When you feel down- Dress up.

Outfit Details

Skirt: Thrifted, $3

Top: H&M, $15

Belt: Gap Outlet, $5

Boots: Gift from Mom

Tights: who knows...

Jacket: Superrrrr Old

I've always sworn by dressing up when you're just not feeling awesome.  Regardless of the reason you might not be feeling perfect, putting on a nice outfit and a smile will totally turn your day around.

I kept it fairly simple- no need to go all out- but stuck to things I feel good in: a skirt, tall boots, and a simple color palette.  

What do you do on your down days?

Some Days are just Mom Days

Sweater: Old Navy, gift 

Top: J.Crew, gift

Jeans: TJ Maxx, $15

Boots: Francesca's, gift

Bracelets: Spain

Glasses: 7 for all Mankind

The day I wore this outfit I realized that my top, sweater, and boots were all from my mom.  Granted, I picked them all out, but as my Aunt says, "Satisfaction over surprise..."  And then today, I finally got my Valentine's card from mom- with a picture of us at the airport the day I left for study abroad, and also a super sappy mom note.  

I'm close to my dad too- like, ridiculous "daddy's girl" type close.  But some days, you really just need your mom.  Whether its a sad breakup, a need for some instant motivation, or advice on the tough stuff, Moms can be the biggest blessing- and I can say that now that I don't live with my mom anymore ;) 

Alright, I'm done with the sap for now.  Just had to get that out there.  

Thanks mom.  

Last Friday

Jeans: TJ Maxx, $15

Chambray Top: J. Crew, $35

Sweater: American Eagle, gift

Jacket: Old Navy, $7

Boots: Thrifted, $5

Necklace: Sfera, €6

A week later, and I'm just now getting around to posting an outfit blog about last Friday...

Anyways, we've been getting some pretty cold weather here in Pittsburgh and it's been absolutely necessary to layer up!  Fridays are my "easy/hard" days.  I open up a coffee shop from 7:30-9, then have class (one of my favorites) from 9:30-10:20, and then I work in our school's admissions office from 10:30-4:30.  Because I'm usually running around all day, I generally stick to a casual/jeans ensemble (as I'm typing this I'm in a chiffon skirt- naturally.)

Anyways, I hope everyone has an awesome weekend!  

Well Hi There, London

Another late post!  Three weeks ago, I went to visit my friend, Sara, who is studying in England for the semester.  I was only there for the weekend, which wasn't nearly enough time, but it was awesome to hang out with her and have some time in an English speaking country!

Also, when packing for trips I generally take into consideration what colors will look best with the places I'm going to be seeing.... Ridiculous, I know.  Apparently, it's become obvious enough that my friends can tell.  Oops?

Day One Outfit

Striped Tunic: H&M, €7

Cardigan: Stradivarias, €12

Leggings: H&M, $5

Boots: Madden Girl for Belk, $15

In Spain, breakfast is toast and coffee.  In England, a full breakfast consists of scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoe and mushrooms, fried toast, and baked beans- Love!

Although they were totally fine with pictures, this was super intimidating!  My leg muscles around my knee are actually jutting out a little because I was so tense.  I thank the machine gun and the war vet for that.  Also, I didn't know this, but they wear thick gray coats over the red jackets in the winter.

Harry Potter!

Saturday, my only full day, we visited Windsor Castle, the Queen's weekend residence, which was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip.  What a crazy mix of old, new and absolutely gorgeous! We also saw Platform 9 3/4 from Harry Potter at Kings Cross Station, and took in some sights. 

Day Two Outfit

Skirt: Forever 21, $10

Blouse: Banana Republic, gift from Greg

Cardigan: Old Navy, $12

Tights: WeLoveColors.com, $10

Oxfords: UrbanOutfitters.com, $50

Belt: Mom's, Vintage

The last day I only had a few hours to look around before heading to the airport.  We totally made it worthwhile though and visited The Tower of London, London Bridge and the Big Ben area for morning fog pictures.

Day Three Outfit

Jeans: Target $15

Top: J. Crew Outlet, $30

Sweater Thing: H&M, €15

Boots: Madden Girl for Belk, $15

Spain!

Hi everyone!
Sorry its been so long since my last post.  This time though, I have a good excuse.
I'm in Europe.  For reals.
If you're interested in reading up on my travels, you can visit me here.
If not, thats ok too.  Here are some pictures from my first few days in Madrid

Day One Outfit
Airplanes and Roses Dress: ShopMamie, $25
Sandals: Walmart, $10
Belt: NY& Co., $4
Bag: Target, $12
Sunglasses: F21, $5


Day Two Outfit
Dress: TJ Maxx, $40
Sandals: Walmart, $10
Purse: Target, $12
Sunglasses: F21, $5

Southern Football Games

I'm back! For good this time *hopefully* thanks to a brand new charger Greg ordered for me.  First up, pictures of the UT game on Saturday!

We were sitting on the UPPER deck.  I zoomed into the field to get a picture of Smokey, and got this.  Probably the most hilarious thing ever.  

        

You can't really see it, but they played a commercial during the game of John H. Daniels, a custom tailor from Knoxville, sewing Head coach Derek Dooley's bright orange pants.  So ironic since I had just sewed my bright orange skirt!  If I find the commercial, I'll definitely post it.  Such a good promo.  

           

    

Top: Old Navy, $6

Skirt: Self Made, cost of $5

Sandals: Payless, $7

Watch: Target, gift

Sunglasses: Forever 21, $5

Clutch: Free with Clinique purchase (Gotta love the freebies!)

You know how you can grow up with something and never realize it's unusual until you see it done differently?  Well in the South, people dress up to go to football games.  Not all people, not all games.  But its not unusual to see college kids in ties or dresses.  Personally, I kind of love this because I appreciate any opportunity to dress up.  The catch is, it is SO hard to find something cute and this specific shade of orange.  I have no idea where all of the girls are getting their dresses, and I did some serious hunting.  After multiple unfruitful shopping trips, I gave up and bought fabric the night before.  I made this skirt the morning of the game, and although it's nothing special, it definitely fulfilled the need!

Does anyone else consider $30 a splurge?

Shorts: Banana Republic Outlet, $28

Top: Gap, $5

Tank: Target, $7

Clutch: Thrifted, $2

Sandals: Forever 21, $15

Necklace: Lucky, $32

Bracelet: Random Beach Store, $5

What I love: Spending a little bit more on something I'm not too sure about (Side note- this never happens.  Also, I mean spending more than $5 on something.  I don't buy it if I don't love it) and then wearing it CONSTANTLY because I absolutely fall in love with it.  This has only happened a few times.  Once with my chambray shirt- it was $36 on sale- and that was still a bit much for bargain hunter me.  Second time with these shorts.  I kind of liked them.  And they were almost $30.  And now I wear them alllllll the time.  

What I hate:  Falling in love with a clothing item and absolutely not being able to buy it because they no longer sell it.  My friend Dawn works at The Limited and wears the CUTEST stuff.  Today she blogged about her chambray ruffle button up.  During my lunch break I called multiple stores trying to find it- with no luck.  

Soooo, you should check out Dawn's Blog.  Because she's cute.  And also because I want her shirt.