Pattern Play

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(P.S. This last one is me from this past summer! What do you think of my blonde hair?)

I don't think that I've been more excited for anything than I am now that it is finally March. Spring is my second favorite season (behind fall) and I am more than ready for it to begin. The long, cold winter always takes a toll on me- physically, mentally and fashion-wise. Anyone else find themselves in a fashion stand-still around this time of year, just itching to break out your new clothes and embrace the latest spring trends?

One of my favorite spring staples is florals. And I get it, Miranda Priestly said it best in The Devil Wears Prada when she stated, “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” One way to switch up your spring look and a style I'm currently obsessed with, is mixing florals with stripes.

One: Blazer/ Necklace/ Blouse/ Shirt; Two: Shirt/ Skirt/ Flats; Three: Sweater/ Pants/ Belt

What do you think? What are some spring trends you're excited for?

Thank you for all of your sweet comments about my internship style photo and to everyone who voted! I really appreciate it.

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Vince Camuto Interview Style 101 Contest

Blazer: Forever 21 (last season)/ Tank: American Eagle Outfitters (old)/ Pants: H&M/ Pumps: Target (last season)

It's been particularly cold and dreary in Champaign lately. Even this weather, midterms and being diagnosed with the flu couldn't stop me from throwing on my {interview} best to participate in Vince Camuto's Interview Style 101 Contest. This is where I need your help. Please follow this link to vote for me in the contest. With enough votes, I could win the chance to interview with Vince Camuto for a summer internship. I have dreamed of working in the fashion industry for as long as I can remember and this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. So if you have a second to spare, please vote for me! Voting ends this Sunday and you can also vote once every twenty-four hours.

In the meantime, I'll be studying for the remainder of my midterms, nursing myself back to health and working on the blog in order to maintain a more regular schedule- I miss you! When is spring break again?

Time to get votin'!

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Watch and Learn

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What time is it? Time for you to get a {new} watch.

I got my first watch when I was seventeen. Ironically, I didn't even know how to tell time off of something that wasn't digital. Despite this, I liked watches for their sophisticated look. I liked them for the way they pulled together and completed even the simplest of looks. My first watch was only eleven dollars from the BP section at Nordstrom. Ironically again, I remember being asked a number of times if it was a Rolex. As if I would have a Rolex. It had the biggest face I've ever seen on a watch and I probably could have knocked somebody out while wearing it. It weighed practically a ton and had both silver and gold links which I thought was great because I could wear it with everything. And I did wear it with everything. As I said before, it completed my outfits and quickly became my go-to accessory. 

After buying that first watch, I became obsessed with watches. To date, I probably have twelve or so in total. I have however learned how to read one by now. My dad, quoting Rocky II, always likes to remind me that "If you want to have a good time then you have to have a good watch," and I couldn't agree more. Last year over spring break, I got a Michael Kors rose gold watch and haven't taken it off since. But take it from that first one of mine from Nordstrom that a watch doesn't have to be expensive to make a statement. Find one you can wear everyday and watch yourself never take it off.

Do you have a favorite watch? 

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Collar Make Me Holler

Shirt: Ann Taylor /Collar Necklace: Francesca's Collections/ Jeans: Macy's (old)/ Booties: Target 

Happy Friday! Anyone else feeling an array of emotions ranging from jealousy to rage to depression over not being in New York for Fashion Week? At least it's finally the weekend...

I've had a crazy, busy week and expect an even busier weekend, but I managed to sneak away for a little and take a few pictures. I got this top from Ann Taylor for four dollars - yes, only four dollars - during their after-Christmas sale. It's more mature than anything else I own, but I can never pass up a good deal. I like to play with polished pieces like this by pairing them with grungier items like these ripped, boyfriend jeans of mine. I added a jeweled collar and a pair of wedge booties for some extra flair.

What do you think?

Cheers,

Elizabeth 

Happy FURiday

Vest: Macy's (old)/ Shirt: Lauren Conrad Kohl's Collection/ Necklace: Francesca's Collections/ Jeans: Nordstrom (old)/ Boots: Franco Sarto

Happy FURiday as I've dubbed it! The weather has been so cold lately that I feel like I've actually grown a layer of fur! Or maybe I've just been wearing my fur vest every day...

What are your plans for the weekend? I'm looking forward to celebrating my two roommate's birthdays! Speaking of, happy birthday to my amazing roommate and photographer, Ang! I hope your day is as special as you are. I love you.

What have you been wearing to stay warm?

Cheers,

Elizabeth 

Bag Lady

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As humans, we are naturally curious creatures. And one of the things that constantly plaques the minds of men and women alike is the contents of a woman's purse. It is one of the most personal and secretive things about a woman. As females ourselves, we have somewhat of an advantage when it comes to this question. But, I'd be lying if I said that my natural curiosity didn't sometimes get the best of me. One of the things my best friend always has in her purse is a hairbrush. I would never even think of that!

Other than the contents itself, I am interested in the bag that's carrying it all. I am a self proclaimed bag lady. Yes, I am that girl with the Mary Poppins sized bag that seems to contain everything and anything, but I digress. My go-to carryall I used last spring has seen better days, so I thought it was time to start looking for a new one. I loved the bag I used last spring. It was actually a briefcase- a sleek, bright orange briefcase that I got as a steal from T.J.Maxx and also got a ton of compliments on. I really loved all of the different pockets and compartments because I'm always carrying around a bunch of small things- including pens and notebooks for when inspiration strikes! For everyday use, I really like structured bags, especially in bright colors for spring! While I've been obsessing over Celine bags, this is “Champaign” Taste. My favorite brands like Michael Kors and DKNY have cute, bright, structured bags that do the trick though! 

Which bag is your fav? And dare I ask, what's in your purse?

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Every Day is a Special Occasion

China/ Shoes/ Sunglasses/ Lipstick/ Skirt/ Earrings/ Candle/ Chocolates/ Perfume/ Necklace

This weekend while getting ready, one of my roommates was having trouble deciding what to wear. After standing in front of the mirror staring at her outfit for ten minutes, she decided, "This is too cute to wear tonight. I should save it for my birthday." How many times have you caught yourself or one of your friends stating something similar to this? I know I've been guilty of not wearing an outfit before because I wanted to save it for a better occasion. I've even skipped on my favorite body wash when in the shower because I wasn't doing anything particularly special that day!

So when I came across this quote by Thomas S. Monson earlier this week, it really resonated with me. I know my roommate and I aren't the only ones guilty of "saving" something for a more special occasion either! I've really been trying to appreciate the little things and live in the moment this year. Overall, life is a celebration and we should be celebrating it each and every day. So wear the outfit. Use the good china. Burn that candle. And spray your best perfume. After all, every day of your life is a special occasion.

Cheers to you and your fabulous life,

Elizabeth

Brrr

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Scarf 1/ 2/ 3

Gloves 1/ 2/ 3

In an attempt to avoid clichés such as "oh the weather outside is frightful" and "baby, it's cold outside" because it is painfully far from the holidays, I have to note how painfully cold it is outside. Doesn't the weather understand that I'm done with winter now that the holidays are over?

Unfortunately, we are just getting into the heart of winter and that means countless more walks to class while freezing our butts off and not being able to feel our fingers or toes. While we can't change the weather, we can change our attitude towards it. And I am a firm believer that the way you dress influences the way you feel. So why not get all bundled up in some bright winter basics like the ones pictured above? Even though stores are clearing out their winter stocks to make way for spring items, there is still a chance to find cute cold weather accessories and on sale too! Maybe this weather is something I can get behind...

I hope you're finding a way to look fabulous in this cold weather! What are you bundling up in? 

Stay warm,

Elizabeth

It's "Mint" to be

Backpack/ Blouse/ Shorts/ Jeans/ Belt/ Flats/ Earrings/ Nail Polish/ Dress/ Shirt/ Satchel

While Pantone recently declared emerald as the color of the year, I can't help but be smitten with its mintier relative. Mint became a spring staple last year and I caught on too late to try the trend out. But while doing some spring shopping before returning to school, I couldn't help but notice mint pieces everywhere! And while my body is in less than mint condition (I've been sick in bed all weekend with the flu), I can't wait to try this color out. Even a year old, it seems so fresh and feminine. 

Do you have any mint pieces? What colors and trends are you excited about for spring?

Cheers,

Elizabeth

This is the Year to...

Don't you just love fill in the blank questions? Me either. But I do like filling in the blank when it comes to my future.

During the holiday season, I posted a gift guide on what to get your best friend. Now that the holiday season is over and second semester is starting, why not reward the best friend you have, yourself.  I decided to do just that with some birthday money by buying myself the "This is the Year To" Kate Spade idiom bangle.

I love all of the Kate Spade idiom bangles, but this one really meant something to me. My freshman year of college was a difficult transition for me and I'm ready to embrace the new year and all of the things I've grown to love at school. For me, this is the year to...

Read more. (You've heard this one.)

Get organized.

Get more involved on campus.

Take care of myself physically.

Go to bed earlier.

Do well in my classes.

Accessorize more.

Be kinder.

Live life to the fullest.

Appreciate the little things.

Bangle

The bangle is engraved with other fun to-dos like: wear red, master the bow tie, embrace color, be a firecracker, take a road trip and dance till dawn. I think this bracelet is a little daily reminder for me to put myself outside of my comfort zone and to try new things. Not to mention, it's cute!

Fill in the blank yourself. This is the year to __________.

Cheers,

Elizabeth