Friday Five: Favorite Fall Outfit

Tomorrow is the first football game of the season and you know what that means...tailgate time! Oh, and also that Fall is just around the corner. Virginia is notorious for having finicky weather. You absolutely never know what the weather will be from week to week so there is a lot of random clothing in my closet during these next couple of months as we approach winter (ugh). 

Though I have a lot of clothing in my closet, I tend to favor my button downs and ponte pants this time of year. Honestly, if I had to describe my style it would be cute and comfortable, especially as it becomes time to add layers!

It is so hard to just pick a few items that I absolutely love for fall, but if I had to, these would be the ones that I am most excited about breaking out. Plus, together they form a cute and comfortable outfit that is totally customizable with other accessories!

One: Puffer Vest

I love my herringbone vest that I got last year and I am thinking of getting one of the cheaper ones from Old Navy in another color for this fall. These vests are the perfect layering piece for fall and they're aren't so bulky that they're annoying to carry around!

Two: Chambray Shirt

These shirts are the perfect neutral for any accessory or other loud piece in your outfit. I have an Old Navy and a J. Crew one and my momma just got one from Gap that she loves so they are easy to find in the fit and wash that you want!

Three: Ponte Pants

These pants are amazing because they really straddle that line between leggings and pants. I know that it is acceptable to wear leggings as pants in college, which I am totally in favor of, but these are a bit thicker and therefore a bit warmer. Plus, if you have a bit of junk in your trunk (like me) they are the perfect thickness.

Four: Fall Purse

Admittedly, I am more prone to carrying my Longchamp around because of college, but I love fall colors for purses. This purse I added here is actually the same style as my saddle colored one that I love so much from H&M. 

Five: Booties

I am so excited about this pair of shoes. I ordered them last week and they are exactly what I was looking for. There are so many styles out there that fit a host of needs, but personally, I wanted ones that would go a bit up my ankle and have the cut that these did. I'd never ordered from Sole Society before, but I definitely will again!

What are the staples of your fall outfits?

xx,
Erin

Back To School Necessities

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Brita. All opinions are 100% mine.

There are few things I love as much as back-to-school shopping. I can't believe this is my last year of going to stock up on all my pens, notebooks, and other daily necessities. Over the years what I consider to be a college necessity has changed, but some things have absolutely stayed the same:

 

Starbucks Gold Card

I can't imagine any of you are surprised by this, but I definitely need my coffee. I don't have time to run back to my apartment between classes most of the time, and the building I spend most of my time in has a Starbucks in it. Plus, coffee dates are such a great way to see friends!

 

Agenda and To-Do List

Obviously someone who loves lists and organization as much as I do needs these every day. I live and die by these two things, or at least, my academic life does.

 

Reusable Containers

I will buy a cup of coffee when I need to, but I'd rather bring my lunch because it's healthier and way cheaper than buying one. 

 

Alligator Clips

I just had the stylist add layers into my hair again, which I love...when I have time to do my hair. If I don't, then I just opt to pull some of my hair back and head out to class. I also can't stand having hair in my face while I am taking notes, so this is a definite necessity.

 

Brita® Pitcher

I had a smaller one of these in my dorm room and now I have a full-size one in my apartment and I love it. I get perfectly filtered, delicious water to keep me hydrated as I head to class or hang out at my apartment after a workout. Hydration is key to so many things and this pitcher makes the water beautifully clean and it's available at Target!

 

 

xx,

Erin

 

National Women's Equality Day

I think it's pretty fitting that National Women's Equality Day falls on the first day of my Fourth Year of college. On this date in 1920, women earned the right to vote. Today, we are doctors, lawyers, teachers, mothers, students, and more. We have come so far, but we haven't even reached our potential. It's no secret that women are often not treated as being equal to men in the workplace. Our salaries are still lower and bossy or bitch is frequently thrown around as the word to describe a women with drive and leadership qualities that are admired in men.

This day is what feminism is all about. Feminism is not about putting down men, burning bras, or saying that a man can't open a car door for a woman. Feminism is about saying that a woman should be equal to a man and that she should have the same opportunities afforded to men. Yes, most of you have read this on my blog, or someone else's blog before. I am sure it still gets a bit old, but some people don't understand it. There is a Facebook page with over 22,000 likes dedicated to "Women Against Feminism." It amazes me that with all the publicity amazing famous and successful women get, that women choose to tune out the meat of the message and focus on the extreme cases that just don't embody feminism. Bustle published a wonderful article about it, absolutely disproving some of the anti-feminist messages that these women were posting, so if you get the chance, please take a look at that.

Just the other night after the VMAs I was amazed to find people hating on Beyonce's FEMINIST moment. Seriously, hating on Bey is bad enough on it's own, but to scoff at her use of the word, that's crazy. People were saying that the use of  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's speech and that word was a laughable juxtaposition to her performance and message. Guess what? It wasn't. First of all, a direct quote about needing feminism from Adichie's speech is "We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are." I don't know about you, but I am pretty sure she thinks Queen Bey can get up there and perform whatever she wants because she has the right to. That is what feminism is, it is the right to make your choices and have the same opportunities.

Like any movement, there will always be people denying the need for it or shooting it down. Luckily though, this movement seems to be gaining momentum as people start to understand what it means to be a feminist. Notably, Taylor Swift traded her uncertainty on the subject to feminist support, saying she'd thought it was a women v. men movement, but that now she understands that the modern movement and the word is all about equality.

So Happy Women's Equality Day, y'all! Oh, and happy last first day of school...I seriously can't believe it.

xx,
Erin

Friday Five: Back To School

In honor of my last year of college starting tomorrow, this Friday Five is all about college. I am not totally ready for this year to start because I feel like it's a bit of a countdown to graduation, but I am so happy to be back in Charlottesville with all my friends!

One: The Best TED Talks to Get You Ready For School

I'm a fan of watching TED talks while I get ready or if I want to watch Netflix in the middle of the day. I hadn't seen any of these before so it was pretty cool to get to watch them. If you have an iPad, I highly recommend downloading the TED Talks app, it's fantastic and you can even download talks to watch later!

Two: 18 Things I Love My College Friends For

I am so blessed to have such amazing college friends. I am still friends with people from Virginia Tech, and at UVA it's been no different. College friends are those people who you really learn about life with and have definitely seen you at your best, and your worst!

Three: Here is What Google Says About Your College

UVA is bigger, smarter, and preppier. This is a pretty funny study of what people google about the students at your college. I think University of Chicago's was pretty funny, but I'll let y'all evaluate that for yourselves.

Four: 19 Scientific Reasons You Should Take More Naps

How can you have a post about college without including something about naps? College has taught me to learn to love the mid-afternoon nap, which is probably why this semester's afternoon heavy class schedule is going to be a little rough. Oh well, I guess I will just drink some coffee...

Five: The Ten Commandments of College Football Fandom

It's the most wonderful time of the year! College football is here and that means it's time for tailgates, rivalries, and road trips to Virginia Tech (for me). Sure, UVA football isn't anything to write home about and game attendance isn't exactly impressive, but the tailgating is good, and if I want to go to a real game, I can head down to Blacksburg to jump in Lane Stadium!

xx,
Erin

LBB: Little Brown Bag

Being in college often means that you're purse collection consists of the crossbody you bring to bars and the tote you carry to class. There just really isn't a need for a collection that is much bigger than that. However, this summer I was getting a bit tired of not having a staple purse to carry with me and worrying that my orange purse clashed with my outfits.

Then of course, I hopped on Pinterest and knew exactly what I was looking for in a purse. I decided to go with a light brown/dark tan purse because it can be used for more than just a season and it can go with anything. Personally, I love structured bags so when I found one at H&M I knew that it was the bag for me, but there are so many other options out there that fit in anyone's budget.

ALDO crossbody // Toulon Clutch

ASOS Satchel // H&M Tote

Sole Society Shopper // Gigi New York Crossbody

xx,

Erin

Apartment Cleaning 101

First of all, today is the Lilly Pulitzer sale so if you haven't checked it out by the time you read this, make sure to do so...after you read this post ;)

I moved back to Charlottesville yesterday and the first thing on my to-do list is cleaning my apartment. My roommate and I weren't here this summer and we had the dust bunnies to prove it, so yesterday, Momma and I did a solid sweep of the common space. Today and tomorrow, I am focusing on my room. At school I have a big room and it tends to just be a landing place for things I don't need at all. I really want to purge my wardrobe and room this week, all part of the cleaning project.

I am a total stress cleaner most of the time, but this project is more thorough. There is just something about knowing your apartment is the most organized and cleanest it can be to start the year that sets a good tone for the semester. Plus, cleaning is synonymous with reason to dance around and sing One Direction and other pop songs for me. Seriously, it makes the cleaning process go by so quickly! So if you want to get started for the year, make sure to stock up on cleaning supplies and get cracking! Plus, it's a great time to inventory what you have and what you need for the year as you go through all your stuff!

xx,
Erin

Back-To-School: Le Pen and Russell+Hazel

School is coming and therefore school supply shopping (aka my favorite time of the year) is upon us. If you are like me, you already know exactly what supplies and what brands you are buying. Good for you, nothing screams Type-A like needing school supplies to be specific brands and colors. That being said, if you're looking for some new brands to try out or you have no idea what to get, let me introduce you to my favorite pen brand and basically, my favorite school supply...aside from my macbook.

Some of you may have noticed my Le Pens in Instagram posts before, but if you haven't they are these adorable, bright colored pens that bring my planner and school notes to life (when I don't type them). These pens write incredibly smoothly and they don't completely bleed through the pages. Mackenzie Horan sells them in her shop, but I went for the big multicolor pack on Amazon. 

What do I write with these beautiful pens. I use them in my planner, notes, and for my to-do list. On that note, I got a new to-do list notepad at The Container Store the other day and I am absolutely obsessed with it. Instead of crossing things off my list, I now put a check mark in the little bubble at the end of the line. It might sound less rewarding, but I am good with the check mark for now. My momma actually got the Russell + Hazel Planner while we were there and it is super cute as well. If you are still stumped on a planner because you have certain needs for how the categorization is broken down, I highly recommend this build-your-own planner they design. She can use as many notes sheets as she wants and since it's a little binder, everything is removable!

Plus, the Russell and Hazel website is 25% off through labor day! How cute is this keychain? I think I might get it for my keys this year at school!

What is your favorite back-to-school supply?

xx,

Erin

Friday Five: Clickbait

It's finally Friday and I head to UVA in two days. I am really excited. I am also really excited about this week's Friday Five, I am pretty sure that all of these links are clickbait. Don't know what clickbait is? Neither did I, but you'll find out if you keep reading!

One: New Words In the Dictionary

Good news, binge-watch is officially in the dictionary. Yeah, Oxford added it to the dictionary so that makes Netflix marathons more acceptable, right? I mean the dictionary accepts them. I honestly had never heard of some of these words, but I am a fast learner #humblebrag (another word that made the cut.) So get up to speed on your lingo so that you can text your friends "stop binge-watching Grey's Anatomy and check out this clickbait I just sent you" or something like that...

Two: Lauren Bacall and the Lady Blazer

Bacall was known most for that deep voice and her look. She had this fabulous signature chin-tucked glower that she was known for, that and she was married to Humphrey Bogart. She also had an amazing sense of style and this compilation of photos of her is very well done and definitely worth checking out. Plus, it includes a clip of the whistle scene, I totally want to be able to use this quote at some point in my life then gracefully exit the room.

Three: Derek and Joe and Club Level Seats

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed the picture I posted for you on Wednesday. It makes me so happy, that yes, it is being included in today's Friday Five. Wednesday was my last time seeing Derek Jeter play baseball (live) and my wonderful boss at my internship gave me 4 club level seats to see the game (perks of that job!). Then, as I am walking back from getting food, Momma and I passed Joe Torre. This is a big deal to any baseball fan, but to a Yankees fan, this is ah-freaking-mazing. So I put my food down, grab my ticket, and even though his a security guard is trying to get him into the suite, he grabs my ticket to sign it. I am pretty sure it's because I was in a Yankees tank and the only girl asking him for one. Anyways, I am clearly still on Cloud Nine.

Four: Girl In A Country Song

I first heard about this song a couple of weeks ago while watching Kathy Lee and Hoda, and they actually had Maddie and Tae on their show this week. These girls nailed it with this song. I mean, sure I still listen to Today's Country, but I largely prefer 90s and 00s country for many reasons, one is that I get tired of being expected to wear daisy dukes and respond to the endearing nickname, "girl."

Five: What Character Would You Play in a Disney Movie?

Who doesn't love a good buzzfeed quiz? Apparently, I would be the Princess in a Disney movie, a role that I am more than happy to play. Just hand over my tiara and adorable animal sidekick and I am ready to go!

xx,

Erin

The Truth About My Instagram

A couple of weeks ago there was an article written by someone with a fashion Instagram account that outed all of us as faking our pictures. The article made me giggle the entire time I read it and by the time a second friend had shared it with me, I knew I definitely owed it to my readers to come out. So, it's true: My Instagram and I are not one in the same. 

A couple of months ago while snapchatting with one of my grandlittles, she said "you're so glamorous" and what was my reaction? I laughed, oh, if only she knew how many pictures I took to get that one post... So today, I am going to share some of my thoughts on my Instagram pics, please still follow along and try not to judge me, we all like pretty things, right? Here it is:

What it Looks Like I Instagrammed vs. What I Actually Instagrammed

What it looks like: Oh, I'm just casually planning my life with my cute pens and washi tape, but of course I can't do that until my nails dry. Don't you just love this color and how it happens to be a great pink to the green of my Kate Spade agenda?

What it actually is: Hey, it's August 1st which means I need to put up a shot of my planner to signify the beginning of the month and I am blogging about my new planner today, so it's a convenient segway. I have yet to use that cute washi tape in my planner, but I swear that I plan to use it. Oh, and I painted my nails this color the night before, they actually don't need to dry. And that neutral white background? Yeah, it's computer paper #classy

What it looks like: Don't mind me. Just casually snapping a pic of my double dirty, skim, light ice iced chai in the parking lot as I rush off to do important things, hence needing the two shots of espresso. And isn't it convenient that I am holding the cup in the hand with the cute bracelet?

What it actually is: I am 100% embarrassed trying to take this picture. Notice that I am standing on a white parking line? That's because I am hiding between my car and the car next to me to take it. Oh and this $6 Starbucks drink, yeah, I only get it when I have a free reward. I'm probably not running off to anything important, in fact, I think I was on my way to Target (typical). Also, this is a loose shirt that I pulled a little tighter because otherwise you couldn't really see my shorts/I look debatably pregnant from that angle. I had to retake this picture because...hair tie on the wrist (this happens much more often than I'd like to admit)

What it looks like: Hehe I am having so much fun tanning in my cute bikini while drinking a Chick-Fil-A peach milkshake, which I only got because it was National Peach Day. Either that or I am totally confident in my body image so I am happy to drink a 500 calorie milkshake in a bikini.

What it actually is: I don't care about consuming calories in a bikini, but it's not because I have Kanye West-sized ego/confidence. Honestly, I will consume a peach milkshake any day, in any outfit, and I actually definitely got another milkshake with my brothers later that week...I don't need an excuse to buy one. This is actually an overcast day, so tanning wasn't really happening and I am using my towel to cover the rest of my body because I am a bit chilly. Oh and the reason I went outside to post this in the first place was to point out that Marley Lilly bathing suits were 50% off, and that it was in fact, National Peach Day.

What it looks like: I have the perfect display of snacks, schoolwork, and leisure activities on my blanket as I study outside. Let's get down to business to kick Finals butts!

What it actually is: It was too bright to see my laptop with the glare of the sun, so promptly after staging this entire photo, I packed up and moved to the Chi O house to study with friends. In fairness to me, I had actually intended to study outside. There is also the chance that the peach tea got warm sitting in the sun as I took a stupidly high number of photos to get this shot.

What it looks like: A morning walk on the beach ends while standing at the water's edge. While taking a photo of my feet (I do a lot of those...), the foamy water just happened to be perfectly timed inches away from my toes. How can you not instagram timing like that?

What it actually is: The ocean is much less cooperative than I had anticipated and I was losing my patience waiting for a good wave. Though, yes, this was taken after a nice walk on the beach. And what do we think about the placement of the sandals and the way I was holding them? I tried this photo with them in several positions to see which was best.

What it looks like: Just going on a casual walk with Luther and I got this cute shot right after he came out of the lake. He and I love walking and staying in shape in a sort of outdoorsy way. I love when he gives me that cute little doggy glance, and I am so glad that I get to spend this time with him. Isn't he just the cutest?

What it actually is: Yes, I love walking with my dog, but that's about the only real thing about this shot. Luther, look at the darn camera, no seriously. And do these loose running shorts make me look fat? Is there a way to make me look less fat in them?

Okay, so now you know.

xx,

Erin

Mixing Metals

Some people still shy away from mixing brown and black or gold and silver, but I personally love many pieces that combine the two. Recently, I picked up a necklace from Eastern Market that mixes gold, silver, and rose gold, and it has me wanting more mixed metal pieces. Kendra Scott's new Glam Rocks collection has a bunch of pieces that include mixed metals. Of course, she always creates amazing jewelry, I especially love this pair of earrings!

watch: Kate Spade // earrings: Kendra Scott // rings: BaubleBar // necklace: Jules Smith // bracelets: Kendra Scott

That being said, did I mention that I got my necklace for $16? You definitely don't have to spend a fortune to be fashionable, though sometimes a splurge is worth it!

xx,

Erin

Friday Five: Organized

Happy Friday! I can't believe that my move back to Charlottesville is just around the corner. I am so ready for getting back into the swing of things, yet I am not ready for it to be the final chapter of college! One of the nice things about going back to school is that I do get to go through my apartment and do some spring cleaning of sorts, which, for someone like me is both necessary and awesome.

1) How To Organize Accessories

Thank you Carly for sharing these tips. I have quite the collection of accessories and yet I struggle to take advantage of most of them because they're tucked away in boxes and my jewelry box. I am definitely making a trip to the Container Store for these bracelet and nail polish holders, plus a couple of other things. Seriously, the Container Store is a wonderful place for Type-A people...

2) The Perfect Closet

This is a 3,000 square foot closet. I can't even handle this much amazingness. New life goal, have this closet? It is 3 times the size of my apartment, and I thought I was lucky with my ample closet space.

3) How to Make Every Room Prettier

Basically this is a collection of 30 pins of cute room details that are totally do-able in your own apartment or house. I love the inclusion of a bar cart because honestly, mine is one of my favorite parts of my room. I am going to do a little TLC upcycle on it when I get back to school and I can't wait to share!

4) Pinch Provisions Minimergency 

These kits are so cute and they include a little bit of everything. I keep meaning to get one because I always seem to be needing something that it includes! Does anyone else have one of these? 

5) Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am thinking I might just have to make these next week because they look and sound amazing. Salted Caramel anything is a weakness of mine and chocolate chip cookies don't seem to last too long in this house. Plus, bikini season is over, right?

DIY Tassel Bracelet

Last week Caitlin of Southern Curls and Pearls shared a DIY for tassel bracelets and I just knew that I had to try it because they're so cute. I'd actually seen this on Pinterest a couple of times and it was one of the infinite things I pinned but never got around too. Luckily, I finally decided to try it when I saw how easy Caitlin made it look and I am so happy I did. These are so simple to make and and they add such a simple statement to your wrist. I actually made four of them, two for now and two with fall colors!

Supplies:

gold wire

crimp beads

stretchy jewelry cord (I used 0.7mm)

beads

embroidery floss

scissors

pliers

jump rings (I used 6mm)

credit card

Directions:

1) String Beads on Jewelry Cord and set off to the side

2) Cut 1.5 Feet of Embroidery Floss and fold into 4 sections and place a jump ring in the center

3) Wrap the remainder of the embroidery floss around the card

4) Cut embroidery floss around one edge of the card and hold the strings at the center

5) tie embroidery floss around the center of the group of strings

6) Wrap gold wire around the embroidery floss

7) Trim the embroidery floss down to desired tassel side

8) Place two crimp beads and the tassel on one side of the jewelry cord and loop the other side through

9) Crimp the crimping beads with the pliers

10) Cut down extra cord

11) ENJOY YOUR NEW BRACELET

xx,

Erin

Life Update: Couch Potato

I haven't really been blogging, posting on Instagram, or working out. I don't do well with nothing to do and nowhere to go. I guess it's a good thing that I like to be busy, but my reaction to having nothing to do is basically a string of days with schedules that resemble what should that rare lazy Sunday. Seriously though, I have been binge watching Grey's Anatomy and Friday Night Lights while just sort of getting through the day.

It sounds like a pretty great way to get through I guess, but in reality, it gets old. Today I realized that I have a week and a half before I go back to Charlottesville for my final year of college and time isn't a commodity to be wasted. I have other goals and things to do this summer and now, it is coming down to the wire. So here is a little inspiration courtesy of Pinterest, using Grey's Anatomy...

xx,

Erin

Friday Five: Ladies Love It

So, if this week's Friday Five isn't as inspired as you may expect it to be, please know it is due to my binge watching of The Mindy Project. On that note, can Mindy and I be BFFs? Seriously, I texted my best friend to make sure that she watches this show because Dr. Mindy Lahiri may be the only person who quotes and references more rom-coms as general conversation than us...

1. The 24 Most Relatable Mindy Lahiri Quotes From The Mindy Project

 Just in case you don't already watch this show and are looking for someone to convince you, here it is. She is so relatable for anyone else who thinks that there are few movies better to watch on repeat than Norah Ephron films (especially You've Got Mail!) This show is funny, witty, and Danny Castellano is basically my perfect guy. Actually though, he is a catholic, diehard yankees fan, doctor, though he is a bit shorter than I like for guys to be...

2. Dirty Dancing First Dance

Okay, if I didn't hate the spotlight as much as I do, this would be my perfect first dance. I am a huge Dirty Dancing fan and this couple absolutely nails this dance. I was so impressed by them and it looks like their dance was a huge hit with their guests.

3. British Boys Sing Shakira

This is a wonderful combination of attractiveness, awkwardness, and laughter. This A Capella group sings a medley of Shakira songs and it is absolutely fantastic. Oh, and they sort of recreate the music video, which is the really funny part

4. This Quote

I had to do a double take when I saw this, but when I read it, I absolutely loved it. 

5. Sam Smith's The Lonely Hour

I listened to this last week at work and I really needed to share it with y'all. I wasn't sure about it while I was listening to it, and honestly was kind of leaning towards not getting it, but somehow by the end I felt emotionally wrecked and yet, totally loving the music. He has a great sound and if you're just sitting at work today, do yourself a favor and listen to his music while you finish stuff up for the weekend!

xx,

Erin