Wedding Season

With summer comes wedding season, which can be either a blessing or a curse. Weddings are always a ton of fun and great to see old friends, but they can also be a bit expensive (for the guests, too!) I've put together a few wedding outfits for the season, and all of the items are from J.Crew. They are definitely re-wearable, and great all season long! For summer weddings, I love loose hair and light makeup similar to Ashley's, because it shows off your natural glow. 

Are you headed to a lot of weddings this summer? What's your favorite part about a wedding? Do you have any style tips you always use for weddings? I'd love to hear all you have to say!

Pack & Go

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about packing and moving, mostly because I am literally packing and moving back to Chicago and Lake Geneva for the summer, before packing and moving again back to school and a new apartment. My brother is also moving out of his current apartment in the city and into a new one, as do many people in late May or early June. When I really think about it, it almost drives me a little bit insane thinking about how many times I round everything up and move. In college alone, I will end up moving about nine times (including summers and studying abroad), and after I graduate and move back to a new apartment in the city, who knows how many times I'll move after that (not very many, I'm hoping -- I'm very particular about apartments, especially in Chicago!)

Anyway, some people are really fantastic movers, while others are definitely not, and I would say I fall probably in between the two. I do have a lot of stuff, which makes it difficult, but when packing I usually try to stay pretty organized. So whether you're moving now or in the future, here are a few tips on packing up & moving from my personal experience:

1) Keep Like Things Together: This sounds pretty basic, but it would amaze you how many people just throw random things together and pack it up in a box. You may be thinking that it's all going to come out anyway so who cares, but really it's not usually that easy. Unpacking can take a while, and why would you pull out your scarves and gloves right away in June? If you're organized and keep like things together, it makes your life a lot easier.

2) Label Everything: Again, a basic one. But sometimes you forget, or just don't feel like making the room reak of sharpies. Labeling everything makes it really easy to know where things go, and what is in your box. That way, you can find what you really need right away without wasting time searching through boxes.

3) Clean & Throw Things Out: Are you a slight hoarder? I know I can occasionally be, so moving is the perfect time to throw out anything you really don't want or need, or something that you've been meaning to get rid of for a while now. This can be anything from clothes, to hair products to random papers you've collected from school or work. It makes moving easier, and it makes you feel better for dropping your "dead weight" so to speak.

4) Have Fun With It: Moving can be long, a pain, stressful... the list goes on and on. But it can also be a fantastic opportunity to hit a restart button on your home decor. I absolutely love interior design and have a clear vision of how I want my apartment(s), but there is always room for change and improvement. There are so many awesome things you can do with your living space, and just like your wardrobe, I firmly believe that your living space directly reflects who you are. Decorating can be so much fun, so don't stress and just enjoy it!

Review: Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories"

So in case you haven't heard, Daft Punk's new album "Random Access Memories" leaked yesterday, and is available to stream for free on itunes. Now, coming from an avid music enthusiast, I was pretty psyched. I love all types of music, which is probably a really cliche thing to say, but it's actually very true. I grew up being apart of one of the nation's top bands and orchestras, and my go-to music for studying and relaxing is almost any piano concerto or orchestral piece you can find (I have an entire playlist, it's fine.) Along with my "nerdy" (or cultured?) side, I also love to jam to anything from Steve Aoki, to Jack Johnson, to Acapella groups, to Britney Spears, to Michael Buble, to Justin Timberlake... the list goes on and on. However, Daft Punk has had a special place in my heart ever since 1997 when my brother first started blasting their music in our basement. Their music intrigues me, and I just love how their unique sounds and beats.

However, I was mildly disappointed with this album. They collaborated with many different (talented) artists, and I just didn't think it was the same. Don't get me wrong, it is still pretty brilliant, but I definitely think they have done better work before. This album takes on a whole different tone, and to me, it just wasn't as great. But I still encourage you all to check it out.

I'm always on the hunt for new artists or groups, so if you have suggestions, please feel free to let me know. I am addicted to talent, and love finding new sounds or voices I have never heard before.

What did you think of Daft Punk's new album? Do you like techno music? Any suggestions of bands to check out?

Searching For...

How was everyone's weekend? I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating Mother's Day yesterday, even if you couldn't be there with your mom (like me). 

Now that it's my final week of the semester at school, summer is definitely on the horizon for me. One of the things I love about summer is how breezy and laid-back your style can be. Hats can definitely play into that, and the four I've chosen above are the types of hats I love to wear this season. What do you think of my picks?

Short post today, but I have a ton of exciting posts coming up within the next few weeks! You'll get to see a lot of the reasons I started this blog: fashion, beauty, lifestyle -- and Chicago! I'll be back, so it will be a lot easier to get pictures and such. 

I hope you all enjoy the week! Don't forget that life's a gift, and there is always something to be both thankful and hopeful for. 

Five Favorite Friday

Happy Friday! My "hell" week is finally over! In exactly six days, I will be back home in Chicago. To say I'm excited is an understatement. As much as I adore college, Chicago (obviously) has a warm place in my heart.

Today is once again a gloomy day, which is a bummer and starting to really annoy me. How many days does it have to rain in a row? It's absolutely ridiculous, but ok -- end rant. Since it's gloomy, I thought for today's Five Favorite's I would talk about one of my favorite guilty pleasures -- watching TV.

I can't even tell you the last time I watched an actual TV, it's been that long. Being in college (and real life, too), I rarely have time to just sit in front of the TV and watch. That being said, I do have my favorite shows that I attempt to keep up with, and a Netflix account, which is basically God's gift to earth.

With summer (and pre-summer, which I've mentioned in previous posts) quickly approaching, many people have more to time to spare. College students and people who are teachers have the summers off, while others either have a lighter work load or take some time off during the summer months. Now, I definitely am one to encourage being active and doing fun activities (boating, vacationing, trying a new bar/restaurant, etc...) in the warmer months, sometimes I just like to kick back and chill in for a day or night, and just kind of hang. Whether you're with a significant other, friends or just yourself, it can be nice to relax for a while, even if it's just a few hours. My favorite thing to while I just hang is watch a movie or TV, and with Netflix, it's pretty easy to get started on a TV series you've always wanted to watch before. So I bring you: my five all-time favorite TV shows.

1) Sex and the City: This is by far my all-time favorite show. This may sound very cliche, but it's timeless. I'm not really a person who buys a lot of dvds or anything, but I will admit that I own the entire series of SATC. Although sometimes bizarre (and maybe a liiiiiitle unrealistic), everyone can identify with someone in this show, if not multiple characters. I was a little too young to watch and appreciate when the show first came out (it was 15 years ago -- wow!), but eventually I discovered it and have been in love ever since. If you've never seen it or have only watched a few episodes and are looking for a new "thing", Sex and the City should definitely be it. 

2) Arrested Development: This show is pure gold. I've never met a person who has watched this show, and not liked it. My ex-boyfriend introduced me to it, and I've passed along AD to many other friends. It's hysterical in such a bizarre way. All of the characters are so funny that I honestly can't even pick a "favorite -- minus Jason Bateman, but that's just because I have a weird love for Jason Bateman, himself -- but I digress... Anyway, you should seriously check this show out if you haven't already. It's only 30 minutes with three seasons... and after seven years, the fourth season is coming out May 26! I absolutely cannot wait. And what's great about this show is that it's perfect to watch with any of the men in your life -- boyfriends, husbands, guy friends, brothers & fathers... they all love it! 

3) Gossip Girl: Ok, so I should probably be a little embarrassed by this choice, but I can't help myself -- I love Gossip Girl. Sure, it got to be pretty bad 4-5 season, but I don't care, I love it (Icona Pop, anyone?). GG just ended in December of 2012, and I miss it desperately. What I love about Gossip Girl (besides all of the crazy and petty drama) is all of the glamour, fashion and of course, the city life of the extremely privileged. I find it terribly interesting, and while this isn't exactly a favorite of the men (trust me -- I've tried), but you can totally watch it with your girlfriends (or yourself!), and it's still a fantastic and entertaining "chick" show. 

4) The Mentalist: Confession: my parent's actually got me hooked on this show. At first, I was just intrigued because of how incredibly attractive Simon Baker is, but once I started watching the show, I realized it was actually really good. This is the only show on my list that is actually still on TV (that makes me feel really old, and also really busy...), so I can't really keep up all of the time -- but I do my best! I like "The Mentalist" because it can be really creative and makes you think, and usually has two story lines going on at once. This is another show that men will appreciate, and if you like "who done it" types of shows, this is definitely for you. 

5) Desperate Housewives: This has got to be the most bizarre show that has ever come out, but I absolutely adore it. It's so strange, juicy and clever that it's most definitely addicting, for both women AND men. Desperate Housewives has about every type of character you could ever imagine, which makes it fun to see who you relate to the most. If you want to start watching this show, it's definitely a commitment because it has 10 season, but it's so worth it! It would be a fun "summer show" to start with your friends or man, and will never fail to entertain you. 

So while these are my five all-time favorite shows, there are a few other notable favorites such as Modern Family, Pretty Little Liars (very "high school", I know -- but I just love Aria & Ezra/Fitz!), Law & Order: SVU and Criminal Minds. You all probably now think I watch an obscene amount of TV and have no life, but I promise -- it's the opposite! I wish I could watch more TV than I do, but occasionally I'll find the time to clear out my DVR (if I'm lucky). 

I hope you all enjoyed my picks, and have a wonderful weekend! It's supposed to warm up early next week for us, however my weekend will be filled with studying for finals next week. The good news is that I can spare this weekend because I know I'll be headed back to Chicago shortly -- just in time for the weekend, in fact. But now onto all of you...

What are your favorite TV shows? Do you have any suggestions for me? I'd love to hear what you're thinking!

Met Ball Best Dressed

Amber Heard in Emilio Pucci; Rooney Mara in Givenchy; Anne Hathaway in Valentino; Minka Kelly in Carolina Herrera; Nicole Richie in Topshop; Kristen Stewart in Stella McCartney

Ok, I have to admit...attending the Met Ball is definitely a huge dream of mine. I look forward to it every year, to see what everyone is wearing, of course! This year, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute Gala in New York City, the theme was "PUNK: Chaos to Couture". With my style normally being describe as "classic chic with a splash of urban trendiness", "punk" really isn't in my fashion vocabulary very often. But of course, I can totally appreciate it and occasionally (maybe?) rock it. 

I've picked out six of what I found to be the best dressed ladies at the Met Ball with the punk theme. Some of these women aren't normally found on my best dressed list (I'm looking at you, Kristen Stewart!), but although there were many fabulous ensembles and choices, I definitely think these girls did it best. 

Not only are their gowns (and jumpsuit!) spectacular, but their hair, makeup and accessories make them look absolutely divine. That's what I love about major events and galas: the looks never disappoint.

What were you're favorite looks from the gala? Are you a fan of the punk look, or not so much? 

Five Favorite Friday

Happy Friday! It's finally May, but the weather still isn't exactly cooperating (just give me 70s and sun, please?). After a fun and crazy night out last night (and a lot of pizza for dinner -- oops), I'm feeling a little lethargic and heavy, and the cold rain isn't helping me get motivated. Although the weather isn't great now, that doesn't mean it won't ever be. So it's time for all of us to kick our comfort foods to the curb, and starting eating healthy and fresh.

It's (almost) pre-summer, which is what I like to call mid-May through the beginning of June, because no one will ever let me actually call it summer yet. Regardless, during this time of year it's easier to eat healthy, because of all of the fresh fruit and vegetables everywhere (Farmers Market, anyone?). Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you I'm a health nut, because I most definitely am not, but I'm working on it. And unless you already are a super clean eater (good for you!), then you should too!

For today's post, I've rounded up five of my favorite summer recipes. Some you can use all year round, while others are definitely easier to eat in the summer (and pre-summer). And once again, for all of you in nice/pre-summer weather right now... I'm jealous.

1) Spinach & Feta Omelette: I used to love omelette's my junior and senior years of high school, but then I kind of got away from them. I don't know if I had them too often or what, but suddenly I wasn't really into them anymore. But after a good four year hiatus, I've rediscovered my love for them! Omelette's and a great and healthy breakfast choice, and they are delicious yet very filling. I love to use egg whites only sometimes, but you can really make it however you choose. I'm also a bacon lover (who isn't?), so occasionally I'll mix up the ingredients inside, but overall, this is my favorite healthy choice. 

2) Veggie Stuffed Turkey Burger: This is a great summer meal, because who doesn't love to sit out on the porch eating a burger with friends? Maybe throw in some sweet potato fries, and you're good to go. This burger is very hearty and totally filling. You can put pretty much whatever type of vegetable you want, but I like to put in zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. 

3) Blueberry & Green Tea Smoothie: Ok so I know that I'm behind, but after a looong contemplation, I've decided to start replacing certain meals with smoothies. I don't do it every day, but once or twice a week I'll make a smoothie for lunch. Not only does it boost weight loss, but it also helps me feeling light and energized, which can be totally necessary on some days. There are so many different smoothie recipes you can find all over, but I really like this one because it's quick, simple and provides you with all of the nutrients you need -- plus, it's delicious. 

4) Blackberry Walnut Salmon: This is a great meal to make if you're hosting a summer dinner party, because it's healthy, delicious, and looks really cool as well. It's the perfect mix of sweet and a little salty, all wrapped up on a piece of yummy fish. I love any type of seafood, so this is a definite favorite of mine. This pairs well with a nice wine (white, red or blush -- really anything goes) and grilled asparagus, and of course, great company.

5) Arugula & Berry Salad with Pecans: I'm not crazy about eating salads all of the time, but this one I could eat for days. The mix of the berries with the pecans and feta is delectable, and I love the leafy texture of the arugula (plus leafy = healthy!). This dish reminds me of summer in almost every way, and I will be making this on the regular (even during pre-summer). 

What do you think of my picks? What are your healthy meals you love to eat? I'd love to hear all of your suggestions!