murals, pet portraits, and adorns herself with insanely beautiful original turquoise jewelry, Auntie Crafts creates amazing beaded bracelets and necklaces, and can make anything out of yarn and fabrics. Besides these two women my grandmother has the most amazing sense of interior design. She knows how to mix colors and prints, integrating amazing patterned fabrics, with bold and cool solids, she truly is an amazing designer. My mother is also a style maven in her own right (although she wouldn't tell you so), but she is willing to try anything once. I remember she wore a magenta and fuchsia skirt suit with a jewel adorned collar from Banana Republic. Although she is a self proclaimed "black-only" devotee, she looked beautiful and elegant. Lastly, my sister is my biggest style inspiration. Two years my junior she is light-years ahead of me in the style department. She can make the most basic jeans look chic and always follows her heart, not the pages of a fashion magazine. She is always my biggest fashion supporter and critic. She knows my style inside out and always helps me think of new ways to improve my look.

I am really blessed to have these women in my life, they inspire me on a daily basis. Without their fabulous style, amazing support, and amazing "eyes" for details, I wouldn't be me (and that would be a darn shame!) Be inspired by everyone and everything!