Sunny & 75

It's gotten to the point that 27 degrees feels comfortable and walking to class in anything above 0 degrees makes for a good morning...

which is ridiculous. I know I've been complaining about the cold so much on here and every other form of social networking. So I'm sorry. But I'm not. Because this is like living in my own little Hell. Luckily I've been blessed with warm socks, boots, and coats... and I have an excuse to wear these adorable Kate Spade gloves that I got for Christmas. But, that doesn't mean I'm not longing for sunshine and sun dresses. Enter, my vacation plans!

This just in: I'm going to Pasadena, CA for spring break! This is going to be the first spring break I've had in a very long time that I'm not going to just be on the beach... and I'm kind of excited! My cousin has kindly agreed to let me become one of his students for a week. Yes, that means that I'll still be "going to school" for my spring break, but it's in California. But I'm still looking for some fun things to do while I'm there...

the Ellen Show

Rodeo Drive

Homes of the Rich and Famous Tour

Shopping

Hiking

West Coast Eating

I'm definitely more of a East Coast/ Southern type girl, but a week on the West Coast will do no wrong. I'm determined to try In-N-Out and all the other stereotypical California things! I certainly am doing my research, but I'd love to hear any other ideas for my spring break trip.

What are your LA/ Pasadena "must dos"?

Travel [with Kate Spade]

Travel with Kate Spade? Coach? 

I'm in.

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I knew that these online City Guides existed, but I never took the time to sit down and look at what they have to offer... until now! Coach has only just introduced their New York Stories series, that focuses more on style for travel. The Kate Spade blog has an incredible section of City Guides from downtown Chicago to Shanghai. 

...as if planning a trip wasn't enough fun

the Kate Spade guides are impossibly cute and easy to use. Unlike the overwhelming travel sites that plague the internet, these guides make it simple to plan based on location. Places to eat, itinerary of the must see places, and a list of 10 facts to get you started. The blog prides itself on making guides for 48 hours, and that's the extent to which they make each of their guides.

No matter the length of time in a city, this fun guide is a perfect way to start your travel search. It provides ideas and attractions that will no-doubt lead to many more options with the use of Google. They help distinguish the "must sees" from the must sees. Especially if you've only got 48 hours in a city, making sure you see the best that there is to offer is key! 

But, what do I wear?

Coach has you covered... for New York, at least. Their New York Stories give a nice 1 minute look at what's relevant. More than that, the videos can be used as inspiration for outfits. Of course, your entire suitcase doesn't need to be packed with Coach products. But the worst thing (in my opinion) is to look like a tourist. To avoid that, videos like this give simple, travel friendly outfits that can usually be pulled together from staples already found in the closet. 

my tip on packing? just remember that there's shopping to be done once you've arrived. you don't have to have everything before... although I may need to begin taking my own advice. oops.

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Whether you're planning a getaway, or just need a quick mental getaway, the internet is your friend! I've gotten into the habit of checking out a new city on the Kate Spade blog in between studying. LEM and I are currently planning a little 48 hour trip for our winter break, so 

I bet you can guess where I'll be looking first

London Fashion Week

If I'm being honest, London Fashion Week is my favorite. 

I partially credit to my love of Harry Potter, thus my eternal desire to move to London and go to Hogwarts. But It's also because London has this crazy sense of style that I could never ever pull off. The crazy hair; the "I don't care what you think of me" mindset... it's all so intriguing. Naturally, my favorite shows were that of Burberry and Mulberry (I seem to have a thing for "-berry"s). Their classic exhibitions and gentle, feminine styles are what I live for. Tom Ford took "independent style" to the extremes, while Giles Deacon and Christopher Kane beautifully contradicted each other.

Burberry
My absolute favorite couture house. On the planet. I practically ran home from lecture to watch the show when it went live online and was not the least bit disappointed. First of all, Christopher Bailey is an artist in the greatest sense of the word. His looks were feminine and calm... like a garden of English Roses. The color scheme and lace details were the epitome of spring. The whole show was, in fact! From the music to the ivory coloring. I watched the show three more times, that's how much I loved it. But those addition watches pointed out a few flaws in the collection. Number one, those skirts. Who in their right mind would wear a see-through lace skirt? Okay if you're 95 pounds and 6 feet tall, they look fabulous. But for even the fittest clients, those skirts are just... risky. Number two, no trench coats! I loved the outerwear, but not one classic Burberry trench? Not so sure about that. Luckily for Bailey, his final look was his saving grace. The see through jacket with complete with shiny embellishments? I'd sell my soul for that jacket (and I'm pretty sure that'd be the asking price).

Tom Ford

The eclectic, shocking Tom Ford. As to be expected, I could never ever pull off any of Tom Ford's looks. But, that's what makes him so.. London. The impractical heels and suits channel the chic rocker chick... if that demographic even exists. Completely different from the white, bright feel of many other LFW shows, Ford's show was harsh. The runway was full of mirrors and spotlights on a black backdrop. It sure made his metallic and black & white looks pop, but makes me feel uncomfortable. Probably because it's so not my style. The saving grace for Tom Ford is his personality. I read an article by Rita Wilson that profiled the man behind the clothing, and I fell in love! He seems like such a charming, down-to-earth, yet frightening man- an intriguing combination of traits to say the least. But then I looked back at the collection after the article, and I saw Ford in his show. If we take the stance that high fashion is a work of art (which I 100% do), the artist is reflected in the art. In that sense, Tom's classic, gentle self is reflected in his classic pieces: the coats and jackets. His modern, fashion-forward self is reflected in the patterns and geometric angles. All becomes right again, as the art reflects the artist. I still could never wear any of his collection, but I've gained a new appreciation.

Mulberry
Mulberry is new to me. I'd heard the name but never really thought twice... until now. I was looking through all of the Vogue coverage on LFW and found the looks to be charming. A little more research told me why I hadn't paid much attention before- Mulberry is rather new to the Ready-to-Wear scene. With me being new to the "smaller" high fashion brands, it all adds up. What I loved was the simplicity in the looks. They all had very feminine colors and silhouettes without looking too ordinary. Thanks to the lace and prints, the show was a fresh and sunny contrast to the rainy London weather... almost like a garden walking down the catwalk. And the best part? The looks are actually practical [read: can be recreated, for those of us who don't have a couture budget]. I'll definitely keep an eye out for Mulberry in the future. 

Cara in the Burberry clear coat!

The shows all expressed the individual artists behind the brand, making for an artistically diverse week. All the differing looks and colors made the one constant stand out: Cara Delevingne. LFW's golden girl. Those eyebrows. That bod. And the best part? Her awesome personality. Just search her name in Youtube and you'll see what I mean. She's crazy. That's a fact, but that craziness is balanced by her elegance and poise on the runway. If only I could be that graceful and that bubbly. Can I just be Cara? 

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My favorite of all the Fashion Weeks, I kept up with London the closest. I love seeing the Tom Ford-like designers push the boundaries, but I love the British classics even more. This spring collection was infused with feminine colors, pretty beading and patterns, and practical looks (for the most part). Burberry was my favorite, but I'm a bit biased. I tried to branch out my interests and really soak in the art and ideas provided by the many, many intriguing shows, which I think gave me an even better appreciation for the week. Watching all of the street coverage and interviews gave me serious wanderlust...

Add London Fashion Week to my never-ending Bucket List.

Travel While You're Young

Flipboard has led me to so many fantastic articles.

My favorite so far has been by Adam London, who wrote about traveling. It was the first time I've read something that really supported my same feelings on travel. I'm used to going to the news to learn, but to leave feeling more sure of myself... that was something different. 

I sometimes get judged for my experiences from traveling- people treat me as if I'm stuck up or "rich". But I love the emphasis in the article about how it doesn't take a fortune to see the world. Youth is about new experiences and a foundation for the rest of your life, and I couldn't picture a better way to do so. Especially with how connected to world has become, there really is no excuse for not traveling.

Excuse #1 that I hate

"It's too expensive" I read another article about how hostels are becoming the new place to stay. Business men are catching on to the low-budget way of traveling. As a student, I've taken trips with friends and stayed in hostels. Yes, it was odd at first, but then you meet people in the common areas and it's like Welcome Week at school all over again! The ability to connect and have experiences with young people everywhere is what draws me to this option... and the price tag helps.

Additionally, traveling outside the US is a breeze with public transportation. It takes far less time to travel from city to city or country to country and there are so many options on how to do so. Trains, planes, and automobiles (but really). You could even go by foot or hitch-hike. I know it sounds crazy here, but it's really not that uncommon in other countries. Plus, it's never fun without a little adrenaline rush... just no Taken re-enactment's, please.

Besides that, it's fun.

Nobody likes to sit around and do nothing their whole life. Even people like me, who enjoy their solitude and down time, can find fun in traveling. There are museums and churches and cultures to explore! The shopping is always fun, and I am guilty of sitting and people-watching. Sue me, it's interesting! 

The final line of Adam London's article says

Small Paychecks, Big Memories

and that is so incredibly right. It's the epitome of how traveling and youth should be. I, the biggest shopper you know, am willing to forgo buying new clothes if it means saving for a trip overseas... or anywhere. And, like I said, once you're there it doesn't have to be expensive. Buy that plane ticket and you're so set! So this only begs one question-

when are we going? 

Wanderlust

Is there ever a wrong time to travel?

no.

The answer is always no. And with New York fashion week and now London fashion week, I want nothing more than to visit some of my favorite cities for a weekend and explore. I want to dress up, walk around, and take pictures. I want to sit and people watch. Take tours and eat the local food.

Wanderlust is my current mood.

There's such a thrill of waking up in an unknown city and knowing that you you get explore. See the sights and be whoever you want! And the best would be to live for 6 months- long enough to see it all but not so long that you get tired of it. 

I have a feeling that most of my savings are going to go towards traveling, because being cooped up in my dorm and on this campus-while wonderful and fun- is making me want to fly away! I can't be the only one to feel this way...

The first place I'd go?

Amsterdam

Stepping Out of the Zone

If you're anything like me, you like to stay nice and safe in your "zone"

You know what colors you look good in and you wear your favorite jeans day in and day out. You know what kind of books you like and stay in that genre. You do your hair and makeup the same and you like your schedule. And, sometimes I feel as if I take it a step farther- I like the friends I have and I don't mind not making new ones. I don't go out if I don't need to- I'd rather read. 

basically, I'm an old, retired woman stuck in an 18 year old body.

But really, I sometimes very often feel that way. And then I realized that I that I need to take advantage of my youth. I need to step out of my comfort box and into roles that I never expected I'd like. I need to stop over-thinking and jump head in. 

and then I did.

It was terrifying. Terrible. 

I'd never invested so much energy into being a friend, student, or philanthropist until now.

And it's exhausting, but exhilarating. 

I've realized that loving people is so much fun! And classes are so great with friends to study with. 

the best part about being passionate about a cause is being able to share that passion with hundreds or thousands of other students. 

And, at least for me, I didn't know I was lonely until I wasn't anymore.

It's so odd, because I'm such a home-body, but also a thrill seeker. I'm not sure how it fits together, but I love the adrenaline of roller coasters or snorkeling or traveling to new places. And getting out of my comfort zone has given me a way to experience that thrill- to be uncomfortable- in my own back yard. 

And life isn't worth living if it isn't a thrill.

Top 5: July 2013

It's crazy to think that, if I had't graduated last year, my summer would be over today.

July 31? That's insane! 

In the spirit of my summer not ending, here's my top 5 favorite aspects of July 2013

1. Traveling

I've been everywhere from a caribbean cruise to Tennessee to Cincinnati over the last month. I've had less than two weeks were I've actually been home. The thing is, I love living out of a suitcase! I think hotel beds are so comfortable. And I love exploring new places by going on runs. If I could make an income by traveling the world, I would do it in a heartbeat! What's even more fun is that now my friends and I are to the age where we're planning our own vacations and getaways! So fun!

2. Preparing for College

I've had lists a mile long and books full of coupons. Shopping for college has been something that I've looked forward to all summer. But, now that I'm in the midst of it, it's stressful! What if I don't get everything? Do I actually need some of this stuff? So many thoughts go through my head and I've been  a little on-edge lately. One of the weirdest things was coming "home" from vacation and packing up my childhood room. I came to the realization that this will be my temporary home.. kinda weird. 

3. Grey's Anatomy!

My mom and I started watching Grey's and we immediately fell in love! It's kindof a problem because we choose to watch tv rather than be outside... but we justify it because we won't be able to watch together when I'm gone. So I guess that makes it okay? :)

4. Reading

Is this anything new? But seriously, I've flown through 4 books already in just this month! I think it was all of the traveling time and just relaxing time that I've had. I'm nowhere close to catching up with my to-read list, but I'm loving every minute of getting consumed by the stories I'm reading. I'm currently reading Girls in White Dresses as part of the Lauren Conrad book club. But I've got a stack of books to take up to school with me and I just can't seem to stop ordering them on Amazon. I might have a problem.

5. Friends

I have spent more time with my friends these past few weeks than the whole rest of the summer combined, I think. Lots of bonfires and pool days, throw in some lunch or dinner dates and you basically have my past two weeks down. I know that people always say that keeping your high school friends is rare, but I can't imagine life without these kids. They're my rock. My foundation. Whether we beat the odds or not, I'm going to take full advantage of this time with them. 

I guess the common theme here is that I'm getting anxious for college. I'm so excited, but the changes and sad parts of moving away are starting to become more and more apparent. 

It's scary, but here's to a month of change!

Around the World: Paris

In spirit of my recent travels, I figured it's appropriate to capture one of my favorite places to travel to.

The one. The only. Paris.

I've been fortunate enough to vacation in Paris twice in my life. Most recently was October of 2012 as part of my 18th birthday present. It was the first time I was able to see the city with my family and it was fantastic. Of course, we explored Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Champs-Elysees. But that wasn't all. We took to the city by foot and metro- like the locals. We explored old churches and buildings, went to cafe's and ate baguettes like the locals. We didn't stay in a hotel, but rented an apartment. My dad and I spoke with the locals and, let me tell you, my French was pretty phenomenal by the end of the time there. I wasn't a huge fan of Paris after my first time there, but this trip left me with a different impression.

Just thinking about it gives me Wanderlust. 

Jet Life

There's something so wonderful about seeing the sun rise as you arrive in a new place.

Finally, the trip I've been waiting for has arrived! Any trip can get me excited, really, but going to the beach and on a cruise is going to be so great. Today, while you're still sleeping, I'm up in the air. But by the time you get through rush hour or get breakfast, I will have landed in the Sunshine State and will be making a beeline to the sun and sand. 

The next few weeks are going to be full of travel and sparse wifi. In fact, I won't even have my computer with me. Enjoy the few posts I have scheduled!

I'll be back, so don't get too used to me being away :)

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!"

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!

Around the World: Amsterdam

I think I've hinted at my love of traveling before... and possibly even the places that I've been. One of the most inspiring and amazing places I've been to was Amsterdam.

No, no, not for that reason.

It is one of the most unique places I can imagine. The people were ridiculously nice, the weather was perfect, the bikes... oh my gosh the bikes! It's just a place that you have to see to understand. And with that, I'm going to reminisce and post a few of my favorite pictures from Amsterdam.

The view I woke up to every day.

A typical street in the morning

The canal

Amsterdam is a place that I would move to in a heartbeat. While so different from the places I usually vacation, I would definitely go back. It was wonderful!

Where would you go if you could choose?

Senioritis Strikes Again

So, I've been in class with the same group of people since 7th grade- I think it's okay to be ready for change! And by same group, not just my class, but the small group of advanced kids! Since 7th grade...not okay. I've worked so so hard all of high school to secure a competitive GPA and class rank while balancing a social life. It's not easy to do, and I've definitely experienced some stress-related problems (being sick, jaw tension, and migraines ), and I know college won't be any easier; one thing is for sure, though. It'll be a whole lot more fun!

While not conquering my senioritis in any way, I did manage to make a list of a few things I'm really looking forward to in college. I thought I'd share!

1. New Friends! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my current group of friends. But, as my cousin put it, high school friends only last until graduation. It's college that you build real relationships. I totally get where he's coming from: being on your own and having the chance to invent yourself however you want is a huge opportunity to meet all kinds of cool people. I've already had the chance to make my first college friend: my roommate!!! We've been texting and she's so cute. I can't wait to finally meet her  in person :)

2. Huge Dance Marathon! Those not familiar with Riley Hospital probably won't know anything about this, but DM's are huge in the midwest! They raise so much money for Riley Children's Hospital and are so much fun. The school I'm going to hosts a 16 hour long one that raised over $300,000 this past year and almost $1 Million in all years combined. It's an awesome fundraiser and is a huge part of campus activities in the fall.

3. It's no SEC, but I love fall football games. The tailgating, the dressing up, the fight song. It all gives me excitement butterflies and I just want to buy my season ticket right. now. 

4. Travel/ moving around is so exciting to me. I've always loved traveling and I'd love to eventually live out of state (Florida is calling!). I am going to complete my undergrad in-state to save money, but the planner in me is already looking at Pharmacy schools to apply to in two years. I'm looking east coast... I'd love to try going Ivy, but no schools have established Pharmacy programs. Rutgers, NYU, and Albany College of Pharmacy are all in the running, though! 

Like I said, I'm not helping my senioritis by making a list of the great things to look forward to in college... but it sure is fun! I've just got to remind myself to live in the now and enjoy it. The future will come in time.

How do you stay motivated?