Ladys modern

You guys know I love seeing how versatile pieces can be, and the best is seeing them on several different girls. I am thrilled to take part in this month's Side by Side Challenge: White! You can either go all over and be brave like Amanda, Kacie, and Erin did, or just use to freshen up a look with color, like Jennie, Megan, and I did. Don't they all look amazing? Make sure you visit everyone and say hello - they're some of my favorites!

here, there, everywhere

On Friday at 4 AM, I piled into my stuffed car with the dogs and drove the ten hours to my new home. The drive was fairly dull and uneventful, but went by fairly quickly thanks to the Mad Men episodes I listened to. We got here and within two hours, I managed to lock myself out of our house, and then I twisted my ankle while walking the dogs, so needless to say I was not in the greatest of moods. After a shower (without a shower curtain) and sleeping on the floor for the night, I drove a rented U-Haul two hours away to go buy furniture at Ikea. I never ever want to drive that big of a vehicle ever again! Horrifying. But I did manage to find all the furniture I wanted - a bed, desk, bookshelf, night stand, desk chair, reading chair, and a coffee table...but when I went to go pay, my card was declined, so with 7% left on my phone battery, I had to call the bank to verify that I, in fact, am not someone else trying to buy a bunch of furniture. So that was a really fun experience as well.

But since then, life has been really good. My roommate came on Saturday, and we've had a lot of fun putting our house together. My room is about 80% of the way there (as you can see by the remaining box and mess above). It all got a bit side tracked when I realized that a vital part of the bed frame was missing, so I had to drive back to Ikea on Monday to pick it up. I really didn't want to drive all the way back there, so I rewarded myself with meatballs at Ikea and a stop at the outlet mall. It was the biggest outlet mall I've ever been to - like I had to drive from one side to the other! I was hoping to find a few dress pants, but everything I tried on at the Banana Republic Factory store, and at the Ann Taylor factory store looked horrible on me. I eventually found and bought this skirt (in a bright blue) at the J.Crew Factory store - I think I may wear it to the first day of school on Friday! I also bought this necklace after admiring it for months on Laura - it'll be a staple for sure!

Yesterday we went to go get our ID badges, get fitted for our white coats, and then I bought a few of the books I need in the first weeks - it made it all feel so real! Last night we had our first get together - a wine and cheese (!) party at a classmate's apartment. The outfit above is what I wore - it's been the only time I've put on a real bra and more make up than mascara since I arrived. I was pretty nervous walking into a room of strangers who I knew I would have to spend a lot of time with the next four years, but everyone was honestly so great. Our school is very popular for out of state kids, so it was interesting to meet people from all over the country. I even found a kid who was in the OSU marching band, so we have seen each other perform even if we didn't know it at the time haha. 

Finally meeting people from my class, having my room set up, and getting to know the people around me has made me really excited about all of what is happening. I felt that in the last few weeks, all of my emotions were put towards the move and the thought of leaving everyone, but now that that is behind me, I can focus on the journey ahead. ahhhhh!!!!

staple on sale: j.crew schoolboy blazer

If you guys read my blog through last fall and winter, you'll know how much I love my J.Crew Navy Schoolboy blazer. I felt I wore it at least once a week, every week, and I don't really intend on changing that pattern this fall. I purchased mine last year as a birthday present to myself, and it still is the most expensive piece of clothing I own. These babies rarely go on sale, but they are currently on SUPER sale for $99. If you have ever debated buying this blazer, now is the time because in the year and a half I've been watching it, the price has never been this low and I don't anticipate it ever being this on sale again. It seems almost all sizes are still available - mine is a 10 Tall and you can see more of a review between the regular and tall sizes here.

sponsor love: fairy wings make good soup

Hello! I am currently trapped inside of my little scion with all of my worldly belongings and the dogs as we move to Pennsylvania, but you're in luck because 1. you aren't trapped in your tiny car and 2. today you get to meet Kim. Kim blogs at Fairy Wings Make Good Soup about her life as a military SAHM to an adorable three year old. She blogs about fashion (geared at the SAHM lifestyle!), "temporary" house tips, and recipes. I just think she's so cute and love reading about what her little family is up. Make sure you visit Kim to say hello! You can find her here:

goodbye madison :(

I had been looking forward to that day for four years - ever since my freshman year of high school when I decided I had to go to the University of Wisconsin. It had been my dream for so long, and finally I got to move to the big city from my tiny hometown. I remember sitting in my parents Surbuban and as we were driving up to my dorm, my dad played On, Wisconsin over the stereo and as dorky as that was, it was like...yes, this is it. It was so exciting - my dorm room right down town, so many things to see and do, and all on my own. I was just so excited to meet new people, live in Madison, and experience something completely new to me. As I stood at the front door of my dorm building waving good-bye to my parents, all I felt was excitement.

Over the next five years of school, I met so many great people. People who were from similar backgrounds, or from somewhere I had only read about. 500 people over five years who stomped around dirt fields with me for two hours every day for the love of our school. People who taught me about love, about organic chemistry, about friendship, about human sexuality (the class!), about how to live a better life. I got to travel all over the country, march my final show at the Rose Bowl, and do it with my closet friends. The people I kept closest were strong, smart, and ready for everything which is so evident by what they are doing now - studying to be doctors, living abroad, moving to bigger cities to follow their dreams, engineering things. My friends are going to change the world, and Madison gave me the chance to meet them.

If you haven't been to Madison, you must visit. It's a city of lakes, beer, cheese, trees, sportsmanship, and architecture. If you come, come in the fall - middle of September when the leaves are just barely changing, warmth is still coming off the lakes, and everyone is wearing cardinal red. Go eat cheese curds at The Old Fashioned, enjoy a pitcher at the Terrace, and ride a b-cycle down the lakeshore path. Watch my successors play my favorite song while 80,000 people wave along in my favorite place on campus. Walk down state street (more than likely having to side step someone protesting something) and watch all the walks of life coming together enjoying the nice weather.

The last few days have been really difficult for me. Every time I think about how I won't be here to experience those things, I become really sad. I love Madison. I found love, my friends, and myself here, and to leave it terrifies me. While I feel I've traveled quite a bit in my life, I've lived within a 60 mile radius for the last 18 years of my life. I like that I can drive an hour and be home. I like that I know every street here and the shortest way to cut across town. I like that I know where the closest Culvers is, what time to avoid the beltline, and where the best place is to watch the sunset. As I was driving home from my parents' house last night after saying goodbye, I felt especially emotional (listening to this song as I drove away was probably a terrible idea). I called my friend Ben, and after ugly crying over the phone, he told me exactly what I needed to hear - that Madison will still be here when I'm ready to come back, that I've worked towards going to medical school for so long that all I should be feeling is that same excitement I felt seven years ago, and that this is a new adventure and it's going to be just as great as the one in Madison was.

As I pack up my car to move ten hours away from my boyfriend, my family, and my friends, I'm sad to leave, but so thankful that I got to experience it in the first place. 

play ball!

This is about the only presentable outfit I've worn since I returned from Seattle. My friend Lizzi asked me to go to a Mallards game with her (a collegiate summer league that plays here in Madison) on Thursday. Right before I started getting ready, I was packing up some of my clothes and re-discovered these white shorts. I thought I lost them, but they were really just hiding under my Game Day bibs (picture from late 2010 and yes, Chris is wearing my game day skirt...). Anyway, wore my re-discovered shorts, Everlane tee, and cognac accessories to go "watch baseball" (drink fruity beers and eat brats) as a break from packing. and packing. and packing. 

Packing is going...fine. There's just a lot of stuff to take with that one doesn't even think of like...socks and beauty products and roller blades. I've mostly just been packing and cleaning. I did go to the mall to see if my computer was on the fritz (good news, it's not), stopped at Victoria's Secret to buy a few bras and underwear, and stopped at J.Crew to see if this jacket (in white and black) was more reduced than it was a week ago (it wasn't). I also tried on this top but I wasn't sure if it was black or dark dark blue, so I passed since I find navy really difficult to wear as a separate (because right now my criteria is if I can wear it with black pants because I'm a boring dress code dresser). It's probably for the best that they didn't work out because I would have to pack them into my tiny car on Friday, but the mall in my new town doesn't have a J.Crew (yes, I looked) so I wanted to try on one last time. In other shopping news, I did receive these wedges a few days ago after ordering them months ago and they are perfect (or at least they felt perfect for the 10 minutes I wore them before boxing them up)! I may even have to order the black version the next time they have a big sale if the nude versions hold up well ;)

closet clean-up: from cluttered to loved

Once I found out in February that I would have to move for school, I slowly started cleaning out my closet. I've lived in Madison for seven years now, and have lived in four different houses. Each time we moved, I just grabbed everything I owned and took it with me to the next place a few streets away. This move though, across several states and by myself, would require me greatly reduce the items I own.

I had clothes in three different places - my main closet that had all of my normal clothes, some coats in our coat closet, and my handful of dresses (which I couldn't wear to work) were in a shared closet in our bedroom - our place has a lot of closets! I started out by pulling all of the "big ticket" items that I knew I could sell on eBay - a few purses, a North Face jacket, and a few J.Crew / Banana Republic items. I'm a pretty beginner eBay seller so I don't have a ton of tips and tricks. I do a lot that is recommended here, and I almost always use the eBay app as you can take pictures, upload, and have a listing within just a few minutes from your phone.

Once those items were gone, I started going through the clothes that I regularly look at. I pulled out the pieces I knew I hadn't worn in years, and put them aside. I tried selling some on poshmark and on here, but those took more effort than it paid out. I basically worked through my closet a little bit at a time. Every time I by passed something and couldn't remember the last time I ever wore it, it went into the pile. About once a month, I would take a pile of clothing to Plato's Closet - a consignment store geared mostly towards teenagers. My experiences were fine there - I've made about $100 from selling clothes there, but I felt because they were so geared toward teens that a lot of my nicer items that just didn't fit were passed because they were "too mature". The items they didn't take I handed down to my mom and sister, and whatever they didn't want, they donated to St. Vinnies.

That was what I did up until this past weekend. I move on Friday, so this last closet clean out was really necessary to get rid of the last unnecessary pieces. I had already packed up all of my blazers, remaining bottoms, skirts, and shoes which hadn't been pulled. My family is shipping those boxes to me at the end of the week as I just didn't have enough room in my car. Next, I went through all of my tops. I pulled each one out of the closet and put it on. If I felt uncomfortable in it, if it fit me wrong, or if I knew I was just never going to wear it again, into the pile it went. I'm only packing the pieces I really wear. As hard as it was to let go of a bunch of relatively nice jeans, tees, and sweaters, I knew I hadn't worn them in so long, and with my restrictive dress code, I knew they weren't going to be worn in the future either. I tried one last time to take a few things to the consignment stores, made about $25, and took everything else directly to Goodwill. I set a side a few things again for my mom and sister, but the rest will find a new home with something who will appreciate them.

When I look at my closet now, and even during the cleaning out process, I felt so much better about getting dressed. I didn't feel guilt looking at all the clothes I spent money on, but didn't wear. My choices were limited, but I liked everything, so I never had "I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR" moments. Since I started working with a budget, I feel like I've been a lot smarter about what I buy, so I'm hoping that in a year/four years from now, I won't be in this same situation. I need to make smart buying decisions, buy items off of my holes in my closet list, and not just buy on a whim. I want to find the balance of buying staple pieces versus more "fun" pieces - maybe do 3/4 of my budget towards purchasing items I will get a ton of wear, and then the rest towards statement/fun pieces? Since I will be living off student loans that I receive twice a year, instead of paychecks I receive twice a month, I may do what Kimmie and Jess do, and have a yearly budget and work with it that way. I'll definitely share what I decide to do!

I can't wait to show you guys by new closet next week! It's going to be beautiful :)

My tips for cleaning out your own closet - no moving 10 hours away necessary! :

+ Pull everything (EVERYTHING) out of your closet, and try each piece on. If it doesn't fit NOW, get rid of it (or if it may fit again for sure, put it into storage)

+  If you haven't worn it within the last year, ask yourself why. Does it just fit wrong? Donate or sell. Not your style anymore? Pass along to friends or donate. Needs alterations? Put into the alterations pile and actually do them.

+ Be prepared to make "the hard" decisions. Yes, it sucks that you spend x number of dollars on that sweater/pant/skirt/shoe....but what good is it doing you in your closet if you haven't worn it in years? Either store it in case it comes back into fashion, pass it along to family members/friends, sell it, or donate it. You'll feel better not looking at it every single time you open your closet.

+ Reorganize your closet so you can see your clothes better. I currently organize by color, but when I move, I'm going to organize by type - blazers, cardigans, sweaters, tees. Seeing your clothes in a different way may inspire you to wear it a different way.

good bye seattle!

Tee: Everlane
Cardigan: Gap [similarish]
Shorts: Gap Outlet [similar]
Purse: Coach [current style]
Sandals: Target [exact]

On Wednesday I was off by myself as both Bri and Kimmie had to be working/mothering adults that day. I loved having both act as my tour guide, but it was also nice to go off and be a bit more touristy by myself. I felt I had a bit of a handle on down town Seattle so I went off to go exploring. I started off by taking the monorail down to the Seattle Center. I just walked around the grounds for a little bit when I ran into the purple wall of the EMP Museum. I had a flashback to this post Kimmie wrote (I had read through all of her archives and remember thinking how cool it was) so I had to recreate it. I like how my cardigan kind of matches the wall - not planned ;)

^^from Bri's favorite espresso "cart" (the world's first!)

After my little selfie photography, I walked down to check out the international fountain and waited for the show...which never started. I texted Bri asking why nothing was happening and it turns out, that day was the day it was down for maintenace! boo. Next time (because there WILL be a next time!). I had wasted just enough time for the Space Needle to open. It was actually pretty awesome being there so early. I got a discounted ticket, I rode up the elevator by myself, and had the whole observation deck to myself besides one other couple.

^^the lake we rode on the ducks & paddle boarded in!

Afterwards I rode the monorail back and headed down to Pike Place Market to buy an OMG Peach, a coffee mug for Chris from the original Starbucks (it wasn't as busy at 8:30 AM on a Wednesday as it had been at 10 AM on a Saturday), and flowers for Bri. I waited for Nordstrom Rack to open, and then went looking around for the third time on my five day vacation. I almost walked out with nothing but then I found these jeans (finally!! I've always wanted a white pair, and especially after seeing how great Bri's always look), this shirt as a complete Bri copycat (mine's grey though), and a bright orange (who am I?!) silk tee thing. Yay, Seattle souvenirs! ;)

Then I headed over to Nordstrom and it was ccrrrrrrraaaaaazzzy. We don't have a Nordstrom in Wisconsin, so I'm not used to 1. all of the expensive stuff and 2. the craziness that is the semi-annual sale. I used this time to figure out what size trench coat I wear, to go look at my future Chanel bag (in 4-5 years), and to try on this dress for size. Now that I know what size I would wear, I'm going to stalk eBay so I can find one for 1/4 of that price! Keep your fingers crossed for me. 

I went and got Bri from work, and we headed back to Nordstrom to eat at the cafe (we also don't have department stores in Wisconsin that have cafes - I feel we are missing out). So much good people watching! The food was delicious and I suppose the company was alright too ;)

Then, because I'm a HUGE Grey's Anatomy fan, I insisted that I needed to go ride the ferry boats.

I don't think that if you go visit Seattle that this is necessarily something you need to do, because after the initial views of the skyline it's kinda boring, but I'm still happy I went. It was pretty beautiful out there.

That night Bri and I walked around Green Lake again, had sushi as a farewell dinner, and then she dropped me off at the airport. You guys, it sounds so silly when you say it out loud, but this stranger that picked me up from the airport and let me stay in her beautiful home has become such a good friend to me by the end of my stay. Bri is like the definition of good people - warm, welcoming, excited to show you her city, and kind. We had so many laughs and like it honestly pains me that I don't get to spend every day with her. Bri, thank you for the best vacation of my life. Can't wait for the next one :)

via Bri's instagram

fran and kimmie ride the segways

Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet

Jeans: Madewell [exact]

Necklace: c/o Apple of My Eye

Purse: Coach [current style]

Shoes: Target [exact - may be on sale in stores]

On Tuesday, Kimmie and I had purchased a groupon to go ride on Segways around West Seattle (that Kimmie, she's a thinker!), but first we stopped at Bakery Nouveau for lunch. We both had sandwiches (mine was turkey havarti, hers was the california) and then also both had the almond crescents which were aaaaamazing. On top of that feast, I also had to try my first macaron. It was cute to look at and tasted alright, but I don't think it's my favorite dessert of all time. That prize goes to tiramisu, followed closely by apple pie.

After that we walked around the neighborhood, and then it was time for segwaying. Here's Kimmie getting on for the first time (oh you want it in video? I have that too) and here I am my first time. HA. Just kidding, this was after about 10 minutes of getting used to that beast.

and then we scooted around for next hour with our tour guide and this cute litle Danish family.

Afterwards we again rescued Bri and her co-worker Ash from work, and went to happy hour at Sazerac. We shared a bunch of delicious apps - stuffed dates, little pizzas, sweet potato fries, and beet salad - and drank sangria with a view of the public library.

After that, we had a fun little experience with riding the bus, went home to change, and then went to the Brave Horse Tavern for drinks with Katrina and Amber. On the way to the restaurant we had to take a minute to capture this moment - Fran, the Space Needle, and the SLUT (seriously, I love any city that names their trolley system that).

I really loved hanging out with these girls. This was all of our first time meeting Amber, but it really didn't feel like it. We talked so much about our jobs, our past and current relationships, traveling - it was awesome. I've mentioned a few times that I don't have many girlfriends left in Madison as so many moved after we graduated, so it really just made me so happy to feel like I had girls to talk to again. I think that is what made this trip - connecting with the ladies in real life.

^^ pretzels with pimento cheeese dip, sour cream and crispy onion dip, and peanut butter with bacon!

Katrina, Bri, Fran, Amber

P.S. clicky -click? also make sure you help out my girl Bri!

madewell afternoon dress and paddle boarding!

On Monday, Bri had to go back to being a responsible adult and go to work, so Kimmie became my official tour guide. I wore my new dress because I kind of forgot that we were going shopping - I was just so excited to wear it! It's just short enough that it's playful for day, but with the proper hose/shoes/cardigan and or blazer, it'll be great for school. We went to Northgate Mall to go to Nordstrom Rack - I didn't have any luck (again!), but Kimmie found a cute sweater and sunglasses. 

Dress: Madewell [exact]

Belt: Gap [same style]

Bracelet: c/o Apple of My Eye [exact]

Shoes: Gap Outlet [similar]

Afterwards we went back to the international district to pick up some banh mi and more bubble tea (what have you girls done to me?!). We drove over to a small park and had lunch overlooking the water. It was beautiful!

Then we drove down town to free Bri from work so that we could go paddle boarding! I wish there was a way I could have brought my camera (I really should have put my cell phone into a plastic baggy and kept it in my life vest) because our view was amazing. The whole sky line, beautiful homes, and friends paddling around the water. It was awesome and so much fun. 

via Kimmie's instagram

Afterwards we made sure to go say hello to the Fremont Troll, and picked up a little snack from Dick's (apparently the sauce is famous, har har), and then ended the night at El Chupacabra where we had ciders and dinner.

love Seattle.

via my instagram

#frandoesbubbletea and other adventures

Kimmie, Fran, Bri, Katrina, Lindsay

After shopping Sunday afternoon, Bri and I headed out to the international district to have dinner at Tamarind Tree with a few Seattle bloggers - Kimmie of course from Blue Paper Lanterns, Katrina from The Demure Muse, and Lindsay from Lindsay Living. I've been following all of their blogs for some time now, and meeting them was one of my biggest hopes when I started planning my trip. Dinner was delicious - we all had some sort of noodle dish (mine was a beef noodle) which all came in huge bowls and were so good. I had a great time getting to know the girls - we discussed our lives, blogs, jobs, and just had a great time bonding over the strangeness that is blogging. 

Afterwards, once everyone discovered that bubble tea was a foreign thing to me, we hunted down the nearest location. I was honestly a bit nervous about the whole experience - what flavor do I get? why are there balls in my drink? how do I get my straw in there? how do I not choke on the sticky balls? Bri made sure to document the whole experience here, and Katrina started a fun little hashtag #frandoesubbletea as a play on my current #frandoesunemployement. Turns out...I really like bubble tea.

I really did have such a wonderful time with these ladies. Kimmie and I have been internet friends for quite some time so I was so happy to spend real time with her. She's one of those girls that you just want to have them like you, ya know? She's just so dang pretty in real life, and so sweet. Katrina is exactly how she is on her blog - tall, thin, GORGEOUS, flawless skin, and brilliant in real life. Seriously, this girl is stunning and smart - if she wasn't so nice, it would be super intimidating. Lindsay has the teacher charm - she's very reassuring and comforting, and so easy to talk to. Plus her hair is amazing and I wish I knew how to get such volume. I really wish that I lived here just so I could see everyone more often.

After dinner and #bubbletea, Bri drove us quickly up to Kerry Park to catch the last of the light. What a view from up there. Can you imagine having this be your view from your front window every day? 

Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet [similar and cuter]

Jeans: Madewell [exact]

Necklace: Vera Moda Germany

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Lipstick: Too Faced So Berry Sexy [exact]

I'm the Space Needle!

^^ this girl has been the best thing that ever happened to this trip. see her amazing outfit here.

P.S. Remember how last month I won $100 from the Chippmunk contest? Well they are having another one so make sure you sign up, and if you are feeling generous, vote for me here :) Let me know if you do participate so I can send lots of clicks your way!

Linking up with the pleated poppy!

sponsored: kotex fits, period [for travel]

I've been a loyal Kotex user for the better part of the last decade. I'm so devoted, in fact, that when Chris and I are grocery shopping and I go to buy tampons, he always quotes, "Kotex fits, period" so you know he's seen them in the bathroom for the past five years we've been together. When I was approached to talk about U by Kotex on my blog, I was a little "oh, this is a style blog..." but you know, how we dress during that week a month can greatly vary from what we wear when we don't have to worry about possible accidents, or knowing that we have to carry supplies around. Since I'm already a Kotex user, it was a natural fit (hahahah) and made even better when I was given a free box of the U by Kotex tampons. I've found that these are great for travel as the outside wrapper is a bit more durable than their standard tampons, and won't break apart in your purse. I knew I would need them when I was in Germany, so here they are hiding in my purse while walking around Munich a few weeks ago (do you like my buttoning job? whoops):

Also in my tiny little purse is my camera, wallet, dog treats, sunglasses, and a cell phone ;)

and then again in Stade three days later

and here they are secretly tucked into my cosmetics bag for the plane:

Taking U by Kotex with me on my travels was really the only option for me because they are my trusted brand and are super durable for travel. If you haven't had a chance to try out U by Kotex for yourself yet, you can request a free sample here! You can also find them here on facebook and here on twitter!

I wrote this review while participating in a content series through Clever Girls Collective on behalf of U by Kotex, and received products to facilitate my post and compensation for my time to participate.

behind the blog: lilly's style

Today I'm thrilled to showcase Lilly from Lilly's Style on Behind the Blog. Lilly is actually one of the women I was thinking about when I started this series because I thought her huge success in fashion blogging was so interesting and inspiring for "everyday" women. Hers was one of the very first blogs I started to follow, and unknowingly to her, she's very much influenced my own style. I love her classic style, how clothes just seem to always look great on her, and her easy going attitude about her closet and style. 

Tell us what motivate you to start blogging. Were you following a lot of personal style/fashion blogs before you started blogging?

Before I started blogging I didn't even know what a blog was. I accidentally came across a fashion blog and was hooked ever since. I found it very inspirational and decided to start one myself shortly after. Blogging helped me step out of my comfort zone so I decided to share it with the rest of the world, or just those who are interested in my blog :)

Which blogs do you read every day? 

I actually follow a lot of blogs…too many to name.

Who takes your pictures? What camera and lens do you use? Have you ever been caught in the act of taking these?

My pictures are taken by either my sister or my husband, which ever one has time. I use a Canon t3i with the 1.8 lens. I've been caught taking pictures plenty of time.  And it's still awkward each time it happens.

Do people in real life know about your blog? What were their reactions when they found out about your blog?

Well….I didn't think anyone I know would ever find out about my blog. But suddenly everyone knows about it.  Some people think it's the coolest thing, some have not said a word to me about it, and I’m sure there are some that think "what in the world is she doing" haha  But the people that matter the most in my life and whose opinion counts are very supportive and that's what matters to me at the end of the day.

I found your blog via Pinterest as I’m sure thousands of other women have. What’s it like to see your face all over everyone’s Pinterest boards?

Very odd, to be honest with you. Early into my blogging I used to crop my face out just because I wanted to remain anonymous but then I started including a full shot here and there. Part of me wishes I would be kept it anonymous.  It’s about the outfits after all.

Many fashion bloggers hop from one trend to the next. How do you manage to stay on trend without breaking the bank and just blindly following each trend?

I wear what I personally like. I follow some trends to a certain degree but refuse to spend a lot of them, after all trends fade. Plus I'm all about a good deal.  I'd rather invest in timeless pieces than something that might be out of style in a year or less.

What three pieces of clothing would you never want to part with?

I’m going to include shoes in this question as there some I definitely do not want to part with. Currently, Ivanka Trump studded heels. They are THE most comfortable pair of heels I own and I just love the style.  Second would be my Mother jeansjust because they’re the most softest and comfortable jeans I’ve ever worn. And last but not least my Tory Burch Calista flats. Yes, they are pricy but very comfy.

Putting yourself on the internet comes with the expectation that not everyone will always love what you are wearing and writing. Have you encountered any of these criticisms, and if so, how do you handle it?

That is very true. No matter what we wear or say there is ALWAYS going to be someone out there that does not like it. Truth is, we can't please everyone. And I have said it before - the things I wear are for my enjoyment, I have to like them and not worry if someone might dislike it. Unfortunately, there are a lot of hateful people out there and they are hateful for different reason. Women just can't seem to be happy for other women.  Jealousy makes people mean. It’s all about focusing on the positive.

What has been the best thing to come out of blogging? 

It's interacting with other ladies that enjoy the same thing - fashion. I've "met" some very sweet ladies.  There are definitely a lot of perks to blogging but I’ve really enjoyed virtually meeting so many wonderful bloggy friends.

When it comes to promotion of your blog, what methods do you use? Do you spend a lot of time commenting on other blogs, pinning your looks, doing link ups?

I'm the worst when it comes to promoting my blog. I've never truly promoted my blog, other than creating a folder on Pinterest for myown outfits and that is after many requests from my readers. I’m not sure if that’s even considered promoting. Other than that, sad to say, I haven’t done anything else.

What tips or suggestions do you have for your fellow bloggers? 

Be yourself! I have to keep remembering this myself. It's easy to get influenced by others, try to be like them, or worry what people might say about you. But never, ever compare yourself to others and don’t worry what others say. Ignore the haters. If they’re hating than you must be doing something right. Every person has different style, different budget, etc.  Try to stay true to yourself.

 Thank you so much Lilly! If you haven't already started following Lilly, you can find her here on bloglovin, on facebook, and on instagram!

seattle!

Hello from Seattle! I got in on Friday with no flight delays and only minor technical difficulties (I somehow became confused by arrival times when I thought that Seattle was only an hour behind instead of the two it actual is. derp). Bri picked me up from the airport, and we went straight to Ray's to meet with Kimmie for drinks and dinner. We enjoyed the view (seen below! whoa), shared calimari, and had dinner (Bri and I both had the fish and chips, Kimmie had the salmon burger). It was so great to finally meet everyone in person! Both ladies are as sweet and gorgeous in person as they are on their blogs.

Afterwards, Kimmie went home to her adorable children, and Bri and I walked around Green Lake enjoying the views and snacking on frozen yogurt.

How cute are Bri's shorts? Super cute. I was a little bit more boring but I'm glad that my sandals were comfortable enough for the three mile loop. Afterwards we went to a little dive bar where we shared a pitcher of cider with Bri's friend Ash and had an all around great first night.

The next morning, we started the day with doughnuts from Top Pot - I had an apple fritter and Bri had a maple bar. We spent part of the morning walking around Pike Place Market. It is crazy in there! Fish are flying, and all sorts of flowers, vegetables, and fruits are being sold. Bri and I picked up some local cherries - they were so so good.

We went down to the gum wall and made sure to add our DNA as well ;) Afterwards I went to go get a little ride from Rachel, and see the original Starbucks. The line to get a drink went around the building so we didn't go inside as I'm sure a drink there tastes the same as every single other Starbucks in the world.

Shirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Skirt: J.Crew Factory [same style]

Purse: Coach [current style]

Sandals: Target [exact]

Afterwards, we boarded the ducks. I was so excited! When Chris and I were up in the Wisconsin Dells last week, we both were discussing how much fun it would be to ride on them, so I was happy Bri suggested we go (apparently even as a native Seattleite she loves riding on them). As touristy as it is, it was a great way to see a lot of the sights, plus the weather was beautiful so what better way to enjoy it than on a boat!

^^when I win the lottery, I'm buying a floating house. and a yacht to park next to it.

We then tried on some glasses at the Warby Parker pop up shop, and had lunch at Mod Pizza (SO GOOD). We did some digging at Nordstrom Rack, and then perused the denim section at Nordstrom. I have several goals for shopping this trip - a dark wash pair of skinny jeans that aren't jegging tight, and a bag for school. I tried on these jeans at Nordstrom. They were on sale for around $110 but I didn't want to spend a large portion of my budget the first day so I put them on hold to just see if I found something I liked even more. For dinner we went to Bri's parents' home for dinner. They are such great people and so welcoming. We hung out by the pool, had a great dinner of steak and salad made from Bri's garden, and watched the amazing sunset from their back porch.

^^ work it girl. such a model :)

This morning we woke up bright and early (...9 AM) and met up with Emily, a reader and soon to be consistent blogger ;) We ate at The Burgundian - Bri had the delicious chicken and waffles, I had a french toast/ gruyere /ham / jam sandwich, and Emily had the strawberry french toast. Brunch may be the best thing that has ever been invented. I'm so glad Emily contacted us - she's a real doll and an avid thrifter. She even found her amazing purse on the street. THE STREET! Now that's being resourceful.

From there we went and drove through this city's UW, and then went and did a little bit of shopping in U Village. We specifically went there to go to Madewell, which was having a 40% off sale selection promotion. I tried on this dress but in a dark grey, but as always, it was too short when it was sitting correctly at my waist. I did get super lucky when I found these jeans in the sale section, marked down to $60, plus another 40% off! After some initial consultation with Bri, I also purchased this dress at full price. I've really wanted a simple and very comfortable dress I can wear to school in numerous ways, and this one felt really great on. I had about $160 left in my school budget, so with the purchase of the dress, I would have just enough money to buy these pants the next time Banana Republic has a 40% off full priced items promotion. We also stopped at J.Crew to try on a few things as they were also having a 40% off sale items. Bri found some amazing printed jeans you'll see on her blog in a few days, and although I really liked this jacket, I may see if I can't wait it out to go just a bit lower. Afterwards we had to stop at Fran's Chocolates because duh.

And those were my first 48 hours in Seattle :D