Challenge

As a recent college grad, the transition from little-to-no income to a salary has been an adjustment. While a fantastic adjustment, it means I've had to learn to budget myself differently. The sudden income of money has more often than not resulted in (several) shopping sprees. While this is fun and rewarding for my hard work, I've noticed a shift in my shopping from "needs," to "wants" or "compulsions." My desire to keep adding increases, and my well-earned income decreases.

Since I'm getting married in about a year (eeek!!), I really need to start concentrating on saving as much money as I can and practicing good spending habits when it comes to my wardrobe. As such, I've decided to set up a challenge for myself: not to shop for 30 days. I want to use this time to focus on wearing what I own and not worrying/obsessing about what I want to own.

I think this challenge will teach me to focus more on what I have in my closet, and to mix and match those pieces, instead of constantly buying new ones. Not to mention, I will have more money to put towards saving for our wedding/honeymoon/house! Have you ever done a no-shopping challenge? Do you think it helped you in the long run?

Hat: Forever 21 | Sunnies: LOFT | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Top & Shorts: LOFT | Purse: J.Crew (thrifted) | Sandals: Topshop

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Tradition

I'm the type of person who loves traditions. I thrive on them. I think it's partly due to the fact that I'm a habitual person, and I think traditions give you something to look forward to. These pictures are from my 23rd birthday a couple of days ago. Something that I've turned into a tradition is to wear a pretty dress on my birthday, because I think it's important to have at least one day out of the year where you look and feel stupendous. 

This dress definitely qualifies for that. I got a ton of compliments on it, and I even found upon further inspection: pockets! You can't get much better than that, ladies and gents. Another tradition on my birthday that I love is my mom and I will grab some coffees and get pedicures. We always enjoy being pampered and catching up on gossip. It's just another way to feel stupendous when you're getting older. 

(Yes, I know 23 isn't that old, but it's much less exciting than previous birthdays!)

Dress: Kohl's | Belt: Target | Sunnies: TJ Maxx | Watch: Michael Kors | Gold chain bracelet: Charlotte Russe | Bling bracelet: Sabika | Purse: Michael Kors | Wedges: Target

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Wishful Thinking

I know my presence on here for the past month has been slim, but unfortunately between frigid temps and constant snowfall, documenting my outfits has been impossible.  While I'm still dressing to impress, snow boots and salt stains have been my most worn accessory these past few weeks.  In total, we have almost two feet of snow, and I am sick of it!

If you live in or anywhere near the northern portion of the U.S., I'm sure you agree with me.  Thankfully, today was the first day we've seen the sun in the past couple of months and it warmed up a bit.  Naturally, I jumped on this opportunity to sneak in an outfit before winter catches back up with us again!  I wore some pops of spring colors in this outfit, wishing desperately for the end of dreary days.  Hopefully my wishful thinking will pay off!

Sweater: Target (similar) | Button down: Thrifted (similar) | Jeans: Gap 

Purse: Marshall's (similar) | Shoes: Target (similar) | Jewelry: Sabika

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Minnetonka Girls' Shoes · ModCloth Satchels · Gap Petite Jeans

Cable

I need to stop for a minute (or five) and talk about something over here on my little chunk of the internet. I mean this with the utmost sincerest conviction: I would live in cable knit sweaters if I could. Seeing as I only have four (for now) I would be doing laundry a lot. Which means, unfortunately, I must wear tops other than cable knit sweaters. Talk about a let-down.  

I also want to talk about these awesome sauce necklaces! My mom recently became a consultant with Sabika, so she stocked me up over Thanksgiving break with some fabulous pieces, including the necklaces I have on. Their pieces are gorgeous and made of high-quality materials, which makes the investment well worth it. If you're interested in anything of theirs, feel free to contact me and I can forward you onto her!

Have a lovely Tuesday!

Necklaces: Sabika | Sweater: Loft | Watch: Michael Kors | Purse: Stein Mart (similar) | 

Skirt: Target (similar) | Boots: Target

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Fall

I think it's safe to say, Fall has arrived.  Goodbye shorts and flip flops, hello sweaters and boots!  Gotta love the gorgeous amber and flame-colored trees, and the crisp nights that make me want to watch a football game in the open air.  Apple cider is my warm drink of choice and I love hearing the soft crunch of the leaves under my feet.  But most importantly, you know what else Fall means?  
Pumpkin. 
Everything.  

I think that's all that needs to be said on that matter.  

Sweater: Gap (Similar) | Necklace: NY&Co. | Jeans: Kohl's | Watch: Michael Kors | 

Bracelet: Sabika | Purse: Marshall's | Flats: Target

Linking up with the Collective Blog Hop today! Stop on over and check it out :)

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Change

After a week back, I can say I've settled in, but haven't quite figured out a rhythm to my new life. It's very different (and difficult!) waking up before 7 am every day. Not to mention, I have to start thinking by 8am! I've been pretty spoiled when it comes to school schedules. 

Past freshman year, I never once scheduled an 8 am class. Mainly because I know I can hardly say "Good Morning" without needing a cup of coffee first. Let alone actually thinking and participating in class. This year, that all will change. This year, I'm no longer spoiled. But change is refreshing (As I secretly panic a little about ALL of the changes!). Speaking of change, my hair is now a couple inches shorter. That change though, I was calm about. Have a happy weekend everyone! Expect regular posting to resume (hopefully) next week!

Top: LOFT | Necklace: White House Black Market | Clutch: Thrifted | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Betsey Johnson | Pants: Marshall's | Sandals: Steve Madden 

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Blind

I want to share something that's been weighing on my heart lately. I'm sorry if I get cheesy, or you don't follow TPC for insights on life. If that's the case, by all means scroll to the outfit pictures, you won't hurt my feelings! 

I know a lot of other women can relate, but body image is and always has been  an issue for me. I have a hard time seeing myself (My 5'0' frame of curves and not-very-toned muscles) in a positive light. I find myself wishing I had some other girl's skinny thighs, large chest, and perfectly curved waist...because the media defines that as 'beautiful' or 'sexy.' Because, God forbid a girl has some bumps and her hips require her to wear a size 6, 8, 10, or larger rather than the 00s and 2s that society deems 'fit.' (Not to say women who wear 00s or 2s aren't beautiful by any means!)

What I'm trying to say is...I have a hard time stomaching the fact that young women's minds are so perforated with adds picturing models who are photoshopped to perfection. To the point where many women use this false advertising as the standard for beauty. We have become so blind to the most important aspects of life in the pursuit of lost inches, toned butts, and a smaller jean size. 

My intention in this post was not to go on a rant, but merely express the exasperation and pain I experience when I struggle with body image and see other women do the same. I want to look more positively at myself and help other women do so as well. (Here comes the cheesy part) It's an obvious (but not always recognized) truth: every woman is beautiful in her own way, it's just a matter of seeing it. 

Hat: Street vendor | Top: Marshall's | Shorts: LC by Lauren Conrad | Purse: Marshall's | Watch: Michael Kors (My Birthday Present!) | Bracelets: Sabika & Aldo | Wedges: Payless

And in other news, I think it's time to trim my bangs again!

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Wha What

You know what? I'm pretty sure other bloggers can agree with me, but I/we made thrift shopping cool way before Macklemore did. Like this awesome flower print skirt- thrifted last summer for 3 buckaroos! That's enough to make any bargain shopper say, "Wha what wha what?" 

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P.s. I might have copied Kendi a wee bit. Except I'm not tall, so my top isn't really cropped hehe. Sorry I'm not sorry. I could not resist with how adorable her outfit is! (Which come on, when doesn't that gal look fabulous?!)

Top: NY&Co. | Skirt: Thrifted | Purse: Marshall's | Bracelets: Sabika | 

Watch: Macy's | Sandals: Target

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