Looking Back at 2011

Before popping champagne when the ball drops at midnight, 

I want to take a look back at all that happened in my life in 2011. 

I must say, it was a pretty damn good year!! 

Below are a few of the biggest life-changing moments and great memories...

January 27, 2011: I finally turned 21! 

I had an amazing waltz with my sorority sisters & college friends! 

Red, White, and Bows

My Senior year at FSU began in August, 

which included recruitment, socials, tailgates, fly-ups and many nights out!

The best football game of my college career: I got to go on the field during the Miami game!

December 13, 2011: I accepted an internship at BCBG in Los Angeles!

My dream of starting a career in the fashion industry in California is now a reality. 

I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for me. 

Stay tuned to find out!

Must-Have: Knit Beanie

Cute and casual knit beanies are perfect for a chilly day. 

Keep your ears warm and cover up your bad hair day with one of these comfy little hats. 

Style Tip:

[Play with bright colors that pop against your neutral peacoat, such as red or purple.]

Christmas Cookies

Style Spotlight

Wednesday Wishlist: Christmas Edition

Only 11 days until Christmas and my wishlist is growing by the minute. 

I hate surprises and I am very picky, therefore people who know me well, know to stick to the list. 

Clothes and accessories are at the top every year (I guess that's a curse of being a fashion major).

Below are the items gush-worthy enough to make my coveted Christmas list...

Fave Photo of the Week

Style Trend: Monochromatic

Scrapbook: Phi Mu

This past Sunday on December 4th, after a beautiful and tearful ceremony with my sisters, I became an alumni of Phi Mu. I will be forever grateful for the two and half years spent as a collegiate member of the sorority.
I have learned so much about myself and have grown as a person. 

I have met incredible women who have become my best friends (as cliche as that sounds, it's true.)

 I have made lasting connections with sisters that I will cherish for years to come. 

I am in the process of creating a scrapbook with all of my pictures from college and sorority life. 

Here are a few of the memories I hold closest to my heart... 

At happy hour with the ''Core 4''

Carnation Ball

My 21st Birthday with my twin, little, and big sister.
"Red, White & Bows" Waltz

Recruitment 2011 with my little sister

Wine Festival at Doak Campbell Stadium at FSU with a few sisters. 

My last social with my little.
"Childhood Heroes"

LIOB

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

[click recipe to view larger]

Fave Fall Color: Rust

My favorite color of the fall season is rust. 

This shade of orange compliments most skin tones and hair colors.

Incorporate rust into your autumn wardrobe with silk dresses & chunky sweaters.

Style Spotlight

Fave Photo of the Week

Jessica's Fresh Face

Cocktail Hour

A colorful cocktail ring is my favorite statement jewelry piece. 

[the best accessory for my skinny vanilla latte]

Since they are available at every price point, 

cocktail rings are easy to incorporate into your everyday outfits. 

Try to compliment your ring & your manicure with these perfect pairs:

turquoise ring + coral polish

gold ring + red polish

silver ring + plum polish

Friday Faves

Favorite Fruity Cocktail 

red wine sangria

Favorite Mascara

Lancome doll lashes

Favorite DIY Craft

painted or mod podge outlet covers

Favorite Casual Shoes for Fall

mocassins

Must-Have: Metallic Mini

Holiday party season is soon approaching. 

After receiving an invite, the first question that comes to my mind is: 

What should I wear? 

This year it's all about metallic & sparkle. 

Pair your glittery mini with a neutral top and shoes for the ideal balance. 

Look below for some great celeb style inspirations...

Caramel Turtle Brownies

There's nothing like a warm, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth brownie. 

I stumbled across a turtle brownie recipe that looks as delicious as it is easy to bake. 

Caramel filled and topped with chocolate chunks & pecans...

It takes box-brownies to a whole new level! 

Click here for the recipe. Enjoy!

FSU Game Day Dress

While on my way to Retail Buying class, I saw an adorable garnet and gold dress on a mannequin in the hallway. I soon discovered that Wanda Brown, a fashion design & merchandising professor at Florida State, made the dress with her teenage daughter. The pair creates one-of-kind dresses and other clothing--custom sizing and colors are available.

Check out Rysa Ruth on Etsy.com to find more cute creations!

Below are a few of the FSU Game Day Dresses!

Order now for Homecoming! 

Fave Photo of the Week

Flower Child

Style Fave

Transition: Summer to Fall

Even though fall fashion is out in full force in boutiques, the warm Florida weather is still lingering.

The month of October is a transitional period between summer and fall. A great way to blend the two seasons is by wearing a flirty sundress with an open knit sweater on those cooler sunny days.

Pull out your fave sundress this weekend and pair it with a lightweight pullover sweater. Top off the outfit with a neutral colored belt at the waist. As for shoes: sandals, wedges, or boots could all be worn with this look.

Autumn Essential

My fave outfit of the cooler-weather season is by far shorts and tights. Whether with boots, flats, or pumps, this trendy look is always fashionable. I like to wear wool shorts in fun prints like plaid and houndstooth but denim cut-offs are just as stylish. Stick to basic black tights if you're testing the waters or do a cannonball by playing with colors such as plum and red.

Below are some adorable inspirations I found on Pinterest.com...

Fall Sweet Treat

After probably the most stressful (and eventful) week of my life all I want to do is read a 

fashion magazine and sip a Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha. 

I am more than happy with the thought of consuming all of my calories allotted for the day on 

just one beverage because I totally and completely deserve it. 

Oatmeal Toffee Cookies

OPI Fall Colours

Must Have: Plaid Shirt

One of my favorite (and coziest) fall pieces is the plaid shirt. Whether cotton or flannel, this shirt is very versatile. I like to wear men's sizes to create an oversized and comfy look. Plaid shirts paired with jeans or shorts look casual & cool. Pick one up as the temperatures drop--or steal your boyfriend's!  

Below are a few celeb inspirations on how to style your plaid shirt...

Achieve Ashley's Makeup Look

Fave Photo of the Week

Wednesday Wishlist

I wish it was Bid Day 2011 already! Come Sunday it will be all right. 

My Home

I wish I could start my internship.

Lauren & Whitney at Teen Vogue

I wish I slept in this bed every night. 

Anthropologie comforter

Style Fave

Caramel Apple Cake

My mom and I usually make this cake around Thanksgiving & Christmas time. But I'm totally craving some home-cooked comfort food after these two weeks of stressful recruitment. Try out this recipe if you are looking for something a little different and completely delicious!

Capri Blue Volcano Candle

It's sorority recruitment time at FSU which means long days of smiling, wearing sky-high heels, and talking to hundreds of strangers! One thing I love about recruitment is how lovely the sorority house smells, all thanks to the Volcano candle by Capri Blue.

The signature scent of Anthropologie retail stores fills the entire house with lingering notes of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, limes, and redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens.

They make great gifts!  Volcano candles are my mom's absolute favorite after I gave her one for Mother's Day.

Capri Blue candles are available for purchase at Anthropologie, many fashion boutiques, and online.

Must Have: Clutch

Whether I'm going to a club for a girls night out or shopping at the local boutiques, I always grab a clutch on my way out the door. They carry only the essentials and are beyond fashionable!

Black and brown clutches are obvious choices since they match everything but if you buy a clutch in a neutral color, look for bold details such as studs and chain straps.

Or play up your style with a bright color. I love the American Apparel medium carry-all pouch below. It comes in literally every color imaginable!

Below are some great options of all different styles from chic and sophisticated to rock & roll...

Keys Vacation

I spent the last week on vacation in the Florida Keys with my amazing parents, loving boyfriend, 

and adorable nephew. We rented a home on the water of the Gulf of Mexico in Marathon. 

Our days were spent fishing, lobstering, snorkeling, and sunbathing. 

And our nights were filled with fruity cocktails and breathtaking sunsets. 

Here are a few photos from our tropical paradise...

sunset view from the house

me sunbathing on the boat

my nephew Aiden - he caught a fishy! 

Greg and I having drinks in Key West