Little Things

Leaves are falling, winter is right ahead, and so is lots of changes in my own life. I have been so busy with scholarship and college applications, a new job, and the holidays that I feel like I have a to-do list that never gets any smaller. Growing up is so overwhelming; it seems like yesterday I would come home from school and spend  my afternoon reading a book or writing in my journal. It makes you appreciate the simplicities we are blessed with when you are constantly rushing around. This holiday season I have decided to make a list of priorities that are often forgotten.

1. Spend time with family.
2. Scratch at least four books off my reading list (one down!)
3. Get back to journaling everyday.
4. Relax with hot bubble baths and hot tea.
5. Take advantage of Christmas cheer.
6. Give back.

Life is really so simple if it is allowed to be.

Empire State of Mind

There is nothing more magical than crowded streets in October, yellow blurs speeding to stoplights, sun glares bouncing off 40 story buildings, and the constant muted background noise that NYC offers. Manhattan was truly magical. I spent my free time visiting the MOMA, Top of the Rock, and Rockefeller Center (With some shopping in between, naturally). Many people hate the hustle of a huge city, but I find a serenity in the way New-Yorkers live. constantly busy with something. The city does not allow for population to waste time, there is to much to do. I admire the New York perspective. It's inspiring and motivating to be immersed in a place that is full of success and opportunity. There is truly something magical about an Empire State of Mind. Until next time, NYC.

Fashion University Recap

It has been forever since I have posted! I have invested nearly all of my time into my college/scholarship applications recently. A few weeks ago I got the amazing opportunity to attend Teen Vogue Fashion University in New York City, and I somehow talked my parents into letting me travel solo. It was the most incredible experience, and I cannot wait for next year (fingers crossed)! At Fashion U, everyone attends seminars, exclusive shopping events, along with getting to do some serious networking. I would recommend this to ANYONE wanting to get involved in the fashion industry! 

1. Amy Astley + Teen Vogue Editors Panel 2. DANNIJO (Danielle + Jodie Snyder) 3. Nanette Lepore 4. Alexa Chung (dying) 5. Coco Rocha

Teen Vogue Fashion U!

I am SO excited to announce that I will be attending TVFU for the first time in October! along with getting to hear incredible speakers including Nanette Lepore, Coco Rocha and Alexa Chung, I get to take my first solo trip to NYC! I am already planning what I am going to do in my free time, and it looks like it will be a long weekend full of sight-seeing, shopping and Teen Vogue! 29 days and counting, CANT WAIT!!

Homecoming Week '13

Even though back to school studying and homework can be a drag, Fall is my favorite time of year. As a senior this year, I have gone all out for homecoming dress-up days. Today was "Dynamic Duo" day, so I grabbed my beautiful blonde best friend Samantha, and together we were Blair Waldorf and Serena Van Der Woodsen! It was so fun getting to be Blair for the day! You know you love me. XOXO

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Wear: Last Summer Days

Even though school has started and during the week I am well into my school dress code, On the weekends I am relieved by jean shorts. It is hotter than ever in Texas, and even though jeans are not ideal, rules are rules. High rise shorts were my go-to this summer, and I plan to carry them into fall with sweaters and cardigans as the weather cools down. 

 

[Shirt~ H&M, Shorts~ Vintage, Shoes~ Converse All Stars, Belt~ Vintage, Bag~ Ralph Lauren, Watch~ Vintage, Orange Cuff~ Michael Kors, Black Wrap Bracelet~ Natasha]

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Wear: Back to School Thrifts

 We all know what roll around with August...Back to School! However, for some of us it means back to school shopping to ease the pain of the early mornings and late night studying that is anticipated. This year I am so excited to kick my personal style up a notch by mixing in more DIY's, thrift shop finds and vintage treasures. I haven't officially gone on my back to school mall trip, but I have done quite a bit of thrifting and estate sale shopping. I am so excited to share some of my thrifting tips with you all!

1. Jeans. I love buying my jeans at places like Buffalo Exchange. They have an incredible selection of designer styles (Hudson are my personal favorite) for a fraction of the original price. I bought both of these Hudson styles at the Buffalo Exchange in Austin and am still swooning over them (and their $30 price tag!!)

2. Designer Brands. If you have a personal favorite brand that you couldn't usually afford, thrift shops are a great place to keep an eye out for those particular brands. I have found so many great designer styles recently, including Badgley Mischka, BCBG, and Free People!!

3. Check for condition. Even if you love the item, some stains and tears are unfixable, so be realistic when deciding if the defect is a deal breaker.

4. Edit yourself. Before checking out, go through your picks and edit a few out. If you can part with it then, it wont end up being a favorite in your closet.

5. Vintage!! I get so excited finding a vintage piece that I can work into my outfits. Make sure that the item is completely wearable and is in good condition. Trying it on is crucial. And never buy something just because it is vintage.

6. Accessories. Estate sales and thrift shops are my number one destination for jewelry. This is an incredible way to mix vintage and unique styles into your everyday outfits.

7. Dont get frustrated if you come back empty handed. You wont always find something you want, but there is always a next time!

I still have lots to go on my back to school shopping list, so stay tuned for much, much more! 

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Wear : Summer Staples

During the summer I like to be cool and comfortable. Living in Texas means hot, hot summers (and springs...and autumns...), so I am usually resort to flowy maxi skirts. They are so versatile, and can be dressed up or down! I don't wear much but sleeveless tank tops during the summer, but when school rolls around I will add a cardigan to pass dress code. Since I am petite, I have found that knotting one side of the skirt is super cute and edgy, and is WAY easier than hemming. I also add lots of bracelets everyday. It has sort of become a daily routine to have an arm party :)

[Lace top~ Forever 21, Orange Tank Top~ Forever 21, Skirt~ Lilli White, Sandals~ Forever 21, Jewelry~Kidada Wrap Bracelet, Vintage Ring, Rosary Bracelet (via Feathers Boutique), Vintage bangle]

Make : Aztec Camera Strap

I came across this awesome aztec trim/ribbon at an estate sale and just couldn't pass it up! The print is so current, and I had no clue what to do with it at the time, but then came across the brilliant idea to make a camera strap out of it! I had been looking for a cuter one for weeks so this ended up working out perfectly. You can find this same type of material on Etsy for pretty inexpensive. The rest of the process is super simple, and so much fun.

Materials:
Thick and strong ribbon or trim (You can find similar to this one here and here)
Leather/Faux Leather scrap
Needle
Thread
24 mm gold split rings
12 mm gold split rings
Scotch tape
2 D rings

 Step One: Create an hourglass paper stencil just a little wider than your trim material. Trace the shape twice onto the back of leather. Make sure that the middle is not wider than the D rings.

 Step Two: Check to make sure that the D rings will fit in the middle of the hourglass. This is VERY important before you cut.

 Step Three: Cutout both hourglass shapes.

 Step Four: Slide the D rings into the center of the leather. You MUST do the before sewing.

 Step Five: Place cutout face down and grab your trim material. Use scotch tape to keep the trim in place while sewing.

 Step Six: Begin a simple stitch as close to the D ring as possible. Then continue to sew around the leather until you are back to where you started!

*A thimble was extremely helpful here, because of the thickness you are sewing through.

Step Seven: Repeat steps five and six again for the other side!

You are now finished with the hard stuff!

 Step 8: Add the split rings to both sides, and then attach to your camera! So cute and SO easy!

Cook : Zucchini & Chicken Meatballs

I am always looking to make healthy recipes that are not only yummy, but also simple to make. These meatballs are just that! I have made them a few times and have finally tweaked the recipe to the place where I wouldn't change a thing about them. They can be paired with any sauce or pasta, and I have even considered sandwiches. I used brown rice spaghetti (that I HIGHLY recommend) and marinara sauce. I hope you enjoy!