Season Limbo

As I already made it known, I love fall. And we are currently in what I call "season limbo" where its too late for companies to bring out new summer merchandise, and too soon to bring out what's new for fall. Although some companies introduce a few "fall" items, it still isn't the hardcore fall clothing that I've been waiting for. This tends to make shopping trips rather dull. You've seen everything that is out at your favorite stores, and they are trying to get rid of what they have left to make room for the new clothing and accessories that fall brings. This is definitely the time where I save up my money for when fall comes around...to me, there is no sense in buying anymore summer clothes right now! However, companies do tend to put out transitional items that you can wear during these awkward times. Here are some of my favorites:

J.Crew Tippi Sweater

This is one of my favorite sweaters and I own it in burgundy and marled camel. It is such a versatile and SOFT, comfortable piece. Its a lightweight sweater, so it can be thrown on at night. Or, you could put an OCBD underneath to add a little warmth when fall comes! I recommend sticking to colors like black, navy, grey, burgundy, camel, and white. Colors that can easily transition between seasons! Even better? They just introduced the Tippi sweater in a cardigan style!

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

A navy blazer is, in my opinion, a must in any closet. It is versitile in transition months and is a great investment piece because it will never go out of style and can be used during any season. This is another item of clothing that can be thrown over a shirt for when the nights start to get cooler. Or, can be worn with a sweater underneath, like the Tippi mentioned above, for more warmth!

Any type of sweater, pullover, or blazer is a perfect transition piece if you have the urge to shop. Or, you can save until the fall lines come out...that's definitely what I am doing!

XOXO,

Lauren

Wish List Wednesday

I want need a Barbour Jacket. I cannot tell you how many years I have been obsessing over these precious pieces of clothing. Not only are they extremely high quality, they are a classic piece that can be worn well into my years. This year I have finally decided to save up and purchase one. Sometime soon I plan on going to the Barbour store in Georgetown and purchasing my very first coveted Barbour Jacket. And I cannot tell you how excited I am.

I know I am most likely going to go with the Beadnell Jacket:

Ah, such a beautiful coat.

They are pricey, however. But, great news...a friend told me that they give a 15% discount to students! This may just be for the Georgetown location, but I am hoping it's everywhere. (It is always a good idea to ask stores if they provide a student discount...I use my student ID every time I make a purchase at J.Crew and it certainly helps!)

Anyway, you already know about my obsession with Fall and Winter clothing, and this would just be the cherry on top!

Do you have a Barbour Jacket? I would love to hear from those who have one!

Kate Spade: I Mean Business

This past Friday, I went with my mom to Nordstrom for their Anniversary sale. The Anniversary sale is when they have tents set up in each department and, if you are a Nordstrom Card holder, you can go into the tents. Once inside, you can preview (or purchase!) a select group of items that will be for sale this coming fall. The best part? The brand new, not-on-the-shelves-yet merchandise is generously discounted! My mom and I went into the tent in the handbag department, and we found my new school bag.

Kate Spade Helena (black)

Gold Kate Spade detail and patent leather bow

Black & white polka dot inside with plenty of room! Dividing zipper pocket in center, zipper pocket on the side, and two "cell phone" pockets. So much space!

This is everything that I put in it to give an idea of how much space it can hold...and there was still room left over!

I am very pleased with this handbag and like all Kate Spade, is exceptional quality. The timeless style and size will make an easy transition from college life to the business world when that point in my life comes!

XOXO,

Lauren

I'm So Excited!

Okay, I have been trying to hold back on posting this because well, it is still July...but, I cannot keep it in any longer...I AM SO EXCITED FOR FALL! Don't get me wrong, Spring and Summer are great. The beach, pool, barbecues, bright colorful Lilly dresses, nautical attire, etc, are all wonderful things. However, I love Thanksgiving, pumpkin spice, cozy cable knit sweaters, LLBean "Duck Boots", corduroy pants, riding boots, winter coats, tartan, more tartan, hats, snow,  Nordic Sweaters, Christmas, red and green, Christmas lights, reindeer, I could literally rant on and on.

I favor Fall and Winter fashion over Spring and Summer not only for the colors (don't get me wrong, I LOVE bright colors), but for the layering aspect! I love being warm and toasty under a few layers of clothes comfortably sipping my coffee outside with my hands perfectly warm inside mittens (slightly daydreaming).

For those who follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed my recent pinning binge of fall and winter clothing. Here are a few pictures I have pinned that will definitely inspire me in the colder months:

Are you as excited as I am for Fall and Winter? Or would you like for it to be Spring and Summer forever?

XOXO,

Lauren

I Baked!

I read on College Prepster that you should try to complete about 20% of your pins on Pinterest. This was pretty alarming to me considering I am a "pinaholic" and have well over 2,000 pins. So, I figured I better get started. The first thing I made was Chocolate Chip Oreo Brownies. And let me tell you, they were probably the EASIEST thing I have ever baked...and they were so delicious!

There were so many recipes on Pinterest and they all seemed the same, so here is my version!

After preheating the oven to 350 degrees, I lined my super awesome baking pan with the cookie dough (because edges and corners are the best pieces). I just used a Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie mix because I was feeling kind of lazy.

I then placed even clumps of cookie dough in the pan and coated a large spoon with cooking oil to spread out the cookie dough. The cooking oil helps the spoon to not stick to the cookie dough (in my opinion, this was the hardest part).

Then I evenly placed Oreos throughout my pan

Then I poured my brownie mix overtop (again, I used Pillsbury boxed brownie mix...lazy!)

Then I stuck it in the oven for 40 minutes and voila!

I was shocked at how good they turned out. I definitely recommend baking them!

It felt SO good completing my first pin. If you like Pinterest as much as I do, I suggest doing the same! I am already thinking of what craft or recipe I am going to make next!

XOXO,

Lauren

Wish List Wednesday

Okay, so I may be a little strange when it comes to my wish list, but I have a journal that sits on my desk next to my computer. And whenever I see something I really like, I write it down and put the price next to it (am I crazy?). This really helps me visualize how much money I want to spend vs how much money I actually have. I can have lists a few items long and it is crazy to see how quickly everything adds up! This helps me to prioritize things and eliminate things I can live without. However, there is something that has been on my wish list for a while now and it's a monogrammed necklace.

Swell Caroline

However, there are 4 problems:

1. There are SO many places to purchase them. 

I am indecisive in general, so that makes it extra hard for me.

2. The font.

I am not crazy about the font Swell Caroline uses,

so I would like to find one with different font!

3. The quality.

Since there are so many places to purchase them, I am skeptical.

4. The price.

I am not trying to spend more than $100.

I knowEmily got hers from Marinette Jewelry off of Etsy, so I may try that!

But I also really like this one...

(from Pinterest)

Do you have a gold monogrammed necklace that you love? Please share with me where you bought it...as you can tell, I would love one of my own!

XOXO,

Lauren

Summer Playlist

This summer I have definitely ventured out of my musical box (pun intended). Although I am not one to listen to Top 40's, there are actually a few songs I cannot stop singing and are perfect for the summertime and driving with the windows down. However, there are other songs that are not so popular, but equally as great! Here is what I am currently listening to:

1. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

2. Little Boxes - Walk Off the Earth

3. Somebody That I Used to Know - Walk Off the Earth

(their version is AMAZING!!)

4. Some Nights - Fun.

5. The Writer - Ellie Goulding

6. Eyes Wide Open - Gotye

7. Drunk On You - Luke Bryan

8. This Ain't Rock and Roll - Steve Moakler

9. Titanium (feat. Sia) - David Guetta

10. Good Time - Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

11. Shinin' On Me - Jerrod Niemann

12. Bronte - Gotye

13. Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men

14. Payphone (feat. Wiz Khalifa) - Maroon 5

15. We Run the Night (feat. Pitbull) - Havana Brown

16. Give Your Heart a Break - Demi Lovato

17. Springsteen - Eric Church

What are you listening to this summer?

Have a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Lauren