Don't Ever Look Back.

Pink Maxi Dress: Thrifted.

Yellow Scarf: Target.

Grey Cardigan: Kohl's.

Grey Heels: Forever21.

Silver Leaf Earrings: Thrifted.

Hello everyone :)

Happy Monday to you all! Sheez my Thanksgiving Break went by too fast and now, unfortunately, I'm back in school... On the positive side though in only three weeks I'll be getting an even longer break for Christmas! I've already started counting down, he.

Anyways, about this outfit. It's weird and not something I would usually wear, but I was really into a risk taking mood. I think sometimes that I get so bored with my style and stuck in a funk and that I need to just wear something outlandish to sort of get my mind working again. When I think about it, if I had never taken any fashion risks I wouldn't be where I am today. Risks allow a person to open their mind to new ideas and thoughts. So, I think every once and awhile it's okay to have a crazy outfit in there ;)

Hope everyone is doing well, and I'll see you all tomorrow!

With much love, Lauren.

Misconceptions.

I think impressions and perceptions people have of others are some of the weirdest things. I don't know a time when I've seen someone for the first time and instantly had engraved into my mind what they were like before even talking to them. Based on what the person is wearing, how their hair is done, and their overall appearance, I put that person into a "category" in my mind. Then there is the way my mind perceives people. For some reason I always believe that people's lives are perfect. When I walk down the hallway at school I see those pretty, rich, and popular girls and think to myself, "Wow, I wish I could trade lives with her. She has friends. She has money. She has beauty. She has it all." I always think it's weird when people think this about my life. I had a person once say to me that I had the perfect life. I literally burst out laughing when I heard this! I've had people tell me that I have the ideal relationship with my boyfriend, that I must have a huge and fabulous wardrobe, and that I seem just perfect. This is all such a total misconception.

I am an incredibly lonely and friendless person: I can count on one hand the number of friends I have. Matt and I fight practically every day about something or other, and our relationship isn't always cupcakes and sunshine. I don't have any money and can't afford any nice things and that's why I have to buy second hand clothes. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have half my wardrobe. And although I do have confidence and self assurance in myself, I have many days where I am insecure and can't stand my appearence. I'm very thankful for the life I have: I'm incredibly lucky. I'm just pointing out though that it is far from perfect. People don't see what actually goes on in my real life and I feel like they would be so surprised. I would probably be totally shocked if I found out what really goes on in other people's lives.

The point I'm trying to make? I need to stop judging people or assuming that they might have the perfect life. I think appearances really are so deceiving. Looks and images can fool the eye into thinking it sees something that's not real. I am no perfect person, and neither is any person. I think that's something I really need to remember. That all humans are vulnerable and have imperfections. Cracks in their facades. It's the cracks, however, that make each of us individuals who we really are.

Hope everyone is doing great and I'll begin posting outfits as usual tomorrow! Sorry if this post was a a bit random, but every once in a while I like to write about what actually goes through my mind. I think it's important to let you all see the vulnerable and real side of me rather than just the posed outfit pictures 24/7. And even if no one cares to read about my ramblings, I entertain myself :)

With much love, Lauren.

Velveteen Time.

Hello everyone!

So I've been on a frantic Internet search the past week or so to find the perfect Christmas dress! When I was a little girl I remember wearing these itchy, poofy ugly plaid dresses that I hated... It's funny now that I actually love wearing fancy Christmas dresses. Anyways, I was becoming quite distressed because I must have looked at eight different sites through all of the dresses and couldn't find a thing! They were all either a) ridiculously short and you would be able to see my undies if I bent over a bit b) covered completely in sequins c) Very tight, ruched, and usually in a big leopard print. I'm not saying these things are that bad, but I wear my Christmas dress to church and for Christmas cards we send out! I don't think my grandmas want to see me looking like a you-know-what...ha.

Finally, I did find a dress that I liked for not too bad of a price at Forever21. I ordered it online last night and should come in sometime next week! It's this little black velvet bubble dress that is just too adorable for only $22. Something about velvet just screams Christmas time to me. I plan on "girlifying" this dress up with loads of pearls, some red lip stick, ringlet curls, and some patent heels, and possibly some sheer polka dot tights! My usual uniform ;)

Anyways, on a different note I'm sort of at a weird place with this blog right now. Since winter and the cold has sort of set in, it just makes taking outfit pictures outside almost unbearable. Lately, I hardly have been taking outfit pictures because my expressions just look so pained and miserable! I'm really hoping to somewhat adjust to the cold (it hasn't even snowed yet and I'm complaining. Jeez..) because I actually like posting my outfits rather than inspiration. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things again.

See you all tomorrow! Hope you're doing well and had a very fulfilling (ha) Thanksgiving!

With much love, Lauren.

Giving Thanks.

Plaid High Waisted Skirt: Thrifted.

Red Turtleneck: Kohl's.

Yellow Scarf: Target.

Black Tights: Who Knows?

Green Headband: Modcloth.

Emerald and Hold Clip Earrings: Thrifted.

Black Pointy Flats: Thrifted.

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

I had such a wonderful day with family giving thanks for all of the great things I have in my life. I always remember as a little girl waking up early and running downstairs to see my dad prepare the turkey. As soon as I would open the door of my room, all of the heavenly scents of food would fill my nose and I would know that I had an exciting day ahead of me. I still feel this way as a teenager!

Today the food was plentiful and certainly mouthwatering. After dinner I was full to the brim and took a little cat nap :) Matt came over and we had desert. I am a total sucker for pumpkin pie and had a big ole' slice with a pile of whipped cream on the top! It was a cozy and just all together really pleasant day.

I am just so incredibly thankful and appreciative of everything I have in my life. I am so truly blessed to have a healthy and happy family, a warm house to sleep in, plenty of food always on the table, and such wonderful friends and a wonderful boyfriend, of course. Every night before I go to bed I thank God for everything he has given me. Sometimes I feel so lucky. I think this quote pretty much sums everything up for me:

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."

And I am so very thank for everything that I have!

With much love, Lauren

Desolate Surroundings.

Cream Lace Blouse: Old Navy.
Light Pink Sweater: Forever21.
Olive Green Jeggings: Target (My newest purchase!).
White Bow Wedges: Thrifted.
Pink Floppy Hat: Thrifted.
Grey Pea Coat: Delia's.

Hello everyone!

This morning I thought it would be a wonderful idea to do an outfit shoot at the local nature center. Oh, how wrong I was! It's just getting too darn cold to do extensive shoots anymore. I literally could not feel my hands, and my nose was as bright as a cherry! Unfortunately, this was probably one of, or maybe even my last shoot where I go somewhere until next spring. :(

Today Matt and I took a little trip to Columbus to go to an arcade called Dave and Busters. Basically it's like a Chuckie Cheese for older kids! I had a really fantastic time with Matt, and it was nice to actually get to spend some time with him. Lately both of us have been so busy with other things and we were sort of forgetting about each other! Today brought me back to realizing how much fun I really have with him. After Dave and Busters, we went to Applebee's for dinner. Mmmm food tastes so much better when you're super hungry... Overall it was a really fantastic day!

With much love, Lauren.

Forever21 Wishlist!

Hello everyone!

So Forever21 is probably my favorite store to actually shop at, and I create a "list" every year for Christmas of my favorite items for my family to get some ideas. After school today I went through EVERY single category on that stinkin site and picked out my absolute favorite things. Sure, there's a lot of clothes, shoes, and accessories at Forever 21 that I really like, but these ten pieces are the ones I love! I kind of have the pictures set up in matching pairs based on a "theme."

Theme 1: Vintage inspired.

• Multi-layered Faux Pearl Necklace: $11.80.


• Floral Lace Dress w/ Belt: $27.80.

Theme 2: Minnie Mouse.

• Minnie's Bow Thigh High Socks: $4.80.


• Scattered Minnie Sweater: $27.80.

Theme 3: Girly and Grey.

• Faux Pearl Bow Headband: $7.80.


• Striped Knit Tunic: $17.80.

Theme 4: Romantic Pink.

• Satin Printed Top: $24.80.


• Beautiful Pleated Skirt: $24.80.

Theme 5: Bows.

• Fashion Designed Tights: $4.80.


• Peeptoe Bow Heels: $24.80.

What's on all of your gal's Christmas lists so far?

With much love, Lauren.
P.S. Today was my last day of school, and now I'm on Thanksgiving Break! Yay yay yay :)

And the Winner Is...

Hello everyone!

So last night was the end of my blog anniversary give away, and today I used random generator.com to pick a...well, random winner! The number chosen was #6: Mary from Undergrad Fab! Here's just a little excerpt about what she loves about blogging:

"But in all honesty, blogging wouldn't be HALF as fun without all the wonderful other bloggers that I've met and gotten to know through their blogs. It is by far my most fulfilling and rewarding hobby, and I just love it so! :)"

Congratulations Mary, and thank you so much to all that entered! It was wonderful to hear what you all love about blogging, and I'm glad I could host this giveaway to thank you all for your kindness. Mary, if you want to email a mailing address to balgpfi@embarqmail.com I will send you package right away :)

Anyways, tonight I had such a lovely time with two friends of mine. We went out for coffee and just chatted and laughed: A lot! I am so incredibly lucky to have found them. They make me feel like I actually belong somewhere for the first time in my life. I never knew having friends was so wonderful.

With much love, Lauren.

I Am My Own Worst Enemy.

Tan Trench Coat: Kohl's.

Light Wash Flair Jeans: Aeropostale.

Nude Pumps: Gabriel Brother's.

Olive Green Tie Neck Blouse: Thrifted.

Clip on Sparkling Earrings: Thrifted.

Green and Pearl Bracelet: Gift from extended family.

Gold Ring: JcPenny's.

Hello everyone!

So this was just a little outfit I pieced together to wear today. I actually thrifted the blouse for two dollars this morning while out shopping with my mom. I love tie neck blouses (I have three!), and an olive green one is just what I needed. Also, it's actually very unusual for me to wear light wash, and flair jeans. I guess I was feeling the 1970's vibe I guess today! On Monday I'm going to wear a very similar outfit to school, but I plan on wearing dark olive green jeggings I purchased tonight from Target instead! Can you tell I'm on an olive green kick?

So this morning was very important for me because it was my first therapist appointment that I've had in five years, For those of you who don't know, I suffer from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder.) I used to go to a therapist to help with my OCD, but it got better so I stopped going. Within the past year, however, my OCD has been just getting worse and worse. Actually to the extent where it's just starting to take over my life. My OCD is not a mild case, but a very serious case and I thought it was time to seek professional help again. Going to the therapist this morning really helped me, and I plan to continue going to help me with my OCD problems. I used to be so ashamed of this disease I have, but I have learned to accept and deal with it the best I can. I openly talk about my struggles with anyone, and I think that actually makes my fight against OCD stronger. I'm praying to God that he helps me start to overcome this nightmare I've been having to deal with lately. I have really good feelings about this therapist though, and I think she is really going to help :)

Hope everyone is doing great!

With much love, Lauren.

P.S. Tomorrow is the last day to enter the giveaway! If you haven't entered yet (and ANYONE can enter!), just scroll down my blog page a little bit and leave a comment on the post!

The Seventeen Year Old Grandma.

Pink Sweatshirt w/ Lace Peter Pan Collar: Thrifted (.75).
Black Pleated Skirt: Thrifted.
Lace Socks: Mine from when I was a little girl!
Black Bow Peep Heel: Deb's.
Cameo Ring: Target.
Pearl Screw In Earrings: Thrifted.

Hello everyone!

Whew, so it sure has been a long and exhausting week. Bring on the weekend for some rest and relaxation. I'm so excited because I only have to go to school for two days next week, and then I'm off for Thanksgiving Break! I have one wore to express my feelings: Hallelujah!

This sweater is the last if my thrift finds from last Saturday, and is probably my favorite piece out of all of the things I bought. I was actually so hesitant to buy this sweatshirt because it is a velour like material and I usually don't wear sweatshirts, but the lace peter pan collar totally won me over. This sweatshirt reminds me of something an 80 year old grandma would wear. Maybe that's why I like it so much, ha. :) I did a sort of 1950's car hop look, like I should be going to go get a strawberry milkshake at the local diner while listening to Elvis. Sounds like a dream to me... And is it just me or do my socks and black heels look like saddle shoes!? Totally unintentional, but a good coincidence.

I am so tired though and really should be getting to bed. Yawn, I am exhausted! Hope everyone has a good night, and I'll see you all tomorrow!

With much love, Lauren.

P.S. My giveaway is still open everyone! All you have to do is scroll down my blog page and you should find the post. Just leave a comment and you're entered! Giveaway ends Sunday.

You're Gonna Be the One That Saves Me.

Black Lace Shirt: Thrifted (.75).

Magenta Pleated Skirt: Thrifted.

Spectator Pumps: Thrifted.

Double Strand Pearl Necklace: Thrifted.

Assorted Pearl Bracelets: Forever21.

Hello everyone!

So this was my outfit I wore on Tuesday that was inspired by the Rachel McAdams in InStyle magazine spread. I really just loved this outfit to pieces! I wanted to do a full on 60's look, so I (attempted) to do a beehive and some cat eye liner. The lace shirt is one of my newest thrift finds from last Saturday, and I'd like to say that I'm so sorry all of these pictures are so dark and on my front porch! It was raining cats and dogs that day, so I couldn't take my pictures in the front yard :( Oh well, I'm going to have to get used to taking my pictures on the front porch again now that winter will be here soon! My poor bare legs can't take the foot of snow that Ohio gets practically everyday...

Hope everyone is doing well. Please don't forget to enter my giveaway I'm hosting in honor of my 1 year blog anniversary! It's ends on Sunday, so you still have a few more days to enter :)

With much love, Lauren.

P.S. On a random side note: I got the flu shot tonight and man does my left arm hurt. Ouch, I forgot how sore shots make your arm!

Perfect Pairing.

Hello everyone!

So ever since I saw Rachel McAdams in The Notebook a few years ago I have been completely smitten by her beauty. You could say she is my celebrity girl crush, one of my style icons, and the girl I wish I could only look like. In short: I pretty much love Rachel McAdams. I really admire her style, as well. Often times she will wear beautiful vintage inspired looks that are so timeless. It's almost like she was born in the wrong time period! So when I saw that InStyle featured her as their latest magazine cover girl, I was just too excited. Seeing that her spread was 1960's inspired, I fell head over heels in love. It truly is the perfect pairing!

I am just so inspired and mesmerized by this spread. Maybe it's because Rachel is my favorite actress combined with the fashion trend I'm most obsessed with now, but I literally cannot stop looking at this spread! Everyday since I bought this magazine on Sunday I have analyzed and poured over it. My favorite of the pictures is by far the close up one where Rachel is wearing a teal velvet dress. Her hair and makeup for this shoot is just so gorgeous, too. I'm so incredibly inspired! Yesterday's outfit (which I will be posting tomorrow) was very inspired by this shoot. I tried a beehive out with my hair, did a cat eye liner, and went for a lace shirt with a full skirt. I did my best impersonation of Rachel McAdams as I could, and I must say that I really did love the outfit!

See you all tomorrow, and don't forget to enter my giveaway I posted a few days ago! The prizes are a pink shell clutch and an adorable little pin. Giveaway is open until Sunday :)

With much love, Lauren.