Gray skies

Soooo it;s kind of embarassing how long it's been since I've last posted anything. I promise I'll try to do better! Hopefully the craziness of the first part of the semester will calm down soon :-).

This year I am absolutely in LOVE with gray for fall (maybe because it matches the weather we've had lately in Blacksburg!). Like black, it's slimming and goes well with anything, but it's a little bit softer and not quite as edgy. It looks particularly cute when paired with jewel tones (another popular trend for fall). Here are a few of my favorite gray pieces this season:



1. Corset Sweaterdress - Anthropologie, $298.
2. Ruffle Bib Cami – Ann Taylor Loft, $49.50
3. Black Rivet Tiered Bottom ¾ length – Wilson’s Leather Outlet, $96
4. Lumiere Ruffle Cardigan – J. Crew, 89.50
5. Knit Tulip Skirt – Gap, $39.50

Tell me: Will you be wearing any gray this fall?

VT vs. ECU football game

Hello loves!

I had soooo much fun at the football game this weekend. Hokies win = happiness secure for the week. I have to admit, I was a little worried when we started out the game down 10-0. We turned it around though, and ended up winning it 49-27. Woooo!!! I finally got to see the team I know and love play like I'm used to. Also, LOVED watching our very young defense get two interceptions that both ended up in touchdowns. Hopefully we'll be seeing more of that this season! Can't wait for more Hokie football in the next few weeks!

I still love Virginia Tech football

I have to admit, I almost couldn’t bring myself to write about last Saturday’s game. It was devastating. Our beloved Hokies lost to JMU, a game that was supposed to an easy win after our tough fight against Boise State last week. Seeing the heartbreak in thousands of people’s faces was almost as bad as watching Darren Evans fumble on JMU’s ten yard line. It was a game full of costly mistakes and an apparent lack of excitement from most of the team. Let’s face it: this is the kind of game other teams have just been waiting for us to lose.

What made it worse was the reaction from the other team’s fans. JMU has every right to be excited. However, the rudeness and lack of sportsmanship exhibited from many of JMU’s fans simply added insult to injury. I am generally very proud of VT’s sportsmanship and class both on and off the field. However that standard can be hard to maintain after being flicked off and cursed at by multiple JMU fans. Before the game, I told my Dad that I had never heard of a fight breaking out during or after the game. Unfortunately that changed on Saturday when some of the JMU fans couldn’t resist harassing an already heartbroken group of students and alumni. This is not to say VT students weren’t to blame in some cases. To my knowledge though, JMU fans were the instigators far more than the Hokies.

For those of you not in Blacksburg for the game, the level of depression and devastation afterwards was unbelievable. I’ve never seen my fellow Hokies so deeply disheartened. Trust me, the current state of our football team is a very sensitive subject around here. It’s hard to believe that less than two weeks ago we were secretly hoping for a national championship. A few people are even starting to question the ability of our beloved Coach Beamer, and many people are calling for a new offensive coach. I don’t think the mood in Blacksburg had ever been so unhappy during football season. However, I think it’s important to remind everyone (including some of our students) of one thing: We still love our team. We love them when they win, and we love them when they lose. The Hokies are NOT fair-weather fans.

I sincerely hope that all of our students and alumni will be cheering just as loud this weekend against ECU as they did when we played Boise State in FedEx field. And if you see a football player, give them a high five. Let them know you still support them. I guarantee you they’re probably even more upset than we are. Yes, we’re upset. Yes, we can’t bring ourselves to turn on ESPN and listen to all of their comments. But we still love our team. And we will still support them in every game they play this season. Remember: We are Virginia Tech. We will prevail.

Start of Fall Semester

You may have noticed that my posts have been somewhat inconsistent lately. That's probably because of how insanely busy I've been, despite the fact that it's only the third week of schools. So, in case you were wondering what exactly I've been up to, I've been...

Planning events with the Residence Hall Federation...

Obsessing over college football...

And spending time with some of my beautiful Gamma Delta Sigma sisters!

What about you? How has your semester been going?

Nike Pro Combat Uniforms

So I know this is a departure from my usual subject matter, but I wanted to take a minute to discuss a different type of fashion: football uniforms. Nike just launched its new Pro Combat Uniforms for ten different college teams, including Virginia Tech. The football team will be sporting the new unifrom in our game against Boise State this Monday at FedEx field. There's no denying that the technology in these uniforms is amazing, especially when you read how much lighter they are then the average uniform. The all-black look is pretty sexy too. Just one problem: Black isn't one of Virginia Tech's colors. Plus, there's hardly any maroon to be found on the uniform, and we all know orange isn't one of our favorite colors to play in. Now I know that the black is supposed to be a throwback to our old school colors (black and grey), but we've been a maroon and orange team for more than 100 years. I can't help but wish for the classic maroon unifroms we love and have won so many games in. Plus, I'm really not sure how to feel about the "computer chip" design in the numbers. I definitely love the words "Ut Prosim" on the back though. I think that's a much better tribute to our school's history than having black uniforms.

Tell me: How do you feel about the new uniforms?

Find out more about the new Nike Pro Combat Uniforms at http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/usnikefootball/en_US/rivalries2010#uniform?id=virginia_tech

Hokie Attire, Part 2

Hey guys! Less than a week now until the first VT game and I am sooo excited. Here are a few items both guys and girls can wear this football season:

Guys & Gals:

1. VT Peruvian Swirl Beanie by Colombia – Campus Emporium, $25.00

2. “The Only Sign of Intelligent Life in Charlottesville” Tee – Campus Emporium, $17.00

3. Blacksburg Tailgating Tee – Campus Emporium, $19.99

4. Virginia Tech Hokies Zep-Pro Collegiate Flip-Flops – Hokie Planet, $25.99

Sorry UVA fans, but I just had to include number 2 - it's one of my favorite shirts here at Tech. For everyone else, if you're not already excited for football season, maybe this video will help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfDp89Pwu88

Hokie Attire, Part One

With the football season fast approaching, I though now was the perfect time to update you some of my favorite Hokie attire for this season. Many of our freshman haven't filled up their wardrobe with enough maroon and orange yet, so here are some of my favorite options for the fall:



Ladies Only:


1. Women’s Save the Earth Tee – Campus Emporium, $19.99
2. I love Frank Junior’s Tee – Campus Emporium, $19.99
3. Virginia Tech Hokies Pewter Peace, Love Earrings – Lady Fanatics, $17.99
4. VT Ladies Braided Dream Dress – Hokie Planet, $43.99
5. Virginia Tech Cardigan – Victoria’s Secret Pink, $49.50



Tell me: Which item is your favorite?

If Nautical Nonsense Be Something You Wish...

This summer it seemed like I saw nautically-inspired looks everywhere I looked. I have a feeling that this cute trend will continue into the fall, especially since it's so versatile. To get this look, allow primary colors like red, yellow, and blue (especially navy) to dominate your wardrobe. Thin, horizontal striped are also a key component of this look, as are shirts and jewelry with nautical motifs like seashells and anchors. Add a few straw accessories and you'll be ready to go! Check out these examples of this popular trend:
1. Seaworthy Style Dress – ModCloth, $44.99
2. Starfish Cuff Bracelet – Target, $29.99
3. Nautical Stripe Jacket – Forever 21, $19.80
4. Gallery-stripe Marlie shell – J. Crew, $88.00
5. Floppy Straw Hat – Gap, $24.99
6. BLOWFISH seeing – Rack Room Shoes, $29.99

Tell me: Will you be sporting any nautical looks this fall?

Fredericksburg Fair

Last week David and I went to the Fredericksburg Fair. It was so much fun! We had a blast checking out all the animals and rides. We also watched the demolition derby they have every year. If you've never seen one, go!! You'll have so much fun, even if you think you won't at first. The entire evening ended up being an absolute blast. I can't wait for next year's fair!!

Deep-fried Oreos

Deep-fried Oreos are as delicious and artery-clogging as they sound. A popular food at carnivals and state fairs, David and I first tried our hands at these a couple years ago. Since then we've made at least one batch every summer. In preparation for our local fair (more on that later), we decided to make our second batch of the summer. As usual, they were absolutely delicious, and wayyy cheaper than they would have been at the fair. I can't wait to make them again next year!

Crab Picking

This past weekend my family bought our very first half bushell of crabs. For those of you who are from around here, you know exactly what I'm talking about. For those of you who aren't, blue crabs are a very popular local crab. They're fairly small (usually less than 6 or 7 inches), so you purchase them whole and pick apart the entire crab, not just the legs and claws. It's a lot of work, but the meat is soooo good. Hope you're able to get your crab fix this summer too!

Lace

Boudoir meets everyday in this season’s latest trend: lace. Although I’ve always been able to find lace details on blouses or dresses, I’ve never seen so much of it. This trend can be seen everywhere, in every color and price range. I couldn’t believe all the delicate lacey tops and skirts I found on my most recent shopping excursion. I will definitely be investing in a few lace pieces to add to my wardrobe. Here are just a few of my favorite pieces:

1. I Saw the Cyan Dress – Modcloth, $92.99 2. Lace Tank – Forever 21, $14.80
3. Filamentous necklace – Anthropologie, $38.00
4. Lacey Cami – J. Crew, $695
5. Xhilaration Juniors Lace Skirt in Black - Target, $16.99



Tell me: Will you be adding more lace into your warddrobe?

Tres Leches Cupcakes

Gourmet cupcakes are definitely one of the biggest food trends of late (as evidenced by the show "Cupcake Wars" on Food Network!), and I've certainly had some very tasty ones from specialty shops. So, the other day I decided to try my hand and making a few of these gourmet treats. I decided to use Martha Stewarts for Tres Leches cupcakes. Despite a few setbacks (including missing cupcake pans), they turned out amazing! They were by far the most moist cupcakes I've ever had, and I loved the use of whip cream on them instead of icing. I can't wait to test out another recipe!

On my playlist...

One of the other things I love is music. Although I'm certainly no music connoisseur, every now and then I hear something just a little different that I absolutely love. That's the kind of music I'm hoping to share with you :-).

The first song I want to share with you is a country song I've heard recently on the radio. It's called "If I Die Young," by The Band Perry. Although I wasn't sure if I really liked it the first time I heard it, I couldn't get the song out of my head. This touching ballad pretty much sounds like poetry set to music. Don't believe me? Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM&feature=avmsc2

Polar opposites

So although there isn't a picture to go with today's post, a really wanted to share this story with you guys about two completely opposite people I emcountered at work today. As you guys know, I work at a kiosk in the mall raising money for ActionAid, a charity that works with impoverished people in over 50 countries. One woman stopped today and tried to donate several times. Unfortunately, because of our policies on donations, she wasn't able to. To my surprise, she then started to cry. When I asked her what was wrong, she said that it was because people like us (a charity) were fundraising in a mall. She then explained how it really makes it hit home that while people like us are out shopping, other people don't even have water. The sad things is how completely true that statement is. Unfortunately, it just isn't something we think about here very much.

While all this was going on, one of my coworkers attempted to stop a guy who was walking by our table. The man then proceeded to yell at her, saying that we should help street kids instead of these "motherf***ers." Now, I should explain to you that while a lot of people aren't happy to talk to us, it's extremely rare to have someone actually start cursing, so the fact that this man used that word to describe the kids we're trying to help was absolutely shocking. I couldn't help but think of how it ironic it was that the two extremes of the people I encounted everyday happened to show up at our table at the same time. One one side of the table was a man yelling about how these people we're working to help are "motherf***ers." On the other side was a woman who was so overcome with compassion that she started to cry. It really does paint a pretty accurate picture of the types of people who are out there and the types of people we get to meet every day at work.

Rainy Days

The past few days I've been in Blacksburg doing stuff for RHF during freshman orientation. As luck would have it, it has poured almost constantly since I got here, despite the fact that there's been hardly any rain here at VT for the last month. Although I remembered an umbrella, I've had to go without boots or any sort of jacket. So, while I was stuck inside, I decided to put together three looks for rainy days like today.

Look 1: Flirty and Feminine

This look is very feminine and sweet, combing classic "girl" colors like pink and purple with beautiful floral prints. It definitely adds some color to an otherwise cloudy and gray day.

1. Women’s Guess Hooded Double Breasted Belted ¾ - Wilsons Leather, $71.95

2. Totes Floral Purse Umbrella – Target, $14.99

3. Liberty of London for Target Poppy Print Rain Boats – Target, $29.99

Look 2: Bold and Modern

This outfit is sure to get you noticed with its bold zebra print and use of primary colors. Prepare to stand out while still looking chic and put together.

1. Totes Bubble Umbrella in Yellow – Target, $16.99

2. Black Rivet Asymmetrical Zip Front Fabric ¾ - Wilsons Leather, $59.95

3. Dirty Laundry Roadhouse Waterproof Rain Boot – DSW, on sale for $44.95

Look 3: Classic and Preppy

This outfit is perfect for work or any occasion where you need to look professional and put together. The neutral trench will go with almost anything in your closet, and the scarf and umbrella add just a little color to a fairly simple ensemble.

1. Nine West Drop Waist Fabric Trench - Wilsons Leather, $71.95

2. Leighton Parasol Tiffany Umbrella – Luggage Point, $32.99

3. Knit Fashion Scarf – Forever 21, $4.50

4. Tartan Plaid Rain Boots - Target, $24.99

Tell me: What's your favorite look?

San Diego

Ok guys, so I have been embarassingly lax in keeping up with this blog. In my defense, I've been sooo busy that it's been really hard to gather the energy to blog in the evenings. However, even I know that's no excuse for going two weeks without an update! So, in the few minutes I have before I go to sleep, here's how my trip to San Diego a couple weeks ago went:

After an entire day spent traveling, we finally reached the Universiety of California - San Diego. The trip was long, but the views from the plane were amazing! We all went to sleep pretty early. You'd think a three hour time difference wouldn't matter much, but it really does! The next day we spent a few hurried but fun hours at the San Diego Zoo. We definitely didn't the time to see all of such a huge zoo, but what we did see was amazing!!

The rest of the conference went by sooo fast. We spent the days in various meetings and program sessions, with a few breaks for meals. The evenings were really fun though - the conference staff did a great job with the entertainment! All in all, it was definitely an awesome trip!

Wakeboarding

One of my projects for the summer is learning how to wakeboard. David loves to go with his friends and family, so I'm determined to be able to go too. Although I'm still working on being able to stay on for a while without falling, I've been having sooo much fun with it. Who knows, maybe by the end of the summer I'll be doing all kinds of jumps and tricks! (Ok, so probably not, but you never know!) Either way, I love getting to go out on the boat with David and everyone else. I actually told him the other day that I'm pretty sure I was born to go boating and wakeboarding all the time, even though I wasn't born into a "boating" family. I'm definitely working on convincing my dad to get our family a boat now!

Samantha

It's finally time for the last part of my Sex & the City feature! I'll be honest, I never realized how much work putting together this feature would be!! However, there's no better way to finish the feature off with the lovely Samantha :-). Samantha, the oldest of the four main characters, is by far the most promiscous and sexual of them. She is the ultimate "cougar" - confident, sexy, and sophisticated. Her clothes definitely reflect that. Check out these examples of Samantha's style:

Samantha's clothes are very young and trendy. They're often tight-fitting, as Samantha loves to show off her figure. Colors vary from black to pastels, with plenty of metallics thrown in. Like the other characters, she loves her heels, especially peep-toe pumps (she's always trying to show a little more skin ;-)) To mimic Samantha's style, don't be afraid to show off your figure (without going over the top). You're going for sexy, yet sophisticated. Pair cute, figure-flattering dresses with colorful belts to show off your waist. Don't forget the sunglasses!

1. Metal Studded One Shoulder Dress – Forever 21, $27.80

2. Cutout Dress – Victoria’s Secret, $29.99

3. Annibelle Pleather Belt – Forever 21, $6.80

4. Metal C-Framed Sunglasses – Charlotte Russe, $5.50

5. Audrey Slingback – Payless, $24.99

So now that we've looked at all four ladies, whose style is your favorite?

Pike on America's Got Talent!

Hey guys! So I just wanted to share with everyone how proud I am of Pike for making it through the first round of America's Got Talent! Pike is a fraternity at Virginia Tech that started their act for a philanthropy event. Check out their website, and be sure to watch their amazing performance!

Miranda

Miranda is probably the least favorite of the four main characters on the show, at least based on the comments of most of my friends. She started out as the most masculine of the four, but has clearly evolved over the years to a sexy and sophisticated woman, mother, and wife. Miranda definitely dresses the most conservatively of the four. Her outfits are generally very sleek and straight with somewhat high necklines. She tends to mix neutral dresses and tees with colorful sweaters and accessories. Check out these examples of Miranda's style:

Miranda's style is easy to imitate. Keep it somewhat conservative, with higher necklines and longer hemlines. Pair neutral dresses and outfits with colorful or even metallic accessories. Check out these items for easy ways to mimic Miranda's conservative yet sexy style.

1. H81 Cable Knit Cardigan – Forever 21, $18.90

2. Sunday Silk Dress – Forever 21, $27.80

3. Reversible Scoopneck Tee – Victoria’s Secret, on sale for $7.99

4. Crinkled Needs Scarf – Forever 21, $6.80

5. Merona Collection Kate Shift Dress – Target, $39.99

6. Large Bow Front Handbag – Charlotte Russe, $22.50

Tell me: What's your favorite piece?

Gelato

Yesterday David and I stopped by the Gelato Cafe, a small cafe only a couple miles away from where I leave. It was soooo good. The cafe is absolutely adorable, and the gelato was amazing. Although my favorite is nocciola (gelato made with nutella - mmmmm), they didn't have it yesterday so I went with Roasted Almond, which was still delicious. David got Malaga, a unique flavor that immediately brought me back to getting gelato when my family and I lived in Italy more than 10 years ago. I would definitely recomment stopping by if you're ever in the Stafford area.