Sunday, October 21, 2012

Chicks Dig Bubble Tea

{thrifted} fur coat. [bargain or indulge]
Madewell scarf. [bargain or indulge]
White Mountain boots. [bargain or indulge]
Nike spandex. [bargain or indulge]

-thanksthanksthanks a million bijillion thanks to gwen for the surprise fur coat-

Finds from my hunt:
Mom's closet- boots.
Marshalls- spandex.

...

Fall break (day) was so wonderfully well spent. A bunch of us went to go see Cabaret Thursday night, which absolutely blew me away [wootwoot Louisa & Adam!!]. Friday began with yoga and the Julie-Diana's girl date to the Loop even after I convinced her it was the dead of winter out although it was in the fifties. Heh. In between our bubble tea sandwich, we went to see Perks of Being a Wallflower and Julie sobbed like I had sobbed the first time I watched it. It's a  rare occurrence for a movie to draw out such potent emotions and resonant so closely with the audience so I'd be glad to go catch it a third time. We were getting the 90's vibe afterwards and went ham at Avalon Exchange and bought some truly vibrant and shoulder-pad endorsing pieces. At night, Sam and I stopped at a Halloween special glass blowing demo at the 3rd Degree Glass Factory. The whole day was a gem and just set up the rest of the weekend for genuine bonding time.

{rawr}
{merp}



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Lounge Fest


Been living in this outfit. No shame. 

L.L. Bean sweatshirt. [bargain or indulge]
Forever 21 tee. [bargain or indulge or luxe]
Gap shorts. [bargain or indulge]
{brandless} fuzzy socks. [bargain or indulge]

Finds from my hunt:
Boyfriend's closet slash he stole from his mom- sweatshirt.
Great Mall Outlet- shorts.

...

Finding refuge between midterm studying and vigorously painting has thankfully given me short bursts of calm and serenity. Looking forward to just being with friends and everyone I love.




Sunday, October 14, 2012

Of Being a Wallflower

My first words were "this can't be real life." And I still very much feel that way although I've also come around the grim hysterics of the situation and realized that there is still beauty in real life, and there always will be. Trying to not let fear or anger or frustration or anxiety get the better of me, I want to continue loving all the good and being present everyday. 

A genuine and beautiful girl lives on in all of us who knew Lizzi. The fierce loyalty and compassion she had was notable to anyone if they witnessed even just a split moment of her with her friends. Although we were not close, it matters to me that I can distinctly remember her smile whenever we talked. After we determined that she would be Prom Queen, Ms. Hoey and I knew that there was no one else who would feel more appreciative. And as selfish as it may seem, it matters to me that I contributed to a happy moment in her lifetime. And when she sang a duet of Into the West for Baccalaureate, I remember being filled with awe and pride. And that matters to me too. I feel desperate trying to grasp on to these moments but I honestly don't know how else to react. These past months have been a complete shock to my system. Every couple of months, and I feel a new shock. I heaved out tears and horror at the thought of what could happen next. I know that is not the right mindset to have, but I could think of nothing else. Twenty four hours later and I'm making the biggest effort to continue seizing all the opportunities and love that I can, but I feel a bit exhausted. Rest in peace Lizzi, I'll carry you always in my heart and soul right next to Gabby and Emily. 

In lieu of attending my sorority's Set Up Party last night, Sam and I caught a showing of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. It was honest and raw and probably not the best idea, but I'm glad that we went. I don't plan on letting fear dominate life.  

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Quality Time

{brandless} fur coat. [bargain or indulge]
Worthington blouse. [bargain or indulge]
Seven of All Mankind jeans. [bargain or indulge]
{thrifted} Laredo leather boots. [bargain or indulge]
Alma mittens. [bargain or indulge]
{thrifted} Coach leather belt. [bargain or indulge]

I am in love with this coat- grabbed it for about $60 
but it had been returned previously and wore no tags.

Thank you Issac for the Secret Santa gifted mittens! 

Finds for my hunt:
Marshalls- coat & jeans.
JCPenney- blouse.
Goodwill- belt.
Avalon Exchange- boots.

...

It's been in the fifties temperature wise, and I'd like to use the euphemism refreshing over cold to describe the outside. Life has been relaxing and glowing these past couple of days. I may have been a bit worn out so I took this weekend to lounge and enjoy being happy and content.

The family went up to New Hampshire for the long weekend to celebrate Dan's birthday. They saw the circus Friday night and drove up to a cabin afterwards with a few other families. My dad felt bad that I was missing out on the stunning views and family time so he sent over some pictures to make me feel included, and I just chatted with my mom for a while about their trip and our plans for Thanksgiving. School has never felt more like home, but I miss my family and am beyond looking forward to heading back for Turkey Day. 




Thursday, October 4, 2012

Worn In

{thrifted} St. John's Bay denim shirt. [bargain or indulge]
 Forever 21 velvet romper. [bargain or indulge]
J. Crew necklace. [bargain or indulge]
{thrifted} Laredo leather boots. [bargain or indulge]

Finds from my hunt:
Mom's closet- shirt.
Wrentham Outlet- necklace.
Avalon Exchange- boots.

...

This lone velvety-goodness of a romper was hanging out of place at Forever 21 when I found it. Although I wasn't in need of a romper or a questionably velvet one at that, I was drawn to it. Probably cause I just loved rubbing my face on it. And it's been one of my most favorite things to wear for a fancy shmancy night or for running around during the school day.

As productive as I've been during this past week, I am ready for some Jurassic Park watching-lofty idea musing-green tea sipping action tonight. Ah.  







-THANKS LENNERZ-

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Typical {classy} Tuesday

H&M dress. [bargain or indulge]
Guess heels. [bargain or indulge]
Forever 21 chain necklace. [bargain or indulge]
Forever 21 flower necklace. [bargain or indulge]

Finds from my hunt:
Marshalls- heels

...

Tuesdays have been claimed as date night so this week we dressed to the nines and went schmoozing around the city. To Chipotle, Gelateria Tavolini, and Flamingo Bowl. Nothing like looking our best and gobbling up foods and knocking down pins. 





-snap shots-




{and we eat}

Monday, October 1, 2012

Φ-nomenal

Express dress. [bargain or indulge]
Guess heels. [bargain or indulge]
{thrifted} Monet earrings. [bargain or indulge]

Fancy fancy for less than $50.

Finds from my hunt:
Marshalls- dress & heels.
Avalon Exchange- earrings.

...

After a week that tested my tolerance and understanding with the chaos of our lives, I continued to turn towards the people who have shown me more love than I ever thought possible. 

At our Red Dress Philanthropy Gala (thanks thanks thanks to Gwen, Sam, and Sara), I smiled to myself thinking about how I never thought I would be in a sorority and about how lucky I am that Alpha Phi has genuinely touched my life. Sam, boyfriend Sam, defined us with having grace; I could not have found a better word. Grace under pressure. Grace under despair. Grace under madness. But also grace with love. Grace with the fullness of our hearts.

I don't think I will ever stop being astounded by this group of women. But I do know that I have began loving and being loved with the deepest and fullest sense of the word. As much as I have been missing my family this week, I have been able to turn to my friends for comfort or a simple unlady-like burst of laughter. And that's how I know everything will be okay.    






-the details-

Most humbling moment of the night: Sam gave me this ring to remind me of how appreciated I am.