InVested

What I'm wearing: J.Crew outlet tee, Old Navy vest and skinnies, Ciao Bella boots via DSW, Scarf via SoHo street vendor, Vintage gold cuff bracelet

This was my Thanksgiving day outfit, and it was purposely chosen because it allowed for large amounts of eating. These are my stretchiest jeans with lots of give in the waist, and this vest can hide even the biggest food baby. But beyond it's ability to hide second helpings of broccoli cheese casserole, I also loved the way this outfit looked. I've loved this vest since the day I bought it and wear it almost weekly. The scarf was a last minute addition to my travel bag, but it couldn't have complemented this outfit any better. Here are some other ways I've worn my vest in the past:

Also, I wasn't quite in the mood to take pictures this day, which resulted in some silly outtakes:

1. The stink-eye
2. The ninja

I'm a goof.

Traveling Pants

What I'm wearing: J.Crew sweater and scarf, Zara pants, Steve Madden flats via DSW

This was my traveling outfit for coming home to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving. I knew I already had a few things planned for when I got back (lunch with Mom and aunt, a hair appointment, and going to meet baby Connor), so I wanted to look polished but still be comfortable. I've said it before, but these pants have turned out to be surprisingly versatile. For a recap of other ways I've worn them, see this post. These pictures were taken after my appointment; my hair is really dark again...yay! I was starting to get some weird-looking blonde roots, so I'm glad they're gone!

At the end of the day, we went over to my cousin's so I could meet Connor, who had just gotten home from the hospital. Isn't he absolutely precious?! I'll be home again in two weeks for winter break, so I'm looking forward to spending lots of time with him and his mommy!

Thanksgiving Break (In Instagrams)

1. A gorgeous sunrise during one of the many hours spent in the car this week.
2. My cousin had her baby on Tuesday! Welcome to the world Connor Joseph!
Isn't he perfect?!
3. My Black Friday haul. Flannel is having a moment right now, and I wanted to get on board...these were only $10 at Target!
4. Using downtime to update my inspiration binder.
5. Movie marathon with all of my Christmas favorites...it's finally that time of year!
6. Pumpkin pancakes with cool whip on a lazy Sunday. Delicioussss!

*Look for at least two outfit posts coming your way later this week!

Giving Thanks

Lately I've come to realize how much I have to be truly thankful for. When I pause and examine my life, I realize that frankly, it's pretty amazing.

Some of the big things I have to be thankful for:
-My family. They are never anything less than 100% supportive and loving.
-My friends. I went through a rough patch where I was MIA for about 2 years and was so thankful to discover this year that strong friendships can persevere. It's never too late to make amends.
-All of the amazing opportunities I've had this past year. I'm an extremely lucky girl!
-My health. Recent events have taught me that absolutely nothing should be taken for granted.
-The good news I've received lately. I found out this morning my cousin had a beautiful, healthy baby boy who I can't wait to meet tomorrow! And I found out yesterday one of my best friends from home will be in Columbus this whole winter for an internship. So much good news!

And while the big things are important, it's good to be thankful for the little things too:
-Warm cozy blankets. My apartment is coooooold.
-Girl talk over Panera breakfasts, recapping the events of the evening before.
-Christmas music and what it can do for the spirit
-Wine nights
-Instagram. So happy to finally have an iPhone!
-Good books.
-Pinterest, for it provides endless inspiration and ideas.
-All of the delicious food that is in my near future!

What are you thankful for this year?

Snapshots of Life Lately

1. Still adjusting to daylight savings time. And gearing up to jump into this lake on Tuesday, all in the name of school spirit. Beat Michigan!
2. I applied for my first real job last week! This is the inspiration board that was part of the application. Can you guess what brand it's for?
3. Pumpkin flavored smoothies and lots and lots of schoolwork.
4. A care package from my aunt with more pumpkin-flavored goodies and fuzzy warm slippers. She's the best!
5. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And I've been listening to more than my fair share of Christmas music lately.
6. Spending time with good friends, being thankful for all the wonderful people in my life.

Wedding Attire

What I'm wearing: H&M dress, Steve Madden wedges, J.Crew bracelet, Vintage earrings

Last Friday, I attended my cousin Lauren's wedding. It was a gorgeous ceremony and fun reception, complete with an all-pink candy buffet! My date was a good friend of mine, one of the first friends I made when I came to OSU. We had a good time hanging out with my relatives and busting out our silliest dance moves. Cheers to Lauren and Mike!

Glamazon

What I'm wearing: H&M faux fur collar and top, J.Crew Minnie pants, Steve Madden wedges via DSW, Forever 21 ring, Lips: Revlon Colorburst in Fire, Nails: Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Gilty Pleasure (fingers) and OPI's Bogota Blackberry (toes)

There's nothing like a little bit of fur, sky-high heels, and a red lip to make you feel like the most glamorous girl in the world. Thursday night was my cousin's rehearsal dinner, and I decided to have some fun with it and wear something I don't get to wear very often. Lately I've been settling for the boring student uniform of jeans and sweats, so it was fun to step away from that for a night and embrace my inner glamazon. I'm new at the red lip, but I think I really like it. This particular gloss was recommended by Instyle magazine as flattering for fair-skinned girls like myself, and I would have to agree. I think I'm ready to try an actual lipstick next...any recommendations?

Happy (in instagrams)

I was in quite a mood earlier this week, but things are starting to look up. Here are all of the things making me happy right now:

From the top, left to right:
1. This campus is ridiculously gorgeous this time of year.
2. Starbucks has their holiday cups already! Which means the Christmas season is right around the corner!
3. I have plans to debut my new fur collar tomorrow.
4. Fashion inspiration courtesy of the J.Crew catalog.
5. I'm in the process of packing up to head home for the weekend for my cousin's wedding!
6. I finally updated my iPod in anticipation of getting back to the gym next week. My current favorite on repeat? Chris Brown and Justin Bieber's Next To You.