Saturday Steals (a day early!)

This weekend's Saturday Steals isn't a re-creation of my Friday Fancies, but instead about some amazing deals going on over at the J.Crew Factory Online Store! It has quickly become evident that I love almost anything J.Crew, so naturally I headed over to their website this afternoon to see if they had any steals, and they most certainly did! All of their Factory items are marked 30% off right now, and you get to take an additional 30% off with the code SHOPNOW. Plus there is Free Shipping on orders over $100! I literally couldn't put in my order fast enough because there were a number of spring items I had saved in my cart for the perfect sale moment. I scooped up four amazing items for just over $100. I am beyond excited. I will be posting pictures as soon as my goodies arrive. :) So if you love J.Crew as much as I do head to their website now before the sale ends tonight at midnight!! Happy Friday loves!

Friday Fancies #3

Stella McCartney Embroidered Top, Tibi Pleated Maxi Skirt, Pelle Moda Platform Sandals,
Michael Kors Runway Gold Watch, Kate Spade Bangle, Tory Burch Wrap Bracelet

This week's theme of "Let's Fly Away" took me me to far away islands with their cerulean waters, warm sandy beaches, and the sound of Frank Sinatra's voice in the background. I love all of these pieces separately for their capability to be paired with countless things, but I really love how they look put together. I like the effortless, ethereal vibe of this look with its mix of subdued colors, platform sandals, and the always necessary stack of bracelets. Creating this outfit definitely facilitated my dreams of far away places, I hope it does the same for you! :) 

Zara's Done It Again

Ladies and gents, Zara has done it again. Their March lookbook, some of which I already saw on their webiste, is brilliant. The florals and pastels are so beautiful, and their print-on-prints and mix of colors will be a constant source of inspiration for me this coming season. If I were a millionaire, I would probably order almost everything from their current Collection, but sadly I am quite the opposite! Hello college girl budget. Maybe one day! I also did a little study on Zara last semester in one of my marketing classes and was impressed by their ingenuity in their business model, which I was pleasantly surprised to learn is highly respected throughout the retail industry. Fun fact of the day for y'all! Sending out good vibes for everyone today. :)

Polyvore Live Show

As much as I should have been more productive academically this morning, I just couldn't help but watch the entire Polyvore fashion show before hitting the books! It was so fun to see some of my favorite bloggers modeling in the show. Kimberly of Eat Sleep Wear, Helena from Brooklyn Blonde, and Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black are all definitely on my daily blog roll and I was most looking forward to watching them strut their stuff. And they didn't disappoint! If you haven't already, you should definitely check out the show here. :) I love the idea of bloggers being models for up and coming designers, props to Polyvore for coming up with the idea! Happy Hump Day everyone!

Stay Tuned

Just a little Valentine-esque number that I am currently loving from J.Crew. The print, the length, the fabric, the colors...I seriously love it all and wish it was mine!

Soooo of course I live in a state known for its beautiful weather, but said state decided to have rainy, frigid weather for Valentine's Day this year! BLAH. As much as I wish I was getting dressed up for a night out with the ones I love, instead I will be bundling up in many layers while going to class and working all day. But it's not all bad! I'm not entirely ready to let go of my winter cozies just yet and I actually adore where I work. Today I am mixing chunky knits with different textures in my outfit topped off with my favorite riding boots. I couldn't snap any pics this morning but I will be sure to upload some later on tonight! I hope you all are enjoying a day full of love and happiness!

Monday (Hopefully) Funday

Here's to me wishing, oh so desperately, that I was at #NYFW! I hope this mecca of fashion is part of my near future. :)
Photo via NYFW Website.

Unfortunately I have a MASSIVE exam tomorrow that has capitalized all of my time this weekend and will be my only focus from the time I wake up until its over! Therefore, no time for outfit posts for me. :( However, I managed to squeeze in some much needed shopping time with some new friends at the beginning of the weekend and I am so excited to share my new finds with you soon! For a little sneak peek, think flowy blouses in classic colors but exciting prints. :) I am so thrilled to have these new pieces in my wardrobe. There is nothing better than knowing the perfect new things are happily waiting in your closet for you. Am i right?! Have y'all (yes, I go to school in the south) found any amazing wardrobe additions lately? Do tell!

Saturday Steals!

 1. Forever 21 Blazer - $24.80

2. H&M Blouse - $39.50 

(same from yesterday because even fancies can be reasonably priced!)

3. Gap Cropped Pants - $49.50

4. Lauren Ralph Lauren Flats - $55.00 on sale at Zappos!

Here it is! My Valentine's Day look for less. :) I think I will be purchasing these Gap pants in the very near future! I love their silky appearance and the red/orange color. I also love their versatility in that they can be dressed up with a blazer and blouse, but could also be more casual with a striped tee, cardigan, and loafers. Have you ladies purchased any new bottoms lately that you just can't get enough of? If so please share!

Friday Fancies #2

I ADORE this Zara Printed Blazer. Such a fun way to get into the print trend but also a very classic, style staple blazer.
The exaggerated sleeves on this H&M blouse is what sold me.
How GREAT are these J.Crew pants?! The sheen, the color, the crop, I love it all.
I love how these J.Crew gold flats stand out in the outfit but also seem to flow right into the look.

Here's my second Friday Fancies post! I couldn't help but be inspired by the Pink & Red theme, perfect for the upcoming holiday. :) I wish I could be wearing this outfit to really do it justice. I am so obsessed with how it updates/feminizes the "borrowed from the boys" look while incorporating the latest trends of prints and pops of colors. This is a Valentine's Day outfit I'd wear any day of the year!

I'm working on incorporating my own, original weekly post to go hand in hand with Friday Fancies. It is called Saturday Steals where I will re-create my "fanciful" look with a more realistic one with cheaper prices but equally as chic! So if you like this little number then stay tuned for tomorrow and find out where you can get the look for less. Happy Friday :)

Snakeskin Bliss

Gap Striped Sweater, LOFT Curvy Skinny Jeans (Yes, I own more than one pair and yes, I wear them quite often!),
 MyNameNecklace, Small Diamond Necklace from and Wrap Bracelet from Just the Thing (where I work!),
Relic Gold Watch, Rachel Roy Pumps via Ebay

Finally another outfit post! I'm still getting the hang of finding new backgrounds and time throughout my day to take pictures. But like everything else, it'll come with time. :) I focused this outfit around my new obsession and latest eBay find, Rachel Roy Snakeskin Pumps! I got these beauties brand-new, for under $30. YES! I love how they look paired with darker hues but I am excited to see them with pastels and lighter materials for the summer months. I had an event last night that I needed to be a little more dressed up for, hence the importance of my new heels, but I wore the rest of the ensemble with more sensible black suede boots running around during the day. I sure do love an outfit that goes from every-day wear to night-out wear with just a change of shoes! I hope everyone is having a fantastic week. :)

Geek Chic

I wore the outfit late last week for another day full of classes and work. I picked it for two main reasons: it was an easy, but "put-together" outfit for a busy day and it showcased some of my favorite pieces. I am all into the chambray trend right now, so I was super excited to scoop up this J.Crew Factory one over the holidays for a low price! Over top I wore my favorite F21 find, this adorable ribbon necklace. It was originally much longer but after a few minutes working with my old jewelry tools I was able to modify it to the perfect layering length. :) And of course I had to finally showcase my new Tory Burch flats. Happy Monday everyone! Here's to a quick and productive week!

F21 Bow Necklace, J.Crew Factory Chambray Shirt, LOFT Curvy Skinny Jeans,
Tory Burch Flats, Orange Oversized Tote (unknown brand) via Francesca's, Nicole Miller "High Society" Glasses

Also, I apologize for the poor picture quality. I had to snap these quickly once it was already dark out so these were taken in some dark corners of my apartment!

Saturday Morning Musings

I (hopefully) will be able to post another outfit later on tonight, but I have to work work work allll day today! So, just in case I can't finish up my outfit post this evening, I wanted to post something kinda fashion related. I stopped by Starbucks this morning for a big cup of joe to help me make it through the day and there was the most ADORABLE elderly man just relaxing, reading his daily newspaper. For a moment I felt like I was transported back in time to a more glamorous age, when technology was less important and people actually took time to sit down and talk face-to-face about life, philosophy, and such. I would have loved to sit down with him and hear his life story, yes I'm that type of person who loves to talk to random people in coffee shops and hopes to learn a little something from each one of their stories. But most importantly, his incredible dress. He had on a fantastic structured trench with a thick-knit cardigan underneath layered over a crisp white button down. Classic leather loafers on his feet, thick-rimmed and sharp glasses on his face, and a beautifully shiny signet ring to top it off. I have always had a soft spot for older men and their cynical hilariousness, and this old man just reminded me to take it slow every once and awhile and just appreciate my surroundings. :) Good morning everyone! I hope y'all have a wonderful Saturday!

Friday Fancies #1

I'm super excited about today's post because I am posting first Friday Fancies! Av over at Long Distance Loving (a really great blog y'all should check out) invited me to take part in her fun little Friday, forget about price tags, dream until you scream, weekly activity. What a great way to wrap up the week! So here are my Friday Fancies. When I dream of this outfit I always picture myself walking through Paris on a beautiful spring day...now that's a true fantasy!

Equipment Sleeveless Silk Blouse, J.Crew Fresco Floral Cafe Capri, J.Crew Marina Necklace,
Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Katie Bracelet, J.Crew Class Ballet Flat in Gallery Green
& Coach Classic Leather Shoulder Purse in Navy

So I think my obsession with all things J.Crew is quickly becoming clear. I often get asked what are my top three fashion shows to see and J.Crew is probably number one, closely followed by Victoria's Secret and Alexander Wang. Oh and guess what...it's Friday! Just in case y'all forgot. :) 

Black, White, and Gold All Over

Forever 21 Striped Blazer, Gap V-Neck Dolman Tee, LOFT Curvy Skinny Jeans,
MyNameNecklace, Relic Watch, Saks Off Fifth Stud Bracelet, Libby "Bali" Edelman Flats

Yay for my first real outfit post! I wore this sleek little number to class and work yesterday. I found this blazer at Forever 21 two Fridays back when I was having a girls day with my friend Amber. I literally gasped out-loud when I saw it hanging up in the dressing room and very anxiously asked the young lady working where I could find it in the store. She looked at me like I was crazy for being so excited but told me I could just take it. I was even more pleased when the price tag said only $24.80! I am so excited to incorporate this printed blazer into more and more outfits. I love how it looks matched with all black but I am super interested in pairing it with some bright blouses and pants. I'm sure y'all will see this in many more outfit posts to come. :)

Oh Blair, Where Art Thou?

In honor of the Gossip Girl episode last night and my favorite leading gal, I thought I would share one of my top GG outfit obsessions. On Black Friday I snagged the second season of Gossip Girl for less than $7! So, naturally, I watched the entire season in only 2 days. While I was reliving the glory days of Gossip Girl (I think the earlier seasons are way better), I noticed this GORGEOUS blouse on Blair. I have always liked the way she is styled and frequently try to recreate some of her outfits. I would LOVE to incorporate this blouse into an outfit of my own but I cannot find even the brand of the blouse, let alone a similar one. The white and navy combo is so classic and the touch of bow-ties is so sweet and a tad southern. :) Here is how I would love to style Blair's blouse:

Ahhh so springy and cute! I will forever want this outfit!

I found the picture of Blair here. 

Bebe Kelly Green Skinnies via Amazon - $98; Similar, darker version at F21 only $15!

Aldo Mease in Peach Yellow - $80 

If anyone out there knows where I can find a blouse similar to Blair's please share! :) Happy Tuesday!

Imitation is the Finest Form of Flattery

As promised in my last post, today I am recreating my favorite look from the Maison Scotch lookbook. So here it is! J.Crew and Lucky Brand were my go-to's for recreating this quirky, preppy outfit. 

Inspiration

Imitation

J.Crew Factory Chambray Shirt - $56.50

J.Crew Broken-In Boyfriend Chino Short, Utility Green - $49.50

Lucky Brand Penna Loafer, Tortoise - $54.99

Lucky Brand Corral Loafer, Bermuda Sand - $69.00

Happy Monday everyone! Here's to a positive start to the week!

Sunday Inspiration: Scotch & Soda

I hope everyone is enjoying a lazy Sunday filled with relaxation and loved ones. I wanted to share a recent designer find that has been inspiring me and getting me excited for spring-ier outfits. Meet Scotch & Soda, "Amsterdam Couture". I forget exactly how I stumbled upon their designs but after bookmarking their website I find myself returning often. In my opinion, their style is almost a mix of J.Crew and a more beachy brand like Billabong or Quicksilver. They have four main lines: Scotch & Soda for men, Maison Scotch for women, Scotch Shrunk for boys, and Scotch R'Belle for the little ladies. Here are a few of my favorites from the Maison Scotch lookbook (all courtesy of their website of course - for link click here) :

Love this mix of military chic with a fun sequin skirt.

I am so into the bright floral blouse with colored skinnies trend for spring.
ASOS has so many beautiful bright blouses right now. 

Stripes and an oversized clutch. Enough said! 

My favorite! I will be recreating this look in an upcoming post so stay tuned! :)

All of these pictures and more will be added to my dream-board above my desk for constant outfit inspiration! I also have to throw in this adorably fun picture from their Scotch R'Belle lookbook. You can't help but giggle when you see it!

Why Hello There Tory, So Nice to Finally Meet You

I have admired nearly everything Tory Burch for quite a while now. I love her clean yet playful designs and how her logo itself just screams "classic chic". Unfortunately, like most college girls I know, everything I longed for was just too expensive for my sad little bank account. So I was forced to admire from afar, that is, until yesterday when the glorious "Sidewalk Sale" changed the game. There is an adorable little shopping area in my college town called Devine Street and twice a year the designer boutiques put together a huge semi-outdoor sale (hence the name Sidewalk Sale). I had never stopped by before this year because even their sale prices intimidated me. I went to just look around and mostly breathe in the beauty of Phillip Lim, Loeffler Randall, Milly, and so many more gorgeous lines. But, much to my surprise and delight, my favorite boutique had an INCREDIBLE shoe sale.  I'm talking Loeffler Randall booties for $63 girls. Can you imagine?! I about fell over! Needless to say this place was packed and there were women holding as many as five shoe boxes waiting to check out.  The sizes were pretty picked over but I was able to snag a pair of Torys for both me and my roommate! Here are my beautiful prizes:

Tory Burch Red and Camel Heels for my roommate.
(Roommate of the year award goes to me right?!)

Tory Burch Nude Flats for me. Much more practical for a girl that's already 5'10"!

I am still smiling ear to ear about these incredible finds. They are both so versatile and fun in their own ways. Picture my roommate's heels with a white blouse and a bright red maxi skirt...hello spring! And I can't wait to incorporate my flats into my go-to outfit of dark skinnies and a printed blouse or blazer. I wish everyone a happy weekend and hopefully successful sales shopping! I'm sending good vibes your way! :)

Taking the Leap

Ah. There is nothing like finally committing to a long time goal and taking the first real steps of aspiration. I have been longing to create a blog for months now, but insecurities and a busy college schedule have always gotten in the way. I don't know what it was about today but I felt increasingly inspired and at last created "aspiring." I chose this title because I feel it best describes my current state of mind. I am in my third year of college and the questions about my plans after graduation have already found me. When asked this usually dreaded question I quickly become two things: excited and anxious. Excited because I am thrilled to finally have a focus for my career, but anxious because of the uncertainty of finding my way into it and having the opportunity to live out my aspirations. To put my life-long plan into one short, concise sentence...I want to work within the fashion industry. Whether that is using my business education for marketing campaigns, buying for a boutique or large department store, or whatever path I find my way along...all I know is that I want to work with what is in my eyes the most beautiful and far-reaching art form. So here I go! Taking my first step towards that dream...welcome to aspiring.