surviving finals

Okay, so there's a lot more to taking finals than what to wear (like notes and studying, duh) but when you wake up 30 minutes later than your alarm, it's good to have a quick go-to outfit that'll get you out of the door and onto your doom. I mean your test.  

 

My go-to outfit this past finals week was all layering. If the room is too hot or cold, you'll be able to adjust accordingly. I also come equipped with a huge tote bag to hold all my studious junk. That means notes, study guides, test schedules, pencils, scantrons and of course snacks. Brain food only though, like lollipops and gummy bears. When I'm studying and stressed candy makes me happy.

In my Kate Spade agenda, I have my tests organized by date and time. The closest one is the one I study for first so it's fresh in my memory. Luckily, my professors provided study guides this semester but if you don't have that kind of luck, quizlet.com lets you make study guides from your notes and it quizzes you. Try quizlet.com here. 

After all of your hard studying, it's best to wind down. Make yourself a smoothie (or pour some wine) in one of your favorite tumblers and visit calm.com. It's basically instant transportation to much more zen universe, which you'll need after stressing out over finals week. Try calm.com here. And good luck!

a bit bow struck

Sometimes, clothes just speak to you. Other times, they yell at you. They yell, "you, woman, I am everything you've ever wanted from a garment. I am you, if you were a dress! You simply must buy me!" This was that dress for me. I saw it first when my boutique got it in stock. I'd never seen anything like it before. I was immediately star-struck. Or bow-struck.

I am devout bow person. The very day I turned 18, I got a tattoo. That tattoo? It was a petite pink bow on the nape of my neck. I have no regrets. Anything with a bow catches my attention, only now that I'm older, I'm a bit more selective of the kinds of bows I get attached to. I want to avoid lookling like an overgrown toddler, obviously.

The classic fit-and-flare cut, soft colors and whimsical design of bows made this the perfect Easter dress for me. My only worry when buying it was that it would be a one-time dress -- only for a special occasion. My life isn't filled with many cocktail parties these days, so I had to figure out a way to re-wear it. So, I threw a basic black tee over it and knotted that bad boy to dress this dress down. Even dressed down, I still felt like a 50's glamour queen, through and through. And I love anything that makes me feel that good wearing it.

I'll probably try it with a chambray shirt next (chambray goes with everything), but as long as this is sitting in my closet, I will find ways to wear it. Oh, it also comes in a skirt too! See the skirt here and fall in love with the dress here.

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fresh produce

Farmer's markets are little neighborhood gems. All of the fresh, organic, hand-made, home-grown, artisan and gourmet options make a trip to one make you feel like a better person instantly. I think my love for farmer's markets started when I was a little girl, years ago, at a Brooklyn market with my mom.

I was eyeing a spread of the smallest apples (crabapples, I would later learn) I had ever seen when my child's curiosity got the best of me. I grabbed one. My mom scolded me, but the farmer didn't mind. He went so far as to give me one for free! Every market since then has been just as wonderful an experience. The farmers are always nice and really get my need for free food and samples. So basically I guess what I'm saying is if I can get something for free, I'm game.  

As soon as spring hits, I make an effort to go to my closest market. Since it's outdoors, dressing comfortably is a primary goal.Thank goodness sweatpants in public has become socially (and sartorially) okay. Kudos to those on high for this trend. And kudos to you, kind farmer from my childhood, for igniting my love for fresh produce and free samples.

*If you can't stomach just wearing sweats in public, add a few unexpected dashes of fancy. I wore my favorite Tory Burch earrings. 

Find a market near you, here. Support your local farmers (by eating their food for free)!

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luxury withdrawls

 

It's taken me a while, but I've finally adjusted back into my real world schedule after all of my birthday celebrations and spoiling. The final hurrah of of my birthday week was a Bed & Breakfast stay at the Chateau Elan with my gentleman caller.

It's left me feeling very elite, and since then I haven't looked at anything the same. Once you've had warmed robes, courtesy breakfasts and a personal heated pool, how can you go back to living your regular life? Oh, it's just devastating!

Sitting poolside, time slowed down, the Mai Tais kicked in and all was well with the world. This being a somewhat spontaneous trip, I had to get my swimsuit last minute. I'd heard great things about Forever 21's line, and for the price and convenience, they didn't disappoint.

I'm a life-long lover of the glamorous 50's, so this retro silhouette becoming popular has made me a very happy sunbather. It's also the most comfortable way I've found to be half naked in public. 

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