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!