Raspberry Bite

There was one beauty item that was on the tip- top of my list this season:

raspberry lipstick.

So many of my favorite fashion bloggers had posted pictures with varying shades of raspberry and I just thought "I need it". So I started hunting and I never ever would have expected that it be as hard to find a good shade as it was. 

Firstly, I wanted to find something that wasn't too dark on my skin, but also not to pink... and not red either. You see my dilemma? So I actually took multiple trips to Sephora after doing sufficient research. 

Trip 1: Marc Jacobs... a bit more pink than I had wanted, and they didn't have the colors I had looked at online. So I made the return.

Trip 2: NARS and Dior

*Winners* so I had looked at NARS Lip Gloss in 'Quito' for a while and loved loved loved the formula, so I knew that I wanted to get that instead of the Marc Jacobs lipstick I had before. Of course, I made the mistake (but not really) of asking a salesperson what kind of berry-ish lipstick they would recommend for my skin tone. She gave me about 20 different shades, which was so helpful, but I fell in love with about 5 of them... then it came down to how they actually felt on my lip & that's where the Dior won it all. 

So, I came away with 2 great fall colors. Unnecessary? yes. Still fun? yes. 

I haven't had an opportunity to wear the more dramatic Dior color, but I wear 'Quito' at least once a week and I am in love with the NARS lip gloss so I'm sure I'll be finding reasons to get more colors. 

What's top on your fall fashion/beauty wishlist? 

Very Fall Weekend

This past weekend, I was finally able to go home! There was a family wedding, which meant family, family, and more family! My mom is quite the entertainer, so we had a full house both Friday and Saturday- this included babies and more dogs, so it was pretty crazy. But crazy in the best way! 

The actual wedding was Friday night, so Saturday was our day to just hang out. We ended up going to a pumpkin patch in the morning, followed with a huge brunch. We got back around 1:30- just in time to spend the rest of the day watching football... #HottyToddy :) I've been meaning to get more outfit posts up, so I figured that this weekend was as good as any to get started! 

Oh yeah, and I dove in with my first hair coloring...

It's just a darker version of my natural color but I think it's perfect for fall. 

I love it! 

Vests & Boots & Sweaters, Oh My!

The best season has arrived!! 

The only downside is that we've entered exam season. No sleep, lots of stress. If the weather weren't so beautiful, I'd be living in my dorm room in sweats. Thankfully it's nice out, which encourages me to get out and study outside or at Starbucks- it gets me wanting to spend study breaks doing yoga or taking a walk. 

This season is such a stimulant, and I just had to share my excitement!

This week is jam-packed and I'm tired just thinking about it, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel- for me and you! Stay tuned for some fun little posts in the future :) 

Top 5: September 2013

This month has been a blur!

School got crazy- midterms and studying took up my life. When I wasn't studying I was eating or sleeping. My lack of activity here on the blog was probably a great indication of this routine, but I'm happy to say that life has slowed down. The scores I received on my exams were an indicator of how well my studying tactics were working... let me just say that all is well. Not only was this a relief to not struggle through my first round of exams, but I'm able to see now that I can stress a bit less on my school work. This is wonderful news, because I was not liking my lack of free time... I would have gotten burnt out very quickly. 

Because of this horribly stressful month, there's an overwhelming theme of "comfort" to this month's list of favorites. From yummy drinks and snacks to what I did as study breaks, all of these items saved me during this month.

1. Anything Fall

The fact that I was able to start wearing boots, scarves, and hats made getting up to go study a bit more enjoyable. Having a brisk walk to class woke me up and drinking warm drinks was such a pick-me-up. My favorite drink right now is not a Pumpkin Spice Latte, I know.. shocking! I'm actually loving hot caramel apple cider. It's absolutely delicious and brings back memories of my mom's homemade hot cider.

2. Nail Polish

I think I've mentioned that my roommate has been inspiring to keep my nails pretty, but painting my nails is also a great study break. It takes enough time that I can watch a couple of YouTube videos or an episode of Sex and the City and re-charge my brain. I've been loving fall reds, greens, and blues. I'm currently wearing Stylenomics, from Essie's Fall 2012 collection, but I'm on the search for the perfect fall pink. Suggestions?

3. The News

Another way that I've given my brain a break without feeling like I'm wasting away- reading/ watching the news. Every MWF I wake up with time to relax and watch the Today Show with a cup of coffee. In between classes or during study breaks I've been enjoying FlipBoard. Everything I read is interesting, but I think it's also important for me to keep up on what's going on outside of my campus. The "College Bubble" is a real thing, which I first experienced when I heard about the US going to war and not knowing a thing about it. I immediately began searching for an app that I could use to stay up-to-date. FlipBoard has been perfect! 

Additionally, I've been keeping an eye on my horoscope. I am away that it is definitely not the current, worldwide news, but it is news. In my life. I find it fascinating to read what is in store for me and to actually compare my days to how they've been "predicted".

4. Greek Yogurt

Of course food has to make an appearance! My roommate and I have become slightly obsessed with eating yogurt. For me, I've become dependent on it as a snack since I began my 21 Before 21 challenge of not eating sweets. I love putting a few shredded almonds in there. It acts as a perfect ice cream substitute and I love that it has so much protein!

5. Home

Dorothy was right- there's no place like home. This past month I was able to go home twice, which was desperately needed. With all of my stressing at school, it was nice to spend a weekend at home and have my parents cook for me or just be there to talk to about everything. They are 100% my greatest support system, so being with them and hearing their encouraging words is what I use as motivation to study and do well. My sister is crazy, but I've missed her! She and I were able to have a date night- dinner and a movie- and just talk about her sports and school. It kills me that I'm missing out on so much of her life, but it makes being home so much sweeter since we can just love on each other rather than fight.

I am so grateful that this month has gone so smoothly, regardless of the stress. This weekend is the beginning of fall break, and I can't wait to go home for an extended period, unpack, and just be able to relax. But, I feel that October may be stressful in it's own ways. 

All I have to say is

Bring it On! 

Smoking Slippers

I have long been on the hut for the perfect pair of loafers or smoking slippers.

I've looked everywhere- online, department stores, boutiques. You name it, I've looked. Of course I've found some perfect ones... that conveniently cost $300. I love shoes, but I've never owned a pair of shoes like this before. All I know is the vision that I have in my head of how they should look, and all that I find in my price range look cheap. 

I guess that's the problem, though. Smoking slippers aren't the typical person's choice of shoe. They're a luxury. So now my choice is to either settle with the price tag or not having them. My intensive searching and the welcoming of the fall season has proven to find a few pairs that I really am loving. Whether you're like me and want to save or have the money to splurge (I am jealous!), I've found a promising selection.

Tory Burch Patent Jess Flat / Nylah Flat

Tory Burch Hair Calf Chandra Loafer / Sperry Pennington Loafer

Tory Burch Printed Chandra Loafer / Jack Rogers Worth IV

Have you caught on to what style I'm loving this fall? Yep. Tory Burch everything. But seriously, they're a "splurge" but none of the pairs I have here are over $300, so even that's doable... or would be if I wasn't in college and still had a job. I was really surprised at the selection Nordstrom has, and the Jack Rogers really surprised me, as well! Sperrys are great for all year and I love the cute bird. But I might just have to save up my monthly allowances for a pair of the Tory Burch flats- they're just too perfect! 

Are you liking the splurge or the save?

the Perfect Fall Outfit

I woke up and checked the weather: 53 degrees.

fall has arrived.

And I couldn't be happier. Obviously, I've been anticipating this for a while. 

Saturday at the football game I wore jeans and a nike half zip- that was the first sign. 

Then today I woke up and just knew. There was that feeling of fall in the air and the smell of pumpkin spice latte's coming from every Starbucks cup. I love fall clothes and weather and everything,

  as I'm sure you know by now.

But something crazy happens in the fall. Mondays get... better. Getting ready becomes more fun.  The food becomes yummier. And the coffee.. oh the coffee shines in the fall. I was so excited to pull out my leggings and tunics and riding boots! My wardrobe is rally very simple- jeans/leggings, a button down or sweater, and boots. Accessorize with scarves, jewelry, and hats and you could wear the same outfit two days in a row but look completely different!

In the spirit of this wonderful season, I've given you my go-to outfit:

J. Crew Funnel Neck Sweater / Lilly Pulitzer Travel Pant

Kate Spade Phone Case / J. Crew Necklace (Similar)

Lilac Longchamp Le Pliage / J. Crew Bracelet (Similar)

Marc Jacobs Watch / Tory Burch Riding Boots

I basically live in this outfit. Maybe with a button down layered under the sweater on a cooler day or dark wash jeans to feel a little more put together. I like to switch up my Longchamps depending on the day and my outfits (I have 3 different colors!), as do I enjoy changing my iPhone case. But fall is about cute but warm clothing, and this tends to do it for me!

What is your fall go-to?

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?

Top 5: August 2013

It's crazy to think that today is the final day of August! 

I've been looking forward to this month of change for so long. College, new friends, new habits, so much has happened this month. It's all for the better, though. I think I've adjusted to independence and college life well! Recruitment is going great (bid night is Tuesday! eeee!), my roommate and I are a perfect match, I haven't ruined any laundry, and I've stayed on top of my studies. Not easy at all, but all this change has led to some favorites that I'd never expect to love. 

Let's re-cap my favorites of this month:

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5. Mio Energy

This stuff has been my life saver! I've been trying to drink more water, but just plain water doesn't do for me what coffee or tea does- I still drink both in my dorm room. When I'm out on campus, these mio bottles are really easy to carry around and add to my drinks. They make water a little more tasty, and I don't feel like I want to go to Starbucks when I have Peach Tea water. Yum!

via Instagram

4. Reading.

Okay I know I've said that I love to read before and you're probably thinking that this can't be a new favorite of mine. But, trust me, I've come to appreciate my books so much more these past weeks. They are the ultimate "unwind" material. They give me a break from the textbooks without feeling guilty, and I'm loving branching out and reading all different kinds of books.

via Instagram

3. Campus!

Purdue is seriously like a little town of it's own. Actually, it is. West Lafayette isn't really a very hoppin place if school isn't in session. It's definitely a college town.. but it feels like it's own little city. There are tall buildings, housing options, restaurants- the normal stuff you'd see on college campuses around the world. But then there's the Purdue stuff that makes it a little different. Because we have an Aeronautical Engineering major, we have our own Airport! We have no less than 5 beautiful fountains. And, my personal favorite, all of the malls around! Not the shopping kind, but the green, grassy, park-like malls. I love to sit under and tree and just imagine that I'm in Central Park.

2. Twitter

 As you may have noticed, this blog now has an anonymous and official "PurduePrep" writer. Well, along with that, there's a twitter. PurduePrep is no longer only on the internet. Keep up with my preppy life wherever you are by following @PurduePrep!

1. New Friends

Okay so I'm not the most... outgoing person. I'm not shy, but I'm an introvert. I enjoy time alone and don't really mind that I don't constantly have people around me. Usually. But, since I've moved to school, I've been trying to embrace the abundance of people. There are always kids to study with, workout with, go to the bookstore with, or just to sit with. The girls on my floor are awesome. My professors are approachable- I even went to lunch with one this past week! Recruitment has introduced me to new people and lots of girls, something I lacked at home.

College so far has been treating me well. While I'm sad to see summer go, having August over with allows me to breathe a sigh of relief. I made it through my first 3 weeks at school and I have so much to look forward to in September-

football, going home, and the coming of the best season!

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

[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.

Thrifting Find

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm just not good at finding stuff at thrift stores.

I think it takes a talent that I just do not possess... at all. Seriously. Even T.J. Maxx. I just get nothin. The other day I was with LEM and she dragged me into this tiny little thrift shop by her apartment. I was not happy. But, then I found this

sorry about the bad quality... webcam in a dark room. 

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

A vintage Dooney & Bourke

for $30. I died, checked if it was real, then died again.

It's not much, but it was my first awesome thrift find! I'm so upset that it's not very summery, but it'll be perfect for fall.

I can't wait! 

Wishlist Wednesday

Another look at something I'm lusting over...

I'm a huge fan of Nike products, but I've been looking for some fun summer-fall transition shoes. I obviously don't need boots yet, but wearing sandals won't always be practical. 

I've found these super cute New Balance sneakers and am so in love!

I can't quite decide on this color or a navy and green. I also can't decide if I'll actually wear them...

so these will probably be on my wishlist for a while.

Oh well, I'll keep dreaming!