American Thanksgiving.

 Poncho: Forever21.

Red Sateen Dress: c/o Lulu*s.

Red Heels, Gold Chain Necklace: Thrifted.

Lipstick in MAC's Russian Red.

Hello there! ♥

Back from holiday I am and gosh was it a good one. It hit me on actual Thanksgiving that next year, I won't get an American Thanksgiving. I won't get pumpkin pie, I won't get snow, I won't get a cozy fire, and I certainly won't get my family. I'll be home from Italy in time for Christmas next year, but not for Thanksgiving and that thought really hit me hard. Being in college away from family is hard enough, but to not get to spend this holiday that is about family with them will be ever more tough. It just made me all the more thankful to get to spend it with them this year. 

Things were perfect. Not in the sense of real perfection but perfect in my eyes. Of course there were family squabbles, some food didn't turn out right, and I'm a holiday grump like always--but despite all that, I wouldn't have Thanksgiving any different. It's the kind of Thanksgiving that I've always grown up with; a very mid-western, traditional, American Thanksgiving with all of the appropriate quirks both sides of my family add. It can't be a family holiday without at least one crazy, drunk great-aunt (not kidding).

My little sister and I snuck out of the festivities to take these photos. She leaves me speechless. At ten years old there's nothing she can't excel at. I was the awkward, uncoordinated kid growing up who wasn't really good at anything. But Gracie can pretty much pick up any activity and do it perfectly first try. She's always begging to take outfit photos for me, and after she took these I'm convinced that she can take my photos for the rest of my blogging existence. They turned out better than I can take them--gosh dang her. 

I've still got a few more days at home before it's time to go back to college again. Soaking in every moment! x

With much love, Lauren.

We're Like Crystals.

Pastel Plaid Dress: ASOS.

Lavender Sweater: c/o Lulu*s.

Charm Necklace: Forever21.

Pink Satchel: Plato's Closet.

Bunny Shoes: Le Bunny Bleu (giveaway win).

White Dot Tights: c/o OASAP.

Lipstick in MAC's Please Me. 

Hello! ♥

It just feels so, so good to be home. I can't tell you. Here's hoping that you enjoy your Thanksgiving festivities with family and friends tomorrow if you're a fellow USA resident. It feels so wonderful just to relax, forget about all the school work, and spend time with my family. I have missed them so incredibly much! x

With much love, Lauren.

Seeing Clearer Now.

White Sweater: Aeropostale.

Houndstooth Mini: Thrifted.

Boots: H&M.

Infinity Scarf, Heart Print Tights: c/o OASAP. 

Lipstick in MAC's Russian Red.

I feel like winter has the ability to help me think clearly. The crisp air slices like a sharp edged knife when I leave for classes in the morning, the snow falls gently, building up on my coat in the afternoon, and everything is still and silent as I walk home at night. It's during these little moments that I walk through the stages of my every day life that I think and observe. The fog of warmth is gone from me and it's like I'm given 20/20 vision to see the world through a different (steamed up) looking glass. 

I feel differently, see differently, listen differently. It's this odd time where pieces and parts come together as I'm walking through this little miracle throughout the day that God allows to happen. I'm increduous. I've lived in Ohio my whole life and have had more than enough experience with winter and snow but yet, I find myself in awe during the first of it. This child like wonder that something so beautiful and fresh can happen. It changes a little part of me inside and I'm not quite sure what that part is, but it's changed. 

For some reason I have a hunch it's hope. I have more hope when winter roles around. You would think the opposite as the days grow shorter and dearier, but not for me. When the chill hits that makes me breath in deeply and feel my very alive heart beat beating; I can't imagine not having hope just for everything. Anything. The freshness of everything leaves me wanting to stand outside in the bitter cold just to think and wonder.

With much love, Lauren.

❄ Fair Isle ❄

Brown Sweater: Thrifted.

Infinity Scarf: Target.

Riding Boots: Old Navy.

Fair Isle Faux-Fur Lined Leggings: c/o OASAP.

Why hi there!

 I've never owned anything fair isle, but always wanted the pattern so badly because it's perfect for winter looks. It's been a goal of mine to get my hands on something in it for this winter. Luckily, I found the best thing possible!

I chose these fair isle printed leggings from OASAP about a month ago and have been patiently waiting to recieve them in the mail. OASAP pieces are very hit or miss, so I was anxious to see the quality of these leggings. However, I was SO pleasantly surprised when I pulled these out of the package. Not only were they amazing quality, but clearly I didn't even read about the best feature of these babies---they're completely faux-fur lined! I have never, ever been more comfy, cozy, and warm in anything in my entire life. I could be outside in the cold all day in these leggings and not feel any of the cold biting at my skin. I put the other patterns they have on my wishlist (reindeer, black snowflake, tribal, cat) because these will be my go-to winter staple for the next five months. Did I mention they're on sale for $13.90? Someone hold me back. x

With much love, Lauren.

Pop of Pink.

Polka Dot Shirt, Loafers: Thrifted.

Leather Jacket: H&M.

Pink Blouse: c/o OASAP.

Bayla Skinny Jeans: c/o Aeropostale. 

Lipstick: Combo of Mabelline's Fifth Avenue Fuchsia and Fuchsia Fever.

Hello there! ♥

It was a goal of mine for November to wear more looks with pants anddddd I've only worn one so far. Definite oops. So, I tried a look out with them today! I've had these jeans from Aero for a few months now and have never got around to wearing them. You can't tell from the photos, but they're actually two toned with the front panel being blue jean and the back panel being black jean. Different than any of the other jeans I own! I was always having trouble styling them up with the two tone, but I thought it might be easiest to pair them with black. Bummed you can't see the detail, but I will without a doubt be wearing these again! 

Speaking of Aeropostale--I'm going back to working there over my Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Which means as you can assume, yep, I'm working Black Friday! I'm actually super excited and can't wait. I love the thrill of a busy store, and this will be the first black friday I've ever worked (hard to do when you're a life guard or hostess). I'll be working 2 A.M. to 11 A.M. which is prime time. Be nice to the sales associates that day if you go out and think of them as me!

Love you all. x

With much love, Lauren.

Rainy November

Poplin Shirtdress:c/o Eshakti.

Vintage Brooch.

Pink Loafers: Thrifted.

Lipstick in MAC's Please Me.

Hello sweet ladies and gents!

Peacefully writing to you from my cozy dorm as the rain steadily falls outside. I just had a large cup of French Vanilla latte in one of my favorite thrifted mugs, so now I'm all abuzz with excitement. These photos are from today and taken in the drizzling rain--which I both loved and hated. I love rain dearly but not when trying to take outfit photos and certainty not when my hair looks half way decent for once. Well, there goes that.

I was so excited to wear this outfit today! I don't wear vintage silhouettes much like I used to, so this new dress courtesy of Eshakti is marvelous. I've learned through fabric class what an incredible fabric poplin is, so I'm thrilled to finally own a nice, sturdy, basic shirt dress in it. The shape is a to die for subtle nod to the 1960's, and I customized the sleeve length to my liking. I've reviewed a lot of Eshakti dresses over the years and have never been let down. They're having a 35% off store wide sale right now so it's definitely worth a check a roo.

Oh! And one more thing before I go. I picked randomly the two winners of the MAC lipstick giveaway and they are Lauren Issac and Rachel Porter! Thank you so much to everyone who entered ♥

With much love, Lauren.

My Go To Skin Products.

Within the past year or so I've really gotten into beauty products through watching youtube videos. It's made me want to branch out from just posting fashion related things, to other types of posts, as well. I know these aren't really considered technical 'beauty' products, but I thought it might be an interesting one to start with: what skin care products I use!

Now I definitely do not have flawless skin and am do not claim to be an expert on these things. Throughout the years, I've just found these products to work really well for me! I don't use all of them at the same time; some I use for when my skin is especially bad, some are my every day routine, and some are more so just for a little skin pampering. If you're looking into trying out new skincare products that actually work (and I've tried a lot and these all work 100% for me) read on! x

1.Clarsonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser: I received this little sample size in a birchbox last month and have been BLOWN AWAY. I have never had a skin care product work this well. It instantly brightens my whole face and even underneath my eyes where I have bad, dark circles. It feels so physically cleansing and the scent is so calming. It's for all skin types, too!

2.Smart Bomb Cosmetics Smart Attack Serum: I've talked about this product before, but it's literally a miracle worker for me. I probably get a new pimple every day (college stress!), even though they're never that noticeable and nothing makeup can't cover up. Before I go to bed though, I put a tiny dot of this serum (which is 100% organic!) on my pimple and it is GONE in the morning. Can't live without.

3. DDF Amplifying Elixir: Another recent birchbox sample. This is a product that you smooth on your skin before applying a moisturizer and it boosts the ability of your skin to absorb the moisture by 50%. I've definitely noticed my skin to be a lot less dry since using this stuff, which is essential for the upcoming winter. 

4.Avon's Clearskin Professional Acne Mark Treatment: I've used this line of skin care by Avon since high school and it's been the only product line that I've seen improved my skin through. They recently came out with this new product--a scar fader. I was/am a notorious acne picker and have various scars on my face from my sins and especially on my back where I used to have SUPER bad acne as a younger teen. My mom just got this for me a few weeks ago and after using it every day I've already noticed the scars to be fading which boosts my self confidence tremendously (being in a swim suit with acne scars is not a pleasant experience!).

5. Avon's Clearskin Professional Daily Correcting Lotion: A product in the regular skin care routine I use every day. After I use #6 and #7 in the system, I smooth on this lotion to cool my skin and fight the dryness from the harsh ingredients of the first two products.

6. Avon's Clearskin Professional Deep Pore Cleansing Scrub: I seriously wouldn't use anything else! I tried a TON of drug store treatments and even Proactive before I found this stuff and it has proven to be the only thing to truly work for me. If I consistently use this every day, my skin stays completely clear. It's awesome because you can truly feel it working when you scrub it on your face-- it tingles and slightly burns, but you can literally feel it extracting the impurities from your skin and after...my face feels incredible and clean.

7.Avon's Clearskin Professional Clarifying Toner Pad: These are used after the deep pore scrub and just tone your skin and help correct the redness. I can't say I exactly feel or notice the results from this as much as the other products in this line, but I know since I use it that it's a key component to clearing up my skin.

8. Biore Deep Cleansing Nose Strips: I'm sure you all have seen these in the store and been curious about them! It's like a little paper mache mold for your nose that you leave on for ten minutes, and then when you pull it off it brings out the black heads from your nose. It's grossly satisfying and truly does do it's job almost scarily right. I use them once every few months just to unclog those pores!

9. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Treatment: Another birchbox sample. This one was unlike any other I'd try where you put the formula on your dry skin, and then massaged it off with a wet, 100% linen cloth. I was surprised at how soft it made my skin feel. I haven't been using it to see long enough results, but the short term have been wonderful!

With much love, Lauren.

Red Goes With Anything.

Hat, Boots: Thirfted.

Dress: Modcloth.

Lipstick in MAC's Russian Red.

Hello ♥

Thank you all for the sweet well wishes on my Italy announcement yesterday! So excited to 'bring' you all with me; that's the neatest part of blogging. Not only is it documentation for oneself, but also like a story book for others to follow along with. I can't guarantee that it'll be vivid enough for you all to taste the gelato, but I'll try my best through pictures and words. x

I have some more exciting news though, as well! Modcloth's 'Style Gallery' hit its one year birthday the other day--over 14,000 pictures have been uploaded and it's gotten up to 4,000 users. It's been awesome to be apart of this community and I've found so many new, inspiring blogs because of it. They named the top 10 contributors and I am honored enough to among that ten! Not only that, but $1,000 was donated in my name to the Dress for Success Charity through this honor. Modcloth just blows my mind every day with it's sense of community, ability to do good, creativity, and just general inspiration. So proud to have $1,000 donated to charity because of me! Check out the feature and others honored here.

Also, Modcloth is having bloggers put together polyvore sets with items from their new new private label. I was given the 'Coach Tour Dress in Noir' to style up with other Modcloth pieces. I thought it would be perfect with a warm, comfy, fair isle sweater thrown over top with tights, socks, and oxfords for a casual fall day look. Now if I could only find a quaint little trail to walk through like this one I would be set!

Hope you all are well! x
 With much love, Lauren.