Metallic Dress + Sporty Jacket.

The Outfit

Photos by Leo Petriu

earrings: unknown

bag: Sole Society

jacket: Adidas (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

dress: Wet Seal

shoes: H&M

The Details

The Story Merry Christmas Eve day, everyone! I was going to post this last night, but after some good ol'fashioned cable TV, I just faceplanted in bed. There's not much to say about this look, really. My family does this thing where everything is very urgent and quick, so there's rarely any time to put thought into outfits - not to mention everything I own is in boxes currently, so gotta make due with what I have.

I figured metallics would be festive, but didn't want to take everything too seriously - hence the sporty jacket.   That's about it for the day. Have a Merry Christmas with your family and friends! 

Cashmere Sweater + Denim Skirt.

The Outfit

Photos by Leo Petriu

earrings: gifted

sweater: 360 Cashmere (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

jacket: Crossroads Trading Co. 

bag: Sole Society

skirt: Charlotte Russe

tights: unknown

boots: Crossroads Trading Co. 

The Details

The Story

Few things compare to the way I feel when I put on a bright red item like this gorgeous sweater. Bonus points if it's something soft and cozy (LIKE THIS SWEATER). It's been so lovely these past few days. There was actually no need for the jacket, and earlier in the day I even walked around wearing a T-shirt. I don't really know what this 'December' is. 

On a less lovely note, I feel like I'm coming down with something, which is very unfortunate around Christmas. This semester has just been constant sickness, so I really need to start taking better care of myself overall.

Maybe that should start with some sleep.

Good night, and thank you for stopping by! 

Denim + Leather + Denim.

The Outfit

Photos by Leo Petriu

earrings: gifted

jacket: Rue21

top: Ann Taylor (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

jeans: Old Navy

bag: Rue21

sneakers: Nike (via Macy's)

socks: Aeropostale

The Details

The Story

Being home is such a breath of fresh air! I have the most boring life - just sit there and read and cuddle my little brother and look for jobs and gym memberships and places I want to check out when I move to LA. Also get spoiled with breakfast in bed, which is the best! Thanks, mom!  In my bouts of laziness and post-graduation enjoyment, I sometimes get off the couch; take today for example! Went out and played basketball with the little one, which called for a comfy outfit and some blog pics! Earlier in the week, I was thinking about this little blog and how it's changed throughout the years. I started it off in 2012 when I went off to college, and my style was incredibly different from what it is now. I guess it's one of those freshman year vs. senior year deals. My style in 2012 was more leftover from high school - high heels, formfitting and fully accessorized - stuff that was appropriate to my small town, mostly sitting in class lifestyle.  As running around campus and balancing school and work became a priority, my style slowly shifted to something more comfortable and effortless. As I start approaching the workforce, I'm probably going to head back to my roots - where I also feel most like myself. For now, I'm still embracing the metamorphosis I went through during college: some negative changes, some positive. At the end of the day, fashion and personal style are what you make of them. Both should come together and represent your individual personality and lifestyle. The most important thing is to feel comfortable with wherever you're at and rock it with attitude. And if there's anything that's skyrocketed throughout the years, it's my confidence and comfort in whatever I put on that morning.  Thank you so much for stopping by! 

Sparkly Sweater + Leather Leggings.

The Outfit

Photos by Ionela Petriu

earrings: old (unknown)

jacket: thrifted

sweater: Charlotte Russe

bucket bag: Sole Society

leggings: Forever 21

boots: Mudd via Kohl's

The Details

The Story

Now that important things (like graduating college) are out of the way, homegirl's got time for some blogging! So far, it's been challenging to get dressed while at home - I'm barely unpacking everything from school and all the stuff I previously left at home is still in boxes. I'm moving to Los Angeles a couple of weeks after the holidays, so I'm definitely going to be having a wardrobe purge sometime soon. Until then, creative dressing from boxes it is. 

Today was errand day - shipped off my last textbooks and gave Anderson (my vehicle) a wash and vacuum. Lord knows he needed it. He's very popular with the birds at school (aka they all enjoy taking a dump on him).

I got inspired to pull out this sweater (which I've owned for forever but only wore like once - it really has to go) and pair it with the denim jacket after going through some old issues of People StyleWatch. There was this perfect street style photo of a lady wearing a cozy oversized turtleneck under a denim jacket and the results were prime. Obviously my version of the sweater is a bit underwhelming, but you gotta improv when you gotta improv. I'm just glad the sucker is getting its screen time!

Thank you so much for stopping by! It's good to be back.

Life: Post-Graduation Thoughts.

Anyone that knows me well knows that all I've ever wanted was to be an adult. Phases in life that get labeled as "the best time of your life" (high school, college) have always been a bit underwhelming to me. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy my time there - but it's always been about the people as opposed to the experience itself. 

For the past 3.5 years, I've hated (and will probably eternally continue to hate) Las Cruces - enough to max out on classes every time and graduate a semester early. The people I've met along the way made my experience not only tolerable, but unforgettable. This Saturday, I said goodbye to many of these people and processing it all has been equal parts hazy and terrifying.

It's crazy to think that you get to spend almost every day with certain people and all of a sudden you're nowhere near them. It's even crazier to think that you spend over 15 years in school and all of a sudden, this carpet is just taken from underneath you and you're supposed to figure out how to walk on tiles. 

However many nights I spent dreaming about the moment when I get to run out and adult on my terms, I'm not any less scared than I would have been without the prep. Truth is, the outside world is scary and overwhelming. I don't believe in a lack of options for my field. I find that there are too many options, and a strong pressure to take all of them into account. 

This month, I'm working on relaxing and recharging with family and friends, cleaning out my mind, and pinpointing what I want to do and where I want to be. There's so many societal pressures to come out of school with your life figured out, or at least a strong willingness to apply to everything and anything and take on whatever's offered to you, and I'm trying so hard to avoid that.

It's not that I think I'm above anything. It's that I'd rather put everything I've got into less options than cheat myself and any prospective employer/internship/volunteer opportunity of a fully committed exchange. I've never taken on a project without having my heart 100% in it, because both I and the other party deserve better.

I suppose the point of this rant is:

a) I graduated college and it was a big deal in my life and I found it necessary to share. 

b) It's a scary world out there and society constantly tries to tell you that it's no big deal and your fears are unfounded. I'm here to tell you that everyone goes through fear and your fears are valid and you should acknowledge them and try your best to overcome them.

c) I just wanted to let everyone know that if I express interest and pursue an opportunity or friendship, I'll give it 100% and then some. And maybe my volume quota doesn't meet the societal trends being spewed our way, but if that's an issue then we're not meant to be. Just know that when I'm in it, I'm all yours. 

Thanks for stopping by! I'm looking forward to taking on the post-grad life - on my terms.

Heavy Coat + Cropped Knit.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: Eve's

polka dot crop: Map to Mars (via Aeropostale)

knit: Forever 21 (friend's hand-me-down)

jeans: Old Navy

coat: Charlotte Russe

bag: SoleSociety

boots: Mudd (via Kohl's)

The Details

The Story

Good morning, blog friends! It's been a while. What have you all been up to? 

I've been drenched in the blood, sweat, and tears associated with the end of school and lacked time for any blogging activities. To be fair, it's mostly been a lack of photo opportunities- the reality is, sometimes I just choose to look hella cozy and get stuff done. No time for any cute outfits.

Traditionally, the week before finals has always been my downfall. It's the week of sweats and ratty tops and sporadic showers, only to lead into a seemingly put together finals week. You know, the old 'fake it till you make it' spiel.

Alas, Thanksgiving break was a small but welcomed treat, and between the turkey food baby and cold weather, I was able to get this look in. I spent my Thanksgiving in Santa Fe, mostly feasting and relaxing. While wearing this look, we strolled around Canyon Road and visited a surrealist art gallery. I brought a very underwhelming amount of garments for the occasion, but it was nice to reappropriate my summer crop top for the occasion- also a perfect day to wear my friend's old clothes! 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Black Jumpsuit + Gifted Jewels.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings + necklace: gifted

scarf: thrifted

blazer: Rave

jumpsuit: Bardot (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

bag: unknown

shoes: gifted

The Details

The Story

I woke up this morning with a sense of urgency- this is it. The last stretch. The last month (and 3 days). There's times to vegetate and there's times to throw yourself in wholeheartedly, without stopping to think or analyze.  Right now, I'm not analyzing- I'm doing. Cranberry spice tea, mental focus essential oils, favorites Spotify playlist and a clean room. There's no time to second-guess the emails, the assignments, the cold calls.  I've been thinking this way since a couple of weeks ago, when this photo was taken (and putting it into action as we speak). The boyfriend came to visit for a weekend and it changed everything- the physical reminder of what's waiting at the finish line kicked into gear like none other.  Because while date night-ing, eating cheese fondue and wearing the most perfect black jumpsuit is all fine and dandy and perfect, graduating, moving to a big city, and setting myself up for the rest of my life need to be prioritized.  Thank you for stopping by!

Maxi Dress + Gladiators.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: unknown

bag: SoleSociety

dress: thrifted

cuff: thrifted

sandals: Steve Madden (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

The Details

The Story

Short and sweet for tonight. A few weeks back I checked out the Las Cruces thrift shopping scene and it was surprisingly not underwhelming. Not only did I get to try the menswear loafer and Mary Jane trend for under a combined $15, but I also bought this gorgeous printed number with the cutest keyhole detail. I would just like to give a huge shoutout to my friend for not having the right proportions for this beauty and passing it along my way. Much appreciated!  Thank you for stopping by! Also much appreciated!