Top 5: October 2013

this month has been crazy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Fall]

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.

Wish List Wednesday

I love Wednesdays.

They're the halfway point of the week;

the point at which I can breathe. 

They're also the wonderful day where I get to organize what's currently on my never ending wish list.

The week where I can't post a wish list, because I don't have one, is the week that I've possibly reached sanity. But until then...

this bike. I saw it at my local C. Wonder and just died a little bit inside. Firstly, it took me back to the coolest place I've ever been- Amsterdam. Then I just thought about how fun it'd be to have at Purdue... until someone stole it or something. And then my heart broke: I looked at the price tag. I mean it's not out-of-this-world crazy expensive, but it's not so little that I can buy it and not worry that I might only ride it once before someone at school steals it. So I left the store, and decided to think about it. Five days later, it's still on my mind.

The J. Crew excursion vest. I've been coveting this vest since I saw it on Pinterest in around February. I know, a little bit late. But I love it so much and can't wait to see the colors and options for this Fall/Winter. You best believe that I will have 1... or all... of these.

This shirt is just so much fun! It costs about as much as the bike does... so not cheap. But c'mon! It's Burberry! And so fun. If I splurge on anything, it'll probably be this shirt. I've been in love with it since Burberry sent out their fall preview e-mail. It's wish list worthy- definitely!

A shorter list this week, but it's definitely a pricier week.

Oh well- a girl can dream can't she?