Friday Five: Making the Most of Things

Sometimes it stinks having to be responsible. I know that I am a fourth year, but I just can't escape the stress of classes and other things in life. Instead of going to Knoxville for the weekend to visit my best friend, I am stuck in the library at school and going home for a night. Making the choice was a huge letdown, but it was the right thing to do.

One: The Best Part of Life is Realizing Why It's Better That Things Didn't Work Out

We've all heard that expression "when God closes a door, he opens a window," and I think this article really embodies that. It is so easy to lose perspective or get discouraged when something doesn't go your way, but maybe we should just look at the positive in the

Two: Starbucks Dot Collection

How cute are these mugs? Last year I used getting my Alice+Olivia mug as motivation to write a final paper...hey, a little self-reward never hurt anyone.

Three: Quote

Four: Cozy Old Navy Cardigan

The Old Navy sale goes through Saturday and if you are looking for something to get, look no further. I ordered this cardigan for finals because it is long, soft, and neutral so it basically goes with any color scheme soooo I will be living in it during finals!

Five: Sam Hunt sings "Come Over"

In case you were wondering who I am playing on repeat these days, it is definitely Sam Hunt! He is a former college QB and moved to Nashville after college to write music and eventually got a recording contract, too. He wrote "Come Over" which is definitely one of my favorite, if not my favorite, recent Kenny Chesney song and he does such a good job of it! (I also recommend "We Are Tonight")

xx,

Erin

Mad For Plaid

In typical Virginia fashion, the weather went from the mid-60s over the last couple of days to being in the 40s all weekend. I don't dislike fall weather, but I do like a little regularity in my forecast. One of the nice things about the weather getting colder is my wardrobe getting to circulate a bit. I am so ready to break out wool sweaters and my new coat for class in the mornings. I am also ready for plaid! Plaid is one of those patterns that can work year round in certain capacities, but it always comes back to reminding me of curling up with a cozy blanket by the fire in the winter. This time of year, you can find plaid items from coffee cups to blankets to flannel shirts. Nothing is off-limits when it comes to featuring this winter classic. 

Find all these items here!

I just got the plaid flats from Old Navy for $12.50 during their big sale going on now! Online they are a bit more expensive, but I got my pair in the store on Monday for 50% off, so it might be worth stopping by a location close to you!

xx,

Erin

Friday Five: Kate Middleton Shoes

Happy Friday Friends. I spent last night trying to get my life back together by reorganizing my closet and most of my room. Some days you just need a night off to get everything in order. 

1) News Anchor Dances to "Where They At Doe?"

My friend, Logan, shared this with me a couple of days ago and I think I watched it 5 times in a row. Now there are a couple of other videos of him dancing while his co-anchor gives him the evil eye, but this one is still my favorite. He is so dorky and just having a great time without caring what people think. Seriously, he makes me want to join in and embarrassing myself is literally my least favorite thing in the world.

2) Why Everyone Should Channel Their Inner Entrepreneur

This article is pretty well done and as an entrepreneur in the early stages of a business, I loved reading about the advantages of being one. "If no one's calling you crazy, then you're not thinking big enough." I don't think everyone has to be an entrepreneur, but I feel like entrepreneurs are the ones with the stories we use to inspire ourselves in all professional, and even personal, endeavors so why not think like one?

3) 11 Struggles Only People with the Name Erin Understand

My roommate posted this on my wall and another friend texted it to me so obviously this had to make the cut today. I was cracking up the whole time I read this list because it is all so true. I mean, I know there are names that have way more struggles than mine, but it is hilarious how many struggles there are for a fairly common, four-letter name! Also, one of the women at another store in the chain that I work at thinks my name is "Anne" not "Erin" and always calls me Annie-Bananie...I just go with it now.

4) When Big Decisions Roll Around

I am a notoriously indecisive person so this blog post title immediately drew me in. The information in this post is not exactly news, but it is always nice to get some perspective on life and decision-making from someone you admire. 

5) LK Bennett Sledge Pump

Also known as the Duchess Catherine shoe...

I got these shoes for my dad's wedding because I figured if they are comfortable enough for the Duchess to wear to all those engagements, they are comfortable enough for me. They came in yesterday and before I've even broken them in I can tell they are going to be a great shoe.

xx,

Erin

Sugar Snap Pearls' Guide to Being Basic

Last weekend I was a Starbucks Latte for Halloween. I was pretty proud of it so naturally it wound up on Instagram...and the next morning it ended up on another Instagram account because of how basic my costume was...

Yep, I was named Basic B*tch of the Day. Since I am clearly an expert on the subject, I thought I would share some tips on how you can one day earn the title Basic Betch of the Day:

Instagram your Starbucks (bonus points if it's the red holiday cup)

Listen to Taylor Swift's new album while you work out on the elliptical

Eat froyo

Have a wine night

Spend your early lecture perusing Pinterest...it's too early to function

Add more pins to your Wedding Pinterest Board even though you're single

Determine important life decisions with Buzzfeed quizzes

Wear workout clothes to class with no intention of going to the gym

Feeling like no one but Taylor Swift understands you

Actually taking the time to decide which oversized tshirt to wear to class

Pose for "candids" with your friends

Take selfies with your friends (bonus points if you do a duck face)

Duck boots or Hunter wellies if there is a 20% chance of rain...don't forget the monogrammed rain coat

Use mason jars for anything but canning

Brunch with bottomless mimosas

Pumpkin Spice anything

Netflix Binge on Chick Flicks

Obsess over Paris because it's just such a romantic city

Have a girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence...she's so cool

Own at least one Naked palette

Wear Uggs and Yoga Pants on those days when you just can't even

What are your basic betch tips?

xx,

Erin

P.S. This post is meant to be funny...please don't be offended

These Flats are on Point

How is it that I am in my last year of college and still making rookie mistakes like breaking in shoes on a long day of classes? This is why I should have my morning coffee before I get ready in the morning! Anyways, although I am currently debating how I am going to get home, I absolutely love these cute flats I got at Target a couple of weeks ago. Everyone knows that a pointed heel on a shoe can make your legs look longer and leaner, so why not get flats with the same effect? I tend to wear flats and jeans during transitional weather because I feel like my boots get too hot throughout the day and I can cuff my jeans as the day goes on if it gets too hot! Plus you can continue to enjoy your flats throughout the late fall and winter when you want to give your boots a rest.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/43417583883255262/

original pin

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original pin

Personally, my favorite pair of flats is the J. Crew Emery Flat. I have them in nude and have absolutely worn them into the ground because they are so cute and comfortable!

xx,

Erin

Hints of the Holidays

So on Saturday, I bought a Christmas ornament at work and today I am using my free drink to indulge in my first peppermint mocha of the season because I have missed those red cups quite a bit. I know it's early for Christmas to most, and I am not the biggest fan of decorating before Thanksgiving, but in college, I feel like we always miss out on Christmas things because everyone disappears into that deep, dark hole we call finals. Plus, my apartment is looking a little sad without all of our Halloween decorations.

I am not ready to break out the Christmas carols (seriously...do not start playing Jingle Bells before Thanksgiving) or Christmas tree, but there are a few little hints of the holidays that you can start to indulge in now without getting too much into the Christmas spirit before the appropriate time.

Red Nail Polish: This is totally acceptable all fall, so it is nice and subtle. A rich, cranberry red is the perfect touch of Christmas red without being overbearing.

Fair Isle Sweaters: So this llama sweater isn't exactly traditional fair isle, but I just really love it. I saw it last year and never got around to ordering it, so I plan to pick it up this year on J. Crew Factory's website. Any fair isle sweater is appropriate for the November cold that is going to start creeping in here soon...I mean, unless it's crazy Christmas.

The Nutcracker: This is for studying purposes only. I will make an exception for this, because classical music is good for studying and my friend, Logan, pointed out that adding this to the study mix was pretty harmless. Don't get carried away on this one...

Starbucks Red Cups: They're back and if you want to go to Starbucks, you're gonna have to just accept that you will be the recipient of a Christmas cup. And I mean, since the Christmas cups are out, I guess a Peppermint Mocha wouldn't hurt...

Christmas Cookie Candle: So your house smells like sugar cookies? That's not too Christmas-y. I don't break out the sugar cookie candles year round, so this is a special occasion type of thing for me.

Ornaments: Please note that I said ornaments, not Christmas trees. I actually bought an adorable moose ornament from the store I work at that goes with the other ornaments I have at home. It just made sense...right?

xx,

Erin

Pattern Play: Puffer Vests

These days with a high of 60 are the perfect days to add a vest to your outfit. I am a big fan of layering in the fall because I have a bit of a Goldilocks mentality when it comes to temperature. Some people say that vests are pointless, but in reality, a puffer vest actually keeps your core and neck warm which is just what you need on a brisk day. There are dozens of different vendors and vest styles out there to choose from in all sorts of colors and patterns. I don't know about y'all, but my routine of button downs or sweaters can get pretty boring in the fall, so I try to throw in prints here and there to change it up!

Here are some of my favorite patterned vests and how you can style them:

Gap Floral Vest

Herringbone Vest

Old Navy Plaid Vest 

similar Bliss vest

xx,
Erin