Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn keeps popping up in my life recently, which is so random but I'm certainly not complaining! When I was home for Thanksgiving, we made a few trips to the mall and so my mom and I took some time to get lost walk around. Furniture stores used to be forms of punishment at the mall so it's so funny to me that I could probably spend an hour in one section now. I guess that's the price of growing up...

If nothing else, I like to just look at the displays. I'm fascinated with presentation of furniture and odds and ends, just because I don't think I could really "stage" anything very well. I'll stop rambling now and just share the pictures I took that make me want to just move into the showroom.

are the notebooks and coffee table books included?

I said that PB has been popping up in my life and that's no joke! When I came back to school, I overheard a couple girls talking about Pinterest and how they love following Pottery Barn. Okay, so 1) why I have yet to follow PB (I now follow them and you should too!) and 2) I don't have the adequate time needed to look at every. single. pin. So that will be a winter break task, I suppose. I seriously feel like a 30 year old woman when I walk through these stores and think about furnishing a house, but a girl's gotta dream! 

Side note, I didn't take this picture but don't you just want every single one of these blankets? Yeah, me too! 

Birthday Weekend ReCap

 Shop My Look

 [ Ring: old, similar Nail Polish: The Perfect Coverup ]

Shop My Look

[ Shirt: J. Crew Vest: TJ Maxx, similar Scarf: Burberry 

Bag: Vintage, similar Jeans: old, similar Boots: old, similar ]

 Shop My Look

[ Vest: J. Crew Top: Simply Dixie Leggings: Loft

Boots: old, similar ]

Shop My Look

[ Top: J. Crew Shoes: Tory Burch Watch: old, similar 

Nail Polish: Haute in the Heat ]

This weekend was a much needed fall break.

Not only was it my birthday, but the weather was beautiful and my whole family was home... at least for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Whenever I come home from school my mom always has a full schedule, and this was no exception. 

Friday night we went out to dinner and then back home to watch a movie while I unpacked and got my bearings. Saturday we got up at our own pace (very slowly) and headed to Brown County/ Nashville, IN. We ate at the cutest restaurant where we had the best sweet potato fries. They're already a favorite of mine, but these melted in my mouth. I couldn't stop eating them! Of course, we did some shopping- I ended up finding a great floppy hat, which was on my list but certainly not something I expected to find. I always love being surprised like that. Afterwords, we stopped by my grandparents' house, which meant more food and cake. Not necessary at all, but how can I say no to grandma's cooking?! :) Then we went home with full stomachs and watched the Ole Miss game- another win! Woo woo! 

Sunday was my birthday celebration with friends at the Cheesecake Factory. We got up as a family and went to church and then the girls (we left dad at home) headed to the mall for lunch. Of course there was a wait for a table... so we had to go shopping hehe. I stepped into Sephora to find new fall lipstick(s) which needed much more that 30 minutes, but I was able to find a few that I liked (more on that Thursday). Lunch ended up lasting 3 hours- it was so nice to sit and catch up with high school friends. I love hearing about their internships and projects! Most of my friends went into more creative majors- I know, where did I come from?- so I let my creative side live vicariously through them while I focus on my science-heavy courses. 

Overall, this fall break has been so nice. I'm heading back up to school tonight.. back to homework and exams, ugh. But I just know that it's going to be Thanksgiving before I know it and then Christmas! Oh my gosh, it's crazy to think how time passes. It was a great 20th birthday- I don't feel much different, all I know is that I learned so much last year and I can't wait to see what I learn this year. Let's also hope I don't make the same mistakes :)

Coffee Table Books: Anthropologie

In this age of paper vs. print, I still find a great stack of books 

the most welcoming sight

I don't really have a need for coffee table or "display" books. I actually don't have a need, let alone space, for any more books. My bookshelves in my room are full and I keep forgetting to ask my mom if I can expand my collection to the family bookshelves... plus that just makes me feel old and more grown up than I'd like to feel. Regardless, when a clothing store has display books out I feel more at home. I could honestly sit in J. Crew or Anthropologie for hours just flipping through the books scattered around. So, the past week when I was at the mall yet thoroughly out of money, I could justify standing in Anthropologie and flipping through the books while my mom and sister shopped around. And, what did I find? 

hundreds of dollars worth of awesome books... as always

Okay, maybe not hundredS. All of these could be purchased for less than $150... but they're all so intriguing! 

To the end of my wish list they go, 

for when I have an actual coffee table and a place to display them.

Long Weekend Makes for Good Sales

There are multiple reasons to enjoy Columbus Day,

and it's possible that the Sales may be the number one reason! 

.............................................................................

Here's what I'm loving:

50% off at J. Crew Factory

The entire store- including new arrivals- is 50% off! 

What I'd Get: this awesome waffle sweater! 

I loved the one at the J. Crew store, so it's perfect that the Factory has a similar style. Even more perfect? It's over half the price. Add this weekend's 50% and it's a steal! 

"Halfsies" at the Loft

Select styles 50% off!

What I'd Get: this jeweled sweater!

It's J. Crew-esque style plus the discount makes this sweater oh so sweet. It's perfect for dressing up or down, with a fun skirt, jeans, or printed pants! Pus, the short sleeves make it perfect for layering under jackets on chilly days! 

J. Crew 25% off every purchase!

need I say more?

Vineyard Vines Additional 30% off

sale items + some! 

Free Shipping at Sperry

check out the boots for this fall and winter! 

If you've got some extra spending money (birthday money, in my case), need something specific, or just want to knock out Christmas Shopping (it's ever too early, right?), this weekend is a great time!

Happy Shopping! 

5 Fun Things...

about this past week in my life.

1. Proper Kid Problems noticed Indiana! 

I about died when PKP announced the "North of the Mason Dixon Line" shirts. Then he offered a koozie and decal... my weakness. I was planning to buy the shirt anyways, but that sealed the deal! It's now happily hanging in my closet. 

2. I can wear Scarves again!

Scarves are hands-down my favorite accessory. They're easy and warm. My favorite it my Burberry Check scarf, but I have a great one from H&M that was $20. It's all about cute and functional. Funny story... Last fall we bought my dad a scarf in Amsterdam and he loved how warm it kept him! It's his fall/ winter staple now, too!

3. Google, or at least the food there, is great!

Ranked one of the greatest cafeterias in the business world, at least the eating is good at Google. At least, that's what this article says. I'm always curious to see how top companies are run and what's inside the buildings. Google is always talked about for having great opportunities and benefits. Naturally, the nerd in me found this article to be especially interesting. 

4. Pattern Indy

Guys, Pattern Indy followed me on Twitter! They're a fashion magazine based in Indianapolis.. my goodness if I could intern there or just write for them once my life would probably be made. Basically the Vogue of my hometown... and they followed me! Twitter is just as much a networking device as LinkedIn at this point, so here's to networking! 

5. Saving Money

Gosh, saving is so hard for me. It never used to be, but then I discovered so many different online shops and small boutiques online. Luckily, the holiday season is coming and I feel better when I buy other people soooo I'm stocking up on gifts now. But really, I'm trying to save as much as possible. 

Internet STOP taunting me! 

..................................................

So that's the roundup of what's been going on this past week.

In addition, I've been making more time for reading and being social. I'm trying my hardest to make school a priority but October Break didn't help with that very much. Exams start up again this week... eek! so basically I'm going to be MIA for a while. 

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Home, Sweet Home

Home has taken on a new meaning.

Home is where family is. Where there is good food and someone to do your laundry. Where your dog crawls up in bed with you and you can take a shower... barefoot. In the larger sense of the word, home was so under-appreciated before I left. I thought that my city was boring and just wanted to get out. Where I moved to? Not that much better, and I don't have my cozy bed to come back to. My little city is cute! All of the sudden, the local shops and activities are much more appealing.

It's not to say that the college town I live in is boring or has nothing to offer. Any hobby is covered on campus. But outside of campus, the town is more rural... that is, if I could get off campus. While there is so much to do, there's also so much homework to get done. I struggle with a constant pull of desires that I never did when I was home. Maybe that's what makes it so different. 

Or maybe it's the fact that college is different from home in the sense that there aren't parents and you can do whatever you want, but from an activity standpoint... it's really not all that different. A combination of too little free time and the fact that Purdue is smaller than home makes being away at school, well school.

..............................................................................

In other words, not home. 

Being home for a long weekend was great! I loved being with family and catching up with friends. I loved walking around my city, shopping, and eating- it was almost like a mini vacation with the amount I ate! 

Sadly, school can't wait for me to get my fill of home. Exams and lectures are waiting for my return... 

But all the while I'll patiently be waiting my return back home.

Currently Loving...

I'm absolutely loving life right now! School is great, LEM is coming tonight, and I'm just discovering so many cool things through meeting people and hearing about new things. My roommate loves nail polish, so I've been spending too much on nail polish. I'm loving fall colors like green and navy!

 (okay I love green and navy all the time...)

As always, style is a way of life. I'm learning so much through my style and design news on Flipboard and my new magazine subscriptions: Vogue and Elle! Outside of the classroom I'm basically the opposite of my major, and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing...

check back Sunday for more on that whole issue. 

Something about the season and the dress just turns me into this whole new person. I love being outside and I imagine myself in a movie, playing my own personal "soundtrack" as I walk to class. I haven't really gotten into new music, but I'm just re-discovering some old favorites. From Miley to Coldplay, my music taste is always varying and random. I tend to like music that is thought provoking, but college has made me like this nasty club music that I'm not necessarily proud of. But hey, it's college right?

So I give you, my currents...

Currently On The Nails:

 Essie. Once I find a brand that works for me, I tend to stick with it. Essie has so many shades and they're so youthful and fun! This fall, I'm loving Stylenomics, After School Boy Blazer, Penny Talk, and The Lace is On. I'd put them all on at once if I could, but I try to avoid the tacky at all costs. I just change them out all the time. 

I've got a mani/pedi waiting for me in a couple of weeks- perfect! 

Currently On My Body:

Longchamp. Ball Cap. Lotion. Vest. Scarf.

Can't go wrong with any of these. My Longchamp has been my best friend. I own two.. hopefully a third in the near future. Usually I would hate the lack of compartmentalization, but I love being able to throw anything and everything in there and get on my way. It makes switching from one color to the other to my backpack and back again a breeze (and trust me, that happens more than it needs to). 

I've almost always got a cap and scarf with me, tucked away in my Longchamp, of course! The wind and my lack of tolerance for my hair often results in a pony and cap by the end of the day. And the scarves? They're actually used more in class than outside. Purdue must still think it's 100 degrees out because the classrooms are frigid!!! My go-to scarf is always Burberry- they're big enough to cover as a "blanket" in class but can be styled so many ways on my neck, too! 

My Lotion is a must for the cool weather. I've been blessed with this wonderful Northern-European heritage in which my skin becomes dry and cracked in the cold. A moisturizer is always good; usually I'm not one for scents, but Bath and Body Works drew me in with their $5 full-size products and I had to get the Aspen Caramel Woods, which is the epitome of fall and has garnered more compliments than expected

wow! That smells just like fall. Yes, I know, isn't it wonderful?

Currently On Repeat:

Like I said, my music choice has gotten... just weird. Starting with One Direction, I am shamelessly a fan. I took my sister and cousins to their concert this summer and left thinking "That was a good show, the songs are fun, and the guys are very  good looking." And there you have it. They're broadening their audience by doing the Today show, their movie, and making unexpected appearances (Harry at #LFW?) but there are no complaints from this girl. I've been loving the mix of upbeat and thought-provoking songs. They're a fun bunch of guys and I'll proudly support them!

Not a Fan? I still suggest you check out Harry Styles' "Don't Let Me Go" on Youtube

Okay, so Lorde has taken the world by storm. I only have Royals, but I've listened to the other songs and they're so catchy, but with a melancholy feel- it's odd for music, but it's been growing on me! (and the fact that she mentions "Queen B" just means I have to love her) Talk about odd music tastes- Miley Cyrus is getting a little weird. I don't endorse twerking, nudity, or basically anything she's been up to lately, but I love a song that can bring out emotions. Wrecking Ball does that beautifully. If you just forget about the provocative, creepy video, the song is pretty great.

Check out Lorde's Royals

Coldplay and OneRepublic have been favorites of mine for as long as I can remember. They're like the style in a world of fashion. Through all the changing music and new artists, I can always go back to their albums and enjoy them like the first time. Both artists are truly artists, from the lyrics to the music, and I appreciate that so much. The changes they've made to the sound have only been for the better and I think I'd probably die if they did a song together. Like flat out, on the ground. Probably from hyperventilation. 

Check out Amsterdam by Coldplay and Can't Stop by OneRepublic

What are you Currently Loving?

Fall Accessories

Fall is coming!!

 Channelling Jackie Oh

...or at least that's what I keep telling myself. I'm dying for warm coffee and brisk morning walks. You've heard it before and you know just what I'm talking about. Since I'm still wearing summer clothes, I enjoy summer through online shopping (or browsing, since I'm trying not to buy much). I've been really excited about the animal prints that seem to be a fashion staple this fall. LEM would be so proud, since I used to tease her about her love of animal prints. I still don't understand the zebra phase, but cheetah and tortoise shell I've really become obsessed with.

I'm not a huge jewelry person. But I'm working on it (check out #11 in yesterday's post). I recently had my mom pick up not this exact bracelet, but a similar one from J. Crew and I'm so glad I had her do it because they're all sold out of this style of jewelry now. I think it'll look awesome with plaid or hunter green- one of my favorites for the fall. Of course, I'm a lover of all things Ray-Bans. I have almost every style they offer, but I'm still missing a pair of Jackie Ohh's... and this tortoise shell pair is perfection.

It wouldn't be fall without a patterned frat-hat. 

Southern Proper has the best hats and I'm loving this and the green one for fall. Not exactly animal print, but it channels fall nonetheless. Only a couple of weeks until it's officially fall, and I really can't wait!

What are you loving this fall?

The Bucket List

I've never really been one to make a list of things that I want to do or see...

I guess the one thing I'm a bit spontaneous about in my life is my planning. I know, it makes no sense. But I just pick something or someplace randomly and plan from there! 

Then I got to thinking: if I don't think about the things I want to do and see, I may never be organized enough to see them all!

Enter, the bucket list. I'm working on a more extensive one, but I've got a few things though up to start with (in no particular order)

1. Go on a ridiculous shopping spree after my first big paycheck

2. Spend a summer with friends at the beach

3. Take a winter trip to Switzerland

4. Go to the Kentucky Derby... and the Carolina Cup and the Breeder's Cup

5. Do a day in the life of Blair Waldorf and visit the NYC spots that she frequents

6. Move South!

7. Spend every weekend of one summer at a different amusement park

8. Buy an ungodly amount of books to put in my home library I will someday have

9. Cook a bunch of meals and hand them out to the homeless people in the city

10. Visit D.C. in the spring

11. Take a EuroTrip all over eastern Europe

12. Watch all the Harry Potter movies in a row

To be continued...

Black Hole Shopping

There are plenty of times when I begin to feel overwhelmed or like I don't know what to do next. Shopping is typically not one of those times. I usually enjoy shopping. It is usually a form of therapy- the best form of therapy: retail therapy! But, with dorm shopping ahead of me I've been looking at all kinds of stuff that I want to get or feel that I need. And I'm overwhelmed.

First of all, these stores are like a black hole. I go into them (or log onto the website) and feel like my thoughts can't focus. There is so much that I need to think about for the future that I begin to panic! This is crazy to me! I'm usually so collected and organized; this is different, though. It's a mix of fear, excitement, and anxiety. Put together, I'm a mess in these big department stores.

this humorous representation is not-so-humorous anymore.

Let's start with the most obvious: IKEA. It's a known fact that the stores are purposely built like a maze. I've been in the stores many times before, but it's just different this time. I think it's because it's me picking out what I need... or think I need. Suddenly, I'm lost in the maze. I've given into their ploy!! I hate knowing that I've been defeated, and the thought of IKEA just screams "defeat" to me.

Now IKEA for the OCD is called the Container Store... and let me just tell you, it's a dream come true. Firstly, the place is alllll about organization, which I love. The problem? Too. Many. Choices. What style do I want? What do I want? Do I really need it? How broke am I going to be after today? These panicky questions flash across my mind just when I type in the web address.

Luckily, these mazes in my mind will be sorted out with one solution: momma! I'm still a little girl at heart and I need my mom. I plan on numerous shopping trips to get me ready for this next chapter of my life. Right now, I feel like these stores suck me in with no intentions on letting me get back out. Stressful? Yes. but, exhilarating?

absolutely.

In the Kitchen!

My friends and I always joke (but not really) about how I'm a perfect housewife-in-training. Now, my mom is not a housewife and most of my friends' moms work, as well. And I don't value myself any less or strive for any less than my best. To be honest, I think it's just my hobbies that make me so "housewifeish": I love to read, cook, be on pinterest, work out, etc etc. But, all joking aside, I really can't wait for when I have my own household- housewife or not!

I spent this Sunday afternoon with my mom grocery shopping and cooking. I tag along on her outings quite a bit, but this week I basically made the shopping list, planned the meals, and came back to prep for the rest of the week! And, much to her delight and my dismay, it was a fantastic time! And, the scariest part of it all is that I was actually GOOD at it!

Days like these really make me think about how excited for this high school chapter of my life to end and the college/ semi-grown up life to begin. Of course, I won't be a grown up yet, but I'll have more roles and responsibilities to balance. It's frightening and exhilarating!

My future children!

What about your future is most exciting?

I'm Back!

After a brief hiatus this past week, I am back and ready to go! My time on Sanibel Island was refreshing- just what I needed to propel myself through these final eight weeks of school. Luckily, it seems that I may not have left all of the warm weather in the south! The long awaited spring has arrived! As my welcome back, I thought I'd share some of the hilights of the past week or so.

 One of the most exciting days of the trip was Disney World! I hadn't been since middle school and it was so much fun to go back and be a kid! The rides were better than I remembered, as was the food! Speaking of food, I ate way more than I should have. Every. Single. Meal. I indulged a bit lot...! But, how can you not with such good food at your disposal?!

 A week ago was when we arrived at the beach, and it was as beautiful as always. I'd start each day with a run on the beach (which turned out to be pretty painful- Sanibel is the shelling capital of the world), then I'd go up and eat, change, put on sunscreen, and head to the beach! My days were spent reading and people watching while soaking up the beautiful Florida sun. If it rained, we would just go shopping. I found a Lilly boutique on the island and ended up going there every day after I found it! Slightly obsessed. But, there's no way this vacation could have been any better. Unfortunately, I came home to some last minute homework that needs to be done... back to reality, I suppose.

Happy Spring!

Top Five: February 2013

In celebration of my least favorite month coming to an end, I bring you my February favorites! These  five favorites cover a wide range, and have become a part of my daily life. Here we go...my February favorites!

1. Gossip Girl

I'm sure you could have guessed that, but seriously. Gossip Girl has become my new obsession and has become a part of every aspect of my life. From my love of Blair, to the way I dress and style my hair, to the books I read, I am inspired by the GG storyline. It grabs you and takes you with it, and I dare you to try avoiding it! I even received a hand-me-down from my cousin yesterday that, though she has no idea about my GG obsession, it fits right in: she gave me a Yale t-shirt that has been passed down for many years. I'm pretty sure I never want to take it off! 

2. Pistachios

This may be the weirdest favorite, but it's so true! I make this low-carb mix of pistachios, almonds, and dark chocolate chips, and it is a life saver! I talked about my Six Week slim down, and this is my little secret! Between this and my tea, I can satisfy my sweet-tooth, salty food craving, and keep to my diet. They aren't low in calories, though. I have to be careful with the amount I eat. But they are filling and oh so yummy!

3. Clinique Mascara

I've been a huge huge fan of Clinique products for the past few years. They aren't harsh on my skin at all, which is perfect because I'm not prone to acne or anything like that. It keeps my skin looking fresh and radiant! (ahh!) Lately though, I've been loving their makeup, which is just as perfect for my skin. Having red hair, my eyelashes a very light. Having the skin of a redhead, it's very easy for my eyes to look way too made up with minimal makeup because it looks so harsh against my light skin. The Clinique High Impact mascara is perfect! It darkens my lashes, but looks natural and not clumpy at all! And, major plus, it's waterproof!! I have a feeling that this will be my go-to for quite a while. 

4. Amazon

So, we all know that I have a serious online shopping problem.... Amazon does not help. At all. Of course I've used Amazon before this month, but never like this. It seriously has everything! All in one place. It's like Pinterest: it sucks up so much time and can leave you feeling like you need to buy and try all these new things. But with Amazon, it's all so readily available and can be on your doorstep in 3 days. And they're working towards same day delivery?! I'll never leave my home again..except to show off all of my new purchases, of course!

5. Pandora

Okay, I am not new to Pandora in any way. I way overused it when it first became popular, but then it fell off my radar. Until this month, that is. Pandora has seriously stepped up their free music and I've found a way around having to use the "skip" to skip a song...twice as many skips and hour! wooo! When I'm at home, pandora is what I constantly listen to. It's introduced me to so many incredible artists, all for free! Being the happy customer that I am, I'd like to see what ad free listening is like. and for only $3 a month, it's really not that unreasonable. The only thing that could make it better would be if it didn't suck up so much data and I could use it when I don't have wifi.

There you have it! This month has been surprisingly pleasant. I took a few personal days but worked more than usual, too. I made some new discoveries as well as reintroduce myself to the old. I'm welcoming the arrival of March, spring break, the sun, and the final months of my senior year! 

I can't wait to find next month's favorites!

All About the Optimism

Staying positive in the winter months is always a task for me. I find that February is the most challenging, because it's been cold for so long, March (and spring break!) is so close yet so far away, and, for being the shortest month, it seems to last the longest. This year, I'm trying to smile more and be more optimistic. I figured, what better way than to list the thing I'm excited for in my least favorite month?

1. Traveling!

Next week, I'm taking a long weekend with my mom to visit a school in Arizona that I'm looking at. Even if I end up hating the school, I'm positive that the warm and sunny weather will do great things for my diminishing morale. While I'm there, I'm hoping to be a little bit adventurous: hiking around the Grand Canyon, anyone? If that doesn't end up happening, I've heard that the shopping in Phoenix is great. If there's one thing my mom and I always agree on, it's a desire to shop! It's safe to say that this little getaway may be just what I'm needing.

2. Spring Break Shopping

If you haven't already figured out, I'm quite a fan of shopping. A fat wallet is a sad closet. :-) February is my main planning month for the impending spring break and all the cute new clothes I want to get. It's a month to budget and online shop! My first package arrived today from J.Crew!! Shopping is definitely my favorite way to get through the month. I love anything from J. Crew and Lilly Pulitzer to Target and I always online shop first to make sure I'm getting the most for my money. Lots of tabs open on my computer is the most comforting (and expensive) view to me! My list this year includes shorts, a new beach bag, and some cute wedges (which I'm still on the lookout for). I'm also kinda sorta in love with these Sperry shoes. I know one thing: this is not going to be a cheap month!

3. Valentines Day...... candy

While I've never had a valentine, I do have a shameless addiction to chocolate. In my singleness, I enjoy going to the grocery store and buying all of the adorable and delicious heart shaped candy for myself and then eating it by myself! It's so bad that I have to prepare myself to NOT buy every heart-shaped chocolate I see before I go shopping. 

While February is my least favorite month, it definitely helps to have something to look forward to and get excited about. Optimism can make the worst situations suddenly become the best memories! If nothing else, smile! It releases endorphins and you become genuinely happy. (Plus, you'll look more pleasant to strangers).

What are you most excited about in February?