Stay happy through the New Year

Totally love this. Totally gonna do it. 

Consider it a bank of good memories and feelings. 

When 2013 rolls around, keep an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. All good things; big and small. On the next New Year's Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year. 

MSP ---> NYC

Finally getting my NYC V-card taken. Thursday through Sunday I'm jetting to the Big Apple for a quick (but what will obviously be a supes fun) weekend. I know this is only long enough to take in a miniature fraction of all things New York has to offer but I'm excited to visit as many little shops and bakeries/eating joints as I can squeeze into a 72-hour period. (You guys I legitimately have a list of doughnut shops written down. This list is of utmost importance.)

If you have any recommendations, seriously, let me know! 

(Photo via: Observando.net)

Under $100

I don't normally touch on the same subject two blog posts in a row BUT, last night when I was avoiding homework browsing around Pinterest, I was looking for some Christmas gift ideas. Being the poor college student that I am, it's nice to find things under $100, but it's hard to know what's in your price range without clicking the link, which can get annoying after awhile. 

AHA. Lightbult. Create what doesn't exist. 

So, please enjoy my 'Under $100' Pinterest board, which I will continue to fill after the Christmas season. (Psst, many are under $50 and even $25!)

The coat I'm in love with, according to my Pinterest

I've started to notice a trend in some of the outfit photos I've been pinning lately. Oversized coats. As in exhibit A and B. They're the perfect amount of minimalist and can be QUITE adorable when paired with other feminine garments (left) or more tomboy elements (right). 

Here are a few options to try out for yourself:

1 // 2 // 3 

Holiday Sparkle: Two Ways

Zara top (with leather leggings? So hot) // BB Dakota dress

I have a secret

I shop in the little boys section. 

This fisherman's sweater? $39 from L.L. Bean Boys. The medium fits absolutely perfect. I also recommend checking out the boys section of J.Crew, Gap, and Zara for things like plaid, white button ups, even the perfect green anorak coat. You'll be surprised what you find. Plus, it's a helluva lot cheaper WHICH I DON'T HATE. 

(Sweater: L.L. Bean, Chambray button up: Parc Boutique, Jeans: Gap, Necklace: Forvever 21, Watch: Michael Kors)

Four fashion favorites under $60

Sorry for the random absence the last week and a half; I was superduper sick (hospital visit and all), but I'M ALIVE NOW! It's weird being sick for that long, I got sick on Halloween and today's my first day back to regular programming and it's already damn near the middle of November. CRIPES. Time flies, so let's have some fun — shopping style. (It's what I'm good at.)

Shoes // necklace // cardigan // earrings

A few ways to make it through a gloomy week

Isn't it the worst when Mondays are cloudy and cold? Yesterday was exactly that. It's hard not to subconsciously feel like it's setting the tone for the whole week. WELL. We're about to get allllll proactive in here about being happy. I firmly believe that planning things that you know make you happy, and sprinkling them throughout the week keeps your mood positive and constant; and looking forward to things is the best! And it's true, sometimes I really think scheduling "make cookies" into your schedule is a MUST.

1. Make HOMEMADE whipped cream to put on your hot chocolate. It's so worth it.

2. Remind someone you are grateful for how much they rock. 

3. Take a nap. And don't feel guilty about it. 

4. Go with friends to a restaurant/coffee shop/boutique you've never been to.

5. Clean out your closet. While this doesn't sound like you're scheduling "fun", the result is so major. No one really knows why but we are all aware how much clearing clutter boosts happiness. 

6. Indulge in a Netflix session with a new show you've always wanted to watch.

7. Put on sequin anything. Even if you don't feel like it. It's all about placebo effect — and it WORKS.

8. Actually take time to paint your nails. Clip, file, soak, base coat, two coats of a shade, AND a top coat. 

9. Buy yourself an album on iTunes. Happiness doesn't mean THINGS, but we all know music has been proven to enhance moods. This is "worth it" spending. 

10. Sometimes happiness DOES mean things!!! Buy yourself that sweatshirt/notebook/pair of polka dot socks you couldn't justify before. I'm giving you the justification; HAPPY FACE.

11. Wine with homework/bill paying/responding to emails. Just remember to spell check. 

12. Go to bed one hour earlier even if you're not done with all of your "stuff". Things CAN be done tomorrow.

13. Make a caramel apple bar. Delicious genius is the best kind of genius.  

Not your mother's music...

I really do like all kinds of music. I'm actually listening to Billie Holiday as I write this post about ...slightly inappropriate tunes (Billie puts me in the cleaning mood!) Rap will probably always be my guilty pleasure. As in, if I'm driving a mini van full of kids at age forty and an Eminem song comes on the radio, I AIN'T TURNIN' IT AND I'M RAPPIN THE WHOLE DANG THING. However, I'm into remixes lately. So, please enjoy this dance-inducing playlist.

It's Friday. Let's get down.

"Will you look at the ass on her?"

“I worked with [Paul Newman] on the movie Twilight (1998). When Joanne Woodward came on set, he put his arm around my shoulder and said to me, ‘Will you look at the ass on her?’ That really struck me as an ideal relationship. I love the idea that a guy approaching 80 still loved his wife’s ass.” -Liev Schreiber, Elle

(Via Alexandra Heidi's Pinterest)

Minneapolis' new home decor store

Enter The Foundry Home Goods, Minneapolis' newest home decor store. Rustic and decently affordable, The Foundry is the most recent addition to one of my favorite neighborhoods; The Northloop. Head over to Midwest Home Mag to read Katie Dohman's review, and check out The Foundry's website here. 

(photo 1&4 via Midwesthomemag.com)

An ode to anxiety

We all get it, though it's rarely discussed. Worrying about an outcome that doesn't yet exist, creating unnecessary thoughts that poison the brain. This quote reminded me that sometimes we need to take a breath, and remember how small we are in the scope of things. Funks happen. And they'll happen again. But we're all in this together, right?

“The anxieties come in the night, of course, when we are most able to visualize specific outcomes and conjure up their accompanying pains. When they do, I remind myself that there are almost 7 billion people alive right now. Given the true scope of things, I am nobody. This may seem depressing or counterintuitive to some of you, but for me anonymity can be liberating. And if reminding myself how few people, relatively, could possibly be mocking me fails to break tension, I do a little exercise. I close my eyes and fly around the country, lifting the roofs off various houses and peeking in. In this house someone just announced their engagement; in this one a man packs his army gear for Afghanistan; in the next house a woman goes into labor; next door a man tells his wife he lost his job. Long days, perfect days, days packed with commotion or errands or hours of solitude. Seven billion people. A nurse hands malaria nets; a boy makes a fire on the kitchen floor; a mom combs her daughter’s hair. Seven billion people. The more I fly, the smaller I get, until I’m just about the right size, the size of one person among billions, working my way through my tiny life the best I can.”

Girls, it took me 22 years to learn this?

.... Well I feel incredibly stupid. Did you know the jaggety side of the bobby-pin was supposed to be on the bottom? I mean it makes sense, what did I think it was for? Decoration? I'm flummoxed by my unintended hair ignorance. Flummoxed. Just wanted to pass along the knowledge in case I wasn't the only one in the dark. 

(Photo via Girlsack)

Fall looks from Parc Boutique to copy head-to-toe

Granted I'm a little biased when it comes to this fashion haven, but these clothes are just TOO GOSH DARN CUTE. This was Parc Boutique's third lookbook and in my opinion, our very best. Let's quit the talking and get to shopping. 

My pick for the fall (err, holiday-ish time?) This guy right here. I'm so obvious. 

Oh and this. and this. With red lipstick? Girrrrrrrrrrl....

Lisa Frank. LISA. FRANK.

Either you know the name and it made the nostalgia lightbulb in your brain flash the fire of a thousand suns, or you don't. When I was little, these acid-trippy colored animals did something to me. It was like the first time I ever felt inspiration, or the love of being a girl and embracing all things rainbow-colored. I had stickers, and folders, and more stickers, and notepads, and pencils and I was like, "WHAT'S UP CHECK OUT MY TECHNICOLORED PANDA EVERYTHING."

Let's get to what's important. Urban Outfitters is now selling VINTAGE Lisa Frank schwag and we all need to buy some if only to tack on our walls because I think it will remind us of times less troubled. 

LISA. FRANK, YOU GUYS. I'm freakin out. 

PS: What your Lisa Frank trapper keeper says about you. 

Tuesday links

I suppose it's common to do a links post on Fridays, but we all could use a Tuesday pick-me-up. 

• The street artist Banksy just fascinates me. 

• Two girls I know from high school have taken on a beautiful project, called Styled With Strength. They send inspiring emails that provide a little TLC for the body, mind, and soul. To get on the mailing list email them at styledwithstrength@gmail.com

• So excited for the new movie, Hitchcock. It's about the love story between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville during the filming Pyscho in 1959. How identical are Anthony Hopkins and Hitchcock?!  

• Rachel Zoe is getting her own comedy show.

• An ex-waitress tells how much to tip for good and bad service. 

• Gojee. Have we talked about this site before? I can't remember. But how's this for a foodie website; tell Gojee what you're craving and what you have in your kitchen and they'll provide a recipe for you. Culinary magic. 

• Shopbop is 20% off today with code 'WEAREFAMILY'. You've been warned. 

• I've shared my thoughts on the seemingly everywhere camo trend in fashion here. But this outfit from Christine of My Style Pill is not half bad, I'll admit. 

• 17 other things Amy Poehler and Tina Fey should run besides the hosting of the Golden Globes. Lindsay Lohan's life, totally. 

• "You Can't Know What You Want Until You Don't Know What You Want". Amen. 

• We all love a little pumpkin carving. But the whole sticking-fire-into-tiny-cut-out-hole thing can get a little dangerous, and remembering to blow them out is a pain. Ta-da! Keep Halloween safe and easy this year with LED candles. 

Wake up here. Breakfast here.

Wake up here.

Breakfast here.

Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment

When I was younger, I totally wanted my "future big kid apartment" to look like Eric, Jack and Rachel's place on Boy Meets World. But now, I can't be the only girl who wishes she lived in Carrie Bradshaw's Manhattan apartment. I especially love her little writing area (and DUH THAT CLOSET.) 

Want to see more TV floor plans? (Like Friends!) click here. 

The way to a man's heart, is through his stomach.

Or my heart. But whatever. 

We'll just call these CCMW&B bars. I'm into acronyms. 

Don't be frightened. The whiskey is light (only a tablespoon). And bacon? Holla. 

Recipe here.  

Zara Home

Anyone else get an email from Zara yesterday morning that made their day a little brighter? The U.S. website now has home goods! Here's to making our abodes a little classier, and a little sassier. A few of my favorites: 

Life lately, according to my iPhone

Super convenient that there's a farmer's market every Wednesday outside my class building. It's prompted some pretty healthy cooking. 

So Miss BANANA doesn't look too thrilled here, but I swear this was a great day! Have you tried a blow dry bar yet? They're super fun! If you haven't heard, you pay $35 and choose a "blowdry" style -- you can go bombshell, super sleek, boho, etc. There's no cut, just a wash and a great blow out that lasts three days. Four if you're really talented at avoiding showering.

My friend Emily and I got to attend a fashion show downtown thanks to our boss lady and Karen from Cayetano jewelry. It was pretty hip.

Taking in a Gopher football game on a crisp fall night. That is the best time of all times.

My new little bow ring from Parc. By Boe has to be one of my favorite jewelry lines we carry. Her dainty pieces are just so much cuteness. 

Style Architects gave out these yummy smelling candles at their new space launch party this summer. I have waited SO long to use it (I'm very strict with fall/winter being candle season) and OH MY LANTA it is delicious. It's no ordinary vanilla, it's like a orangey-I-came-from-heaven-vanilla. And yes I have a giant jar of Starbursts in my room. 

Oh you dapper, huh?

I tend to pay more attention to women's outfits, naturally, but sometimes there are gentleman get-ups that just make me go, "whoa." There's just something about A) gingham and B) a more structured top part of a guy's outfit paired with a more relaxed bottom half that I just....mmm, mmm, MMM, y'know what I'm sayin'?

photo via: Javan Boden

Paint The Town Red

Just thought I should let you know that this sassy Kate Spade iPhone case went from $35 to $23.45 this morning. Happy Friday shopping. 

The new inspirational web series I'm in love with.

Route by Route is a new web series about two girls driving cross country, interviewing women living out their dream jobs, and discovering how they turned a passion into a career. Women who happen to kick ass at doing what they love for a living are KIND OF my favorite people, which is why I was super excited about this. The first episode gets up close and personal with Charity Thielen, the violinist for The Head and the Heart. UH, AWESOME.

“I couldn’t look at you and breathe at the same time.”

- Becca Fitzpatrick 

I've joined the land of tumblr

Come play. 

The three videos you have to, HAVE TO, watch today.

Because watching little kids dance is the best. 

Jimmy Fallon is the greatest. And this "History of Theme Songs" performance with the cast of his new show "Guys With Kids" is .... I can't even.

Thank GOD the NFL has reached an agreement deal with the official refs. Football was becoming unbearable to watch. But for one last poke of fun at the replacement refs, please watch the parody of Flo Rida's "Whistle".  

GQ + Gap = A helluva new line of menswear

Gentlemen, wallets at the ready. GQ and Gap are teaming up for an exclusive collection available at select Gap stores starting tomorrow. Your girlfriend will thank you. Or maybe your mom, I'm not here to judge. 

Walk off the Earth + Julia Nunes cover Fun's "Some Nights"

The Courage in Sports Award

If you're from Minnesota, or an avid hockey fan you've heard Jack Jablonski's story. If not, please read on because it's one you should hear. 

On December 30, 2011 Jack was checked from behind during a high school hockey game, causing him to go head first into the boards and leaving him completely paralyzed. He lay completely motionless on the ice.  Jack's dad ran out onto the ice and Jack told him he couldn't move anything. The scariest thing you can hear as a parent, I'm sure. Doctors discovered he had a broken vertebra and a severed spinal cord and told Jack he would never walk or skate again. 

That was nine months ago. Thanks to his unbelievable courage, positive attitude, and determination (seriously, youtube a news clip of this kid, his optimism is unlike anything I've ever seen). Jack basically gave his diagnosis a kind "F you" and has made progress every single day. His latest accomplishments? Standing twenty-two minutes with assistance, playing beach volleyball from his wheelchair with his trainers, walked with the help of machines. He even threw out the first pitch at this last Monday's Twins game. 

His story hit home so hard for me, and I've followed his progress since December. My younger brother (who just graduated high school) played hockey his whole life, and was coincidentally in the same tournament as Jack when the accident happened. That could have easily been him. 

Why am I telling you all of this? In early September, Jack was nominated for CBS's Courage in Sports award and his since made it to the finals. With your help, he just might win, Lord knows he deserves it. Where can you vote? Right here. Please do all you can to spread the word. 

The hottest flats in fashion blogger land right now? These silk medallion-print smoking slippers from Joie. I'm seeing them EVERYWHERE. They rake in at $175 so let's all keep our eyes peeled for a cheaper look-alike, hmm?

My favorite Emmy look, and a MUCH cheaper version.

It takes a lot for me to gasp at a dress these days. Everything on award shows is usually pretty been there, done that, isn't it? But this dress. Oh this dress. The color combo, the opposing textures of the top and bottom, the not too fancy but still utterly gorgeous-factor....damn Leslie, you was lookin GOOD.

Photo via: Zimio

So you're damn right I was determined to recreate this dress for less.  Plus it made for a great homework-avoider. 

Cream crochet top // Mustard maxi skirt // Turquoise earrings // Turquoise bangles

The new MYSPACE

Yeah, you read me right. 

A little over a year ago, none other than Justin Timberlake himself took ownership stake in the social media site that many of remember in a TOTALLY different light (do yourself a favor and DON'T google your old Myspace. I'm still recovering.) So what's the new and improved MySpace like? Co-investor Tim Vanderhook says, "In a single sentence, it's a social network for the creative community to connect with their fans." Justin Timberlake tweeted out this Vimeo link yesterday, looks pretty legit to me. 

P.S. - the song in the video is "Hearbeat" by JJAMZ.

Wiz Khalifa ft. The Weeknd — "Remember You"

The second single off Wiz's forthcoming album, O.N.I.F.C, due out December 4. 

I'm gonna go ahead and say I never saw this coming

You guys. 

The fashion apocalypse is officially here. 

Would you wear it?

photo via: coco & kelley

Nicole Richie for Macy's — my favorites:

Long gone are the days of greasy hair and booty-skimming skirts on The Simple Life (I LOVED that show.) Nicole Richie's style has evolved so effortlessly over the years it's hard to believe she wasn't a boho-chic goddess all along. 

A little school lesson: Nicole has had two lines in the fashion industry for some time now, House of Harlow (the "OMG I WANT EVERYTHING" jewelry line), and Winter Kate, a clothing line named after her daughter's two middle names -- collective "aww."

Thankfully she decided to design a line we can all afford. Her designer collection for Macy's hits stores in early September with prints, velvet, and leather trimmings galore. GIMME GIMME. These are just a few of my favs, but you can view the rest of the collection here.