Retail therapy.

Beatles tee, lace bralette top, cardigan, sandals - H&M / gel liner - Clinique / butterfly print top - Forever 21 / black shorts, denim shorts - Macy's / pink high-waisted shorts - Dry Goods

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Christmas gifts.

NARS Laguna bronzing powder and a mini Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight.

A Marilyn Monroe calendar, gift cards - TGI Fridays, H&M, Wendy's, Forever 21, Big Apple Bagels, Pacsun, gas card, and cash maaaney.

Vampire Diaries Season Two, gold band from Forever 21, The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (returning to Amazon & getting a copy for my Kindle instead!).

Aztec-print top with pocket, gloves, fuzzy socks.

Lush goodies! (going clockwise) Magic Wand bubble bar, The Comforter bubble bar (one of my all time fave Lush products!), Phoenix Rising bath bomb, Candy Mountain bubble bar.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 25 Instant Camera.  This was the gift i was probably most excited to receive!  If you haven't heard of it before, it's basically like an old school Polaroid camera, but since Polaroid stopped making the film for its cameras, Fujifilm came out with an alternative.  It's lightweight & really cool looking (imo!), and the photos it produces are really cute and vintage looking.  (You can see one of the images in my Merry Christmas post, it's in the last photo!).  Although the film is quite expensive, i'm so excited to bring this on nights out & such!

What did you get for Christmas this year?

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Ready for autumn.

top - Ralph Lauren, thrifted

jeans - Old Navy

booties - ALDO

bag - H&M

rosary - Forever 21

nails - Revlon Lilac Pastelle
(Again, these were taken after i came home from a long day at school so my makeup has been trashed & my face is very blah!)

Can you tell i'm ready for autumn to roll in?  Bringing out the plaid, jeans, & leather boots - woop!  Fall is by far my favorite season in terms of weather and i love the clothes you get to wear because of it.  Definitely feel most comfortable when i'm a bit covered up tbh!  I have a feeling i'm going to be living in this outfit in variation.  Love these boots so much, the jeans are amazing, and i do love a bit of plaid flannel shirts.  Bit crazy that just a couple days ago it was 90 degrees & it's been in the 60s-70s the past two days.  Supposed to get back up to around 80 this week, which i am so disappointed with!  Sooo ready for a cold front to come through (bring on the hot chocolate, blankets, & football games!).

I became an Eyeko Embassador yesterday, so if you are ordering anything from Eyeko, definitely go ahead & enter in my code 'E17720' at the checkout!  If you spend over $20/£15/18 euro, you get a free gift. :)  If you're not ordering anything right now but might in the future, go ahead and click the link to Eyeko's website in the sidebar of my blog & my code will automatically be entered.  Just thought i'd add this bit in... sorry for the shameless plug! ;)

P.S. Those of you who do/read outfit posts - how do you title this type of post?/what titles do you prefer?  I never know what or how to name them!  Haha, i would do song lyrics like many people do, but idk.  I suppose i'm just doing whatever atm... so yeah, what do you like to title these posts?

P.P.S. This has been stuck in my head all day; My Body - Young the Giant.
P.P.P.S.  I did a blog post yesterday on my trip out to Versailles, but for some reason it's not showing up on anyone's dashboard, here is the link. <3

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Forever 21 and H&M purchases.

I've been wanting to stop by H&M for ages and finally went today.  It seems like it's the one store accessible to me that's in my price range & that carries clothes that are more 'me'.  I find that for fashion and styling and such, i really don't look to bloggers here in the US, but more in the UK, it's just my personal taste & what appeals to me!  So it helps that H&M also carries the same clothes (for the most part) in every country, so if i see a blogger/Youtuber wearing something from H&M that i really like but doesn't live in the US, i can most likely find the item and get it for myself!

I love that H&M's overall style is chic & polished, but still young & fun.  I spent about almost two hours in there and found so many great pieces, sucks i had to narrow my picks down!  Maybe another payday....

Sheer 3/4-length sleeve blouse - $29.95, mint green cardigan - $19.95

Can't have too many sheer blouses can you?  Think this top will look amazing with dark wash skinny jeans & flats in the fall with a cute bag.  Actually had to get it in a size 4 since it was a bit too floaty... too much floatiness on me makes me look/feel really large!  I always seem to buy a cardigan when i go into H&M, and this time i got this mint green colored one.  I don't have a cardigan this color, think it's quite nice. :)

Aztec print cropped sweaters - $29.95 each

When i spotted this on display, i was like 'oooh, Lily totally has this!' so basically i was sold.  Got it in both colors in size 12 so they're a bit bigger.  They're super soft & i cannot wait to wear these!

Peach/white/black/pink striped high-waisted shorts - $12.95

These look a bit strange in the photo, but IRL they look kinda cool.  When they're on, they are flowy & almost look like a high-waisted skirt, i think these would look nice with leggings & a cardigan as well during the colder months.

Clock ring - $5.95, purple cracked stone ring - around $5 (came with another ring but the stone was missing so i got 10% off)

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Forever 21

I recently made another Forever 21 order and didn't pick up too much, as i'm trying to save my money a bit (as you can probably tell, it's not working out too well :P).  I got a lace cardigan kinda thing but i didn't even include it in this post because i'm just returning it!  I saw they've opened a store on Oxford Street in London and it seems like the overall feelings toward it are disappointment, and a lot of people do seem to like just the jewelry.  Thought that was quite interesting, i remember when so many people were excited when they heard 21 was coming to the UK.  I think Forever 21 can be quite a hit & miss really.

I'm dying to have stores like New Look or Primark (i can dream.......) open up over here.  I think i would die!  Or just be completely broke.

Fringe top - $17/18, feather & chain earrings - $5.80

The earrings are about 10" long, so i thought they would look quite cool with my hair down, since they would kind of blend in with my hair!  Finally have some feather earrings in my collection. :)  The fringe top i'm actually wearing today, very oversized & comfy, but it's made of rayon so it's a bit clingy!  Really like it though, glad it's a bit longer as a lot of tops out at the moment are cropped.

Rosary - $4.80/5.80

Probably my favorite item i got, been wearing it with everything!

Feather necklace - $4.80

Considering returning this actually, the feather tends to stick out and it's just not what i thought it was going to be i guess!

♥

Summer wardrobe.

Quite a while ago, i got a suggestion on Formspring to do a post on my favorite summer clothing items, i quickly got to making a little list, but never took the time to actually take photos.  (Sorry girly!)  Well, i finally got around to doing so.

I didn't exactly pick out my 'favorite summer clothing items' to show you guys, but i wanted to kind of give a little insight into what kind of clothes i've been wearing during these warmer months.  So i split this post into categories based on trends or types of pieces (ie. crop tops, sheer tops, etc.) and picked pieces that i thought did well reflecting each category.  I didn't include accessories or shoes, i might do accessories in a different post, but i didn't do shoes because i've literally been faithful to one or two pairs of shoes & i just wear flip flops by the pool/at the beach!  I did include bags though, because i view those as an essential, just like a shirt or bottoms. :)

My style is generally kind of 'effortless' & not incredibly dressy or anything, so this summer is no different.  I do like to dress up a bit don't get me wrong, but i don't like to look like i've tried too hard.  I also just feel more comfortable in generally more casual clothes.

With that being said, here is a little glimpse of what i've been wearing this summer. ♥

Crop tops

I've been quite liking wearing crop tops this summer, particularly with print or typography on them.  I generally wear longer crop tops as i don't think i can pull off shorter ones!  I typically wear a little cami or tank top under them, like if i'm going to work or something, so my belly's not hanging out (haha, problem area :P).

They look great thrown on with a pair of denim shorts & sandals or flats.

birdcage & 'weekend warrior' tops - Forever 21, triangle print top - thrifted

 Sheer tops

I like wearing sheer tops year round really, but i think they look particularly appropriate during the warmer months.  There's just a romantic and effortless feel to them, making them really easy & comfortable to wear.  For the summer, i like to stick to lighter shades - they just feel more summery & also don't absorb as much light/heat!  Again, these look great with shorts or even with dark wash jeans for cooler days or at night.

Peach long sleeve top - H&M, floral two-layer top - New Look, white pussybow blouse - H&M

Color & patterns

Summer is the one time of year i can wear super bright colors & bold patterns without making a spectacle of myself.  And with the sun shining & no clouds in the sky, who wants to wear dark or boring clothes anyway? ;)  If i'm wearing a top with a bold color or pattern, i like to keep everything else fairly neutral so that piece really gets the focus & it's not too overwhelming.

Bright yellow top - Primark, tribal print top - Forever 21, hot pink pussybow blouse - Primark

Dresses & rompers

If i'm going somewhere that i wouldn't be able to wear something casual (like jean shorts) to or if i just feel like it, i'll throw on a dress or romper like the ones above (they're all dresses, but rompers like the one in this post!).  I love anything floral, but mixing it up with tie-dye or another pattern is always nice & summery as well!  I typically like my dresses to be cotton dresses (one on the right) or a flowy material (one in middle), i find they're more suitable for the weather.  Again, they're something you can just throw on & go!

Both floral dresses - New Look, tie-dye dress - thrifted

Shorts

I'm definitely more of a shorts person than a skirt person as i feel more comfortable in them.  I ordered about four pairs of shorts from Forever 21 but have only really worn two pairs of them because i'm quite picky about the fit of them!  I think everyone needs a pair of denim shorts in her wardrobe, they're super versatile and always in style.  (I've been wanting a pair of studded ones for months now!  So edgy & 'cool').  Just as with skirts, it's fun to play with patterns & colors of shorts. :)

Jean boyfriend shorts - H&M, tribal print shorts & pinky/khaki shorts - Forever 21

Crochet/lace vests

If i feel a bit exposed & just want to cover up a bit or want to add a nice detail to an outfit, i'll throw on one of these.  I think they're really cute & add a bit of texture and interest to an outfit.  I've just realized within the past couple weeks how important texture is in an outfit - if you have a outfit where every piece is solid & flat, it's a bit boring really, and trust me, i've had plenty of outfits like this but just couldn't figure out why they were so uninteresting!  These offer a bit of coverage without compromising style and without making you really warm.

Crochet vest - Kohl's, lace vest - thrifted

Denim jackets

I love love love myself a denim jacket!  Something about them just shouts 'badass' to me.  They're perfect for summer nights as they aren't incredibly, incredibly thick & cozy, but they still offer a bit of warmth.  I've acquired four denim jackets just in the past few months in different washes, but the two above are my faves.  Love light to medium washed jackets, that are also a bit cropped, but not too much, and of course with the sleeves rolled up.  These look awesome over literally everything, and i think as long as the washes aren't too similar, you can pull off wearing them with jeans (for example, i'd wear one of these jackets with dark wash jeans).

Medium wash jacket - thrifted, light wash - Primark

 Cross-body bags

No one wants to lug around a big, heavy shoulder bag during the summer (at least i don't....), so a cross-body or messenger style bag is definitely suitable.  They'll hold all (or at least most ;) of your 'stuff' and are lightweight so they won't drag you down.  Most of them are smaller as well, so it'll force you to only take the essentials.  Most of the time i'll take the fringe bag on the left - definitely one of my favorite bags i own, but if i'm going to work or generally have to take more things & bigger things with me, i'll opt for the satchel on the right which has a much bigger capacity.  Both are fantastic!

Fringe bag - Primark, satchel - Target

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Monday.

About to pop out to the mall soon, but thought i'd do a quick bloggy blog.  I'm going to the mall in attempt to find something to wear for senior portraits tomorrow - just want to get them over with tbh!  Already know what i'm going to do with my hair & makeup (hair - straight w/ volume & ends curled in a bit, makeup - everyday neutrals), but i'm a bit confuzzled with what i should wear.  I'm going to keep it simple & timeless, nothing too trendy, but still cute obv. ;)

Today i'm just wearing a crop top with little birdcages on it from Forever 21, denim shorts from H&M, & my new favorite dream catcher earrings i found at the thrift store.  Haven't washed my hair in a few days so i just threw some dry shampoo in & fishtail braided it - looks decent to me!

Hope you're all doing well & having a nice start to the week. :)

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Crop tops & crosses.

crop top - Forever 21

tank underneath - American Eagle

jeggings - Old Navy

necklace - thrifted

rings - Charlotte Russe & etsy

bracelets - Primark & Summerfest

Please excuse the mess in the background and the mirror photo... you know i can't resist a little Myspace shot. ;)

I played around a bit with a tripod i found in my dad's closet (part of my interest in photography has come from him :) yesterday as i had some time before i had to go to work, so thought i'd share some of the photos i snapped.  This is one of my new favorite tops i got on my last trip to Forever 21, can't believe almost walked out not getting it.  It was cool enough yesterday to wear it with my trusty jeggings, which i rolled up a tad so i wouldn't be too warm.  I wore this top to Summerfest as well last Saturday to see The Flaming Lips, but with denim shorts.  The phrase 'weekend warrior', besides being my new mantra, also reminds me of the song Weekend Wars by MGMT (no idea why... hm) - i was obsessed with them last summer... Twisted diamond heart, I'M THE WEEKEND WARRIOR. ;D

Not too much to report other than that, i've just been enjoying my free time when i get it and trying to soak in summer as much as i can.  On a bit of a side note, i'm super jealous of all of you who went to see Deathly Hallows Pt. II already.... I had no one to go with for the midnight showing (majority of my friends aren't into HP... crazy, right?!) so i ended up just watching Half-Blood Prince by myself after i came home & changed into my pj's.  I'm quite busy for the rest of this month (senior pictures, trying to get some driving sessions in, work, etc.), but will try to make a trip to the movie theater asap.  Oh, and this video basically sums up my feelings on the subject of Harry Potter.

Let me know if you like these kinds of posts and i will try and keep them up! (:

xoxo

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Retail therapy.

As you can probably gather from the title, i did a little shopping last week (again) to make me feel a bit better about myself.  I stopped by Forever 21 and Sephora, then decided that it would probably be smart to not even take a peek at any other stores.  I'm going to make the effort to get my spending under control during the next few months.  I don't think it should be too hard to save my money during the rest of the summer as Summerfest is ending today (*tear* :( ) and i don't really have much else planned that involves spending a lot of mooolah.

These are the purchases i made last friday morning.. i was feeling quite crap as i had quite the sloppy (to say the least o_o did have an amazing time though!) before at Summerfest, but was excited to get a few new goodies.

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Forever 21

Tribal-y sheer button down tank top - $19.80, sheer drop-waist top with awesome unicorn print - $13.80

Red botanical print dress - $24.80, plaid button down top - $7.80

I also got a crop top that says 'weekend warrior' on it ($12.80) but i wore it out to the Flaming Lips show i went to last night, so it's in the wash!  I saw a girl wearing it at Summerfest and i just had to get it when i saw it at F21.  I had broken my favorite sunglasses the night before, so i bought an identical pair to replace them - $5.80.

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Sephora

Urban Decay Naked Palette - $48

I had walked past the Urban Decay section of Sephora not even thinking of the Naked palette.  I figured it would be out of stock until my mom pointed it out.  It was a complete impulse buy, i just kind of thought "omg, i have to get it, end of".  I am so, SO excited to use this, the colors are absolutely stunning and so 'me'. UD eyeshadows are really nice quality as well so i think i'll really get my money's worth out of this.  So excited to experiment a bit with this. :)

NARS powder blush in Deep Throat - $27

I was running out of my go-to Clinique blush that i got in one of those free gift sets with purchase and had been considering diving into more high-end brands.  I've heard many good things about NARS blushes (i was between NARS & Benefit) and i don't own any peachy blushes, so i decided to get Deep Throat, lovely name, no?  It's my first NARS purchase as well, so i'm quite excited to give this a go.

 ♥