Second Layer.

Snakeskin Print Top,Necklace, Loafers: Thrifted.

Skirt: Aeropostale.

Lipstick in MAC's 'Craving.'

Hello there! ♥

How have you all been? I hope well! Today was a good day despite being at work for nearly all of it. I went on some runs to pick up samples at H&M and a PR company and that's something I haven't done in awhile. It was wonderful to be out in the beautiful sunshine and bustling city. There's always just so much to see.

I went and relaxed at Central Park after I got off to take some time to center myself. I do find that a lot of my time outside the office is either spent at Central or some other park in the city. I just find comfort in nature I guess. With so much always whirling around me in the city, it's important to find the peace within myself that I'm familiar with surrounded by grass, trees, and animals. I laid in the grass and just got a chance to write in my new free writing journal I bought while here in NYC. I've found myself writing more than ever and struggling to document fast enough all of my changing feelings and emotions. I don't want them to slip away undocumented and unremembered.

This past weekend I went to Rockaway Beach for the second time this summer and it was BEYOND lovely. Being from Ohio and beaches being fairly non-existent it's just such a treat for me...I'm hoping I can pop by again this coming weekend! This poor, pale skin of mine needs a little shimmer before the summer comes to a close. x

Things have been just well lately. I'm satisfied. Or feel satisfied in this moment relaxing here in bed at the end of a long, hot day. Maybe tomorrow might be a different feeling: but for now I'll cherish this one. 

With much love, Lauren.

Maturity.

Top: Aeropostale.

Skirt: H&M.

Heels: Payless.

Earrings: Thrifted.

Lipstick: Tarte.

Hello there ♥

I look so much older in these photos. They are very strange for me to look at because I think they reflect the growing maturity on the inside I've felt lately. It's not that I've ever really even been that immature. But I think I've had just the immaturity that comes with, well, being young. I started this blog when I was only 16 years old and at less than a month till turning 22 I don't even feel the same person. Not even half of the same person. 

Time is a very funny thing because it can feel like it's going so slow, but then when you look back you realize it actually flew by. I don't know when these changes in me occurred: they just did. Life just matures you. This past year I think has been exactly what I needed in every way, even if it didn't feel like it at the time.

Studying abroad for four months was hard. I expected it to be easy, to be carefree. But it came with a set of burdens and struggles I was not ready for. I was thrown bricks at every angle in all the places where I didn't think I would be hit. I found things out about myself in ways I didn't want to and the girl I always was sure I was inside wasn't who I thought anymore. I saw myself in a new angle and that was a maturing point for me. 

Then I had a break up about three months ago. This one was different than my first one because instead of what I thought I would feel, I felt things totally different. In no less pain than the first time around, but in a wiser, more thoughtful way. Being cheated on broke me. I am still recovering and most days I don't know what to think. The way I view relationships and men can't be turned back, and I see things with a much clearer view. Another maturing point.

And then there's been New York City, of course. I can't quite wrap my mind around it because when I was interviewing for the position at Cosmopolitan I remember (if I'm being honest) hoping in my heart a bit that I wouldn't get it. I was terrified of NYC. It was never something I wanted for myself and it was never even a thought or in my grand scheme of where I would end up in life. I was closed minded to thinking that because I didn't like big cities, I wouldn't like it here. I cried to my mom and was so sick over the fact that once I had accepted the internship, I thought I had made a mistake because I didn't belong in a place like New York City. But my world has been transformed here and I feel new again. A beautiful rebirth. Like studying abroad and being cheated on, I've reacted and survived to these situations in ways uncharacteristic to my usual nature. The old, timid Lauren fading away and a confident, independent, strong one taking her place. 

I feel a mess on the inside but yet there is a peace to this mess because I know little by little, I am figuring things out on my own through my 20's. No one has it together, and for some reason for years I thought I had to. Even before I came to NYC I thought I had to have it together. The truth is that I don't though, and I don't think I'll ever. The important thing to me though versus having it all together is this learning, growing, and maturing that I have achieved.  I think that is the greatest success I've had in the last year of all. 

Maturity. 

With much love, Lauren.

NYC Cool.

Hello there! ♥

Just dropping in to say that I guest posted over on the lovely Rachel of Rachel Lately's Blog today! Head on over and tell her hello (she's the sweetest lady!) and to see more of this outfit. x

With much love, Lauren.

Monthly Jewelry Subscription: Sparkle Box!

 

So I love subscription boxes. I've been a member of a few beauty ones (Ipsy and Birchbox) and have looked into countless others for everything from clothes to monthly coffee. I'd never heard of a jewelry subscription box though and was very intrigued to find one! To be honest, I'm really picky about the jewelry I wear... You all see me wear probably the same pearl earrings, necklace, and simple chain necklaces all the time (good luck to my future husband on finding me jewelry). So, I kind of never thought a jewelery subscription box would work for someone like me. 

This subscription box though called Sparkle Box is JUST what I've been looking for. It's like the ladies behind it read my mind and knew exactly what I wanted! Every month Sparkle Box delivers you a box of 2-3 pieces based on your jewelery style. Like I said, I'm really picky with my jewelery choices, so I was thrilled to see they had a 'subtle style' category featuring delicate and elegant pieces. 

They have the perfect category for everyone's style: Boho Beauty, On Trend, Handmade/Quirky, Surprise Me (for the experimenter!), or even a box called Sparkle Girl for younger girls. Here's what I got in my box!

 Long Pendent Crystal Necklace: This is JUST what I've been searching for. I've fallen in love with crystals worked into jewelery and found some really pretty ones at a market here in NYC last weekend. But didn't buy...and regretted it. So receiving this necklace was the perfect surprise. Very pleased it's on trend while still being understated.

Peace Sign Earrings: I wish I had my ears pierced! I've worn clips for years so it was kind of a bummer to recieve these in the box because I can't use them at all. They aren't 100% my style though anyways, but I think they'll be perfect for a friend I have in mind to gift to.

Delicate Triangle Necklace: Like the long pendent, this necklace is a definite winner for me. I've been into geometric looking jewelery so again, this hit the nail on the head. It's very delicate and adds just the right amount of 'extra something' to my outfits without overdoing it. I'm wearing it right now actually! 

Over all I am very satisfied with this subscription box and want to look into signing up in the future when I come into more money, ha. It's $19 a month which is a great deal when you think about how much pieces of jewelery cost now a days. Check out Sparkle Box's site and look around at what jewelery style you might match with (I'd love to try quirky/handmade next!). Thank you gal's at Sparkle Box for this awesome opportunity to review your lovely service. x

With much love, Lauren.

Green Thumb.

 

Trapeze Dress: c/o OASAP.

Tassel Loafers: c/o Pink and Pepper.

Green Hat: Thrifted.

'Kissle-toe" Necklace: Freebie Table at Cosmo.

Lipstick in MAC's 'Myth.'

Hello there! ♥

Today was a much needed 'me' day that I spent exploring around the city. This morning I was heading to try out Think Coffee and then stumbled upon the Donut Pub on my way! And I can never say no to a chance at a donut.  It was such an adorable little diner with every freshly baked donut imaginable. I was greedy and couldn't decide on just one...so I got two! I chose a cream filled chocolate and a sugar coated jelly filled one. Both magnificent! 

After my donut detour I finally made it to Think Coffee which I've seen a few times and kept telling myself I had to visit. I went to the one down by NYU and it was bustling with patrons and I could smell the coffee even before I stepped in the door. I got an iced to stay and just chilled out awhile working on my laptop before heading back to my dorm to grab my tripod to take these photos!

A few weeks back in Central Park I stumbled upon the most adorable little toy sailboat pond and wanted to go back there to take photos today. I ended up getting super lost though in Central Park, ha. I mean, like really lost. It was so remote I felt like I was back in Ohio almost at the place where I take all my photos. It was maybe just what I needed though to be immersed in all the trees with the sound of water running to clear my mind. I'm usually in such a rush to take my outfit photos, but I got to just take my time and experiment around with different angles and shots which was peaceful. I just receive this unexplainable joy from snapping outfit photos. I always have during the last five years and I pray it never stops!

I also took some time after I got un-lost to write in my journal where I found the perfect Central Park spot. It was right by the lake where everyone rents row boats and it gives the perfect view of the city buildings behind it. It was a seriously gorgeous day and exactly what I needed. x

With much love, Lauren.

Let's Have an Adventure.

Eyelet dress: Aeropostale.

Black Brim hat: c/o OASAP.

Oxfords: Sam & Libby via Plato's Closet.

Necklace: c/o Sparkle Box.

Hello there! ♥

I'm so happy that I have the next few days off for the fourth of July! Today was my first off for the long weekend and it was lovely. I was able to take some blog photos in Central Park which was so relaxing. It always surprises me how strange people think it is though. I mean, I understand when I was in Ohio it wasn't casual to see a girl taking photos of herself with a tripod, but I thought it would be much more accepted in NYC. People still think it's so strange though and will often blatantly stop and watch what I'm doing and even take photos of me sometimes? Ha,I don't know. Maybe it's because I've been doing this for five and a half years it's not weird to me, but I guess it would be pretty abnormal for others to see!  

Hopefully I get to check some things off my 'to see' list during this long holiday weekend. Still wanting to hit the beach again, go to Coney Island, and visit the Freedom tower. I can't believe I only have around six weeks left in NYC. That makes me so sad! I am looking forward to being with my family again though and spending the last few weeks in my hometown before going back to Kent for my senior year. It's going to be a whirlwind next few months! x

With much love, Lauren.