Find of the Week | 24

Looking ahead to the New Year, I have already made two fashion resolutions--add texture and add color.

I've noticed that there is an unhealthy amount of black and grey in my closet. There are a lot of pros to this way of dressing, mostly because the look is so versatile to dress up or dress down. The major con to wearing all black is that it's not the most youthful look for a 22 year old...

Knitted winter accessories are good for adding texture. I love this hat and mittens set from H&M.

I also bought a red sheath dress from H&M, but couldn't find a photo. Instead, here's a shot from Ashley Madekwe's blog, Ring My Bell, on how she styles her red dress.

Photo Credit: Ring My Bell

This blue dress from Forever 21 adds both color and texture to my wardrobe--it reminds me of something the Duchess of Cambridge might wear...

Find of the Week | 14

Even though Santa made his stop only a few days ago, I couldn't help but indulge in a little more retail therapy. I was thinking about what to pack for Paris (one week to go as of tomorrow!) when I realized I don't have any versatile dresses to go out in. I do have my plum Juicy Couture dress I bought over the summer, but unfortunately plum isn't as versatile as black...

Long-Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Dress in Black, Forever 21 (available in stores)

This was the first dress I picked up in the store--I'm not even sure why I bothered trying to find another one. The long sleeves are perfect for winter weather and the dress can be paired with a pair of tights and booties. 

Glam Girl Metallic Pumps, Forever 21

With that being said, I found these pumps. I do have a Steve Madden handbag from KC Shoes at the Pier in the same metallic, but none of my high heels look like this.

I will do a suitcase inventory blog post for Paris, just like Oxford--stay tuned!

Wilton/Hoboken: A Sunday Complete with TV and Italian

My family and I went to visit my eldest brother in Hoboken this afternoon and ate lunch at Margherita's. When we came back, there was plenty of movie-watching to be done. My parents have been hooked on Revenge, I started devouring the Criterion Collection on HuluPlus by watching Grey Gardens.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Capunti with Broccoli and an Olive Oil/Garlic/Butter Sauce

Source: imdb.com via Lis'Anne on Pinterest

Grey Gardens



I was very impressed with the premiere episode of Downton Abbey's third season, especially with the fact it was commercial-free. It's hard to miss an episode of Downton, because so much can happen in the first fifteen minutes, let alone two-hours. As much as I would love to gush about it, I don't want to spoil anything...

Source: mylusciouslife.com via myLusciousLife on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Today's Outfit: Sweater, Forever 21; Scarf, vintage

Narragansett/Newport: Back to Work and All on the Line

Going back to work was not a challenge. In fact, I was happy to get back into a routine--wake up, get dressed, do my "outfit of the day" Instagram photo, and grab a Starbucks before going to the Pell Center. I am working on a project that will hopefully be done before school starts, so it's like I'm already starting off the semester!

After browsing Netflix on my tablet, I discovered the second season of All on the Line with Joe Zee was uploaded. I have already breezed through half of the season--it is six episodes in all--but I wish there were more. The last episode features Joe helping Nicole Miller revamp her line for New York Fashion Week and I cannot wait to see it.

Source: google.com via Mia on Pinterest

Today's Outfit: Blazer, Express; Shirt, Gap; Jeans, Express; Boots, Forever 21; Bracelets, Alex and Ani

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Wilton/Narragansett: Last, Last Minute Prep for the Holidays

My boyfriend and I did not end up going to New York City on Friday--there was a terrible storm in the morning. We could have gone later, but if we waited through the storm and went in the afternoon, being in the city days before Christmas would be crazy.

Instead, my boyfriend and I went to the mall and I unloaded my disappointment on some retail therapy at Forever 21.

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Black Ankle Boots, $34.40

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Black Lace Dress with Long Sleeves, $15.50 (no longer available on the website)

Yesterday, my boyfriend took me to breakfast at Orem's before my family and I went back to Rhode Island. He also took me to Starbucks and helped me run a few errands for my family, including picking up a Christmas wreath--he is an absolute saint.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Saturday's Outfit: Jacket, Express; Jeans, Express; Boots, Forever 21; Scarf, Forever 21; Bag, (from Madison Avenue street vendor)

Don't mind my boyfriend in the glare of the glass door :)

Newport/Narragansett: Sweaters on Sweaters on Sweaters, PGC 2012 Days 9-12

In case you haven't noticed already, it's getting cold. It's hard to believe last week I wore sandals--now I'm thinking about pulling out my trapper hat for Boston tomorrow.

Tuesday's challenge focused on the benefits of gardening. One component of PGC 2012 Day 9 required to take a picture of a community garden--I chose to photograph my university's vegetable garden. The dining services and students take care of it, which is great because it's an effort on both fronts to make the university meet its sustainability goals. Another component of the challenge was to plant an organic seed. When I got home that night, I ate an apple, took the seeds out of the core, got a cup, ran outside, quickly scooped up some soil in the dark, went back inside, then put the seeds in the cup. It will be a miracle if anything grows. 

Tuesday's Outfit: Sweater, aerie; Jeans, Express; Vest, Gap; Scarf, BCBG Max Azria; Boots, Coach; Earrings (from Trendz)

Salve Regina University's vegetable garden

Let's hope this guy survives!

Wednesday was a bit of a whirlwind. Work study kept me busy, updating information and a few Powerpoint presentations. I do not remember much else except completing PGC 2012 Day 10 on Zero Waste and learning I won a "Greener" level prize for my entry on PGC 2012 Day 8, Meatless Monday--that was the highlight of my day.

Wednesday's Outfit: Sweater, Juicy Couture; Top, Gap; Pants, Gap; Boots, (from Tropical Gangsters)

I had to take a picture of single-use items I use on a daily basis then find reusable alternatives for them

I don't really remember what I did yesterday either, everything is such a blur--wake up, get dressed, drive to Newport, and get to class. And PGC 2012 Day 11, of course, which focused on voicing awareness about a social issue. It also had a component which required a video or written submission about an important woman in your life. I tried a video for this challenge and posted it on Teens Turning Green's Facebook page. I'm so much more awkward than I want to be. The highlight of the day was when I got Starbucks and received a free drink coupon, because when I asked for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, the barista said they were out of the flavor.

Thursday's Outfit: Blazer, Forever 21; Scarf, vintage; Jeans, Gap; Flats, Nomad

One of my favorite stores in Newport

 This week I realized how much the Project Green Challenge has gotten me thinking more deeply about sustainable living. Today's challenge, PGC 2012 Day 12, was on packaged foods. I know some of the labels and ingredients to be wary of when buying packaged food, but I was surprised to find that labels I thought would be more regulated, such as gluten-free or grass-fed, were not.

Tomorrow, I'm going on a trip to Boston to see the New England Aquarium. My boyfriend and I are meeting up, too, so I'm looking forward to spending the day with him.

Today's Outfit: Leather Jacket, New York & Company; Scarf, ESpirit; Jeans, Express; Boots, Mudd; LV tote (from Wish Newport)

Wilton: Some Retail Therapy and Eating Real Food

Today was amazing for several reasons. The first being that my chipmunk cheeks have nearly disappeared, which made me socially presentable. The second was the realization I could lightly chew French toast, which meant that I could start eating real food. The third was knowing my parents and I were going to the mall in the afternoon.

I remembered the emotional benefits of retail therapy--it truly does wonders to lift up spirits.

To my father's dismay, my mom and I spent more time shopping than he would have liked, but my mom and I scored great deals at Bare Escentuals, Victoria's Secret, and Forever 21. I am currently obsessing over the red jacket from Forever 21.

We ate lunch at Brio, an Italian restaurant next to The Cheesecake Factory. It was a perfect day to sit outside and enjoy the last days of summer. I ordered salmon and angel hair pasta for an entree. For dessert, my mom and I split a small creme brulee.

Needless to say, I was happy to have a nice meal with my parents outside of the house. Eating Ramen noodles and organic applesauce in bed can only sustain a girl with a fierce appetite for food and adventure for so long.

I want to try to get a head start reading some novels for school--Madame Bovary has been on my reading list for a few years--but whether or not I actually will is debateable. 

Lace Back Cardigan, Gap; Halter Top, Energie; Shorts, Banana Republic

Neon eye shadows from the Bare Escentuals beauty counter

More neon colors at Victoria's Secret

Shoe-gasm at Forever 21

Brio

"Grilled Salmon and Angel Hair Pasta with tomatoes, green onions, asparagus, pesto, and scampi butter sauce "

Creme Brulee

One of the reasons why I love Victoria's Secret, because of all of the freebies and discounts. I received a free pair of  underwear, a $10.00 discount off a bra, and a free T shirt with the bra. Not bad.

Red Blazer, Forever 21, $27.80

Rocking Red, White and Blue: Olympics 2012

The London 2012 Olympics begin today! In a few hours, the opening ceremony will take place. 

I may know virtually nothing about the Olympic sports and their athletes, but I do know there are fashions to display your patriotism. If you want official Team USA gear, The Team USA Olympic store is stocked by Nike and Ralph Lauren. Gap has cool Olympic themed graphic T shirts and plenty of other stores have red, white, and blue clothing.

Be sure to check out a variety of different blogs-Chictopia, Lookbook, Polyvore, etc.--to get inspired by how others are dressing for the day. 

Here are some of my favorite picks:

Nike USA Women's London 2012 21st Century  Windrunner Jacket in Silver, $449.95

Ralph Lauren USA Women's London 2012 Slim Mesh Polo in  Red, $145.00

Alex and Ani USA Olympics Gold Tone Expandable Charm Bracelet, $31.95 

Gap Olympic Vintage T in Light Blue Heather, $29.95

Gap Olympic Vintage Tank in Red Silk, $24.95 

Forever 21 LA Dodgers Racerback  Tank  in Cream/Blue,  $14.80

Forever 21 Destroyed Union Jack Tiger T in  Black, $16.90

Forever 21 Premium Studded Cutoffs in White, $19.80

Forever 21 Double Strap Mary Janes in Royal,  $27.80

BDG Flag Short, available at Urban Outfitters $54.00

BDG Striped Crewneck T in Red (also in Navy), available at Urban Outfitters, $18.00

Motel Rock the Vote Jordan Jean, available at Urban Outfitters, $100.00

Jeffrey Campbell Spiked Lita Boot, available at Urban Outfitters, $195.00

Sam Edelman Alexander High Top Sneaker, available at Urban Outfitters,  $100.00

"Olympic Fever" Polyvore Set by Fashionista 12-12

"Hard Work and Dedication Got You to This Point" Polyvore set by Hannah Grace 

If you want to learn more about the London 2012 Opening Ceremony, click here.

Want: Fall 2011

I still haven't gone fall clothes shopping yet, which is good because it means I have more time to think about what look I'm after this season. For Fall 2011, I'm craving pullover sweaters, pops of color, and cut outs.

I am in love with this red Forever 21 sweater and Zara pants! I have been looking for pants like this for a year. Zippers are one of my favorite hardware accents to any garment and Chictopian Jamour wears them well.

Here, Jamour layers a Mont St. Michel short sleeve pullover sweater and a Forever21 yellow shirt. Usually I am skeptical about this look, but the balance between the softness of the sweater and the luxe edge black accessories reads edgy prep.

If you break it down, this is simply a jeans and tee outfit but the cut outs in the Pinkbullet sweatshirt top make it look so much more. Gap's revamped denim line has proven itself over the past few years and these jeans look simply flawless. I would probably forgo the hat, though.