December 15, 2013

The Perfect Congratulatory Gifts!!

It's the time of year where so many high school seniors who applied early to a school I hearing back.  I swear every time I refresh Facebook I see another *insert college name here* Class of 2018!! For some reason I am compelled to like every single status, tweet or instagram about someone being accepted.  Haven't seen this person in 4 years? "Like".  I think we went to pre-school together? "Like".  I guess it's probably because I know how difficult and stressful the process is that seeing people get into a school just makes me so happy!

Since it's such a big deal, I thought it would be nice to give me friends a little something in order to say Congratulations! I have about 5 really close friends that I would like to congratulation in a more special way than just liking their Facebook status.

I've you've been reading my tumblr lately you'll know that i'm obsessed with fornash.  They make amazing enamel jewelry that's just perfect.  They also make a lot of game day jewelry which clearly is a perfect gift to congratulate a friend on getting into college!
They make this fabulous "gecko bangle" that I am obsessed with!! I have one from the normal collection (there are some schools that have colors that would be in this collection) but making them in game day colors was brilliant!!! Plus their only $25! 

I'm really loving their monogram keychains! I doubt the colors above are of any school but you could always get them in your friend's school's colors!! It's a little bit more personal and very thoughtful.  The background disc comes in White, Red, Pink, Orange, Green, Aqua, Navy, Black, and Bubble Gum Pink! You can pick from a variety of monogram colors such as Orange, White, Black, Apple Green, Hot Pink, and Gold! 

I can't wait for some of my friends to decide where they are going so that I can order one of these items for them! 

Congratulations to anyone who has gotten into a college already!!! :)

xo, 
Emma




December 11, 2013

Ugly Christmas Sweaters!

What's a christmas party without the ugly sweaters? This year i've been invited to two parties where I am expected to be wearing my ugliest christmas sweater and my school is having a spirit competition involving ugly sweaters! I've never been to an ugly christmas sweater party before, and I don't own any ugly christmas sweaters so i've been looking on line to find one for a reasonable price! I'm not apposed to buying men's sweaters for this because it works if they're oversized! 
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Do you have a favorite ugly sweater? If you do be sure to show me a picture of it! 
Have a great holiday season! 
Emma 

December 10, 2013

Outfit of The (Snow) Day!

 I hope you're enjoying this snowy day (if you live in an area where it's snowing!).  If it's not snowing near you, I hope you're still having a lovely day!! I had my brother take some photos of my outfit today.  It's a pretty boring outfit but I was warm so that's all that matters!!

I wore my southern proper hat today because it keeps my hair from getting wet in the snow.  I'm not a fan of the typical knit winter hats for my head so this is another option! My choice of footwear today was obvious: Bean Boots!! A snow day staple for sure! I would normally wear a pair of my J.Crew mid-calf socks but I couldn't find them this morning, so I just wore regular socks!









Hat / Scarf / Sweater* / Jacket / Leggings / Boots

December 3, 2013

Looking Cute in the Cold



A few weeks ago I posted the picture above to my tumblr page after my family and I took a few shots for our holiday card.  I got so many comments asking where my jacket/scarf was from so I thought I should make a post about it!

I absolutely love the wintertime but the one thing I hate is that I always need to wear a jacket! I have about 5 jackets that I rotate around, but they get so boring after awhile.  When I am walking around from class to class or going to lunch I am most likely wearing a jacket, so that's what a lot of people see me in. Underneath, I'll be wearing a cute outfit that I wish everyone could see, but it's covered up by a boring jacket.  Does anyone else feel this way in the wintertime?? 

One of my solutions to this problem is to wear scarves! The jacket I am wearing in the photo is a plain navy jacket from burberry, and as much as I love this coat, it can sort of get boring after awhile. Pairing it with a scarf that has some fun colors and patterns can really add another dimension to your outfit! The one pictured is a Lilly Pulitzer murfee scarf.  I highly suggest these scarves (especially to make an outfit more colorful) because they are so soft!  Below I've attached some more suggestions for scarves that add a lot to a boring outfit... 

S


Holiday Photo 2013

LOL

December 1, 2013

Book Recommendations

I get asked all of the time on my tumblr page for book recommendations.  Although I don't read as many books as I would like because of all the school work that I have to do, I do have 4 books that really stand out to me as absolute favorites.

Divergent by Veronica Roth: In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.  During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.  This book is really great and follows the distopian society theme that I really love.  It was such a fun read and I really love Tris' character.  There are three other books as well that I haven't gotten around to finishing but I will definitely be reading them this christmas break! AND it's being made in to a movie! I'm so excited for that!

Left to Tell by Imaculeee Ilibagiza: "Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculee’s family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans.  Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them."  I read this book back in eighth grade at school, and I don't think I will ever forget it.  It is an absolutely incredible story, like no other you will ever read, and it's all real.  I cannot believe the strength and determination of this girl.  I'm a slight history buff so I really loved learning about some of the political conflict through this story as well.  I highly recommend this book above any other.  

Matched by Ally Condie: "Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow." This books was so awesome because I feel like it was very different.  I really loved the concept of being told who you will marry.  This book is so interesting, and there are two others! I haven't read the last one but I look forward to doing so soon! I've heard rumors that this'll get picked up for a movie, but nothing definite yet! 

Delirium by Lauren Oliver: "They say that the cure for Love will make me happy and safe forever. And I’ve always believed them. Until now. Now everything has changed. Now, I’d rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie." This book plays along the similar love/being told who to love subject as Matched, but in a very different way.  I love the whole story line because it's so thrilling and the world it's set in is so different from the one we live in today that it's really amazing.  

What are your favorite books? I'd love to give some more a try now that school is settling down a little bit! 
Emma 

November 29, 2013

Black Friday Roundup

I am hugely obsessed with black friday, and my did thinks it's the funniest thing ever.  It's not that I am obsessed with going out in buying every sale item I can find, I just am fascinated with the whole concept!

Anthropologie: 20% off everything

Aritzia: 10% to 50% off everything, in stores and online

Asos: 20% off everything with code GIMME 20

Brooks Brothers: Additional 15% off

Club Monaco: 30% off with code THANKS30

C.Wonder: 30% off 3 or more items with code GIFTS30

Gap: 50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY

Groopdealz: 10% off entire order with code GROOPDEALZ

Henri Bendel: Up to 30% off everything with code TURKEY25 + $25 Splurge Card with any purchase + Free Shipping!

Jack Rogers: Up to 50% off

J.Crew: 30% off in stores and online

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything + free shipping on orders over $50 with code HOLIDAY50

Juicy Couture: 40% off everything + 20% off your next purchase when you sign up for emails

Madewell: 25% off entire purchase with code FEAST25

Shopbop: enter code BIGEVENT at checkout for savings

Sunglasshut: Up to 70% off select styles with code BBF70

Tobi: 50% off everything with code FOODCOMA50

Good luck if you're not shopping online today and are brave enough to make it to the stores! :)

November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving! + OOTD!

Happy thanksgiving everyone! I am so thankful to be spending my dad with my family and for all the yummy food my family and I have been making for the past couple days! This morning my brother and I went to take some OOTD pictures so today you'll be getting two outfits, one from me and another from my brother, Will!







Will's Outfit: Shirt / Pants / Shep Shirt / Boots 
Emma's Outfit: Shirt / Sweater / Pants / Boots from DSW / Bracelets (top (old J.crew), middle, bottom (old J.Crew))

Happy Thanksgiving!! 
Love, 
Emma and Will too! 

November 27, 2013

Lazy Girl's Guide to: at Home Manicures!

I love having my nails painted, but I am always either too impatient or too busy to wait for them to dry.  So, I come to you today with one of my favorite tips ever for doing my nails! I was a little skeptical of this tip at first, but it really works!!

Step One: Remove any nail polish that you have left on your nail using a nail polish remover, and file your nails to your desired shape. 

Step two: Apply a base coat.  The one i've used is Seche Vite Ridge Filling Basecoat.  I am obsessed with this! It gives the nail polish a perfectly smooth and clean surface to be painted on.



Seche Vite Base Coat
Step three/four: Apply one coat of your nail polish to your nail.  After letting the first coat dry for a few minutes, apply a second coat.  Apply a third coat if the nail polish is sheer, otherwise a third coat probably isn't needed.

Nail Polish from Sephora (Blanking on the exact name!) Also, I realize that I didn't do the neatest job painting but I can assure you that I cleaned it up a little after this photo!
Step five: Apply a top coat.  The top coat that I like to use is also by Seche Vite, it's the dry fast top coat! This top coat makes your nails look so shiny it's ridiculous!!
Look at that shine!!! ;)
Step six: (TIP) Once you've allowed the top coat to dry for about two minutes, run your nails under cold water.  Yes, cold water! I know it sounds weird, but the cold water helps the polish dry! About a minute after running your nails under the water, they'll be dry! I would still be careful not to knock in to anything, but for the most part your nails are dry!!

Enjoy! 



November 18, 2013

Lazy Girl's Guide to: Looking Cute in a T-Shirt

We all have those days where we've been staying up late studying or we're completely under the weather, and we just don't have the motivation to wear something super cute.  Sweatshirts are my last resort when i'm feeling this way.  To me,  sweatshirts should be saved for after school/work when you are just hanging out.  So, instead I usually turn to a t-shirt.

I've found some great t-shirts at gap, like the one i've featured today.  I love how this t-shirt is a little bit different than your average t-shirt.  The slight pattern in the cotton, and the color adds a little extra to the comfy outfit.

This shirt is very casual on it's own, but to make it more dressy for school i've paired it with one of my favorite j.crew factory necklaces (similar).  It adds a touch of sparkle, and since the necklace isn't too heavy, I can barely feel it which keeps this outfit pretty comfy.

I'm wearing this t-shirt with my J.Crew Pixie pants, which I like to call my almost leggings.  They're almost leggings in the sense that they are so very comfortable, but they aren't quite leggings because they are thick and they have a zipper in the back.  They are perfect for me because I can get away with these at school!

I'm wearing my J.Crew Field jacket over the shirt which completes the outfit giving it a very laid back, but cute look.  I would probably wear a pair of riding boots with this outfit because I feel that riding boots make an outfit instantly look amazing.  Or it could just be that I love boots!

I hope this has inspired you to opt for dressing up a simple t-shirt instead of throwing on a sweatshirt next time you are feeling lazy!

xo,
Emma

Monogram Monday


Who doesn't love a good monogram to liven up a monday, right? I've gathered up some of my favorite monogram items to share in this post! 

1.  Tortoise Shell iPhone Case: I love this monogrammed case! It's a nice twist on the usual monogram case because of the tortoise shell! It's such a classy way to display your monogram on your phone case!

2.  Laundry Bag: I love this laundry bag because it's so cute and very useful!

3. Gold/Silver Cuff: These bracelets will go with almost any other bracelet so it's perfect for layering!

4. Lilly Pulitzer Keychain: I love this keychain and the lilly pattern in the background adds a nice detail!

5.  Wide Enamel Bangle: One of my favorite bangles of all time! I have this in the thinner version but have been in love with this thicker version ever since I first saw it!

6. Rebecca Minkoff Pouch: This pouch would be perfect for pencils, coupons, coins, buttons, anything really! 

7.  Intarsia Crewneck Sweater: In love with this sweater!!! I just purchased it this past weekend and I can not wait to wear it!! SO cute!

Happy Monday! 

xo, 
eCw (hehe for monogram monday)


November 13, 2013

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

1.  J.Crew Factory Necklace: This is the perfect necklace to wear with a sweater over a button down.  Having it peek out under the collar is absolutely adorable and makes the outfit look so much more put together, which is definitely a plus! 
2. Lo Bosworth's Youtube: I am absolutely obsessed! She has great tips and tricks, and I just want to be her best friend! Lo fell of the radar for a little bit (at least mine) so i'm happy i've found her again! Love her channel! 



3. Swoozie's: This website is perfect!! It's a one stop shop for everything! There's tons of monogram jewelry, kate spade, stationary, invitations, you name it! I will definitely be spending a lot of time on this website! 


4.  Anthropologie's Homegrown Monogram Mug: This mug just makes me happy when I drink out of it in the morning or while i'm working on some homework!
5. I See Love by Passenger: This song has made me so happy the past few days, I just love it.  It's so relaxing and the lyrics are beautiful.  Loooove Passenger. 


What are you loving this Wednesday?


C.Wonder Flash Sale!! (1 Day left!!)

I am so excited to wear this outfit I put together for tomorrow! I received this Scottie Sweater in the mail today from C.Wonder, and I am obsessed!! I was reluctant to buy it for awhile but then I saw it had elbow patches, and not just any elbow patches, RED elbow patches.  I was sold.  (and it was on sale).  I paired it with my C.Wonder shrunken boyfriend gingham button down and my red c.wonder pants! I guess tomorrow is just going to be a C.Wonder day! I didn't even plan on wearing them all together until I started trying things on!! 

I wanted to post a little preview to my outfit tonight because C.Wonder is having their flash sale (enter here) only though tomorrow, so I wanted to let you all know about this sweater as soon as possible!!!! 

xo, 
Emma 

November 11, 2013

Motivational Monday

This week is already so stressful that I can't believe it's only Monday!! I'm already anticipating at least four tests this week that I think my brain might just shut down before friday rolls around!  But, I secretly love weeks like these because when everything's done and you've gotten through it all it's so relieving.  I don't know, is anyone else like that? Maybe it's just me.

Lately, I've been really into are motivational/inspirational quotes! It's been really uplifting sorting through them that i've started a pinterest board titled "Words", and I thought that i'd share a few of my favorites because maybe you're in need of a little boost this week too! :)


I hope you all can find something to brighten your week, even if you're swimming in work! See more by heading over to my pinterest! 

xo, 
Emma 




November 10, 2013

Emma's Gift Guide

I was going to title this post Holiday Gift Guide but I realized that you could really use this gift guide for anything! (Birthdays, Graduation, Anniversaries, etc).  I want to begin by saying that if you will be making some sort of "wish list" this holiday season you should try out wishlistr.com! It's a great website where you can attach a link to each item and then you can easily share the list with others! But, let's get on to the actual gift guide!

(Left to right)

(l to r)


(l to r)

(l to r)

(l to r)


Well, there you have it!! Here's my gift guide! This took much longer than I had expected, but I hope it will come in handy when you are buying your friends and family members gifts this holiday season! 

xo, 

Emma 

November 9, 2013

"So in love" with Stub Hub

I purchased tickets to see Ed Sheeran at Madison Square Garden for the 29th of October through ticket master towards the end of the summer.  Four of my friends and I took the train into Penn to see the concert and had the greatest time.  I had seen him preform the prior winter at Radio City, but seeing him at MSG was absolutely incredible.  His ability to take control of the audience and make a room full of 18,000 people completely silent is incredible.  We had to leave the concert about half an hour early to make our train to go home which led us to miss the entire encore, where he plays my favorite three songs! 


I guess you could say I was suffering from that "post-concert depression" that everyone seems to talk about, because two days later I found myself browsing on stub hub to see how much tickets for the next concert were going for.  I almost bought some until my friends told me I was crazy and talked my out of it.  But later that night, after submitting my first college app, I saw that tickets at the back of the floor were only $50!!!! I couldn't pass up on that deal so I bought the tickets with some of the money i've made on eBay.   I know, I'm crazy.  Since I bought the tickets the day before the concert StubHub wouldn't be able to ship the tickets to me and i'd have to pick them up at the last minute ticket service location, which was located about a mile from MSG.

Another friend and I took the train again and found the location with absolutely no problems.  Located just a few blocks before Times Square, the location was super easy to get to and the pick up when by very smoothly! My friend and I had a blast seeing the concert (even for the second time) and our seats were amazing, I could not believe that they were only $50!

So, after seeing Ed twice, my parents were very intrigued to see what this guy was all about.  My dad is a huge music buff (he dabbles in Ukulele, haha) so when he heard that Ed uses a loop pedal he was very amazed.  So, on another impulse (probably still suffering from post-concert depression at this point) I asked my dad if he would like to see the concert with me the next thursday if I could find affordable tickets again.  He said yes, and I monitored StubHub for the next few days.  Tickets ranged from $300-$500 when I first looked, so I thought there was no way I would go again because that wouldn't be worth it after I had already seen it twice.  But, the day of the concert the prices dropped a WHOLE lot, and I ended up finding tickets for the second section of the floor at a decent price.  My dad and I picked the tickets up at the same last minute service without any problem again and we really enjoyed the show.  My dad is now a huge Ed Sheeran fan! (probably the oldest Ed fan out there...)

So,  the purpose of this whole story was to share my amazing experience(s) with StubHub!!!! I am so obsessed! I definitely think i'll be ordering more tickets off of StubHub in the future, maybe last minute even because it's pretty fun.  If you've ever been skeptical about the company, don't be!! They are so lovely and reliable and I really appreciate the service!!

I highly recommend that when Ed comes 'round on tour again (sometime next year, I hope) you get ticket(s), and maybe use StubHub! I also recommend that you give yourself a reward from time to time, whether it is tickets to a concert, a shopping trip, a cookie, or a trip to the nail salon, because it is so nice to do that sometimes! I think i've forgotten how important it is to reward myself from time to time!

Don't forget to check out Ed's new songs that he played that'll be on his next album! I'm obsessed with tenerife sea (hence "so in love" with stub hub), and New York is absolutely beautiful!

Ed; Night 1
Cricket and I
Kensey and I

Ed; Night 3



September 3, 2013

Fall Music Fix

As soon as school starts up again I look at the world from a completely different perspective.  I was driving home from tennis practice today and noticed that the sun was beginning to set and thought "Ah, I love fall afternoons like this".  In this moment I realized that yesterday I would have never thought this and that also that it isn't even fall, yet.  It made me realize that once school comes around I just look at the world as fall, and I find that very weird.  Does this happen to anyone else? (Does this even make sense to anyone else?!)

Anyway, while I continued on my drive home, I realized that the music I listen to during the fall and winter is so different from the music that I listen to in the spring and summer.  In the summer i'm a huge country music fan and some music that'll really pump you up, but during the fall and winter I just can't bring myself to listen to that genre as frequently! 

I'm very excited to crave some of my favorite artists and bands again as fall rolls around so I thought i'd share my excitement with some of you.  


Ben Rector: For the past week i've been listening to Ben Rector non-stop.  I guess his music is the perfect transition from my summer music taste to my winter one? I absolutely love his work, it's definitely worth a listen if you've never heard his stuff! (Favorites: Autumn, Sailboat, Wildfire, Loving You Is Easy)

The Civil Wars: Hands down, the most talented duo i've ever come across.  I can't get enough of their voices! Their music is perfect for this time of year, it's so mellow but so good.  (Favorites: Birds of a Feather, Devil's Backbone, and From This Valley)


Needtobreathe: I really forgot hoe much I loved this band until today.  Their music just screams fall to me, maybe it's just because I have so many great memories in the fall listening to their music.  It's so unique, I just love it.  (Favorites: Oohs and Ahhs, Drive All Night, A Place Only You Can Go)

Ben Howard: I can't even describe how good his music is, just go listen to it.  It's super relaxing, which I love especially for listening while studying.  (Favorites: Black Flies, Old Pine, Only Love, Gracious)
Kodaline: My lastest Obsession.  I don't know why I haven't listened to them sooner because their music is so good.  I haven't listened to too much of their stuff yet, but i'll be exploring it all soon. (Favorites (so far): All I Want and Perfect World). 


Noteworthy songs: Sloom by Of Monsters and Men, Submarines by The Lumineers, Lady Percy by King Charles, Took a Hit by Racoon, Fall At Your Feet by Boy & Bear, and Running For Cover by Ivan & Alyosha.  



Do you have any songs/artists that you can only listen to during fall? I'd love to hear of them! 

 

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