Leap

T-Shirt (underneath): Aeropostale

T-Shirt (on top): Realitee, Von Maur

Shorts: See Thru Soul, Von Maur

Shoes: Converse

Sunglasses: Vintage Ray Bans

Bookbag: Vera Bradley

Today has been totally out of whack - in the best way possible, and it's gotta be because it's Leap Day! My day began with a classmate bringing in Panera cookies for everyone, my professor holding class under the bell tower, and my last class getting cancelled.  In celebration of this wonderful, unexpected, almost 70 degree day, Nick and I rode our bikes to subway, where they were giving away free cookies (two free cookies in one day)!! 

In case you were wondering, backpacks are the best types of bags to wear when you're riding a bike.  Messenger bags hang too low and they swing around you when you're riding.

We had to take pictures of us leaping, because, come on, it's Leap Day! I snapped this last picture of Nick while we were heading back to the apartment.  Leap Day is infectious!  

Worn, But Not Forgotten

T-Shirt: LOFT

Dress (worn as skirt): H&M

Tights: Street vendor in Spain

Boots: Stein Mart

Beanie: Dollar bin at MARSH

I've been applying for internships all day (aka using every brain cell I have!), so here is a quick post of an outfit that never made it to the blog.

I don't know where this strange little combo came from, but I was surprised with how great I felt in it.  One thing I've learned since creating this blog is that it is so liberating to wear whatever you want.  Before, I would limit my clothing choices because of what I thought people would say, and as a result my outfits would fall flat.  The lesson here?  Don't be afraid to be bold.  What you wear affects how you feel.  If you feel unstoppable, you radiate confidence, and that's a look everyone can wear.

    

Catch-Up

Jacket: a.n.a., J.C.Penney

Jeans: Lucky Brand

Boots: Stein Mart

Headband: GAP

Earrings: GAP

Necklace: Tiffany & Co

This weekend Nick and I headed up to Fort Wayne so I could spend all Saturday at a show choir competition and the rest of the time with my parents before we leave for spring break.  We're going to Durango, CO in less than a week!!

  I love visiting home and I had a great time catching up with everyone.  Unfortunately though, reality hit and I spent all day (and almost all night) Sunday catching up on homework and finishing projects for classes.  I got about 4 hours of sleep, so it was a miracle I even got out of bed this morning!

My favorite pair of jeans and my tall boots are two pieces I can always rely on when I don't have time to put an outfit together.  I paired them with a purple V-neck sweater (not pictured) and I broke out my spring coat because its pretty warm today...and by warm I mean 46 degrees! I can't wait until the temperature hits the 50s and 60s so I don't have to bundle up as much.  I'm longing for heat!

Attention

Dress: Dots

Sweater: Target

Tights: Target

Boots: Stein Mart

Headband: Forever 21

Necklace: Tiffany & Co

I can't get enough of tights lately, especially colored ones!  They're more comfy than jeans, and I swear they're warmer too.  

I don't know what possessed me to wear such bright colors today.  Normally, I would never go for this kind of look - the color calls so much attention -  but I didn't find anyone staring at me, in fact, I actually got some compliments!  I've been reading neon colors are going to be big this spring, so maybe I'll be brave enough to try it out.

  

Bright colors are a great way to cheer up a gloomy day.  What do you do to clear away the gloom?

Snail Mail

Tank: Apt. 9, Kohls

Flannel: Aeropostale

Cardigan: Cotton Emporium, Von Maur 

Leggins: Target

Socks: Smartwool, Dicks

Booties: Blowfish

Necklace: Tiffany & Co

Today I sent out some letters to companies I met at the career fair last week - wish me luck!  I used personalized cards with my full name on them I still had from high school graduation, and stamps I got from my aunt and uncle at christmastime.  Shows how often I write letters!

I slept through my alarm this morning, so when I was getting dressed I threw on comfy clothes and ran out the door.  (Leggins are the perfect solution to Monday mornings, by the way.)  It was only 19 degrees when I left so I knew layers would be the best choice.  I even mixed navy blue and black and no one noticed - or said anything to me at least!

Here's to the start of another hectic week!

Peter Pan

Sweater: Target

Cami: Target

Jeans: Big Star, The Buckle

Booties: Blowfish

Belt: Fossil, Macy's

Hat: Dollar Bin at Marsh (grocery store)

Earrings: ??

Necklace: Tiffany & Co

Hats are perfect for Fridays.  They keep you warm, cover up dirty hair, and look cute!  This hat was only a dollar at our local grocery store, so I couldn't pass it up.  I decided to fold the back so it wasn't cutting into my neck, and I loved the result - even if Nick called me Peter Pan all day.

I love the colors and textures in this outfit, they're totally my style.  Neutrals, greens, and knits all the way!

Have a happy Friday, everyone!

Career Fair 101

Tank: Gap
Trousers: Gap
Blazer: A. Byer, Carson's
Heels: Steve Madden
Headband: Forever 21
Earrings: Gift
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Watch: Gift

Today I attended my first career fair! I invested hours in researching companies, perfecting my resume, and finding the perfect outfit, but I'm so happy (and proud) that I went.  I handed out lots of resumes and had the opportunity to network with some great companies - and possibly future employers!

As mentioned before, I have trouble finding professional clothing.  Since I am petite, most of the clothing in the women's section is too big, and the juniors section is too small.  The styles can also be a problem - I don't want to look like I'm dressing too old for my age or too young.  Lastly, I have to watch the cut of clothing.  I am curvy, so I always want to make sure everything is covered!

  In my search, I found that GAP has fantastic, professional looking clothing at a reasonable price.  (Both the top and trousers were on sale!)  They're definitely my go-to store from now on!

As far as my hair goes, I found this great tutorial on how to make a "cinnabun".  I love this look, and it's super easy to do.  The way I wore it here makes my hair look polished and professional, but the video shows a modern, funky take on it.

*Funny side note - I have enough credits to be a senior, but I'm technically only a junior - this is my third year here at BSU!  Since my name tag implied that I would be graduating soon, I had to clarify to all the companies that I was looking for internship opportunities, not a permanent career.  Not yet, at least!

Be Mine

Top: Dee & Ray, ModCloth

Tank: Target

Dress: Decree, J.C. Penney

Tights: Target

Socks: Smartwool, Dicks

Boots; Steve Madden

Earrings: H&M

Necklace: Tiffany & Co

Nick and I are heading out to try a new japanese restaurant in the village, so I gotta make this quick!  

I hope everyone had a beautiful day, filled with love and joy! Remember to tell all those special people in your lives how much you love them.  Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Spoonman

Top: LOFT

Cardigan: Forever 21

Jeans: Lucky Brand

Boot Socks: Kohl's

Boots: Stein Mart

Spoon Ring: Art Fair in Fort Wayne

TGIF.  Truly.  This week has been jam packed.  I've been running around like crazy, attending career fairs, informational meetings, and internship counseling...working as hard as I can to plan for the future!

I'm a natural organizer - I like to plan everything in my life.  Some days, its as simple as planning my outfits, but when I woke up this morning and it was snowing (!) I had to change my plans.  (Note to self: add flexibility under skills section in resume).

On another note, I dug this spoon ring out of my jewelry box this morning.  I love it, but all I can think of when I look at it is Soundgarden's 90's hit, Spoonman.   

Professional Dress

Shirt: Von Maur

Blazer: Target

Jeans: Silver, The Buckle

Shoes: Dexflex, Payless

Sunglasses: Ray Ban "Clubmaster"

Headband: Forever 21

I had a mock interview today for my Interviewing class (go figure), so I decided to swap out my dress pants and heels for jeans and flats.  When deciding what to wear last night I had a minor freak out, i.e. "I have NOTHING to wear!!" "I hate everything in my closet!!"  Obviously, I was wrong.

 For me, finding professional dress is a real problem.  I hate black, but it's usually the look I resort to when I try to dress "professionally".  I struggle to find the happy medium between trying to express myself through what I wear and not distracting the other party with my clothes.

Does anyone else feel like I do?  Better yet, does anyone have any professional dress tips?

Kiss The Girl

Sweater: Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Dress: H&M

Tights: local convenience store, Spain

Boot Socks: Kohls

Boots: Stein Mart

Scarf: Macy's

Earrings: Gap

Headband: Walgreens

I don't think I've ever done this before.  I don't know why.  It's so simple - a sweater over a dress! Perfect layers.  I've also never really mixed prints before.  The two are similar - polka dots and round lips - so I figured I would go for it.  Since starting this blog I've really branched out in regard to my outfits and I've tried combos I never would have thought of before.  I love all the possibilities I've made for myself!  

This look is super comfy.  I have a real problem feeling trapped in a pair of jeans (I must admit, I love sweatpants), so I jump at any chance I have to NOT wear them.  Tights are perfect for in-between weather and they perfectly hide my pale legs!