200

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!

Seniority

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.

Sun Shower

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'd Leave, if I could

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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!

Witty title...I got nothing.

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. 

If you feel me, shout a little bit louder.

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?

If I Were A Boy

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.

Confidence is a must, Cockiness is a plus.

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.

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.  

Go to Heaven for the Weather

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.

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.