Leather Love

Now that it's September, I feel like it is finally acceptable for me to start planning my fall wardrobe (even if I've actually been doing it since July). One trend I am really excited about for the upcoming season is faux leather detailing. A lot of my fall/winter wardrobe is made up of sweaters and blazers, so I think a little leather will bring some much needed edge.

1. Zara tee
2. Zara tee
3. Zara tee
4. Aldo booties

I have been thinking about these boots for over a month now, so after my next paycheck, I think it might be time for us to finally get acquainted. What trend are you dying to try this fall?

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.

Cat Eyes on Campus

What I'm wearing: Old Navy cardigan and boots, J.Crew painter tee, Gap Always Skinny jeans, Forever 21 scarf and bag, NY & Co. outlet bangle, Urban Outfitters sunglasses

The sun has decided to grace us with its presence and warmth again these past few days, so it only seemed appropriate to put on a bright color and my new cat eye sunnies. My favorite pair of Ray-Ban wayfarer knockoffs were lost in a lake at the end of the summer and were quickly replaced by this pair. They're cute and just a tad bit sassy, which is why I love them! On a separate note, can you tell from these photos how gorgeous our campus is this time of year?! I love it! Natalie and I have been roaming all over campus lately, trying to find cool locations for pictures. I know soon enough everything will be covered in snow and slush, so I'm trying to enjoy it all while it's still nice out!

Cozy Sweater Weather

What I'm wearing: J.Crew outlet sweater, Zara red jeans, Gap City Flats (sale), Earrings via the Pink Box, Kate Spade outlet tote

Fall weather is officially here which means I get to start bringing some of my new back-to-school clothes into the rotation! I found this sweater at a great price at the J.Crew Outlet a few weeks ago; I've said it once and I'll say it again: I LOVE the J.Crew Outlet! You'll definitely be seeing more of this sweater this Fall/Winter. Although I must say, as excited as I am to bring out my cozy sweaters and boots, I'm not too happy about the bitter cold weather that will soon follow. I wish the weather could just stay this way until April (minus all the rain!) Wouldn't that be nice? Also, a special thanks to Natalie for taking all of my pictures lately! That girl has my back, and I love her for it! I'm really enjoying taking pictures at different places around campus; I'm hoping to hit all of the great spots around campus before the year is over!

Settling In

What I'm wearing: J.Crew sweater (sale), Forever 21 maxi skirt, Banana Republic outlet sandals, NY & Co. outlet necklace

I know you haven't heard much from me lately, but I've spent the last week or so settling back into my school routine and catching up with all the friends that I spent the summer without. It feels great to be back, but it's always a little difficult to adjust to a new schedule, apartment, etc. Now that I'm finally feeling situated, back to blogging I go! Natalie took these pictures for me on Thursday over by the infamous Mirror Lake on campus. Isn't it pretty?! Our campus is always at it's most beautiful in the Fall. Speaking of Fall, I'm already getting excited for Halloween! I bought the first part of my costume this weekend and already have the rest of it planned out. I've also been consuming more than my fair share of pumpkin spice lattes. Isn't this season the best?!

Day 8: Dreaming of Fall

What I'm wearing: Gap tee, Old Navy vest, J.Crew Minnie pants, Target sandals, Vintage necklace, Urban Outfitters earrings, Nails: OPI Pamplona Purple+ Sally Hansen Xtreme Rockstar Pink

So I'm officially about a week behind on posting pictures. Work has gotten CRAZY lately since we are currently understaffed. I'm lucky if I get home by 8 or 9 every night. So lets just say Ohio is starting to look a little more inviting every day. I've been dreaming of getting back to school, of crisp Fall weather, pumpkin cappuccinos, football games, and cozy sweaters. I can't wait to style this vest up like this or with a sweater and boots as soon as Fall is here. Until then, it's proving to be a great summer layering piece...I've already worn it twice so far in my 30 for 30 and have to actively remind myself not to wear it every day, that's how much I love it!

From Hot to Cold

Frankly, I'm exhausted. I'm still trying to beat this cold while juggling schoolwork and a part-time job. I'm definitely, definitely looking forward to heading home for the weekend and spending some quality time relaxing (hopefully) with family. Today was chilly, chilly, chilly. We seem to have skipped a huge chunk of Fall. We went straight from sleeveless shirt weather to having to bundle up in jackets and scarves. Not cool!

What I'm wearing: Old Navy utility jacket, Forever 21 slouchy top, Simply Vera by Vera Wang jeans via Kohls, Nine West boots, Scarf via SoHo street vendor, Vintage earrings, Forever 21 bangles

I really love all the fall colors in this outfit. It was nice to finally be able to pull out some of the items I bought over the summer in New York. My one complaint is: the jeans. All of my favorites are currently air-drying (I never machine-dry my jeans!), so I was stuck with these today. I bought these back in the days when I was too chicken to try out skinny jeans. They are a weird in-between straight leg that does not tuck very nicely into boots. I know they aren't awful; I just wish they were more flattering. But overall, I liked this outfit. This jacket is definitely going to be a staple for me this season!

Dreaming of Fall

There is something about Friday that just makes me want to put on my most casual, comfy outfit. And today was no exception. I stayed up late last night chatting with my girlfriends, so this morning I was not in the mood to get fancy for class.

What I'm wearing: Target shirt, J.Crew boyfriend jeans, Merona sandals via Target, Vintage pocketwatch necklace, Vintage earrings, Bag via Steinmart

I desperately need cooler weather to come our way because 1. I'm sick of sweating while walking to class and 2. these sandals REALLY need to be retired for the season. They seem to have not left my feet since I bought them, and it's about time they got a break. Plus, my new gray cowboy boots are calling my name from the closet. Rumor has it that next week the temperature is supposed to get down into the 60s which is great news. So excited for Fall! Well I'm headed off to dinner and a movie with the boyfriend. We are seeing The Town which I'm excited for because I love me some Ben Affleck. I hope everyone has a good weekend! Make sure to check back in on Sunday because I'm starting a new little challenge, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

The First Day of School

Today I was forced to switch back to using the self-timer on my camera, and whewwww was it rough. Kudos to all of you bloggers who do it this way everyday. It took me forever to find a spot secluded enough that I didn't feel super awkward taking pictures of myself (I go to a huge school where there is pretty much no such thing), and once I did, I ended up with pictures that cut off my head, feet, or half my body. But I stuck with it and ended up with some okay shots. Every Monday and Wednesday I only have one class, so I think on those days I'm going to make an effort to find cool places around campus for my little photo shoots.

Occasion: Class and On-Campus Job Fair
What I'm wearing: Gap dress, Old Navy cardigan, Target sandals, Thrifted belt, Vintage earrings, Bag via Steinmart, Hint of Mint nailpolish (Nicole by OPI)

Today was my first day of classes, as well as the day of the on-campus job fair. I wasn't quite sure what to wear to the job fair, so I went with this dress/cardigan combo since I figured it was a good mix of professional yet youthful. Normally, I wouldn't dress up this much for class, but for today, it worked. It was kind of nice getting to wear something other than the 30 items from the challenge, although I still chose my trusty Target sandals. If only it was boot weather! I'm hoping it will be chilly enough in the next few weeks to start bringing out my scarves, jackets, and boots. I love Fall!