Outfit: Gingham Vest

vest (J.Crew factory but sold out online!!)  // sweater // jeans // shoes // necklace // bracelet // ring // monogram ring // bag

Earlier this week I into the city to get a much needed hair cut before the holiday season.  The weather was actually really nice despite the overcast skies.  The day before was weirdly 70 degrees and yesterday it snowed.  The weather has definitely been weird here.  I was so excited to come home and finally get to wear my gingham vest from J.Crew factory! Unfortunately it's sold out online but I'm sure you could find it in one of their stores.  I'm also obsessed with this J.Crew factory sweater that I purchased over the weekend! I love turtle necks and cream colored sweaters so this was a perfect find for me!

Black Friday Deals

Hi everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones.  My email has been blowing up since about 5pm earlier today with emails from literally every retailer I've ever shopped from sharing their sales for this Black Friday/Cyber Monday so I figured I would compile a list to share with you all!

Bauble Bar (tonight only) 35% off with the code EARLYBIRD35

J.Crew 30% off full-priced styles and 40% off sale with code HOLIDAY

J.Crew Factory  50% off + free shipping with code THANKS

Asos 30% off with code TGIBF

Piperlime  25% off with code THANKFUL25

Madewell 25% off with code GIFTON

Design Darling  20% off with code MANYTHANKS

Artizia up to 60% off everything

Tory Burch  up to 30% off with code LUCKY

Loren Hope 20% off with code THANKFULLY

Shopbop up to 25% off with code GOBIG

Tuckernuck  15% off site wide with code SHOP15, 20% off $150 with code SHOP20, 25% off $500 with code SHOP25 and 30% OFF + free gift with code SHOP30.

Country Club Prep 25% off orders over $50 with code CYBER50

Moon and Lola 15% off $75 with code FRIYAY15, 20% off $150 with code FRIYAY20 and 25% off $225 with code FRIYAY25

Kendra Scott 15% off with code BFCM2014

Happy shopping!

Black Friday Survival Guide

Credit

I may be crazy, but I actually love Black Friday.  I think it's so interesting to observe the rush of people scrambling to buy the perfect gifts for a lower price.  For at least the past three years I've taken a trip to the mall on the Friday after Thanksgiving to try and get some deals for myself.  I know that so many people stay clear of any shopping center on this day because it can be very overwhelming, but if you plan it right it can go very well.

Be Realistic Don't go into the mall or shopping center expecting to be able to shop crowd and stress free, that won't happen.  You will be waiting for a spot in the parking lot, in the dressing room, and on line to check out.  That's the reality.   

Have a Game Plan You'll be thankful you know which stores you want to hit and in what order when you step into the mall and you're met with a rush of people.  If you're shopping with others deciding what stores to go to and when can be stressful as it is, but when you add the busy atmosphere you may end up causing more of a problem.  

Be Patient Just because there's a huge rush of people doesn't mean your manners need to go out the window.  Be nice to the people around you, even if they aren't as nice with you.  Be patient with the sales people because they're trying their best too.  There's been a never ending rush of people since the doors opened that morning.  Since I'll be working in retail this Black Friday I ask that you please be patient! :)

Expect Less If you're expecting to get incredible deals on everything on your christmas list, don't.  I've found that expecting nothing makes Black Friday better.  The past few years I've gone into the mall not being 100% sure of the things I would buy.  Yes, I had my eye on things but I wasn't set on getting anything.  I like going in like this because then any deal you get that day will be unexpected.  

Good Luck! 

Stay tuned for my Cyber Monday guide! (For those of you too afraid to leave the house on Friday)

Gift Guide: Friends

Someone on tumblr asked me about gifts for friends so I decided to make a post about it! Holiday shopping is my favorite probably because I am quite the shopoholic so all the more reason to shop, the better!! 

Chevon Jewelry Tray $12.50 Love this tray because it's festive and unique for storing stray jewels.  

Taupe Tube Matches $7.00 I'm sure some of my friends would look at me strangely if I gave them matches as a gift, but I am obsessed with them (and I know some of you are too).  Any candle lover would love getting a cute set of matches to display alongside their favorite candle.  

Sophia Studs $34.00 These studs are great to add a pop of color to any outfit, even if the person you're giving these to isn't always the most adventurous when it comes to adding color to an outfit.  They're easy to wear and can make it look like you put a lot of effort into an outfit with the color statement.  

Acrylic Block Monogram Keychain $34.00 Love this keychain to attach to dorm keys or a tote bag for a personal touch. (order by dec 10 to receive by Christmas!!)

Chevron Card Case $24.00 Love this card case from C.Wonder.  It's so convenient to have a small place to store money and cards especially if you're giving this to someone who wears cross bodies a lot, as space is limited so it's difficult to bring a full wallet around.

Pom Hat $48.00 Love this cute hat especially for the wintertime.  Most coats are dark colors, so I love the look of a fresh white hat against the dark coats. 

Woke Up Like This Mug $12.95 Annnd cut to Beyoncé.  Love this mug probably because I love Beyonce.  

Acrylic Block Monogram Necklace $48.00 (15% off when you sign up for emails) I actually have this necklace and love it.  I may or not be gifting it to some of my friends this holiday season.  I have just the 2 initials because I wanted something different and I get so many compliments on it.

Giant Gem Speaker $40.00 Who doesn't love a good speaker? This one is adorable and loud so it's perfect for on the go or to keep on your desk.

Lahaina Pineapple Case $35.00 I love the color of this case and that it incorporates some metallics.

Essie Winter Mini Four-Pack $17.00 Holiday nail polishes are some of my favorites and the mini essie bottles are just the cutest.  They make the perfect gift for anyone who loves to change up their nail polish.

DryBar Curling Iron $125 This may be the most generous gift for a friend of the list, but it's a really great and quality curling iron.  If you have a friend that loves curling their hair this is a grew option.

The Perfect Gift to Send

I'm definitely obsessed with Birthdays.  I love any chance to celebrate and giving gifts, so when I saw the Bonjour Balloon online I was immediately in awe.  I love that upon opening the box a fun balloon pops out (aka I would die if I got one of these).  These balloons make a fun and unique gift that would be surely unexpected by friends and loved ones.

The Bonjour Balloon makes the perfect gift to send to friends that are far away.  For me, it's perfect because a lot of my friends live half-way across the country, attending other colleges.  This is perfect to put a smile on someone's face if you can't be there to see them in person on a special day.  

Friday Finds

WWI Christmas Ad I feel like everyone has gotten in to the Christmas spirit a little early this year.  People (including myself) may have just skipped over Thanksgiving and started preparing for the Christmas season.  While I love Thanksgiving, there's something about Christmas that's magical, and this video displays that so well.

"Normal Barbie" I read this article on BuzzFeed earlier this week and was really inspired by what this Barbie does with the kids who play with it.  I never realized that Barbie's anatomy and perfection shaped a child's view on themselves and other people.  Watch the video at the end of the article because it puts everything into perspective.  

credit

Idina Menzel & Michael Bublé Baby It's Cold Outside Yeah, I'm jumping into Christmas again, but I just love this video.  It's too cute and Michael Bublé is the voice of Christmas music (for me at least).  

Gifts For The Guys

Guys are always tricky to shop for.  I love buying gifts for people but with guys I am always a little stumped.  I feel like most guys have a very particular taste when it comes to things so they can be pretty hard to shop for.  I searched through the internet to find some possible gifts that aren't too expensive and hopefully won't be out of your guy's taste range.

Under $25: Ice Cub Mold, Leather Sounders, Key Fob, Triple C Amplifier, Whale Hat,
Under $100: Polaroid Cube, Weekender Bag, Cosmetics Bag, Cufflinks, Wallet, Ollo Clip

Holiday Wishlist

I think almost everyone can agree that when people ask you what your favorite movie is or your favorite book, every single thought disappears from your head and you can not think of a single movie or book that you've ever liked.  The same thing goes for me during the holiday season.  My parents always ask me around this time of year if there's anything special I would like and usually I completely forget about anything I had my eye on.  So, for awhile now I've kept a pinterest board going so that if I see something I like I can easily add it to that board so I don't forget about it.

I think it's so interesting to peak at what other people have on their wish list so that is why I'm sharing mine today.  Seeing what other people want always sparks ideas for me.  I would be grateful to receive any of the following things over the holiday season!

Sam Edelman Zavier Heels I love these shoes because they're perfect for the wintertime.  It's hard to find heels that go well for the colder months and I love that this shoe is close-toed but still has some strappy details that you would normally find in sandals. 

Fujifilm Smartphone Printer I'm so obsessed with this.  I love all things photography and love that with this printer you're able to print pictures straight from your phone onto polaroid paper.  I love taking polaroids but sometimes hate when the picture doesn't turn out right, but with this you can be assured that you would have perfect pictures all the time!

Salvatore Ferragamo Mini Bag I love how classic and elegant this bag is.  It's perfect for anytime of year and will never go out of style.  

Freshwater Peal Cluster Earrings How adorable are these earrings from J.Crew? I love that they're a step up from your average pearl earrings.  I wear my plain pearl studs from Brooks Brothers everyday and love that these could be worn to mix things up while still maintaining the classic look.  

Tory Burch Chase Ballet Flat I'm a sucker for tortoise shell so when I first saw these ballet flats I knew I would be adding them to my pinterest board.  These are the perfect winter flats but are a little more fun than just a plain shoe.  (also they're on sale right now!!)

Halcyon Deys Greek Key I've been a huge fan of Halcyon Deys every since my Aunt gave me two of their bracelets for my high school graduation. They remind me a lot of the bracelets at Hermes but aren't quite as expensive and aren't embossed with an "H".  I love that this bracelet is skinnier than the other two I have and would go with almost anything.

To see some more of the things I have my eye on, check out my pinterest board!!

Do you have a wish list on pinterest as well? If you do link it in the comments below!

Prints to Start Off Your Gallery Wall

c/o Pinterest

c/o Pinterest

Gallery walls are a very popular way to display art, prints, and pieces of memorabilia.  They can be very straightforward and symmetrical, or more creative.  I love that the layout of a gallery wall also becomes a work of art.  There are different methods to arranging the art, different color schemes, and different scenarios that they work in.


I've been dying to start off a gallery wall in my bedroom at home for the longest time but since I'm away at school now that project has been put on hold.  So, I've created my own virtual gallery wall right into this post! 

Click each piece of art to see where you can find more like it! *images not to scale

Glamorous Advent Calendars

I know it's early (thanksgiving hasn't even passed yet), but Advent calendars sell out so fast! I remember last year wishing I had one during the first week of December only to see that they were sold out almost everywhere!

Avent calendars are a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit and they also make a fun gift (if you're exchanging towards the beginning of december).  Advent calendars come in all different sizes and values.  I'm pretty sure you can find one to fit anyone you know.  Some of my favorites are the beauty advent calendars.  Most give you a sample of their product for each day in December leading up to Christmas.  It's a great way to try out some products from brands you may have never ventured to before.  

Starbucks 2014 Advent Calendar $29.95

I love that this comes with a magnetic board with different sweets inside of each container.  It would be fun to stick this up next to your desk and watch as Christmas gets closer.  

Tarte Petit Treats Advent Calendar $65.00

I love Tarte products and this calendar is a great way to get into them.  It's fun to open up each door to reveal a new piece of makeup from the brand to use in your everyday routine.  

The Best of the Body Shop Advent Calendar $50.00

In the Winter I really love taking baths, and with this calendar you could have different options for your baths every day in december.  There's also a few of there makeup products tucked in.  

Benefit Advent Calendar $99.00

I'm a huge fan of benefit and think that this might be the advent calendar I will be using this year.  It comes with a lot of their top-selling items that would be perfect to use over the holiday season, plus a few other extras such as hair ties, sticky notes, etc.  

Ciaté Nail Varnish Advent Calendar $59.00

I'm a huge fan of nail polish and would love to have a new color each day.  This advent calendar is a great way to go out of your comfort zone with nail polish.  There's bound to be some colors that you would never normally pick out for yourself, but now that you have it you might as well try it! 

Do you have any favorite advent calendars? 

Friday Finds

BuzzFeed Video
This isn't exactly a recent find, but it's worthy of being shared.  If you're not subscribed to the BuzzFeed video channel, you're missing out.  I could get lost for hours on their channel (actually multiple channels).  My favorites are the "Americans try..." or "(insert other country) tries American snacks".  They're just too interesting, and hilarious to watch.

La Croix
Two weeks ago I dragged my parents along with me to the grocery store since they were here for family weekend.  Since I'm car-less I usually uber to and from the grocery store which can get a little tedious, especially if I'm buying any sort of drink (water bottles will be the death of me).  While strolling through the store I saw a section with a few boxes of La Croix cans.   I actually had never seen or heard of La Croix before moving down to Texas.  It's another type of sparkling water that comes in a variety of flavors, and since I had my parent's rental car and a few extra arms to help carry, I decided I would try it out.  I'm so happy I did because I am in love.  Click here to see where you can buy La Croix near you!

Lululemon "Seek The Heat" Tank
I feel like displaying your bra as part of your outfit is really on trend right now.  Whether its letting the strap of a free people halter lace bralette, or the lf cross-front bras that everyone is wearing now.  I stumbled across this ensemble from Lululemon a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it.  The top is so comfortable and perfect for a good work out, or just lounging around.  I love the deep cut in the back because the bra that comes with it is very cute.  But, the biggest reason I love this item is that the bra is detachable.  So, you can wear the two together, or style them on their own with other pieces that you already have.  I love that aspect of it and it makes this purchase so worth it.

J.Crew New Arrivals

*Images from jcrew

I'm drooling over all of J.Crew's new arrivals.  All of the metallics are perfect for the upcoming holiday season and they've been done in the most tasteful ways.  I'm obsessed with the origami skirt with the sequin skirt because it's a mature way to have fun with a little glitter.  I would love to pair the gold metallic shorts with black tights and cute booties.  

What makes these new arrivals even better? They're all 25% off with the code SHOPNOW! Click on the pictures above the shop the looks for yourself. 

Quilted Jackets

I got a question on Tumblr a few days ago asking where to find affordable quilted jackets which sparked the idea to elaborate in a blog post.  There are so many different quilted jackets out there in various different styles.  I love that they are so classic but can be so warm especially when layered with sweaters and scarves.  

Burberry Copford  $595

Nylon Barn Jacket $138 (Great alternative option for the Burberry Coat for a fraction of the cost)

Quilted Puffer Jacket $139.99 (25% off with code GETWARM)

Quilted Riding Jacket $139

Leather Love

c/o Pinterest

Recently I've been borderline obsessed with looks that involve a touch of leather.  I feel like in the wintertime leather can take an outfit from ordinary to something a little bit more.  Leather can add a touch of flair in ways other accessories can't.  A few weeks ago I bought a cotton tank top that had faux leather on the front and can't get over how chic it is.

AG Leatherette Jeans: I'm a huge fan of Adriano Goldschmeid and I love that these jeans are more of a maroon/burdgundy color so they're a little easier to wear then a black leather jean.

Tinley Road Twill Vegan Leather Jacket: I love that this jacket is just a touch of leather which makes it a good way to tie in leather to your outfit without fully jumping on board the leather trend.

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Jacket Similar to the last option, this coat emphasizes the leather trend but isn't a full on leather jacket so it's more low-key.  

Leland Vegan Leather Sweater This is a great option to start off with if you're less adventurous.  The unique elbow patches add just the right touch of leather without calling for all the attention.  

Do you have some favorite leather looks?

Blogs You Should Be Reading

Reading some of my favorite blogs has become part of my daily routine.  I love getting a peak into these ten blogger's lives and personal style.  Make sure to click each icon and see exactly why these blogs are my must-reads!

Do you have a favorite blog that's not listed? If so, leave it in the comments! I'm always looking for new blogs to read.

Recipes to Try This Holiday Season

pumpkin cookie bars // cranberry brie bites // mini caramel apples // spiced white cocoa

These recipes are making me wish I had a kitchen to cook in! Take a look at my "Tasty Treats" board on Pinterest for more recipes!

What are some of your favorite recipes for the holiday season?

November Playlist

Before I say anything I must note that I am completely obsessed with Taylor Swift's new album 1989.  I really wasn't expecting anything after being let down by Red, but I am really impressed.  I really did not enjoy the fact that Taylor was transitioning from Country to Pop but I really do love where she's at right now.  Her song's are so happy and upbeat and are really just feel-good, make you want to dance songs.  

What have you been listening to recently?

How Going to College Has Influenced My Style

Your environment shapes who you are, and that's to be expected, but I never realized that going to college would alter my style.  After being here for about three months, I've realized I'm gravitating towards pieces of clothing and accessories I wouldn't have a few months earlier.  I really believe different types of people I see and weather have really opened up new doors for me, style wise.

Everyday is Casual

In high school I would dress up almost ever single day, and I've realized dressing up here is way different then dressing up in high school.  A large majority of students reach for the work out clothes or oversized t-shirt and nike shorts in the morning, and while I haven't fallen to that end of the spectrum yet, I have found myself going for my casual outfits.  I don't reach for a blazer in the morning, as I might've in high school, and instead I throw on a casual dress.  

A New Scene to Dress For

The outfits I wear on the weekends now, I would've never had the opportunity to wear in high school. I never went out to the type of places I go to now, but most high schoolers don't.  Dressing for this whole new "scene" totally caught me off guard.  On typical nights out I'll wear a pair of wedges, jeans, and a fun tank top, but when I came to school I only had about 5-7 tank tops (I wasn't much of a tank top person), and I've noticed more have made their way into closet.  

Dressing Darker

Anyone who knows me (or looks at my OOTDs) would not describe my wardrobe as dark.  Up until last week I only had one black dress, and two navy tops in my closet at school.  Everything else ranges from bright pink to light blue.  While I love wearing those colors, I've realized how sleek a black top, dark jeans and heels can look for going out.  While shopping I've gravitated towards darker colors that I probably wouldn't have even looked at a few months back.  

How has your style evolved recently?