Splurge vs Save: Black Crossbody Bag

{NastyGal, Topshop, Topshop, Rebecca Minkoff}

I've been thinking about buying this Rebecca Minkoff bag for years. I love the bag and have never found anything just like it. However, with a price tag of $195 it is a little above the price range a high schooler, who babysits and scoops ice cream for a living, should be looking at. 

This begs the question; save or splurge? I've found a few black crossbody bags that are similar to the Rebecca Minkoff bag. They are all great bags and cost much less than the RM bag, but I don't love any of them as much as my beloved mini MAC.  Should I buy a cheaper bag or is it worth it to splurge and buy the bag I've wanted for so long? 

~ Caroline

Splurge vs Save: Black Crossbody Bag

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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Too Many LBDs?

{dress topshop, boots city classified, watch Nordstrom, gold bracelet alex and ani, red bracelet gap, necklace forever 21}

I got this Topshop dress a few days ago from Nordstrom. I must say I'm loving have topshop so close to me but my bank account definitely isn't loving it. This dress was just perfect though, so I had to bring it home with me. The texture is different and it can easily transition into summer by throwing a jean jacket on top. 

When I got home and hung the dress up in my closet I noticed I've started to accumulate quite a few LBDs. But is that a bad thing? I'm not sure. A black dress works for every occasion but I think I need to break out of my neutral shell at some point. 

I wore the dress to my friend's birthday dinner and it was the perfect distance between dressy and casual. I ended up also adding a leather belt and of course I had to wear a jacket since temps in the boston area are still hovering in the mid 20s. 

I'm going shopping today with a few friends on Newbury Street so I may have a few more new things soon!

 I wil definitely have to restrain myself though. I can easily go crazy in Zara and H&M. I just have to tell myself that even if tops  only cost $20 I still can't get eight of them. 

~ Caroline

Too Many LBDs?

Monday, January 28, 2013

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Happy Second Semester to Me!

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Thank goodness it is finally the weekend! And guess what....? I'm a second semester senior. My last mid year exam was today and I'm officially in my last semester of high school. There are less than five months until I graduate, and incase you can't tell I'm pretty excited. 

This weekend will be all about relaxing, celebrating one of my best friend's 18th birthday, and catching up on a few things (like painting my nails and organizing my closet) that are long overdue. 

Have a great weekend!

~ Caroline

p.s. I just got this cute dress from topshop at Nordstrom today! I couldn't resist not shopping for myself when searching for a present for my friend. 

Happy Second Semester to Me!

Friday, January 25, 2013

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Liebster Award Round Two

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Hey all, I was nominated for the Liebster award again by Maria from Shopaholic's Thoughts. Even though I already was nominated once before I thought I would answer Maria's questions. I'm extremely honored to be nominated again! You can look here for my last Liebster award post. 

When did you start your blog and why?

I started my blog this summer just before I started my senior year of high school. It felt like the right time to start something new and I've always loved fashion and reading fashion blogs so I figured I could write a blog as well. 

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is easily heights. I don't really know how to describe it because I'm fine being high in a building with walls but I can't stand feeling like I'm going to fall. 

What's your biggest dream?

Honestly, I don't know. There are so many things I know I want to do in my life, though. I want to travel, have a job that I love, and hopefully be involved in fashion in some way. 

If you had to choose one place to live for the rest of your life, where would it be?

New York City of course!

What's your favorite quote?

It is right on the side of my blog. 

In breaking away from the familiar and the expected, you'll be forced and privileged to face greater challenges, learn harder lessons, and really get to know yourself." ~ Kelly Cutrone

These are words to live by. 

What is your biggest obsession?

Hmmm.... Peplum. I'm definitely obsessed. It's a trend I probably own way to much of. 

What's your favorite blog?

Well there is no way I can pick. I love Atlantic-Pacific, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Gal Meets Glam, Damsel in Dior, Stripes and Sequins, Sequins and Stripes.... and the list goes on. 

Do you like where you live? Why?

I live in a small town of Boston which I hate and love at the same time. I do love Boston though and would love to live in the city when I'm older. There are so many great things going on in the city year around and I love being by the ocean. The only problem is the cold. I can't handle it. 

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

My dad has been the biggest influence in my life. He has worked ridiculously hard during his life and he is my role model in everything I attempt to do. 

How would you like to be remembered?

As who I am. Whatever that ends up being. I want people to know the real me. 

How would you describe yourself as a child?

I was (and still am) pretty clumsy. I was (and still am) and complete girly girl. In elementary school I had a uniform and I refused to wear anything but the plaid skirts and dresses with mary janes. I guess not much has changed. 

Hope this has given you a little snippet of my life. With the liebster award you are also supposed to nominate other blogs with under 200 followers (I looked at is according to bloglovin').  Here are my nominees. 

1. Route Thirteen

2. Post Grad Chic

3. So Simply Sophie

4. Who is Hannako?

5. Tartan Brolly

6. A Resplendent Resurgence

7. Never Alone
8. Workday Weekend

These are all great blogs that I've begun to follow recently! You should all check them out!

And 11 my questions are: 

1) How did you name your blog?

2) What is a trend you don't want to go away?

3) Where is your favorite place you have been?

4) What is a piece you think looks good on everyone?

5) What should every girl have?

6) Who are three people you admire?

7) Describe your personal style.

8) What are two things you cannot live without?

9) Where do you hope to be in five years?

10) What is your favorite holiday tradition?

11) Do you have a New Years Resolution? If yes, what is it?

Happy Hump Day!

~ Caroline

Liebster Award Round Two

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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Transitioning

{Winter: J.Crew sweater, J.Crew vest, F21 bracelet and necklace, Aldo flats, and Miss Selfridge bag}

{Spring: J.Crew shirt, J.Crew flats, Rebecca Minkoff bag, F21 bracelet and necklace}

{Topshop skirt}

I know it is still January, and in Boston winter is in full swing, but I can't help but thing about how spring is only a few months away. This is the time of year that I'm starting to get sick of all of my clothes. The endless repetition of boots, coats, and pants everyday has me feeling in a rut far too often. However, going out and buying more pants or winter clothes is a waste since (hopefully) spring is only two months away. 

One of the ways I try to combat dreariness is by mixing bright spring pieces into my wardrobe. This skirt from Topshop is perfect for the task. It is plain enough that it doesn't scream summer skirt but the blue hue brightens up my outfit. 

Right now I would tuck a cozy sweater into the skirt and it pair with a vest and other basic neutrals. I know color is completely ok to wear in the winter but when everything is grey outside I like sticking to neutrals. The great thing also is that the sweater and vest are on sale at J.Crew! So if you really want a few more winter items these are great. 

When the temperatures warm up and the flowers start to bloom my mind will completely be on spring. I paired the skirt with a classic stripes t-shirt and then added fun accessories. I'm still a novice at print mixing but an easy way to try it out it to wear patterned pieces that aren't right next to each other. Adding fun bright jewelry is always a great idea too! 

~ Caroline

p.s. I have one midterm done, and four more to go. At least I'm slowly getting there!

Transitioning

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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An Ode to BEE

{Atlantic-Pacific 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Since my outfits this week are less than noteworthy (oh what finals do to us all), I thought I would feature one of my favorite bloggers. Blair of Atlantic-Pacific has honestly been one of my favorite bloggers for years and her blog inspires me everyday. 

One post of Blair's I will never forget was in November of 2011. The post Tahoe featured her red Hunters for one of the first times and I fell in love with them. Those boots called to me and since them she's worn them in tens of posts. Soon after I bought them and they are now a key piece in my wardrobe. It's all thanks to Blair. 

Blair is the queen of patterns. Florals, stripes, polka dots, chevron, etc. You name the pattern she's worn  it and rocked it. Most likely Blair has also paired the pattern with another pattern in perfect harmony. The rest of us can honestly only be jealous of how she seems to make the craziest of patterns look perfect together. 

Blair will continue to inspire me as long as she keeps posting on her blog. I often find myself waiting for her new posts and you will too if you check out her blog!

~ Caroline

p.s. I also think my obsession with red, white, and blue combos may be because of Blair.

An Ode to BEE

Monday, January 21, 2013

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Brighter Days

{photos from my tumblr}

I'm in the middle of studying for my mid-year exams that that start on Tuesday. Luckily, since I'm a senior a few of my teachers are being nice and having us give presentations instead of giving exams. I still have three pretty hard exams to get through though.

 And really, who doesn't find ways to procrastinate while at the library? Days like these are when tumblr becomes my best friends and worst enemy... maybe a frenemy? Short breaks turn into 20 minute stalking sessions. 

I'm definitely thinking of sunnier days and brighter colors right now. Maybe that's because I'm stuck inside while the sun shines or maybe because I'm ready for it to be spring! Whatever the reason, I'm definitely ready for a change. 

Wish me luck for the next week! These will be my last mid-years of high school and I'm hoping they go well! Then I can let the senior slide begin. 

~ Caroline

Brighter Days

Sunday, January 20, 2013

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Austin Adventure

1: Early start on a Saturday morning at the airport

2: Taking off from Boston Logan

3: Outfit worn to the airport. I was clearly excited to have finally arrived...

4: The conference had a country theme to it and us girls had to get a picture

5: Best barbecue I've ever had from Iron Works with Mexican Coke (made with real sugar not corn syrup!)

6: Exploring a food truck park for lunch

7: Fun signs!

8: 6th St lights

9: Capitol Building 

10: View of home that it was too dark to see flying back

Here are my long promised pictures from my trip to Austin, Tx last week. I went with a school group for a conference and our few days there were packed. Even though most of our time was spent at the conference we did get out to explore the city a little bit. 

I quickly decided Austin is a great city when I got off the plane Saturday morning and was greeted by temperatures in the 50s and mostly sunny skies, a huge change from temps in the 20s in Boston. Saturday night we went to Iron Works a cafeteria style barbecue restaurant that is to die for. If you are ever in Austin you have to go there. I discovered that in Austin having Mexican Coke is a pretty big deal. Unlike American Coke it is made with sugar instead of corn syrup (just like in Europe as well). 

The city was still lit up with Christmas lights so it was beautiful at night. We walked down by the river and 6th Street one night after dinner. 

I did do a little exploring and shopping as well! I bought a pendant made from an old buffalo nickel from one of the coolest stores I've ever been in, Uncommon Objects. The store is filled with antiques and "uncommon" things that you didn't know you needed. I wanted to bring home so much more but unfortunately my suitcase was already pretty full. 

I was sad to come home to freezing weather and dreary school days. Austin was a fun city that I hope I'll return to soon!

~ Caroline

Austin Adventure

Friday, January 18, 2013

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Am I Crazy?

Jacket Gap (old), Blouse Forever 21, Jeans Vigoss, Boots City Classified

I love jeans. More specifically I love bright colored jeans, pastel jeans, and even patterned jeans. I bought these patterned jeans after Christmas from Nordstrom and I'm just utterly obsessed with them. 

I wore them for the first time to school yesterday and received many remarks, both bad and good about them. One of my friends had no words for how much she hated them, but many people also said they loved them. 

I often find pieces I love that others hate, but crazy patterned pants are definitely a little out there for me.  I loved the outcome though and will be wearing them plenty more times!

What do you all think? Am I crazy? Are my pants a little too out there?

~ Caroline

p.s. I also love these floral pants for spring that I saw on B Soup

Am I Crazy?

Thursday, January 17, 2013

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Golden Globe Trends

{pictures from LA Times}

I make an attempt to watch The Golden Globes, The Oscars, and the rest of the award nights each year but I always find myself bored once the actual awards start. I love watching the stars come down the red carpet, but that is where my interest peaks. 

However, one of the best parts of the awards is watching Fashion Police and reading about the best and worst dressed celebs. This year I found myself disagreeing with a lot of the worst and best dressed lists, but there were four dresses that really stood out to me. 

Kerry Washington, Nicole Richie, Jennifer Lopez, and Julianna Margulies looked gorgeous on the red carpet and their dresses featured one of my favorite trends; lace and beaded lace. The lace on Richie and JLo’s dresses reminded me of the gorgeous dresses I see on Downton Abbey while also being modern and chic. 

Julianna and Kerry’s dresses created the look of lace with beading. I’ve always wanted a dress like their dresses and fell in love with Kerry Washington’s dress the moment I saw it. The combination of the sheer skirt and neckline shows just the right amount of skin and the color compliments her so well. 

Maybe one day I’ll get the change to wear a dress like one of these dresses but until then I’ll soak up all the red carpet fashion.

~ Caroline

Golden Globe Trends

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Hints of Spring

clockwise from dress: 

topshop dress, Nordstrom shirt, Miss Selfridge top, topshop sandals, topshop top, Stephen & Co necklace, topshop heels, Caslon sweater

 

Forecasts are showing 3-6 inches of snow for the Boston are tomorrow morning through the afternoon but my thoughts are centered on spring. 

I love New England but I'm pretty sure I have southern blood. Any weather colder than the 50s is too cold for me, and I am definitely ready for spring. Since I have very little hope of spring weather coming anytime soon I've started searching online for some pretty spring pieces that I'll be able to wear once the weather warms up. 

I'm loving the usual trends I'm seeing such as florals, brights, and pastels. Luckily I've also seen a great deal of peplum so I won't have to give up my favorite trend anytime soon!

~ Caroline

Hints of Spring

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

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Happy Weekend!

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Happy weekend everyone! This week has gone on forever and I will be happy to be able to sleep in tomorrow morning and relax for a little while. Tonight I'm staying in and watching Downtown Abbey, my new obsession. Tomorrow I start cracking down on studying for finals. Wish me luck!

~ Caroline

p.s. I wish my desk could look this pretty when I study!

Happy Weekend!

Friday, January 11, 2013

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Two-in-One

{Jacket Gap (old), Jeans JBrand, Boots City Classified, Sweater The Limited}

{Splendid, DKNYC, Club Monaco, Free People}

You know those days where it is such a struggle to pull yourself out of bed that you know finding something to wear is going to be impossible? Well I sure do, and this morning was one of those mornings. I don't think I can claim I'm jet lagged since Austin is only one hour behind Boston but this morning 5:30 seemed way earlier than it usually does. 

On mornings like this morning I usually reach for a comfy pair of jeans and the coziest top I can find. These are the days I usually end up in a flannel or chunky sweater, but I have a new favorite. I bought this cowl neck sweater from The Limited a few weeks ago with a Christmas gift card and I've fallen in love with it. I actually don't think it is the most flattering piece of clothing I own but it is by far the comfiest. The best part though is that on a morning where you are half asleep this sweater is two items, a cozy sweater and scarf. 

I've already started looking into buying more cowl neck sweaters... I'm in love. 

~ Caroline

p.s. the leather accents on the second sweater are to die for. 

Two-in-One

Thursday, January 10, 2013

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Whirlwind

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I got yesterday, well sort of today, at 1am from Austin. I was only there for a few days with a group from my school for the AMS Annual Meeting, but they were a great few days. We presented a few posters, explored the city, and became fans of Downtown Abbey.

 Unfortunately now that I am home I have a lot of work to catch up on and finals looming in the near future. I'll have pictures up soon but until then here is a little outfit inspiration for the end of the week!

~ Caroline

Whirlwind

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

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Change

Every January I make a few resolutions for the upcoming year just like most. And just like most people I often fail to achieve or embrace these resolutions. I mean who hasn't said they want to be more healthy this year than they were last year (I know I say this every year).

The best advice I've ever been told though is to take it day by day. Every day make a small effort to change your habits and achieve your goals and dreams. 

This year that I will try to focus on my goals every day even if just for a moment. Drinking more water and eating sweet fruit instead of sugary sweets are easy ways to eat healthier that don't take a large effort. Bringing my camera with me more places even if I'm just going down the street will help me to focus more on photography, something I've loved for years. 

I've said it before but I now that I'm making money from my job and getting older I want to invest in classic pieces that I can keep for years. Whether I buy nice jeans or classic blazers I want to make an effort to buy more clothes from brands that will last me years. 

Recently I've been getting better at accessorizing and I want this to continue through 2013. Stacking bracelets and adding scarves or other accessories to outfits are easy ways to make your look special.

I also know that this year is going to be a year full of change. Graduating high school, going to college, and being surrounded by completely new people that will start as strangers is going to be hard, but I want to embrace these changes. Change is a good thing and right now I can't wait for the rest of my life to get going. However, in the moment big life changes can be overwhelming so I will have to remind myself of this in a few months. 

I think 2013 is going to be a year to remember. However, while totally cliche the saying life is what you make it is true. This year I want to make my life the best it can be!

~ Caroline

p.s. These next few weeks are going to be incredibly hectic as I will be traveling to Austin for a brief few days and then have mid-year exams coming up in two weeks. I probably won't be posting as much, but I'm still here! Wish me luck!

Change

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

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