Springtime Look

Kindness

Doing a bit of spring cleaning, I went through piles of old magazines that I had stashed away. Flipping through the March issue of Oprah, I stumbled upon a poem that really hit home. At the risk of sounding like the world's biggest cheeseball, I've started to appreciate the value in the struggles I've faced. I've realized that you can't truly experience happiness without having hardships along the way, making everything that much sweeter. I wouldn't be who I am or appreciate where I'm at without the obstacles that seemed so unconquerable at the time. Love how this poem describes that so perfectly...

Kindness

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride,
thinking the bus will never stop.

Final Exam Time!

"Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)"

A few of my own reflections on graduation/change/growth will be posted later this week (and trust me, I have plenty of them). For now, I leave you with someone else's words of wisdom...

"If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists,
Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
Than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now... 

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind;
You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself
And recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you
And how fabulous you really looked.

How unbelievably beautiful....

The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

Ever stop and wonder how incredibly lucky we are? Just to exist... to live... to breathe.  Every single day that we are given is a little present in itself. Sure, life can be difficult... brutal, sometimes. Hell, today was a depressing day for me. But the fact that I'm even here to experience this little thing called life is amazing.

Birthday Dress

I'm absolutely in love with my birthday dress, an ivory Free People Battenburg Lace Slip that I purchased from Nordstrom last month. I plan on wearing an ivory slip underneath mine, rather than a nude one (as shown styled below, left). Since I'm headed to Miami to celebrate, this dress is perfect for warm weather and tan skin. And while I'm perfectly aware that you shouldn't wear white before Memorial Day, I'm making an etiquette exception and wearing it regardless. Rules are meant to be broken, anyway. ;)

Another reason why I adore my Free People dress? It looks SO similar to J. Crew's $495 Heirloom Shift Dress (right), but for $49.95 at freepeople.com (regularly $78), it's an absolute steal!

UPDATE: Neiman Marcus' Last Call has it for $34.50 (on sale for $46 + 25% off + free shipping code LCAPRFS) here! Valid through 4-25-11.

Loubi Love

 "Louboutin shoes, she's got too much pride... her feet are killing her, call it shoe-icide."

Top to bottom:

Black Simple Pumps (70mm), Nude Simple Pumps (100mm)

Laser-Cut Leather Slingbacks (140mm), Linen No-Prive Slingbacks (120mm)

Frugal Friday

If you're a Saks lover like I am, you've probably been anxiously awaiting the Friends & Family Sale. For those of you who have yet to experience Saks' legendary service, this is your chance to save on some serious designer goods. Just use online code "Friends3" to receive 20% off most merchandise, and 10% on fragrance and cosmetics. This sale is also good in stores, just mention the sale to your sales associate at checkout. (Valid April 28-May 1, 2011)

BIG Love

“After a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh.”

-Mr. Big, "Sex & The City"

Quick & Casual Look of the Day

Michael Jackson's Childhood Home in Gary, IN

On the way to Chicago for New Years weekend 2011, I made a quick stop in Gary, Indiana to check out Michael Jackson's childhood home. A gritty, gray industrial city, Gary has certainly seen better days. Found it incredible that such a successful, talented musician came from such humble beginnings. Inspiring and yet so tragic. Rest in peace, MJ.

Rihanna feat. Britney Spears - S&M (Remix)

I like it, like it.

Welcome!

See You at the Crossroads

At a crossroads. Three weeks out from my college graduation, and I know things will be changing very, very soon. I can't help but think of the amazing things that await, but there's a part of me that finds all of this a little bittersweet. Praying for good things to come....