Sunday, December 18, 2011

An Outfit Fit for Santa

Hey Preps!
(Outfit of the Day: Calvin Klein Cardigan, J.Crew Blouse, 
J. Crew Tweed/Sparkly Skirt, Alfani Flats, Sparkly Bow Headband)

I love this tweed skirt.  It is the perfect balance of traditional and festive with the classic tweed combined with a hint of tinsel like sparkle.  I kept my top simple with a white frilled blouse and simple red cardigan (that has crystal buttons...adding to the festive look).  Simple gray tights helped to keep the attention on the skirt, finishing simple black flats with a hint of beaded detail and a sparkly bow headband to keep the holiday look in mind.

Today I was thinking, and here are a few of the things I already am thankful for this Christmas:
Family Christmas parties, Santa appearances, Christmas decorations and music,
Eating too much, Wine,
No school or work, The first big snow of the year, skiing, wrapping presents,
Giving, Snuggling, Singing, Relaxing...
Friends, Family, and my puppy.

That being said...hope y'all are having great times with family and friends,
and that you had a safe a blessed weekend!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Just Some Thoughts About Graduation

Hey Preps!

Finals are over. I am still tired, sniffly, grumpy, and I just want to lay in my bed.  Yet, somehow I am going to muster up enough motivation to shower and go out to see some of my dearest friends.  Not yet though...not for another hour.  Then I will be scrambling to get everything together and make it to our meeting destination on time.  It's just the way things go in my life.  Just like today, I was thinking and I don't remember a single December that I wasn't sick after finals.  Sheesh! Okay so enough of my pity party.  FINALS ARE OVER! It is officially Christmas break!

Yet, today as I sit and ponder in my exhausted and emotional state...I can't help but think that I am graduating in one single semester.  If it goes by half as fast as the fall semester, it will be too fast.  I am not ready to be a grown up.  There is so much traveling, learning, and events I wish I had the chance to do.  So, since I gave advice at the beginning of this semester, I am going to give a little bit now.  Take it as you will.

1.  I shouldn't have been a Biochemistry major.  There I said it.  Have you guys ever done the Myers-Briggs personality test?  If so, you will understand this: I am ENFJ.  That stands for extraversion, intuition, feeling, judgment...It is one of 16 personality types you can be.  ENFJ's usually are connectors.  We like being social and can sense a tone within a social setting, and know how to adjust accordingly.  We are people pleasers who put others before ourselves.  There is an awareness of social situations that no other personality type has...making us perfect for business oriented fields such as marketing, advertising...anything creative and people oriented.

The sad part? I took this test my freshman year of college.  I saw what career paths were recommended of me, and I panicked.  I wanted to be a Biochemistry major, because I knew it would guarentee a stable job upon graduation.  I knew it would lead into hopefully the Medical field...and now I am looking at all the labs I dreaded, all the dry material, and have no desire to become a doctor...or work in a lab.

I have other options, like getting my MBA and have considered working in Pharmaceutical Sales for a little while before I decide what I should go to grad school for...but the advice I can give you, is do what you love...even if it doesn't always mean the outcome is a stable paycheck.  I am a firm believer that if you do what you love, then you will be successful; waking up each morning excited and passionate about your day.

Don't follow my footsteps and stick out a major you are miserable in...because chances are, you will be miserable in that field of work.

2.  Study Abroad.  I wanted to study abroad in the worst way.  There were full intentions that I would spend the summer abroad in Italy last year, however, that fell through because I was stuck doing senior research.  There are so many places I want to travel and experience...I think the best opportunity to do so is in college.  Plus, it really adds something extra to your resume.

3.  Go to a college that specializes in a field you are interested in.  I was recruited to swim Division I.  The challenge and the opportunity the scholarship provided me made me decide upon the first college I went to.  However, looking back, was it the best fit for me?  Sure, I love that university with all my heart.  I will always cherish the people and experiences within my time there, however, they did not offer the academics that would help me to go straight into a program I wanted after graduation.  If you think about it, there really is nothing I will ever do with swimming....except maybe coach.  Why would I base my whole college decision based on one single aspect that will not benefit my future?

Do I have regrets?  Absolutely not.  Life is a learning process, and I think I have time to decide on what I really want to do in my life...yet, I still can't get over the fact I only have one semester left...

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Winter Essentials: to Keep You Classic and Cozy

Hey Preps!

Yep. It's finals week.  I'm sick, tired, delirious, and look like a mess...
Pretty much locked myself in the library today.  I feel stupid.  I mean, how much can I honestly forget in three months? Somehow I managed to forget a lot...and here I am...in this hot, stuffy, overpopulated facility that doesn't let you even have a sip of water (which I learned today when I was thoroughly scolded for taking a gulp) or speak.  Listen: I have ADHD...I have to have a slight distraction in order to stay focused.  For example, a water break helps me to piece up my studying between gulps...that way I can refocus on the next thing.  Usually I listen to acoustic music as a little bit of a background noise...but today all I hear are sick college peers sniffling next to me.  Do not sniffle on me kid, okay?

So, I have resorted to chewing my pen and hitting it on my head.  Yes, it is the only thing helping me to focus.  Sure kids think I'm weird...but I feel as if my reputation of being a weirdo has already been enacted, so I'm going to keep on doing it.

In midst of a study break, I managed to make a quick Polyvore of some winter essentials that I think we all might be needing come January.  I don't even want to think about January, and school, and cold icy wind tunnels that consist of my walking commutes to my classes...but apparently January seems a little less depressing than this Philosophy final that I am about to embark on:
Winter Staples


Tommy Hilfiger wrap top
£205 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J Crew cable knit sweater
$228 - jcrew.com

J Crew j crew cardigan
$168 - jcrew.com

Tommy Hilfiger pea coat
£250 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J Crew tweed jacket
$300 - net-a-porter.com

J Brand skinny jeans
$180 - barneys.com

J Crew long pencil skirt
$128 - jcrew.com

Lands End skirt
landsend.com

Tory Burch kitten heels
£415 - net-a-porter.com

Boots
$164 - llbean.com

J.Crew wedge heels
$138 - jcrew.com

Lands End ballerina flat
$15 - landsend.com

Lands' End sunglasses
landsend.com






I really don't have time to explain my Polyvore, but I will say that in winter my goal is to stay warm, practical, classic, festive, and dry.  


To those of you taking finals, best of luck! To those of you finished taking finals, congrats!  To those of you not in college, be glad you aren't in my Philosophy class!  


Have a blessed day y'all!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Gents, Deck Your Trousers

Hey Preps!

Driving home yesterday, I passed at least 20 vehicles with their handpicked Christmas trees tenderly tied to the tops.  Everywhere you look, the signs of Christmas are evident.  The semester is finally coming to an end...with a few projects and finals looming in the way between a month off of school, and some much needed time with family and friends.

Let me tell you, Christmas is just the best time of the year.  There is music, lights, food, and time to truly enjoy the blessed lives we live.  There is so much giving, and conscious thought about each individual important in your life...it really makes you realize everything you take for granted on a daily basis.

 There is so much excitement in Christmas, and in my opinion, I think it should be shown through your wardrobe.  Don't you agree?

So, in honor of being in Christmas spirit, I decided to share a few pairs of pants that I think are just perfect for a Gent to rock during this time of year:

"Tangled Cords"
are the perfect pair of pants to wear to any fun Christmas party.
To those college boys, I think these would be a great addition to an
"Ugly Sweater Party".  

"Holiday Harmon Pants"
I love these two-toned corduroy pants.
Nothing says preppy Christmas like a pair of these tailored,
"go-to-hell" pants.  

"Dandycanes"
These pants are 100% wool...and 100% holiday proof.
I love plaid in the winter, and nothing screams Christmas
like a pair of these festive trousers.  I am in pant heaven...


Gents, nothing wishes a merrier Christmas than a pair of festive pants!
Hope y'all are having a great start to the holiday season!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Bean Boots

Hey Preps!

Today I had schoolwork overload, and opted for playing on my Sketchbook instead of doing homework.    A while back, I posted about my love of doodling, and it's benefits of keeping me focused in class.  My class binders are filled with tiny doodles embedded in my notes.  It truly is the perfect distraction to keeping me focused in class...if that makes sense.  For example, today in my philosophy class...I doodled the outfit I was wearing, but was able to answer every question my professor tormented us with.  That slight distraction is my way of paying attention (without shaking my legs...which is my alternative option).

Anyways, Sketchbook is much harder than a simple doodle... especially when using the mouse on my Macbook.  I guess I don't have steady enough hand to be a pro at Sketchbook yet, but I'm working on it. Please excuse the kindergarten artwork above, but I am still proud of my attempted Bean Boots nonetheless.

Still am trying to figure out a way I can incorporate my sketches with an online program.  Any ideas?

Sorry for the random post, just had to show off my latest accomplishment (if I dare even call it that)!
Hope y'all are having great weeks!