Friday's Fancies: Hello April

Happy Friday! 

This week {av} wanted us to create our perfect rainy day look. I'm going to be honest, my rainy day look is throwing on a pair of Burberry rain boots I bought myself for my 19th birthday and a Northface. I also rarely had an umbrella in college so yes, much less glamorous than my outfit for today. That being said, I couldn't resist throwing in some sequins, hot pink rain boots, and a floral umbrella. If I had to be caught in the rain, I would much rather be wearing this.

J.Crew Sequin Tank / MiH Jeans / Givenchy Drawstring Anorak / Hunter Rainboots / ASOS Cross Body Bag / Topshop Umbrella / Gorjana Necklace / Mint Stretch Bracelet

Need, Want, Must Have

This week I'm sort of all over the place with life and that definitely applies to everything I need, want, and absolutely must have this week. Bold colors/patterns are really inspiring me lately and after a recent trip to Madewell, I am dying for that striped skirt. I may need to stop in again and purchase it (don't judge me). Also, how cute is that heart sweatshirt? Two of these things on the list I recently purchased and I'm officially in love with- the Sam Edelman flats are the most comfortable things I've ever put on my feet and took absolutely no breaking in. And that Clinique chubby stick is incredibly moisturizing and comes in a ton of fun colors. I always find that wearing bright lipstick dries out my lips & this is the perfect solution. 

What are you loving this week? 

Madewell Heart Sweatshirt / Topshop Stripe Bandeau Bikini / Macy's Rachel Roy Handbag / Kate Spade Scarf (on sale!) / Aqua Striped Enamel Bangle / Zara Basic Sandal / Topshop Sleeveless Denim Shirt / Madewell Golden Trapeze Necklace /Target Flocked Lamp Shade / Sam Edelman Felicia Flat / Madwell Picket Stripe Skirt

One Shirt Two Ways

When I first got my internship with Nordstrom I was terribly nervous. Not because I was going to be starting a new job (which is always nerve racking) but because I was responsible for the men's department. I had never dressed a guy before (I always worked at women's clothing stores and my boyfriend prefers jeans & a t-shirt). Today I put together two looks with one polo, inspired by Nordstrom Rail Department and I think they could work for any lifestyle. I especially like that everything could be mixed and matched (i.e. wear the jeans with the sweatshirt, etc.)  Do you get to dress up the guy in your life?

Friday's Fancies: Team Spirit

I started this post yesterday and well, it pained me to finish it this morning. So, I'm just pretending the Badgers didn't lose yesterday- no biggie. For this week's Fridays Fancies {av} wanted us to focus on the NCAA tournament and create an outfit around our favorite team. I've told you of my love for Wisconsin sports before so it should come as no surprise that I chose an outfit comprised of red & white.

Game days in Madison are like nothing I've ever experienced before (I know, everyone says that about their school) but I've been to several other universities and although I am in fact 100% biased, I still believe Madison students do game days the best. I passed down my beloved bibs to a younger girl in my sorority before I graduated and sometimes I wish I still had those babies:

{RIP beloved overalls}

Anyways, now that I am a mature responsible adult (sometimes) I decided to go with a look that is actually socially acceptable to wear. I am on the hunt for a new pair of white jeans and am a firm believer you can wear them year round (no waiting for Memorial Day for me). I paired the white denim with a bright red top, a mint necklace, and wedges I am dying to purchase from Zara:

I feel like I've been celebrating my  birthday for 6 months at this point and I am sure you all are done hearing about it. However, tonight I have one (final) celebration with my college roommates and then a weekend of nothing- which is awesome considering I got three hours of sleep last night and I think I may take a nap under my desk. I hope you all have an amazing weekend! 

xx

And as always, stop by Long Distance Loving for more game day inspiration! 

Girl Crush: Jennifer Lawrence

I'm going to see The Hunger Games at midnight tonight & it is going to be awesome. I am all about midnight movie premieres and actually consider it a hobby of mine. My best friend and I go hours before and sit, chat, play games, etc. to ensure we get a prime spot in the theatre. I fully acknowledge the fact that this makes me a complete dork. But what can I say, I love me some teeny bopper book series. 

On that note, I'm obsessed with Jennifer Lawrence. I think she is so real and I kind of want to be best friends with her. I also really love her style (not all the time but you can't get every outfit right). Her press tour for The Hunger Games has me googling her constantly and I have to say the thing I like most about her is the simplicity of her outfits. She makes a statement without going over the top and her looks are something that I think a lot of girls can picture themselves in. Here are some of my favorite outfits:

 

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Have you read The Hunger Games? If so, did you love it? Or think it's over-hyped? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it or any other books you're reading lately! 

Need, Want, Must Have

First of all, I just wanted to thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes! It's never ceases to amaze me how supportive & wonderful you all are. I had a great day (besides the fact that I had to work all day) and had an amazing dinner at Capital Grille with the boyfriend. On Sunday I celebrated with my family and picked up a couple of things from J.Crew - my favorite being this dress. 

Lately I've been lusting after a ton of stuff & actually just purchased a few things from Zara yesterday. I couldn't resist. When I was putting this post together I noticed a definite pastel trend in everything I picked out and then I saw that image and fell in love with her outfit. I know, I know everyone's over seeing mint everywhere but I can't help it- the mint, coral, & blue stripe combo is adorable. Also, did I mention those J.Crew sandals are on sale? Too good to be true, I know. What are you loving this week?

1. Topshop- Knot Front Shirt 2. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray 3. Verdant Acres Bowl 4. Lila Patent Platform Wedges 5. Clinique BB Cream 6. Theory Printed Silk Tank 7. Gap Paisley Canvas Shorts 8. Topshop- Pleated Dip Hem Skirt 9. ASOS Zig Zag Rings

Birthday

Today is my 23rd Birthday. I apologize for the lack of a post but I've been going non-stop since Friday & am taking the day to enjoy the beautiful weather, a new dress, and a birthday dinner with the boyfriend. 

Have a great day! 

xx

 

 

 

images: here & here

Friday's Fancies: St. Patrick's Day

Last St. Patrick's Day I was sipping green beer in tropical Costa Rica with a nice tan: 

This year I will not be as lucky, although it's supposed to be 78 in Chicago tomorrow so I really shouldn't complain. This week's Friday's Fancies is focused on my favorite holiday- St. Patrick's Day. Tomorrow I'm heading to Wrigleyville for some pre-birthday festivities and mentally preparing myself for the swarms of people I'll encounter. I am heading to the mall after work to find an outfit (talk about last minute) and wish I could somehow get the dress I picked for this week overnighted to me, I love the preppy stripes and the bright green color. Since I'm going to be out and about all day I would definitely opt for some white converse and some fun clover accessories. 

What are you doing for St. Patrick's Day?

Things

Every 5 days or so I get the urge to buy something. Quite frankly this is not good for anyone involved, particularly my bank account. This week I'm justifying it with "My birthday is on Monday.. I must need to buy every piece of Zara's spring collection" attitude. But still. It's a problem. Here are a few random things I want to buy but have no business purchasing: 

 

This one piece. Why do I want this? I wish I knew. I don't even wear one pieces. *Sigh*

 

New Converse. I have 3 pairs of Converse already but somehow I need these Aqua Blue ones. Since I graduated college I have worn Converse maybe 3 times. What is wrong with me?

 

I'm going on vacation in (six!) weeks. Clearly I need to purchase this Farmer's Market Tote right this very moment or I won't be properly prepared for the beach. 

 

I'm sure you've all seen this Tilly Maison Tray. I plan to buy it today. I live with my parents and have absolutely no need for a tray. Maybe I'll host a party in my hot pink & lime green bedroom from 6th grade- who knows.

 

These will be the death of me. I have the look alike Steve Madden ones that I wore every day for 3 months straight last summer. Needless to say, they are ruined and Steve Madden no longer makes them. I need these shoes. I wake up every morning and swoon over them for 10 minutes. $300 too much? Never. Now I can't eat for 4 weeks. 

Does anyone else have this issue? Because I'm starting to think I need to find a Shoppers Anonymous program.

Currently Coveting

Is it just me or has this week been dragging on? I'm pretty sure whenever I have something fun planned it feels like one day is the equivalent of 10 years. But anyways, here are a few things that I'm loving this week- specifically that dress (I can't stop obsessing over the color and detail). It's supposed to be 80 degrees in Chicago today and I'm working from home. You will find me laying in my backyard.... laptop in hand. I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday! 

1. Candela Elle Mini Dress 2. DVF Vintage Notebooks 3. F21 Woven Stripes Cuff 4. Pelle Moda Truman Platform Sandals 5. TOM BINNS Counter Cultured Earrings 6. Zara Top w/ Pleated Shoulders 7. Zara Polka Dot Scarf 8. Kenneth Jay Lane Pearlized Link Necklace

Dreaming Of..

For one reason or another, these two pictures...

 

make me wish I was here:

 

Impromptu trip to Paris anyone?

images via via

Weekend Recap

I have to admit, life has been pretty uneventful this last week or so. Work has been underwhelming and I've been finding it hard to get the motivation I need to hit the gym (although I almost always feel much better if I do). I'm turning the big 2-3 in a week and the celebrations will begin on Thursday so although life hasn't been exciting- I'm really trying to appreciate the little things. 

Homemade Banana Bread (w/ coconut & walnuts).

Brisket, Mac & Cheese, and Peach Cobbler from Smoque.

My first purchase from Bauble Bar finally arrived.

My new favorite pair of jeans in a bright coral hue. 

Cheering on The Badgers with friends (despite their loss). 

Also in other news, my boyfriend's sister was picked by Jillian Harris as the room of the month for March! 

You can read a little more about it here. SO excited for her!

Friday's Fancies: Spring Break

Happy Friday, everyone! For this week's Friday's Fancies everyone chose an outfit they'd wear on Spring Break. While my vacation isn't happen for several weeks, a girl can still dream. I chose a simple purple tank top and created two outfits- one for a day walking the beach & one for a night out to dinner and drinks. I also tried to stick with the same colors in each (turquoise, pink/coral, and purple). When I pack for anything- I like  pieces that can be worn multiple ways and this tank top definitely fits the bill. What is everyone doing this weekend? I'm heading downtown tonight & then have zero plans for the rest of the weekend. I'm hoping to back a new recipe- so cross your fingers it works out and I learn how to work a real camera :) xx

As always, check out more Friday's Fancies at Long Distance Loving!

Building Your Closet

            I don't think it matters if you're a recent graduate like me or someone who has been fine tuning their closet for years, wardrobes are a work in progress. While I do not pretend to know the magic combination of what every woman should have in her closet- I do know where I want to begin building my own closet. Which is why I'm starting a new weekly series about the "building blocks" to a great closet. What makes a great closet? I think it's a combination of timeless basics mixed with fashion forward styles that don't break the bank. Of course I realize everyone has a budget (some much larger than mine) which is why I'm including 3 different price points in my picks- it's really up to you. 

one two three

The leather jacket is a classic piece I think every woman should own. I saw that Theory jacket at Saks the other day and fell in love with it. The simple silhouette is more like a cardigan than a jacket- which is why I love it. But, let's get real. I just graduated college and have a mound of student loans to pay, I would be insane to spend $900 on a jacket. Which is why I think both the Nordstrom & Topshop options are wonderful choices, too. One of the best things about a leather jacket is it can dress up a simple outfit of a white t-shirt, boyfriend jeans, and flats or it can dress down a slinky dress. The possibilities are endless, which is why this will be the next piece I add to my wardrobe. 

Styling Inspiration: 

     

      

     

           

images via here, here, here, & here. 

Currently Coveting: {Flat Sandals}

It's been extremely nice in Chicago yesterday and today (think almost 70!) and it has definitely put me in the mood for Spring. And while I know this weather will never last, I do have a trip coming up in about 8 weeks and plan to add a couple of my favorite things for spring to that suitcase. One of them being flat & strappy sandals. I especially love the pairs that combine luxe leather or suede with a metallic strap. And for less than $100 all of these are extremely budget friendly. I can picture myself wearing these with pretty much everything in my closet. Which pair is your favorite? I am thinking I need those Zara ones.


1.Zara Basic Sandal 2. Steve Madden Achilees 3. Zara Two-Tone Sandal 4. River Island Color Block Sandal 5. Topshop Frankie Cuff Sandal 6. ASOS Flame Leather Flat 7. H&M 8. ASOS Flossy Sandal 9. ASOS Fizz Sandal

Nutella & Marshallow Pockets

I am not going to lie to you, my domestic skills are severely lacking. I don't usually cook dinner (unless it's a salad or something out of a box). Getting home at 6 and then having to cook dinner makes me feel stressed & hungry. But, I do love to bake. Cupcakes, pastries, you name it- I have a major sweet tooth. So when I found this recipe from Picky-Palate.com I knew I had to try them out. If you haven't been to her site ever, I suggest you head that way right this instant. She makes beautiful recipes that are incredibly simple for those that don't bake often (and her pictures will look much prettier than my phone photos :)). This recipe is a personal favorite since I had most of the ingredients & even if you don't- you can purchase it all for less than $10. 

I made no modifications to the recipe- so make sure you pop on over here for step-by-step instructions!
Also, make sure you really close up the pockets since I had a bit of trouble with the filling oozing out while baking in the oven. They were still absolutely amazing but, I will be keeping that in mind for the next time I make these. 

The Weekend

Happy Monday! For whatever reason I am so exhausted today it's not even funny (I'm on latte #2 and it's only 8:30). This weekend was a lot of fun. I didn't do anything that exciting  but it was nice to see old friends from high school & to hang out with my co-workers downtown. I also went bowling... twice. Did you know they sell socks in a vending machine there? I was forced to purchase a $4 pair since I had heels on and was not planning on bowling when I got ready Saturday night. I tried out a new Banana Bread beer that is absolutely delicious, wore my new Tory Burch bag out with my favorite green blouse, and started a new book on my Kindle- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (I know I'm a little late jumping on that bandwagon). How was everyone's weekend? 

Friday's Fancies: Color Crush

Happy Friday, everyone! Is it just me or has the week draggggged on? For Friday's Fancies this week we're focusing on the color "Tangerine". I never used to wear orange since I thought it looked funny with my blonde hair, but I have to say I've been drawn to the color everywhere I go lately. I'm going to try and incorporate it in subtle ways within my own wardrobe- like an orange neon belt or scarf. I just purchased these Kate Spade earrings & plan to try out Revlon's Orange Flip lipstick. The best part about this week's picks? They are all under $120. That way we can all enjoy the trend without breaking the bank. How are you feeling about tangerine this season?


blouse (on sale!) // bikini // sandals // tote // necklace // ring // scarf // belt ($10!)



Tonight I''m going out to Kirkwood's with some co-workers for a much needed night out. And then the rest of the weekend is kind of up in the air. The boyfriend has been gone all week on business so I'm hoping to sneak in a dinner/movie date with him one of the nights. What are your plans for the weekend?

9 Things

It has come to my attention that I do not have an "About Me" section. And since I typically don't post about my own life... I figured I'd share a little bit about myself. I am by no means tech savvy therefore it may take me 5 years to get an actual "About Me" page- I'll keep you posted on that one. I tried to think of 10 things but I am sincerely not that exciting so 9 will have to do. 

1. I went to the University of Wisconsin- Madison and recently graduated last May. This is #1 because I am obsessed with all things UW, Sconnie, and cheese-related.

Badger Gameday

2. I used to be a dancer & won 5 IDTA state championships with my dance team throughout high school. Yes, I'm talking about high school. No, I swear I didn't "peak" when I was 17.

3. I was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago & in Lake Geneva, WI where my dad lives.

Mom & Dad (note: Dad spends 2 months a year in Jamaica hense the tan)

4. I was an only child for 10 years which makes my sister and brother 10 & 12 years younger than me (quite the age gap). 

5. I've been to 3 continents, 7 countries, and about 22 states (I don't feel like counting so that may be off slightly). I LOVE to travel & would prefer to live somewhere in Europe.

Surfing in Costa Rica w/ my roommates.

6.  I hate the taste of cilantro and fully believe people are genetically predisposed to hate it.

7. I've mentioned him before, but I've been dating my boyfriend since I was 15. He was my first kiss when I was 10 & our families live across the street from each other. *cue Wonder Years soundtrack*

The boy.

8. I work for a major corporate retailer in the Chicago area (there are only a few so I'll let you figure it out  yourself). I've been involved in retail since my very first job when I was 16 and never looked back. I am a merchandiser in Kid's Footwear (baby shoes are so cute).

9. My weaknesses include but are not limited to: french fries, reality tv, chocolate ice cream, and a cute pair of shoes.



Well, I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better. Happy Thursday, everyone!