Happy 2013

Hello Lovelies,

I hope everyone is having a great and safe new year.  I'm never one to make resolutions but I feel like now that I'm done with school I feel like I should start making some resolutions.  For me it is important to set realistic goals because I actually want to achieve what I'm setting out to accomplish. Ok, so I'm hoping 2013 is a year of discovery.  I want to discover who I really am! That may sound odd to you but I feel like I'm currently in a space of indecision.  I want to find a job that I'm passionate about and that supports me financially.  I also want to start making the beginning steps of venturing out on my own.

So what I hope to accomplish in 2013 is:

1. Find a full-time job. Whether this is in retail or in communications, I want to find a job that allows me the financial security I'm looking for.  I want benefits, vacation time and a lovely paycheck.  I know it's a tough market out there but there has to be a job for me somewhere.  My mission in 2013 is to find it!!!!!!!!!!
2. Start saving to purchase an apartment.  For me, it's important that I start establishing my independence and I honestly don't think I can fully do that until I move out.  I don't think 2013 will be the year I move out but it will be the year I start making financially sound decisions that will help support this goal.  As noted on this blog, I am a shopaholic.  I planning on only shopping for clothes 2-3 times a month.  I need to really analyze my purchases and not just buy because I feel like it's a good deal.  I have a million great deals in my closet that still have the tags on them, which makes them a bad deal because I haven't worn them.  Goal for 2012: Stop shopping and start saving!!!!!
3. TRY NEW FOODS. I make this a priority every year and every year I try a few new things a year. This year I re-introduced meat into my diet.  I've never been a huge fan of meats such as hamburgers, pork, steak, or ham but I've had 3 hamburgers this year and some turkey sausage that weren't terrible.  Honestly, I could live without meat but I realize if I'm in a pinch a hamburger won't kill me.  For 2013, I'm thinking of trying sushi (vegetable rolls, I don't do fish), and I want to introduce new proteins into my diet.
4. Improve/mend friendships and relationships.  I've realized over the years that sometimes I let the people I care most about slip away.  I want to make it a point to re-connect with lost friends and improve the friendships I have now! When I lost my grandma 2 years ago, I swore that I would tell the people that matter the most to me how much I really value them.  Although, I've done a decent job at that I want to keep doing that.


These are my new year resolutions that I hope to achieve in the coming year.  I also plan on working out more and eating healthy but I don't think those boring resolutions need there own bullet point. I'm also hoping to try new things in terms of my appearance.  I'm thinking of trying the 30 outfits challenge that Kendi Everyday did http://www.kendieveryday.com/p/30x30-remix.html). Click here to see the Pieces Kendi chose.  This is a way for me to stop shopping and to rediscover key pieces in my wardrobe.  It's also a way for me to update this blog more frequently!!!! Wish me luck!

Birthday Wishes and Christmas Dreams...

Hello all,

Long time no blogging but lately I haven't been very creative with my outfits so I haven't been posting.  Also, I was going to post about the horrific school shooting in Newton but I couldn't gather all my thoughts into coherent sentences.

So, today is Christmas Eve, which means tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY!!! Yes, I know, you think having a christmas birthday sucks and I would have to agree with you.  However, in all honestly I have never experienced what having a birthday on another day feels like.  The one thing I hate about having a Christmas birthday is I always get asked "Do you get less presents because your birthday is on Christmas?" Without fail within a few minutes of people knowing when my birthday is this is the first question I get asked.  To which I respond, "If anything I get way more presents then I deserve!"

When I first started this blog I talked about how I needed a new perspective and needed to make a change in my life.  I left my retail job for another retail job in hopes that it would be better.  When I graduated college I had zero desire to ever want to work in retail again but that was until I found my current job.  I work with people who are nice and I actually enjoy being around.  Also, the management team understands that I am interested in learning new aspects of the job and are willing to train me.  Today, after they bought me a delicious cake for my birthday, they gifted me with a lovely surprise.  They offered me an opportunity to expand my responsibilities within the store.  They understand what I want and are willing to invest in my future.  Although it's only been a few months there I've enjoyed every moment I've spent there and am thankful for the opportunity.  My only regret is that I didn't leave my previous job and come to this one sooner.


I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas or whatever holiday you may celebrate.  May Santa bring you everything you may want and need.

Image from: http://yummyplants.com/vegan-holidays/merry-christmas-welcome-santa-with-delicious-vegan-christmas-cookies/

 Clearly, I should look into becoming a mime.....

A Week in Review... outfits, movies, and shopping

Hello Lovelies,

Sorry again for the lack of posting.  I've been super busy at work since it's Christmas shopping time.  However, the only plus to working a lot is I get to put together some cute outfits.  This past week in NJ was unseasonable warm so I got to wear a few items that I would never imagine wearing in December.

So without further ado, let's get on with the outfits!!!

 The first outfit was a black and white plaid chiffon blouse from Old Navy paired under a black V-neck sweater.  I also chose to pair this outfit with my boyfriend fit pants from Gap and my J.Crew CeCe flats, which I absolutely adore.

Probably my favorite outfit of the week was the one I wore when it was 65 degrees this Tuesday.  I paired my skinny cropped navy polka dot pants, a lavender boyfriend fit shirt, and a navy crew neck sweater all of which came from the Gap.  I also work my favorite gold cece's from J.Crew and my bubble necklace, which has quickly become a staple for me.  

Although I mentioned above that the polka dot outfit was my favorite of the week, this Chevron outfits was a close second.  I love this blouse that I got at Nordstrom during their Anniversary Sale, and this is actually the first time I wore it.  I paired it with a pair of Black Rockstar skinny pants from Old Navy, which I took a chance on because they were only $15 and surprising I liked the fit.  I also decided to wear my pink CeCe's as my pop of color because I felt like this outfit needed something to spice it up.


So onto movies.... I just got back from seeing Playing for Keeps.  Overall, I say the movie was cute and heartfelt but by no means was it amazing.  My favorite part of the whole movie is that Gerald Butler has the sexiest Scottish accent ever.  Jessica Biel, on the other hand was a little annoying in the movie.  I love Jessica Biel and am considering dying my hair like hers but in the movie she has this dark hair that just washes her out.  Again, it was a cute movie but I definitely think it's one of those that you can wait to see on Redbox or OnDemand.

I also attempted to watch Rock of Love but I lost interest about 45 minutes in and don't think i'll ever be able to watch it again.

Until next time......

Outfits of the Week!!!!

Hello Lovelies,

I've been super busy with work and took some time off to have some fun in Atlantic City.  I don't really have anything worthy of blogging about but I did put some cute outfits together and wanted to share them.

 My top is a lovely paisley print from J.Crew Factory store.  I'm wearing black cords from the Gap from last year.  I'm on the lookout for a great pair of black jeans.  I want them to be a little on the dressy side but not look ridiculous if I want to wear them casually.

Although this outfit isn't terribly original, I was the best I could do with only a few minutes to get ready.  I was running extremely late for work so I put together the first thing that matched.  Here I'm wearing the same black cords paired with a Loft tunic underneath and Merino wool Tippi sweater from J.Crew. I've also found that the colder weather is making my hair really staticy if I straighten it.  I've been enjoying curling it but I don't have the time in the morning to actually curl it.

I promise next week I've have some better outfits to show you!!!

Black Friday Outfits and Cyber Monday

Hello Lovelies,

Sorry for not updating more frequently but I've been busy working non-stop this weekend.  I usually love working in retail but every year around Black Friday I start to dread this job.   This year many stores opened at 8pm on Thanksgiving night.  I think that is absolutely ridiculous that crazy people can't wait a few more hours to get a few dollars off something.  I think what many people forget is the fact that those workers who are working at 8pm actually have to come in at 6pm on Thanksgiving to prepare for the madness that will ensue.  I personally refuse to work Thursday night into Friday because I don't think it's fair to ruin people's time with their families.  I honestly think those people who have to be there at 8pm should be ashamed of themselves because of their selfish ways they took valuable time away from the workers families.  I will state this now, I have never and will never shop on Black Friday. Honestly, I love to shop but no deal is worth spending all night with crazy people trampling you.  I hate crowds and waiting on lines so Black Friday shopping is not for me.

Anyway, I digress.  Now onto the outfits I wore to work this week.

Friday my dress code consisted of a chambray shirt.  I paired that shirt with a black cardigan and one of my new favorite jewelry pieces, a white and gold bubble necklace from J.Crew.  I thought my outfit was a little dark so I added some chestnut boots to break up the darkness.

 Now Saturday my dress code consisted of plaid.  I wanted to take a girly take on the typical "flannel" look.  This lovely shirt dress is from the Gap and I love it.  It's a gorgeous green, navy, and red plaid flannel dress.  I paired this shirt dress with my same chestnut boots and J.Crew necklace.  Being that it's cold here in NJ I did wear navy tights under this dress.  I think the next time I wear this I'm going to forgo the matching belt and pair it with a fun belt that I already own.

 Now for Sunday.  After having have to be told what I could wear, I was lacking some creative ideas when it came to clothes.  I decided to pair a Gap Boyfriend fit ruffled dress shirt with a classic crewneck navy sweater.  I liked the contrast of the navy with the red shirt.  For a girly feel I decided to wear the bubble necklace again.

Here's the ruffle shirt available now at Gap

 Now, onto a good deal I got yesterday morning.  It seems many retailers are expanding Cyber Monday to start on Sunday.  I got a email from Kate Spade stating that their sale was 75% off.  I quickly jumped on the website and found this gorgeous bag.  It's the cobble hill small Kori and I look forward to opening it up on Christmas morning.  Thanks Kate Spade for this great deal on this bag!!!!

Where has the time gone

Hello Lovelies,

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my lovely grandmothers passing.  My grandma was an incredible woman and I miss her everyday.  When my grandmother passed, it taught me to take advantage of each and every moment and live for the moment.  There were so many things I would have loved to have said to my grandmother but I never got the chance.

A picture of my grandmother from 1985

Recently, I was talking to one of my coworkers and we were talking about death.  Both her and I had different experiences with death.  Her father had a long battle with cancer and knew how long her father was going to live.  I unfortunately didn't have that luxury.  I remember the morning of November 21, 2010 like it yesterday.  I had gone to an amazing All Time Low concert the night before and stayed up really late talking to my friend.  When I woke the next morning I had 10 missed call from my mom and my house phone.  I instantly knew something was wrong.  I listened to the voicemail on my phone and could tell that my mom was upset in the message.  I tried calling my mom but she didn't answer so I called my house phone.  My dad picked up the phone and asked me if I had talked to my mom.  I told him no and he had to break the news to me that my grandmother had died.  I can honestly say that was the worst moment in my life.  I had seen my grandmother only 2 days prior and she was completely fine.  I couldn't believe she was gone.  When I had said goodbye to her, I didn't think that was the last time I would ever talk to her or even hear her voice.  My coworker and I have different views on death and which way is better.  Clearly, I would have liked to have known that my grandmother was going to pass and I would of had the opportunity to tell her how much I love her and how much she means to me.  Although, I didn't get the chance to tell her that, I hope that she's watching me from heaven and knows how much she inspires me everyday!

*Any one who is reading this needs to know that this is a deeply personal post and it is really hard for me to write this.  I'm actually bawling my eyes out while I'm writing this because I've bottled up my emotions about this for so long.  I miss my grandmother everyday but know her spirit is her with me.

My grandmother's high school yearbook picture.  I actually took this picture and have it displayed in my room

My grandmother's and I at Disney World

My grandmother and little baby me

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.  ~Author Unknown

Owls, owls, owls

Hello Lovelies,

So anyone that knows me knows I am O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with owls.  I believe I have fallen in love with owls before they were super popular and I want to share the reason why I am in love with these little birds.  First, to be completely honest I hate birds, they freak me out but ever since a little Eastern Screech Owl, who I lovingly nicknamed Earle, landed in my neighbors tree I've fallen in love with owls.  Earle, has been living in a dead tree off and on for the last 3 years.  He randomly appears in the Fall and disappears right before the end of the spring.  Now, I'm not a professional photographer in the slightest but I absolutely love taking pictures of this little guy.  Here is a collection of the photos I've taken through the years of Earle!

Earle in his little tree branch

The funny thing about Earle is you never think his eyes are open.  I know he's always watching me because I can tell he subtly moves his head to follow me but his eyes always look closed.  

My favorite picture of Earle ever.  This was probably one of the first pictures I've ever taken of him.

So as you can see, Earle has inspired my obsession with owls and now I literally have owls on everything, which I love.  I even have a few owl shirts, which is slightly embarrassing to admit.

M.I.A.... Missing in Action

Hello Lovelies,

Sorry I've been MIA lately but I've been super busy with work and just haven't had the motivation or inspiration to update blog.  I figured since my most popular post seem to focus on my shopping addiction I'd fill my lovely readers on what my shopping compulsion has lead me to buy.

I went a little crazy at the Gap because I got a coupon for 50% off one item and 40% off the rest of my items.  I had to take advantage of this because I no longer can use my employee discount, this was as close as it was going to get.  So the things I bought were:

This sweater was on sale for 29.99 and I got 40% off

I already have this sweater in the grey with neon pink but when I saw this one was $11 I had to have it

Cute plaid oxford with a ruffle collar, it's playful and girly and so festive!

I love these fitted boyfriend shirts that the Gap has right now, I really think they look great on all body types

This is a super cute and super comfy flannel dress

This sweater is super comfortable but I pretty much got this because navy and neon pink is my absolute favorite color combination!

Now onto J.Crew 

I bought a beautiful chiffon black and white chevron scarf that I can't seem to find a picture online and I don't want to take a picture of it right now (but I'm positive I'll be wearing it with an outfit within the coming week). I bought two of the Merino Wool Tippi sweaters.  If you love J.Crew sweaters they are currently on a promotion for 25% off, which is a great deal for these amazing sweaters.

I bought this Biennial hobo for my mom for Christmas, partly because she liked it but because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BAG TOO

and I bought these shoes on clearance because I thought they would match my bag, I mean my moms bag perfectly

Now for some random work outfits of the day.  I need to get a new full length mirror in my room so I don't have to keep taking pictures in my bathroom.

 The headband is from Nordstrom's BP, shirt from Loft, scarf from Banana Republic Factory, Jeans are from Urban Outfitters, Boots are Steve Madden Troopa Boots

Headband from Forever 21, Scarf from Express, sweater from Old Navy, wool pencil skirt J.Crew, and flats from Banana Republic.

As you can see I've been obsessed with head bands lately.  I've been pretty bored with my hair recently so I think I need to spice things up and change it up.

Well hopefully my next posts won't be too far off but if it is, I promise I'll have tons of items to haul 

I am Jersey Strong

Hello lovelies,

This post isn't going to be like my normal posts, actually it's going to be a little darker and very depressing. As many of you know my home state, New Jersey, was devastated by Hurricane Sandy this past weekend. Although I do live relatively close to the shore, my town and my house were spared, thankfully. I wish I could say the same thing about the surrounding towns or even New Jersey as a whole. I've been without power since Monday so I haven't really gotten the chance to see all the destruction sandy caused. I'm using my iPhone to actually write this post because I'm one of those people who feels better when I voice how I'm feeling and I've been bottled up for too long.

My dad works for a local gas company in New Jersey and for the last couple of days he's been touring the devastation. Now my dad is not someone who shows much emotion but each night he's come home he's been so depressed and upset. He showed us some pictures of Union Beach and there was nothing left of the town. The only way he could describe it to us was to say it looked like a bomb had gone off. He said walking around he saw pictures lining the ground and people clothes thrown about. The pictures really are horrific because it shows that these poor people lost everything. I feel extremely guilty because the worst thing that happened to my home is that we lost power. We didn't loose our home, pictures, possessions, or cars. Yes, material things can be replaced but its a pain to do. They have been calling this storm "The storm of the century" and to me it doesn't feel like that because I have yet to see the full extent of what actually happened, and frankly I'm not sure I really want to.

What I did see is that Sea Bright, the place I spent most of my summers as a child is officially destroyed. I don't think Sea Bright will ever be the same. My lovely grandmother, who passed away almost 2 years ago, spent most of her life living in Sea Bright. She was always the crazy person who thought she could ride out a storm and would trudge through flood waters to get to her job at the bank. I am grateful that she did not have to see the town she loved destroyed. Seeing Sea Bright in this state would have broken her heart. It breaks my heart just thinking about it. Unfortunately, the house she owned is probably destroyed and will need to be demolished. It's painful to think about because I had so many memories in that house. Although, the Sea Bright I know and love has been destroyed, the memories I made there will forever be in my heart!

I have no doubt that New Jersey will bounce back from this terrible event. I remember years ago there was a shirt that said "new jersey: only the strong survive!" I believe that's true. Every resident who has called jersey home will bounce back from this. It may take a year, heck maybe even 5 years but we will rebuild and we will survive and we will be better then ever.

This storm has made me reflect and look at my life. If I lost everything in the storm, what would I have left. I probably would be upset that my iPad or my computer was ruined, which is pathetic. There are people out there that have no where to go. I now realize going shopping every weekend is not important. I need to stop caring about materialistic things and start caring about what really matters in life. I know I am only one person but I want to do everything in my power to help rebuild the place I call home!

Bracing for Hurricane Sandy

Hello Lovelies,

Here in NJ I am under lockdown because of this crazy Frankenstorm known as Hurricane Sandy is currently wrecking havoc on my beloved state.  I live only a few miles from the beach but I'm far enough that the ocean can't reach my house.  However, the town I live in is surrounded by the Shrewsbury River so a lot of the residents have been forced to evacuate.  My family has not had to do so, but my thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering through this storm.  Here in NJ, we're no strangers to storms but this storm is particularly bad because it's going to make landfall in NJ.  What also doesn't help is that the tides are at an all time high, and the full moon is probably to blame for that.  The pictures of Atlantic City are heartbreaking because most of the city is actually underwater and the brunt of the storm isn't even here yet. (If you want to see the pictures of the destruction just go on Instagram and search the hashtag #hurricanesandy)

 


On a more positive and uplifting note, I've been trying to experiment with different types of outfits that wouldn't normally be my style.  Here are some work outfits that I've been experimenting with...

Here's to hoping that I don't loose power and survive Hurricane Sandy with relatively little damage.  

Outfit of the day- 10/26

Hello lovelies!!!

I'm writing this quick post to feature my outfit for work today.  I thought it was kinda cute.  I'm starting to dress more professionally so it's interesting to create and experiment with these different looks.

My top is a lovely black and white tunic from J.Crew factory store, the skirt is a turquoise wool Number 2 Pencil skirt from J.Crew factory, and my watch is from Fossil.  I have my little turquoise heart pendant necklace which I got from a local jewelry store.  Although you can't see it in this picture I completed my look with some black tights and black ballet flats.

I have no idea what I'm planing on wearing to work tomorrow but I have a feeling it maybe my go to navy polka dot pants from Gap (you'll have to stay tuned to see.)

A Week in Review... Interviews and New Jobs

Hello lovelies,

Well another interesting week has come and gone.  This week was filled with tons of highs and some lows, naturally.  This was my first official week at J. Crew and I absolutely love it there.  Sure, you probably think I'm on a new job high but I love the people I work with.  They're all super friendly (something I was missing at my other job) and actually want to work (which is shocking!!).  I'm still in the training phase so it's interesting to learn all the different aspects of the job, something I didn't get to do at my other job.  I actually like where I'm working which is a feeling I haven't felt in awhile, so it's very refreshing.

Now onto the big interview!!!!  Today, I had an interview at the organization I use to intern at.  I was excited for the interview until I had to actually go because then naturally my nerves kicked in.  I feel really comfortable at the organization and love the people I worked with but I'm afraid that my lack of experience may hold me back compared to the other applicants.  I believe the interview went well but there were definitely times where looking back I wished I said something different.  It was extremely intimidating to interview with the Executive Director of the organization, someone who is so influential and has done so much.  He had some tough question but he seemed to like some of my answers.  I hope that my past work with the organization will speak for itself and help me stand out compared to the other applicants.  Well, unfortunately we shall have to wait and see what happens?

Now for some inspiring quotes that I stumbled upon on pinterest......

Is it sad to admit that I kinda want a big girl job so I can dress up everyday and post pictures of my outfits on here?  Plus, a new big girl job means a new big girl wardrobe, which of course I'll post on here! I think it's a win win for everyone!

Shopping like it's going out of style

Well, in my last post I mentioned that I was going to post what I've bought and here it is.  Keep in mind with a new job comes the need for a new wardrobe.  I love, love, love to shop so any excuse to shop is always welcomed, even if I don't actually need any new clothes.

This lovely navy stripped dress is from Gap (surprise!!!).  I originally had passed on this dress because I liked it but I didn't LOVE it, however I kept thinking about this dress.  I would find my self day dreaming about how I would style it, so I figured I had to go back and purchase it.

                        

This next dress looks terrible on the hanger but it looks super cute on (I'll be sure to take a picture the next time I wear this).  Below is a lovely chunky sweater from Gap which is a great way to transition the neon trend into the fall.  

 The next few things are what I bought to be compliant with my new dress code at my new job!  I bought a simple basic sequin tank that I plan on layering with a blazer or cardigan.

 A super cute long v-neck cardigan which I think will look cute with an oxford under neath it.

 Speaking of oxfords here are a few I picked up from Banana, Old Navy and J.Crew.

Banana Oxford

J. Crew Oxford

Old Navy

Banana

Love this beaded bib collared tank from The Loft.  I want to try and pair this with cable sweater or a simple crew neck sweater so that beaded bib can hang out. 

 My favorite purchase of the last week has been these gold Cece flats from J.Crew.  I've wanted these forever and when they went on sale I knew I had to go get them.  So far they've been super comfortable and I actually want to get a few more pairs of this shoe!

Cheetah pencil skirt that I plan to wear to work this Saturday. 

 In case you wondering, that is in fact a Derek Jeter cardboard cut out that I have rocking a tutu behind my closet door.   I love Derek Jeter and mean no disrespect to him but a scary life size cutout can frighten you in the middle of the night, so the tutu makes it a little less threatening.

On another note, I decided to reorganize my closet by switching the placement of my pants and my shirts.  Not sure if I like this better then how I had to originally but we'll try it out for a little.

How I originally had it

New way

I'm leaning towards changing it back to the original way but in my defense I did buy a lot more clothes so that's why it looks a little messy the new way! Oh well... more time to reorganize my life and closet!