a day in nyc

last wednesday anthony and i hopped on the megabus and headed up to new york city for the day. the city is just so beautiful around the holidays we thought a day trip would be a perfect way to kick off our christmas break. it was only a 24 hour trip, but it couldn't have been more fun. we started our day at 5 am and grabbed some coffee for our bus ride up to new york. the weather was gorgeous, the sun was shining, and the temperatures were way higher than normal. we had no complaints. 

we still bundled up in layers to fight the winds and i wore my lovely (and extremely puffy) steve madden coat i picked up from burlington in pittsburgh when the weather started getting colder. burlington is truly the best place to buy a coat-- i mean come on, it is called a coat factory for a reason, people. i got this baby for quite the steal; only 50$! i love the color and it's perfect for keeping warm and dry in the winter rain and snow.

we arrived in the big apple around 10 am and our first stop of the day was a cute little bakery to pick up some breakfast. i got the most delicious almond croissant ever. they are one of my fave morning treats. we then reviewed our plan for the day. anthony had already made us an itinerary (he loves plans and scheduling if ya can't tell haha) and we had so many fun places to visit. next, we made our way to chelsea market to do some christmas shopping. we had quite a few little presents to pick up for some family members and were extremely successful. the inside of the market was beautiful all decorated for christmas.

i was glad i was wearing my favorite rain boots because the streets were super slushy and i was able to keep my feet nice and toasty. i got these from payless last year for a great price and they have served me very well. i always pair them with some knee socks, and these army green ones are awesome. i kept my outfit all neutral colors with a thrifted grey striped sweater and a patterned infinity scarf. to top it all off, i borrowed anthony's green messenger bag to carry around all my purchases for the day. and by the time we left, it was full to brim. who woulda thought? 

next on our list was the union square holiday market. we perused all the aisles while i restrained myself from buying every cute little knick-knack and trinket i came into contact with. there were mini buddhas and sugar skulls and hats and scarves and it was pretty much my own little personal heaven. after the market, we stopped off at a pub to grab a beer before hitting up some awesome vintage shops. i may have gone a little over board with shopping but hey, i was in new york city! what did you expect? ;)

after our shopping adventures, it was dinner time. we went to brother jimmy's barbecue and got a feast of yummy ribs, brisket, and chicken wings. moral of the story: we were two happy campers. the final stop of the trip was making our way over to madison square garden, to see the broadway version of a christmas story. it is anthony's favorite christmas movies of all time and he found an awesome groupon deal for two tickets to the show. we've seen a couple other broadway shows together, and this one definitely did not disappoint. all of the kids in the show were so amazingly talented and we were laughing so hard we were in tears. bravo!



after the show it was time to head back and catch our megabus home. we were so exhausted at this point we couldn't wait to sit down and take a nice long nap until we were back in baltimore. we had such an amazing trip, i honestly couldn't have asked for it to have gone better. we saw so many beautiful christmas trees, did so much holiday shopping, and just enjoyed taking in all of the breath taking sights that new york city has to offer.

we definitely want to keep up our yearly tradition of making a trip up to new york. the energy and beauty cannot be beat. 

xxoo,

n

outfit details

boots: payless

sweater: thrifted

jeans: american eagle

headband: forever 21

coat: steve madden via burlington

knits for days

it's my first monday post-graduation and i've spent my day cleaning and organizing the apartment! yay! how exciting. moving out of pittsburgh and moving in with anthony has been quite the adventure, that's for sure. we got the car all packed up and left friday afternoon. we were almost home, about 40 minutes away, and our car started acting up. it was stalling out and we had to keep pulling over and it was quite the disaster. luckily we were able to find a mechanic close by who helped us manage to get home without a tow truck. the cars in the shop now, and it took a few trips in another car to get all of my stuff out, but i'm finally pretty much settled in. it's just been a little on the stressful side, but hey, that's life.

i've got a pretty exciting and busy week this week and i couldn't be more excited. yesterday i got to visit with my grandparents, which is always nice and our stay was full of yummy and delicious food. tonight i'm going to my mom's house to hang out with my siblings and we're going christmas shopping tomorrow. wednesday anthony and i are heading to new york city for the day!! we try to go every year, and the holidays are the perfect time to be in the city. we're gonna visit some cool vintage shops, record stores, and restaurants (food is a given with us). it should be a great day!

i've been living in this navy infinity scarf lately. i just can't take it off! it's so warm and cozy and i got it from this great little boutique in pittsburgh before i left. i just love me some layers. a comfy knit sweater, a long tee, and a scarf to top it all out is my favorite outfit. i would totally wear a variation of this look everyday. and well, i kinda do. ha. oops. it's just been so cold lately the more layers the better!

these fun little socks were totally stolen from anthony. he definitely has an obsession with weird and quirky socks. every year for his birthday and christmas he always gets tons of interesting and colorful socks. so it's always fun to raid his sock drawer and steal a pair to match my outfit and that's exactly what i did here. and these army green boots are from target last season and they are great to wear out for a day of walking around in the fall leaves.

i hope you all are having a great start to your week and are keeping busy this holiday season. 9 days til christmas! ah, i just can't wait. 

xxoo,

n

outfit details

sweater: forever 21

scarf: figleaf

tee: urban outfitters

jeans: tj maxx

socks: happy socks

boots: target

cheetah girl

i officially had my last college final yesterday night. it's so hard to believe that i'm done. after three and half long, hard, and challenging years i am completely done with my undergraduate career. i truly can't believe it. tomorrow is my last day at work, then anthony is driving up to move me out. we're planning on going out with some friends on thursday to celebrate before i leave the city. i don't know what it's going to feel like not to live in pittsburgh anymore because i've grown and accomplished so much since moving to this city as a silly little 18 year old high school graduate. 

when i was in high school all i wanted was to go to college in new york city. i wanted to move away from my small little hometown and go to a college some place fun and exciting and study writing. but in case you weren't aware, new york city is a verrrry expensive place (who knew?) and pittsburgh is a tad bit (a lot) more affordable. i applied to my school here because the application fee was free and i thought, what the heck? a few months later, i was touring the campus, exploring downtown, and falling in love with my university and pittsburgh. i moved in that fall and never looked back.

i have learned so much in the past three and a half years, not just about school and what i'm studying, but about life i've learned that some friendships are meant to last forever, while some are more temporary because people change and move on and there is nothing wrong with that. i've learned about living with roommates and how it can be crazy, annoying, and fun all at the same time. i've learned that everyone makes mistakes, but it's best not to dwell on the past. i've learned that if you love someone enough, it doesn't matter how far away they are or how often you see them, you will make it work, because they're worth it.

there's so much that can be said about your college experience and i wouldn't change a thing about mine. i've worked at gold's gym and starbucks, i've taken classes i've loved and classes that made me want to drop out, i've had internships all over the city that taught me more than i ever could have expected. i learned about my love for graphic design, social media, and web development and couldn't be more ecstatic to have actually gotten a job in my desired field. as i move on to the next stage in my life, i will close this chapter with nothing but kind words and satisfaction for the last three and a half years of my life.

i'm happy and sad to be moving away from this amazing city, but am excited to live and experience washington, dc and have the opportunity to fall in love with a new city all over again. sorry to get all sappy and personal on you, it's just been a whirlwind lately and i'm so happy that i have this little corner of the internet where i can share all of my thoughts with you guys. as always, thanks for reading (and i hope you like my outfit).

xxoo,

n

outfit details

sweater: old navy

chambray + pants: tj maxx

necklace: c/o chicnova

sneakers: target

bracelet: culture shop

autumn fallin'

i'm attempting to hold on to every last moment of fall that i possibly can. the winter temps are coming in way too fast for my liking. all last weekend in south carolina it was freeeezing and that was even farther down south than home! i was hoping that i at least wouldn't have to wear my huge puffer jacket, but nope, still needed it. but it was so beautiful down there i almost didn't care about the weather. almost.

my hair finally grew out a little bit so i can put it up in a little mini ponytail now! yay! i totally love the low maintenance of short hair, but i definitely miss the easiness of throwing it all up in a top knot when i haven't washed it in a day or two. since my hair is so thin it's get greasy really easily and i never know what to do about it. any other thin-haired gals out there experience this problem? help!

this is my most favorite pea coat. i got it after christmas last year for a steal at target. if you really want some good deals on winter wear, just wait til the day after christmas! sales galore. this beauty was half priced, so i did what any normal person would do and found another pea coat that was half priced as well and bought both. ha!

i wish the fall leaves could stay on the ground all winter long because i'm not quite ready yet to see bare trees and snowflakes yet. i very much prefer the beauty of fall over the craziness of the christmas season, but i think i'm probably the only one. christmas is a little bit too stressful sometimes! thanksgiving is more my speed-- food and family. two of my fave things ;)

it wouldn't be autumn without over-the-knee socks, am i right?! these brown ones are so warm and cozy and are perfect for pretty much any outfit. i wish i could buy about 38478 more pairs but that might be a tad bit excessive. i'm surprised i don't already have these in every color because that's just what i do when i like something. if i like it in brown, then i'll probably like it in black, blue, grey, green, red, etc. you get the point. i have a problem, people!

hope everyone is having a great thursday. one more day til the weekend! we can do it, y'all.

xxoo,
n

outfit details
jacket: target
scarf: urban outfitters
jeans: tj maxx
boots: dwds
sunnies: charlotte russe

shape up

happy monday! and for once, this monday is actually a happy one ha. it's the first day of my week off (!!) for thanksgiving break. i couldn't be more excited to spend the day with anthony. we plan on watching movies, going on a frozen yogurt run, and eating leftovers. we have lots because yesterday we decided to make a little thanksgiving feast. we are both going home to celebrate thanksgiving with our own families, but still wanted to celebrate together. we made so many yummy things. check out my instagram for some pics!

a little while ago, this great website chicnova reached out to me about working together. after browsing their site, it was pretty obvious that they were right up my alley. fun prints, cute sweaters, etc. i couldn't wait to get my hands on some of their items!! my first pick was this geometric patterned cardigan. it's quirky and light and the perfect thing to throw on before i run out of the door to class. 

i'm in love with all of the crazy shapes and the cool sleeves. it goes great with a slouchy tee and some simple jeans. i wore this to the mall the other day with anthony to get a head start on some christmas shopping! i can't believe that it's exactly one month til christmas! how crazy is that? have you started your christmas shopping? so much to do, so little time!

i won this great black & gold necklace in a giveaway through delightfully tacky! giveaways are so fun and i won five awesome pieces from juicy dealz. they have new items all the time and at great prices. i felt so lucky to receive so many awesome jewels. and again, i couldn't resist from my favorite combination, black and brown. although i love color, sometimes i just want to wear all neutral colors. and of course no comfy outfit is complete without glasses. (they're fake, shhhhh...)

hope everyone has a great week. happy almost thanksgiving, y'all!

xxoo,

n

outfit details

cardigan: c/o chicnova

tee: thrifted

bag: urban outfitters

boots: dwds

jeans: tj maxx

necklace: juicy dealz

glasses: amazon

city limits

it is officially closer to the end of the week than to the beginning and i could not be happier about it. this week has been just a tad bit on the slow side cause i'm getting antsy for thanksgiving break! i get a whole week off (how awesome is that?!) and i could not be more excited to be hopping on the megabus tomorrow night to go home.

i'm visiting anthony in baltimore for the weekend and then spending the rest of the week with my fam. we're making the trek down to south carolina to visit my stepdad's family right outside myrtle beach. they have a huge party and invite pretty much everyone they know. they roast a giant pig, have sooo much food, we ride four wheelers, sit around the campfire, etc. we went a couple years ago and it was just amazing! there's nothing better than spending a few days with my family.

no matter how hard i try i cannot stop wearing this sweater! it's just so darn comfy. plus it's warm enough that on a nice day it can basically serve as my jacket. this navy infinity scarf is also becoming a daily staple. the solid color means i can pretty much wear it with anything. i got it from this cute little boutique in the south side called figleaf. they had so many cute dresses and shoes and i want to go back and buy this lovely scarf in every single color. because that's just what you do when you like something a lot. 

i got this cute little purse a while ago from h&m. it's just so small and tiny and is perfect to throw my phone and wallet in for a little adventure. and it has all the colors so it matches everything. also, if you don't have a chambray shirt i don't know what you're doing with your life. i could literally style this shirt differently every single day and would never run out of new ideas.

i think the theme of this outfit is versatility because all of these pieces are closet staples that i wear on a regular basis, and this outfit just happens to showcase me wearing them all at once. solid colored accessories and denim shirts are things that will never go out of style. i guarantee that in 5 years i will still have this outfit and would happily piece all of these items together again. it's just simple and classic.

what are some staple pieces in your wardrobe that you know will never go out of style?

xxoo,

n

outfit details

chambray shirt/pants: tj maxx

cardigan/purse: h&m

shoes: zooshoo

infinity scarf: figleaf

sunnies: doubledutch boutique

squirrel hill adventures

it's a rainy sunday here in pittsburgh, and it's the perfect day to lounge around in comfy clothes and just relax. this weekend has been a great one, with equal parts of being productive and having fun. i found out on wednesday that i got a full time job (yay!) in dc (double yay!) and will be starting in january, after graduation and the holidays are over. i honestly couldn't be more excited and happy about everything going on in my life right now.

i also chopped a few inches of my hair off last week! i needed a small change and for me that means doing something different with my hair. i'm trying not to dye it anymore (i've had so many horror stories experimenting with at home kits) and i'm focusing more on keeping it healthy. it always feels so much better after a fresh haircut. 

change is good and there's so many exciting changes happening in my life right now. in the next two months i'll be graduating from college, moving to maryland, and starting a new job. it's crazy and hectic and hard to believe, but i truly can't wait. i have so much to be looking forward to.

while out and about in the adorable little neighborhood of squirrel hill, i found this awesome mural wall with the initials "SQH" on it and i couldn't help but stop and snap some pics. this is a typical casual fall outfit. piling on a few different layers to stay warm and wearing my favorite army jacket. i get asked every time i wear it if i bedazzled it myself and i wish i could say yes (it's very tempting, i wish i was that creative) but i sadly say that i bought it like this. i love how the jewels give this more masculine piece some girly flare.

also, side note: drop whatever you're doing and head to the nearest goodwill and stock up on cozy, oversized grandpa sweaters right now. you will not regret it, i promise you. get some plain colors and some crazy patterns and call it a day. they are the perfect winter wardrobe staple. you can wear them over a dress, with jeans, with a cute skirt, etc. the options are endless! okay, yes i have a slight obsession, but i think everyone else should too!!

what are your favorite pieces to layer in the fall? i'd love some new ideas!

xxoo,

n

outfit details

tee: urban outfitters

sweater: thrifted

scarf: zara

boots: dwds

jacket: jolt (on sale right now for $16!!!!)

secret garden

so i'm thinking there should be a show called "it's always snowing in pittsburgh" instead of "it's always sunny in philadelphia" because yes, it's november. and yes, i woke up to an inch of snow on the ground yesterday. don't even get me started. it is autumn and it's not supposed to snow in autumn but pittsburgh does not care about these so called "seasons" and prefers to get really, really unnecessarily cold before thanksgiving is even here. i'm not exaggerating when i say that i had to go to burlington coat factory and by a big puffer jacket yesterday because i was freezing. dramatic? maybe. okay, who am i kidding, dramatic is my middle name. 

these photos were taken before said snowstorm; when life was great and i could just wear a simple chunky cardigan to stay warm. i've been living in this comfy little number lately. it's so warm and cozy and you can't see it in these photos, but it has elbow pads. and yes, those elbow pads make me feel awesome.

i wasn't kidding a few posts back when i said i wear scarves 6 out of 7 days of the week. they are just perfect for spicing up a simple look. this one is from urban, and safe to say i get a lot of use out of it. it's big and square and perfect. anyone have any tips of places that sell huge, awesome scarves? help a girl out!

brown and black has been my favorite color combination this fall. i'm not really sure why, but i just like the way the colors look together. i don't really believe in any of the "fashion" rules that tell you what colors not to wear together or what colors to avoid in certain seasons. if i like the way it looks when i get dressed in the morning, i will wear it. simple as that. except for red and green. you will always look like a christmas elf. sorry people.

i can't believe it's already wednesday and almost halfway through november. i just can't wrap my brain around how fast the weeks are flying by lately. most of my time is spent applying for jobs and going to class and soaking up the last few weeks of school before graduation. i have 29 days left (but who's counting...) and then i'm done! off to the real world. it's crazytown. i'm just trying to stay as productive as i can while simultaneously having fun at the same time. let me tell you, it's not an easy task. 

alright well enough of my rambling. happy hump day, folks! thanks for stopping by.

xxoo,

n

outfit details

pants: tj maxx

shirt: thrifted

sweater + bag: h&m

boots: dwds shoes

scarf: urban outfitters

urban renewal

well hello there, long time no see. sorry i've been totally MIA this week; i've just been running around like a madwoman since sunday! first of all, i had a great trip in seattle visiting my best friend. it was full of lots of coffee, long talks, shopping (duh), exploring new cities, and a fresh tattoo. :) dealing with the time difference and daylight savings all in one weekend was definitely eventful for my internal clock, but i survived and all of the airports and traveling was more than worth it!

as soon as i got back to pittsburgh, there was more traveling ahead, but this time for work, not pleasure! i had a super/awesome/amazing/exciting job interview in dc yesterday so i made a quick, less than 24 hour trip on the megabus. my family was so great helping me get to and from where i need to be and i am so thankful for them right now. i'm one lucky gal!

this look is just fun and casual for a typical day in the city. i love pairing slouchy sweaters with something more fitted on the bottom to balance it out. you don't wanna go with all baggy (lame) or all tight (double lame) so an outfit like this is a happy medium. and of course it's totally socially acceptable to wear tights with tons of holes because you're too lazy to buy new ones. right?

can we just talk about this purse because omg it is turquoise and has studs and it's perfect and basically all i've ever wanted in life. okay, i'm done. but forreal though, are you as in love with it as i am? i got it over the summer at this adorable little shop called studio c in hampden, md. they have tons of gorgeous homemade jewelry and other great accessories. 

i don't know about you but i am more than ready for the weekend right now. friday could not have come soon enough this time around. i am ready to relax and spend time with friends and just have fun. anthony is coming into town tonight and i can't wait to see him! we have tons of great plans (most involving food and/or beer) and i am looking forward to enjoying this beautiful fall weather that i haven't been able to experience because i've been on airplanes and buses more this week than last month as a whole! lol.

well, i hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. sending good vibes out to you all. <3

xxoo,

n

outfit details

skirt: cotton on

sweater: thrifted

purse: studio c

shoes: thrifted