Hello, 2016!

I feel very preppy/70s inspired in this outfit. It's not exactly what people technically think of when they think of that decade, but the button-down skirt and cowl neck sweater definitely finds their origins in the 70s. I had been looking for a skirt like this since the fall, and finally was able to get one this Christmas. I found the sweater at the same time and they just seemed to be meant for each other. I paired it with my favorite boots to finish the look.

Tomorrow is not just a new day, but also a new year. For me, the last few days have also felt like 2016, and I have referred to them as such, but I actually am excited about this new beginning. I think it's the first time in my life that I have felt like the change in the year actually mattered or had any effect on my life. Perhaps this is just because I also start back to school in four-ish days, so my life really is about to be different. Regardless, I feel anxious and I'm ready to use this new year to get things done that I have previously neglected. I know everyone says that, and maybe it's true that in a few weeks I'll revert back to my old ways, but I really want to use this energy towards progress and hopefully advancement.

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that 2016 is the year things start to fall into place for all of you and is filled with lots of love, experiences, and joy.

Winter in the South

At 75 degrees, This year was certainly not a white Christmas. So I had to ditch the tights for today's look, but I was not willing to give up on my sweater. I figured a tulle skirt and flats was just enough to keep me cool on this warm day. I added a statement necklace, and was ready to celebrate Christmas day with my family. 

Christmas is my favorite holiday, probably like most who celebrate it, and today really was one of the best days this year. I love spending time with my family, taking the time to truly remember who the day is actually about, and seeing the smiles on my friends and family's faces as they open their gifts. I decided to be crafty this year, and even though I might have broken one of the gifts yesterday and had to redo the entire thing last night, I think it really makes the whole thing more personal. 

Tomorrow, my family leaves for Kentucky to see my father's side of the family, and I'm excited to continue to celebrate the season long past the actual day. 

Plaid Intentions

One of my favorite things about Fall and Winter is the ability to create new outfits through layering. All it takes are a couple basic items, like this grey dress, and you can take something old and make it feel new. I decided to add boots and a leather jacket to make this simple dress have an edgy feel. And of course I couldn't forget my favorite color of the season, so I added a pair of tights and a scarf that I picked up from Charlotte Russe. Not much effort for a great look.

I took my last final today so I am done with my first semester of college. A lot has happened in a very short period of time, and I'm still in shock that it's gone by so quickly. I'm excited to go home, but as I was walking to the library last night, I realized that Randolph-Macon was starting to feel like my home. I have my own house, which is really unorganized right now thanks to finals, I have my own schedule, and I'm the only person that's responsible for me now. Don't get me wrong, I cannot wait to spend almost an entire month back at my real home, but there's a new me in the works and that's thanks to college. I think I understand why my mom cried on move-in day. 

Classically Trained

Whenever I'm in search for a nice outfit during a busy week, I always fall back to the classic pieces in my closet. I find it's the easiest way to look nice in a short amount of time and feel good about what you're wearing. For me it's usually a fit-and-flair dress, tights, and a pair of flats. I added a printed sweater and a belt to finish the look, and just so happened to have the perfect jacket for the occasion. It was great for a presentation during the busiest (and that means very little sleep) week of the semester. 

My first semester of school is almost over, and I have to admit that it's a bit bitter-sweet. I have had so much work recently, that I am ready for it all to be over, but as my dad pointed out I have already completed 12.5% of my college experience (I obviously did not get his ability to do math). I'm excited for the classes I've signed up for but I'm going to miss the people I've met who started this journey with me. I don't talk to a good portion of the people in my classes, but it's the thought, right? I feel like I'm experiencing growing up in a microcosm right now, and I as much as it excites me, it also scares me a little. I think that's normal. 

Anyways, that is enough teenage angst for one post! On a shallower note, I decided to embrace my inner Arya Stark and cut off a good portion of my hair. I'm really liking it so far, and would suggest it for anyone looking for a low maintenance hair style. I call it "get it up and go." (Not in these pictures though; I definitely did my hair. Didn't want have any false advertising...)