Almost There

One semester down, one more to go! It's crazy to see how fast senior year has gone. I've submitted four college applications, and should submit the last two sometime this week. A lot of my friends have started to get accepted into colleges which is really exciting for them! but it adds to my anxiety because I won't hear back from most places until April. I spend too much time thinking about the future, and I really trying to be more in the present and cherish the last few months of high school. I feel like I've grown up so much in the past few months. 

Aside from college, there's another big change that's happening in a few months... we're moving! My parents decided that now would be a good time to upgrade and move into a house that better suits their needs, and come next april/may we'll be packing up the house we've lived in for the past 15 years and be moving into a shiny, new home. I'm incredibly excited and so proud of my parents and I think I spend way too much time thinking about how I want to decorate my room, which I'll only be in for a few months before I go off to college. I have a lot of clutter in my room, and I'm constantly thinking of ways to minimize and downsize. 

There hasn't been too many outfit posts on the blog lately, and the main reason for that is because I kinda sorta really dislike most of the clothes in my closet. Ideally, I would cycle between the same five outfits everyday because I've learned to accept that I like what I like, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It may be all the minimalist blogs I've been reading, or the fact that my closet in the new house is significantly smaller that what I'm used to (downsizing from having a walk-in closet all my life to having a normal wall closet, pray for me, y'all), but I have a sudden urge to purge at least half of my closet. I'm thinking about using something like poshmark (or something similar, suggestions?)  to sell all the nicer, gently used items I own. I have my eye on a few pieces from everlane, and I figure that what ever I make from selling off clothes can be funneled into a wardrobe fund to purchase some nice quality items that I can wear everyday. 

I always seem to neglect my blog when December rolls around, maybe I'll do a little post with blogs I've been loving, or some posts that have caught my eye?

black+burgundy

This season I've been loving dark colors paired with other dark colors. Black on black, navy on black, burgundy on navy, burgundy on black, this list goes on and on. I think darker colors feel more cozy, and work well with the fall and winter months, even if these pictures were taken on a beautiful 67 degree day.

Top, Skirt, Shoes, and Bag: H&M >> Watch: c/o Urban Peach >> Necklace: Forever 21 >> Sunglasses: J.Crew Factory

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

Wanna know what the best thing I ever ate was? Head on over to Langford Market to see my answer! 

Christmas Wishlist

December is here and christmas is on the way! Now is the time when family members start asking me what I want for christmas, and although I'm more of a gift card receiving gal, I did find a few things that piqued my interest and would look great under the our christmas tree ;)

1. Fossil Sydney Zip Clutch

I've had the same sequined wallet from Icing for about five years now, and I think I'm in need of a nicer, more classic upgrade.

2. Commodity Goods Perfume

I've been on the hunt for a nice perfume and I heard about this brand from Victoria. The packaging is what really got me, and their scent descriptions sound like exactly what I need. I'm leaning towards their scent in Gold or Tea. The beauty about their products is that you can try out their sample pack before purchasing a full or travel sized bottle, plus they're having a sale today! (note to self: make sure dad reads this post).

3. Poppin Soft Cover Notebook

I love making lists and jotting things down and this notebook not only serves a function, but looks super cute while doing so. 

4. Cedarwood Vanilla Candle

Pretty packaging, lovely scent, handmade in Brooklyn. This is basically a no-brainer. Also, I have some pyromaniac tendencies so candles are always fun to have. 

5. Dorothy Perkins Chelsea Boots

I couldn't find the exact pair online anymore, but I wear the suede ankle boots I bought on amazon a lot and I think it's time that I invest in a nice leather pair that will hold up over the years.

6. Gold Leaf Dish

I'm a sucker for anything with gold leafing and I think that this would look good in my new room and be the perfect place to hold my rings and everyday earrings. 

7. Black Crossbody Bag

Believe it or not, but I don't own a black cross body. I love and adore the fuchsia cross body bag that I have, but it obviously isn't very practical. When it comes to bags, I'm not picky at all. If it's black and has gold hardware then I'll probably like it!

8. J.Crew Factory Crystal Petal Necklace

Y'all know that I have a thing for shiny, statement necklaces, and after my favorite one broke last week, I think this one would be a pretty replacement. 

Holiday Gift Guide: 8 Etsy Shops

Holiday season is in full swing and that means that everyone is rushing to get gifts for everyone on their lists. I'm actually the worst gift-giver in history; I almost never know what to buy for other people. Many people turn towards prepackaged gift sets that they see in stores, but I compiled 8 etsy shops that work for almost anyone of your list. Not only are you supporting small businesses, but I'm sure that those on the receiving end will love a gift that's more unique!

Bowties and Cotton

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Felt-K

Herbivore Botanicals

Mi Goals

Pencil Shavings Studio

The Object Enthusiast

Virginia Wynne

My Weekend | National League of Cities

National League of Cities conference was this past weekend, and 'd have to say that it was one of the best weekends I've had in awhile. Some of you might know that I'm apart of the Austin Youth Council, and this weekend we got to meet and interact with other youth councils from all over the nation. I can now say that I have friends in places like California, Idaho, and North Carolina. 

Even though I was a "child guest" (somehow everyone in our council got this on our name badges. *side eye*), I had an awesome time talking about issues and solutions with other people, and getting closer as a council in general. We had some social events over the weekend and we all went bowling/roller skating, got to see a *slightly* advanced screening of Mockingjay, and go on a duck boat tour around the city. I made plenty of new friends. 

I was totally freaking out before the conference because I'm generally not good in social situations, and my quietness and anxiety often get the best of me, but some of us decided to go get lunch once everything was over, and after some interesting events, (e.g. getting yelled at at a pizza place, fitting 11 people in one van, Aleah falling onto the sidewalk), I can easily say that I made plenty of new friends. The only thing that could have made this weekend better would be if I didn't have to wear our  AYC polo the entire time. Making a baggy polo look cute is not easy, folks.

My Favorite Albums for Winter

Considering the sudden drop in temperatures that happened recently, I think it's safe to say that winter is officially here. While I'm a total wimp when it comes to the cold, I love this time of year because it means that I get to curl up in bed, drink peppermint hot chocolate, and listen to some of my favorite albums! I put together a playlist filled with some of my favorite tracks from each album. Let me which one is your favorite, and what other albums you'll e listening to this winter!

Link Here

Canadian Tux

This is my kind of outfit. I first tried to rock a version of a Canadian tuxedo about a year ago on the blog, but it didn't look quite right. I've been on the hunt for a better fitting, light wash chambray shirts for it's versatility and to provide more contrast against my mid-wash jeans, but then I got a brilliant idea. Why don't I just wear darker jeans? I seriously can't stop wearing these black jeans, and I am head over heels with this look! It's great as is, with fun accessories, and it can easily be used as a base of an outfit. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing the exact same thing but with a cardigan and scarf added to it. if I could, I would probably wear some version of this outfit at least once a week.

Sorry that things have been a bit slow and boring here on the blog. It's that time of the year where I have so much to get done, that my natural reaction is to avoid everything at all costs. SO FUN.

Shirt: Banana Republic (similar, on sale!)  >> Jeans: Cotton On >> 

Shoes: Gap (similar here and here) >> Sunnies: J.Crew

Umbrella

Yay for cooler weather! This cold front hit us like a truck, but I am so ready for cold weather, and all the hot chocolate my body can handle. My life has been a bit hectic the past few weeks, and the change in weather is making it much easier for me to sit at home and relax. My family abandoned left me for about three weeks (my brother went to South Africa and my parents went to Nigeria) so I've haven't been at home at all the past few weeks. Thankfully, everyone made it home safe and sound so I finally feel like I have some sort of order in my life again. 

Anyways, enough about me, how 'bout this outfit tho? I've officially given in to the idea that I dress pretty basic, as in minimal and simple, not basic like starbucks and uggs... I've probably said this many times, but I think that this is one of my favorite outfits. I picked up this sweater from Tommy Hilfiger for only $9 and I would wear it everyday if I could! I also picked up this pair of black jeans, an item that i've been meaning to get for awhile, and they have become my go-tos. I wish that they didn't stretch out so easily, but I figured that they can hold me over for a bit until I decide to invest in a nicer pair of jeans. Add a leopard scarf, ankle boots, and some more fun accessories, and you've got yourself a pretty stellar outfit. 

Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger >> Jeans: Cotton On >> Sunnies: J.Crew >> Shoes: Amazon >> Umbrella: J.Crew >>Scarf: c/o Luxe No.7

Tell Me Something Good

College essays are kicking my butt, and school has been rough, but let's take some time to reflect on all the good and wonderful things that have happened in the past few weeks, shall we?

Taking pictures of the cross country race for yearbook with Jessica.

Going to Chuy's after school, enjoying some yummy enchiladas, and looking through old Facebook pictures.

Observing the light on a Sunday afternoon.

Seeing the Arctic Monkeys live.

Post-Homecoming game picture with the people I've been going to school with since I was five.

Macarons all the way from France (+the fact that my brother is back in the country)

Playing on the playground with my cousins.

a very awkward selfie taken while trying to slide down a slide that clearly wasn't made for me at said playground.

Post lunch cuddles with a very tired boy.

Whataburger for breakfast + twinning with my brother.

more homecoming selfies.

"Two Wise Women" because Elora and I decided to take the theme day "Christmas in October" very seriously.

me not reciprocating Joey's love and affection towards me, as usual.