Don't Look Now

As I was going through the pictures for this post.. I realized in all of the good photos, I wasn't looking at the camera. In the ones where I did actually look, it was either really out of focus or my hair was doing some crazy. Probably because it was way too windy to even be taking outfit photos, and also because I was trying to squeeze them in between my Lingerie Party and dinner with Curtis. I'm tellin' ya, I can't take outfit photos if I'm in a rush.. they always turn out really awkward. So, sorry for not looking at you guys in most of my photos, I promise those smiles I'm smiling are for y'all! :) 

Top: TJ Maxx | Skirt: A-Town (Austin, TX) (similar) | Belt: New York & Co. | Flats: Forever 21 
Like I mentioned above, I had my lingerie party this weekend, it's the last of all of my bridal parties.. whew, there have been so many! It was a small affair, but I enjoyed it so much. This is the outfit I wore, I wanted to keep it classy, but somewhat casual as well. I've only worn this skirt once before (you can find that here), but I wish I could wear it every day! It's such a good length, and I'm absolutely in love with the color. If there's one thing I seriously lack in my closet, it's color, and I'm striving to avoid buying clothing articles in neutral tones and go for some in colors that make me happy. I paired the skirt with a top that I've had for quite sometime, but I just hadn't gotten around to wearing. It's one of those blouses that looks much better tucked in, so I'm going to have to figure out a way to wear it with pants. It has a fun button detail on the back that I wish I had remembered to photograph, but maybe next time!
I'm planning on writing a rather long blog post/rant sometime later this week or maybe next week about blogging and what it means to me.. along with some other opinionated views on blog criticism. I won't go into too many details, but let's just say, I found some things that made me sit down and think for a moment (okay, way longer than a moment) last week, and I'd like to share it with y'all. I'm also doing another vlog.. so you know, be ready for that..ha. 
I did a little Q&A post for Alexandra of Beautiful in God's Eyes, that y'all should go check out. Alexandra's blog is so inspiring and has amazing photography, and even though I haven't been following long.. I know I'll enjoy getting caught up on all things Alexandra! Hope you're having a lovely Monday ladies! 
Linking up with: Plane Pretty, My Greatest Hits, Still Being Molly 

ps. What do y'all think about the new layout? I'm going to try and create a new header at some point. But, I just wanted your opinion, do you think it makes everything look too cluttery? I moved some of the tabs at the top over to the sidebar, is that too confusing? Lemme know!

Neutrals Heaven

I decided to go back to the loading dock in downtown Bryan from this post the other day to take photos, I got there at the absolute perfect time for lighting.. but I don't think I've mastered the whole "back lighting" technique. Actually, I'm not sure if it's really possible with a tripod? Maybe, but it'll take much more practice on my end to get it right. I did get a couple that were decent though, so as an appreciator of good style blog photography, I'm pretty happy. 

For some odd reason, my utility jacket got lost in my closet, okay.. that's not odd, and kind of happens on a daily basis, you guys haven't seen my closet, it swallows things alive. But, when I couldn't find it after thinking up this outfit the other night, I kind of freaked out and went on a cleaning spree. It was recovered beneath a crate full of bags and beach towels, the same crate I skinned my shin in the middle of the night the other day.. darn you crate! I found it though, and was so happy to wear this outfit all day long. Basically, I was in neutrals heaven. The one negative: these flats. They are not comfortable..at all, and make me want these Madewell skimmers even more every time I wear them. If anyone has seen some cute leopard flats recently, hit me up! I'm in serious need of new ones and can't afford $118 flats.. I will say though, it may be that these particular flats are too small for me, so I may just need to size up. 

Random Kristina musing of the day: I wanted to tell all of y'all, every time I look at that picture of the yellow rose above, I start singing this song. I feel like Texas has a lot of songs about it. Do other states have songs about them (besides state songs and such)? I genuinely want to know!

Linking up with: The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Because Shanna Said So, Kiwi Womens Style, Rolled Up Pretty, Black.White.Color

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Jacket: Loft via Plato's Closet (similar; also worn here & here)
Dress: Ruche (similar; also worn here, here & here)
Belt: Gap (similar)
Flats: Target (exact)
Watch: Anne Klein (same in black)
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Cecilia

One of my favorite songs when I was a little kid was Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel, and by some odd happenstance, while I was getting ready this particular morning, it came on (my neighbors probably hate me for playing music at 7AM) and I thought to myself, how befitting.. this outfit just seemed to fit the song so well. Maybe it'd fit better if I didn't have to wear tights and it was 90 degrees outside, instead of the 60 degrees it actually was. Hey, random cold front, where'd you come from? But, this song just seems like such a summer song to me. Clearly, I'm not breakin' any hearts though.. tehe.

I'm pretty proud of myself, I've made it over two and a half weeks without shopping..honestly, I haven't even been tempted really. I've just been going crazy on my Pinterest and pinning every outfit imaginable to help inspire me to shop my own closet. Another tool that's been instrumental in my shopping ban has been Go Chic or Go Home, if you haven't ever visited the site before, I definitely recommend it. It's helped me organize my closet and serves as a great reminder that I really do have a ton of clothes and that shopping for more won't solve anything. 

In saying all of that, all of these pieces (minus the accessories) are relatively old. Y'all have seen the lace top before (here and here), it's one of my favorites and I'm so glad to have figured out a new way to wear it. The skirt I've had forever, and it's a little too big now, but I'm in love with the color.. and I can always get it taken in if I want to. The flats are shoes that aren't the most comfortable, as are most Target flats in my opinion, but they're so cute! Also, wearing tights with them does help a bit because they don't rub the backs of my ankles. My boater hat, how I love thee! It's the perfect summer hat, and like the lovely Danielle said on her blog the other day, hats are perfect for those days when your hair gives you the fits. I did buy my hat with a bit of a purpose though, you can't go on a big 'ole boat without a boater hat! Duh! Lastly, my sunglasses.. I wasn't sure about them when I first bought 'em a few weeks ago, and I wouldn't have bought them if they weren't $3, but I really had been wanting some round sunnies! I think they've grown on me now though.

Friday, oh Friday, you have finally returned to us. This particular Friday is especially exciting for me, you see I receive my Aggie Ring this afternoon, at 3:30 to be exact. My family's already in town, and Curt's parents and my best friend, Kelsey, will all be here pretty soon. Getting my Aggie Ring has always been a big deal for me, probably because I'm a girl and I like shiny gold things too much.. but also because it's such an accomplishment. For a girl whose family didn't go to big colleges and get fancy degrees, it's quite a big deal. Now, I've just got to actually finish college for it to truly be real, but receiving this ring is a reminder of what I'm working towards. It's so easy to just stay in bed in the mornings, or pretend like that exam really isn't that big of a deal, but having an education isn't something to be taken for granted. I am so blessed to have gotten into such an amazing university, one I love deeply, and I will be so proud to represent once I get out into the "real world." I'll be sure to post pictures and tell y'all about all of the festivities this afternoon and evening hold in-store sometime next week!

I hope you lovely ladies have a fantastic start to your weekends. Now go rock out to some Simon & Garfunkel ;) 

Linking up with: Two Thirty-Five Designs, Plane Pretty

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Top: Target (similar, lusting over)
Skirt: Forever 21 (similar)
Belt: New York & Co.
Tights: Target (exact)
Flats: Target (save, spend, spend)
Hat: Target (exact)
Sunnies: Gap via Ross (save, spend, splurge)
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Velvety

You know those random pieces of clothing you just have to have in your closet? Yeah.. No? Maybe I'm the only one that has spells put on them by inanimate objects.. Well, that's what this blazer did to me, and seeing as it was only $10, I was kind of okay with it. I've always loved velvet, and I'm pretty happy about it being back in style.. but honestly, I'd probably wear this bad boy if it wasn't "cool."

Curtis and I have been catching up on one of our favorite "newer" shows, Hell on Wheels. I say catching up, but honestly.. it's been sitting in the DVR for six months, oops. College will do that to ya though. If you haven't ever watched it before, or have no idea what it is, you should check it out. Although, if westerns aren't really your cup of tea, then maybe not. I'm pretty open to all types of television, well..not really reality TV, but basically everything else. (I do get sucked into Keeping Up with the Kardashian's allll the time though, why are their lives so interesting to me?!) Since I'm on the subject of TV, Mad Men is coming back on April 7th, and I've been getting more and more excited every week after I watch the latest episode of the Walking Dead because they show previews for it the whole way through. I'm pretty sure my obsession with all things mid-century modern stems from that show, it's so addicting. I told you guys one day I'd eventually let you in on a few of my favorite series on the tele. Well, there you have it -- AMC is my jam. But, I'll admit it, I still kind of maybe watch Glee.. yeah, it's so stinking weird now, but whatever, it gets recorded and I watch it..every time. I think it's a guilty pleasure or something. A few more -- New Girl, the Mindy Project, Smash, and anything on HGTV (seriously, I should probably just be an interior designer as much as I watch that channel). 

Sorry, I apparently don't like looking at the camera anymore? Artsy poses get the best of me sometimes. This look is much more wintery than any outfit should be in late March, but we've gotten a cold front here in Tejas and it's been in the 50's during the daytime. I'm not really complaining though.. holding off on the 104 degree temps for as long as possible is fine by me. School's been pretty overwhelming this week, but I'm makin' it. So glad the weekend's almost here! What are your Easter weekend plans? What are some of y'all's favorite shows? Are you planning to watch any of those over the break? I totally would, but I've got two exams next week too, boo. 

linking up with: diary of a bargainista - all things alisa, the pleated poppy, because shanna said so, kiwi women's style, style elixir

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Blazer: Thrifted (similar)

Dress: Ruche (save, spend, cute option)

Belt: New York & Co. 

Tights: Target (same)

Boots: Steve Madden (similar - on sale too!, save)

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ps. yes, I finally got some legitimate black tights. FINALLY.
pss. I'm determined not to spend any more money on clothes until after the wedding. Life is just too expensive right now, and I need to be saving more and spending less. I bought my last purchases the other day before I started my two month long hiatus, floral shorts may or may not have been involved (thank you Ross). Plus, my closet is bursting at the seams you guys, that's the truth, truth. 

Day 22: Wanderlust

I've really been in the mood to travel lately. Actually, I've been in this mood for quite sometime. I haven't left Texas since I was 13, that's semi-embarrassing for me to say.. everyone around me seems to be going somewhere all the time. Sure, I've done stuff here in Texas, and don't get me wrong, I love this state. It's huge, meaning you can drive for three hours and still not be out of it, but the scenery around you has changed immensely. Sometimes I think about how people must feel living in smaller states, where you're able to drive an hour or less and be in a new state, that's kind of crazy to me.. But then again, I am from the middle of Texas, so traveling to Oklahoma and Louisiana takes some time; don't even talk about making it to New Mexico.  Fun fact, did you know that if I lived in El Paso (very west Texas) I'd be closer to California than my hometown here in Texas. That's insane. 

via Pinterest

I will get a bit of travel fix come May, Curtis and I are going on a cruise to Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Islands, and Cozumel for our honeymoon. I've never been on a cruise before, so I'm pretty stoked. And no, I'm not scared to go on a cruise, I don't really think they'll let another ship break down..haha. But, I really do hope we travel more once we've got real jobs. He knows traveling means a lot to me, just because I haven't gotten to do it as much as I would've liked to growing up. I did more than some people I know, and got to spend an entire month in New York with my aunt and uncle, which was awesome. But, I've always loved the idea of new places, new people, and new cultures. This is probably just a big ramble with nowhere to go, but I think I'm going to try to save more for trips. Not that I have a whole lot to save anyway, but I'm going to make an effort to make my dreams become a reality -- and hopefully be able to share my adventures with you guys on this blog. 

 Anyway, here's my twenty-second day of 30x30, eight more! I can almost here my closet calling my name again, not to mention thrifty thrift shops, Target, and Forever 21 (or at least the jewelry section). 

I thought of this outfit when I first started the challenge, but the first time I tried it on, I didn't like something about it. Honestly, I have no clue what I didn't like about it then, but I love it now! I really wanted to button up my collar all the way, but the neck in the sweater is too wide..oh well, I like it this way, it's nice and relaxing, even if I was sweating in class this morning. Coffee and three hundred people surrounding you in an auditorium classroom will do that to ya. 

What about y'all? Do you want to travel anywhere in particular, or have you gone anywhere really awesome recently? Try not to make me too jealous! 

Linking up with My Style Monday -- My Greatest Hits

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Sweater: DKNY via TJ Maxx

Blouse: Old Navy

Skinnies: Gap

Oxfords: Steve Madden

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Song of the Post: On My Own -- Les Miserables

Day 21: Perfectamundo

I know I said this the last time I wore this dress, which you can find here, but I really do love wearing this dress. It's simple, but the lace pattern is truly unique, plus it can be layered up in the winter time, but can be worn simply for summer afternoons. This is the first time I haven't worn burgundy with it (I own to much burgundy), but change is good in this case. I don't know if you can really tell, but my tights have a pretty cool pattern on them, actually I don't own black tights without patterns on them.. I think I may go pick some plain ones up from Target pretty soon..

I don't really have much to say on this glorious afternoon, honestly, all I want to do is take the beagles to the dog park, lay on a blanket in the grass, and soak up the sun. Summer will be here before you know it, and summer in Texas isn't as pleasant as it might seem. The baseball game last night was fun, but I do believe I enjoy major league baseball much more. Linking up on this fine day with:

Hope you guys have a fantastic Sunday afternoon! I may or may not be making some slight changes to the blog, depends on how much I get done today school-wise. So don't be alarmed if something's not right, haha! I'll leave you with this, the epitome of perfect days for Miss Muggles; windows rolled down, beagle ears billowing in the wind, and that little brown nose taking in all of those magnificent smells!


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Dress: Ruche
Belt: New York & Co.
Tights: Express
Wedges: Target
Earrings: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's
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ps. Curtis and I just booked our Honeymoon cruise, I am soooo excited!