Happiness isn't measured by height
May 17, 2012

Just around the corner. . .

Photos by Kelsey Novotny

Tank top—American Apparel, Skirt—(vintage) Guess by Marciano, Belt—J.Crew, Sunglasses—Michael Kors, Star sandals—Urban Outfitters

Now, more than ever, I am realizing the truth behind the phrase “look good, feel good.” While I am doing well on my quest to get back in shape before I leave, two a day workouts have left little energy to get ready, thus creating my new go-to “fresh face (read—no make-up) and yoga pants” look. Not my best. Living back home for a month before my internship has been bittersweet. While I am thankful to have the luxury of long hot showers during which the cost of our utility bill does not cross my mind, a queen-sized bed, a pantry stocked with food I didn’t have to shop for and a fully equipped gym in my basement—something is missing. I will likely kick myself for saying that I miss the 24 hour chaos of school and work life. Slowing down and relaxing is wonderful. . .for about the first 5 days of being home. After those 5 days of bliss comes perpetual boredom. Although I try to keep myself busy in the gym and by making long to-do lists that span three days in my beloved Jonathan Adler planner, I am only fooling myself knowing that none of those items are extremely important or time-sensitive. Suffice to say, I am making it through each day knowing that my internship in NYC and summer intern life in Greenwich Village is just around the corner. Among my “important” to-do’s before I leave:

  • Learn subway and bus maps in Manhattan
  • Compile ambitious list of must-see restaurants, shows, exhibits, festivals, markets & parks
  • Make a large photo album of work outfit combinations for internship in order to cut down morning prep time
  • Cut down morning prep time from current length (. . .hour and 15 mins) to 45 mins
  • Learn different ways to style new haircut and find products to make it happen
  • Stay on older brother’s good side in order to ensure open invitation to Boston for a weekend (Love that city!)
  • Find eye-catching yet professional outfits for Fashion Campus NYC program
  • Compile each NYC contact forwarded from friends/family and make sure to reach out upon settling in
  • Find and contact a photographer for summer Thank Jeremy Smetana!

 

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April 28, 2012

Rainy Day

Photos by Kelsey Novotny

  T-Shirt dress—Banana Republic, Braided Rope Belt— J.Crew, Yellow Raincoat—Target, Clip-on Earrings—Vintage, Lipstick—Maybelline “Coral Crush”

As the end of another school year draws near it is safe to call my attitude bittersweet. I am sad to leave my comfy, familiar surroundings and close friends, however, leaving school signifies the start of an exciting summer in a new city—New York. I feel as though my previous internship in Chicago served as a great puddle jump for my new summer home. I recently discovered that my apartment in the Village is a stone’s throw from practically all of my favorite shops on Bleecker street. Upon this realization, I have now contemplated applying for a second job outside my internship to mitigate the damage that will be done to my poor, battered and abused bank account. Truthfully, I enjoy being as busy as possible and not usually one to easily sit still. That being said, a few of my close friends are living on the NYU campus as well so I will be enjoying the NYC nightlife to the best of my ability. For now, I am preparing for a long exam week followed by some much needed relaxation back home in Illinois where I will continue to compile an ambitious list of places I want to visit, see and experience during my time in the city. I also hope to finally try my hand at some more creative recipes while at home. My mother is one of the most well-renowned bakers in our town (not that I’m biased whatsoever. . .) so I can only hope that some of her talent rubs off on me. . .eventually. Kelsey and I took these photos several weeks ago and for some reason I wanted to wait for another rainy day to post them. I won’t complain about all the sunny weather recently but I awoke to the rain on my window this morning and decided it was time to put them up!

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April 18, 2012

Formal

     Photos by Nicole Theodore

Dress—French Connection, Bangles—Ann Taylor Loft, Earrings—Vintage, Platform Sandals—BCBG

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to live out the prom experience I never had in high school (not my own anyhow. . .). Although I attended my high school boyfriend’s prom, it didn’t feel like my real experience because it was three hours north of where I lived and didn’t include my close friends. For those who have attended a university with a (strong) Greek system, you may already guess that I am talking about Formal. I try not to spend too much time talking about my sorority because although I love my organization and the girls that belong to it, I don’t hide behind it or let it define who I am. Nonetheless, I’ve met the majority of my closest friends through joining and I couldn’t have had a better time with anyone else.

Although I had spent the week and a half prior to formal trying this diet in order to fit in a dress I bought four years ago, I ended up falling short of my goal and choosing this embellished number. In the end I realized that this dress was much more flattering regardless and the color was better as well. (No one looks bad in black!) I was lucky to have a close friend and aspiring professional, Nicole Theodore photograph me and my “family”— and as you can see the results were stunning.

My date you ask? …I had one, but he took a backseat to my wonderful friends and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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April 6, 2012

Working Wardrobe

While making the most of our time together last weekend my Mother and I ventured down to Cincinnati to do what we do best—shop. I was in desperate need of a pair of basic heels in black and nude because my poor pumps at school are beyond repair from my college town bar scene’s disgusting floors. It is amazing how much wear and tear college has on one’s wardrobe. Lesson learned! All of the above items purchased in one whirlwind afternoon at Kenwood Towne Centre have safely traveled home to Illinois with my mother to avoid exposure to Oxford’s dangerous environment. We began our afternoon at J.Crew which proved unsuccessful, however, it’s younger (and hipper) sister, Madewell proved quite the opposite. My first purchases of the day include the basic navy blazer, and cream silk blouse (to be worn together) and a punchy lime green beaded bracelet (not shown) from Madewell. I love taking advantage of the college student discount there because even though it’s only 15%, it’s enough to convince my mother that everything is a good deal. Banana Republic was next where I found a pair of extremely comfortable and height appropriate basic black heels. We ventured on to Nordstrom where I purchased the colorful boat-neck Vince Camuto top, Steve Madden nude patent heels and turquoise sandals. Anthropologie is always a must and I had to make the most of my birthday discount card (got to love Anthro card benefits) by purchasing the black and white mod top, Mad Men inspired polka dot dress (the back dips down in a low V—divine) and a bright floral button down (not pictured). On a impulse stop on the way out I purchased the retro coral button down sleeveless top in white as well at a steal for $20 a piece despite the $58 online price. At the end of the day my mother text my dad “We had a good day hunny, better not quit your day job” to which the technology challenged man responds “k.” Sounds like approval to me… more shopping adventures to follow in May—Chicago edition.

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April 4, 2012

Back in time

Photos by Kelsey Novotny

Dress—Vintage from Una Mae’s, Espadrille Wedges—Banana Republic, Bangles—J.Crew & Ann Taylor Loft, Sunglasses—Boutique in Nolita, Hoop Earrings—Chico’s

This outfit makes me nostalgic about my summer spent in Chicago last year. I am more than thrilled to be heading to NYC this summer as I always knew that is where I would end up but Chicago, with it’s beaches, festivals and Midwest mannered men really left an impression on me. I picked up this dress in Wicker Park at a boutique called Una Mae’s after it was recommended to me by my stylish co-worker, Bridget, at Rolling Stone. The dress not only hit me at the right place (not very common when you are short to begin with not to mention short-waist-ed), it was priced at a steal for $32. I know that the shopping in Chicago will pale in comparison to the many neighborhoods of Manhattan, but I will certainly miss that city and hope to visit a few times while on break in May.

With five weeks left of school I signed up for my Senior year fall semester courses today. Although some Seniors would argue that I have nothing to be sad about, as they try to milk every last minute of their “college experience” until May, but I have nonetheless spent a good deal of time reflecting on the past three years this week. I have always been a future-oriented person, constantly setting and working towards short and long term goals but I try not to miss out on the here and now. I think if my freshmen self were to look at myself now she would be pleased as I am “right on target” to reach my career goals with my summer internship ahead. Speaking with my mom at dinners and while shopping for my “working girl” wardrobe this past weekend, I think we both noticed how much growing up I’ve done this year and even this semester. Maybe it’s turning 21 or maybe it’s been learning how to (try to) live with 7 girls but I am not the “anxious to break free” little girl my parents dropped off at Miami three years ago and I think that this blog will be a great representation of how my style and interests changed and matured when I look back in time.

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March 28, 2012

March madness

Photos by Kelsey Novotny

 

Top—Urban Outfitters, Skirt—Zara, Heels—BCBGirls, Bag—BCBGMaxazria, Earrings—Etsy, Watch—Marc by Marc Jacobs, Lipstick— Maybelline ‘Coral Crush’

March always seems to be the busiest and best month of the year. Not only does it kick start with Spring Break, it also brings my birthday, summer internship interviews, big weather changes and unfortunately—midterms. This past month may have proved to be my best March yet. Contributions included: Turning 21, accepting my “dream come true” summer internship offer with a prestigious publishing company in NYC, receiving my first diamond ring (no, not THAT one, it’s not 1950 anymore), getting my first ever A+ on a college midterm and having my precious Shi-tzu, Gabby, stay with me for a week here at school. All in all the month has brought many wonderful things but unfortunately kept me so occupied I have ignored my blog! Kelsey, my photographer and good friend, has had a busy month as well, but we have already set up a few times to shoot this week and thanks to global warming and a spring wardrobe haul, I have lots more to wear! I have decided that in order to survive my summer in the big city, during my month off in May I will create a photo album of go-to work outfits so that when I get to my (likely to be) closet sized room I will be able to quickly put together looks for each day. Stay tuned for that project… I’m famous for concepts but not so much on follow through (something I am working on). The look we shot yesterday was inspired by my recent obsession with Mad Men. Not only is the fashion influencing modern day trends, as a marketing student I find the advertising story lines every bit as riveting as the curve hugging dresses and pencil skirts on Miss Joan Holloway. The collar may be a little more Peggy Olsen than Joan Holloway but the handbag throws in a little bit of Betty Draper in my opinion. It amazes me how much a TV show can have such an influence on modern day trends but I must say— I clearly don’t hate it!

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March 1, 2012

Sunset

Photos by Kelsey Novotny

Dress—Tucker for Target, Belt—Fossil, Crossbody bag—Madewell, Boots—Vintage found at Urban Outfitters, Necklace—Madewell, Earrings—Banana Republic, Watch—Marc by Marc Jacobs

This week was full of anticipation. Tomorrow I leave on my 8 day cruise vacation which ends with the celebration of my 21st birthday on March 9th. Like most people, you are now worried I will fall off the boat. Fear not, I have friends coming along that know to keep a close eye out. But in all seriousness, I am most excited to turn 21 because there’s nothing I would love more than to be able to sit down at dinner and order a glass (or three) of wine! I’m not sure if living alone in the city this summer made me grow up too quickly, but I am no longer energetic enough to take part in the crazy party scene that is—college. Only a year left to go. Time for me to finish packing. I’m currently filling up a huge suitcase, huge carry-on and max sized handbag… being an indecisive person unfortunately results in over-packing too many options for each day) for 8 days. I’m already looking forward to style posts with my Caribbean beach burn glow… hopefully.

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February 27, 2012

All wrapped up with a bow

Photos by Kelsey Novotny

Turtleneck— Gap, Skirt—Banana Republic, Tights—Hue, Booties— Vintage, Earrings— Banana Republic,  Headband— Ulta

Inspired by the headband trend on the Golden Globe’s red carpet, I decided to dust off the vintage hatbox I use to hold my headbands and break out an old favorite. It is amazing how different they look when one chops off a solid 10 inches of hair. I’m actually discovering that I like a lot of my headbands better without the overwhelming amount of hair I used to have. They tend to pop more and make the days I wear my hair straight seem less like a “mom cut.” As much as I love these blue tights they unfortunately reached early retirement when I snagged them later in the day… bummer.

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February 20, 2012

Red Velvet

So I know this post comes a little late because these Red Velvet Cake Balls are a little Valentines themed in design. I didn’t get the pictures taken right away. As I mentioned previously, I love having excuses to bake and what screams home made sweets (chocolate mainly. . .) more than Valentines day? I used this recipe and for the red velvet cake mix—Duncan Hines, frosting—family butter cream recipe, coating—chocolate and vanilla almond bark. I also bought Milton frosting bags and tips to make the designs. I am planning to do a spin on them for St. Patricks day potentially with a pistachio cake base…

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February 19, 2012

On the Fringe

Photos by Kelsey Novotny

Chambray Tunic— Banana Republic, Belt—Fossil, Chunky Knit Sweater—Victoria Secret, Floral Pendent Necklace—Vintage, Fringe Boots—Minnetonka

Sometimes a nice relaxing weekend at home is just what you need. With  Fashion Week events and two exams in the coming week, I made a last minute decision to get away for the weekend. It is amazing what kinds of things we took for granted while living at home that seem like total luxuries nowadays. My top five being: peace & quiet, being able to walk around barefoot, home cooked meals, heat and TiVo.

This year I’ve tried to master a relaxed look that didn’t involve running leggings or new balances. My comfy sweater collection has increased tremendously and my chunky VS sweater is a personal fav. I got the boots off eBay about 5 years ago and have worn them twice which is why I have tried to integrate them into more outfits. It is tough to style them because I can barely squeeze my skinniest skinny jeans in them and hose isn’t my thing—hence the nude fishnets.

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