Top 5: October 2013

this month has been crazy!

From October break to my birthday to sub-freezing temperatures, I can't remember an October quite like this. I feel like I've grown so much this month, both personally and academically. I've been able to look into how I'd really like my future to pan out and talk to advisors, family, and friends about how to make it work. I've consciously tried to get out of my comfort zone by being more vulnerable with my friends. At the same time, I've tried to make more time for myself and what I love, rather than feel guilty about the studying I should be doing.

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As always, I have a roundup of the top 5 products that I've been loving this month. From makeup to TV shows, here are my October 2013 Top 5:

Like I said, this month was crazy when it came to weather. In early October, it was in the 80s and now I'm lucky if it's 40 degrees when I walk into campus in the morning. Being the wise Midwesterner that I am, I failed to bring an actual coat to school with me. So I've been living in my J. Crew Excursion vest. I've also been loving my boots and booties and warm socks, which has been a stylish way to stay warm.

(there's nothing like cold toes to make for a miserable morning)

At the beginning of the month, I decided to try out the new Marc Jacobs lipstick... and let me tell you- it is awesome! The color that I got is a light pink, which gives my lips a slightly frosty-pink tint. What I like most is how moisturizing it is! Usually when I wear gloss or lipstick or anything of the sort, I have to put chapstick on underneath to keep from getting chapped, peeling lips. This stuff, though! I can put it straight on and feel moisturized. I'm definitely planning to get one of the more "berry" colors for the holidays and winter months.

Wow. I almost failed to mention that this month also held round two of exams: midterms. Episodes of Sex and the City were perfect 30-minute breaks between studying. I've also been trying to leave myself minimal homework for Sundays (instead of saving it all for Sunday), which has been perfect for reading, watching TV, and making sure I relax before the upcoming week. 

There you have it- the top 5 things that have defined this past month. I'm going home this weekend and plan to bring back a coat... and maybe my Uggs. 

I can't believe that it's already November! 

[Fall Trends] Boots & How to Wear Them

Riding Boots. Bean Boots. Rain Boots. Booties.

via Instagram

I love my boots just as much as the next girl, but it can certainly get overwhelming when it comes to styling the boots. Riding Boots aren't too hard- just tuck in some skinnies or leggings and you're ready to go. Rain Boots are, well, for the rain. I find that booties and Bean Boots are the hardest to style. Because of their height, they've got to look just right or they can make your legs look short and stubby. 

But, when done right, they can make any outfit look fashion-forward.

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Right now, the style for booties is a low, chunky heel. Designers have gone crazy when it comes to making their boots stand out... but I think that the greatest boots are the ones that are versatile stylish. For once in my life, I was a little ahead of the curve when I bought my first pair last fall. They were $30 at Kohls and I've gotten so many complements on them! Of course, with increased demand, prices have increased. My favorite pair that I've seen are from Anthropologie and mix black and brown Can you say "Goes with anything?" Additionally, so many more styles and looks have been introduced.

The lower heels, buckles, and more masculine looks form a bootie-meets-combat boot look. Since I'm not edgy enough for combats (and I never really wanted a pair anyways...) I like this little twist on cute booties to make them wearable in both formal and causal settings. But then that brings up the question: 

How do I wear these?

Well, they're obviously very stylish and flattering with skinnies or leggings and socks. One line from hip to feet creates and elongated look that is flattering on everyone. But, the trends now are to wear booties with skirts, or cropped boyfriend jeans. Chunky socks or tights finish off the look and keep you warm. But the visible skin can be absolutely detrimental to your appearance when it comes to height. Add into this dilemma the return of longer skirts (which I'm still not sure how I feel about) and it's quite possible to end up looking like a gnome instead of a stylish, confident young woman. 

The fix? Trying on lots and lots of boots. High Heels. Low Heels. Color- Blocking versus Solids. There's no one style that works because boots are going to look different on everyone. Wear skinnies and take a skirt or dress to try them with. Be especially conscious of where the boot is hitting your leg- you've got to find that magic height that lines up with your leg. 

 also, make sure they're comfortable!

While I was a little ahead of the curve on my booties, I am definitely way behind when it comes to my lack of LL Bean Boots, affectionately called just Bean Boots or Duck Boots. I discovered these when Carly from College Prepster and Sarah Vickers featured them on their blogs and other social media outlets. I didn't initially think they were cute, but they've grown on me. And their practicality certainly has! For trekking through the snow on campus or just having good, durable boots for fall activities, these are the way to go! They're available in different colors and styles... including tan/navy. Eeep! I think they're calling my name! 

Fall is the time for boots, socks, and tights. I love the versatility of fall pieces- a skirt with booties can be dressed up or down depending on the top. Riding Boots can make a summery dress more fall appropriate. Without boots, fall just wouldn't be fall. And the best part is that they transition wonderfully into winter, which needs anything (including cute boots) to make more bearable. 

How are you styling your boots this fall?

[Fall]

It's horrible to think that summer is coming to a close...

really, it isn't. We still have a month of summer! But fashion likes to get us thinking about fall during the warmest months of summer.

Fall lines are coming out. Fashion magazines are hilighting the fall looks.

And, honestly, it makes me excited for crunching leaves; reds, greens, and blues; football games.

Like any fashion-forward girl, I've got my fall classics already. What I need now, are some fun pieces that can carry me from summer to fall into winter. It's a tough bill to fit, but there are a few looks that I am loving for early fall all the way into snowy December.

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If you're like me, you lust over the perfect pair of riding boots. Last year, I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren riding boots that were black. This year, I'm on the prowl for some tan or brown boots. Yes, Tory Burch would be my ideal pair, but the price tag is a little.... scary. To say the least. These Michael Kors boots are about half the price of a pair or Tory Burch boots, and I think I might actually like them a little better. I'm all for simplicity, and these just aren't as showy as TB's. 

Shirt dresses are going to be a favorite of mine this season, I feel. I've grown to love dresses, and these easily transition from summer to fall with a change of shoe choice. Add some leggings in the winter and a trench coat- you're nice and warm for a walk in the snow! I've now purchased two of these dresses- one from Gap and this Beckett dress from Lilly's fall line. I also love how these can be belted or dressed up with jewelry. Versatility is key, people! 

The J. Crew excursion vest. I have been excited to buy one since I fell in love with them after they were taken out of stores this past winter. I know, I have impeccable timing. It's driving me crazy that my local stores don't have them in yet.. I don't even think they're online at this point! But, when they are, you best believe that I'll be first in line to buy one... or probably one in every color.

I love accessorizing in the fall, too! I adore wearing scarves and hats. I love knee socks. 

Honestly, I love everything about fall.

Wishlist Wednesday: College Attire Edition

The most fun wishlist has finally arrived!

The clothes :) My style has definitely developed this past year and shopping is going to be so much fun! Especially since I'm a college student and have an ID now, my money will go a little farther and I have a little more than usual to spend :)

I've spent the last couple of months building up my wardrobe to prepare for whatever I may need while at college, but there's always room for more (regardless of the dimensions of the dorm closets!)

1. ballet flats (TB Revas?)

2. Nice jeans/ pants

3. chambray, button-up, popover tops

4. sweaters

5. 1/4 and 1/2 zips

6. cardigans

7. cute, supportive shoes (keds- type?)

oh, and basically this whole outfit

What are your back-to-school clothing essentials?!