Friday, March 30, 2012

Rainy Day Glam



MY FRIDAY'S FANCIES: 
Prepped for April Showers 
I was having some tech issues yesterday, so I couldn't finish this post on Friday. I also couldn't download the cute header that {av} designed, so sorry for the lack of cuteness today. On rainy days, I like to try and wear some color to brighten up the day. Make sure to stop by {long distance loving} to check out the rest of lovely outfits! 

Rainy Day Glam
H M v neck top
£13 - hm.com

Mint Velvet trench coat
£125 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J Crew linen skirt
$80 - jcrew.com

Hunter flat shoes
£85 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Longchamp tote handbag
$125 - nordstrom.com

Necklace
$46 - baublebar.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs travel umbrella
$58 - bloomingdales.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Keep It Classy



ALL DAY. EVERY DAY. 
via pinterest

Confession: Adam Brody is my celebrity crush. 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Travel Tuesday: Week 5

It's Travel Tuesday time! I'm on spring break and have been slacking in my blogging, but I had to get a shot this morning, so I'm using that as my excuse for everything. Anyway, today's post is all about food! 

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten abroad? What American foods do you miss the most when you’re traveling? What foreign cuisine do you like to make at home? How do you feel about eating McDonald's in other countries?


I had an interesting experience with food while I was in France. Our entire group got food poisoning! Our dinners were preselected for us to help us keep costs down and we had a bad chicken dish. The worst part was we had to eat at the restaurant again that night. My mom was worried I wouldn't eat anything abroad, so she bought me a bunch of snack size Cheez-Its and granola bars, so I avoided the main course and nommed on that stuff and of course, dessert. Crepes on crepes on crepes. Our group couldn't call it a night unless we went out for dessert. I was one of the few who spoke French in the group, so I was the expert at ordering crepes. By the end of the trip. I was really awful at speaking French on the spot.
I can't remember what food I missed most, but here's a hideous picture of me drinking Starbucks in the Chicago airport upon our return home. Please ignore the short shorts, the color of my hair and the awkward position.

I've made crepes with my family a few times. In France, they fold them, but here we roll them. Still delicious either way. I love a lot of foreign cuisine. I eat Mexican and sushi regularly. I also love Chinese, Greek and Italian. I hate hamburgers. Weirdo, I know.

I generally don't eat McDonald's, but I got a sundae when I was in France because our bus broke down on the way out of Paris in front of a Mickey D's and I get really cranky if I don't eat. Here is a picture of us camped out on the side of the road. Another glamour shot of me.


Make sure you pop over to Semi-Charmed Kind of Life to check out her hilarious anecdote about Olive Garden!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Mizzou-Rah!


I'm doing my first link up with {long distance loving} (I know a thing or two about that!) and we're creating outfits based on our favorite teams in the spirit of March Madness. While MU is no longer in the tournament, Mizzou is still the best team around. We have the best fans, the best town and the best colors! #tigerpride


I choose a comfy, but put together look for a game watching party at a bar or friend's apartment. Most of these items cost waaay more than I would ever pay, but that's the fun in Polyvore. I like to add little gold accents to a game day outfit to glam it up a bit! MIZ...


Mizzou-Rah!






Golden Goose knit top
$625 - thecorner.com

Victoria s Secret scoopneck tee
$30 - victoriassecret.com

Mango distressing jeans
£30 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Michael kors jewelry
£200 - harveynichols.com

1928 wire jewelry
$9 - 1928.com

Diane von Fürstenberg double wrap belt
£173 - matchesfashion.com

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Travel Tuesday: Week 4

I'm linking up with Megan at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life for week four of Travel Tuesday. Today's  prompt: What destination is at the top of your travel bucket list? Why? What do you want to do there? Do you think it will ever happen, and if so, when/how?


Through help from a lot of people, I was able to go to France when I was 17. I climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tour, which was unreal. I will admit I was a little scared because it was so high and tight. Here's an attractive picture of my friend Meghann dragging helping me up the stairs. 




Sometimes I still can't believe I had the opportunity to go and experience so much. I definitely want to visit France again, but at the top of my bucket list is Cairo, Egypt. I've always found the Pyramids fascinating. I did a powerpoint about them in grade school and have been interested ever since. I have a slight obsession with the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Egyptian culture. 


travelfusion.com


I'm very interested in wonders of the world, and the pyramids are the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. I would absolutely have to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Check out the tight tight tight stairwell. 


metrolic.com 


I think it will happen eventually. I hope to visit in the 15 years. The country has undergone much change due to revolution and it will be a long time before they are stable politically and financially. It will also be a long time until I'm in a place to do that, (Student loans are worth it. Student loans are worth it. Student loans are worth it.) but it will be worth the wait. I don't think the Pyramids are going anywhere. 



Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Fling: The Dress

Whoops, didn't realize it was almost midnight. I got caught up editing my last multimedia project of my seven week project. It's a TV news video. It's like what you'd see on the news, so I'm feeling pretty legit. I'm going to upload all my projects on my class blog this week so you can all see little miss journalist in action. Luckily no one filmed me fumbling with the microphone and panicking because I couldn't find the record button. Broadcast is not my thing. Anyway, this is the last installment in my "Spring Fling" series. I liked doing a series because it made me actually blog. I'm definitely going to try another soon. My final essential is a simple dress. I'm digging this navy dress from Target. It's a little over my usual $30 budget, but I'd wear it a ton.


target.com
$34.00

It'd be cute with a belt and cardigan, or alone with a statement necklace. I'd wear wedges, sandals, flats and even boots with it. It's great for days when you want to be comfy, but put together. It's also great for when it's a little chilly in the morning because you can throw on a cardigan without sacrificing any style. Of course I chose another blue item. I can't help it, I love blue! Check out the Pinterest Board for inspiration. What's your favorite spring piece?

Enjoy the weather!
Caroline

P.S. I have a three day week. Then I have Spring Break. I love life.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Spring Fling: Flats

It's hot and rainy and my hair is a hot mess. Also, I cannot get Call Me Maybe out of my head. We made a late night run to Steak N Shake last night and blasted it with the windows down. Everyone around appreciated it. Today I went shopping downtown with a friend and she was talking about how she needs some in between shoes because it's too hot for boots and too cool for sandals. I was like how did you know I was going to post about that on my blog today? Flats are perfect for in between weather. I used to hate flats because they gave me blisters and they weren't outrageous enough for me. I used to buy only crazy shoes that matched two things. I still do this occasionally. I might have done it today actually.

They were on clearance and the last pair of sixes! Definitely a sign.
Also, sorry for the awful photography on my part. My edges are awful and the lighting is way off. #lifeofajmajor
For the most part, I'm pretty good about buying practical shoes, but sometimes My black pumps need a break. Anyway, flats are really useful because they are sophisticated and practical. I have a pair of cheetah flats I've had since I was in grade school. No joke people. Target! I love them. I'm looking for some nude flats (of course I saw a pair at Target for $14.00 and passed them up and now I can't find them on the website) because they are great with jeans, a colored jeans, skirts, dresses and shorts. My favorite pair has to be these cheetah print from Target. Duh.

Target.com
$11.00

I like to mine with jeans and neutral tops. I've also worn them with a simple black dress. It's a great way  to add some sass to an outfit without getting too outrageous. 
This is sort of related, but I'm reading InStyle and I don't get who they think it going to wear this stuff? Yeah, I think I'll go mermaid today. There is literally a suit in here that is sea foam green that has shells and seahorses all over it. The top is a bandeau and her stomach is showing. Just curious where anyone could ever wear this? This isn't Vogue. Give us stuff we can actually wear. I'm far too practical for high fashion. Forever 21 for me please. 
Check out the Pinterest Board for more ideas on flats!
Caroline 

Friday, March 16, 2012

Real Housewives of Disney

How am I just now seeing this? It's hilarious. Kristin Wiig is one of the funniest women around.



Spring Fling: The white blouse

We didn't quite reach 86 degrees today and I didn't quite care what I looked like, so I rocked some pink Norts (Nike shorts) and a Cardinals hat. This is completely unrelated to the Spring Fling series, but yesterday morning on the way to pilates, my shoe got caught on the curb and I fell flat on the ground and my breakfast went flying. My mom was like, "Did a lot of people see you fall?" I said, "I don't know. I just stayed on the ground for a long time acting like I was there on purpose." I am fine, just sore today and I am using that as an excuse not to work out. Anyway, let's get back to serious business: clothes. Something I'm dying to add to my wardrobe is a white blouse. I used to think they were boring business shirts, but they are so versatile and chic! I love this top from Old Navy.

oldnavy.com
$24.00
I think this would be great with jeans, nude wedges and bright necklace. It would also be great with colored denim (another huge trend this spring!) and nude shoes. For an office look, tuck it into a patterned or bright skirt and add some gold hoops. It seems simple, but this is an extremely versatile piece and a must have! Check out the Pinterest Board for more examples. I checked my stats today (the only stats I don't hate) and Carenpants had 28 views! If you're reading, thank you! I'd love to hear from you. What are your spring essentials?

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Spring Fling: The Scarf

Tomorrow the projected high is 86 degrees. Hey July, you really snuck up on us there. Spring is really unpredictable, especially in the Midwest. I would not be surprised if it snowed next week. I'd be seriously upset, but not surprised. That being said, it can be hard to decide what to wear during this time of year. Yesterday I recommended the cardigan as a great piece for spring weather. Why not top off your cute cardi with a scarf? Scarves aren't just for winter! Just make sure they are light weight and not knit. They're great to add a pop of color and sophistication to your outfit. I'm really into patterned scarves this season. They are a great and affordable way to add some variety to your look. My favorite? This vibrant blue from Old Navy.

$12.00
oldnavy.com
It would be great with a white tee, jeans and sandals for a casual look, or to dress up a simple black shift dress. I have a thing for blue in case you couldn't tell. Don't forget to check out the Pinterest Board for more inspiration!

How do you incorporate scarves into your wardrobe?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Spring Fling

It's like 80 degrees in Columbia right now. I have no flip flops, no adorable little jeweled sandals, no Tom's, no sundresses and no cute shorts here. #smallclosetstruggles
Don't worry though, I've been getting by on jean capris, flats and cardigans.
I've seen a lot of cute looks around campus and I came up with a few pieces that I think are really good staples for a spring wardrobe. (On the cheap, of course!) These pieces are what I like to call "building pieces." They help build your outfit and can be worn with multiple things. On days when I care what I look like, I usually get dressed by selecting one thing I want to wear and then deciding what goes best with it according to the weather, occasion, my mood and level of comfort. And this is why it takes me so long to get dressed. (I try to do this night before. I like to sleep.)  I wore a uniform for 15 years, what can I say? I'm going to do a five part series on building your wardrobe for spring and everything I post will be under $30. Ya'll know I like to shop, but hate to part with my dolla bills. 

First up? One of my favorite things: The Cardigan-I love love love cardigans. I used to hate cardigans because I was required to wear them to cover up all my cute strapless dresses for any school function, but I've learned to love them. Even on 100 degree days, I still carry a cardi with me because the air conditioning is usually cranked way up. Anyway, they are so versatile. They look great with jeans and sandals, belted over a sundress, with shorts, pants or skirts. I think it's a good idea to have neutral cardigans like as black, navy, tan or gray, but I think bright colors work well too. I'm on the hunt for a turquoise cardi like this one from Target.

target.com
$19.99
 I should totally order it now because I will literally go to Target like five times over spring break, try it on, carry it around the store and put it back on the rack at the last second and then regret it forever. I just put together like 10 outfits in my head and I already have it in gray and I love the fit and it's on sale and everything I look for in a cardi. Anddd I still can't convince myself. Maybe tomorrow. Click on over tomorrow to see the next piece!

Also, check out the Pinterest Board I made for suggestions! 

Cardigan love, 
Caroline 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Travel Tuesday: Safety First

It's time to be a better blogger. I'll be linking up with Megan every Tuesday for a new story about traveling! This week's question: Where did you feel the most unsafe when traveling? What did you do about it?  

I was lucky enough to travel to France when I was 17 and had an absolutely amazing time. I went with a group of 14 girls from my high school, two faculty members (they're married and I love them) and their adult son who is a teacher. Our motto for the trip? Leave stupid at home. They warned us to keep our passports safe, don't go anywhere alone and don't talk to strangers. We filed onto the plane in alphabetical order. We did a lot as a group, but we usually got a few hours to ourselves to eat, spend way too much money on things we thought we needed because they were from France or anything else we wanted to squeeze in before we moved to the next city.

One night, we had some free time in Provence and a few of us decided to get crepes (we couldn't consider the day over until we had gelato or a crepe) at a restaurant in the town square. After enjoying our overpriced delicious crepes, we headed back to our hotel. As we were walking down the street, a few men starting yelling at us from across the street. We kept walking, we'd seen it before. They loved to talk to the Americans. We kept walking, but they kept yelling and crossed the street and walked behind us. We took off running and they lost interest, but we ran all the way back to our hotel.

Lovely ladies I stuck with most of the trip
We probably weren't in any real danger, but it was late and dark and we were in a strange city without cell phones. It was a really nice area with lots of shops, and in the daylight it wasn't scary at all, but we you can never be too careful, especially in an unfamiliar area. If you're traveling in a foreign country, make sure you're not alone late at night and always make sure you know your way home. Despite our little scare, we really enjoyed our trip and made sure to stay safe and kept stupid at home.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Refresh

I have a few tricks for instantly making myself look and feel refreshed for those days when I have about 17 minutes to myself and need to perk up! 
1. Dry Shampoo-one of my favorite products of all time. I keep a mini bottle in my cosmetic bag for my backpack and have a large one in my room. The other day I went to cycling and then work, and I got three compliments on how great my hair looked after I used it. An hour earlier, my hair had been sweaty and really flat. It's really cheap and lasts forever. 
2. Steam-I wet a washcloth with hot water, ring it out and bring it up to my face and breathe in and out (also great if you have a stuffy nose!) and it instantly makes me feel refreshed. I put on a little moisturizer because it's a little drying, but definitely a great pick me up. 
3. Cucumber Nap-I get veggie trays at the pseudo grocery store on campus and cut a cucumber slice in half and put one half on each eye and rest for 15 minutes (or however long I have) and wake up feeling really energized. 
4. Hydrate-I already drink a lot of water throughout the course of the day, but if I need a refresher, I'll drink some ice water or possibly Gatorade or green tea. 
5. Peppermint-I love peppermint, but I gave up gum because I would chew the same piece for a really long time and end up with a headache, so I switched to mints instead. I also have peppermint flavored Chapstick, and I like to pop a mint and apply some chapstick to feel fresh. 

Do you have any tricks to freshen up? 

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Unplugged

I wrote this blog post for my class blog. Does anyone else ever feel this way?

Friday, March 2, 2012

Sunshine Award

My friend Megan over at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life nominated me for the Sunshine Award! She has a pretty rockin' blog and she posts more often than I do. Check out her blog. Seriously people.
Sunshine Award Rules

Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog.
Answer 10 questions about yourself.
Nominate 10-12 other fabulous bloggers.
Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.
Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

1. Favorite color? Pink!
2. Favorite animal? My dog, Buster. Beagle love. 


                                        3. Favorite number? 9 because my birthday is August 9th! 
4. Favorite non-alcholic drink? Coffee coffee coffee.
5. Twitter or Facebook? I'm definitely a Twitter person. I like that I can follow my friends, celebrities, news sources and magazines. 

6. My passion? My relationships





7. Prefer getting or giving presents? Hmm. This is tough. I love giving surprise presents, but I also love getting presents. I can't decide.
8. Favorite pattern? CHEETAH
Read: I've been looking for a cheetah scarf. This is like $10.00 on Amazon.  For some reason, I'm convinced I can find cheaper. 
                           9. Favorite day of the week? Definitely Friday. Nap and magazine time.

10. Favorite flowers? Peonies 
via art.com
Nominations 
1. Emily @ Emphasis Added
3. Mollie @ For the Fishies
4. Libby @ Follow the Wife
7. Mckenzie @ Design Darling
8. Kelly @ That One Mom
9. Georgie @ Georgie Girl
10. Jordan @ Ramshackle Glam