New York (for a) Minute

If I had a bucketlist this summer (which I planned on making a post about but realized I really wouldn't accomplish many of my desired to do's) the #3 or #4 on the list was make it to NYC. In the home stretch, a week away from saying goodbye to summer, shorts, and shandy, I decided at 4 in the morning that day (read: saturday) that I was just going to go for it. Although I had no idea what I was about to face.

Driving to Hoboken (birth place of Sinatra-- hi!) was nothing short of easy. Traffic, rain, and impatient Rachel made for it a looooong ride. Finally, after paying a whole whopping $10.20 just to the NJ turnpike (#bye), the sun began to shine.

I had no set plan as to what I wanted to do in the city, I just knew I wanted to be there. We ended up in flatiron district, got a glimpse of Empire State Building, checked out some tourist shops, walked Central Park, and then (really) got drunk on a stoop on the Upper East side. It's like I was pulling a Chuck Bass...it's fine -really.  Before I knew it the night was over, and little grandma Rachel stayed up until 4am. Which meant the next day (sunday) wouldn't be a pretty one. I woke up early to get home to have all the cuddle pups in the world, but as soon as getting to my car I saw my tire light on. I panicked and naturally ended up at the closest Dunkin Donuts because thats how I figured I could solve my problems. I was wrong. 5 or so hashbrowns in, I get to my car and try to drive away. 

Uh nope, my car said. I had a bad case of flat tire syndrome (which I get monthly...). I was stuck. on a sunday. two hours from home. I had to get towed to a local shop (since car dealerships are closed sundays...like oh hey eff you, just saying) and wait three hours to get my tire replaced. The tow truck driver asked me if I would date him [had to block his number since he called me after he dropped me off...he had my number since my towing service gave it to him I'm not THAT weird]. Luckily, it was a block away from the waterfront and I got to experience this view and realized shit could have been worse.

Moral of the story: I shouldn't leave the comfort of my own bed to accomplish things on my summer bucket list because I'll be out of a few bucks here and there. and a pair of sunglasses. Grool. 

Nice and easy does it!

So many times have I read other fashion blogs and stalked their instagrams and have fumed with envy over the fact that they can put their little chambray tops on and rock those in your face huge baubles...which I love. However, I'm not big on necklaces on myself. When styling, I prefer rings out the wazoo and some major eye arm candy: a simple watch, a few bangles and voila is my most day to day go to preference.

But if I'm honest I have a filthy (in a good way) obsession with Fifth and Mae. It's like a college gals' closet's miracle -- inexpensive, great quality, and mucho versatile to rock with any outfit. Here's how I've styled my goodies:

what I shopped: initials

outfit 1 // top: TJ Maxx - bag: H&M

outfit 2 // top: Forever21 - skirt: Eshakati 

outfit 3 // top: Cotton On - shorts: Forever 21

Between black on black, denim on denim (my fave...Canadian tuxedo), and navy (or nothing) stripes, I guess you can say I live pretty much the 90's mom wardrobe (dare shirt included). All I need is my high waisted shorts...Oh wait...it's 2014 and that IS a thing. I cannot recommend Fifth and Mae enough. It's totally affordable for a birthday gift for a friend (when on a budget), or even more jewls for ya bad self. Treat yo self.

Other items I'm loving: States (wish NJ was one...it would be sold in a heartbeat! // Grab the bull by its horns // Prism ring // Astrology time!

Which item would you get your hands on?

Do you do it for the #gram?

When your a 90's kid with a sick fashion sense, you find yourself never leaving behind said trends that your mom haaad to have you in. You know...fanny's....GAP sweatshirts tied around your waist...and obviously flannel.

Although I lacked my fanny, which I do have, I was sure to rock my Emi-Jay tank. More than just rocking it to dinner. I rocked it to the beach. I even rocked it to sleep because we only know that the beach makes you too tired to even change out of your dinner outfit. So consensus: it's freaking sleep approved.

I was thinking about the shirt and wondering why the eff doesn't every blogger in the world already own one? Personally, *ESPECIALLY* being a blogger, insta has become my favorite social media to use! I love following accounts that I can draw inspiration from or be like why am I not them and what steps can I take TO become them?

     

     

Top: (c/o) Emi-Jay / Bottoms: Old Navy [sale] / Jacket: Brandy Melville /
Shades: Urban Outfitters / Shoes: DSW 

When I saw the I DID IT FOR THE INSTA top I think myself, my neighbors, and all 900 instagram followers of mine agreed this top had to be in my possession. Can I possibly pull a Cady Heron and wear it under all my clothes?  Hello of course I'm an Aaron Samuels lover, too. It's true I'm no stranger to instagram and I think I'm on the level of cool because I don't worry about how many times I post a day. Sometimes I think my staged pics are overrated so I try to spice things up (see: this bad boy). My favorite instagram tip? Use VSCOCAM with the F2 filter/ exposure +2/ temperature -2. Homeboy does wonders on natural lighting.

Some of my favorites: uno dos tres cuatro cinco

Do you do it for the gram?

Who needs high school reunions when you have social media?

Just last week while talking to myself in my daily installment of throwing on some of my favorite products I was faced with the thought of my first ever high school reunion. After recently seeing some blog posts about it (as well as hearing from a friend), I was thinking about what mine would be like. And ultimately, would I go? Chances are probably because I'm sort of nosey sometimes. But then I was like hold the iphone [as I scroll through my newsfeed]. Now a days...so like....5+ years from now will reunions even be relevant? Think about it. Back in the days of smoking cigarettes during their school lunch break and actually having to converse face to face (and pass notes) during class. GASP. They looked forward to receiving the good ole snailmail and happily (or angrily) count down the days on their pretty little trippy looking calendar and not on their palm pilot (good ole days), ipad, or cellie. Really, I don't need to attend my high school reunion (Ok maybe I will but I'll worry about it when it comes around the corner. scared face emoji riiiight here). I got all of them in the palm of my hand (read: iPhone) but chances are we really aren't facebook friends.

source

With facebook, I've been able to follow a sweet friend of mine since high school (the very beginning)! Once we met, I think we both instantly clicked but truthfully I can't even remember what. I can always remember having the greatest of laughs with this lady. Who dat who dat you (or I G G Y) might ask? Alyssa Joseph a'course! Not only am I here to bring you an exclusive (keep on reading) but I want to share with you the honest truth about this lady. Hands down, throughout my years of knowing her she always had the kindest heart and instantly knows how to crack a smile even on the days the sun don't shine. When hanging out, I more times than not had the opportunity to hear her sing her sweet tunes. Besides the fact she covered songs that already had a near and dear spot [on the left side of my heart, if you're curious], her voice always made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. In musician heaven.

What inspires this Nashville bound lady? Rain. Candles. The way the sunlight comes through the leaves.
"I write about my surroundings, recent life experiences, and emotions. Watching other musicians perform also sparks creativity in me."

"If you love SIA, Ingrid Michaelson, and Adrien Reju, Alyssa Joseph is the homegirl on the rise"
 -Said by yours truly

Was more than tempted to post a picture of us from freshman year of high school but for the sake of your computer screen, I think it's best we refrain. Homegirl [me] had not yet discovered eyebrow waxing. Five points for Rachel. Congrats, good job.

If you made it through my jibber jabber then boy do I have a treat for you. Here's a cookie. I mean THE PLACE TO LISTEN TO ALYSSA'S NEW SINGLE. The place to listen to it actually. All the cool kids[/musicians] are doing it. 

Oh my goodness! Fabulous you love her too? Don't forget to show her some love on social media where she posts all her upcoming news [+ local shows (If you're in tristate area)]: 

on the web | youtube | facebook | twitter | instagram

And don't forget to hit up your X year high school reunion. Or not. Because thats what for late insomniac nights when you find yourself on your ex best friends boyfriends sisters cousins instagram. Or something of that sort. Social media, FTW.

Have your cake and social media stalk some bloggers too!

When I show up on Tuesdays/Thursdays, you know I have something important to say. As a blogger, it's really cool for my fans (you know, I'm like celeb status) telling me they love my instagrams/my writing. I mean I think anyone loves anything that can boost their itty bitty ego a lil' bit more. Regardless, as a blogger (or even better yet..a millennial) we know the joys of the let me stay in bed for an extra ten minutes and stalk my ex boyfriends cousins new girlfriend because she's pretty syndrome to even finding a blog, trying to figure out all there is to know about them and then try to befriend them before they get really creeped out and probably put you on their shit list. KIDDING.

Blog land is a happy place, a great place. As the all so trendy Marie Antoinette once stated, "Let them eat cake stalk their little hearts out". Here are some of the cooliest ladies on the interweb, check them out. Stalk it up on all social media. You may never know if you are meeting your new bestfriend or #ins(ta)piration!
Don't forget to show ya love!

XOX,  the lady who wouldn't mind eating some cake.
P.S I have some exciting things in the works, make sure to come back tomorrow [and friday]! 

A shoe for me, a shoe for you (+giveaway)

Yesterday, I was able to capture some really foody for thoughty type snaps - all within about an hour span. After getting coffee off Walnut Street in Philadelphia (Rittenhouse...obv), I sat down to take some poor quality hand/coffee/table/bag/accessories shot when I looked up. Ugh damn this generation and the fact we never look up from our phone sometimes.  When I looked up, I realized the man was definitely homeless. We see so many of these in the city, truthfully I get a bit I'm tiny don't try to small talk with me when it comes to street corner residers. However, as I was sipping on my $3 iced coffee, I had those epiphany moments we all love where I was like shit, there's so much more to life than this. I need to calm down about the small stuff, stop sweating it literally and just live my life. However, especially for me easier said than done.

A few steps and a block later, I ran into a wedding party. I then proceeded to judge her dress (sorry, pinterest inspiration is too much sometimes), but I thought about how happy she must be. I also thought about her being a bridezilla and wondering if anything had happened yet where she would have unleashed her beast. I did get to stalk the pre-wedding ceremony pictures which was really cool. Then, in typical girl fashion, I signed in sadness that I have a bad case of single-fever and it will be a new era by the time I find a mister worthy of my stopping mid walks to take pictures or even the fact I decide to write about him (sometimes) on le internet. Oh yea, should probs add my pageant crazies to that list, too. A pictures worth a thousand (and eight) words. And people watching is probably the best sport I'll ever partake in.

Rachel | Melissa | Laura | Sierra | Ashley | Jules | Heather | Becca | Kelly | Christine | Holly | Kolbi | Morgan | Rachael | Rebekah | Allison | Jenny | Vivian | Kelly

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Case of the 20's

Whoever said that becoming an adult would be a great thing was def sipping on that purple stuff rappers love to jam out to. Being a person that's very goal driven (surprise!) and becoming overly mature [note: at times] has probably lead to my dreaming of only a short skip and a hop to become an infamous twenty something. 

Imma let you in on a little secret. Four years ago, I had a pretty bad year. The last year of teenager-ing? Definitely the same. Nineteen (I know #fetusstatus) was definitely not an easy one for me. Probably the toughest assignment the man up above set me up to was figuring out who I am, want I want from life, and how and who will I surround myself to get me there. I've definitely distanced myself from great people for I figured judgement would arise on circumstances I judged myself for. WHY ARE WE OUR OWN WORST ENEMIES? This year, it was a little bit almost inevitable I was ready for a year of shit. That's like a chinese type of symbol somewhere on the road right? 19 definitely had it's perks and I was ready for the real world until August 3rd at about 11:43 PM.

When the big clock struck midnight, I was in my bed. Reading blogs. Maybe yours. Not the glamorous life I wanted when entering phase one of adulthood. I was pretty frustrated and anxiety and all that pretty stuff flung through my body. Finally, when I woke up in the morning I realized things would be different. I was so happy to finally have my puppy but realizing that my 20's and the rest of my life wouldn't be glamorous? Well shit. Could I like stay 19 forever or....

36 hours into phase one, I just proved to myself that being an adult wasn't pretty and I'm ready to turn ten again! Cha cha cha's, Hiiiii-yaaaa's, and all. (They also say EAT MORE CHICKEN after cha cha cha's now, not sure where that comes in...) I had my mind up in the clouds, almost literally when I hurt my preciousness of a car. Who is now going to have to get an extreme makeover and leave rgord in a more terrible debt than ever. Again, adulthood proves to be a little female dog.

When bad things like that happen, we all tend to FREAK THE FREAK OUT, and go through EVERYTHING we have to be worrying about and then try to turn into inspector gadget and figure it all out when really we can't. Reality bites, trust me- I think I should be the brand ambassador for that...

After hearing eavesdropping on unnamed people in an unnamed location (look the sketchiness is back!), I decided I should check into the Lokai bracelet myself. The reasoning behind it had me sold in a heartbeat. Said unnamed woman was saying she broke down and bought it when she felt at her lowest point. When mid 20 year old life crisis, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. Buy something that will make her feel better [which I did]. Truthfully, I thought this was some dumb product at first like the rainbow-loop sensation (you know you work with kids when....) but after my research I was a sold lady. If you're feeling down, remember you have the same hours in a day as BEYONCE. Oh, and get a bracelet that will boost ya spirits.

Dress: forever21

Shoes: Naot

Clutch: St John

P.S was definitely not compensated for this post. Just totally in love with these bracelets.

Pimpin' Ain't Easy

Pimpin' ain't easy as said by the famous Big Daddy Kane (excuse me, who?). My other search results came up to be Snoop Dog (TBT) and R.Kelly, which made me feel much better about the googling of realizing this was a REAL song. I thought it was just thought up by some random teenager sitting around a friends basement with water bottles filled with...well, not water.

Honesty hour up in here: I love getting interviewed. I rarely get nervous and I think it's a lot of fun. I'm ultimately a crazy person right? Wrong OK maybe. I'm really stellar at showing off and talking about all things I know like the back of my hand (but actually) aka moi. To me, going on first dates are like interviews. I'm really good at small talk, big talk, medium talk, talking ears off, etc.

I've had shit dates where I decide that talking about the raining of cats and dogs outside is the most exciting thing about me (read: I wanted to skiddaddle) or dates where I spend hours chatting about X, Y, and Z and they have the hard urge to check their phones and look for the nearest escape route. However, there's probably something (you and) I could avoid chatting about on a first interview I mean date.

For starters I believe talking about your favorite hobby/activity TOO much could just be a boner kill. I bet you 9/10 times they DO care about your latest baking episode or hiking trip to a really cool stream (I mean come on I do ALL of those...) but if you spend hours talking about your hike up a side of the road mountain chances are they won't be returning your texts after a while. For me, of course, pageantry is my word vomit of choice. And for that, I really would like to apologize to all the dudes who never understood that there was a whole lifestyle, drama, and butt glue behind those hot swimsuits (this year c/o Kandice Pelliter).

Another topic to bury under a rock is most likely your views on the Pally-Israel middle east shenanigans. However, at the end of the day the positive part is that we all just really want peace. Just like my blog, I would never express my full views of political things (mostly because I don't care to know much of it), so chatting a dates ear off about me being super pro one way (especially if they are the other way) just wouldn't be a pretty thing. Also tip: don't you dare begin to even talk about this if you have no idea what to say- only because chances are you could look like a loon.

(For the bloggers): KEEP CALM AND REFRAIN from using words such as sponsorship, blates, and OOTD's. I'm the poster child for this experience so either refrain from such acts or get your pretty little bottom blog-stalked. BLO-ALKED. blog stalked. ok cool. Making up my own words.

If you need time to waste at your desk this wednesday, please refer to this itty bitty link: click me!

What are you guilty of word vom-ing on a first date?

Happy Birthday Obama!

It's an hour until my birthday as I write this post (yes, sometimes I do schedule them), and all I'm thinking is WHAT THE EFF. I know I'm not turning something in my late 20's or even 30's but besides my killer stomach ache (I mean, who doesn't want that on their birthday...), I'm seriously stunned. Maybe depressed about it, but only a little. Note to self: STOP WORRYING BECAUSE IF YOU GET UPSET EACH BIRTHDAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IT WILL SUCK.

In the past year, I'd say I learned a helluva lot about myself. I know everyone says that every year and I'm pretty good at being the stereotypical cliche (hence my statement above), but on the reals as much as I hated this year, it was a pretty good indication about all things me and my future.

In the past year I've: met a Miss USA, got broken up with, changed schools, lose my first close family member, emerge myself into the world of pageantry (ily, networking), met my best friend through blogging (hi Rachael), battled anxiety, learned to appreciate my family and family time so much more, changed schools again, came home, realized what true friendship means, met more blog friends, became my own worst enemy, went on a shit ton of terrible dates, blogged about them (the best part), traveled, rebranded my blog, spent too much money on retail therapy-ing, bettered my writing skills and found my voice, had the opportunity to experience fabulous internships, became a really artsy instagram-er, and ultimately, blog my freaking heart out. Oh! and got a pup (more on that later).

I'm not really sure what I think my last 45 minutes of a teenager wants to say on my corner of the interweb (someone was shocked when I told them I OWN a corner of the internet. I mean who would trust me with that much responsibility?!?) but I know 20 year old me is being sappy as anything. I'd like to shoutout to everyone (I'll take cliches for 400, Alex) who's impacted me in the past year.

To the losers who made me realize what I don't want from a future beau. To the blogging friends (both close and far) to encourage and support every.single.step. Like I've said, blogging is a strange thing (read: fucking weird to those who don't get it), but I wouldn't want it any other way. To netflix for getting me through boredom and avoiding all daunting tasks I should have been doing. And obviously to Monogram Meredith: for giving me the cutest of shirts to wear in any season. I wish I could give you the 411 on everything Meredith and mine's relationship. I'm not sure how it even began besides the fact I designed her pretty little sliver of the web. I would love to look through ancient archives (because its been months now, duh) however it's my birthday and thats a great story for another time (over under on you caring? 0).

All Meredith's products (pillows, tanks, and cover ups) have a sporty handstiched monogram to boot...avec a super rad background design. I think my favroite part of my MM shirt is how funky and easy it is to mix it up into any outfit. I especially love to wear it lazily (I'm guilty). When I'm not dressing nicely (so let's say 99% of the time), my go to is anything comfortable (shorts or leggins depending on mother natures bipolar-ness). In the winter I had fun pairing it with simple leggings and a sweat jacket! In summer, it's easy to throw on with a simple pair of shorts. 

If your looking for some affordable gifts for a birthday friend (cough cough definitely me cough cough), I think hope I directed you to the right spot. Just call me the GPS of birthday gifts, it's fine. Lastly, I'd like to thank my dearest friend Ritz Carlton Ft. Lauderdale for showering me with the princess (that I am) treatment to start my 20th birthday off right. Never stop being you, dawg.

It's a shame that my most exciting moment of my birthday this year will be the fact my age will now say a 2-0 on the big tindy. Hooray for not being a teen! As far as my gift from you goes? Make sure to say hello to Meredith! Here's to beating teen pregnancy (and 364 days until I can buy out a whole shelf of boxed wine)! Sorry ma. 

She's beauty and she's grace...

Two truths and a lie:

I've competed in pageants.

I think pageants are stupid.

I'm obsessed with pageants.

If you don't know me, I bet you know nothing about pageants (unless you are a pageant friend/exist in pageant realm). If you do know me, I think you can attest to the fact I've taught you everything you've learned thus far ABOUT pageants. It's my christmas, my birthday, and one of my FAVORITE nights of the year.

True life: This is my last blog post as a teenager. On monday I turn the big 2-0. 

Back to scheduled programming. My birthday is on monday and I'm spending my birthday weekend glued to my computer to watch Miss Teen USA. That is not a joke. Yes, I am more excited for watching a pageant than my own birthday. Some call it sad, others call it growing up. Whatever that means. I could go on (about a rant and a half) as to why I love pageants and want to work in the pageant industry but just typing those few little words send the jitters and goose bumps and all the feels from the tip of my fingers to my noggin. And thats the moment I'm like heck yes, I want to work with pageants. It's not everyday people say that they want their job description to be filled with myths of crazy moms controlling their spray tanned babe, but really its not always like that.

The tallest (and sweetest) teenie - Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2014

Throughout competing (which I now realize I have no future of being a pageant queen, I'm not even five foot), I've gotten to watch the way the Miss Universe Organization works and figures out what type of girl [or woman for Miss USA/Miss Universe] they want to represent their organization. 

Not gonna lie, every year except this past Miss USA, my predictions are always pretty top notch and on point. But my thoughts on this past years Miss USA show is a WHOLE other blog post in itself. 

So if you find yourself bored on saturday (or friday, because prelims...duh) make sure to check back to my post and root on some of my faves, or figure out your own!

Here's my top 10 (in no order):

Arizona / DC / Arkansas / Louisiana  / Illinois  / Mass / New Jersey / Oklahoma / South Carolina

Ohio / Nevada / Texas / West Virginia / Virginia / Utah

I noticed (while searching for my top 5, pre prelim watching) that I usually tend to pick blondes for Teen USA and brunettes for Miss USA. WEIRD.

As far as top 5 (crap, 6 because I can't choose) here's what I got brewing (in no order): 

Mass / Nevada / Oklahoma / Arkansas / New Jersey / Texas

images via www.pageantupdate.com

I have my reasons for picking each girl but I swear on my butt glue (you're probably like WAIT WHAT IS THAT) that you don't care. Make sure to follow along on my twitter account for me to live tweet the show on saturday...unless I find something more important than watching a pageant (read: RARE).