in staley's atmosphere

magnetic

2012-02-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

For a while I have been seeing the Nails Inc Magnetic nail polish and I have been really intrigued as to how it works. My sister's birthday was Tuesday and my mom and I were shopping around Sephora for some little things to get her and I saw the nails inc polish. I convinced my mom that Peyton would love it (and it benefited me because I could borrow!) and so we settled on the Trafalgar Square shade and I was so anxious for her birthday because I couldn't wait to try it.

The instructions on the bottle are super tiny and kind of hard to understand so I went to Youtube and found a video (from Sephora actually) and they give you really clear and easy instructions. Basically all you do is paint your nails with one coat, let it dry and then put on another coat on each nail one at a time, you take the magnetic and just lightly hover it over your nail and not even 5 seconds later you can lift it up and see the really cool design. Me and my sister discovered if you do two coats let them dry and then do the magnetic on the 3rd coat it creates a darker effect. If you are looking for something different to do with your nails, I suggest picking this polish up!

Has anyone else tried this polish? What did you think?

bohemian flair

2012-01-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

I go through stages with my style, sometimes I want to be preppy, or minimal, and I really love when I go through a boho phase.I love ponchos, big flares and floppy hats. I wish I was bold enough to pull off a floppy hat but right now I am on the cusp of going into a boho phase again. Sometimes the bohemian style is such dreamy ideal don't you think??

dress. boots. tights. bracelet. necklace. rings.

poncho. jeans. boots. bracelets. hats. ring.

shirt. flares. cami. wedges. bag. hat.

final round

2012-01-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Today is my first last day of school ever. Its the craziest, most scary feeling. Not knowing where I will be come the end of May is a little frightening but I am just going to roll with the punches and know that there is a plan for me. Its going to be a crazy semester between finishing up my classes for my minor and making a magazine for my senior print class, its probably going to fly by. It may be my last semester of school and I may be wanting to slack on the school work but I won't slack on the style. Here are some outfits I put together that are inspiring me when it comes to putting together my outfits in real life!

jeans. sweater. flats. polish. rings.

I love stripes and I wish I had this stripe sweater from TopShop but I can make do with what I have. Most days I alternate between skinny jeans and flats and boots and skinny jeans. So I would probably wear this on a warmer day which is what we've been having a lot here lately.

top. tee. scarf. jeans. boots

I love this color blocked tee from Madewell. I have a similar one from a local boutique with different colors. When I have a short sleeve tee I want to wear I usually put a long sleeve tee underneath it when its colder. Scarves are a staple of mine, always.

button down. jeans. boots. rings.

I am loving these tie up button downs. This one from Anthro is so cute, I love the colors and of course stripes! I feel like one of my bigger plaid shirts might work to tie up without showing too much. I would wear my wide leg flares and cowboy boots. I love these Free People boots that look kind of similar to mine that I got off eBay. These stacking rings from Forever 21 have become an everyday wear for me since getting them after Christmas.

hair envy..

2012-01-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

(she has the perfect wave down- I've been trying to perfect this for months)

While I honestly can say that I love my hair and I am thankful that its thick and can do versatile things, lately I've had a little bit of hair envy. Elizabeth Olsen is quickly becoming my favorite Olsen I think. She is cute and has a cute personality and doesn't seem completely full of herself like her sisters have become. She also has great hair. I love her cut, its similar to my recent cut so I've been using her hair as inspiration for mine. I am also loving her color, its kind of an ombre but not quite, it looks different in different pictures (I think she changes it up often) but I love it every time I see it. I've been noticing lately my hair isn't holding the super blonde color that it is for long (thankfully lightening spray and blonde shampoo hold it out a little longer) but I'm thinking next time I head into the salon I may show Lizzie's lovely locks for some color inspiration too.

Ads of the Past

2012-01-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Being the journalism nerd that I am, I love looking at old ads. I almost analyzed ads for my senior thesis but then I changed my mind. The other day I discovered the Vintage Ad Browser which has ads that date back all the way to the 1800s. Its so funny to see how ads have changed as a print medium and I love looking at the fashion and beauty ones because some of them are pretty funny. Here are some that I thought were funny/neat!

Bow Ties in the 1920s

Boots from the early 1900s

Denim in the 70s (so much denim haha!)

Dresses from the 1890s

Hair products from the 1890s

Monday, my post talked about how Revlon first came out with the bottled nail polish and this is one of the first ads!

What I'm Loving Wednesday: Black Magic

2012-01-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

I have incredibly bad blackhead prone pores. Its terrible, I used to go to the dermatologist and get them extracted it was so bad. They aren't quite that bad anymore but I still have one of those blackhead extracters and I'll steam my face with a really hot wash cloth and pull them out. For a while, I've been reading reviews about the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask. If you haven't heard of it, its a black mask that brightens and purges your pores. It sounds amazing right? Well its expensive, its 38 dollars from Sephora and the tube isn't that big. The other day I went in Sephora and asked on a whim if they had a sample of it. The girl told me, "We can make one for you" isn't that awesome?

I was so excited to get my sample and she mixed it up in a little pod and gave me the instructions and I headed home to try out this black mask. As you can see you look at little funny and the smell is a little strong so it might make your eyes water at first. You let it sit on your face until dry and then it peels off super easy. I was amazed, my chin (where I get the most blackheads) was almost completely cleared out and my face as a whole was noticeably brighter. My sample pod had a little bit leftover, enough to do my trouble areas (chin, nose and forehead) so I did it again last night and could tell another difference. I may have to make the jump and buy myself some or just keep hitting up Sephora every so often for a sample!

So next time you are in Sephora and you are looking around for a new product, I'd definitely ask them for a sample of this mask! You won't be disappointed!

Capitol Couture

2012-01-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

(can y'all believe that this is Elizabeth Banks? She looks totally transformed and I can't wait to see her play Effie!)

As the Hunger Games movie draws closer and closer (59 days!) the Capitol of Panem is doing things to promote the movie. They launched Capitol Couture, a blog that features the wacky styles of the people of the capitol. For those who haven't read the books, the Capitol is a really high-fashion, uber trendy spot where everyone relies on the goods made in the other districts to be trendy. Trends include, crazy wigs, clothing and shoes. This has me even more excited for the movies, take a look at some of the crazy Capitol trends!

I can't wait to see more from this blog!!

The History of Nail Art

2012-01-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

So its safe to say that I am addicted to nail polish. I am obsessing over chipped nails all the time, I am always finding new colors I need to add to my collection, its bad but I have accepted it! The other day I signed up for Refinery 29's daily email list for a contest so I started getting their daily emails. The other day I opened it up and the main article was "The History of Nail Art" of course I read and was completely fascinated. Did you know that painting your nails (or some form of it) dates back 7000 years? Here are some fun facts from the history of nail art!

So nail art dates back to 5000 B.C. to Indian women who would die the tips of their fingers with henna which is still done today but in a different way.

Next is 3000 B.C. when the Chinese came up a rough form of nail polish made out of gelatin, gum paste, beeswax and vegetable dyes. They would add flowers in for color and this process would sometimes take up to 24 hours to set up. Imagine having to wait that long for your nails to dry, I get frustrated when it takes longer than 30 minutes!

During the middle ages, manicures weren't that common (I would have died living then!) but during the Renaissance it picked back up and women played around with pattern and many decorated their nails with pictures of eagles. Interesting!

1932 was the year Revlon came out with bottled nail polish. Even during the depression, painting your nails was still popular because of the easy accessibility and affordability of Revlon polish.

In the 70s, the french manicure was "invented" and became every girls classic staple of manicure. Any time you just want a basic manicure, girls go with french!

Now we have stick on nails, nail stickers and the gel manicure. Its amazing to see where nail art started and where it is today. I can't wait to see what is in the future for nail art!

if i had a valentine...

2012-01-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

I would send him these Hunger Games valentines because they are just too cute ( and I would probably make him send me the Peeta one!). But sadly I don't have a valentine but I just love them I'll just have to send them to my fellow Hunger Games obsessed friends!

Only 63 days until the movie comes out! So Excited!!!

what would anne elliot wear?

2012-01-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Hello Giggles posted a post titled "Which Jane Austen Heroine Are You?" and I got to reading them. Of course every girl wishes they were Elizabeth Bennet but I realized I was Anne Elliot. I actually think I am Anne Elliot living in a Bennet household because my mother reminds me of Mrs. Bennet a lot and being in a house full of sisters- I feel like we are the Bennets sometimes.

"You are good natured and kind. Okay, so you’re not fun with a capital F kind of fun- you’re not the sort to sky dive or do Tequila shots with some random yahoo you meet at a club. In fact, you’re not really into clubs, unless, okay, it’s a book club. Still, you’re a gal with high standards. You know what real love tastes like and you arent about to settle for anything less. You’d rather be alone than end up with the wrong person. You were easily persuaded and influenced when you were younger and you own that. Even though it sort of kills you to admit that you used to be sort who couldn’t handle the mere thought of disappointing anyone, you are well past that phase. You do what you like, you take care of your own and you don’t make a fuss because it’s nobody’s business. You thank God every day that you aren’t and never will be a reality TV star. You are Anne Elliot."

I had never read Persuasion before but these characteristics sure did sound similar to myself. So I got to reading (all of Jane Austen's novels are free for Kindle!) and fell in love with the story. I have always loved Pride and Prejudice but I feel like Persuasion has a little bit more of a realistic storyline where Anne was persuaded when she was young to turn down Wentworth and never gets over it but over time he comes back into her life. While we would all love to have Mr.Darcy come into our lives and fall in love with us at first sight, I wouldn't mind Captain Wentworth except for that I haven't turned down any guys lately to come back into my life 6 years from now, darn.

I got to thinking about what Anne Elliot would wear today, I see her keeping a classic style. Textures like lace and ruffles but in neutral tones. Simple but chic is how I see Anne Elliot dressing if she were around today.

top. pants. flats. locket. ring

I see Anne wearing this when she goes to stay with her overly-dramatic but humorous sister Mary. Anne is put in position of nurse after one of Mary's sons falls and breaks his collarbone. Even though I wouldn't call that the most delightful job, I can see Anne wearing some cute flats and cigarette pants with a pretty lace top. She has to look good in case Captain Wentworth comes around am I right?

top. skirt. heels. clutch. cuff. necklace.

While people may have deemed Anne an "old maid" at 28, who says old maids have to wear lame shoes? The night at the concert in Bath wear Wentworth gets jealous of Anne giving attention to Mr. Elliot, I see Anne keeping her classic style but still looking amazing to make Wentworth's knees weak. I love the color combination of lilac and this burgundy red color.

dress. cardigan. sandals. earrings. bracelets.

Cue "We've Found Love in a Hopeless Place" because finally Wentworth and Anne are together and in love heading back to Anne's childhood estate Kellynch. I picture Anne ditching her solid colors with a little pattern, florals to be more specific. I see her hair down and flowing with her beauty restored now that she is with her soulmate. I am just obsessed with this dress from Asos- so pretty!

So have y'all read the Hello Giggles article? What Jane Austen heroine are you?

What I'm Loving Wednesday: My Beauty Picks

2012-01-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been in a beauty rut, I've been using the same makeup for a while and I've been looking for some ways to spruce it up. Here are a few beauty products I have been loving lately but I want you guys to share your favorite beauty products!! I am really needing some suggestions especially in the makeup department!

I love E.L.F. its so cheap and its actually a pretty good product considering how cheap it is. I've only used the eyeliner and bronzer but its almost all a dollar at Target which is a pretty good for the broke college girl! I have just recently started using bronzer and I am addicted. I love how it gives you a little glow when I am looking so pasty! I am a bronzer convert for sure!

Y'all know I love the John Frieda Lightning spray and I've just started using the shampoo and conditioner and it helps too. Like the lightening spray it lightens your natural highlights and touches up your roots. It is helping me not have to go to the salon quite as frequent. My sister uses the brunette shampoo and it has brightened her natural color too.

I am dying for the Hunger Games nail polish to come out from China Glaze. I found out you can pre-order it from this site and I really would love to order the whole collection. I wish the names were a little different but they represent each district and their resources. My favorites are Smoke and Ashes, Electrify, Harvest Moon and Hook&Line.

Whenever I go to get my hair done, my hair girl puts moroccan oil in my hair and I love it. The kind she uses is so expensive and the bottle is so tiny but I found this moroccan oil blow out creme by Organix and I love it. I put it in my hair before I brush it out when its wet, kind of like leave-in-conditioner and it makes my hair softer and shinier and it smells amazing!

Right now I have Prized Possession Purple on my nails which is a Justin Bieber color from Nicole by OPI. We have almost all of them because my sister has Bieber Fever. What are you guys wearing on your nails right now?

Happy Wednesday Loves!

Style Inspiration: Emma Stone

2012-01-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

I think its safe to say everyone loves Emma Stone. Ever since I saw her in Easy A, she became one of my favorite girl crushes. Its crazy to think she is only 23, two years older than me. It seems like over night her style has transformed and is incredible. She is the prime example of being able to mature her style as she has gotten older. Another great thing is that she isn't afraid of color, I love seeing that your style can "grow up" but still have fun. I've recreated some of my favorite colorful but mature looks from Ms. Stone!

sweater. skirt. belt. shoes.

I am loving the mix of blues with this photo shoot look. I paired it with some nude pumps to keep it simple with the blue hues.

top. pants. blazer. pumps.

I am in love with this outfit. The kelly green blazer is a perfect menswear that gives the traditional jacket and button down look to a new level with the bright pop and the tie button down.

skinnies. coat. flats. scarf. hat.

Even dressing down, Emma gets it right. Of course I wouldn't mind having her boyfriend Andrew Garfield either but this outfit is easily achievable for anyone. I love the hat too- I need to start wearing hats more often.

Is anyone else crushing hard on Emma Stone's style? I love how she uses color and I totally loved the colors of her Lanvin Golden Globes Gown! I also love the belt!

winter style inspiration

2012-01-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

One of my goals for 2012 was to "mature" my style a little. So for winter I've been trying spice things up style-wise and looking to my favorite blogs and celebs for some inspiration! I will be posting some OOTDs pretty soon but for now here are some of my favorite looks I am taking some major inspiration from!

Last week I posted about Jessica Alba's home, this week I am posting about her style. I seriously just love her style. She always has a great mix of fun printed blouses and an amazing scarf collection. I seriously wish I could raid her closet! I have been using her style when it comes to mixing scarves with tops. I have been wearing a lot of scaves this winter!

(via)

I am obsessed with cool tribal and aztec prints. I found a fun tribal sweater at Forever 21(broke my spending halt-ack!) and I am obsessed. Its just so fun and different! I saw a bunch more tribal/aztec at forever 21 the other day but I refrained myself from buying more

(via)

I have been living in my red skinnies. I am wishing I had some green ones. They are just so fun for adding a pop of color and I don't know if they really "mature" my style but they are totally fun and I love them

(via)

Pattern mixing. I love pattern mixing so much and I love this subtle-ness from See Jane. I love the polka dots and stripes combo. What could be better than two of my favorite patterns combined?

gingham love

2012-01-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

I love gingham. I have a gingham shirt from the Gap Outlet that I love and wear all the time. On Pinterest I have started noticing gingham as a home fabric. I have never really thought of using it for curtains or a bedspread but I am seriously loving. It's not just for Dorothy to wear in Oz anymore, gingham is becoming a chic print! These are a few of my favorite fashion looks with gingham and home looks with gingham!

(seriouly wishing I could fit in this outfit!)

What I'm Loving Wednesday. Randomness

2012-01-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday Everyone!! The other day I discovered a new to me blog, The Awkward Girls. They are college gals like me and they both have amazing style. On Wednesdays, they do "We Likey Wednesday"and they feature random things that they like. I loved the different categories that they share each week, so for my WILW this week, I thought I would share my favorite things in the categories the Awkward Girls share!

Girl Crush:

Jennifer Lawrence aka Katniss Everdeen. I will probably forever associate her with being Katniss from now on but Jennifer Lawrence is a few months younger than I am and has already been nominated for an Oscar so thats pretty awesome and I dying for the Hunger Games movie to come out (only 72 days!) so right now she is my total girl crush.

Boy Crush:

This week I am going to have to go with Ian Harding. Mr Fitz. It is killing me that he and Aria are being torn apart by her parents now. Oh the struggles of dating your super hot former teacher.

Flava of the Week:

A few weeks ago, I talked my mom into buying this huge container of chocolate chip cookie dough from Costco. Its been awesome because you can just scoop out some cookie dough and eat it raw (which the thing says your not supposed to do but whatevs) or bake them. Sometimes at night I have been making mini ice cream sandwich cookies like these but with coffee ice cream in the middle and mine aren't weight watchers like these. Straight up delicious (say it in a Jean-Ralphio voice if you watch parks&rec) Not really good for my eating healthy goal but you just have to treat yourself. I should probably make the weight watchers version but oh well..

I want:

The entire Jason Wu for Target collection. I have never really loved any of Target's designer collections and never rushed to Target the day they come out or anything but with this one I may just have to. I just feel like they are classic pieces that look like your typical Jason Wu designs but with a reasonable price. I am really loving this top and skirt, and all of the bags I am obsessed with.

Tunes/Funnies

So my tune is also my funny but this video is just too hilarious. I am obsessed with the Black Keys new album but I am especially obsessed with the song "Lonely Boy" and its music video. You just can't not laugh at the guy dancing and singing all crazy throughout the whole video.

What are your random loves this week?

a little sparkle

2012-01-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

I need a little bit of sparkle in my life. The bad thing is (well not bad but inconvenient) is that I am on a spending halt and can't add any sparkle in my life. I can online window shop though here are some dreamy tops I wouldn't mind adding to my collection right now

ruche

What about you guys, do you feel like sparkling today??

Jesscia Alba's Home: Chic and Green

2012-01-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

I wish I could steal Jessica Alba's wardrobe, as many celebrity wardrobes I wish I could steal, hers just may be at the top. Its such an effortless style with sensible pieces that work. Also she has a great scarf collection that she accessorizes with often. The other day I stumbled across photos of her home that were featured in Instyle back in 2008, I don't know how I missed these then but I am obsessed now. Its a mix of old Hollywood gone green with eco-friendly elements. The house was painted with eco-friendly paints and a lot of things in the house are all green, especially in the nursery. A mix of high and low with things that she found at flea markets and craigslist. I love it when I see that celebrities appreciate finding good deals and of course it makes me like Jessica Alba even more. Lets not even get me started on her closet...its safe to say I want to steal it all!

(the nursery was featured in People a few months ago, I love the whimsy-ness of it. It doesn't really match the rest of the house but you can tell its for a baby. I love the bright blue poof as a foot rest with the rocker!)

a little cheer up..

2012-01-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling under the weather (strep throat..ick!) but I think this sweet face would cheer me up if it were mine. I mean seriously, how could you resist it? Between this dog and Stella on Modern Family, I have french bulldog puppy fever! If I had a precious pup to walk around the park, I think I would wear something like this...

dog walk by staleymc featuring balenciaga bag

Hope you all have a great weekend! I will be spending it lying low, recovering (thank goodness for antibiotics!)

What I'm Loving Wednesday: Stack 'Em Up

2012-01-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Another one of my 2012 goals (which I didn't really mention in my post) is to mature my style a little more. I am going to have a big girl job soon so I should probably start styling things differently and adding more mature pieces (after my spending halt). One thing I want to do is start wearing more jewelry. I have a ton but I never wear it. I really love rings especially ones with fun detail. My aunt gave me a giftcard to Forever 21 for Christmas so I went and was looking through the jewelry and found these flower stacking rings for $4.00! I love them, they are so fun and add a bit of boho flare to an outfit. I would like to add to my ring collection and add some more stacking rings. Here are a few that I am loving!

stacking by staleymc featuring stackable rings

boys in bows(ties)

2012-01-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

While most of the time I find myself attracted to the nerdy Seth Cohen-y guy there is something I can't resist about a well-dressed southern boy in cute ties and bow ties. The fratastic look so-to-speak, while I probably wouldn't want to date some uber fratty boy I sure don't mind gazing at them in their fratty style. Enter Back Down South a style blog similar to Unabashedly Prep that features the fashions of southerners. When Caroline photographs the fellas they are all in that classic southern boy style and honestly, its quite nice to look at, am I right?

(glasses and a bow tie?? i die!!)

so this is the new year...

2012-01-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

2012 is here, can you believe it? I remember entering my freshman year of college and they said "Welcome Class of 2012" and I thought, "Oh that will never get here." and yet here it is. I can't believe it. I haven't really made resolutions but I have made so goals that I would like to make over my break and hopefully achieve them. I think if I blog them I hold myself more accountable you know?

(so this wold be my dream world but since thats not happening(yet) I have to start the job search)

1. Update my resume and e-folio. Its crazy to think I am about to begin the job search, something that I am going to be doing for the rest of my life. I still can't believe I am old enough to do this!

2. Cut down on sweets and eat more healthy. This Christmas break I think I have been on a sweets overload. Its time to cutdown and go back to my usual healthy eating. These butternut squash and black bean burritos are a new recent favorite. I know they don't look that good but they are so good! Butternut squash is really good for you too.

3. Stay fit. I've finally realized that its not all about being skinny and losing weight. Its all about being fit and feeling good. I don't stress if I don't go workout one day but I try to workout 4 times a week and I think thats reasonable.

4. Read one book a month for fun. I never make the time to read for fun anymore. The only time I read a ton is during breaks but pretty soon I am going to have a job that doesn't have Jan Terms and Spring Breaks, so I think now that I have a kindle, if I make myself find the time to read a book for fun I will. Also if I check them out from the local library(which is totally awesome that they have an e-book section now) I only have 21 days so I think that will motivate to read more for fun.

5. Spending Hault. No spending at least till the end of January. I've spent all my giftcards and Christmas money, treated myself to some new things, now its time to only buy the necessities. I don't need any clothes or any other random things. I would like to try and make it till spring when I'll need spring clothes. I think I can do it!

What are some of your new years goals for 2012?

happy new years!

2011-12-30T10:01:00.001-07:00

(the ideal new years outfit)

via

"The point is people, no matter what your situation, you have a lot to look forward to this year. Whether you are with someone you can hold close or yet to find someone to have close. I just want to say good love is on the way. Someone thinks you're beautiful and someone is going to love you." -john mayer

John Mayer said this at a New Years eve concert one year and I had forgotten about it until I found it in my journal a few days ago and thought it was appropriate for my circumstances. Whether you are single, dating or married, there is a lot to look forward to in 2012. We can all seek good love whether its from a significant other or that of the Lord and Savior, who is always going to love you. I hope you all have a fantastic New Years and I will be back in full force next week with posts! See you in 2012! xoxo.

becoming a book worm again

2011-12-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! I hope y'all had a great Christmas! Mine was amazing! This year I had the hardest time coming up with something I really wanted and I had only asked for a few little things so I was really surprised when I opened up a Kindle Fire. I had said one time a while back that I thought it would be cool to have one because its kind of like an Ipad but a little bit cheaper. I never thought I would be able to read off an e-reader but now I am addicted. I love it.

I just started the Hunger Games series. I have heard of them for a while now but reading about them made me not interested in them, I didn't think I would like it and it didn't make a lot of sense to me. When I went to see Breaking Dawn with my sister I saw the trailer for the movie and it got me intrigued. With Kindles if you have a Prime membership (which if you are a student with an .edu email address you can get a Prime membership free for a year, its awesome) you get access to the Kindle library with a bunch of free books. The Hunger Games triology is free so I started the first book Christmas day and I am almost done. I'm hooked, I can't wait to see the movie even though I'm sure it won't be as good because it never is.

With a month off from school, I will have lots of time to become a bookworm again. I'm sure I will be done with the Hunger Games books by next week so I am asking you guys for suggestions! What have you read lately that you couldn't put down?? I am open for anything fiction, non-fiction, memoirs whatever!! Can't wait to read y'all's suggestions!

merry (furry) christmas

2011-12-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

Can y'all believe Christmas is two days away? I feel like it has crept up on me this year! Today I am doing Christmas with the kids I babysit for, tomorrow night with my close extended family and then Christmas day with my parents and sisters. One thing that I plan on pulling out for all the festivities is my fur vest. Its so versatile and I love wearing it, you can dress it up and dress it down and thats what I plan to do with it. Here is how I plan on wearing it, the dressed up version and the dressed down version:

xmas eve by staleymc featuring brass jewelry

Dressed Up: My family Christmas Eve isn't really a "dressy" event but we do get a little dressed up. This year I plan on wearing my cowboy boots tucked into some skinny jeans with my fur vest and a sheer tie collar top I got from a local boutique. I see it in my head looking something like this. My hair has gotten entirely too long so I hate wearing my hair down because every time I see a picture of it I end up thinking it looks too long. I think an updo like this Gibson Tuck tutorial I found on Pinterest will be perfect. I am obsessed with this updo. I did it last weekend and it was so easy, usually I am a spaz when it comes to doing my hair but this was so easy.

xmas day by staleymc featuring a faux fur vest

Dressed Down: Christmas day is all about relaxation with my family. We don't go anywhere, we usually sit at home all day and just play with our new presents whatever it is we get each year. So I just want to be comfy. I love wearing big plaid shirts I get from the little boys department, they are slightly fitted but long enough to pair with leggings to be comfy. I'll most likely wear my boot socks with my vest and boots. I am loving these boot socks I found on Polyvore, too bad they are from the UK! I love the fair isle pattern at the top. For my hair, I love this messy pony with a side braid.

Have y'all thought about your Christmas event attire??
I hope y'all have a great Christmas and you all have a relaxing time with the ones you love!!

What I Made Wednesday! Christmas Edition

2011-12-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

The end of the semester wiped me out! I had wanted to do some Christmas crafting before exams but I had so much to get done I didn't have time. Yesterday was the first day where I could actually sit down to craft. I had my eye on these two diy Christmas trees. The first was an Anthropologie inspired tree and you know if its Anthro inspired and I can recreate it for cheap, I am going to!

I followed this tutorial and its super helpful. I had left over sheet music from my free hymnal I got last year to make this garland. My dad had these small wooden blocks and I had him drill a hole through it for the dowel. The tutorial suggests a garden stake but I found this pack of dowels at Hobby Lobby for $2.47, mine may be a little smaller than hers. She suggests putting 2 pieces of cardboard between each sheet of paper and this works really well for the bottom but I might not would have done it at the top because now I see a lot of space between towards the top but overall I love how it turns out. It also only cost me $2.47 for the dowels so thats a lot better than the $48 Anthro is charging

Second is this feathery looking tree I found over on Bower Power, her tutorial is great as well! I just used cardstock for the base and I did like she did and ironed together 3 sheets of wax paper instead of buying vellum. The project cost me about 25 cents for the 12x12 cardstock paper. It also requires you to be quick with the glue gun, I burned myself a few times but I love how fun it looks. I have always loved the feathery trees Victoria's Secret puts out around Christmas time and this kind of reminds me of those!

I am kind of sad Christmas is this weekend because then I will have to put these 2 trees away! I love where I have placed them on my dresser and I wish I had been able to make them sooner!

Have you made any fun Christmas crafts this year?

snuggle up!

2011-12-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Every year for Christmas, my sisters get Christmas-sy pajamas to wear for Christmas morning. This year I was a little inspired by my senior thesis topic, the Kardashians, more specifically, Kourtney. Kourtney always has the cutest matchy pajama sets. Usually we just get pajama pants and I just wear a t-shirt or whatever but I decided we should get matchy pajama sets.

Here are some like Kourtney's from Victoria's Secret. Kourt's are silky and the VS ones are flannel but I think they would be perfect for Christmas!

The Kardashians do matching pajamas on Christmas too! These are from Hanna Anderson. I don't think my family is crazy enough to wear a style like these but it works for Kourtney and Kim. I also like how Scott matches with just the shirt-he is such a sport!

In Miami, Kourt would always wear these cute little nightgowns. For Christmas it may be a little chilly but you could pair with leggings and a longsleeved tee underneath. This one is from Pink!

Me and my sisters settled on this set from Target. They aren't really Christmas-sy but they are our favorite pattern-leopard! I am looking forward to snuggling up in these with my coffee on Christmas morning. This may start my collection of cute pajama sets!

What are your favorite pjs to wear on Christmas day?

love in my city

2011-12-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

I love how many fun places Birmingham has. There is so much variety in the little suburbs and I just love it. When I see different Birmingham brides do engagement photos, they always seem to go to the same cliche places but there are so many more fun places that would make great pictures. I discovered a new local photographer and I love her shots and I love that a lot of her couples go to places in Birmingham that I love that also make for great pictures.

Tip Top Grill is a little hole-in-the-wall diner near my house that sits on top of a mountain and has an amazing view. The food is pretty good too, greasy but good. I think its so fun this couple did an engagement session there.

This couple went to a local state park, Oak Mountain, and went to their boathouse where you can rent paddle boats and canoes and take them out on the river. I love how the boats add for a pop of color

This is a little local ice cream shop near Samford and it makes the perfect location for a summer engagement shoot.

This couple went into a little book shop in downtown Birmingham and I love this shot!

what to bake?

2011-12-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

Every year, my mom and I have a baking day where we bake special treats for family and friends. Thanks to Pinterest, this year we have an abundance of ideas leaving us not sure which ones to pick!! Here are a few that we want to try out, which would you pick?

cookie dough cheesecake bars

chocolate pecan bars

chubby hubby bars ( i am making these today for a family get together tomorrow!)

cream cheese and sugar mints

lemon bars

cracker candy

I hope everyone has a great weekend, we are having out first round of Christmas get togethers so its sure to be a busy one for me! What are y'all up to?

absolutely delightful

2011-12-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all your finals well-wishes, I am finally done and so ready to enjoy this month and a half I have off! In a fit of procrastination this week I discovered this website called Curbed which is all about real estate and it has some pretty dreamy stuff on it. They recently posted that the brownstone used in Breakfast at Tiffany's is for sale. It was just the outside used in the movie, the inside was filmed on a soundstage but wouldn't it be dreamy to live in the Breakfast at Tiffany's brownstone? It is actually a really delightful inside too. The dark hardwoods and classic molding have me swooning to live here and pretend I'm Audrey Hepburn. Too bad it has a $5.85 million pricetag! We all can dream though can't we?

Lets have a good week!

2011-12-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a little blogging break until Thursday because its finals week. I've been incredibly productive this weekend getting studying in and projects done. I kind of can't believe it. That being said I still have to make it to Wednesday when my last finals are done and my magazine layout project is turned in! So I will be back and then I'll be out until the end January and I will be done with my last fall semester of college ever! How did I get this old? Hope you all have a great week!

a proverbs 31 woman

2011-12-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

*edited because I had embedded the video but somehow between writing it and it posting, it disappeared! sorry about that y'all!*

This verse is a favorite of mine and I always see this print all over pinterest. In a time& age where we can get wrapped up in body image and looking thin or dressing right we can forget about being a Proverbs 31 type woman. I myself am guilty of this, I do it often. Too often. Enter this video.

A friend tweeted the link yesterday and I was instantly compelled to share. Especially because I am guilty of the whole I wish I looked like a Victoria's Secret model thing. We need to take a step back from the material and superficial appearances and look back at the words in Proverbs and embrace ourselves for who we are. Be clothed in dignity and strength within ourselves and live out the life of a Proverbs 31 woman. Let's live Proverbs 31. I only pray that I one day find a guy who appreciates a Proverbs 31 woman.

layers and belts

2011-12-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Layers and belts. That is the best way to define what I have been wearing lately. When the weather has been cold, I've been playing with layers and finding them pretty effective when staying warm (well duh, that's why people have been layering in cold weather!) when I'm not layering, I've been belting. My belt collection is large and I've been rediscovering ones that I haven't worn in a while. Here are a few of my looks!

my favorite comfy layer look

sweater. h&m. plaid shirt. target boys (plaid shirt heaven!) leggings.target. scarf.local boutique. boots. target. and boot socks. target.

fur vest. target girls (this is a new fur addition and I am loving it!) shirt. forever 21. jeans. forever 21

shirt. target. belt. thrifted. jeans. forever 21. boots. old navy.

What are your favorite ways to layer?

What I'm Loving Wednesday: Fair Isle Frenzy

2011-12-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

The weather has been funky lately all this weekend it has been perfection, mid 60s and 70s and I really didn't mind. Now its cold and rainy and that just isn't my favorite weather. I really wouldn't mind it if I had one of these amazing fair isle print sweaters. Just looking at them makes me want to bundle up in one and stay in drinking hot chocolate and reading magazines.

Ruche

Anthropologie

Spool No.72

If this sweater from Spool No. 72 would be mine if it wasn't sold out. I am dying over it.

Old Navy

What is your favorite thing to bundle up in on a cold day?

Music to Fashion: Christmas Edition

2011-12-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I've done one of my music to fashion posts so I decided to make one for my favorite Christmas song Ron Sexsmith's "Maybe this Christmas" Ever since it played on the OC, it's always been my favorite Christmas song. I always think about Ryan and Marissa running through the mall and its just a hopeful Christmas song with a cheerful beat. I got really inspired by this picture I saw on Pinterest that has been all over Pinterest the past few days and it inspired me to make a mens look as well.

Plaid is a Christmas essential for me, I just love wearing a plaid shirt on Christmas day when lounging around the house playing with all our new Christmas goodies. When I hear the song I see a couple just decked in plaid running through like a Christmas tree farm or something. It sounds cheesy but I wouldn't mind doing something like that this Christmas.. Oh the woes of a single girl!

Happy Monday Everyone! Its the week before finals and I am just so ready for them to get here and it be Christmas break!

my favorite shade (or for right now)

2011-12-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Every so often I go through a stage where there is a nail polish that I just can't stop wearing. For a while it was OPI "You Don't Know Jaques" and now it's OPI "Black Cherry Chutney" its so versatile. In some lights it looks purple, in others black and sometimes a little red. I am loving it! If you are looking for a new wintery shade, try this! This is what it looks like on my nails in kind of darker light, it looks a little black

(looking a little chipped!)

What is your go-to shade right now?

because i love stripes

2011-12-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned many many MANY times how much I love stripes. Any form, any way I just love them. When I took my daytrip to Atlanta, I went in West Elm and immediately fell in love with this striped grey duvet.

So dreamy right? Well the $69 price tag wasn't so dreamy. I had seen a few tutorials on Pinterest about painting fabric and making curtains so I started thinking "Why not a bedspread?" When I went to IKEA I found this white down comforter for 19.99 and it was already kind of marked for stripes.

When I got back I started researching what kind of paint I should use and if I needed to add anything to make it washable. I used just regular latex-acrylic paint and bought a fabric additive at Michaels that you can add and make it washable. I finally got around to painting it over Thanksgiving and while it was a lot of work, it turned out fairly well I think. I just laid it out on some sawhorses and plywood. Since it was already marked kind of in a striped way, I didn't use painters tape and just cut in the edges and rolled with a roller through the middle. It took a while to paint and its not perfect but for 20 dollars and 5 dollars for paint it was a lot better than the $69 West Elm one.
It only took one coat to cover and then I went over a few places I missed. It is a little crispy feeling at first but before I put it on my bed I ran it in the dryer with a lot of dryer sheets and that softened it up a little. This weekend I plan on washing it that I hope will leave it feeling a little bit softer. Since I added the additive, when I wash it, the paint won't fade or come out.

I also got some grey sheets at Target for 20 dollars so overall I spent about $40 (my mom bought the paint) I'm pretty satisfied with it!

What I'm Loving Wednesday. Giddy Up

2011-11-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

I have shared my love of odd animal prints before. I have a horse scarf that I love and wear often and I just think its so fun to wear and it's different than just your typical leopard print or whatever. On my trip to Atlanta a few weeks ago I found this horse sweater in the little girls section at H&M. I immediately was drawn to it, its just so fun! I had to have it. No one in my family likes it but it's so comfortable and it looks so cute. To quote my dad "It looks like something your grandmother would love". Whatevs I love it and this is how I wore it on Thanksgiving.

Here are some other horsey items that I wouldn't mind putting in my closet!

ASOS horse tunic

Horse Cardigan Wrap

Ralph Lauren Girls Horse Sweater (I love the ruffle at the bottom!)

Are y'all loving horses like I am?

scarf storage

2011-11-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Over the years my scarf collection has grown but it has left me without a good place to put them. Up until this week, they have set on a shelf in my closet in a messy fashion. I've seen some ways on Pinterest that I really wouldn't mind trying out.

I love this idea with the tension rods. I just don't have a good little nook to put something like that!

This is shower curtain hooks and a towel rod, another clever way.

I love these baskets, I don't know what it is about them but they just look so handy for storage and I love the soft pink color

When I made my trip to IKEA a few weeks ago, I got this hook system for my scarves. It works great but I'm wishing I would have gotten one more hook kit so they could link together and there would be more space for the scarves so they wouldn't be so crammed together but for right now it works and maybe I will pick up another set of hooks on my next IKEA trip. If you are looking for a good scarf storage definitely try this it's the Logga hanger with 3 knobs and is only $4.99 so it's a really inexpensive but useful way to store your scarves!

How do you store your scarves? Any clever ways?

Christmas Card "Round" Up

2011-11-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Now that it is after Thanksgiving I can officially let myself think about Christmas! The number one thing being Christmas cards! It's one of my favorite things about the holiday season and I am always in charge of organizing our family Christmas card picture and figuring out what we'll wear and where we will taken them and then the design. Last year I designed them myself but this year if proving to be far to busy for me to do that. Luckily Tiny Prints is offering 50 free cards to bloggers who blog about their beautiful cards. Above is the picture we are using for my family's card this year. When my mom and I were browsing the Tiny Prints collection, we were both really intrigued by the round cards. They are different and no one ever really sends round cards so this year we are going to go with a round design. Here are a few of our favorites!

As you can see we are loving the blues and the stripes this year! Click here to check out all of Tiny Prints circle cards.

thankful for a break.

2011-11-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! I am taking a break for the next few days from blogging. I am in the homestretch of this semester and I think I just need the week to cleanse and recharge for the next 2 weeks. As always I am thankful for all of you who read this blog and I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! See you all next week with lots of projects I am planning on doing this week! Get excited!

Annnd the winner is..

2011-11-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Natalie!!! You won the lip balm and mascara!! I will be sending you an email soon! Thanks to everyone who entered! Hope y'all has a great weekend! I am going to be working on a paper all weekend with my mind full on Thanksgiving break that doesn't start till Tuesday! Let's hope Tuesday comes fast!

Seeing Red

2011-11-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

(if Kourt can rock red skinnies, so can I!)

A trend that I have loved this fall is all the colored jeans. In particularly red. Every look I have seen on Pinterest or seeing celebs wearing them, I love them. Sometimes I lack the confidence to pull off quirky trends though, I know it shouldn't matter what other people think but I'm always a little worried. Leave it to my 10 year old sister to give me the confidence to maybe try this trend. Lexi has the body of a stick and isn't scared to wear anything(to be 10 again with no fear), she got a pair of red skinny jeans and she totally rocked them. I got to thinking it shouldn't matter what people think, I should just be more like Lexi and just wear whatever I want.

(this may be all of my favorite things in one outfit. chambray,fur, and red skinnies)

So I started the search for my red skinnies, I didn't want to spend too much on them and I didn't want them to be too red. I loved Lexi's which she got at (of all places) JC Penney for $12.99. My mom suggested that I maybe try JC Penney and that I might could fit in the little girl sizes. From time to time, I do shop in the little girls department but usually only for coats and shirts. I've never tried pants because I didn't think my booty would fit. I grabbed the biggest girls size and tried them on, knowing I'd probably be disappointed but they fit and actually looked really cute!

(lace top:forever 21. tank:forever 21. skinnies:jc penney leopard flats:target)

If you are petite and are looking for a pair of inexpensive red skinnies, try a girls 7-16 department and you just might be able to fit into them! If you are not so sure you can pull off these bright pants, I challenge you to give them a chance. You never know until you try and it's all about the confidence when it comes to rocking them!

What I've Been Wearing Lately Wednesday

2011-11-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone's weeks are going well. I'm just working to get to Thanksgiving break! I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week! Where has November gone? Soon it will be Christmas! Ah!! It's been a while since I have done an OOTD post so I've snapped off a few pics of my outfits lately. The fall weather has been on and off here so I've been mixing summer and fall pieces and adding scarves or flats to keep a fall element. I haven't been wearing boots as much as I would like and I am dying for it to get colder so I can pull out my fur vest!

I got this shirt on sale at a local boutique and I love it! It's sheer with a sort of "bow tie" element in the front. I'm loving this rust color with polka dots. It fit's so comfy but is also dressy!

This is the look I put together with my DIY scarf. Just a comfy tee from F21 and paired with my black flats and skinny jeans

I got this shrug at the same local boutique. It fits so cute! I also love the maztec print. My dad called it my "indian" sweater

Friday, my Mom and I went to Atlanta for the day. I called it my "treat yo self" day filled with shopping in fun. Since I was in the car for 2 hours I wore my favorite chambray shirt with my horse print scarf and leopard flats!

In this weird in between stage of weather, cardigans are my best friends. I wore this grey J.Crew cardigan with my leopard flats and a tank from Target.

What are your favorite fall pieces you have been wearing a lot lately??

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!! It closes tomorrow night!!

comfort food

2011-11-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling a little under the weather, there is a stomach virus going around the kids I babysit for and at my mom's preschool I don't know if that's what I have or if I just have a toned down version of it but I've just been feeling bleh. Add that bleh feeling with some dreery weather and all I want to do is lay in bed, watch my favorite shows and eat some soup. Soup is like the ultimate comfort food on days like this. These are a few soup recipes I want to try out and really would like to have today!

Crock Pot French Onion Soup

Baked Potato Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

And to go with the tomato soup, these super cute grilled cheese rolls!

What is your "comfort food" on days when you feel bleh?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

Surprise! I'm having a Giveaway!

2011-11-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I joined a site called BzzAgent. Basically, you get asked to join different campaigns to promote "Buzz" about a new product. It's really fun. You get sent different products to try out with the goal of promoting the new product.

A few weeks ago I got asked to join the Maybelline Baby Lips and Great Lash "Lots of Lashes" campaign. I had seen both of these products advertised in magazines and really wanted to try them out!

The lip balm is awesome. All of the shades have a subtle tint to them while they moisturize your lips, it gives them a little color. They also all taste great (which is always a plus if you ask me!)

I have always used Great Lash mascara, it is like the "golden" mascara if you ask me. I typically use the "Big Lashes" kind and it has always worked great for me. Lots of Lashes definitely gives a good voluminous lash. The wand is a little funky but one to coat your lashes with the mascara they are left looks very full and long. I just curl mine with the eyelash curler for a few seconds then apply Lots of Lashes and my eyelashes stay long for the whole day.

If you visit Maybelline's Facebook page and Like the page and you can get a $1 off coupon for both of these products!

Since I received these items via Buzz Agent they also sent me some to share!

So I am offering to one of you lovely readers 1 Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm and 1 Great Lash "Lots of Lashes" mascara! All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address!

The giveaway will be open until 8pm EST Thursday and I will announce the winner on Friday morning!

Good Luck!

it's never too early...

2011-11-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have a strict no-decorate for Christmas/no listening to Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but it's never to early to start thinking about decorations! Yesterday I got an email from Anthropologie about their Christmas decorations and couldn't stop looking. If only I could afford to "deck the halls" with all Anthropologie... Wouldn't that be nice?

How cute are these animal ornaments? I love them all but I really love that bejeweled spider!

I'm obsessed with this garland. Not so obsessed with it's price though, but I'm think it would be a perfect holiday DIY come Christmas break!

I am a horrible gift wrapper but seeing this pretty wrapping paper makes me wish I was better!

Have you started thinking about Christmas decorations? Are you planning on any making any fun Christmas Crafts?

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

What I Made Wednesday.

2011-11-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

Another week of spicing things up on Wednesdays! This week I am sharing a craft I made this past weekend. Lately I've been loving infinity scarves, they are perfect for a casual day and I love the way they fall.

A few weeks ago Kourtney Kardashian tweeted a photo of herself in a K-DASH for QVC infinity scarf that I loved. I didn't love the price which was $30. I know isn't a lot but for me, but, I don't really like to spend more than $15 for scarves. I had seen several tutorials on Pinterest about making your own infinity scarf and it seemed like an easy DIY so I gave it a shot. Loosely, I followed this tutorial, mostly for the yards for fabric needed and she gives a good pattern to follow.

I went to JoAnn's and found this knit fabric. I'm pretty sure you could probably use whatever fabric you want but the tutorial suggested knit and I happened to find this awesome knit pattern that looked a little bit similar to the K-DASH scarf. You only need one yard of fabric, if you want it to be longer or if you wanted to wrap it more than twice you might need a little more.

Then what I did was take the fabric, sew up the ends and then sew the ends together making it a tube-like shape. I didn't really measure anything out just a simple stitch on the machine. And then voila! A perfect infinity scarf.

I'm kind of obsessed with how it turned out and it was so easy and only cost $5 for the fabric!

Have you made anything fun lately?

pals

2011-11-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

Most of the time, I don't let being single bother me. Most of the time I am ok with it, I know that eventually when the time is right it will happen. Sometimes it gets a little frustrating though, in the school where girls go to get rings by spring, it gets a little old when someone gets engaged. It's like "oh another one gets engaged"But lately I've been in this stage that's like "Will I be an old maid forever?"

That was until I started reading Mindy Kaling's "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" and read her chapters on relationships, she didn't have a steady dating life in high school or college and I think she's awesome. Then she was talking about Amy Poehler and Will Arnett at a Parks&Rec party she was at. They were all hanging around and Amy came up and said " Hey Guys. Have you seen Arnett? I can't seem to find him." They didn't know where he was and she continued through the crowd looking for him. Mindy had never heard a wife call her husband by his last name and she liked it. She could tell they were pals, and being pals is the key to a successful relationship.

I want to find someone I can be pals with. Someone I can call by their last name (like Cohen on the OC or Arnett in Amy&Wills case). Someone I can watch Parks&Rec or Arrested Development over and over again with. Someone who says "LTFT" which is what Mindy Kaling's boyfriend says instead of good-bye. It stands for Last Thing, First Thing, meaning she's the last thing he thinks about at night and the first thing he thinks about in the morning. I want the Seth to my Summer, the Ben Wyatt to my Leslie Knope, the Will Arnett to my Amy Poehler. I want a pal. Eventually I will find my pal but I'll just have to wait but thanks to Mindy Kaling, I'm learning that it's fine if it's later on. And I'm ok with that.

an occasion!

2011-11-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I sat down for my final advising session with my adviser and honestly he scared me a little.He told me that I should try and find some more places to write and get published but my schedule was already full, how was I going to find an internship where I didn't have to go to the office everyday? I started thinking virtual internship, I had seen postings for some on sites before but never really knew how they worked. I found one and was left intrigued and hopeful that it would work out. A few days later I heard back from the editor and had a phone interview that left me wishing even more that it would work out. A day or so after that I learned I had gotten the opportunity.

It's for a magazine called Occasions and they focus on weddings and events. I will be blogging for them along with 3 other lovely virtual interns. My posts will go up on either Mondays or Thursdays in their Event Elements category about random wedding and event topics. I'm so excited about this opportunity and be sure to check out my first post this week! This is such a blessing and I'm so happy with the way things have worked out! This internship has also brought a great relationship with the other interns. Even though we aren't actually working in an office together, we have bonded via email and Twitter and have so much in common! Check out some images from their latest issue, you can also view the lastest issue on their website as well!

up to my ears.

2011-11-04T06:56:00.000-06:00

The first draft of my senior thesis is due today. Needless to say I've been up to my ears in all things Kardashian. 21 pages of nothing but Kardashians. It's kind of crazy how you can write a 21 page paper on something as silly as the Kardashians. And while everyone is talking about Kim and usually always is talking about Kim, my favorite is still Kourtney. It's that short girl bond that just makes me love her I think. In honor of me finishing my first draft, I've recreated some of my favorite looks from Kour that are a little more affordable even though she does mix high-low pieces a lot!

dress.sunglasses.tights.heels.polish

tights.booties.skirt.shirt

tunic.leggings.boots

shirt.boots.blazer. leggings.

Happy Weekend everyone!! What are yall up to? I'm planning on relaxing since my first draft will be turned in!

pops of purple

2011-11-03T06:33:00.000-06:00

I am seeing purple. The other day I got the newest issue of Elle Decor and was obsessed with the purple living area on the cover. Then I got to thinking about how I don't really have any fun pops of purple. I'm thinking I need to add some to my life!

purple and leopard?? i may have to try this!

What I'm Listening to Wednesday.

2011-11-02T06:23:00.000-06:00

I've been changing it up on Wednesdays lately and so today I thought I would share what I've been listening to this week and literally it has been this song on repeat.

Coldplay covering Rihanna's "We Found Love". Generally, I'm not a huge Rihanna fan, I'll sing along to her songs on the radio or whatever but she's not one of my favorites. Now I am a big Coldplay fan and while their new album is good, it's not my favorite of their albums. It's probably because I love their older stuff so much. I have this fantasy of one day Chris Martin (or any guy really) singing "Green Eyes" to me because I have green eyes! But.. One of my favorite songs on the album is "Princess of China" which features Rihanna so I've been kind of giving her music a shot. The other day I was at the gym and the radio was on and they played a clip of Coldplay singing a cover of this song. It was only a few seconds but I knew I was going to be hooked. I came home and listened to it and haven't stopped since. I've always said I prefer covers to their originals and this holds true.

What can you not stop listening to lately?

boo!

2011-10-31T06:40:00.000-06:00

(My mom made this out of burlap. She saw it on Pinterest and it turned out really cute!)

My mom made these mummy rice krispie treats for my sister's class.Aren't they so cute?

We hardly ever carve pumpkins but this year we did and it was so fun!

(our pumpkins: my sister Peyton's a crown (because she's the queen of the house-ha!), mine an owl, and Lexi's some kind of grim reaper? I don't know if it turned out exactly how she wanted it)

Halloween nails. A grey color from ULTA, Sally Hansen Silver Crackle and Essie Matte Top Coat

Happy Halloween Everyone!! This past weekend there was no looming tests or tons of work just a thesis rough draft that is due on Friday. While I worked on the thesis I didn't stress and treated myself to some fun Halloween festivities. Halloween is also my mom's birthday so there were lots of sweet treats and fun celebrations to be had! Hope everyone has a spooky and fun day even though it's Monday! Halloween makes Mondays more fun don't you think?

boom ba da boom boom baby

2011-10-28T06:21:00.000-06:00

It's no secret I am a nail polish addict. It may be a secret that I wish I could rap like Nicki Minaj though. I try to rap Super Bass like Nicki and I think I sound pretty good but I don't think anyone else would agree. Nicki has partnered with OPI for a line of polishes out this Christmas. I'm obsessed, I think I might need these in my stocking!

Metallic 4 Life

Fly

Did it on 'em

Pink friday

Super Bass shatter

Save Me

Which is your favorite shade? For me, it's a tie between Metallic 4 Life and Fly

Happy Halloween weekend!!!

i wish..

2011-10-27T06:43:00.000-06:00

Don't you wish this was the case? I sure do. I spotted this gem of an outfit on Teen Vogue's tumblr yesterday. Hot pink skirt with a leopard fur vest? Holy moly total perfection! I think I need a hot pink skirt!

Here is my recreation I've put together. I am really contemplating the hot pink skirt, it's just too cute!

top. vest. skirt. tights. shoes

What I'm Loving Wednesday. Talking Hair Color

2011-10-26T06:25:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about haircuts I wanted. I am going on Friday and I'm looking to change up a little in the hair color department. I've tried the ombre (it was really just slightly ombre) and then this summer I went blonder. I definitely want to stay in the blonde family, I'm just not sure what shade I will settle with. I'll probably end up telling my hair girl just to do whatever, I trust her completely and she's amazing and I'm convinced whatever she'll end up doing will look good. These are some shades I am thinking though.

I love this updo that I pinned on Pinterest a while back. I also love this hair color. It's a good tone for Fall I think.

This is the similar shade I am leaning most to. As I said last week, I love Julianne Hough and I saw this picture of her the other day and loved the new shade of her hair.

I've always been a fan of Emily from Cupcakes And Cashmere's hair. Last winter before I went ombre, I contemplated taking a picture of her hair. I love how it has a lot of different undertones and highlights.

I've always loved Carrie's blonde locks. So pretty!

Have you made any change-ups in your hairstyle lately?

Happy Wednesday!!

Farmhouse Dream

2011-10-25T06:51:00.000-06:00

One of the ladies that I babysit for subscribes to Architectural Digest. When the kids go to bed, I love thumbing through the pages and looking at the gorgeous homes. I spotted this little (well not so little) gem of a farmhouse in the October issue. Can we say amazing? The home is very traditionally styled but has fun with color. Can I escape here for a vacation?

monday mantra

2011-10-24T06:23:00.000-06:00

Hello friends! I want to apologize for my lack of posting lately, I feel like this semester is taking me through the ringer and I've just been feeling really lost lately. I had my last advising session ever last week and it was just like a reality check that in 7 months I have no idea where I am going to be. My adviser was telling me all these things and giving me (unsolicited and not helpful) advice about my future and it just stressed me out. It's just such a scary time not knowing where you'll end up and I'm just worried about the future because there are so many different options. I know it will all work out the way it's supposed to, it's just a little overwhelming right now. Because of that I've just been feeling uninspired so I apologize for my blog posts that may seem lacking or not there at all. I saw the above print on pinterest and I felt like I need to tell myself this a little more maybe you might be at a point where you need to tell yourself this too. "I don't know where I'm going from here but I promise it won't be boring."

Wonder Walls

2011-10-20T06:27:00.000-06:00

Ever since I posted Kourtney Kardashian's home last week, I've been really drawn to neat wallpapers like the kind she has in her home. There is such a variety you can choose with wallpaper and it's a lot more cool than the wallpaper of the 70s and 80s that you see in old homes! I wouldn't mind draping my future home with some of these patterns.

(While I don't know if I could have an animal print wallpaper in a high traffic area, it would be so cute in a playroom or kid's bathroom.)

(Sequins? I love!)

(If I am not mistaken, this is the wallpaper that is in Serena's room on Gossip Girl, I have always loved her room and I love this pattern!)

Wish I was Wearing this Wednesday.

2011-10-19T17:10:00.000-06:00

It has taken a turn for the chill here in Birmingham, and by chill I mean low 60s but yesterday it was upper 80s so that is a little bit chillier! I pinned this look on pinterest a while ago but every time I come across it, I love it. I created my own version and today I'm wishing I had a striped tank and yellow pullover. It would go great with my dark skinny minny flares from Old Navy and my cowboy boots! I wouldn't mind having her lovely curls either.

boots.jeans.tank.sweater

Happy Wednesday!

cut loose

2011-10-17T06:29:00.000-06:00

So I went and saw Footloose this weekend. I have only seen bits and pieces of the original but for some reason I really wanted to see this one. Probably because I love Julianne Hough, she's just cute and seems down-to-earth. I went in not having very high expectations for movie but I was wrong, I loved it. It was so good, I left the movie wishing I could dance. Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald had great chemistry and the two of them dancing together was amazing. Of course when I go to the movies I'm always looking to see what the characters are wearing and I love the southern style they put Julianne in, lots of cowboy boots and bohemian tops. It will be influencing my outfits this week, any excuse to wear my cowboy boots though! I am also loving this shoot from Elle with Kenny and Julianne, it exhibits their dancing skills and can we talk about Julianne's bod? Workout inspiration for sure!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-10-14T06:33:00.000-06:00

I saw this post on a blog that I love and I thought it would be fun to share 10 fun facts about me!

I'm happiest when... I'm not at school, don't have anything to worry about, just laying on the couch reading blogs and watching Parks&Rec or 30 Rock which is exactly what I did over fall break and it was the best feeling in the world.

The best place to be in the Fall... I honestly love Birmingham in the fall. The leaves are falling and the weather is perfect, it's such a nice surprise when it pops up after a scorching summer.

I could spend the whole day... Shopping, reading blogs, pinning on Pinterest or crafting/baking all while listening to John Mayer. This would make the ideal day.

I always wanted to be... Growing up and in high school I always wanted to be a wife/mom. It's such a cliche but I honestly thought I was going to college and would find my husband. Once I got to college, I realized that I didn't want to get married straight out of college but I still do want to be a wife and mom and one day I will. Just not anytime soon!

Favorite thing about my house... My closet. Hands down. I don't know how I talked my parents into giving me that hallway closet but I'm sure glad they did. I'm going to miss it when I move out.

For inspiration I.. Get on pinterest or tumblr also reading magazines.

It's worth the splurge... A Clarisonic. I debated for a while on buying it or not and I ended up getting a good deal from QVC and I do not regret it. A good pair of boots too, my cowboy boots weren't to terrible of a splurge but I would be willing to splurge on a new pair if something happened to them.

Words I live by... Keep it Positive. I try hard to do it too.

Day I'd Love to Live Again... My cousin Jessica's wedding. It was in Maryland and my whole family went. It was the craziest day/weekend but it was so much fun. Even though my family is so dysfunctional, it was the best time and I would totally do it all again if given the chance. The next time my family will probably be all together like that will be my wedding (whenever that is) but I hope it's as fun as Jessica's was.

Brings out the best in me... My family. As stated above!

What's one fun fact about you?

kourt's new digs

2011-10-13T06:28:00.000-06:00

It's safe to say I've been watching a lot of Keeping Up With The Kardashians as research for my senior thesis. One thing I've noticed about this season is Kourtney's new home. She's already my favorite to begin with but seeing her new home, I'm in love. She tweets and blogs about vintage shopping and going to antique stores which makes me love her more and you can tell in the house. This season we mainly see the master bedroom, kitchen and living area but I would love to see more, here are a few shots I've caught from Kourt's amazing new home!

Front of the house: I love how it looks like a normal home, Kim, Khloe and the Jenner's homes all look extravagant from the outside ( and inside) but Kourt's looks like a house I would like to live in.

Entryway with a staircase to the right

The formal living room. I love the stripes!

The Kitchen. I love the kitchen and this is really the most filmed place because I got a lot of different shots!

(this looks like a butler's pantry area right off the kitchen. it looks like it may go in to the dining room but they've never filmed in there)

The pajama staircase that is between the kitchen and the main living area.

Living space

(I love the fireplace!)

Master Bedroom

(I love that they are using the same bedroom set as in their townhouse. Shows that you even though they moved into a new house they didn't get rid of all their old stuff)

Kourtney's closet was featured with her sister's in Instyle. I think the closet is right when you walk into the master next to the master bath.

Guest bedroom. I love the desk next to the bed, such a fun shape!

Mason's playroom. I wish we could see his room/more of this room

What I'm Loving Wednesday: Lots'o'Layers

2011-10-12T06:21:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've done anything different with my hair. Lately, I've been wanted to add more layers. I go back and forth with adding layers and some months I want long layers and other months I want short. Right now I just want lots of layers. Here are some gals who have hair I wouldn't mind copying.

I love Dianna Agron's old layers. I hate that she has chopped her hair off because she had such pretty long hair. I love these layers, it looks pretty straight and so gorgeous curly.

I love Reese's layers. I saw these pictures on Pinterest and felt totally inspired by her layers. I love her bangs, I don't think I will ever be a bang person but I really love hers.

These are longer layers but I love the way they look. I wish I could pull off a middle part but I think my face it to round for it! I think the middle part is what makes the layers look so great.

While Kourtney is my favorite Kardashian, I loved how Kim's hair looked when she didn't have extensions in. The layers were really soft and it looks great on her compared to when she usually has extensions in.

I love everything about Selena Gomez. I want her wardrobe and I love her hair. She has such fun layers and it looks great straight and curly.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

spray paint mania

2011-10-11T06:23:00.000-06:00

As I said Fall Break was going to be a time to get some fun non-school related projects done and I definitely did that. I would call it spray paint mania, I whipped out my handy spray paint and spruced up a few things. It's amazing how a little spray paint can change something to look so great.

For Halloween, I've been wanting some white ceramic pumpkins. I saw some in the West Elm catalog and love the way they looked but did not love the price. I looked for some ugly pumpkins at the thrift store but they didn't have any. Bummer. But I did find these plastic pumpkins at Walmart that were only 97 cents each and I just used glossy spray paint and it creates the same ceramic look.

I found these guys at the thrift store for $1.98. I used the same white spray paint and spruced them up. I love owls and I think these will look so neat hanging on the wall next to each other.

Here is the lamp I blogged about last week. I loved the same but it needed a little TLC. The arms that held the light parts of the lamp were a little loose so with some metal apoxy glue I pinned them up a little higher which makes it look a little more sleeker I think. Then I used the same grey spray paint I used on my owl lamp, and voila! It looks great! As I went to put it somewhere I realized we were out of light bulbs but at least it looks pretty!

october is the best.

2011-10-07T06:40:00.000-06:00

I love October. I think I'm not the only one, I mean I've seen a bunch of blog posts about October so obviously October is a pretty great month. The weather is perfect, the leaves are changing and I can finally pull those boots back out but most importantly (to me anyways) October means Fall Break. I am thankful that Samford gives us 2 much needed days off before things get crazy as the semester drones on. I realized that this will be my last fall break, which freaks me out, lately I've been thinking about how things will be my last and it's really freaking me out. I've always been the one who was ready to work, ready to do something related to my degree that I love and now I kind of want to pull on the reigns a little. I filled out my application to graduate the other day, how have I gotten to this point? It's so scary! So this fall break I'm going to soak up every minute of it and while I'm not taking a trip or have any big plans, I have lots of little projects and plans that I'm going to fully enjoy.

I have a little revamp planned with this lamp I found at the Thrift Store for $4.88. I love the shape so once I get done with it I am sure it's going to look great. I will be sure to share when I get done too!

Baking. On my list is always baking. Of course I would like to make something with pumpkin. These pumpkin cheesecake bars I saw on Pinterest look pretty tasty.

Catching up on my shows. 30 Rock and Parks&Rec. I got hooked on these shows this summer but Netflix hadn't added the newest seasons that were out yet. Well they finally did and I plan on finishing them both. I'm actually almost done with Parks&Rec season 3 because I've been watching season 4 on Thursday nights so I want to get caught up. For the record, I love Ben Wyatt, I would date him in a heartbeat, why do I love nerds so much?

Doing a little shopping, every Saturday since school started I have babysat so I have made a lot of cash. I want to treat myself a little. Here are some things I have been eying from Forever 21. I don't really want to spend a ton of cash, just a little so f21 is always the place to do that.

And one school related thing, which is actually kind of fun. I'm working on my senior thesis and I've decided to look at Self Advertising through Reality TV, bascially how people become famous through reality TV and how they promote themselves through it. Specifically, I am looking at the Kardashians because they are like the ultimate self-advertisers, the only reason why they are famous is their reality show. So I will be watching episodes from each season to see how it has changed since they have become more famous. I'm pretty excited about this topic, while a lot of people I know are doing more serious topics, if I have to write at least 15 pages about something, I want to enjoy it! Keeping up with the Kardashians is my ultimate guilty pleasure so I definitely don't mind studying it!

What are yall up to this weekend? Anything fun?

rediscovering a love.

2011-10-06T06:21:00.000-06:00

My freshman year of college I got the photography bug. I loved taking pictures and at that time I thought it was what I wanted to do with my life. Then I started to notice everyone was trying to be a photographer and everyone had DSLRs and thought they could take pictures and suddenly I just fell out of it. I have said it before on this blog but I think it's photography that lead me to journalism, the major that I love so much. I would still take pictures with my camera at family functions or whatever but the days where I would snap pictures off were done. This semester I am taking a photojournalism class as an elective and being required to take pictures every week has restored my love of taking pictures. Playing with aperture and shutter and getting fun effects has been fun and reminds me why I love taking pictures. While I will probably never want to pursue my photography as a career, I don't think I will let my camera sit and collect dust like I have the past 2 years.

What I Wish I Was Wearing This Wednesday.

2011-10-05T06:30:00.000-06:00

Casual perfection. Cat eye sunglasses. Fringe boots. Chambray and a white v-neck. And that long hair don't care look. Straight but messy and perfect. Of course having a Birkin bag would be nice too wouldn't it?

I'm really wishing I was wearing this casual but cool look today.

Happy Wednesday!

Music to Fashion: Song of my Life.

2011-10-04T06:23:00.000-06:00

Sometimes there are songs that just reflect your life. A song where the words sound like they fit you to a "T". Late Night Drama Queen by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors is this. Since I heard this song almost 2 years ago I've just been in love with it and it came up on shuffle yesterday and I thought about making it into an outfit. An outfit that I would love to wear.

boots. top. skirt. bracelet. bag. necklace.

Can you tell I've really been loving Frye Harness boots lately? What is the song that fits your life right now?

Happy Monday!

everyday girl

2011-09-30T06:21:00.000-06:00

I am in a fashion rut. I always go through these spells once or twice a semester but I discovered this blog the other day and it has given me inspiration to get out. J's Everyday Fashion is an amazing source for inspiration. On her info page J states that her blog is not a personal style blog even though she posts OOTDs, she views it as more of a guide for readers for people to get styling tips for the everyday girl.

Almost all of her pieces are less than $250 and shops at realistic places like H&M and Forever 21. I love personal style blogs but I sometimes get frustrated when they are wearing like Alexander Wang or Marc Jacobs because for me that's not realistic. J also takes celebrity looks, looks she sees in magazines or on blogs and recreates them with her own pieces and shows that you can pull it off too.

These are just a few of my favorite looks. I went back page after page after page and am ready to start styling some not so drab looks and of course I will be sharing with yall!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Can you believe tomorrow is October 1?!?! Where did September go?

fall fitness motivation

2011-09-29T06:32:00.000-06:00

Every semester I tend to fall into the same routine, at the end of the day when it comes time to workout, I bail. It wasn't that bad when I was required to take phys ed classes at Samford because that was 2 days a week when I knew I would get a workout in because it was class. Now that those requirements have been met and I am taking 18 hours it's hard to drag yourself to the Rec or go to your room and do a workout dvd.

Sometimes if I feel like if I put a goal in writing, I stick to it. So I'm going to try it by blogging it. I want to get back into a regular workout routine and stick with it and don't let school get me down! This is my plan

1. Workout 2-3 times a week. Once or twice on the weekends. Lately(by lately I mean the 2 times I've worked out hard since school started) I've been doing 30-45 minutes on the treadmill or the elliptical.

2. Do some core training and strength training. I tried to do p90x a few months ago. It was too much for me, I didn't want to get that ripped but I really love the ab workout dvd. It's 15 minutes and you do about 300 ab moves. It's tough but amazing. I used to do weights a little when I had to take one of my fitness classes for school but I'm always worried about bulking up. I think I may ease into this only doing a little bit once a week.

3. Keep things spiced up. I get bored easily especially when working out. Sometimes on the treadmill I just want to get off and I've only been on 15 minutes. I discovered this blog and she has amazing plans for treadmills, elliptical and spin bikes. I tried her boredom buster on the treadmill yesterday and loved it!

So those are my goals, let's hope I stick to them. What do you like to do when you get in a workout rut?

Wish I Was Wearing This Wednesday.

2011-09-28T06:23:00.000-06:00

I decided to spice things up this Wednesday and instead of what I'm loving, it's what I wish I was wearing. I spotted this shirt on Pinterest a few weeks ago and was instantly in love. Being in the south, yall is just how you refer to people and then with the L's being cowboy boots I knew this shirt was made for me. I haven't ordered it yet but after the crazy beginning of the week I have had, I just might treat myself to this. I wish I was wearing this tee paired with a comfy sweater, jeans and boots. Too bad the weather isn't quite perfect for that yet!

shirt.boots.jeans.sweater.bag.

a case of the mondays.

2011-09-26T06:32:00.000-06:00

This Monday has got me down. There are so many things to get done this week, I'm already stressing to the max. Being out of town babysitting this weekend got me a little behind on things so now I feel like I am barely floating to stay up top.

Instead of having a class till 5:30 today, a Media Law test (YUCK YUCK YUCK!) and trying to finish the intro of my senior thesis, I wish I was...

Wearing this comfy but chic outfit

With my hair in this perfect braided updo

Sitting in this room

Watching this

Eating this and not caring about the calories

(it's krispy kreme bread pudding if you're wondering!)

Painting my nails to look like this

Instead I will just be trying to do this.

Happy Monday loves.

*all pictures via my pinterest page!

rustic charm

2011-09-23T06:33:00.000-06:00

This weekend I am going to a wedding with a family I babysit for. It's 18 month old twins and a 4 year old and both the parents are in the wedding of one of their brothers. They'll have their hands full so they are bringing me along (not that I mind because I LOVE this family!) It's in a small town about 2 hours away from Birmingham and I have a feeling it's going to have a lot of country rustic elements. I saw this Georgia wedding on Green Wedding Shoes and was in love. I hope to have a feel like this when I get married (even though my mother already has my wedding "planned" but let's not get started on that) and I love how the bridesmaids dresses are all different styles but in the similar shade, it lets them display their personality more! Of course the barn aspect always leaves me obsessed, barn weddings are my weakness!

it's been a while..

2011-09-22T06:24:00.000-06:00

Since I've stepped foot in Anthropologie/went on their website. It's just too tempting with taking 18 hours leaves no time for babysitting. The main way I make money, so it feels frivolous to even spend money on items that are on sale at Anthro much less the non-sale stuff (which I rarely do to begin with) but yesterday I was on Tumblr and I saw this coat.

coat

Swoon. I was on Anthro's website not even 5 minutes after pinning that coat on Pinterest. There were so many gorgeous pieces I nearly had a heart attack (and the prices-yeesh, they've always been expensive but most of this stuff seems more ridiculously priced than normal) A girl can only lust after these pieces though.. Sigh.. The struggle of being a college girl whose parents don't pay for everything.

Organization Upate.

2011-09-20T06:40:00.000-06:00

Since school has started I have been trying to stay on top of my organization goals from my "Let's Get Organized" week and I think I have done pretty well. I also resolved some of my disorganization problems too!

Remember when I could not figure out how to store my nail polish? Well I finally found a drawer system that works!

On a random trip to Walmart I found this drawer system. It's long so it has lots of room for all my polish. We also cleaned out a cabinet in the bathroom so it fits perfect. Almost all my polish fits in the drawer and the few bottles that don't go in this little basket along with nail polish remover and other random nail stuff.

I've see those magnetic makeup boards all over Pinterest and thought they were pretty neat. My sister had an old magnetic board she got at IKEA a while back but wasn't using so I took it and turned it into this.

I bought little magnets at Michaels, used leftover fabric from my chair re-do, and spray painted a crystal light container as the holder for all my brushes. It is so handy and frees up a lot of space on my vanity. I hung it kind of low on the wall so I can still reach all the makeup easily. The magnets also pop off easily for when I need to replace certain stuff!

Have you done anything neat to keep yourself organized lately?

baby boy style

2011-09-19T06:32:00.000-06:00

These are my cousins Grey and Lake. I think I may have blogged about them before but they are presh pots and I love them. The other day my aunt texted me and asked me to help her find chic boy clothes for winter. Of course I was willing to help with anything that had to do with shopping (especially for other people because I don't have to spend my own money!) I realized boy clothes are hard though, they aren't all as cute as the dainty little girl clothes but these little guys I found on Pinterest show that you can be a well dressed little boy!

Mason Disick (Kourtney Kardashian's little boy) should probably be voted best dressed toddler. Look at that Burberry scarf. So adorable!

I'm thinking Grey and Lake need little vests. They are so cute!

because i'm a sucker for love songs.

2011-09-16T06:32:00.000-06:00

I am a sucker for a good love song. It's true. The other day I was so excited to download the new Ben Rector album and on my way to school I heard this song and literally melted. It's called "She Is". Just listen to this, so good.

Seriously. Swoon. If I ever find a guy to sing sweet words like this to me, I won't ever let him go!

If you are looking for a good weekend set of jams definitely check out Ben Rector's "Something Like This". It won't disappoint. Happy Weekend!!

nails at new york fashion week

2011-09-15T06:47:00.000-06:00

So I know Fashion Week is supposed to be all about the clothes but I also like the beauty aspect too especially the nails. Thanks to Teen Vogue Beauty Editor, Eva Chen, we can know all about what designers picked what polish for their models. I love seeing how the mix different shades and if they pick a bright or a neutral, here are some of my favorite picks!

Milly picked a coral shade from CND

For Olivier Theyskens for Theory they mixed 2 Zoya polishes Miley and Dharma

At Rodarte it was Deborah Lippman "Lady Sings the Blues" and "Fashion". The glitter was on the nails and the nude on toes.

Yellow CND at Karen Walker. Eva Chen says yellow polish is officially in and to stock up!

Rainbow at Marc by Marc the top 2 shades were the ones used. "Olivia" and a custom matte top coat

Essie at Carolina Herrera. Best Boyfriend (BBF)

Limited Edition Sally Hansen at Tracey Reese. I am L-O-V-I-N-G all of these shades. All of which will be out in April.

Dark Sally Hansen shades at Alexander Wang. These will also be out in April (which seems forever away!)

Sally Hansen was also the choice at Prabal Gurung

What I'm Loving Wednesday: "Matte" About It

2011-09-14T06:35:00.000-06:00

On the top of my list for things I need for fall is this. Matte topcoat for my nails. Every time I see a picture on pinterest with this matte finish I die. I keep meaning to take a trip to ULTA to pick some up but you know how trips to ULTA go, you never end up buying just one bottle of nail polish!

(Matte bottom with stamped cheetah from the Konad plate)

Does anyone have the matte topcoat? Do you love it?

A hint of fall

2011-09-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

Last week some storms brought in some fall weather and I loved it. I normally don't pull out my cowboy boots until the end of September but I just had to pull them out. While it has warmed back up and is now in the 80's I had a good 3 days where I was wearing boots, cardigans and my favorite flats. Here are a few OOTDs of my few days of fall. It was such a little tease though because you thought it was here to stay, but I will still take 80 degree weather instead of 90 and 100 degree weather!

Leopard cardigan: GAP Outlet Tank: Local Boutique Jeans: Forever 21 Cowboy Boots: Ebay

Cardigan: J.Crew Top: Anthropologie Jeans: Forever 21 Flats: Target

Top: Target Jeans: Old Navy Boots: Ebay

Yall let me tell you about these jeans I am wearing from Old Navy. Holy Moly they fit amazing! They are the "Skinny Minny Flare" style so you get a little bit a flare but not so much that it's overpowering and I think they make you look like a "skinny minny".These jeans are amazing. I have a pair of Old Navy jeans that fit ok but I mainly bought them because they come in short length so I don't have to get them hemmed but these jeans fit so well I was really surprised. If you are looking for a good flare, I would check these out and they are only $25!

Rachel's Picks

2011-09-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

We all know I love Rachel Bilson. I feel like we could be besties, all the interviews I see with her she just seems so easy and carefree and she seems like she'd be a fun friend. She also would be a fun friend with a nice closet! Yesterday when I checked my email I was so excited to see that she, along with Olivia Palermo and Byrdie Bell would be new guest editors on Piperlime. Basically every month they will pick their favorite pieces featured on Piperlime. I decided to take some of Rachel's picks and turn them into outfits. I also wish that Piperlime wasn't so expensive and then I could afford to have these outfits I've just put together! A few pieces weren't Rachel's picks but I thought they would work nicely with the outfit!

top.bag.shoes.jeans

In the video of Rachel on the Piperlime site, she says that she is obsessed with stripes (another reason I think we would be bffs!) and she picked a lot of stripes which was heaven for me when I picked pieces I wanted to make outfits with! I love this stripe sweated paired with a casual pair of jeans and suede booties.

sweater.jeans.wedges.earrings.

Another thing she said in the video was that she loved dressing in comfortable clothes and liked pieces that were cute but had that comfort factor too. I think this shows that comfy doesn't have to look frumpy. These wedges were actually one of Olivia Palermo's picks (who had amazing picks as well!) but they are so fab I thought they would look great with this simple sweater and flares.

tee.sweater.jeans.bag.boots

Another striped look. I added the Frye boots for a bohemian feel that Rachel often goes for. I love this sweater too because who doesn't love a good chunky sweater in the fall and winter months?

cape.dress.heels.tights.bracelet.

I call this the date night look (if I ever got asked out on dates-ha!). I am lusting over this cape. I think a cape is a necessity for my winter wardrobe and I liked how the plaid of the cape went well with this mustard yellow dress and the subtle leopard in the heel. I added the tights for a winter feel.

top.bag.jeans.wedges

Rachel is wearing this top in the Piperlime video and it looked so cute on her. I would love to wear this with an awesome pair of flares and wedges. I also love this style of Rebecca Minkoff bag.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Even though this week was short week I am glad it's the weekend again!

Sistah Sistah

2011-09-08T06:30:00.000-06:00

I love my sisters. I mean duh, they are my sisters but I think as we get older we start to appreciate each other more. Well at least I do, my sisters and I are kind of spread apart (21,14 and 10) so sometimes I want to spend more time with them than they want to with me but I feel like as I am getting older and about to go out into the real world I want to cherish this time I have with them.

My grandmother's birthday was on Monday so we decided to have a sister photoshoot for it. Well we woke up Sunday morning (we were a little last minute) and it was pouring down rain. So we have this joke we are like the non-famous Kardashian sisters (but we don't all start with K and we don't have a multi-million dollar empire) mostly because there is 3 of us and I'm the oldest and the shortest (5'0 represent- me and Kourt are the same height and the oldest) and my middle sister Peyton is a drama queen like Kim and my youngest sister isn't really like Khloe but she is sensitive and kind of mean and I think Khloe is like that too. I thought it would be funny to photoshop us onto one of their Sears ads and say that's what we were giving my grandmother. I did a series of 3 and they are all terrible but here is my favorite.

Here is the original for comparison:

My photoshop skills are better normally better than this but I did it in like 5 minutes and none of our skintones really match the K-dash's (except maybe Peytons) but it's funny and I printed out all 3 of them and put them on the fridge haha!

We didn't give my photoshop creations to my grandmother but we did give her these pictures that we took in the rain on our front porch. No one was really thrilled to be out in the rain taking pictures but I tried to make it fun and I love the way they turned out and I'm so glad I have these pictures now.

(do any of yall watch Dance Mom? We are totally obsessed and we call Lexi's facial expression her "Vivi Anne Face" because one of the little girls Vivi Anne always has this dazed look on her face)

(This is Peyton's "Kim pose" baha)

Do you feel like you get closer to your siblings as you get older?

What I'm Loving Wednesday. The Cat's Meow

2011-09-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

I have the absolute worst luck with sunglasses. I lose them, they break, I just have terrible luck with them. Which is also why I can never seem to bring myself to buy expensive sunglasses. I had a pair of Kate Spade sunglasses that were a gift but they broke and I was devastated. Lately (probably because I have been watching way to much of Keeping Up With the Kardashians) I have been really drawn to the cat-eye style sunglasses. Kourtney has an amazing pair by Tom Ford but in my normal-non Kardashian life, I would never imagine of buying Tom Ford sunglasses. So I've started doing some reasearch and found a few pairs that are a little more in my budget.

Fred Flare

Old Navy

Urban Outfitters

Is anyone else obsessed with these sunglasses like I am??

A little motivation.

2011-09-06T06:30:00.000-06:00

So school has only been back a week (with a day off yesterday) and I am beat. It's going to be a very long and busy semester. Also with this tropical storm coming through bringing lots of rain, it's hard to stay motivated. I seem to notice that when I have a Monday off, Tuesdays are hard to get through. I thought I would give everyone a little bit of Tuesday motivation because we probably all need it!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

ring the bell.

2011-08-29T06:27:00.000-06:00

(looking chic by the books)

Today is my first last day of school. Where have the past 3 years of college gone? I can't believe I will be graduating in May and entering the real world. It's scary and crazy! In order to make sure that I do graduate in May, I will be taking 18 hours this semester. I can tell it's going to be a killer already, I had homework to be done before my first class today! It's going to be a lot juggling school, working for the school newspaper, babysitting, friends, staying healthy and blogging. Last year I took a week or so off from blogging to get into the groove of school so that's what I plan to do this year. Just a week or so of no blogging and just getting the hang of things. It's going to be a lot but I can tackle it and rock it (I hope!!)

Hope everyone has a lovely week!

xoxo