Fall Wish List Part 1 (For the Practical College Student)

Below are the top five items on my fall wish list... these items reflect the latest trends, yet will not put me further into debt... because God knows thats the last thing I need to do!

1. Animal Print. Now, I'm not quite into the whole "Dress like an animal" thing, so instead of outfitting myself in full on animal print attire, I've chosen to accent what I already have with these fun pieces! Not only are they full of flare but they will also keep me warm... thats necessary, right? 

Nordstrom.com

H&M (only $6.95!!!)

2. Fitted Blazer. A blazer is not a "wear to work only" item.  A cute fitted blazer can be worn over a loose blouse and jeans or even a tee and shorts.  The best thing about blazers are that they can be dressed up, worn to work, dressed down for class or paired with a sassy pair of skinnies for a night out!

H&M

JCrew

3.  Booties.  Super cute with skinnies, colorful tights, leggings, skirts... need I say more??

Born (Nordstrom.com)

Born (Nordstrom.com)

4.  Skinnies and Leggings.  Cute and comfortable... just make sure they flatter your figure! Higher waisted dark wash skinnies are my go to...

Banana Republic (wait to buy on sale or during their happy hour!)
Zella makes very cute, affordable leggings as well!

 5. Chunky Sweater. Because, who doesn't want to be cozy during hours of studying and class? 

Halogen (Comes in different colors too!)

Quicksilver (On Sale!)

What's on your fall wish list...??

Looks to Love

My favorite look right now is very Nautical inspired with all of the fun stripes, strappy sandals, and bright colors.  Not only is it very summery, but extremely comfortable and easy.  

Banana Republic Look Book

Banana Republic Look Book

In an attempt to replicate this look I chose seashells and the classic color scheme: red, white, and blue.

Nautical inspired outfits should be simple, fun and "boat ready".  This style is just as much practical as it is fashionable.  As you can see here, I paired a sheer top (tucked up for fun) with basic white skinnies, and added a hobo bag for simplicities sake.

 The best way to choose accessories for the nautical look is to add colors you may find on a classic sail boat... beige ropes, orange life vests, yellow buoys or life boats, rusty teal on the guard rails, etc.   

Now throw on some Sperrys and you're ready to hit the deck!     

Enjoying the Sunshine

Lately, I've found it increasingly difficult to be indoors all day with the beautiful, rare, enticing sunshine blaring in through our second floor lab windows.  As soon as I get off work all I want to do is soak in those lovely rays!  However, in the mid-afternoon heat, my body feels limp and lethargic within minutes of stepping outside from our air conditioned halls.

In an attempt to combat these feelings of lethargy, I've been staying especially hydrated by drinking at least 4 Nalgenes worth of water a day, eating light, energy packed foods and doing outdoor activities that are not overly draining, but yet still fun! Most of the time, if possible, I am in the water or by the water whether poolside, lake-side, river-side, pond-side... etc. And, if I'm already in the water, why not get some exercise while I'm at it(since working out in the heat of the day is absolutely not going to happen)?! Most of the time I end up egg-beatering, but sometimes I like to mix it up with some fun water aerobics (This site has some great water workout ideas: Splash Yourself Slim!)  When it comes to foods that keep me feeling light and cool, I stick with lots of fresh fruits and veggies and avoid heavy meats and carbs. 

Exercising the puppy... Or maybe he's the one exercising me!

Now wearing clothes that are comfortable and cool are an absolute must in this summer heat.  I often stick with clothing that has a high percentage of cotton or linen (both breathe reasonably well), or just go for the bikini which can be substituted for hot, uncomfortable undergarments.     

Blouse (JCrew)
Denim Skirt (Nordys)
Bikini Top (JCrew)


My Favorite Part about this outfit is the versatility of this blouse; It can be worn to work with dress pants, casually with jeans, or with a bikini top (as seen above) for an outdoor bbq or as a beach coverup.  I added the bangles for fun and the scarf to keep my hair from making me overheat!

Tank top (Jcrew)
Skirt (Nordstrom Rack)
Necklace (Forever 21)
Bangles (From my Mom's closet!)

I wore this outfit all day today while studying downtown... not only was it super comfy, but it was reasonably cool on this scorcher of a day.  Like the blouse from the first outfit, this skirt is super versatile (not to mention flattering because of the stripes) and can be worn year round.  In the summer, fall and spring I wear it as seen above, but in the winter, I often wear tights, boots, a jacket and scarf to complete the ensemble.  The wrapped-necklace bangles and chunky necklace liven up the outfit and can be worn both day or night! 

"Forget the rules if you like to wear it"    

  

Back to Basics

What better way to spend a sunday afternoon than by drinking a honey sweetened iced coffee at Sister's Cafe with a friend?  What made it even better was sitting outside in the sun for some fresh Oregon air and vitamin D (which we never seem to get enough of!).  

For a cool in the morning, hot in the afternoon kind of day, a blousy shirt (Banana Republic) and skirt (Gap) were a must.  Because the skirt is so unique on its own, it pairs well with basics (which made my morning especially easy!).    

When shopping for unique pieces I find the best ones are those that go with basics, are comfortable, and are on sale. I am very much the typical jeans, t-shirt and a zippie kind of girl during the school week, so I know that my more "unique" pieces are often only worn on the weekends or if by the grace of God I wake up on time for class, work, etc. So, why spend a fortune on something you're only going to end up wearing once or twice a month? Save the splurges for things that you need and will last... a good rain coat (a necessity in the pacific northwest), versatile purse, or a good pair of boots.

Trying to stay up on the latest fashion fads is exhausting and expensive, so rather than draining your bank account and energy, here are a few pieces of advice:

1.  Shop End of the Season sales.  The unique pieces are often the ones that end up on clearance racks... snag a fun piece then rather than for full price a few weeks earlier (you can wait!!!)

2.   Buy a unique piece that goes with and refreshes your wardrobe.  In any case, make sure the piece is not too unique that you will have to buy tops, sweaters, accessories, etc. to go with the piece.

3.  If the piece you are trying on is only comfortable on "skinny" days, it is going to get shoved to the back of the closet.  For skirts, I often end up with the high waisted A-lines because they are flattering, comfortable and timeless for any day of the week.  Mid-length skirts/dresses tend to be my go-tos due to their versatility in any occasion; Throw on a pair of tights for a work event or presentation and heels to go out for happy hour with the girls.

4.  If you already have a unique piece and can't figure out what to wear with it, go for the basics.  Let the piece stand on its own! If you reallyreallyreally feel the need to add a little umph to your outfit add a scarf around your neck or tied to your purse (great way to incorporate the season's IN colors!) or some fun jewelry.  Scarves and fashion jewelry do not need to be top brand pieces... most of my scarves and accessories were found draped over sale racks or at saturday markets!

Great sales of the moment (with lots of basics and refreshers):
Great A-lines and Basic knits! at JCrew
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale... lots and lots of great deals to be had here for fall, winter, you name it!
30% off at Gap and Banana Republic- again for lots of basics... I live in their knits year round!
Great deals on outdoorsy clothes- If you wait another month, they have an awesome back to school sale!

"Why must I have a reason to dress up?"- Audrey Hepburn

Short and Sweet

Today is the moment of truth.  In a few minutes I will begin my first GRE practice exam... timed and everything! I have been preparing for this exam for the past two months (not to mention the past 8 years of my education) and now it's time to see if all the hard work has paid off!!

To prepare myself for this 4 hour endeavor, I began my morning with a 4 miler with my running buddy Hailey after a good nights sleep, a long hot shower, a tasty breakfast consisting of a grapefruit, plain greek yogurt with honey and a nice big bottle of water.  The coffee was put on the wayside for the time being so that I don't get too antsy during the exam.

In order to get through the exam without falling asleep I plan on rewarding myself with small pieces of dark chocolate from Trader Joe's, something I have found to be very necessary when working through hours of homework or studying.  Dark chocolate is one of those sweets that, as long it's eaten in moderation, you do not have to feel guilty about consuming.

For more information on the benefits of dark chocolate visit: http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20120424/pick-dark-chocolate-health-benefits
This article provides some information of the preliminary research done to determine the specific health benefits of cocoa, although the information has not been peer reviewed and therefore cannot be considered completely accurate (although I'd like to believe it is :).

Now off to that practice test and then some time with friends floating the river! Dark chocolate can't be my only reward...

"Taking time to live life will only inspire your work"