FORMAL ATTIRE

Dress: Forever 21 | Shoes: Ninewest | Bag: French Connection | Jacket: H&M

'Dressing up' for me typically means switching up my modus vivendi of sweats & sneakers to sweats, sneakers, & a statement necklace.  I've always been an advocate of comfort style which is really just a decorative way of saying I'm an advocate of dressing like a coach potato. This translates to me always wearing long dresses or skirts to formal occasions so no one can actually see the air force one's I'm wearing underneath.

Last night I attended the 2015 SOY (Shades of Yellow) Hmong New Year Event in Saint Paul with some family members, which celebrated the GBLT community here in the Twin Cities.  It was a beautiful night filled with beautiful people so I made the exception of pulling out the short dress & high heels (okay they were really only a 1/2 inch heel, but that's still progress!).  You'll see we got a little carried away with our selfie stick, but hey! We was feelin' ourselves!  Until security escorted us out...

MARCH MADNESS

The nascence of March and all of its' madness has circumvented humanity the last couple of weeks.  And while I am no longer in the running for that billion dollar check, I am still in the running for a Jr. Whopper in my tournament pool (beginner's luck is a beautiful thing!).

After a full day of taping pieces of my heart back together from all the game upsets this weekend - I decided some therapy would be necessary so I dragged the boyfriend to see Divergent with me!  Thankfully so, as the onscreen performance of Theo James was the perfect remedy for my low spirits and just what I needed to get my mind off of Jr. Whopper distress for a couple hours.

Temps were not in Spring's favor this day, so I really dressed for comfort.  I purchased this sweater 4 or 5 years ago while I was on vacation (mainly, because I just wanted to buy something while I was on vacation. I spent way more than I should have on it) and have only wore it a few times.  It's the perfect piece to throw over any outfit for warmth and comfort. It will likely be on repeat as both warmth and comfort have been scant this year.  I may just change my blog name to '500 Days of Winter'. That or something more palpable...like 'I Take Awkward Photos & Think I'm A Stand Up Comedian But Really No One Thinks I'm Funny'.
    

Cardigan: BCBG
T-shirt: H&M
Jeans: Seven For All Mankind (old)
Necklace: Forever21
Watch: Diesel
Mini iPad holder used as clutch: Herschel Supply Co
Boots: Polo Ralph Lauren

Homage

Being that yesterday was MLK and I was defeated with schoolwork & KUWTK episodes, I am officially posting my homage tribute a day late.  Pardon the photo shoot that had to take place in my boyfriend's living room with his beautiful blinds as a backdrop.  We couldn't get good lighting so we decided to go amateur.  I contemplated pinning a bed sheet behind me, but it was laundry day so all we had was Ninja Turtle ones.  Not that I have anything against Ninja Turtles - it really just came down to the fact that the print clashed with my jacket (all Ninja Turtle fanatics exhale).

All bargains are listed subsequent to the photos!  I wanted to show off some recent store finds that have become my every day go-to items, along with the tee I wore (a $7 find!) to pay homage to the legend that left his mark on this world some 46 years ago.  I hope you know we're still living out your dream, Mr. King.

Picture 2:  Tray ($8) , Mirrored jewelry box ($5) - Target | Boots ($22) - LEN
Picture 3: Perfume - Burberry | Fake Up Concealer ($24), Bad Gal Lash ($19) - Benefit | Lipstick ($5) - Kate Moss in Nude | Lip Gloss ($5) - NYX
Picture 4: Clutch ($15) - Rebecca Minkoff
Picture 5: Homage Tee ($7) - Urban Outfitters
Picture 6: Hat ($20) - Carhartt | Army Jacket ($11) - Forever 21

Shop The Sales!

Treated myself to some retail therapy after my erratic week of returning to school and work. While it is certain my 80 hour weeks will be the death of me, I find comfort in knowing my student loans will be willed to my baby sister (sorry Kells).

Per usual, I found a volume of bargains during my trip!  I never like to shop without a mission in mind and on this particular one I was on the hunt for three very specific things: a new jacket, a new pair of jeans, and a new pair of boots; all of which I am in desperate need of (nevermind that we probably have contrasting views on what we consider "needs").  I was happily able to find all three for 1/599th of the price I would have paid regular price (that was a made up fraction used to fortify the bargain I acquired and impress you by thinking I really knew how to do math)!  Despite my hoarder-ing past, I really don't like to invest in anything that will not result in long-term wear.  I stay away from buying things just because they have a red-tag or because they are trending at the moment (bar my rainbow wind suit. THOSE ARE COMING BACK, I SWEAR).

I'll be sharing my recent finds with you guys in an upcoming post, but I thought I'd share some places I stopped by and the amazing deals they are having!  Since most stores are currently getting rid of their winter inventory, it's the perfect time to pick up some great crossover pieces for Spring/Fall. If you're a bargain shopper enthusiast, such as myself, and you have a few extra bucks - you might need want to indulge!

1. Forever 21 - Extra 50% all sale items in-store and online.
2. Express - Extra 50% all sale items in-store.
3. H&M - Extra 50% all sale items in-store.
4. American Eagle - Extra 50% all sale items
5. Len - 75% all blue tags (including shoes!)
6. Victoria's Secret - Semi Annual sale going on now!  Bras starting at $15.99 and panties at $2.99
7. Gap - Extra 40% SALE items 

8. Banana Republic - Extra 40% sale items online and in-stores.

Out With The Old

2013 ended with a successful school term, an amazing Christmas, my baby sister coming home after 4 months of touring Asia, and a promotion at work!  2014 started with a boisterous NYE with my very best friends, the successful execution of my boyfriend's surprise 28th birthday party, and a new found impulsion to conquer every day more so than the one it preceded.  I must say it has been an easy start to a new beginning.  And while the illusion of a 'refresh' button that appears every January 1st doesn't compel me to onset change or resolution; a new chapter in my life with school, work, and love certainly do. Emerging science about brain development suggests the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive function, doesn't fully develop until age 25.  In layman terms, you make better decisions at the quarter century mark.  So I guess this is my year as a statistic - minus the decision to have chicken fajitas and ice cream for breakfast this morning. Anyhow, wishing you all wealth, health, & happiness as you commence or continue your ongoing journeys!

Here are some of my favorite items collected so far in the new year:

Necklace: Zara | Sweatshirt: H&M | Socks & Wallet: gifts from China | watch: Diesel | Tee: F21 Mens