business casual

Happy Most Dreaded Day Of The Week!  It has indeed served as another manic Monday.  They even closed down college campuses in Minnesota today due to the severe cold!  That hasn’t happened since Jesus walked on water.  My boyfriend got his 3^rd “Cold Day” from work and was able to stay home.  Really? Who coddles their adult employees by giving them Cold Days?!  And do they have any current openings?  I prayed really hard my car wouldn’t start this morning, but I think even God got the day off.  Unfortunately, I was cursed into making the 45 minute trek into the office – but comfortably and fashionably so! 

I stuck to my basic blacks, whites, & grays for this ensemble.  Aside from the fact that my closet is barraged with these colors, I’ve also been in a dark mood lately from overdosing on episodes of my new favorite show The Following!  I devoted my entire weekend to it.  I  stayed up till 5 AM Saturday just to finish the first series; proving my unwavering loyalty.  Beware, World, I am on full cult awareness alert.  If you even look at me funny, I WILL not hesitate to pursue a roundabout kick I learned from Street Fighter III.

Blazer, Shoes: H&M
Waxed Pants: Old Navy ($7!)
Grey Sweater: Old Navy ($3!)
White Blouse: The Loft
Necklace: Zara
Clutch: NY&C

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