New Year's Eve Essentials!

New Year's Eve is one of my favorite holidays! I love to dress up and hang out with my best friends and celebrate the new year. This year I'm hosting my own party for NYE for the first time! I'm so excited to have all of my friends come over tonight and ring in the new year! If you're going out to a party, you need to pack the essentials. Here's a few things that you might need! 

Have a fun and safe night! And remember, never drink and drive! See you all next year ;)

Winter Time Blues

This cold weather is getting me down... I want to go sledding, ice skating, skiing, and all those other fun winter outdoorsy things, but it's just too darn cold. I wish we could figure out a way to bottle up summer weather and use it for a few days in the winter to remind us why we love Minnesota so much. Pontoons, bonfires, looking at the stars... There is so much I love about Minnesota summers! There's nothing better than spending a day out on the lake with your best friends

I can't wait for spring and all the fun flower prints that come with it! Here's a few of my favs!

What are you doing to stay warm this winter? 

Post Christmas Shopping Spree

Working at the mall is probably the most dangerous thing for me. I find myself wandering into stores on  lunch break and buying everything! But right now that's OK because almost every store is having some sort of after Christmas sale! Here's a few of the items I got on my spree yesterday!

1. Clueless Tank: I got this at Wet Seal. I don't usually shop there but they had their Clearance BOGO 1¢ sale so I thought I would give it a shot. You really have to pick through those racks to find something cute... I ended up spotting this tank and falling in love. Clueless is one of my favorite movies, so if you haven't seen it, watch it on Netflix. I plan on pairing this with a cardigan and leggings or my leather skater skirt. 

Paid: $6.53

2. Eagle Tank: I also got this from the Wet Seal clearance rack. I'm still not convinced on this one but the BF picked it out so I went with it. I'm saving this one for summer music fests with a bandeau and shorts. 

Paid: $6.07

3. Polka Dot Sweater: I couldn't find the exact sweater I got, but this is it in another version of it. Mine is teal with light blue polka dots. I honestly love shopping in the adult section at JCPenny because the "juniors" section looks like a middle schooler's closet with those T shirts with puns on them. I'm matching this one up with a button up shirt under it with a skirt, jeans, or dress pants. I'm really excited for this one!

Paid: $19.99

4.Grey Cardigan: Got this one at JCP as well. The model in this pic does not do this cardigan justice. It is really cute and not old lady I swear! This is a staple in any closet and I just got it to replace the old one I had. 

Paid: $16.99

5.Leopard Cardigan: I have had my eye on this sweater for a while now. Charlotte Russe was having a great sale on sweaters bringing them all down to $15. I normally don't shop here either, but again, the sale drew me in. I am obsessed with leopard print and pink/coral so this fits my style perfectly!

Paid: $15

6. Audrey Hepburn Sweatshirt: This was the last thing I bought from Wet Seal. They also had a 50% off sale going on so the sweater was really cheap! I love Breakfast at Tiffany's, so I bought this to add to my Audrey collection. 

Paid: $11.20

7. Aztec Cardigan: This sweater has caught my eye at work a couple of times and it finally went on super sale. It was 70% off and I got my employee discount as well so it was a good deal. I need to get some not black leggings to wear with it though!

Paid: $21.59

8. Burgundy Crop Top: The boy friend picked this out as well to match the polka dot skirt. I really don't mix prints a lot, but I trust his fashion sense! This was such a cute shirt anyways. And a great price!

Paid: $8.80

9. Polka Dot Skater Skirt: I love polka dots. I love skater cut skirts. I love Forever 21. This skirt is so adorable and is so cheap! I want it in 10 more colors! 

Paid: $6.80

What are you spending your Christmas money on? What big sales have you shopped recently? Let me know!

Crazy Christmas

Wow! I have been so busy with decorating the house, making cookies, buying gifts, and wrapping presents that I've barely had time to blog! Now that the Christmas season is over, work will slow down, I won't be so tired out, and I'll be able to blog more! 

I know that most people get annoyed when you brag about the gifts you got for Christmas, but everyone loves to do it so here's my Christmas gift list!

• Vikings Blanket: I got this in our white elephant gift exchange along with some cute Vikings towels that I gave to my mom.  
• OPI and Burt's Bees: My Boyfriend's mom gave me nail polish, cuticle cream and some other manicure items in a little jelly purse. Such a cute little gift!
• Cupcake Items: My Uncle's girlfriend got me a 'Keep Calm and Eat Cupcakes' mug and a cupcake recipe box full of yummy recipes I can't wait to try out.
• Mustache Bowls: I used to have the biggest obsession with mustaches! They are just too cute and funny! My mom saw these at a store by my house and just had to get them! The best part is they are microwave safe and come in 5 sizes!
• Coach Poppy: My wonderful boyfriend got me this Coach Poppy box set with the perfume and the lotion. I mentioned wanting it only once back at the beginning of November and he remembered! I'm so excited for this gift!
• Silver Jeans: I picked these out on Black Friday for my parents to give to me. Silver Jeans are totally worth the extra money. The jeans have a broken-in feel and don't feel all stiff like other jeans. Plus they come in a million styles. They are on sale right now at Herberger's for like $20 off as a door buster so head over there ASAP!

What did you guys get for Christmas? What was your best and worst gift? Let me know in the comments below!

Finals Week, College Searching, and Christmas Gift Ideas

I know... It's been 2 weeks since my last post! I have been crazy busy lately. I spent last weekend on a college overnight at the  University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities. It's in my top four schools because they have an amazing business program there! And the campus is absolutely stunning...

I had so much fun meeting other prospective students and current Tommies! And I got to spend some time with some of my friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. Even though I'm still waiting to hear back from a few schools, UST is up there on my list!

Finals week is also coming up for my PSEO classes, and I'm honestly going crazy! I'm the absolute worst at focusing in and studying. Actually, I'm supposed to be studying right now! Oops ;) But what's more interesting to you; blogging or reading about Putin and Russia?

So the holidays are quickly approaching, and I'm far from ready. I haven't put up the tree or hung up my stockings or bought any presents yet! And buying presents is really the hardest part, so I've made 3 Polyvore boards of easy gift ideas for any friend or family member! Enjoy

Fitness Enthusiast

We all have that one friend that is constantly rushing from yoga class to a soccer game and to the gym. These gifts are all fun and under $25! 

Girly-Girl

Elle Woods would love to get any of these gifts in her stocking, and so would your friends! Grab one of these totally girly gifts for under $6!

Edgy

These gifts are perfect for your friend with an edgy style. Leather, studs, and gold are very popular this year! Snag these gifts for under $25. What a steal!

What was your favorite gift you've ever received? What are your go-to study tactics? Share them with me below in the comments!

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

I'd like to start off this post by saying if you haven't already had the pleasure of seeing Catching Fire in theaters the past few days, GO SEE IT NOW. I'm really not a big fan of book-to-movie movies, but this one was fantastic. The costumes are completely breathtaking, Jenifer Lawrence's acting is spot-on, and the boys are hotter than ever.

I mean seriously... I'm drooling...

But back to the costumes...
Net-a-Porter created a line of clothing inspired by the movie and designed by the same designer that created Effie Trinket's outfits. It's called Capitol Couture, and the prices range from $75-$995. If this is a little out of your price range, you can try these looks inspired by the many eccentric characters in the movie.

Effie Trinket

In the first installment of the Hunger Games, Effie sported many different hats and hair pieces paired with dresses with lots of volume and ruffles. 

Although Effie's style changes in the most recent movie, she still rocks the bright, bold colors and outrageous dresses. Here's an outfit inspired by Effie perfect for the holidays!

Effie's Blue Feather Outfit

I absolutely love cobalt. Love love love love love. So obviously this was one of my favorite Effie dresses! I paired a long sleeve blue dress with some matching blue heels. The black sleeves of the dress are similar to Effie's feathered sleeves. To get the feather effect you can add some grey or black feather earrings.Finish it off with a gold belt and necklace and you're set, all for under $75!

Blue Shoes $41.85 Ci Ci Hot
Dress $17.80 Forever 21 OUT OF STOCK
Necklace $8.80 Forever 21 OUT OF STOCK

Katniss Everdeen

Anyone who's seen the movie or read the books wishes they had Cinna as a stylist to design all of their outfits. His "Girl on Fire" dresses have been a highlight in all of the Capitol scenes. Although Katniss doesn't fit the girly-girl profile, she gets to wear the most beautiful, show-stopping dresses. 

As she spun, her wedding dress burnt up into a black dress that had Mocking Jay wings. I wish things like this could happen in real life... Although this is a very unique dress, I chose to take a closer look at her chariot ride outfit.

Katniss's Chariot Ride Outfit 

This dress... There aren't words to describe how much I loved this dress. I was on the edge of my seat during the movie, waiting for her to push the button to start their outfits on fire. The wait was worth it. The sparks flew off her dress and Peeta's vest and it was just gorgeous! Don't they just look so BA?! I found a dress with a similar neckline that, fortunately, will not start on fire. The shoes add that fire-y look to the outfit with their texture. Pair this with a red or orange bag and some sparkly earrings and you're ready to go

Bandage Dress $32.80 Forever 21

Heels $49.98 Aldo

Earrings $7.99 Target

What was your favorite Catching Fire moment? Are you Team Peeta or Team Gale? Let me know in the comments below!

Jeans Galore

The average American owns 7 pairs of jeans. How could you blame them! Jeans are probably the most versatile bottom option in your closet. And there are so many to choose from; light-wash, dark-wash, destroyed, colored... The list goes on and on. Here are my top picks:

Colored 

The colored jean trend has returned for another year of spicing up your wardrobe. Jewel tones and highlighter brights are taking over the denim racks!

Pink and Yellow $15 JCPenny OUT OF STOCK
Red $15 Wet Seal
Bright Blue $39.97 Buckle
Coral $24.98 Go Jane OUT OF STOCK

Printed 

Printed jeans are a great way to take a plain T-shirt/scarf combo to the next level. These prints are eye-catching and totally fun!

Fire Skinny Stretch Jean $19.97 Buckle
Lace Ankle Skinny $99 Miss Me OUT OF STOCK
Stars and Stripes $23.95 Go Jane OUT OF STOCK
Jalate Star Jacquard Skinny Stretch Jean $45 Buckle

Black 

Black jeans are my go to night out pants. You can dress them up or down for any occasion. Pair them with a plain T, A leather Jacket, or a bold statement necklace and you're good to go!

Stud Trimmed $29.80 Forever 21
Ritchie Skinny Leg Jean $39.95 Cotton On
Bootcut $60.74 Herberger's OUT OF STOCK
Leather Look $25 H&M

Boy Friend Style 

Boy friend jeans are the perfect jeans to wear when you want to dress casual but still look put-together. The wider thigh and leg make them feel more like sweatpants than jeans.

Indigo $54.90 Levi's OUT OF STOCK
Very Light Wash Distressed $24.80 Forever 21 OUT OF STOCK
Medium Wash $28.80 Nordstrom OUT OF STOCK
Boy Friend Light Wash $49.95 Cotton On

What is your favorite jean style? Do you have a pair you can't live without? Let me know in the comments!

Fall Boots for Under $60

If you live in Minnesota you live for the fall. Cooler temps, changing leaves, apple orchards and pumpkin patches... But we all know the best part of the season is breaking out our fall/winter wardrobe! Try out some of these boot styles to complete your fall looks.

UGG Style

Keeping your feet dry and warm this winter doesn't have to include boring snow boots. Pick up a pair of colorful UGG style boots to brighten up a dull outfit.

Champagne $34.99 Target OUT OF STOCK
Pom Berry  $59.99 Famous Footwear OUT OF STOCK

Cobalt Blue  $34.99 Target

Western

Cowgirl boots are a go to shoe for me. They are super fun and go well with everything from floral dresses to leggings!

High Heel $17.48 Target
Print $17.48 Target
Woven Top $17.48 Target OUT OF STOCK

Riding Boots

You don't have to know how to ride horses to rock these leather boots. These styles look best paired with skinny jeans, wool socks, and a chunky scarf.

Brown $49.99 Payless OUT OF STOCK
Two-toned $39.50 Herbergers OUT OF STOCK

Black $49.99 Famous Footwear

Rain boots

Rain, rain go away... Even if it's not raining, these boots are a great option! They keep your feet dry as you walk through puddles and snowbanks.

Red Bow $22.99 6pm.com OUT OF STOCK
Rainbow Floral $49.00 Herberger's
Berry $37.99 6pm.com OUT OF STOCK