Being a marketing and advertising student, I love internally critiquing advertisements, billboards, commercials, etc. It feels a little bit like judging or gossiping, but without the negative things that can come along with talking smack. Like I posted about Kate Spade, most of the brands I love focus a lot on their brand image in their advertisements.

Most of the time if I don't like a store, it's not so much about the clothing, it's about the brand image. If the owners of a brand, or even smaller, the manager of a store, doesn't focus on the customer's experience and how to best show the brand's image through the store's layout and organization, why should I reward that store with my service? Maybe that sounds harsh...but I like me a well designed ad.

Anyway, of all my favorite advertisements and videos, this one has to be my favorite. It was done when The Row was still starting, in 2007, but it sells the brand and the brand's image so well without saying one word. Besides the fact that I LOVE the clothes, it's such smart marketing. That girl, to me, looks so. cool.

Anyone agree?

From Tumblr, with Love

Photos via Tumblr

Things You Need to Check Out Now

A view of hurricane Sandy above NYC

This article about Mary Kate and Ashley

Bar necklace

Who doesn't want to meet models?

I mean damn, Gwyneth

The truth

What Would J Crew do?

Kate Spade, you woo me

Does anyone else love this kate spade video as much as I do? Again, I love you kate spade, Mind, body, and soul.

Coated

Since there will be an approximate 20 degree difference in London versus in Columbia, SC by the time I go abroad (literally counting the days until January 7th), I've practically been dreaming pretty coats and outwear. Yes, I dream in wool, cashmere, and quilted vests.

In Columbia, and maybe it's just college in general, you can pretty much get away with being really lazy as far as fashion goes...and actually most things as long as it's not USC football. We are serious about our football. At USC the average girl wears a giant oversized t-shirt, norts (Nike shorts for those not familiar with college lingo), and running sneakers until the very last day of fall, when she then exchanges the norts for leggings. It's all about comfort, people.

But I'm trying to do as the Romans do and step up my game. I like dressing nice when I can, but in London I don't think "when I can" will count. If The Sartorialist is an accurate representation of what people dress like (which I believe wholeheartedly it does), I have some serious upgrading to do.

Photos via by Anja Louise Verdugo, j. crew, via,  j. crew, zara, dorothy perkins, sartorialist, via, via

Rainy Day Lament

It hasn't been rainy lately around South Carolina (or at least Columbia), and I miss it. I'm not a fan of cold, freezing rain, especially when walking around campus, but a good, solid, dreary and pouring rain kind of day is exactly what I need. Those days make you slow down and take time to recuperate. I'm the type of person that always wants to be doing something, so rainy days are good for my health. They help me to stop and take a break.

I especially enjoy rainy days this type of year because I can curl up in a thick sweater and leggings. I can grab my Starbucks Caramel Macchiato (preferably that someone else was kind enough to venture out and bring me), pull a throw over my legs, and sink into a good book or movie. Preferably one of the romance department. Those always seem to fit into rainy days perfectly.

So who else is ready for rain? I'm keeping my eyes glued to the weekly weather forecast.

Pick Me Up

It's after days like these, when I feel like school can't get any busier and work can't ask any more of me, that I need to sit down and stop thinking for a little bit. Forget the deadlines, forget the responsibilities, and think about what is important in life. When I take those few minutes to clear my head I can't help but think that my problems aren't as bad as I think they are. I'm awful at accounting, but what is the worst case if I somehow fail the upcoming accounting exam? I have to re-take the class next semester. That's no fun, but will it really matter that much in five years? Nope.

If I'm feeling overwhelmed I usually take time to goof off, just for a little bit. That usually leads me to Pinterest, which always has the right quotes to make me feel so much bigger than my problems.

Here are some of my favorites from Pinterest:

Weight off My Shoulders

Photo via Time, San Tang / AP

Today has marked a day I've been waiting for for the last three months: I've turned in my research proposal for a $3000 grant. I've worked long and hard pinpointing what I wanted to research, and what I would stick with while abroad next semester. At first the project itself was just meant to help me afford studying abroad (I got my first invoice today - it's not cheap, folks). But as I got more into it, I really put myself in the project.

What is the topic, you ask? Oh, nothing. Just how London Fashion Week works. As in, the marketing, communications, and execution of the biggest fashion event in England. And I'm (hopefully!) going to get money to spend time there and talk to people who actually work on it for a living. Even though I've only finished my proposal, I'm already so proud of the work I've done and the work I want to do in the future. If it hasn't sounded like it before, I am SO ready to go to London!

Have any of y'all had a day like this lately? Where you've jumped some giant hurdle or checked something big off your on-going list? I feel 10 pounds lighter now. And it feels soooooo good.

Now until December 10th, when I find out if I get the funding or not. Crossing my fingers...

Instagram Update

I can sum up my life over the past few weeks in these few phrases: nail polish, cupcakes (yum), new shoes, earrings, and cold weather! It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

left: Revlon Stormy Night, right: L'Oreal After Hours

 A cupcake from a batch one of my (now favorite) co-workers brought in to work :)

 I got these flats from Target and I've been wearing them everywhere! Get these shoes here.

Work outfit of the day Shirt: Target (old), shoes: kate spade, skirt: LOFT

 It's finally gotten cold enough- time to break out the hot chocolate and Christmas mugs!

 USC beat Georgia last weekend 35-7...and I think this is a 100% accurate description of one of our defensive linesmen

Outfit of the Day shirt, Belk (old), jeans: American Eagle, shoes: J. Crew, belt: Target, earrings: J. Crew

  Magazines I've been dying to catch up on...I miss you so much

Outfit of the Day sweater: Target, shoes: Lucky brand, jeans: American Eagle, scarf: American Apparel, belt: Target, bangle: J. Crew

Lonny Magazine lovin'

The newest issue of Lonny Magazine came out a couple of days ago and I had to compile some of my favorite images. I'm big into magazines. I've had to keep from renewing my subscriptions in preparation for my semester in London, but know that it's killed me inside. Right now I only have 3 subscriptions that haven't ended yet, and I feel oh so alone.

 How can you not be in love with this much ivy?

The pink? Really? I can't help it. And the stripes totally make the room.

Sea-faring Nails

I'm kidding...I mean that I've tried navy nail polish and I love it. After seeing these photos on Cup of Jo, I had to. What was I supposed to do, really? I can't count how many nail polishes I have. Most are Essie or OPI, but I decided to try L'Oreal this time, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. The color,  After Hours, was vivid and easy to put on. Not too runny or too thick. I love the outcome! Mine are a bit darker than the color in these pics, but I love them no less. Now I just need to find an army green sweater...

(Photos by Alpha Smoot for Cup of Jo; styling by Kendra Smoot. Army jacket from Urban Outfitters, similar chambray shirts here and here, and pouch from American Apparel)

Sweater Weather Fever

One reason why I love colder weather is my intense passionate love affair with sweaters. Now that it's starting to get into the 60's and 50's in Columbia (it was 55 degrees Monday!) I've been picking out some of my sweaters from the back of my closet. Of course now I have to go shopping to add to my extensive sweater collection. I'm really digging the polka dots and animal trends and styles going on this season!

Top left to right: J Crew, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Madewell, Kate Spade, Madewell

Seth G.: Violin Badass

I just read an article on this guy (from South Carolina, what's up) this morning and checked him out on Vimeo and Youtube- he's insane y'all. He's grown up playing violin, and now that he's graduated from Furman University he's covering pop songs with just the beats and his violin.

I NEED him to come to USC!

Check out his vimeo and youtube pages!

On Your Mark...Get Set...GO!

I don't know why both J. Crew and Tory Burch are having a sale on the same weekend but I am TOTALLY OKAY WITH IT YOU GUYS.

Go check them out! GOGOGOGO!

Fall in the South

It's officially Fall and it's officially October and I AM SO EXCITED! Fall in the South is my all time favorite season. Everything I love culminates into Fall: football, sweaters, scarves, jeans, boots, coffee, candles, cinnamon flavored things, Thanksgiving and no sweating. So I'm pretty happy.

What are y'all excited about for Fall?

All photos via Tumblr, Tumblr (via flickr)