Tag: Lifestyle

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Heavy Metal

Today is one of those weird, warm fall days where you’re not quite sure whether to wear a dress or bundle up in a cozy sweater.  The Wear What Where October Style Challenge was enough to convince me to go with the latter.  The theme is Metallic Miss and I had the perfect necklace for the occasion.

Starting with this statement necklace as the focal point (as pretty as it is, I swear it adds 10 lbs.), I built out an outfit that accents the shimmery hues.  I purchased the necklace at Nordstrom Rack for $19.99, which is a steal for something so intricate in design.

Neckalnce

I found this sweater last fall at T.J. Maxx and it is easily one of my favorites, minus the itchy wool.  It was around $30, which is honestly more than I would normally spend on a sweater but also a fraction of what it would have cost in a department store.  The jeans were only $10 during T.J. Maxx’s end of season markdowns last year. Shopping hack: T.J. Maxx is offering free shipping right now if you sign up for their newsletter.

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The booties are beauties.  Retailed at $129, I picked up these Jessica Simpson taupe fringe booties at Marshalls for just $49.

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Though the temperature is supposed to rise throughout the day, it started off chilly, giving me an opportunity to break out this stunning new wool coat.  Another T.J. Maxx find, the coat was purchased for just $49 (retailed at $72).  I saw a woman trying it on and basically stalked her until she bought it down.  Have y’all ever done that before?!  It might have been slightly creepy but well worth it: )

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Return of the shoulda been returned

While I feel most in my element when wearing a sundress, I have to admit I’m glad to welcome back the season of leggings.  They are just so comfortable and with the right pairing, can be appropriate for both work and play.

For today’s ensemble I mixed a little old with a little new.  The Cynthia Rowley top was found at Marshall’s (priced at $19, retailed at $29).  The print has the slightest blend of blush and tan, lined with black.

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I bought the jacket at the beginning of last spring and after bringing it home, decided I just wasn’t in love with it.  I threw it in my trunk to return on my next trip to T.J. Maxx.  But, I am the absolute worst at returning things.  The intention is always there, but the memory is not.  So, needless to say I was a bit surprised to find the jacket when cleaning out my trunk and more surprised to find that I actually love it now.  Guess it was just meant to be! It’s a Max Jeans jacket, priced at $49 and retailed at $120.

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The leggings are Lauren Conrad for Kohls.  I’ve had them for two seasons now and even after much overuse, they’ve stood the test of time and are still in perfect condition.  I’d highly recommend her leggings but don’t jump to make the purchase; they often drop down to 50% off retail and then you can use a site like Retail Me Not to get an additional percentage off (card holders get even steeper discounts).  I bought the booties last year at Ross for just $19.99 and have seen them there on this shelves again this season!  The hat and necklace are both from H&M.

Do you have any pieces like the jacket that are a dual-threat, suitable for both spring and fall?

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Post-grad guidelines: letter to my 22-year-old self

I honestly can’t fathom the fact that it’s been seven years since I walked across that University of South Carolina stage and took hold of my degree.  Time moves so quickly and seems to speed up even faster as each day passes.  This week marks a milestone for me, seven years since starting my career at Wireside (!), and with that, it only seems appropriate to reflect upon the lessons learned in these post-college years.  Looking back, here are some takeaways I have for my 22-year-old self.

Priorities will shift.  Right now, you’re straight out of the college gates, ready to tackle the world.  Slow down.  Focus.  Take time to explore your passions.  Many of the things that motivate you today will be mere memories in the days of tomorrow.  You don’t need to craft a game plan for the rest of your life, but you must make choices now that will keep you on the path you inevitably want to follow.  Connect with mentors that can guide you and watch you grow along the way.

Chances should be taken.  This one is tough for you, a person that feels most at ease in a safety net of the familiar.  But regret is a strong force, one that will serve up a constant reminder of moves you did not make.  Taking a leap of faith, no matter how difficult it may be, can turn out to be the best decision you’ve ever made.  Go against your internal grain and force yourself out of the comfort zone.

You’re unknowingly taking those you love for granted.  Although you’ve lost friends and family members, you still don’t fully grasp the true impact of loss.  As you grow, times will come when those close to you are no longer a part of your life here on earth.  And the stories of lives taken too soon, even those you don’t know personally, will touch you on a deeper level and help you to realize that not a moment in life should be taken for granted.  Every hug, every conversation, could be your last so embrace tightly and connect deeply.

Friendships will fade.  Not all of them.  Some will pass the test of time.  But others, the bonds you thought could never be broken, will prove to have been held together by a Velcro that slowly loses cohesiveness over time.  This will be a harsh realization, but it’s often a shift where no one is at fault.  Life will take you to different places and accelerate at different moments; you may not always be able to keep up with one another.  As you grow, you’ll learn that certain people were a part of your life at a certain time because that’s when you needed them, and they needed you, most.  They played a role in making you into the person you’re becoming and it is okay if they’re not by your side to see the final product.  You’ll carry a piece of them with you, always.  A friendship, even one that once seemed so strong but is now visible only in a stack of old photos, will still be an important friendship when you look back at your journey through life.

You’re in for an amazing adventure filled with limitless opportunities, unwavering love from those around you and unwritten storylines.  Just don’t sit back and enjoy the ride because you’re the one in the driver’s seat.