In Class, En Vogue

Weekend Wishes

2012-01-13T15:08:00.000-05:00

Hey kids! I always want to blog again when I make life changes. I guess I just get a surge of productivity or something. I'm not often able to wallow in unhappiness for extended periods of time (except, you know, during that CERTAIN period...see what I did there?) so I try to keep keeping on since I know the healing time will roll by.

That being said, let's look at some weekend wishes, shall we?

It's a motorcycle jacket, but it's fuzzy on the outside too. It just looks so cozy and cool, something that cool me that only lives in my head would wear. No wonder, since it's by Free People, a brand I constantly want pieces from. Currently there are only larges left in Free People's Gilt sale, if you must have it.

Thanks to Refinery 29, I am now completely obsessed with jewelry by Made Her Think. These earrings in particular are making me drool all over myself. I love the soft, romantic feel that rose gold has, and I how MHT has blended that with the medieval-esq pendulum and the smokey quartz. I'm seeing soft oversized sweaters in muted colors, black eyeliner, and a seductive nude lip.

Oh, wait!

My cool alter ego would totally wear the earrings with this top by Raquel Allegra. Very laid back hot. And nothing extra underneath to hide the unmentionables. "A little bra never hurt anyone" is becoming a motto of mine. See?

Anyway, while my alter ego is chilling in her Brooklyn loft with some smoldering hunk and wine, I'm gonna spend this weekend working on my thesis, watching Saints football, drinking lots of tea, and being a retail slave on Sunday. Kisses!

There's Something About Melancholy

2011-11-13T15:54:00.000-05:00

I took this photo sometime in the Spring of my sophomore year of college, with photobooth, on the top floor of the library. I was probably trying to work on some major research project or paper for finals and failing. But the point of using it is that pictures of me not baring all of my horse teeth are rare and usually weird, and any stylized outfit shot would've downplayed the point of this post.

The universe has been kind of raining on my parade the past couple of weeks, today especially. And though I never never post things I write in earnest for the interwebs to see and judge (even after lots of editing or confirmation that I didn't write it with my head up my ass) I feel some urge to be publicly creative. So, enjoy or bombard, as you wish.

Big gnarled hands,

A little boy smile,

I always thought you'd stay the long while.

Too many manners unlearned,

Awkward hugs unreturned,

stories you would never share.

The endearing magnification of thick glass,

charmingly gruff, a pain in the ass.

Checks in the mail each and every year,

Same signature, Same tender,

Screeching helpers in your ears.

A white plastic stein with the letters rubbed off.

Hundreds of Kleenex,

a loud jarring cough.

Liters and liters of your favorite brown drink.

Sunday dinners, Easter mornings,

Festive holiday adornings.

Silent drives home,

and badly read lips.

You can't bow out now,

when I've just got the gist.

Aimee A. Griffin 11/13/11

200

2011-11-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

Can't believe I actually made it to 200 posts. I know I'm not the most reliable blogger, but thank you to those who keep following with aplomb. You are my bread and butter.

Forever 21 dress. Blazer found at Macy's. Frye boots. Betsey Johnson sunglasses. Bracelets were a gift from boyfriend.

Today is staggeringly beautiful, with the temperature at a balmy 70 degrees, sun, and not so much wind as we are usually wont to have in the burg. I was so excited to finally break out this outfit that I had created in my head ages ago, but was too cold to wear. Fact: the cold forces me to be less fashionable because I hate it so much. All I think about is keeping it out and that usually leads to the warmest (not cutest) things I can get my hands on. Some may call this an excuse, it isn't. I could try harder, but I am too upset by the season.

I also like my messy bun quite a bit today. And props to boyfriend on the bracelets, he picked them out all by himself!

Some of you are probably noticing the little purple and turquoise ribbon pinned to my left lapel. I wearing it in solidarity with Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA) who are working to promote awareness and prevention of sexual assault on campus. Do you go to the burg? Stop by SASA's table in the Cub, take their survey (it will take up about one minute, really) and wear your ribbon too.

I'm going to go take a walk in the sunshine! Kisses!

Is it weird that I want this?

2011-10-30T10:33:00.000-04:00

Anyone who has ever gone with me on a serious shopping expedition has been asked two questions frequently: "Do I like this?" and "Is it weird that I want this?" Usually when I ask my mom these questions, the answers are No, and Yes. When I ask Kim, the first answer varies and the second answer is usually No, because even if it's weird for most people it's not for me.

When I'm trolling the internet and something strikes my fancy, I usually want to blog about it. But sometimes my filter kicks in and goes, "wait, this probably isn't cool or interesting at all, you're just very strange." And that, my darlings, is the inspiration for a new serial post: Is it weird that I want this?

A few seasons back, there were some shots floating around the internet of Khloe Kardashian wearing a faux fur hood with ears that make her look like she had some sort of fox DNA in her. No one could decide if it was cute or ridiculous, was this SO TRENDY OMG or just, odd. It's probably not surprising to anyone that I am a great lover of all things Kardashian, but Khloe is my least favorite, and I was indifferent to this furry hood of hers. But then the other day I ran across Spirithoods, and now I'm not so sure.

It's...kind of ridiculous, but it's also really cute. I'm reminded of anime/manga culture, but also we just love furry animals. I knew that I really do like these when I found just about all of them adorable, from the husky to the grizzly bear to the snow leopard. My ultimate choice would be the grey wolf, but at $139 a pop, that ain't happening. And I still don't know if it's just too weird.

Next, faux leather leggings. I know this trend is old and practically boring at this point, but hear me out. It's still holding on for the young and sexy set in hollywood, and I got to thinking how some slick leggings would be sort of unexpected and cool with a chunky sweater dress.

Okay, I know that these are from the Kardashian Kollection, which Kim has informed me is kind of tacky, and which I am wont to believe since she is not as in love with KimK as I am. But these are affordable, and the point is that they're your simple, faux leather legging. But my Kardashian love has confused me, are these actually cute in reality, or should I back away slowly?

Weigh in with your comments!

Check it out!

2011-10-27T21:08:00.001-04:00

Hey lovies! I'll be back with some more posts soon, I promise, my last year of college is just killing me.

But I just wanted to thank everyone giving me love on the We Love Wool facebook page!

Thanks to everyone at We Love Wool for letting me be a part of the campaign. If you haven't checked it out already click on over to Facebook to learn more about this amazing, creative, versatile, and super stylish fiber!

Kisses!

Transitional

2011-10-17T19:48:00.000-04:00

American Eagle Sweater. Forever 21 vest. BDG leggings through Urban. Frye boots. Fossil watch. Vintage necklace.

I've been getting progressively sicker this past week, but after finally getting a doctor to prescribe me antibiotics on Saturday, I'm feeling just about 100% today. Also, it decided not to rain in the burg and was lovely and breezy, leading to perhaps my first fall type outfit of the year. I do so despise all seasons but summer really, but if you can't beat em...

And please ignore the less than ideal setting for these shots. My blog photographer insists that the reason she didn't answer me all day was that her "phone is dead." Hmph.

Want: Asymmetrical Skirts

2011-10-13T20:36:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I frequent the Urban website several times a week to check the new stock, and I won't lie to you, some of the stuff they sell is whack. Their prices can sometimes be a bit much too, I'm not going to pay them over twenty dollars for a t-shirt that is uninspiring and cheap. In any case, I was rather torn when I saw this little gem a week or so ago:

I couldn't even add it to my wishlist because I was so torn about my feelings. It seems kind of stupid for it to be short on just that one side, no? From the right, she looks like she's in a mini, from the left, some sort of awkward midi, and from the front, she looks like she went about shortening a skirt but got bored halfway through. So what's the deal?

But then I saw this one:

The cut on this one is rather less dramatic and therefore more wearable/less silly. Props to the folks at Old Hollywood, by the way; the styling here is tres chic. And at this point I was intrigued, and went on a hunt for more.

This style is rather more dramatic, but I actually really like it with the leggings. I think it veers away from that awful skirt/short dress with leggings trend that happened a bit ago (Note: a tunic and leggings is fine in my opinion, just don't ruin a good skirt/dress with them) to something a little cooler and edgier. Plus I wouldn't feel like I was about to expose my hoo-hoo. But uh, it's about 400 bucks on sale. Yep.

However, I think I like Chloe's take on the traditional schoolgirl skirt the best of all. A little bit of an unexpected shape with a very traditional plaid, and I love the belt detail on the side. I can already envision it with a soft, off white sweater, patterned black tights, and my Fryes. Alas, it isn't even in the stratosphere of a college budget. But a girl can dream!

Weekend Wishes

2011-09-30T14:35:00.001-04:00

I woke up in the worst possible mood today, and still have not yet managed to shake it. I really really want to go shopping for some new fall duds since the weather is really starting to cool down...but I'm broke. So I guess it's just me and my thesis reading this weekend. Le sigh. Here's what I'd pick up this weekend if I had cash-flow:

Totally digging this Zara sweater dress, AND it's only 29.90. That's how broke I am folks, not even that is plausible. Can't really decide between the cream or the beige though...

So, I don't usually like florals, and cutesy collars also turn me off, and yet I adore this Motel dress. I think I'd rock it with some patterned tights and my (newly resoled) Frye boots.

And finally, I am completely obsessed with this parka from American Eagle. Like, going to the website every day to drool over it obsessed. I just feel like it would make me look so much cooler than I am. Need.

Hope you woke up on the right side of the bed. I'm going to drink some Jasmine Green Tea and try to figure out something fun to do. Have a good weekend lovelies.

P.S. Check me out on We Love Wool's facebook page, I'm in the blog posts album and will soon be part of the "Why Bloggers Love Wool" Album!

Anything but Ordinary

2011-09-27T12:04:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the everyday, and what we consider "the mundane." Probably because of my thesis on Surrealism, but also because I've always been drawn to designers and artists who take something familiar and make it new and exciting again. I don't understand why we often toss aside the normal, the everyday, as "banal" when those simple things are what make our lives what they are.

That being said, I was tickled when I came across this Cast of Vices collection on A+R Store's website. I was led here by my Daily Candy email, which is kind of unusual because I generally get angry at all daily email newsletters I subscribe to, spend a very short amount of time actually reading them, and eventually unsubscribe to them. They were interested in this bracelet, a cheeky take on the wristband:

But not all of the designs are so pretty and chic as this one, and I rather like them better. Take this leather bag for instance, which looks like what last night's take out came in:

Or this porcelain Percocet pill:

Or any number of the rather grotesque fly or cockroach baubles the designers have provided us with. I feel like the general fashion public would describe these pieces as "whimsical," but I think that is perhaps the worst word for them. They are slapping us in the fact with our addictions to consumption and medication, as well as all the things we throw away, like the plastic bag or the entry wristband. My favorite piece may perhaps be the simplest they offer, and maybe the least telling:

I would certainly wear it as an ode to all of those pens and pen caps I have lost, especially of my beloved round stic bics (color blue, medium thick). And probably also as a reminder of how small I am, like the pen caps I lose.

In Class, En Vogue Loves Wool

2011-09-26T15:42:00.000-04:00

I'm a big believer in making lifestyle changes that will preserve the Earth as we know it. I'm not going to go live in the woods and hunt for my food anytime soon, but I stopped using "disposable" water bottles back in high school, I always donate clothes that I don't want anymore, and I'm kind of a recycling nazi at my apartment here at school.

Point is then, that when Molly Gotham emailed me about supporting the Fashion by Feelings Campaign, it didn't take much convincing to get me involved. The campaign wants fashionistas like you and I to post looks in which we're rocking some wool, a sustainable fabric, on their website, after we choose a feeling we think our look evokes. People then get to vote for looks that they love, and the one with the most votes at the end of the month will win an amazing trip to Australia. Pretty sweet deal, huh?

Oh, and did I mention that people who vote on their favorite looks can win stuff too? When you vote you're entered into a weekly drawing for $400 worth of EMU Australia swag. Quite a perk for just checking out some killer fashion.

So head on over to the Fashion by Feelings site, get your vote on, and wear your wool with pride. After all, we need to keep this little planet around if we want to keep being fabulous!

Birthday Girl

2011-09-19T12:05:00.000-04:00

Forever 21 dress. Candie's for Kohl's heels.

So, this kid turned 21 on Saturday! My fabulous accessories in these shots include a tiara and giant birthday button from my roommates, a glow necklace that says "birthday star" from my mother, and my new and wonderful boyfriend. When we walked into the bar, which is clearly an attempt at an Irish Pub as you can see from some indications in the final photo, I was definitely getting stared at. I'm obnoxious enough not to care though, and when I left, clutching boyfriend's hand and still wearing my heels like a champ, I thanked the many people who wished me a happy birthday.

Birthday presents that night included the Tanqueray (yummmm), an LIT, Magners, tequila...and this was all after a beer sampler at dinner with my man. Yes, I am still suffering, but it was worth it! And yet, I still have an essay on the history of Surrealism due at 4pm that is killing me...

Ta for now, loves!

La Fantasia

2011-09-14T14:39:00.000-04:00

Missoni for Target skirt. Old Navy shirt. Havianas. Fossil Watch. Charlotte Russe bracelet. Topshop earrings. Betsey Johnson sunglasses.

I don't know if you can see it as well as I wish you could, but the reason I'm smiling so big in the first picture is because the man on the tractor behind me is posing for the camera too. We literally waited to take the picture until he was behind me, but Erin snapped perhaps a bit too soon. Still a fantastic moment!

I imagined myself as sexy and gorgeous as Margherita Missoni today when i flounced about in this skirt. It's super comfy and obviously fabulous. Erin is going to go check out what Hanover has today since I gushed about the pieces I bought yesterday, and I told her that she must text me about her finds! Never have I been so smitten with a target collection. I finally got online today, now that the website crash is fixed, and I seriously considered ordering a pair of the knit shorts of one of the chemises before I reminded myself that I still need money for clothes and books and alcohol (21st birthday on Saturday, huzzah!).

Thankfully, after a week of endless rain, it's pretty here in the burg again, and I do not feel perpetually depressed. That is, not over the weather anyway, just from mounds of thesis reading. Which I need to go return to, so happy Wednesday loves!

Seniority

2011-09-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

American Eagle shorts. Payless sandals. Forever 21 hoops. Betsey Johnson sunglasses. Top found at Marshall's. Fossil Watch. Charlotte Russe bracelets.

I originally wore jeans and a tshirt to my philosophy seminar this morning, because I was cold in my apartment, but changed into this outfit after I realized it was freaking hot outside. This top is perhaps a little risque for the daylight, but I'm a senior, and I no longer care what the people on this campus think. And all important bits are covered. And a little bra never hurt anybody.

But what I'm really excited about today is the release of the Missoni for Target line, which I ran off to check out not long after philosophy let out. Missoni is one of my all-time favorite designers and I've been anticipating this for months because let's be honest, it's probably the only Missoni I will own in my entire life. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. In my opinion, the collections for Target aren't always of great quality (I mean, they're target clothes) and not worth the more expensive price tags. Plus the more "designer" styles don't really agree with my shape (re: normal). But I actually liked just about every piece I tried on today. The mini dresses actually account for the fact that a lot of women have these things called hips and boobs, the sweaters are slim and gorgeous, and iconic Missoni prints are all over all of it. I picked up a few pieces that I know I will enjoy wearing the shit out of.

So, I recommend you actually check out this collection. Just don't get in a fight like some of the ladies over in LA...and try not to cry over the crash/exceeded bandwidth on the Target website. Thank the powers that be that nobody in Hanover, Pennsylvania wanted to check out the collection this morning.

Have You Heard?

2011-08-05T13:38:00.000-04:00

In lieu of another weekend wishes post, since you got one only two posts ago because I'm a bum, I decided I'd let you read a little email I just send. You've probably heard of this new Bloggers Wardrobe project way before me, and already know that it sounds amazingly awesome. Naturally, all of the bloggers already on board are household names for the blogger set, who get more than their fair share of samples already, and who might as well be models and leave the rest of us alone.

There's a competition going on for the rest of the spots, I have no idea how many there are, and my first thought was "they'd never even consider me." So with that in mind, I decided to send them an email, tell them I know I don't fit their "standards," and tell them why I'm worth it anyway. Forget the polite cover letters that I send to possible employers; for this I laid it on the line. Observe:

Let me first say that I know you've probably never heard of my blog. The number of comments on my posts range from 0-5, which is amateur, I only have 10 followers on bloglovin, and 19 on blogger, and still I post. So why should you consider me at all, when I don't have exposure and influence? Because I am an average 20 year old college girl, with hips and an ass that forever prevent me from being a sample size, and a bare bones budget to shop on, and I am still making fashion my own.

Forget the Tavi's (who are few and far between) who became icons despite their youth and lack of resources. A lot of the bloggers out there can afford the designer labels I can only drool over and do my best to imitate. I can't even be as up on trends as I'd like to because I have to buy books, and food, and my minimum wage jobs and non paying internships are only helping me get by. And what company is going to sponsor a girl who may or may not be able to wear the hottest trends, who just doesn't like the on trend bright lipsticks, who may never get invited to a fashion show in her entire life?

Despite the my lack of the credentials you're looking for that I don't have, I have an unwavering integrity. I say what I mean, wear only what I like (and what some people don't), and refuse to be silenced. I've been made fun of by my peers for keeping this blog, I've been laughed at, I've been discouraged to the point of almost giving up the blog forever. But I've realized that if my love for fashion and sharing it with others makes me happy, then everyone else can go fuck themselves. Not all of my fashion experiments are hits, and not all of my opinions are shared by other fashion enthusiasts. But if you take a read, you'll see that my sincerity, optimism, and out and out love for the aesthetic is always there.

If you do nothing else, at least take a peek at my blog "In Class, En Vogue" (www.inclassenvogue.blogspot.com), and don't knock a girl for trying.

Have a good weekend guys, and keep on keeping on.

Stupid, Stupid

2011-08-03T15:19:00.000-04:00

BDG tshirt via Urban. Forever 21 shorts and sunglasses. Charlotte Russe bracelets. Fossil watch. Shii sandals.

For the second time this summer, I drove all the way to my bus stop (which is 40 minutes from home), only to realize that I had forgotten my bus tickets for the day. I am also, quite literally, flat broke until I get paid on Friday, and I don't want to run up any more charges on my credit card. So I had to turn around and go home, call the office and explain my idiocy, and stay here after a useless 80 minute drive.

I felt really guilty, so I finished reading a manuscript I was asked to read yesterday and emailed the person at the agency about it, and I'm about to start another she sent me. I got dressed to go on a little excursion with the leetle brother to get new football cleats, just to get out of the house, but I like this outfit.

Only, I should've have him take pictures BEFORE we left, not after we got home. Sheesh, look at those wrinkles!

Weekend Wishes

2011-07-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

This weekend I'm off to visit my dear friend Brianna at her college, where she's been doing research for the past month. I'm super pumped to hang out with her and to meet some of her friends, and to pretend I have a social life! Visiting her has got me thinking about heading back for my (gulp!) last year of school, and the things I would take along with me if I could.

I've been into night shirts and chemises for sleepy time lately, and this one by Eberjey may be the best one inspired by a man's shirt that I've ever seen.

Everyone who knows me knows that I love my tea. I could spend hundreds of dollars in Teavana without thinking, at school I have a whole shelf dedicated to all the teas I drink, and at home I have taken over a significant portion of one of my mother's cabinets. Now thanks to Ruelala, I have found a new brand to covet, Bodum.

There's, the tea press of my dreams, an aesthetic wonder with double wall glass keeps the tea hotter for longer, and a great green tea jug that will filter out the leaves of all my loose teas when I ice them. Not to mention there's a host of really neat drink ware, with or without strainers:

My fellow tea enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike should really check out this site.

Lastly, I've wanted something Pendleton in my life for a long time now, and I'm kinda crazy about this blanket:

Too bad about the $200 price tag.

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Sun Shower

2011-07-26T20:21:00.000-04:00

JCrew wrap dress. Thrifted Michael Kohrs heels. Random necklace.

I had Saturday off this weekend, a miracle in and of itself, and I traipsed to the mall to sift through the end of the season deals. I had two things I definitely wanted to find: a pair of soft shorts and a long skirt. I found 'em, but I also snagged this great wrap dress at JCrew for $17. There was an extra 50% off clearance and I convinced the cashier to give me the student discount even though I forgot my ID. I'm crazy about the soft fabric and the drapey neckline.

I've had a phobia of olive green hues since a particularly washed out school picture (freshman year of high school, to be exact), but I got over it as soon as I slipped this baby on. I consider this an open door to a new color opportunity.

I Can Get Back Up

2011-07-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

H&M Dress, Fossil watch, Charlotte Russe bracelets

Today was exceedingly gross, with the rainfall ranging from annoying to torrential. But, it was a day in which I needed to drive an hour to get to a doctor's appointment (I hate living in the middle of nowhere) and run some errands, so I pulled on a maxi dress, my errand-running uniform. I picked this one up at H&M at the beginning of the season and I love how flattering, comfortable, and simple it is. Though, if you stare at the pattern for too long, you might start to feel a bit dizzy.

The one good thing about driving the long stretch to civilization is that you find great things like the used bookstore I went to today. I was a bit frightened when I first got there, it was in a nondescript brick building below a bail bonds office with neon signs informing me it was open 24 hours, but as soon as I walked in I felt at home. The place wasn't decorated, it simply had very tall, pine bookcases covering every concrete wall and in stacks in the middle of the space. It was musty, non air conditioned, and perfect. I was impressed at how well the books were organized and all the different things they offered; I managed to check a few things off of my always lengthening book list! I picked up two hardbound books: a copy of Joyce's Ulysses and Tirant lo Blanc. I also had to buy the only Stoppard play I could find in the place (a bit sad): The Invention of Love. The three set me back 9 bucks and change, and I wanted a few more, but they only take cash and checks, being completely old school, and I never have more than a minimal amount of cash on me, nor do I ever carry a check book. Just finding that place made my day better, especially since it was literally called "Old Book Store." Can't get much better than that.

By the way, photo number 1 isn't posed. Rocky just had to get in on the photoshoot action. He hates to be ignored.

Fool For the City

2011-07-05T21:07:00.000-04:00

So, my commute is hell, my internship doesn't pay me, and I spend most of my time out on the city streets running to catch a subway or a bus, but I actually adore working in New York City. Since it's highly unlikely I'll be able to move to London or out to California right out of college, I think I'm going to set my sights on getting hired in the city, and eventually moving there. I honestly feel more inspired in the bustle there than I ever do in my quiet little hometown.

Besides general wardrobe ennui, it would be great if I could upgrade to a more practical satchel for my days in the city. I lug in my lunch, a blazer or sweater to keep me warm on the freezing bus rides and in the cold office, books on surrealism for my research, my planner, my wallet, my ipod, my phone, my journal...And all of that fits in this highly unstructured black bag I use for classes at school. It's annoying though, because it's a black hole and it just gets lumpy and and weird depending on what I stuff in it.

Here are a few choices I have in mind, or I would, if my entire paycheck didn't funnel right back into transportation costs.

$72 Miss Selfridge

$103.43 Asos

$86.40 BCBGeneration via Zappos

This one's a little more non traditional, might be my favorite.

It's Aimee, Bitch.

2011-06-22T14:43:00.000-04:00

I realize that is is a supermassive buttheaded thing to just take a four month vacation from blogging and then ask you to remember why you might've liked me in the first place. But as I sit here at my desk, currently an intern in NYC, I realize that I have a lot going for me. Time to stop whining and find my voice again. Writing to y'all helped me do that before, so I bet you can help me again. You're just that cool.

I need to talk to you about something. You know how everyone talks about how innately stylish New Yorkers are, and it seems kind of like hogwash because it's such a huge city and there are like a bajillion people there and the people who say such things are probably focusing on the elite?

Yeah well, they're actually right. I've let my style take a major back seat the past few months, and though I'd like to think that I look respectable when I leave the house, these girls (and guys!) are making me feel totally boring with their casualwear alone, don't get me started on what they wear to work. I want to keep up! I want to compete! But I'm more broke than ever before, and my paychecks are spent before I even get them. So now you're going to get to watch me attempt to be as fabulous as the locals with the closet I already have and a budget of $0. It's looking bleak, but I'm a tough girl.

But besides the clothes, which you know I love, and will continue to love, I think it's time to explore what I originally planned to be the other side of this blog, the fact that I am curious to a fault (hello, philosophy major!) and like to explore topics that may not make you think "fashion" at the outset. I'm a big fan of pop culture, which you might've gotten from my asides, and I have a lot of fun discussing the quirks of society that we're all so involved in. No more reigning in my shiny toy mentality (at least, not so much as I was before).

Also, one final note. I allow this to blog to post on my facebook feed because it is a way to get my blog out to my peers and to my family. If you really feel that it takes up too much space on your feed, or I annoy you anyway, HIDE MY FEED. It's easy. Clicky click the little grey x and you can "hide this post from Aimee" or "hide all posts from Aimee." My goal is not to annoy you or be in your face all the time. That being said, getting me out of your face is something you can quite easily do for yourself. It's true that anyone can blog today and attempt inundate you with their opinions, but they're only as successful as you allow them to be.

And until my next existential crisis, since they are always looming, this girl is back in the saddle.

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep." -Frost

Thinking hurts, and feeling is worse.

2011-03-15T14:26:00.001-04:00

In keeping with the normal tone of my life, when things get good for a hot second, people like to drop bombs. Spring break was being all blissful and shizz, and then, someone had to ruin it. Well, as Bayside has taught us kiddos, "that's R-e-a-l-i-t-y."

So, instead of facing said reality, I'm daydreaming about a hypothetical weekend down the shore with a lovely new someone in my life, because I cannot deny that I am Jersey born and bred. Naturally, my greatest concern is what I would wear to bask in the harmful UV rays, stroll along the boardwalk, eat ice cream and thin crust pizza, play a round of mini golf, get a sketchy palm reading, and stroll back to my seedy motel when it gets late. Enjoy.

American Apparel oversized tank top
$24 - americanapparel.net

Top
$22 - havaianas.com

Victoria s Secret lace bikini
$25 - victoriassecret.com

American Eagle Outfitters dark denim short
$37 - ae.com

Strap bag
$44 - pendleton-usa.com

Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer Sunglasses | Official Ray-Ban Store
$119 - ray-ban.com

"You look like you're ready to jump on the back of my bike. And I like it."

2011-02-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

Gap tee. Candie's vest. American Eagle jeans. Frye boots. Francesca's Collections necklace. Fossil watch.

The title quote actually came from the lips of my friend Sabrina, who hits on me sometimes, right before she tears down my self esteem.

I love this tshirt. The pictures don't do it justice, because it's actually sparkly, but subtly.

The weather today is the right before the storm weather that's my favorite, but it's not warm enough to be my favorite, so I am torn between being in a good mood and wanting to crawl back into bed. It's a busy day in general, I have absolutely no time for anything, even school work really. Plus I'm exhausted from the emotional strain of thinking about what I'm going to do with myself this summer. What I want to do: land that internship in London, get enough money to get/live there. Get a part time job there so I can survive (survive the visa process...), and be blissful in the city that stole my heart (and hopefully seeing the people that kept little pieces of it too!!) What will probably happen: I'll hopefully land an internship in New York city, get money to support my commute there, work at justice on the weekends. Neither option is undesirable, the first option is just MORE desirable, and of course more difficult. Both options depend on a lot of things that I have no control over too, which just makes it worse.

Anywayyyy, end rant. I need to go meet friend Kirsten for dinner, go to my astronomy lab, and then go to strike the set of Our Town for shop hours for my intro class (grrr). BEST DAY EVER. bye.

Also, I forgot to say I love you. But I do.

Curls!

2011-02-21T11:36:00.000-05:00

Vintage dress bought in Chelsea at a Vintage Fair. Thrifted belt. Frye boots. Levi's denim shirt. Cole Haan sunglasses.

So, despite my optimism, my weekend didn't exactly pan out as planned...at all. Bright spot: the fam came to visit yesterday which was absolutely lovely, but for the most part everything was just, less than stellar. Far less.

However, Friday was absolutely gorgeous, with temperatures flirting with 70 degrees. I didn't even need the denim shirt I'm wearing in these shots but the dress has puffed sleeves that I think I want to alter, because I don't love the way they look on me. I bought this at a vintage fair in Chelsea when I was living in London just off of King's Road. I was on my way to Sloan Square station to take the tube to the V&A, and then I got distracted by vintage. Priorities, you know. I never made it to the museum that day.

I was so pumped about the weather that I let my hair curl and was overly pleased with the return of the DLR look, and since it's longer now I also felt a bit like a mermaid. I don't know why my hair long and curly makes me think of mermaids since if I was a mermaid I'd live in the water and my hair would be wet and therefore not actually textured all the time. This is neither here nor there.

I decided that I needed to go to the health food store and dragged Erin along on a lovely walk. She decided she wanted to take "situational" blog pictures, hence the shots of me perusing an aisle and contemplating whether vanilla Sleepytime tea would please me as much as the regular Sleepytime tea that I had run out of did. Then I just sat on a bench on the sidewalk of the strip mall, next to which were two random desks that did not appear to have any purpose. The class you find in this town is astounding, really.

Weekend Wishes

2011-02-18T11:06:00.000-05:00

The weekend begins for me in t-minus 3 hours, but seeing as I have to brave my first Astronomy exam before that, I am less than chipper. Also, my head hurts, I really want to be napping but I'm not because I'm supposed to be studying some more, and this weekend isn't looking too bright. I have a lot of work to do, theatre shop hours to submit myself to, a dance audition...It's looking bleak.

So, to pick myself up, I have a new idea for Friday posts. First, I pick three things (one for each day of the weekend! three! like three wishes that you get from a genie! I'M SO CLEVER) that I'm lusting over, and then after cooing over pretty things I list the (possible) pros of my weekend and go along my merry way on possibly a more positive note. And then you tell me what you're wishing for and what your weekend will hold in the comments! I like this idea.

I can't get over this Alexander Wang dress. I loved it on the runway, and my love was just fueled when it popped up on the Outnet, for only $192. It's so close, and yet so far away.

This House of Holland sweater, seen on avid fan Agyness Deyn at NYFW, has big ben all over it. Enough said.

I don't know what to tell you folks. I know what happens when I let my "All American" self near anything that hints at the country, cowboys, or farms...and still I do not care. I really really want these Jeffrey Campbells to wear on the upcoming warm days where the wind can still bring a chill. I won't deny that I want to wear them with denim either.

Okay so. Pros of the weekend:

Adventures in the burg with two crazy chicks this afternoon.

Celebrating a roommate's birthday on Saturday night.

Possible Skype date with my favorite Brit.

Productivity! (not fun, but hopefully true)

I hope your weekends are the stuff dreams are made of. Ta!

Baby loves to dance in the dark

2011-02-16T18:14:00.000-05:00

H&M sweater and scarf. Ann Taylor Loft leggings. Frye boots. Fossil watch. Random and huge CZ studs.

Somehow, nothing in me would allow me to do my hair today and give you a whole proper look. I just tied it in a ponytail over my shoulder like I do when I'm being a lazy bum, and called it a day. What can I say, getting up for my 9am class kills me, and so does the nap I often take after it.

Wore this sweater/dress in my first post ever. Man, a lot of things have changed since then, but not my love for this garment. I wear it a lot when it's cold because it's so easy to throw it over leggings or tights and suddenly appear way more put together than trudging to class in what I actually wanted to wear (probably a thermal and old sweats). I liked throwing the scarf on with it and going for monochromatic, but still kind of interesting.

In the final picture I'm posing with one of the final lumps of snow that survives here on campus, it's hiding behind a building where it can still remain mostly in the shade. Note my facial expression and my sort of thumbs up gesture. It says: Good for you persevering snow lump, but please go away soon, because I discriminate against all snow, even strong willed fellows like you.

Note on the title of this post: it's from a Gaga song, but one which you don't hear terribly often. I have a really poor version of it on my ipod that may or may not have been obtained in an underhanded way, and lately I've been listening to it a lot. Something about the whole "Baby loves to dance in the dark, cause when he's looking she falls apart" strikes a chord with my current mindset, though I'm sure if you ask Gaga she wouldn't say that it's about "a young girl trying to live up to societies standards and trodding on herself in the process," though it clearly is. She'd say something like "I was thinking about naked women in porn and how sometimes they like to do little dances, and then i thought about the wind and cheese and giant eggs," but hey, isn't that why we love her? In any case, this has NOTHING to do with what I'm wearing, but check out the song if you like sugary pop sometimes (or all the time...), and then chase it with a song in which Ludacris is featured so you can rap about how you like to please the ladies, like I did during my performance yesterday, in the shower, in an empty apartment.

That's how I roll.

Funny Feelings

2011-02-15T22:49:00.000-05:00

I don't really wear prints a lot, and when I do, they're pretty standard ones. Plaid, stripes, tie-dye. I can't abide by polka dots, and I look like a small girl in florals. But when I was in London I saw a sweater in the window of the Monsoon on King's Road that caught my eye every time I walked past. It was a little cropped sweater with an all-over print of horse silhouettes. Don't ask me why I loved it, I just did. And then today I found this scarf on Urban, and my interest was piqued again:

And so then I went on polyvore and looked for more horse prints.

Modcloth romper

This Erica Anenberg ring isn't a printed piece of clothing, but it's going with the the theme, and it's called a cigar ring, and I like it's actually reminiscent of the gold foil on a cigar.

Other than that, I haven't had too much luck, I'm kind of picky about how the print looks. Anyone else who is obsessed with this print too? And can you tell me where to find more? Happy Tuesday!

Singles Aware

2011-02-09T10:53:00.003-05:00

I have no stereotypical bitter woman rant about the holiday fast approaching us, nor do I have the unexpected single girl appreciation for it that will make me talk to you about love for yourself and beauty in the world. Frankly, I am indifferent. My current love life makes me either let out a manic laugh of exasperation or stare for an hour or so at the industrial white walls of my apartment without gaining clarity, so I've decided not to care. In preparation for the holiday, I just polished off a tub of Valentine corn (candy corn in pink, red, and white. they need to start making this for every holiday, like the Peeps people did), and I have some vague plans about going to the movies with the roommates or going to see a free concert or something.

The one thing upcoming Vom-up-all-your-love-for-each-other day has inspired within me is a need to have more pale pink in my closet. I am not a woman against pink, and I just realized that I don't really wear it a lot or own it, and I think baby pink compliments the whole pale skin, fair hair, light eyes thing I got going on. So if my bank account wasn't on a respirator - behold what I'd wear on the controversial day:

Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Wildfox Sweatshirt, Nastygal blouse, Cheap Monday jeans

I like the idea of layering the filmy blouse under the sweatshirt, and showing off the adorable wedges with the pegged jeans. And I mean, with the pockets on those jeans you're just begging the boys to check out your butt and give yourself a bit of a Vday ego boost.

If you're more decisive about your valentine stance and you come down on the positive side (or you just like to read good writing), you should clicky click on over to the blog Valentine's Day written by the endlessly clever and lovely Becca. Also, if a boy were to write me a note like this one that Sid Vicious wrote for Nancy, I think I'd be on the Vday team. I'm a simple girl. Ciao bellas!

I'd Leave, if I could

2011-02-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

BDG flannel and jeggings (Urban). Michael by Michael Kors boots. Kensie Girl vest.

The foyer type thing in my new place of residence floods with lights on sunny days like this. Or days that at least start out sunny like this, and then dissolve into flat grey white skies that remind you that snow is dirty and annoying. Did you think that was going to be poetic? Fooled you.

Um, as far as my clothes go here, I actually don't know if I like this. I feel like I look like some sort of backwoods woman...in wedges. But, this outfit is nice when it's cold because it's warm but the sweater doesn't have sleeves so I don't sweat like a man when I layer it. Not that I sweat like a man, I am perfectly feminine and lovely in every way.

I'm having a little trouble mustering up any wit because what I really need to do right now is read over tonight's astronomy lab and read more of the philosophy book that caused me to fall asleep on my couch this morning. Oops! Ta!

See, the luck I've had can make a good man turn bad.

2011-02-04T15:52:00.000-05:00

H&M cardigan. Random leggings. Target tank. Frye boots. Francesca's Collections necklace.

I apologize for being terrible and not posting since I've been back at school. My life has become unnecessarily complicated in ways I would rather it wasn't, I'm still pining for England, and it's really ridiculously cold and snowy and WINTER. So I've kind of been dressing like a slob, and acting like one.

I've worn this cardigan a lot since I got it right before the return to American college, it's a new favorite, which is a surprise, because I hate sweaters. I also haven't worn my hair like this since high school, when the only two hairstyles I wore were down or half up half down.

Sorry these pictures are a little dark, but enjoy the view of frozen tundra and the nod to colonialism brick facades.

I tell my love to wreck it all

2011-01-13T17:54:00.000-05:00

Buffalo cardigan. Abercrombie and Fitch tee. AE jeans. New Look Wedges.

Oof. So, I've been mia, and I know that's lame and bad, but the readjustment period into America has been a little rocky for me, to say the least. Today, as I found myself sitting at my computer watching season 2 of the Jersey Shore, I realized that I have hit a new low with time wasting, and I didn't even take the time to celebrate my blog becoming a year old. I even considered ending it altogether, since the few of you who are here regularly know I'm not exactly a popular kid.

However, this is still a good writing exercise, and I still like it when I'm not letting other people influence me, so I'm back. Not with a vengeance yet, but give me time.

Kisses to you that have stuck around waiting for this post, you're magic and I love you.

Is That So Wrong?

2010-12-28T19:29:00.000-05:00

Candie's vest. Forever 21 button down. American Eagle jeans. Frye boots. Vera Wang for Kohl's earrings.

Got a new chi for Christmas which means I can have straight hair whenever I want again! Yay! Still need a trim though.

Fam was supposed to spend the day in the city, but due to a massive blizzard, the aftermath of which was still limiting all public transportation this morning, we bagged it and rescheduled. Went to the mall to see a movie instead, Mom chose "The King's Speech." Basically now I just want someone to give me a one way plane ticket to London as a belated Christmas present, no matter that I have no money whatsoever to support myself there.

Time to go run on the treadmill until I can't feel my legs, or I just get massive cramps like last time because I'm ridiculously out of shape. Cheers!

Merry, Happy, etc.

2010-12-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

Random vest and tank top. H&M belt. River Island skirt. New Look boots. Tights bought in London. Fossil watch. Claddagh ring bought in Ireland. Vintage necklace.

Thrown together Christmas outfit, since I spent half my day serving the needs of last minute shoppers down at the mall (yay retail jobs!), then I had to wrap (because I do things last minute too), and shower (sometimes I'm hygienic). I enjoy/it makes me sad that half of this outfit was bought overseas, because I feel like it's a nod to the island I fell in love with and the people I love that I left there! Had to buy a claddagh in Ireland because none of the ones that have been given to me by family fit my tiny fingers, and I found one in a size five, so at least it fits my right ring finger, if not my left.

I don't think I've showed this skirt on the blog before, but it got a lot of mileage in Lancaster (particularly at the clubs) and is perhaps not the best choice for Christmas since it's made for making you look bootylicious and not for sitting and eating. No matter, it looks good after I spend a half hour getting it zipped over my ass, so it's worth it. And I'll still eat my weight in cheese anyway.

My winter roots are disgusting me. I am not trying to go for the weird "ombre hair" trend people, but when there is less sun my hair does not get naturally lightened, and this is what happens, since I don't dye my hair. I also need a trim, but that's another story.

Okay, last thing. Ignore my brother's cat in the second shot. She and I are actually mortal enemies (other mortal enemies include: Michael Buble, sometimes Mandatory Metallica, and these pens at work that don't let me scan their barcodes) and she snuck her way into the photo.

Annnyyywaayyyy, this is more verbose than I meant it to be, since I'm really not feeling very Christmasy. I need to change that, probably. Merry and Happy, drive safe, and enjoy the fam time. Lots and love and kisses from a psycho blogger you occasionally find amusing. Aimee out.

Look, I wouldn't know from jolly.

2010-12-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

Thrifted Zara blazer. BDG jeggings (UO). New look wedges. BCBG top. Topshop earrings.

My flat mates and I went out for our own personal Christmas dinner last night, at an Italian restaurant in town, and it was really lovely. Hollie and I shared a bottle of Spanish red wine that the waitress recommended that was really good, I enjoyed my canneloni, and to top it off with chocolate cake and ice cream was just perfect. Not to mention there was a magician coming around to the tables who amused us to no end, since we all apparently turn into children when shown magic tricks. We ended the night with a cocktail at a bar just a few doors down, and all was merry.

I was really excited to have a reason to worry about what I was wearing, though in retrospect I should've asked Hannah to take a close up of my earrings. Oh well. Totally obsessed with these wedges, I wear them every chance I get.

Can't stay and chat, I still have one more 2500 word essay to bang out before I can truly relax. Luck to the rest of you suffering through finals week!

Got a first aid kit handy?

2010-12-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Because my style is damaged (damaged), damaged (damaged), HOW YOU GONNA FIX IT FIX IT FIX IT!? Ahem. Yeah, so, we're all friends here, we can be straight with each other. 1) I listen to the aforementioned Danity Kane song way more than I should admit to. 2) Most of what I've been wearing for the past few months = boring. I mean, even a lot of the outfits I've posted make me wrinkle my nose and go "laaammeee". I want to seriously revive my 'drobe, but I'm broke.

Just as I'm feeling this clothing revitalization coming on, I clicky click on over to see what's new at Nasty Gal, strictly for giggles because I've never been overly in love with what they have to offer. I wish I had some quaint southern phrase for how surprised I was that I loved just about everything, but I'm yank through and through. In any case, a lot of the stuff is even more reasonably priced than I remembered, and I suddenly see my meager paychecks of the future winter break that are supposed to be for gas going "poof" before they even have time to hit my bank account.

What I want (need):

This lace maxi skirt worn with a leotard (excuse me "bodysuit") reminds me of this topshop skirt that I am absolutely in love with, but cannot afford. I also think it would be so amazing in the warm weather with a leo without sleeves, a super thin tank thrown over it, and some long necklaces. Like a goth hippy. (But I will never look goth, my mother always tell me how "fresh scrubbed girl next door" I look.)

I love that this tee is called the Pendelton Slob Tee, since I've recently bought into the appeal of Pendelton prints, but this is SO MUCH BETTER, because it's neon. It's the Vince Noir in me, I can't say no to dayglo.

Basically I never wear animal prints, because I don't wear a lot of prints in general, but, this top is ridiculously hot. Maybe it's the awesome way they styled it, or maybe it's the model, but I don't really care. Can't you just see it with skinny back pants, stilettos, and these-are-so-big-so-you-can't-see-my-face-because-I'm-famous sunglasses? I'd pretend I was an Olsen going out for coffee or something. And I hate style referencing the Olsens!

I want to wear this skirt with thick tights and an aviator jacket, right now. And at $38.00, this one might even actually make its way into my closet.

This is just the tip of the want iceberg, I could go on. But then, that would bore you, so just click over and do your own drooling, while I hike to the learning zone for round two of today's paper writing. Lame.

I'll be home for Christmas.

2010-12-10T12:09:00.000-05:00

My nose will not stop running. I have 2000 words to write before Monday and 4500 to write before Friday. My flat mates have flown the coop for the weekend, thus I have no moral support in my vicinity, unless I run to the house next door and have a breakdown to Liz (entirely possible).

Silver lining: 8 days from now I will be on a plane headed back to my country of origin, seated between JC and RJ to be exact (SO MANY INITIALS), with a massive headache from plane noise. But I will be GOING HOME.

So, in the interest of blogging something and being so not attractive at all right now, here are the people/things I miss and the activities that top my "to do" list upon return.

My favorite Boy.

The fam. (Extended fam, you count too, but could you imagine if I tried to get pictures of all of you up here!?)

My girls, versions 1.0 and 2.0.

Making my legs looks like this again:

Shopping. (funny hats not required)

And honorable mentions/photographically challenged mentions:

my car

my bed

Mom's cooking/anyone cooking for me except for me.

Defeating Sly Cooper 3 with John.

Gettysburg and all the people who go there!!! (well, maybe not all of them, but a bunch of them for sure!)

Are you far from home just waiting for your holiday break so you can high-tail it back? Let me know what you're missing!

Witty title...I got nothing.

2010-12-08T05:13:00.000-05:00

H&M skirt. Top and nude tank found at TK Maxx. Tights bought in london. New Look wedges. Topshop earrings. Forever 21 and vintage rings.

Last night I went to a Christmas meal at the Dalton Rooms with the Writer's Society, the only society I seem to have been able to be loyal to while here in England. This is kind of funny, because I joined it so I would force myself to read my work out to people and accept their criticism, two things I hate to do, so you'd expect me to hate everyone just because of my bad attitude. However, I don't mind reading aloud so much anymore, and have nothing but respect for the help I've received (particularly on the misleadingly titled "Zombie Story" that I've been working on). I also happen to enjoy everyone's company, what fun!

So, the Dalton Rooms is a classy looking place, and I assumed Christmas meal meant you did some sort of dressing up. I wracked my brain all day for an outfit, and this was the result, after going into town and trying on loads of clothes because I just didn't know if what I had back in my room would work! I had to get something from Topshop before I left the country, but I've yet to find a piece of clothing that I totally adore that isn't well out of my price range, so I picked up these lovely earrings. According to the Who What Wear emails I get (do they annoy anyone else? and is anyone else somehow unaware of how they were coerced into receiving said emails, but too lazy to stop them?) long, shoulder grazing earrings have returned to the forefront. I went through a stage of huge earrings pretty much all through high school, and a hoop stage about two summers ago, but I think I dig this, as long as I keep the design pretty minimal.

Tried some fun makeup as you can see in the last picture as well, but I can't take credit for the idea, saw it in Cosmo of all magazines. I liked it though.

All in all, successful night. Good food, good company, good drinks (I had this amazing champagne cocktail called a "Gold Digger"), and it tuckered me out enough that I actually fell asleep before 1am. Magic.

In the morning I'll be with you.

2010-12-05T13:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I tried to blog, but a breakdown was imminent, so that didn't work out. Here's the thing...I have to write more essays than my brain can handle the idea of, all while anticipating being home in two weeks, and dealing with the bittersweet feeling of leaving my new love England and getting back to my homeland and all the people I love. And...when I'm stressed I forget to eat, or I just survive on sugar/caffeine...and then bad things happen. So I just choked down a double beef burger to keep my body from revolting, and I need to head back to the library to write about Kant, Locke, and Leibniz, but first I wanted to squee over something.

I kind of adore the clothes in the new William Rast collection coming to target, and it's available the day after I fly home! Here are my favorite looks from the preview.

I want the silk blouses in every color (okay, so the pink and black I've seen, but they're both lovely) plus the black leggings from the first picture, plus I'm loving the bomber jacket, the fringe jacket, and that hot high waisted skirt. It makes her waist look so tiny! I mean...her waist probably is really tiny, but still, it's a good look. And I don't care if the davy crockett comments resurface in response to the fringe jacket, you and I both want to wear the hell out of it, don't lie.

Also, the detail of the black ribbons as bow ties, though not new, is driving me crazy with it's chicness here. I must try it.

You can check out the rest of the preview photos here. Let me know what you dig!

If you feel me, shout a little bit louder.

2010-12-02T12:52:00.000-05:00

H&M Jacket and belt. Kohl's tee. American Eagle Outfitter's Jeans. Frye boots. Vintage necklace.

Woo outfit post! It's been freaking forever! The thing is, I looked decent on Thanksgiving but I forgot to get someone to take pictures before the food-fest, after which I needed to remove the belt I had around my waist and I just lost all interest in being photographed. I think the one picture of me from that night just shows me shoveling food onto my plate. Since then, I've basically just been leaving my room in whatever is most functional for the library or lectures, which is not cute.

I'm wearing the vintage necklace you first saw in this post, but which doesn't really show up well against this outfit in photos. (Is this because my point and shoot camera sucks in this capacity? - I DON'T CARE. Ahem.)

This tee is part of the random "Hang Ten" line now at Kohl's, which I guess is geared towards the Pac Sun worshippers that got dragged to Kohl's with Mom and are perusing the juniors section. I can't remember why I stopped there one day...I think I was killing time after a doctor appointment and before work, and I actually fell in love with their super soft tees and tank tops. This top used to be more voluminous (and less likely to flash midriff), then the wash happened, but I still like it. I also bought a tank that I wear the hell out of, but haven't documented here yet. I supposed I should get on that. The stuff is mad cheap too, check it out.

Stream of consciousness: This cropped H&M jacket makes everything I put it on with a little bit classier and a lot cooler. Remember how I told you my hair's been getting real long? Proof! Man, look at those hips, I need to run more. And why do I have the shiniest forehead on the planet?

"It's Mariah Carey. Can't you hear the screaming?"

2010-11-28T10:09:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to force myself into the Christmas spirit, but I'm not back in America yet and I have three papers to write as well as two take home finals coming up in my near future before I can even think about preparing for my homeward journey...and I just typed "homework" instead of "homeward" at first. UGH.

I've also been supremely grumpy lately, because I'm in a relationship with the library again (and I'm already ready to break up) and it's decided to go from mildly cold - 40s/50s - to freaking FREEZING here in England. According to Yahoo! News the "freeze" is going to last for weeks, aka, AS LONG AS I'M STILL FREAKING HERE. My hatred for the cold is well documented, perhaps overly documented, and after a slipper catastrophe (that I don't want to talk about), I am without fuzzy goodness for my feet while I slave away at academia in my room and with boyfriend Library. So yesterday something terrible happened, I caved and asked my mother to order me a pair of Uggs. I have forever been against these boots that give 3/4 of the female population of America (and England) marshmallow feet, and which I once heard an Australian on tv describe as "The shoes you throw on to take out the trash." And yet, I am anxiously awaiting their sumptuous warmth encased in ugliness.

This has made me suddenly want a wardrobe that is as warm as possible, no matter how ridiculous. This is not usually my goal, since I'm a terribly impractical person. But in any case, you don't want to see my library outfit, so here are some ridiculously warm things I'd buy if I had the money.

1. Abercrombie and Fitch Vanessa Sweater ; so big and cozy and grandpa, and I don't know why I like it because I'm a sweater hater

2. Urban Outfitters scarf; boys scarves always appeal to me more. I also want to order the model as well - yum.

3. Urban Outfitters mittens; these are lined in FAUX FUR. They're also the cheapest thing here. NEED!

4. Urban Outfitters Hat; the biggest trapper hat I've ever seen, it would engulf my tiny head, I want it so badly.

And, in case you were wondering, after five minutes of Christmas music I switched to a song on repeat that, well, let's just call it Tonight (I'm Blankin' You) by some, sexy latin man. You can take the girl out of the party...

'Tis the Season for Beauty Sets

2010-11-18T18:27:00.042-05:00

'Tis the Season for Beauty Sets by geemia on Polyvore.com

So, maybe it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but tell that to the English! Christmas decorations are popping up all over!

That was a joke, I'm aware that Thanksgiving is strictly an American holiday. I don't know why you people don't think I'm funny, damnit.

In any case, all the Christmas hubbub in the retail industry just makes me excited for the days when I'll be strolling in the malls back home, where I'll be assaulted with "Feliz Navidad," crowds of eager shoppers, and christmas decoration overload. You know, all of the 6 full days I'll have in America before Christmas. Everyone close to me knows that their gifts are going to come in the form of the souvenirs I've picked up on my Euro trip, which is a shame, because I love combing through gift sets and crowded stores. No, seriously, I do. And for a girly girl like me, the beauty gift sets are the most fun to peruse.

These are my suggestions for you if you're looking for a set for the makeup obsessed girl in your life...if she has the same exact taste as me. But my choices have foundation! If she's constantly on the search for the perfect mascara, Sephora's LashStash kit gives her a dazzling array to try. If she's a big fan of the Nars line, give her the famous Orgasm set, with two blushes, one of which is the namesake, and the namesake gloss. Or maybe she's whining about how her makeup brushes suck and scrubbing them in the sink with her hands (Ahem, me a half hour ago), so she'd love a brush set in an oh so cute bag from Mac's Tartan Tale line.

I for one would be giddy to find any of these sets under the tree. I've chosen from my two favorite brands, Mac and Urban Decay, as well as from Sephora, Rock for Ever, and Nars (I still haven't tried the orgasm line yet, but I want to! There are only so many times you can type orgasm without feeling weird!) If you want to know what any of the sets are, their prices, or where you can get them, just clicky-click on the picture! Ta!

Aussie Label Love

2010-11-17T17:50:00.000-05:00

When I was in the beginning throes of adolescence and awkwardness, I always wanted to be one of those uber cool SoCal skater surfer girls who had tomboyish style but still exuded a feminine hotness that got all of the boys. The problem was that I didn't have the coordination to skate or surf, I hated winter sports way to much to even attempt to snowboard, and I didn't have the legs (or the tan) to make cutoffs, a painted on tee, and sneakers look as good as they did.

Because of this, it's no surprise to me that I fell in love with the Australian brand Insight last Spring when stumbled upon some of their ridiculously cute shorts during a polyvore search. On yet another polyvore search (for leggings), I rediscovered them again, and oh how I long to be back in the states with money in my account. There is so much I want!

1. The Last King Leggings were what came up on my polyvore search, and with my love for neon and all things wack, of course I adore them.

2. I want to wear the Heartbeat Dress out with a boy in the summer time with my hair down and curly and rocking my flip flops. I just feel like it's adorable and incredibly alluring at the same time.

3. The Warming Coat would be a great fall coat if I were back on my home campus (too bad it lacks a hood though, that's no good here in England).

4. I love bikinis. I love the Almost Paradise Bikini. Wait, is it too soon for this topic?

5. The Spotlight Dress is a version of the type of dress I like to wear out: standard boycon fit but the pattern gives it a little quirk and edge.

Maybe this summer I'll get to get my hands on some Insight pieces, and feel a little bit more like those cool chicks I envied.

Portrait of the Blogger as a Young Woman

2010-11-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

Spent the weekend in Dublin - and it was perfect. I mean, it was cold, which is not my ideal, but it only rained on one of our days and it wasn't for the whole day, I got to do some really fun things, I met some fun people...and it was just exactly what I needed. You know when sometimes you just have to get away from where you've been, because unless you get a change of scenery you're just going to keep doing everything wrong? That was me at the end of this week, and Dublin has absolutely revived me.

1. A Bridge over the River Liffey

2. A view of the single remaining medieval tower of the Dublin Castle

3.Christ Church

4. Enjoying the best Guinness of my life in the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse

5. Joyce Quotes referring to different landmarks looked out over Dublin.

6. A Better shot of "Trinity College" view.

I spent two days in the city where Joyce and Yeats lived and wrote. I drank Jameson Whiskey and Guinness with the Irish. For a little while I was in the country that my father's family came from. I had some great laughs, a cathartic heart to heart, a wild time, a relaxing stroll, a food coma, coffee and bailey's, and a good kiss. Thanks Dublin, seeya on the flip side.

If I Were A Boy

2010-11-11T14:06:00.001-05:00

New look leggings and men's flannel. Target tank. Internacionale hat. Frye boots.

Boys flannels might just be the best thing ever. I have one snatched from an ex who bought it from a thrift store for a hick theme party, but during the packing for europe extravaganza it did not make the cut. I now sorely wish I had brought it, along with more comfy sitting around clothes in general, because I'm a messy girl and I'm constantly spilling stuff on the two hoodies, one pair of sweats, and one pair of yoga pants I brought with me.

Basically, I was craving a borrowed from the boys look, literally. There are plenty of flannels cut for girls out there in stores, especially right now as we're delving into winter. I have one from Urban that I like a lot, but I wanted something really oversized and clearly not made for a woman. Otherwise it just wouldn't hang the way I wanted it: really loose. I also see a lot of boys wearing these beanies with extra fabric that slouch, and lucky for me they've been making some for the girls now too. The one I really wanted was a super chunky knit one with studs from River Island, but I couldn't shell out the 20 pounds for it, this one for 6 pounds was more in my price range, and you can't tell, but it has a sporadic covering of sequins! Shiny!

I conceived this kind of outfit in my mind the same day one of my flatmates proposed that I dress as a boy to elucidate a certain someone's...preference. She was kidding of course, but it's still funny.

Be sure to check out my Videojug site Fashion in Real Life for my extended take on fashion. My latest article is about ignoring the haters and dressing/blogging for you.

STELLLAAAAAA!

2010-11-09T12:54:00.000-05:00

Something you probably wouldn't know about me from reading this blog: I'm a gym rat. There are few things I enjoy more than a long, hard workout (yeah yeah, all you immature people out there like me, giggle), and due to my uh, sporadic personality, it's basically better for everyone that I hit the gym on the regular to keep my head in check.

What I'm going to wear to gym it up is not usually something I spend too much time thinking about, but my "gym style" so to speak, has certainly evolved since I first began hitting it a few years back. I used to always wear knee length shorts and cotton t shirts, since that's what I had an endless supply of for gym classes and lacrosse practices in high school. Since then, I no longer wear cotton tops to work out in, since they're generally sticky and icky and don't wick away any sweat, and trust me, people of my caliber of sweat glands need that. I also have a newfound affinity for cropped leggings and short shorts, but much of that is attributed to a new body image. I also mostly lean towards sport tank tops, due to the aforementioned sweat issue.

At the moment, my gym wardrobe is looking a bit slim, since I could only pack so much to bring with me to England. it's making me long for some sassy digs to chase the burn in, and we all know that the queen of the high fashion gym wear is Miss Stella McCartney, who's designs for adidas are always drool worthy. Here are my picks (in my dreams) which mostly come from the gym, running, and yoga lines, but she's got great stuff for golfers and tennis players too!

From left to right

Top Row

Run polyester shorts, Small sport bag, Velvet gym tights

Middle

Yoga performance pack away tank, Cover up core pants, Core performance seamless tank

Bottom

Run performance 3/4 tights, Charoit Runners, Cover up Core Sweat Pants

For the record, those are $180.00 running shoes, and I never spend that much on runners. I like Asics or Saucony and I go to DSW and get a pair for 60 bucks every few months, after I blow out my last pair on the treadmill. But, if I had money to burn...well, you know.

I'm sorry...am I drooling?

2010-11-07T10:41:00.001-05:00

Those of you who spend much of your days tooling around the blogosphere, particularly the fashion one, have already probably seen the various posts by bloggers involved in the upcoming Coach holiday campaign. If you haven't seen the video just released, check it out here; all the bloggers are really fun and adorable, and their answers to holiday questions are candid and charming. Plus, there are sparkly clothes. AND, there is the sexy man to the left in the picture above.

Name: Casey Taylor. Occupation: Model. He's from Canada. And if you have eyes, you can see that he's beautiful. I suppose he is involved in the campaign because coach wants to promote their new mens line to both the fashion conscious male demographic, and the "I want to feel like I look as hot as that guy" demographic. And he might also just be eye candy, but I'm okay with that.

I believe now would be the correct time for me to say something about how Casey has modeled for some of the top designers in the world, been in loads of print ads, walks a mean runway, and can wear a suit like no other. But who am I kidding? Casey, call me, I'm sure I'm available.

Confidence is a must, Cockiness is a plus.

2010-11-05T10:50:00.000-04:00

Thrifted Banana Republic dress. Frye boots. Tights bought in London. Target socks. H&M belt. Francesca's Collections Necklace.

Don't love my hallway? Too bad, it's raining outside, and I'm not in the mood to go try to commandeer a bar/academic building or something. I had to wear my big coat because it has the best hood out of all my outerwear, and it would cover my whole dress so I wouldn't get soaked, even though it made me sweat.

In any case, I only had one lecture today, which didn't even last a full hour (it's an hour and a half), and I decided I wanted to be cute today. I've been watching a lot of the kardashians in my free time (Kim is my favorite, in case you were wondering) so I think that inspired this very body conscious look, though I'm not looking as svelte as Kim at the moment, and I wasn't going to trek across campus is towering heels...even if I wanted to.

I think I'm going to try and be productive...somehow...possibly just by going to get myself some coffee. Ta lovelies!

It's just a rough patch, rough pumpkins.

2010-11-03T09:52:00.000-04:00

Juicy Couture Top. Joyce Leslie Vest. American Eagle Outfitters jeans. Frye boots. Random assortment of necklaces. Forever 21 ring. Fossil Watch.

While taking these pictures, I suddenly got frightened of all the people bustling around since it's lunch hour here, and began to freak out much like I imagine a small bunny would in a similar situation. Except add my usually deep voice squeaking out "WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PEOPLE!? TAKE THE PICTURE QUICK!?" To my poor flatmate Hannah who was just doing me a favor. I need to get over these random floods of embarrassment, especially here. Everyone just thinks I'm a loud, extroverted American anyway, and doesn't really give a damn what I do.

Anyways, I made myself respectable for class, SHOCKER. Minus the hair, that is not respectable. I don't even know what to call that, but it's what happens pretty often now that it's longer. I love straightening it though, I feels so long to me! Hopefully there will be good pictures of that soon enough.

I don't even know what else to say about this outfit, but I do want to apologize for the douchey look I'm giving you all in the first picture. I do that weird lopsided smile thing when I'm feeling too shy or too smug to flash all the teeth, and while it's cute when boys do it, it's not when I do it.

Too Early for Christmas?

2010-11-02T12:56:00.000-04:00

If you think you want to see what I wore today, you don't, since it consists of yoga pants and a day-glo tank top courtesy of Justice. A la this old post, I am currently rocking my huge headphones and residing at my desk, even though this time it's at Lancaster University in England, and I don't have roommates, and...a lot has changed since then. Whew. Anyways, no outfit, but I'll give you a little sneaky peek into my Christmas list.

Nine West Faux Fur Crossbody bag, only $59.00! This needs to be my new winter bag when I get back stateside.

Ecote sweater dress via Urban. I love me a bodycon sweater dress.

I'm all on board for the shearling boot trend, and I like the substantial heel and treads on this pair by Asos.

Is it weird that I like this hat from Asos? Well, I can predict two answers already. Mom's: Yes, it's weird. To which I would answer "WHATEVER MA I WOULD BE WEARING IT NOT YOU!" As these things tend to go. There's another one of you, who may or may not actually read the posts, who would probably say "Yeah, it's weird, I totally wouldn't been seen on campus with you wearing that." To which i say, tough nuggets, I think I'd look way cute in it.

So what's on your holiday lists dolls? Anything questionable like my hat?

I have seen the elephant!

2010-10-24T12:25:00.000-04:00

Lovahs, you know I adore my sparkly accessories. You also know that I'm totally cheap when it comes to them. That's why websites like pnk Elephant make me positively giddy. Not only is their stuff on trend and fabulous, it's CRAZY affordable.

In addition to a good selection of multiple finger rings that are so hot right now, they've got some great full-finger and cage rings, the above being my favorite. It looks like something a crazy warlock would wear, or maybe a hardcore, skinny jeans and long hair wearing rock God. I'd wear it with a floor length dress and lots more silver jewelry, and my black Frye boots. I'm talking a look like that of Karen over at Where Did U Get That. Maybe I'd even pair it with this:

Which would function as a handy weapon for a rocker in a bar brawl, or look great with a simple cocktail dress that I want to make a little cooler.

I'm also drooling over this cuff that is so sleek, sexy and a great compliment to a bare arm:

This necklace, since Mama never met a layered chain necklace that she didn't need in her life, especially one this well done:

And these earrings, because I want to just wear one and bring the 80s back to life.

Every piece on the website, including the ones I'm lusting after, (Re: everything on the site), is under 20 dollars, and looks wayyy more expensive than it's price tag. Also, shipping rates often get me down when I'm ordering online, but right on the front page you can see that Pnk Elephant has a flat shipping rate of $5.70, which is extremely reasonable. Don't wait, click on over and tell me what pieces are calling your name.

P.S. Darlings: I've started writing articles for the new how-to website Videojug.com, which you should definitely go check out. You can find my site here , and be sure to check out the great articles by the other fashion and beauty enthusiasts! From now on, the link to my site will be in the left sidebar, so you can always get there from here!

An itch you can't scratch.

2010-10-23T14:15:00.001-04:00

When I am feeling any variation of homesickness or down-on-myselfness, there are two things I want to do. Number one is go shopping. Unfortunately, shopping in the UK is a bank account killer for a poor American study abroad student, so that's not happening. Number two is go out, preferably somewhere I can dance. That I might be doing tonight, but I'll be straight with you, I'm kind of itching for two different extremes of a "night out": either a frat party (least classy extreme) or a really nice date (most classy). Ideally, a dinner date that would lead to a cocktail bar afterwards. Oh, and this is what I want to wear, on this hypothetical (Re: not actually happening anytime this millenium) date, not to the hypothetical frat party, where a tank top, skirt, and flip flops is really all I need.

All three of these pieces are from Asos, which means that if I actually had money, I would actually be able to afford them. (Well, on a really good day.) In any case, the dress I'm in love with. My go to going out pieces are always body conscious; we're talking pencil skirts, mini skirts, and various figure hugging dresses. This dress has the sexiness of what I like to usually wear in the great slit, but the draping softens the look and makes it a little more romantic, and not club.

Fact: When I wear a pair of towering high heels, I feel like I can do anything and get anything I want. Seriously, I ran for a bus home from a Piccadilly night club in my five inch Guess sandals once, I can rock a heel. What I love about the shoes here is that they're not black, because I feel like I'm always buying black heels, and that they have this cool combination of soft fabric straps and shiny patent leather. I'm also a big fan of heels with ankle straps, I feel like they draw the eye up.

Honestly, this bag is completely gratuitous, and I don't even know if it would fit my American cell phone (that I miss soooo much) along with lip gloss, money, etc. But practicality isn't my thing, and I adore this bag.

Alas, I do not get to own these clothes, or go on my hypothetical date, or even go to a frat party. I guess I'll have to settle for the university club and my club clothes.

Go to Heaven for the Weather

2010-10-22T10:16:00.001-04:00

Not to England though, unless you're fond of perpetually grey skies and imminent rain.

Forever 21 top. H&M skirt. Target tights. Frye boots. Vintage necklace.

Yes, yes, I did style this skirt EXTREMELY SIMILARLY here, but let me tell you why. Right before I left for England I was thinking about how I saw a woman wearing a pencil skirt with flats and a tshirt, and it really worked for her. It happened to be the exact skirt I'm wearing above, just in olive green, so I wondered how I could style it myself in a way that didn't look too overdressed for every day. I stood in front of the mirror in my room, wearing it with a tucked in white t shirt and these boots and frowning, and then Ma goes "I think maybe if you wore it with something that had more volume on top." WHA BAM! This outfit, since I had bought this shirt just a few days before. So, really, props to Ma for that stroke of brilliance.

In any case, I like the way it makes the skirt go from office appropriate or nighttime to casual. Sorry for the wrinklies, I had to take rather tedious bus rides to and from Morecambe today. Never have I ever, in my life, lost something on a night out (minus maybe my dignity) until Wednesday night, when I lost my phone at a club. Lucky for me it was still there, unlucky for me I decided to lose it at the club farthest from campus.

Love love this necklace, which I picked up at a vintage fair in Chelsea that I stumbled upon last month. I was on my way to the V&A and then I caught sight of the signs outside the Chelsea Library. Priorities, you know. Love this top for reasons we discussed this summer.

Sidenotes: I love how ridiculously green the grass is, especially as the backdrop for the second shot.

Yes, I ripped this title from the song by The Audition, who I am completely obsessed with right now.

Ooof.

2010-10-19T11:07:00.000-04:00

So, today I was checking my inbox, and I had an email from a woman founding a new "how to" article website who had come across my blog, liked it, and wanted me to come on over to her website and join the writers there. And I thought "OH YEAH. My blog. That thing I write. That people read sometimes."

Clearly, I have been lax. More than lax. I'm sure there's a word for that that my poor brain cannot produce right now. Thing is, I went from super awesome amazing London, to crazy vacationing in Berlin and Rome, to now being here at Lancaster University. Frankly, I thought the American college kids loved them some booze, but then I hadn't met any Brits yet. Let's just say a good part of "fresher's week", the week before classes actually started, was spent in various states of inebriation. (Because it's legal here, duh.) And then there was the first week of classes, and then there was me going back to London to visit my cousin (hi Steve, I know you read this), and, I mean, let's face it. I'm kind of being the wild child I never was, because here I have the time to do it.

Today though, I refocused, and have spent all day being "Productive Girl" who went all organized on this University's ass, until I found out I needed to pay into my printing budget (gburg unlimited printing, I misses you). But yeah, I've been cute sometimes here (and abroad) and I have some photos to prove it, and I know you're tired of this semi intelligible rant anyway. I loveeeeee you and I promise I will get the courage to ask a flatmate to take my picture in a good outfit...tomorrow.

Soooo the deets.

1. Me and a fragment of the Berlin wall.

2. Eating Doner, the new love of my life, in Berlin.

3. Pretty killer view of rome.

4. Even better view, from the cupola of the Basilica de San Pietro in the Vatican. Damn straight, they let me in and I climbed a terrifyingly high cupola.

5. This picture needed to be retaken so you could see the inside of the Basilica behind me, but I just really love this picture of me. ha.

6. Killing it at a club in Rome. My hair was apparently awesome that night.

7. Pre rave with some Lancaster girlies.

8. With a Mojito on an excellent and successful girls night out last Monday.

Photo credit for the last three to....someone with Hannah's camera, Charm, and Hannah, respectively.

London Fashion Weekend!

2010-09-24T17:04:00.000-04:00

Warehouse Dress. Random Rights. New Look wedges. Francesca's Collections necklace.

Went to London Fashion Weekend with Charmonique tonight and it was a.maz.ing. I can't even imagine how great the actual fashion week is. I enjoyed getting my fun little show bag, my Elle magazine, and shopping at what was essential a huge sample sale. I picked up a cute Twenty8Twelve dress that I am actually currently wearing to club it up my last night here in London. I'm going to miss this city so much!!

a look by Ashley Isham

Another Ashley Isham

A killer Bodyamr dress

the catwalk!

Now I'm off to Berlin and Rome tomorrow, so I will talk to you all in a week's time. Kisses!

Bleeding Hearts of the World Unite!

2010-09-18T16:19:00.002-04:00

BDG leggings. Wildfox Couture tee. Frye boots. Candie's vest.

I may have gone to bed at about 3am, but I still had to get up early to take a trip to Buckingham Palace this morning. The rooms in the palace are so opulent, it's incredible. I feel like I could never be comfortable in them, but I guess the state rooms aren't exactly for relaxing. The garden was what I liked best though; there was a lake I wanted to stretch out and contemplate next to.

Bought myself this wildfox tee yesterday as a birthday present. It was on sale at a boutique called Ad Hoc on King's Road, which was awesome because usually Wildfox's stuff is out of my price range. I can't remember the last time I bought a t shirt with something printed on it, but I really like the cheekiness of this bleeding heart one. The faux leather vest was an unexpected find a few days before I left for london, and I love love this acid washed jeggings. When I came out of the dressing room wearing them, I said to my mother "Mom, aren't they MAGIC!?" Her answer? A very flat "No." My mother is morally opposed to acid wash because it's "So 80s". But Ma, that's why I love it.

Twentysomething

2010-09-17T14:33:00.000-04:00

H&M jacket. Old Navy tee. Primark harem pants. Hue socks. Guess heels.

Today's my 20th birthday, so I spent a significant amount of time planning this outfit out last night. I'm super excited that I've gotten to spend my birthday here in London..and it's not over yet. I did some shopping today (found a dress for fashion weekend, eek!) and now I'm going to go get ready to go to a club tonight! I plan to dance my butt off like a birthday girl should. I'll post what I wear with tomorrow's post. Lataaaaa.

As if.

2010-09-16T09:15:00.001-04:00

Forever 21 sweater. H&M blouse. BDG (urban) leggings. Frye Boots. Gifted necklace.

Ahaaaa, did I say I'd be posting today's outfit tomorrow? I lied. You see, tomorrow's kind of a special day for me, so I figured I'd want to post about tomorrow, tomorrow, instead of today. Ah repeating the same word always gives me a grammar crisis. Anyway.

So do I not look like I just dashed out of the pages of a J. Crew catalogue? I stood in front of my (rather tiny) closet this morning, declaring "I'm tired of looking boring!" To no one in particular. My roommate answered "You look fine!" Of course, at the time I was still in my pajamas, my white hanes t shirt and soffee shorts, but still, fine is not what I usually go for. This outfit is not as interesting as I'd hoped for...You see, the button down blouse is sheer, which I love, and kind of longish, also awesome, so what I really need is a cropped sweater to wear over it, because I buy longer cut sweaters for my torso usually, like this blue one. The desired effect would be something like this:

Literally the ONLY image I could find of this outfit, but you get it. Really sheer really long blouse, and if you look close you can see her teeny little cropped sweater over it. I actually like how the blouse covered her high waisted mini skirt too, but you can still see it because the blouse is so sheer.

Sidenote: this is the outfit Cher wears to take her driver's test, since she can't find her most responsible looking shirt. The scene where she fails played through my head a hundred times when I failed my driver's test the first time. I also thought of the moment this photo shows "I'm buttcrazy in love with Josh!" the first time I realized I was in love. Yes, I identify with the movie Clueless, and I don't care who knows it.

P.S. saw the changing of the guard today! Still want a big fuzzy hat!

I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris

2010-09-16T04:14:00.000-04:00

Meant to post this business on Monday, but I ended up coming down with some weird cold/fever that had me sleeping most of the day instead. Also, forgot to have people take pictures of me in Paris, because I'm silly. In any case, here is my Paris sampler for you.

1. view of the Louvre 2. cupid and psyche 3. Arc De Triomphe 4. The Tower and I 5. A view while climbing the tower 6. Sacre Coeur 7. Notre Dame 8. The Seine 9. The Tower Sparkling at night

Highlights of my Parisian experience: Crepes are absolutely delicious. Despite the fact that I am absolutely terrified of heights, I climbed the Eiffel Tower, all the way up. I didn't exactly conquer my fear of heights (pretty sure I sweat buckets, and I was clinging desperately to whatever walls were nearest) but I can forever say that I didn't miss out on climbing the tower. The group I was with stumbled upon a local hangout along the Seine and got to talking with people about school, stereotypes, movies...it was such a European experience. Toward the end of that night, a young french man even came up to me and said right out "Can I kiss you? You're gorgeous!" I didn't let him, but what a compliment! How french!

I promise to post today's outfit tomorrow, and by the way, I bought a ticket to London fashion weekend yesterday! I'm super pumped, can't wait to detail it for you guys!

Keep Me Fabulous.

2010-09-08T18:27:00.000-04:00

H&M skirt. Target knee highs. Eight sixty top. Frye boots. Fossil watch. LuShae ring.

Excuse my wrinkly skirt, these pictures were taken after I sat through a musical at the London Palladium. My class and I saw Sister Act which was really good; I always know a musical was worth seeing when it takes all my strength not to dance around in my seat and then down the street when it's over. I especially loved it because, there were so many sequins. SO MANY. Nuns wearing sequins! Have I ever told you how fascinated I am with nuns? I guess that's a weird story, but I love seeing them at stores like Wal Mart in casual nun wear, and I like the nuns in training too. I want to walk up to them and ask them for hugs and if they like peanut butter sandwiches or other inane things like that.

...I'm really very strange.

But people, at the end, all the nuns were wearing sequined habits and everything was just shiny and reflecting light...magic.

But now I need to go work on a project due at 10am tomorrow. Oh and guess what? Tomorrow afternoon I leave for Paris for the weekend! See you on Monday!

IC, EV Abroad.

2010-09-07T17:22:00.001-04:00

Fact: I am too shy for my own good. So, when I mentioned fashion blogging in class and got a hearty laugh from the entire class...I became terrified of asking anyone to take my picture. This morning I went out to get tea and brought my camera, determined to take street style photos, and I chickened out of that too.

Long story short, I finally manned up and asked the lovely Ellie to take my picture, and she was all too happy to oblige. So, post dedicated to Ellie, for being super nice to me while I was being an overly self conscious lameo.

Forever 21 top and leggings. Frye boots. Fossil watch.

So yeah, I manned up, but I also look kind of yucky today. We had class in two parts, then I took a trip to ASDA (British Wal Mart, literally) with my kitchen mates for food, and then these were taken while I was cooking dinner. Yes, that's right people at home picking their jaws up off of the floor right now, I've been cooking. (That doesn't mean I like it.)

I also ripped these leggings today so now they're out of commission. Bummer. Anyway, let me give you some pretty England pictures to look at instead of my shiny face.

Just a sampling of my favorites, from top to bottom:

The Royal Albert Hall.

The smallest and largest suit of armour in the Tower of London.

Drinks with a view of Tower Bridge.

A little boy looking at the ducks in Kensington Gardens.

Canterbury Castle.

Canterbury Cathedral.

Brighton Beach.

A place to sit and eat at one of the Camden Markets.

The Globe.

London Got Us Falling in Love

2010-08-25T11:41:00.000-04:00

Wearing: BDG leggings (jeggings?). DKNY trench. H&M bag and scarf. Old Navy tee. Cole Haan sunglasses. Frye boots.

Today was our second day in London, and it finally started to feel real. We took a walking tour and saw a lot of the major sites and I have to say, it was incredible. The architecture alone is enough to drive anybody with a taste for aesthetics wild. And the fact that these buildings are so old and have so much history, more than we could ever understand...it makes my head spin, in a good way.

Ah, there's so much I want to say, and yet I know I could never tell you everything there is to know about what I'm feeling and experiencing right now. The simplest way to put it is that visiting somewhere you can't help but love...it's like breathing new life. I'm literally speechless trying to come up with something to entertain you, so enjoy the photos for now (I'm rather proud of my walking around London outfit, no?) and you'll hear from me again soon.

He's a Magic Man.

2010-08-22T23:20:00.000-04:00

I attempted to do some thrifting these last few weeks before leaving the country, but all trips essentially amounted to nothing. It's always disappointing when you go through a period of misses, but I guess that's what makes your next finds so special. I just wish we had a better selection of thrift shops where I come from.

So, due to the fact that I'm craving vintage, I stopped by the Prance and Swagger etsy shop to check out the selection, and lawd, if only I wasn't hoarding my money for England.

Blah this hat! Today Ma and I went to Marshall's to buy a piece of carry on luggage (doing things last minute is my bag) and I found a similarly soft and slouchy Cynthia Rowley hat with some tuft of furry material in a position analogous to these feathers. I couldn't get Ma to buy it for me, but perhaps that's a good thing, because I want this so much more.

Usually the classic band Ts just don't do it for me because the whole look has just become too mainstream. But I certainly couldn't pass up a Heart shirt. Try to understand, try to understand, try try try to understand...

I like my dresses knee length or shorter and fitted to my curves, and the shinier one is, the better. So, this dress and I were made for each other, yes? I can't deny that I am drawn to most (Re: all) things gold lame. Wish I knew how to put the accent on that e.

Okay dolls, here's the deal. Tomorrow I'll be catching my flight to London, and it's probably going to be a few days before I can get my shizz together and let you know what is up. Fear not, I am going to return armed with photographs and hopefully amusing stories about the mishaps I inevitably create. Please e mail me or comment with any of your recommendations for things I should see/do in London while I spend my first month abroad there!

Final note: Of late I've been receiving some of the sweetest notes from readers on IFB and through my e mail. Hearing from you means the world to me, and it always leaves me giddy and inspired. Quick shout to the lovely writers behind The Button Owl, Apples and Oranges, and Seven Style Notes - three blogs you need to check out. Please don't hesitate to contact me with your questions, comments, or whatever, there's nothing I love better!

Don't ever take sides against the family, with anyone, again. Ever.

2010-08-21T21:46:00.000-04:00

So, my family's kind of adorable. The four of us might absolutely hate each other sometimes, but they're also the people in my life who's company I most enjoy. Tonight we went out to dinner as a sort of final bon voyage for me, and we prettied ourselves up.

Abercrombie and Fitch skirt. JCrew tank. Shii heels.

My closet...is really sparse at this point. My life has been packed into two suitcases.

My brother is four years younger than me, and he looks like my twin. My much tanner twin.

My parental units are cute. So are my shoes.

I had mozzarella and prosciutto first, my dinner was veal principessa with a glass of cabernet, and I had red velvet cake and a cappuccino for dessert. As my facebook friends now all know, a veal dinner and a glass of red is the key to my heart. My tummy and I are so content.

Can I have yo numbah?

2010-08-20T23:53:00.000-04:00

So. You know how I always want to wear stuff on my head that makes me look like a princess? Or maybe you don't but the truth is that I do because as a child I had an intense Princess Jasmine complex (Jasmine wore that headband thing with the jewel) that also made me want a tiger for a pet, but I digress.

Both of these headpieces are made by Dame. and they're out of this world beautiful. The site also has the type of intricate body jewelry that's been getting really big, and some necklaces and bracelets. I do not hesitate to say that I want every single piece on this website, these headpieces first, but I certainly wouldn't turn away any of it. How hot is this just with a tank top? Or this? OR THIS? Do yourself a favor and peruse the site.

Oh, and the people at Dame? Call me.

Violent. Sweet. Perfect.

2010-08-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

Levi's shorts. Jessica Simpson boots. Forever 21 button down. Hot Topic tee. Target bag. Fossil watch. Vintage necklace. Cole Haan sunglasses. H&M belt.

So, I may have worn this tshirt to bed last night, but it was still totally clean when I woke up this morning. Also, I bought it from Hot Topic, back in high school, as part of a Halloween costume. Kim, Brianna, and I (OXFORD COMMA) went as different phases of the punk movement. I wore a fantastic black wig. It was amazing.

But, I kept the shirt and actually wear it, since it's slim enough to layer, and the Sex Pistols are pretty awesome. Anecdote, I bought Kim a Sid Vicious poster for her birthday one year and when she played tour guide at college she had to cover up the joint he was smoking because she was showing her room to prospectives. And drugs are bad. Duh.

Mexican food for dinner with Ma, that's why these pictures are taken at a location other than my house. It was delicious but I don't think I ate even half of the beef in my burrito. Because it was stuffed with it. Yesssss, my burrito was delicious but filling and I love scotch poetry and my friend baxter here ahhh Anchorman quotes. I love that movie as much as every adolescent boy does. Maybe more.

And I know what you're thinking. Yes, I have been going on anecdotes and being a little flighty with the writing lately. Why? BECAUSE. ON MONDAY. I LEAVE FOR ENGLAND FOR FOUR MONTHS. I'm a little on edge. With excitement. And terror.

And you'll be able to read all about my England adventures here, and you'll still get the outfit/fashion posts. So don't fret lovies. I'm outttt.

Badassery, and such.

2010-08-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thrifted skirt. Jessica Simpson boots. Wet Seal cheap ass top. Forever 21 and Mom's rings. JCrew and thrifted bracelets.

Imma be straight with you - this outfit did not leave the house. In fact, it didn't even leave my room, but perhaps one day I'd be ballsy enough to wear it somewhere. The thing is, this outfit was inspired by a rather pointless and short conversation I had today, in which I was told by a boy that he doubted that I could properly beat him up.

Now, what you need to do right now is forget the fact that I am 5'5" and he is about 6'1". You also must forget that my arms are pretty scrawny and useless. What you must remember is that I happen to have a black belt (though I haven't trained in 5 years...? details!) and didn't Buffy prove to all of us that tiny blonde girls can kick some legitimate ass?

Have I gone too far passed the nerd threshold for you to take me seriously?

In any case, Kim came over and we worked at coming up with an outfit that was hot, kind of ridiculous, but I still look like I could kick your ass in it if I needed to (underwear flashing notwithstanding). Bottom line, taking these pictures was fun, I was dancing to some good club beats.

Endnotes: I didn't mess up my room to go with my badass vibe. It always looks like that.

I don't buy Ed Hardy look-a-like shirts on the regular; this one is kind of fun for random nights, especially since it's all shredded up the back (none of the pictures really showed this); when I don't mind looking a little...cheap? That's a really poor adjective.

In four days I leave for England for four months. I'm flipping out.

Why don't You Love Me?

2010-08-17T23:41:00.000-04:00

So, why is the nearest Forever 21 in the opposite direction of all the places I go every day? I have decided that I need these RIGHT NOW NOW NOW. But I cannot order them online because I am leaving for England in..like five days, and that would be silly.

Alas.

Thems the breaks.

2010-08-15T18:42:00.000-04:00

Target leggings and tee. Payless sandals. Forever 21 vest. Charlotte Russe necklace.

I really liked this outfit that I put together for work.

When I got to work, my boss made me clean toilets.

Fail.

Do it better than anyone you ever seen did it.

2010-08-14T23:21:00.000-04:00

Charlotte Russe top. Thrifted belt and Gap pants. JCrew and LAMB bracelets. Target hair tie.

Today was workedy work and Going Away Party for Aimee Round II. I've been bored with the 'drobe so I've been trying to shake it up. I'm also trying to embrace putting my hair up and out of my way with fun hair things.

9 Days! Almost 8! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

If I'm right then prove me wrong

2010-08-13T23:26:00.000-04:00

Forever 21 top. Target tank and bag. Mandee sandals. American Eagle jeans. Gifted necklace. H&M hair clip. Fossil watch.

Went shopping with Ma for things I need for England before going to work for a closing shift. I really really really wanted to wear heels with this outfit, but it just wasn't going to work out if I had to be running around at work and possibly climbing ladders, because I ALWAYS have to climb a ladder when I least expect it.

I'm in love with this bag. It's the only faux leather bag that I've ever loved this much. So perfect all the time, especially the price.

The hair, ah. I had a hairtastrophe this morning when I was trying to make it pretty so I could leave it down (which I feel like I almost never do lately). A curling iron, straightening iron, and too much curling product later, it was not happening, so I improvised. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Note on yesterday's outfit: a friend of mine mentioned to me today that he wasn't sure how keen he was on the socks. I agree (sort of, first of all because I hate to agree and second because I just love those socks), but if I wasn't wearing them wouldn't the outfit just seem a little...slutty secretary? Is it that way anyway? I don't know. At least I didn't wear it out of the house. But hey, not everything I put together can be magical in every way. I accept it.

Cha Brah

2010-08-12T23:28:00.000-04:00

Random OTK socks from somewhere by school. Forever 21 tunic worn as a dress. New York & Co Blazer (old). Guess heels. Forever 21 ring. Mom's ring. LuShae Jewelry ring. Aldo hoops.

So...hanging out with my ladies to watch Project Runway and...this is what I wear? Can you tell I don't get out much lately?

Bought these socks like a million years ago because I've always wanted a pair of the 70s tube sock esq over the knee socks. Maybe I've watched too many episodes of "The Girls Next Door" (THE ORIGINAL WITH KENDRA NOT THE STUPID NEW ONES), but to me they say "I'm cute and young and sexy". Yup, one pair of socks says all that.

The blazer hasn't been out of the closet in a while, even though it got a ton of mileage in my high school mock trial days. Funny how I didn't remember it when I was searching for a boyfriend blazer...The heels are just killer, I got them for a deal at DSW and rocked them all night long at my cousin Emily's wedding. After I finally figured out this outfit (I started with the socks and worked from there), I just piled on my favorite sparkly jewelry and figured I was good to go.

ENGLAND IN 11 DAYS! ARE YOU PUMPED!? ME TOO!

P.S. Enjoy that view of my father's massive safe.

You say you don't know-oh-ohh

2010-07-30T18:12:00.000-04:00

Darlings, everything should be beautiful today. Do you know why? This is why:

I HAVE DAVID LEE ROTH HAIR! Circa the Van Halen heydey that involved that really cheap ass video for Jump! that's still kind of cool anyway, and when they all wore clothes I wish I owned, and when DLR here gave you his seductive face all the time and never wore a shirt.

However, as you can see from the rest of these pictures I apparently can't even look remotely decent, so, everything is not magic and puppies and butterflies. Though I'm fine with the lack of butterflies really.

Hollister shorts. Forever 21 tank and rings. Many random bracelets and bandeau. Ghanian beads.

So I'm just going to sign off saying, enjoy the casual look?

And I need this hair every day. I'm going to go get in my car and put on Panama.

"If I take pictures on the boat, would that be weird?" "Yeah. And illegal."

2010-07-29T22:27:00.000-04:00

BCBG top. Hollister skirt. Express cami. Various necklaces. Fossil watch. Cole Haan sunglasses. Payless sandals.

Hi! I'm back! AND LOOK HOW BIG MY PICTURES ARE! I just figured out how to use the button that makes the pictures EXTRA LARGE. Don't judge me for taking this long to figure it out.

Anyway, here's the deal. My thoughts about dressing lately have been thusly: Wow I'm single and I want to look REALLY HOT or Oh my god don't look at me I need to wear things oversized that hide me. Today though, Brianna and Kim and I went out for Kim's birthday, and I decided to meet in the middle and actually look cute. And then I figured that I could actually show you what I look like because it's respectable!

So here's the deal lovers, I'm headed to England in, wow, less than a month, so I've been doing some wardrobe preparing since...I can't bring everything with me. So I need to create a wardrobe that is filled with mix and match basics that are still chic and that I can wear for four months. This is not the way I dress. I dress haphazardly and I like my options. LOTS OF OPTIONS. This is going to be an experience.

So. Look forward to hearing more from me. Because you're gonna. Kisses!

In Jersey, we sing "Born to Run" when we drive to get ice cream.

2010-07-05T22:53:00.000-04:00

American Rag skirt. Eight sixty top. Gifted pendants. Payless Sandals. Fossil watch.

Apparently, I decided that looking like a normal human being for these photographs would be unacceptable, so I decided to make them as awkward as possible.

In any case, I wanted to wear something flowy and comfortable and not too binding to work since it's way hot outside this week. Even though I'm in air conditioning? It's fine. This skirt was acquired for like five bucks on clearance, and I like it because A) it is a little black skirt and B) it's kind of different because the bottom layer is skintight and the top layer in flouncy. Kind of cool.

I really...have nothing witty to say right now. I'm tired, I feel bad that I haven't blogged in a while, and I am currently being just SO STYLISH in an old band polo from high school and my underwear, because that's what I'm going to sleep in. So, revel in the fact that your life is more glamorous than mine I guess? Lata.

The License Plate Said "Fresh"

2010-06-30T17:03:00.000-04:00

Thrifted shirt. Justice fedora. Fossil Watch. Lucky Brand bag.

Yesterday was $5 movie night at the Chester 6 in New York, so I asked Kimberly on a date. When she said yes I got so excited that I almost sexed it up for her (....I don't get out much lately) until I realized that would be inappropriate. So I pulled out what Erin has dubbed my "Fresh Prince of Bel Air Shirt" that I got for a fraction of a dollar at a Gettysburg thrift shop a few months ago.

I hadn't worn it yet because I had decided that it needed a fedora, and I found this one at work, which fits me because I have an abnormally small head. Whatever, for 40% off, I'll take it.

Kimberly looked super freaking adorable as well (lady-suspenders from Claire's if you're looking - she was for a while before I spotted these) rocking a new haircut by Frito, who's real name I will never remember, but who I imagine has a salty and satisfying taste. ew?

We frolicked in Shop Rite, bought disgusting/delicious movie candy, and saw the EPICLY BAD "Knight and Day." Highlights: Kim was gesturing furiously, I fell in love with Tom Cruise's so lame leading man, Cameron Diaz's character had no brain, and OH MY GOD HE SPEARED FISH WITH A MAKESHIFT SPEAR THIS IS SO UNREALISTIC OH MY GOD CAMERON DIAZ'S STOMACH IS SO RIPPED I'M KIND OF SCARED.

...Ta!

You know you a, cute little, heartbreaker.

2010-06-17T13:32:00.001-04:00

Random Maxi dress found at Marshalls. Bangle and necklace from various boutiques. Beads from ghana worn as bracelets. Havianas.

I love maxi dresses, but I'm super picky about them, and therefore only own one, this one. I also have a bad habit of pulling at long skirts or shorts when I wear them, much like a fidgety little girl, so I need to be careful of possible exposure, or really just appearing idiotic.

I was lucky to find this dress, I really dig the unusual print, the super soft cotton, and the racerback. I wear it a lot for running errands and other such times when I want to be cute and not look like a slob. Long dresses always make me feel princess-y, this one makes me feel like I'm island princess or something. But I mean, check the pale. I'm full of delusions today.

I have a dirty addiction

2010-06-16T10:51:00.000-04:00

To rhinestones. You know I love sequins and glitter and flash. Rhinestones are involved in this. The only thing I loved about a past family vacation to Nashville, Tennessee, was seeing that the old men at the Grand Ole Opry wore the most bedazzled outfits I'd ever seen.

When I was looking at the most recent post on Where Did You Get That I noticed a link to a site called

Dirty Addiction. I think it may have come into existence just to make my life a more sparkly place. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye:

This Heavy Metal Glam Necklace and Rhinestone Tank are on clearance for $25 and $5 respectively, which is super reasonable.

I don't know why I love this Sweet Suchers Corseted Heart Necklace so much, but I do. I just feel like if I threw it on over a thin v neck tee with little denim shorts it would make my simple look that much cooler, with a wink of course.

If you also suffer from rhinestone addiction, check out Dirty Addiction and let me know what you love! I'm dying to know.

The Kids are Alright

2010-06-15T12:20:00.000-04:00

Thrifted skirt. Target tank. Urban Outfitters necklace. Havianas.

I like to keep it non-fussy but cute for work, since I never know when I'll have to climb a ladder to get that one pair of shoes that happens to be up REALLY high but that little girl just HAS to have them or to rearrange sale stock for like the millionth time. Also, work is a tween store, glamming it up would be weird.

Yesterday I wanted to throw on shorts and a tee but I know that a cute look can sort of dispel bad moodiness, so I gave it the old college try. When I got back from work at 1020 PM, because roadwork that is going on right where I get on the highway is AWESOME, I had my mother get out of bed and snap a few pictures before I changed and flopped on the couch for some mind numbing reality tv. Rocky was totally jealous and wanted to be in the pictures, yet he denied me any lovin'. DENIED. Appropriate I suppose.

I'm all strung out...What do I wear?

2010-06-14T11:38:00.000-04:00

Ah summer. The perfect time for turmoil of the personal life kind and weather that just will not cooperate. What does a girl like me want to do when the going gets tough? Lay on the beach and soak in vitamin D. And yet the weather insists on being highly uncooperative. Lame.

Needless to say, I am feeling decidedly less va-va and more blah, and my style choices generally reflect that, though I don't want to look like a soccer mom deep in her "I never think about me anymore" rut. I'm a huge fan of a super soft grey batwing sleeve top that I found on sale at Lord and Taylor months ago, and I think I want to live in tops of a similar nature every day. At least for the rest of this week.

My requirements are simple: soft fabric, muted colors, cheap. Lucky for me, this does not seem to limit me.

1. Forever 21 $12.80

2. Forever 21 $17.80

3. Asos Fairtrade Cotton Batwing Top $30.44

4. Asos Birds of Paradise Feather Top $30.44

I threw in the feather top at the end for those of you that need a little funk even if you're sporting a t shirt that is purposely made about a size too big for you. (It comes in black too -clicky click!)

Furry Walls.

2010-06-08T00:23:00.000-04:00

Thrifted Gap short pants and Guess top. Calvin Klein tank. H&M ring. JCrew and American Eagle Outfitters bracelets. Charles by Charles David Flats.

Had Ma snap a few shots of me just minutes before boyfriend picked me up for a casual date night. Please excuse the fact that my hair is not anywhere near dry; I tend to cut my showering time pretty close to my leaving time.

I thrifted this top last month when on a spur of the moment outing with Kimberly. I like the seventies feel that the gold pattern gives it, I think it would be especially awesome with white shorts, platform heels, and large gold hoop earrings. Perhaps I'll get on that.

Boyfriend and I ate at Q'Doba (SO MUCH DELICIOUSNESS! I love tacos.) and then saw "Get Him to the Greek." I was so excited about this movie, namely because I have been deeply in love with Russell Brand even before he crossed over into American moviemaking, and I will see and love anything with him in it. I mean, anything. I dragged Kimberly to see the horror that was "Bedtime Stories" last summer, though I must say that the most brilliant scenes of the movie were those with Russell in them. Bravo my darling.

For those of you who want an unbiased review, boyfriend says that P. Diddy made the movie worth it, and he was entertained. I say that Russell makes everything worth it. EVERYTHING.

I'm going to try to be on top of blogging again, this summer has got me being a lazy girlbum who forgets the blogging promise she made to herself and the interwebs. But no more! Productivity will prevail! They may take our lives but they'll never take OUR FREEDOM! And so on.