INSPIRATION: The Final Reward

Sandals

Tumbler 

Nail Polish

Hats

Jewelry Holder

Headwrap

I can't be the only one who feels justified in spending money during finals week, right? Just a little something to make the hours of ulcer inducing stress and studying easier to swallow. I absolutely ADORE the NYX Butter glosses and somehow all three of mine have gotten lost this year. That justifies new ones, yes? The J.Crew hats are perfect for hiding greasy hair days from the lack of sleep and showering (if only the library had showers, right?), and while I'm not a big fan of monograms, who can resist a 35 oz tumbler? You read that right. 35 oz of pure iced coffee goodness (or water if you're into that kind of thing, I guess).

PS- I just realize this list makes me look like a Southern prep blogger, haha who knew I had it in me? Maybe the warmer temperatures are bringing out my inner state school sorority girl.

xoxo, Katie

OOTD: Oh you fancy, huh

Top- Joie (via Wasteland)

Cardigan- Elana of Room334

Leggings- American Apparel

Ring/Necklace- Forever21

Sandals- BCBG

This blog post actually marks the appearance of TWO "new" products on the blog. Both the shoes and this top were purchased in L.A. during my spring break trip, and I just love them to pieces. The silk top makes me feel way fancier than I actually am (which is always a plus during finals week), and the sandals are perfect combination of sweet and practical for the summer. The only downside to the top is that silk wrinkles. Badly. And I also can't spill anything on it for fear of ruining it. So this might not have been the most practical purchase, but common! Just look at it! I'd have been a fool not to snag this baby. Especially since it was only 

Also, this cardigan was borrowed from my blogging bestie (she's going to kill me for writing that) Elana. I've mentioned her before, but it's quite fun to have someone around who always understands your desire to obnoxiously take picture of things for instagram. Since our styles are pretty different, this is the first time we've swapped items this whole year, but I've fallen in love with this cardigan. There is just something about speckled grey sweaters that scream "cozy".

Elana is always making this cardigan look fantastic. She's basically the cardigan queen, so if you're into those (or even if you're not, because I adore her style and own maybe 3 cardigans max) make sure to check her out!

xoxo, Katie

LIFE: DIY "Birkin" Bag

I've spent more hours than I'm willing to admit looking at ridiculously beautiful (and expensive) handbags. I have yet to decide which is my bigger weakness- shoes or purses. So, while that debate rages on, I've found a way to keep myself somewhat occupied while I stash away pennies that wouldn't even make a dent in the funds required for 97% of my wishlist.

anyone have an extra $12,000 lying around they'd like to give me?

While I'm waiting and waiting (and waiting some more) for the coins to add up, I took a few out to make a "quick fix" solution to my desire for a new bag. One of the fun new things I've seen out are canvas tote bags with funny or cute little designs on them. Forever21 is a big priopieter of this, and for $3.80, can you really find a better deal? Why, yes. Yes, you can.

A quick trip down the craft aisle at Wal-Mart revealed a 3-pack of canvas totes on clearance for $5, although I think they were only a little over $6 regularly. 

These markers were an impulse buy during a Hobby Lobby trip (also in clearance) but they've proved quite useful. They don't fade or bleed like normal Sharpies, although if that's what you have sitting around I'm sure it would work just as well. Just be sure to use a light hand.

Since the pack came with 3, I made another one! (The first one didn't turn out just how I liked. I'm quite a perfectionist).

The beauty of these is that a) you can make them say whatever you want b) they're cheaper than getting 3 bags for $3.80 each and c) they won't be like anyone else's! Plus they kept me busy instead of eating or sleeping.

TIPS:

1. Mock trace everything out to make sure it will fit nicely

2. Keep the letter relatively tall and skinny. I found it much easier to keep things looking "professional" that way. 

3. I also found it easier to hold the pen fairly far up along the length of it. 

So instead of rocking a more than fabulous leather bag, I'll be looking ironic and hipster with my tote bag that looks like it might have cost 3x as much from Urban Outfitters. That's always a win in my book.

xoxo, Katie

PS- Do you think DIYs should be under lifestyle or inspiration? I just kinda guessed and I'm hoping it makes sense here, haha

OOTD: All Blogs Post the Same Stuff

(That "tie" is actually my lanyard, haha I'm not weird and just carry ties in my hand)

Tshirt- American Apparel

Vest- Thrifted

Jeans- 'Q

Shoes- Nike

To say that this week has been stressful would be an understatement. Without boring you with all the details, a quick overview would include officially taking over my editor position, multiple projects being due, finals week quickly approaching, and dealing with more than a few things that I had thought would stay buried in my skeleton closet.

And when all of these things bubble up and take over all at once, the pressure to handle it all perfectly can be a bit overwhelming. As a first born child (and then later being thrust into the middle child spot) it's in my nature to be a perfectionist. Sometimes it feels like the world will end if you're not 110% what everyone expects from you- and sometimes most importantly what you expect from yourself.

So this time around I decided to include photos that would usually be considered "bloopers". Mess-ups. Short of perfect. However, in reality, there is nothing wrong with them. They're showing me being my goofy, loud, sometimes obnoxious self. A lot of the pictures I post on here are the "serious" photos. The ones that make me look all brooding and moody, but make for a good shot. But 80% of the time, that's just not how I am, and I'm letting these slightly more real pictures do the talking.

In a blogging world full of pressures to have the "perfect" picture (ie, all white walls, wooden flooring, solid monochrome furniture, and perfect minimalist yet beautiful decorations- bonus points for being able to fake natural lighting), sometimes it's nice to take a step back and realize that pictures (and people) don't have to fit a mold to be perfect. 

ps- if anyone noticed that I didn't make an "Inspiration" or "Beauty" post this week, I apologize! The key to everything really is planning and it just slipped away from me this week. Don't worry, though, next week is already in the works :)

xoxo, Katie