Outfit: Off-the-Shoulder + Printed Pants.

The Outfit

Photos by Fernanda Teixeira

earrings: Romania

necklace: TJ Maxx

top: Charlotte Russe

pants: Rue 21

backpack: Target

shoes: J. Crew (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

The Details

The Story

To be honest, sometimes I struggle when picking out my outfit of the day. I struggle because every day I walk around campus and see girls that look the way I've always pictured college girls to look. Of course I can't truly know what goes on in their wardrobes (or lives), but in my mind they embody the ideal college lifestyle. These are the girls that I look at and think "Wow, she looks so pretty and put together" and the same girls that guys always do a double take on. 

Some days I crave that lifestyle- that aura around me, but for some reason I always go back to my own version if it. I could describe it as half average college girl, half man repeller. This outfit feels exactly like that- there's going to be the lovers, and there's going to be the haters (most likely making up the majority). 

I'm a relatively tame example of self-expression, and would never second guess myself in a big city where doing your own thing is encouraged and celebrated. But living in a relatively small town with a lack of focus on personal style can really get to me sometimes. I struggle to maintain my own vision of myself, but there are times when I just want to put on the same cute dress everyone else is wearing and go on with my day. 

I guess there's some soul searching to be done. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Outfit: Long Sleeve Romper + Booties.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: Kate Spade (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

necklace: TJ Maxx

romper: Ark & Co. (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

booties: Madewell (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

bag: thrifted

The Details

The Story

While looking through my camera last week, I came across these photos- taken a couple of nights before I headed back from my summer in LA. I completely forgot they existed, and to be honest- extreme reaction, I know- they nearly made me cry.

I miss it there. I miss all of the streets being different. I miss being inspired by all the city's murals. I miss being inspired by my beautiful co-workers and their distinct styles, and by my amazing boyfriend and his artsy crew. 

I'm not trying to hate on the Land of Entrapment. It has its charm, and maybe right now I take it for granted. I'm sure just visiting it would have been really impressive. But for now, it's not the place for me. It feels dry and unwelcoming, like it's slowly sucking the energy out of me. 

But for now, I'm left with the memory of this fun night, and the motivation I remember having throughout my stay there. The motivation I remember having at the beginning of the semester.

I'm combating my lack of inspiration by diving deep into everything- school, work, life- and forever dressing up and blogging.

I'm excited for what comes after the slump. Getting there is the tough part, but they say it's all about the journey. I'm kind of skeptical, but hopefully they'll be right.

I'll be here. Thanks for stopping by. 

Outfit: Printed Dress + Tied Long Sleeve.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: garage sale

top: TJ Maxx

dress: Crossroads Trading Co.

necklace: garage sale

bag: Nine West

sandals: CL Chinese Laundry via Ross Dress for Less

The Details

The Story

One of the most difficult and uncomfortable things one can do is break routine- particularly a pleasant one. These past couple of days, it's exactly what I've been working on. After an amazing summer in Los Angeles, I'm back to the Southwest grind, eagerly (loosely speaking) awaiting my last semester of college. 

Looking back through the photos that I have yet to post on the blog, all taken by the boy that I'm going to miss most and all containing at least one item from the store in which I spent at least 25 hours a week in, I feel eager and determined. 

I'm eager to finish school and start my adult life and head over to Los Angeles for good and create my own way (AND BUY A FREAKING BUNNY ALREADY). But at the same time, I'm determined. I'm determined to take this semester head on and enjoy every second of it. I'm determined to immerse myself fully in studying, working, loving my friends and myself and fully experiencing life. I'm determined to attend all the events, say yes to all the hangouts, take on any writing opportunity that comes my way, and read as many books as possible. 

This summer I've done something that I hadn't in a while- just lived a little and enjoyed it. Sometimes, that can be hard to do in a world where getting stuff done for the sake of getting it done seems to be the priority. But this time around, I will do it all and do it right because knowing what's at the finish line is the greatest possible motivator.

And, of course, I'll be here blabbing about it. Thanks for stopping by!

Outfit: Green Dress + Tacky Sweater.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: Romanian boutique

necklace: TJ Maxx

cardigan: Crossroads Trading Co.

dress: LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl's

bag: Zara via Crossroads Trading Co. 

shoes: Converse All-Star via Crossroads Trading Co. 

The Details

The Story

Around the beginning of high school, I bought this deep red hoodie with some Michael Jackson-esque shoulder details (see here). My mother swore that I would never wear it, but oh how wrong she was! Because you see, I have a fatal attraction to tacky sweaters- particularly, the ones that go just a wee bit over the top in shoulder detailing. 

Enter this gem of a cardi that I found during work at Crossroads Trading Co. I stole so many glances until I finally gave in and purchased it, and I haven't looked back. There are very few things in life that bring me as much joy as tacky rhinestones on a chunky cardigan. What are some of your weird fashion obsessions? 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Outfit: Floral Dress + Jean Jacket.

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda earrings: Wet Seal
sunglasses: Kenneth Cole Reaction (via TJ Maxx) necklace: unknown ring: unknown dress: Wet Seal belt: unknown jacket: Rue21 bag: New York & Co. (via Plato's Closet) shoes: Brash @ Payless ShoeSource Hi, everyone! I stand here today to bring you another abnormally short post from my new series called "It's only the 3rd day of school and Ada is already burnt out." 'Tis a series involving a lot of drama and excitement--- just kidding. What I'm really trying to say is that it involves a lot of sleep deprivation, overpriced textbooks, and mad amounts of dry shampoo. 
Thanks for hanging in there with me, watching it all unfold! 

Outfit: Color Block Top + Black Maxi.

Photos by Leo Petriu

sunglasses: Kenneth Cole Reaction (via TJ Maxx)

earrings: unknown

necklace: Rue21

top: Target

bag: Tommy Hilfiger (via garage sale)

skirt: Wet Seal

sandals: Merona

Hi, everyone!

I'm not in much of a blurb mood today, so I'm just going to say I wore this outfit while checking out some local boutiques last week and found it to be perfectly appropriate comfort wise. Also, though it has nothing to do with it, I'm just gonna pretend it's my lucky deal finding outfit- cute accessories under $10, buy 2 get 1 free? Count me in! Don't even get me started on the $10 sandals, to be featured in an upcoming post! So great :)

Thanks for stopping by!