Emergency post:

I will be awake at 8:00 tomorrow morning at Target's doorstep. I would not kid about this.

Target's collaborations with high end designers are usually like mini birthdays for me because they can be perfect for me (cute designs + great price, and I usually award myself with an Icee), but this is beyond. I just can't.

My favorites:

Visit the Neiman Marcus & Target website to look at all of the collections!

Instagram Update

TGI freaking F, right?!

I could not be happier this weekend is here! I'm done with my last exams before finals, so after this weekend I'll pretty much be nose deep in accounting and business statistics test books. Before I get into finals mode, though, I'm still reminiscing over my past few weeks. I had so much fun over Thanksgiving on the SC coast that I don't want to admit that it's already ended.

Before Thanksgiving I tried out Essie Sand Tropez and got tons of compliments on it! I hadn't used a neutral color before, so this one was perfect.

While at the beach I went on a couple of boat rides with the family including one where my cousin's daughter completely conked out in my lap. I'm legit obsessed with her. We had Thanksgiving part II that Friday and I think I ate my weight in oysters - I miss it so much!

When I came back to campus this week it was cold and rainy, which was a perfect chance to break out my new rain boots!

LOVE Dior

Featuring my one of my favorite models, Daphne Groeneveld. Dior is genius.

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Ticket = Bought

In my post about Cyber Monday I left out one big purchase I made on Sunday...

I bought my plane ticket to LONDON!!

I've never bought anything that expensive or that terrifying in my life. I think I checked and re-checked the seat numbers, flights, and connecting flights ten times before I clicked Purchase. I thought I was going to pass out in the Panera where Mevy and I went over the details.

So it's official. I'm going to London. Get excited, y'all.

PS- I also found out where my dorm is and I get my own room. I'm beyond stoked. Why is life so awesome sometimes?

Rock the Bangs

I recently watched Taylor Swift's Begin Again music video (like 5 times, but whatever) and my lust for thick straight bangs came back. It's a reoccurring thing that happens a few times a year when I die over bangs that look amazing on other people even though I know I could never pull it off.

My hair and I don't get along much. I dyed it way too often (2-ish times a month) in high school, which then made it decide to thin out like crazy. Thick, blunt bangs will never be in my future. And I just need to accept that.

My name is Emily, and I have a problem.

This is me circa 1995 in better times, clearly rocking the straight across bangs the way other toddlers can't and never will.

And then there's Taylor...ugh. I both love and hate you, girl.

Cyber Monday Buys

Even though shopping is one of my favorite hobbies, I've never been one to shop on Black Friday. Normally I'm at the beach with family anyway, but the crowds and the rush to buy things on sale ASAP just doesn't appeal to me.

This year was different, though. I didn't buy a lot, but what I did buy, I LOVE. Did anyone else grab things they had been eyeing? I missed out on the PowerPlus Mate + J Crew iPhone Battery Charger, but I'm hoping to find one somewhere else!

Did y'all miss out on anything? Had I had all the money in the world I would have bought these babies...

I'm a Very Lucky Lady

I love Christmas. I love the anticipation, the preparation, and giving gifts to my favorite people in the world. I play Christmas music more or less nonstop after Halloween. But if it comes down to which day I actually love more, I'd go with Thanksgiving. I'm so lucky to be able to spend Thanksgiving with my mom's side of the family on the coast.

On Thanksgiving we go to my grandparents' house at the beach, then Friday everyone goes down to my aunt's house, also on the coast, and has a big Thanksgiving, part II. We have the seafood equivalent of Thanksgiving with oysters, fish, and shrimp. Has anyone ever had a Charleston Boil? It's sausage, corn on the cob, and shrimp, and it's amaaaaazing! I think an appropriate summary of the day would be that we eat a lot and we drink a lot.

And then the Saturday after Thanksgiving is the Carolina v Clemson game! We've beaten Clemson the past three years, so cross your fingers that we can make it to four! Go Gamecocks!

Needless to say, I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

PS- I'm not sure if it's just a southern thing, but does anyone else have homemade macaroni and cheese on Thanksgiving? I told some of my northern friends about it and they thought it was the weirdest thing! I can't imagine Thanksgiving without it!

London Checklist

With less than two months (TWO MONTHS) left before the big take off, I've started making a checklist of things I need to do before I pack up and ship off. I'm a big list person, so this has definitely been helping me get my thoughts and plans organized.

If anyone who has traveled for long periods, or knows something I should, please fill me in!

1. Buy plane ticket
2. Make a spreadsheet of clothes to pack and what outfits I can make, a la this super smart lady
3. Buy a good coat. Seriously.
4. Call the bank and credit card company to let them know I'm going out of town
5. Learn how to pack light (but actually, I don't think this is going to happen...)
6. Get those bags that you pack your clothes in then suck the air out
7. Buy these. Now.
8. Stop looking ahead and actually pay attention in class (ha)

So obviously I'll be adding major stuff to this list...but so far I think I've gotten it covered. I still don't know where I'll be living or any of my classes, so the lazy planner (contradictory? yes. stressful? yes.) in me is freaking out just a little. Any crossing of fingers or prayers to help me get through this next month are both loved and appreciated.

My Music Taste Has Schizophrenia

I'm one of those people that has a playlist for everything. And not of the same types of music. In preparing for this post I looked at my iTunes account for some slammin' music. I didn't realize I had over 5,000 songs. I would rather not think about how much money that has sucked out of my bank account.

I've been trying to group my music by mood, and this is a playlist I created this past summer when I would take long drives through North Carolina to come back home to Columbia for the weekend. The drive was about 3.5 hours long, so the playlist needed to be pretty substantial. Needless to say, I've narrowed it down quite a bit, but every time I listen to this playlist I think of North Carolina and the winding drive to work I took every morning. Granted, I included some songs from the latest Mumford album, but those were necessary. Mumford completed the playlist.

Listen to the Playlist on Spotify

If you like folky, acoustic, bluegrass music I hope you'll like this! I tried not to include tons of well-known bands, but obviously Mumford is always the exception. And I didn't want it to be too country either. There is a special place in my heart for Miranda Lambert, the Dixie Chicks, and Florida Georgia Line, but their place isn't on this playlist.

Let me know if y'all have any additions to this list or if I should do any other playlists!

Think Ink

I'm not a big fan of big tattoos unless it comes to David Beckham or Adam Levine, but I do like little tattoos. I like cool fonts in little spots. And I'm like 99% sure that I want a small tattoo at some point in my life. But here's my problem: I don't think I'm cool enough to pull one off.

It seems like everyone who has a cool tattoo is, his/herself, super cool. Even without the tattoo, they ooze this cool, New York City vibe that I just don't think I have. Maybe I think too little of myself, but for now, I digress.

I know I've talked about this before, but as January approaches and my London plans become more concrete, I can also feel the pressure from one of my best friends (who will also be going with me) to get a tattoo. Not that it's unwarranted - I talk about her tattoos all the time.

For now, though, Tumblr and Pinterest have allowed me to live vicariously through these cool Tumblr and Pinterest people with cool tattoos without actually having gotten inked. Maybe London will automatically make me cool and give me Madonna syndrome. That's what I'm banking on.

November 2012 Lonny Magazine

The magazine connoisseur inside me practically jumped for joy when I got the email saying that the November issue of Lonny Magazine was out. Have any of y'all seen it? It's b-e-a-utiful! Check out the magazine here, and some of my favorite photos from this issue below!

photos via Lonny Magazine

DIY To-Dos

Though it seems like I don't have time for anything much now besides school and work, one of my true loves is finding fun DIY projects on Pinterest. Everyone has heard about the chain + thread bracelet and the painted plant pots, but I'm hoping to get some major DIY crafting done over Thanksgiving and winter break!

Are there any DIY projects y'all are seriously eyeing? Here are some of mine!

Neon Rolling Book Tray

via Fargevandring

Dip-Dyed T-Shirt

via Wit & Whistle

Painted Mason Jars

via Kootut murut

PVC Clutch

via a pair and a spare

Chain Camera Strap

via a pair and a spare

Christmas Wishlist

I always know that it's near Christmas when my dad starts asking for a wishlist. He absolutely insists that my sister and I make them since we all know he would be completely lost shopping for daughters in their teens and twenties.

I usually keep a pretty long list...you know, just to give him some options. I started making mine in October and it's had some serious editing. I have yet to send it to him, but mine currently has six categories and 22 gift options. Like I said, he needs plenty of ideas. This post helped me narrow down my favorites, which made me realize how much J Crew has taken over my life.

What are on y'all's Christmas lists? I wanna know!

catbird ring, J Crew sweater, J Crew keychain, J Crew peacoat, Zara booties, Madebyhank crossbody, Zara tote, kate spade iPad case

Instagram Update

Fall has pretty much equaled new socks for me. Target has the most adorable socks ever for like $3 each, which I wear practically every day under my boots. And one of my best friends, Mevy, who is going to London with me, got me a present just because: my I love British boys socks you can see me modeling.

Columbia just got our first Whole Foods (YAAAY FINALLY!) and next to it is a wooden furniture store called Nadau, and it's amazing. My mom and I went in the day it opened and the furniture is so pretty and unique, while still at great prices. I can't wait to get an apartment so that I can shop there!

Of course, I had to take some of the crafting ideas I've found on Pinterest to good use. I painted those pumpkins like three weeks ago and they haven't left my front yard since :)

Kate Spade City Guides

via Kate Spade

If anyone is traveling soon I would seriously suggest Kate Spade's City Guides! I fell even more in love with Kate Spade when I read their amazing guide to London- literally it is my to-do list when I go. They provide a list of places to eat, sleep, shop, and explore, so really you'll never have a moment of "okay, now what?" They also give you an itinerary, cheat sheet, and packing list, which I plan on sticking to. Kate Spade is all-knowing, I swear.

They have guides for New York, London, LA, Tokyo, Tahiti, Chicago, Toronto, San Francisco, Copenhagen, and Shanghai, so I would suggest picking a city, buying a plane ticket before you can change your mind, and go!

Cadillac Sky

Cadillac Sky is one of my favorite bands in the whole world. They broke up two years ago, but I was lucky enough to see them in Asheville, NC right before they disbanded, and that was one of the best shows I've ever been to, by far. The venue was small and my friends and I got to be in the front row! It was amazing and y'all need to educate yourselves about some amazing music.

Jenna Lyons and J Crew 2013

But really though, how amazing is Jenna Lyons? Those pants? Love her.

Okay, I Forgot...

So I made this post like a week ago, but amidst all the election excitement (see: anxiety and stress) I completely forgot to post it. I know, my bad. Mea culpa, excuse me.

I normally keep a list of my favorite things about the past month/week, so these are some of mine from October. It makes me almost wish I could go back, but then we would be dealing with election stress, and ain't nobody got time for that.

Beauty Routine

Don't you love it when you find makeup that finally works for you? I'm always looking for good makeup! I'm pretty fair and have freckles, so I can't cake it on, though. At best, I can wear powder. My makeup routine has been pretty much the same since I was around 14, but I've been able to find products that I really love.

Here are some of my go-to's:

One thing that has changed a lot since I was in high school is that I used to CAKE on the eyeliner. It looked like I just smudged on shoe polish. Now I pretty much only use mascara on my top lashes, sometimes brown eyeshadow if I'm going out at night. I have hazel eyes, so I also wear some purple and navy blue at night!

I keep my face simple. I'd love to try out some bare minerals products, but for now I stick to L'Oreal powder and Smashbox tinted moisturizer. My skin dries out fast and Smashbox definitely helps it stay moisturized and happy.

The first perfume I ever got was Dior J'adore and I still use it now when I'm feeling fancy. I use Clinique Happy on a day-to-day basis, though I usually use the rollerball (which I keep in my car in case I need to smell nice, fast). I'm eyeing Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for my next perfume!

I've never been a fan of lip gloss or lipstick. I always feel like there's gunk on my lips and I have to get it off. I generally stick to Nivea, Burts Bees, or lately I've been into eos, mostly because of the cool packaging. I'm a sucker for good marketing and product design!

Are there any other products that I need to try out? Let me know! I keep my routine pretty basic, but I love trying things out!

Tell Me About It, Stud

In high school I was the one with the big earrings. I wore a different pair every day and they usually either had big jewels, bright colors, or a combination of the two. Since high school I've gotten super lazy with jewelry (see: poor college kid), but my tastes have also gotten much quieter. I'm sticking more to studs, and I normally go a long time between changes. I keep my dangly earrings for going out or when I'm feeling super fancy.

J Crew, House of Harlow, Kate Spade, J Crew, Dogeared Jewels, Kate Spade

Call Me Maybe

I am a prime example of every single person on this earth, because I too, love Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen. Anyone who says they don't is lying and that's shameful. I normally don't watch shows like American Idol, but I was watching The Voice the other night and I heard this acoustic version of it by Mackenzie Bourg. How awesome is this remake?!

I Cast My Lady Vote!

I'm only 20, so this was my first legit election (I voted absentee two years ago, but that didn't feel real, so I'm not counting it). I'm lucky considering I only waited in line a little over an hour, but I hope that every person who reads this went out and voted, no matter your political persuasion! As ladies, we need to continue our lady presence in politics!

Print Love

State love, Macaron print, top knot print, London map, Chanel perfume

As a college student it's hard to buy pretty things for an apartment when you know you will be moving in a year. What good is investing in a nice coffee table if you have to move it again in 10 months to another apartment that could be teeny tiny. It's tough out there.

That's why I'm in loooove with these prints I've found on Etsy. They're super affordable and allow me to let out my inner interior designer without paying out the wazoo. If Etsy were a store, I would live there, promise.

Are there any Etsy things that are on your wishlists?

Inkspot Crow

.
Having worked at an amazing wedding magazine last summer I got the chance to meet amazingly talented stylists, photographers, and videographers. I swear y'all, I don't know how these people do it.

Inkspot Crow is an amazing husband-wife duo who do both commercial and wedding videography. I practically check their blog weekly to catch up on any updates, and I think this is my favorite so far. Kendall and Patrick's wedding looks like they had the best time and can I just say, are you for real with that wedding dress? It's b-e-a-utiful!

London Cool

The Sartorialist

I want to be English now please

The Little Things

personal photo

It's really easy on a blog like this to become invested in material things. Even in life, it's so easy to get caught up in saving for things or looking at the other girl in class who has a nicer bag than you do. Especially when you're constantly looking for the next big thing, that's what you're looking at - things. Every now and then I try to make a list of non-material things that make me happy. After I start writing down a few things the lists start flowing. Before I know it I've written 100 people, moments, or feelings that are irreplaceable.

I seriously suggest that everyone do this when they're feeling down overwhelmed. I promise you'll feel better in two seconds! Here are some of mine:

1. Studying really hard for a difficult exam and knowing afterwards that you passed with flying colors
2. Puppy snugglin'
3. Getting into the car to go home on a Friday afternoon
4. Learning the words to what you know will be your new favorite song
5. Receiving a handwritten card in the mail
6. Receiving your favorite magazine in the mail
7. Finally checking off every single thing on your To Do list
8. Sweater weather
9. Getting into the thickest part of a good book
10. Mama hugs
11. Dirty jokes that aren't disgusting
12. Putting on fuzzy socks when your feet are cold
13. That first cup of hot chocolate of the season
14. Taking off skinny jeans and putting on a pair of leggings
15. Beating your best time on a run
16. The first red cup sighting at Starbucks
17. Landing on an even dollar at the gas pump
18. Being able to sing a whole song and hit every note perfectly
19. Those sunsets that turn the sky all different colors
20. A picture that is good of you and your best friends

Pretty Patterns

kate spade, Butler's Pantry, Marchesa, Lenox, kate spade, Vera Wang

My first Kate Spade purchase (of now many), was a set of gold confetti dessert dishes. I've loved china patterns for a long time, but it always seems like the ones I find are too "old," or not fun enough. I want china that I can use at a family dinner or just for a fun girl's dinner! I'm too young to be thinking about china patterns as wedding presents, but it's nice to dream.

Flat Out

It's hard to believe now, but I went through a big "no flats" phase a few years ago. I thought they made my legs look weird. Though that was legit only like two years ago, I still can't believe I ever thought that. I practically live in ballet flats! That's actually probably the biggest source of spending for me - I always feel like I need more (I mean I do...)! I've found a few favorite brands and styles so I'm thinking I'll have to stock up on more, you know, for London weather.

What do y'all spend your money on most? These are some that I've definitely been eyeing.

Top left to right: kate spade, Gap, J Crew, J Crew, Rebecca Minkoff, Chloe

A Band Called Passenger

Passenger was the opener at the Ed Sheeran show I went to two weeks ago in Charlotte, and he was incredible. Needless to say, I've had is CD on replay in my car for the past two weeks. And I NEVER listen to CDs. But this one was definitely worth the burn off iTunes.

Seriously, check him out! He's from England, so maybe I'll get to meet him when I go to London :)
A girl can dream, right?


 

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Current Obsessions

Photos: Net-a-Porter, la casita, Pinterest, kate spade, Pinterest, Stitch Design Co., Pinterest, Pinterest

1. Like everyone else, I first saw this sweater on the Atlantic-Pacific blog. If that baby weren't $160, I would wear it, sleep in it, and sweat in it. It is, after all, still in the 80s here in SC
2. I pinned this photo a while back, but I never got around to actually doing the DIY. It looks so cute without being formal (or costing much!)
3. I'm a total nap person, and after a stressful week I can't wait for my nap time. As in like a two hour nap. I don't understand how people can "power nap." Like, what is that?
4. Kate Spade polka dot pumps. Nuff said.
5. I've been dying for a pair of strappy heels or wedges like these. I know Zara used to have some, but they're since sold out. Not that I have anywhere fancy to wear them to, but I could show off my minty green pedicure that I'm super proud of.
6. I'm obsessed with paper- particularly business cards. I love me some thick weight paper, foil, and letterpress. Give me all of the above and watch me keel over.
7. Also, I want a tattoo. Not a big one. Just a cute one. 
8. But am I cool enough for a tattoo? Another internal struggle to add to the list.