Over the Weekend

(L-R: Colleen, Sadie, Rachel, and me- for once in my life I'm the tall one!) 

Normally I don't have pictures from an exciting weekend to share, but I do now!  This past weekend Greg drove up from Tennessee and we went to Spring Cotillion with a couple of my friends.  I didn't want to overload you with pictures, but here are a few of my favorites...

Dress: Forever 21, $25

Shoes: Paris Hilton via TJ Maxx, $20

Earrings: Cato's, $2

I actually got my dress while I was in high school (and hadn't put it on since then.) A few weeks ago I got slightly nervous that maybe I underestimated my almost zero weight gain during college (Yay for no freshman fifteen!)  But luckily it still fit pretty perfectly.  And how perfect does Greg match??  We stopped by Macy's during a quick break on Saturday and picked out his shirt and tie in about 10 minutes time. Bonus points 'cause they were both on sale ;)

This is my friend and neighbor Sadie.  Every time a formalish event comes around she claims to be 100% helpless with doing her own hair and I usually volunteer to take over.  Although you would never be able to tell, her hair is a lot thinner than it looks.  Last cotillion she wanted a little bit of a poof with some volumous curls and we actually had to build a poof around a half up bun on the top of her head because it absolutely refused to be teased.  Surprisingly, this was her first up-do.  I thought the braid and curls looked pretty awesome though!

And on top of that awesome weekend- today is Greg's 21st birthday.  Yeah, I'm a little scared.... Just kidding ;)  Even though I'm almost 500 miles away and 100% broke, I have a few little birthday surprises up my sleeve.  As soon as I don't have to keep them a secret from him anymore I'll be sure to blog about it.  Hopefully everything turns out good!

Happy 21st Birthday Greg!

This time the tights will last.

 

 

Dress: Forever 21, $20

Tights: Urban Outfitters, boyfriend :)

Ruffle Top (Under Dress): Forever 21, $15

Cardigan: Gap, $10

Flats: Target, $9

Necklace: Puerto Rico, 50¢

Coat: Macy's, $30

Purse: Thrifted, $4

First of all, sorry for the dirty shoes.  Second of all, this could be one of my favorite outfits ever.  Unfortunately this was overshadowed by a few bad things, such as the freezing weather, an inability to decide on absolutely anything, and the loss of daylight (and therefore the not so desirable picture taking conditions) which pretty much just created a bad mood for me.  Oh well, we all have those days.  What can you do??

On a much brighter note, Greg came to visit this weekend and we got to dress up for Spring Cotillion (a dance my school hosts.)  So I have plenty of fun pictures to share :)

Winter Floral

{Tunic: Forever 21, $20}

{Chambray Shirt: J.Crew, $35}

{Cardigan: Old Navy, $7}

{Tights: Target, $10}

{Flats: Target, $15}

{Short Necklace: gift}

{Locket Necklace: The Body Shop, $3}

{Deer Ring: H&M, 4 for $8}

{Coat: Modcloth, gift}

I love forever 21. I love online shopping. Together, they are not the best combination. I bought this dress online and it came much shorter than expected and has gotten even shorter after washing it (Lesson learned: ALWAYS look at measurements.) I plan on adding a strip of plain color fabric to the bottom hem to lengthen the dress. I'm just waiting until I can 1) decide what color and 2) get some extra time. Any opinions? Until then, I'm sticking to only wearing it with completely 100% opaque leggings or tights.

Also, this is ring 2 of 4 from the H&M pack I bought on my birthday. I'm kind of in love with all of them. And, on another unrelated note, I'm pretty excited to start the next 30 for 30. Who's with me?

The Un-wearable but actually wearable skirt.

{Skirt: Forever 21, $20}

{Top: Forever 21, $12}

{Blazer: Thrifted, $4}

{Belt: Vintage, my mom's}

{Boots: Belk, $35}

{Scarf: Old Navy, 50¢}

{Necklace: Rue 21, $1}

{Tights: WeLoveColors.com, $10}

Tired of this blazer yet? No? How about the boots? Well I hope not, because I think I'll be re wearing both these pieces all winter long... or, at least until I get more boots/outerwear.

About the title- Have you ever bought anything because you honestly loved it, but then abandoned it in the back of your closet because you can't figure out how to wear it? Well, this is one of those items for me. I seriously bought it over a year ago. I rediscovered it the other day, tags still attached, and decided to make it work. Wouldn't you know that once I picked it up I made SO many outfits around it. Too bad it took me a year to realize that... I love the way it twirls (as demonstrated) but I especially love the little polka dot/dash pattern on it. You can't really see the pattern unless you're close up, but I think it adds a nice little extra.

Side note: I'm writing this on Friday to be published on Saturday. I'm also writing Sunday's post now because.... tomorrow's my 20th birthday! Today is my friend Colleen's birthday too, so we have some fun stuff planned this weekend- I'll take plenty of pictures I'm sure. Also, my awesome boyfriend is coming up from Tennessee to spend the weekend. Maybe I can convince him to help out with some pictures...

Gosh I Love Vacation

What

Shorts: Old Navy, $4

Tanks: Old Navy, $3 each

Denim Shirt: gift

Sandals: Old Navy, $5

Ring: Charlotte Russe, $4

Bangles: Rue 21, Forever 21, Old Navy- about $10

Headband: Forever 21, $4

Bag: TJ Maxx, $20

Iced Coffee: Mucky Duck, $4- If you're ever in Duck, NC go to the Duck Bookstore and coffee shop and order this. It's pretty much amazing.

Where

With the exception of trying to disguise myself as a nature photographer while getting blog pictures (I admit, I'm still a little embarrassed when people catch me taking pictures of myself) today's little outing was amazingly peaceful. I got in a last little bit of shopping before starting my 30 for 30, then enjoyed this delicious iced coffee while getting pictures on the nature boardwalk at sunset, and to top it off, there was a lovely jazz band playing in the background somewhere.

50's Anyone?

What

Shirtdress: Forever 21, $30

Heels: Random store in LA, $8

Necklace: Forever 21, $4

Where

Out to lunch and a movie with my friend Ashley. Can anyone else hardly wait for Sex and the City 2? I never followed the series, but I LOVED the first movie.

Why

I love shirt-dresses because they're so simple and easy to just throw on and look nice. This one is especially nice for several reasons:

1. It was only $30 at Forever 21
2. It has a really cute floralish/featherish print
3. The placement of the waist and pockets makes legs look super long

I also love these shoes- for the first few minutes they're on. After that I'm ready for some cute sandals :)

Simple Southern Style

What
Jeans (Rolled into Capris): Old Navy
Top: J.C. Penney's- I know I wear White T's WAY too often, but they're so perfect for a comfy but put together outfit, and as long as you're mixing it up, I think it's OK to wear items frequently
Camisole: Old Navy
Hat: Forever 21
Heels: Dillard's
Necklace: Borrowed from my Madre : )

Where
After Church I changed into this comfy ensemble for a day with the family.

Why
Note to self and others: Never, EVER pack when emotionally upset. This causes you to end up at your destination with nothing but tons of random pieces that do not match. You will also forget to pack any and all accessories, more than one pair of shoes, and also possibly your hairbrush and other necessities. The only positive thing that could ever come out of this is the excuse to go shopping- which in an unstable state may or may not be good for your financial situation. Haha. Luckily I was able to snatch up a few cheap accessories plus a pair of super cute shoes that helped me keep my wardrobe on track for this quick trip home. My sister said my new hat made me look like a gardner, but I like it, and I especially can't wait to pair it with a floaty sundress for the hot southern sun this summer. Another note: Always leave a few decent pieces at home, you never know when you'll wish you had them. Anyways, today was a pretty decent day, I love Easter Sundays :) But it got me thinking, and since I'm trying to be more open with ya'll (excuse my southern-ness, every once and a while it just comes out, haha.) I just wanted to share some of the things I thought about:

In our world today there are numerous religions, races, and political beliefs. When we're truly honest with ourselves we realize that none of us really know what is exactly perfectly right. It makes me really sad that we're all so afraid of offending somebody that we often steer away from discussing any of these "touchy" subjects. All we know is what we believe personally. When I wish someone Merry Christmas or Happy Easter, like most others who believe in these types of holidays, I merely want to share my beliefs and well wishes, whether or not they share my same beliefs. In the same respect, I enjoy receiving Happy Hanukkah's and the like. Instead of constantly tearing at each others' beliefs, let's take the time to appreciate our differences and celebrate the things we have in common... like the love of fashion, because you better believe if I could buy myself a new outfit for everyone's different holidays I definitely would :)

Weekend Wear

What
Jeans: TJ Maxx
Top: Old Navy
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Forever 21
Bangles: Old Navy & Rue 21
Cardigan: Old Navy
Sunglasses: Puerto Rican Market

Where
Grocery shopping, grabbing lunch, and hanging out with some friends

Why
For me, weekend outfits have to be cute, but definitely comfy. I LOVE this top. The color and cut of it is so soft and feminine, plus its perfect for a day of lounging. I added my go-to skinnies, leopard flats, and some jewelry to pull everything together. How cute is this necklace?? I've never really been an owl lover- but for some reason I'm in love with owl jewelry, especially this vintage looking one from forever 21 ($4!!) And this scenery- everyday I go exploring for new places to take pictures on campus, and everyday I find somewhere new and beautiful :)