In A Perfect World...

I've said it before and I'll say it again

I'm a dreamer.

I like to look at Pinterest and Tumblr and blogs and imagine my life in the footsteps of others. I've gotten past the "wanting to be her" mentality and more towards the "that'd be really cool to love life and live that way," which I think is healthier. But, when life starts to stress me out I like to live vicariously through others for a minute. 

I thought it'd be fun to gather up some of my favorite re-pinned pictures and make a little

"in Sarah's perfect world" story

So here's me. In my perfect world I'd be classy and graceful like Kate Middleton. I'd have a beautiful ring and a rockin' bod. I'd be able to take fashion risks and be confident even in the public eye.

I'd be married to a super hot guy. Chuck Bass, anyone? He'd dress classy and fratty at all times. And each morning we'd wake up snuggled up with our dog and not a care in the world. 

Our home. It'd have beautiful curb appeal.. worthy of random people taking its picture. I'd have a waterfront view and the city in the distance. I'd be able to walk to work on the quiet city streets as the sun rises. There'd never be any traffic and I'd never be running late or in a hurry. Just city city streets, a coffee to go, and my thoughts. 

And we'd vacation all over the world! To some of my favorite places- Paris, Amsterdam, the beach. Any holiday we'd take would be spectacular.

... and end fairy tale. 

It's fun to daydream a little bit. And, as perfect as that sounds, I couldn't live in a world that perfect.

But it's fun to dream.

& the pictures are fabulous!

Fall Fashion Favorites

...anyone who said I wasn't good at alliteration is lying :)

Anyways, regardless of how anti-fall the weather has been lately, I think that everyone is ready for fall. From the colorful trees to the crisp air to the football. I love hot apple cider and going to the apple orchard. I love that my birthday is in October. I love Thanksgiving and bonfires and scarves. 

I love everything about fall, really. 

I think that Indiana is it's prettiest in the fall. I think that fashion is at it's peak in fall. I seriously can't wait to bring out my Burberry scarves and my riding boots. I love wearing dresses with tights and booties. I could go on and on about what makes me excited for fall. But, being the girl that I am- the fashion stands out. Designers love fall. The colors are so much fun and I think that everyone can make a fashionable, classy fall wardrobe no matter what their budget. 

I've thrown together all of my favorite designer looks this fall and put them into one huge collage-

inspiration for you and me!

Get Dressed Up!

- PurduePrep

Wish List Wednesday

It's been a few weeks since I did a post like this... And in the case that I have any readers who really, really love me, I've gotta keep them coming. Right?

That's my rationalization, anyways.

I'll get right to it!

Okay, please excuse the picture quality (lol but not really). So I've had this slight obsession with leopard print for the last year or so. It's such a classy print that livens up any outfit and looks awesome with fall and winter colors. It does the impossible of making black and brown work together, and this bracelet would look fabulous around my wrist.

It's every preppy girl's dream to have a Lilly Jeep. 

In general, I think a Jeep would be an absolute blast to drive around in. The top off, the salty air blowing through my hair. There wouldn't be a care in the world in this car. The only sad part is that it's very rare for someone to personally own one of these beauts. In the case that you do, and you'd like to get rid of it, I'm your girl. 

While I love this Kate Spade watch, I'm wishing for time more than anything. I'm not wishing for more hours in the day or more years to my life. I'm wishing for time to slow down when it comes time for me to relax. I don't mind one bit the speed at which time moves when I'm busy and productive. What I do mind is the fact that time seems to blow by 10x faster the minute I sit down with a good book or for a phone call with my Grandma. All I want is more relaxation time- more time to laugh and smile and not have an agenda. That'd be great.

Okay so the big, tangible wish list item now is this Tory Burch Tote. It's beautiful and elegant. I love the slight color that is still subdued enough for the winter. It's magnificent. And if it isn't on my shoulder by Christmas, I hope Santa and his Elves leave it under the tree for me :)

Jack Rogers. Tortoise Shell.

If we're being honest, there's nothing more that needs to be said here. Unfortunately, I could never pay $148 for a pair of shoes that I will never wear. Here in the midwest, fall is definitely not sandal weather. And I don't think they'd work for any other season. Also, I'm living on a college girl budget. So until I'm working and vacationing to Palm Beach in the winter, these will have to remain on my wish list...

Wish, wish, wish. That's a girl's job. And while I don't like the fact that I can almost always think of 3-5 things that I want, I think that (if nothing else) this is a fun series of posts that I can look back at and remember the types of things I was into at various times of my life. But, if I ever want to be able to afford these Wish List items, I need to get back to the books and make a living on my own.

Sayonara!

Baby Wales!

The news has broken: Baby Wales is on his or her way

This may be a huge deal to you (as it is with me) or it may not matter a single bit. One thing is sure-

if he is a boy, 16 years from now there will be one very eligible bachelor

and

if she is a girl, she will surely become just as much of a style icon as her mother.

The baby watch is on!

Top 5: June 2013

I can't believe that one of my favorite months- June- has come and gone so quickly!

But, that means that I get to look back at the month and pick out my favorite things from that month. June has been a month that I've really enjoyed, from the bonfires to sleeping in to catching up with old friends. With graduation came graduation parties, gifts, and busy weekends. It's been quite a month and I have a few favorites that I'm ready to share from the month!

1. Lip Color

I've written a few posts about this new love of mine, and I've taken the multiple grad parties and bonfires to experiment daily vs. occasion wear for a variety of popular products and brands. On a daily basis, I really enjoy Burts Bees lip shimmers in Cherry and Rhubarb. I've posted about those before, but they typically are my go-to for everyday. If it's daytime but I've got plans that are a little more laid out than my normal daily plans, I really like Tarte LipSurgence in Pouty (as opposed to my initial Glamazon Lipstick). This color is just a bit darker than my natural tint, as well as shimmery and light. When it comes to actual lipstick, I go for Revlon colors. They're relatively inexpensive and are very moisturizing! All-in-all, I have really been enjoying lip colors this month! 

2. Kate Middleton

My love affair with Kate is no secret. But with her due date quickly approaching, the media has been going crazy about Kate and I'm so happy about that! Kate is an inspiration to many women, including myself. I love her classic wardrobe and her simplicity. She's so beautiful and graceful- enough to turn me into the ugly green monster. To keep me entertained, I've ordered three books about Kate... I may be a little bit obsessed, but I'm also very interested in the Royal Family in general. 

3. Stationery

Being a grad means that I've been getting a ridiculous amount of mail (and money!). While I'm very appreciative of this, I've been writing "Thank You" notes out the wazoo! I don't even want to know how much time I've spent writing letters, but each person deserves that time from me. Most of the people I received money from I've only known a few times, so I surely want them to know how much I appreciate their thoughts and support. Anyways, I find it a lot more fun to write thank you's when I've got cute stationery. I know there are all kinds of boutiques and expensive places to buy stationery, but I've really been drawn to the Mira Mi collection at Target... I have come home with new stationery the last few times I've gone to Target. I really love the options and they look much more expensive than they are!

4. Concerts

Summer is for late nights and loud music. There's not a lot to do around where I live, but there are plenty of concerts. Lawn tickets are between $30-100 and make for an awesome night! So far this summer I've only gone to two concerts, but there are about four more that I have planned after vacation. It's a guaranteed night of fun with all of your friends- what's to lose?

5. Tumblr

Okay I know that Tumblr is nothing new, but it is to me! I've loved Pinterest for a while for inspiration, but I've heard quite a lot about Tumblr lately. So, I decided to give it a try! I've had my Tumblr account for a while and I used it as a sort of "travel journal" while I was in Europe last fall. But it's not really made for that too much. I've been a bit confused with its function, but I think I'm getting the hang of it, and it's pretty fun! Here's my Tumblr.

So, June has come to an end. Luckily, July will be filled with equally as great adventures and experiences. It'll be full of firsts and lasts, hellos and goodbyes.

But, I'm ready for it! 

Goodbye June!

What's in My Bag: Beach Bag

So now that it's officially summer and I'm leaving in two days for the beach, I figured that a beach bag post was in order. While I don't carry anything too ridiculous or special, I enjoy reading about what others take with them to the beach. I thought that maybe someone would be interested in what I take, as well.

Like I said, nothing too out of the ordinary, but I wouldn't be ready for a day on the beach without it.

The most important and instrumental part of this post is the bag! Previously, I've used the freebie bags that I've gotten from Victoria's Secret or Lancome... I decided it was time to step it up and purchase a bag for the beach. Before spring break, I bought the Lilly Shoreline Tote, which I absolutely love! It's a great size for the beach, but I also use it as my "carry on" personal bag when I travel. It's big enough to load up with anything that didn't quite fit in the suitcase.

Most of my bag is full of skincare products. I'm a redhead with freckles, blue eyes, and fair skin. I never use a sunscreen less that 15 SPF and usually it's more like 30. I love the Australian Gold Sunscreen, because it has a built-in bronzer that I swear gets baked into your skin! I started using this my freshman year and it gives me a nice bronze glow that redheads usually don't experience. I wouldn't recommend that on your face though, as it's pretty oily. Instead, I use Maybelline BB cream... I know, I'm obsessed! But it's got a 30 SPF which protects my face. Just for fun, I bring along these Evian Mineral Water sprays. They are refreshing and help to rejuvenate the face from the sun. They're kinda pricey, but they're a splurge that I wouldn't want to go without.

Besides skin care, my bag typically carries a book and some sunglasses. For the beach, I make sure that I also have my Cotton Snaps on- nothing like losing a pair of Ray Bans to the ocean. I also like to take my most versatile pair of sunglasses, which is usually my aviators and my tortoise shell wayfarers. These two work with brown or black and can work on the beach or out to dinner. Pack smart! I also like to keep a hat in my bag, usually a Ralph Lauren hat in either navy or pink (since these two colors go with most of my swimsuits) to keep my face shaded and keep my hair from drying out in the sun. 

Of course, what better to do on the beach than read and people-watch? I used to be the type to put in my headphones and just lay there, but that's no fun and nobody wants to disturb you. With a book you can hear the ocean, chime in on conversations, and cute guys may feel like they can approach you to play a pick-up volleyball game :) Book-wise, there are a few books that I've already posted that I plan to read this summer. Naturally, the list keeps growing and I've now got three books from Amazon on their way! They're all about the British Royals- mostly William, Harry, and Catherine-, which I think will be fascinating to read! First on the docket? Kate. She is so inspiring and I think this will be the perfect beach read.

Now that my beach bag is all packed and I'm imagining laying out, listening to the ocean, I want these next 48 hours to pass quickly!

Sparkle Bright!

Memorial Day Weekend is always spent with family, food, and lots of pool time. Of course, my very near graduation has been a frequent subject at family gatherings and I expect no less for the following days. Today, my aunt was talking to me about my plans and just college life in general and I came to a very odd (for me) realization:

I need to make certain that what I do in college sets me up for my future.

A lot of times, college is talked about as a fun time or a time that all adults wish they could go back to. But, the thing is, college is a serious resume- building time. It's the time where you make your greatest friends, reach a great mental capacity, and hopefully have fun doing so! The collegiate world has so many opportunities and activities to offer and I can't wait to find my niche and to grow through those activities. 

I am a type-A planner, who has to make sure that everything happens just right. But, I'm not the type who "sells" myself very well. That's got to change in college. Whether it's interviewing for a school, leadership position, internship, or job, I've got to be able to set myself apart. I need to be a diamond in the rough... or at least a diamond amongst gems. This is something that is hard for me, but it'll surely be something that I'll be working on! 

sparkle in Kate Spade

I find it extremely challenging to set myself on a pedestal and essentially make myself better than others, but I 100% understand the need for it in the corporate world. 

So, here's to the new Sarah

Oh, Gatsby!

It's finally the day: the release of the Great Gatsby film!

When you read this, I will be watching the movie (midnight release, yes!)

Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of this all is that the media is embracing 

such a fantastic work of literature!

From the NYT's special featuring various forms of cover art to the movie soundtrack, this movie has been made into such a big deal! But, with Tobey Maguire and Leo DeCaprio, how can we not obsess? The time period, the fantasy life, and the actors- they're all lust worthy!

While the book is always better than the movie, in my opinion, I'm oh so excited to escape into the world of Gatsby that I haven't entered since the first time I read the book.

The anticipation is almost unbearable!

p.s. this Kate Spade clutch is to die for!

Tech Savvy

Is it wrong that I want an iPad just so I can buy cute accessories for it?

definitely lust-worthy

Okay so that's totally not the only reason but seriously! Look how cute this Kate Spade case is!

If you follow the blog, you know that I've been lusting over an iPad. I know, it seems like old news but I really just can not decide if it's worth the money! I just got a beautiful new MacBook, I have an iPhone... I don't really know how much I'll use an iPad. But, at the same time, I know that I'll use it if I get it. 

It'll probably come down to how much money I get for graduation and if I can afford to buy one. And then, if I can... the question is do I get the full size or the mini? 

Apple is killing me with all these choices!

I need help! Would an iPad, mini or full size, be of use to a college student?

Should I go for it?

p.s. is this not the cutest flash drive? and in Purdue colors, no less?

Graduation Gifts

Today marks 4 weeks (or 19 days) of school left!! 

College kids are finishing up finals or are already home, and high schoolers are nearing their last days! The class of 2013 is entering its final days of high school-

  graduation and open houses are quickly approaching!

Whether you know hundreds of graduates or just 2, there's nothing like commemorating the accomplishment with a perfect gift! While money is always, always appreciated, putting some thought into a gift that your grad will love is so much more heartfelt and gives them a way to take a bit of you away with them!

Hint to your favorite cousin or crush that you want to keep up the correspondence with this adorable Lilly stationery set. This set works for a variety of occasions; she'll hardly be able to resist writing you! I know I wouldn't be able to! No student can have enough pens, and this Lilly one will keep note taking light and pretty! You can never go wrong with Lilly or writing materials. Put the two together and you've made the best gift-giver list!

Whether graduating from college or high school, grads have a whole new world ahead of them. For the avid writer, note-taker, or list-maker (hello, me!) this Kate Spade travel journal commemorates the leaving of one life to the entering of the next. It's cute and fashionable while also completely functional. Since it's technically a travel journal, it has pockets inside, which will work perfectly for any busy girl who needs a place to keep her syllabus, calendar, or just some miscellaneous notes. This is an awesome, inexpensive gift that will make an impact on your grad and keep her thinking of you every time she opens it.

Every girls needs a College Prepster monogrammed bracelet! Marley Lilly has the one, and it is a perfect grad gift! Jewelry is always perfect for the preppy girl, and a monogram makes anything better! This bracelet is the epitome of the preppy girl and will be a great outfit staple for going to class, going out, or meeting with a professor. Stylish, sophisticated, and classic, you can't go wrong with this one. 

For the reader, the funny one, or the guy who's too smart for his own good, That Book about Harvard is a perfect buy! At less than $15, the price is just right. This book will make you laugh at the horrible things poor Eric went through his freshman year at the esteemed Harvard University, though it's lighthearted enough not to instill fear into the incoming college freshmen. I plan on purchasing this book for many of my guy friends. While books aren't always the most exciting gift, encourage your grad to give it a chance. I promise you that they will be hooked after the first page. The laughs will be great and the fact that you provided them will be even better! 

Happy Gift Giving! Don't forget to tell your grad "Congrats!"

Inspiring Women

It's such a wonderful time to be a woman. Historically, women have not always had the bet hand at life. Women have come into their "glory days" lately and have been embraced by the public as role models. Unfortunately, most of the the women looked to today are anything but a role model. Their morals are shot, their self-image obscure, and their love life nothing to be jealous of.

Then there's Princess Kate.

Kate Middleton has been an absolute favorite of mine since I was a young girl and she and William had started appearing in public together. She is such a class act; a woman of grace, kindness, and happiness. She exudes confidence. She and William are a wonderful pair and have both made sacrifices to be the best Royal Couple that they can be. Although in the spotlight, Kate has never appeared shy or upset with the media. She always has a smile on her face and is dressed to the nines. 

Princess Kate is an inspiration to me and, I'm sure, millions of other women. Who wouldn't want such a fairytale life? Plus that hair and body! Her social work and connection with the public are worth endless praise. Her every step is full of grace- a trait worth desiring. 

It's not often that the Royal Family changes, but my lifetime will be able to see a Royal wedding and birth... if not multiple! I can't wait to see what becomes of the newer, younger, less conservative (but still  traditional) Royal Family. There isn't a woman I'd rather look up to than the beautiful Katherine. The attitude with which she carries herself is one that I hope and pray I will be granted with in the future.

There is truly no one classier than Kate.

New Specs!

If there's one thing that I absolutely hate about myself, it's that I can't see worth anything! I probably have the worst sight for an 18 year old and I loathe that fact. It's so annoying to always have to be wearing glasses or contacts! In fact, while I was on vacation I tore one of my contacts and conveniently forgot to bring a backup pair. I was stuck for 3 days with a torn, itchy contact. I don't know if anyone else struggles with this besides me...

One thing that has grown on my is my glasses. I used to hate how I looked in glasses (probably because I always picked out the ugliest pair in the store... ugh! What was I thinking?!), but my lazy days in high school have enabled me to love the way I look in glasses. Seriously, I could be in the most uncomfortable outfit and still feel a little better if my contacts weren't in. It's nice to be able to give my eyeballs a break throughout the week and wear my glasses. A cute pair never hurts, either!

Kate Spade Glasses

So, yesterday I bought these beauts. They're kinda crazy for me, but oh so cute! One way to look good, even on your "lazy day"? Kate Spade glasses, oh yes. I have to wait a week to get them in, but I cannot wait!

Love those 4 eyes!

Spring Cleaning

There's nothing quite like the fresh smell of spring outside... but why not bring that freshness in? One of my favorite things to do in the spring is the clean! i know, this sounds crazy, but cleaning is peaceful and fun. Turn on some music, open the windows, and get going! My spring cleaning list ranges from my furniture in my room to my closet to my car to my wallet. It's a time of rebirth and organization to prepare for the best time of the year: summer!

My Room

While I don't have much to change up, I do what I can in my room. First things first, I take my heated blanket and flannel sheets off of my bed.. no need for those anymore! I put fun, springy pillows around and try to brighten the place up a bit. One of my favorite things to do is go shopping for new candles! I love going to Bath and Body Works and Yankee Candle to find yummy scents that will bring the smell of spring inside. 

My Car

I should probably clean out my car more often than I do, because I just cleaned out my car and found Christmas Trees from a holiday benefit I hosted in early December. Yes, I need to make a point to clean my car more often. Besides the Christmas Trees, I make sure that any loose papers, water bottles, cups, travel mugs, CDs (yes, I still use CDs because I don't want to invest in a new adapter for the iPhone 5), trash, anything that doesn't belong there HAS TO GO. While at Bath and Body Works, I make sure to pick up yummy air fresheners for my car. I love any beachy or floral smells! I also vacuum and windex all of the insides of the windows. To top it off, I go and get a nice carwash. 

My Closet

Perhaps the largest cleaning happens in my closet! This was the first thing I did when I got home from Florida, and is usually what prompts the Spring Cleaning monster within. I love taking all of the sweaters and flannel off of my hangers and replacing them with colorful Lilly Shifts. Just having a more colorful and fun closet boosts my spirits in the morning. I also make a point to tackle my shoes. I can finally put away my big, bulky Uggs and boots... but I make sure to leave out my Hunter rain boots for the days of spring showers :) 

My Wallet

My wallet is probably the scariest and most fulfilling part of Spring Cleaning. Mostly because I have multiple wallets for various needs: quick run to the store/ for food, shopping spree, stay in my car, etc. It's kind of frightening to see how many receipts I have stuffed in each one.. I shop way too much! But, I always end up finding a $20 bill I forgot about, or, even better, lots and lots of change. I have of $30 in change!! Talk about fun stuff! So, basically I clean out any old cards, used up gift cards, and receipts. 

The biggest thing I do for my "wallet" is to budget out the next couple of months. I think through how much money I can "expect" to get and what my necessities will be. One major change for me this year is the fact that I won't be working in college. I figured that I should probably start saving a portion of my income for my college expenditures. Because, we all know that I'm going to want at least one thing from the fall lines at Lilly, Kate Spade, etc, or a Starbucks every now and then. Saving now will allow for splurges during school for a quick morale boost.

Spring is a time of rebirth and a celebration of life. I don't know about you, but I can celebrate life a lot easier when it's an organized life! 

What's top on your Spring Cleaning to-do list?