Life in another country

Since I haven't posted in so long I thought I should update everyone on my adventures. 3 weeks ago I traveled to Scotland to take part in a once in a lifetime experience. I'm studying abroad here for 3 1/2 months, until mid-November. I feel so blessed to be able to take part of something so amazing! The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking. When I first landed I couldn't stop looking out the windows! No matter where you are, there is always a mountain range in the distance. Everything here is so much greener than it is back in Wisconsin. Even when it rains it's not as lush as Scotland! Since this is a fashion blog, I suppose I should comment on the trends I've been seeing here. Everyone dresses so much nicer than they do in America. You never see someone wearing sweatpants in public, which I adore. I've always believed that sweatpants are something to wear around the house, and should never see the light of day. Even jeans aren't as common here. If someone is wearing jeans, they're dark wash and pressed. One of the most popular trends is wearing jean shorts over tights or leggings. It almost makes me wish I would have brought shorts over, but I don't think I could pull it off as well as locals can. Sock buns are also extremely common. They sell hair donuts at most clothing stores here, and they're super easy to use! I bought one and I'm already addicted to using it. I've seen people using a sock with the toe cut off, but that didn't seem to work as well for me.
One thing that I miss about being home are all the styling tools I have for my hair! My hair is my crowning glory (I'm so punny! haha) and not being able to style it every day makes me sad. I found a straightener here that is the perfect size for my bangs, but doesn't do much for the rest of my hair. As for curling irons, well I can dream! The only ones here are like 1/2 inch, and I don't really feel like buying one, although I may resort to that if I can find one cheap enough.
I learned very quickly that I can't just stop using all my typical products cold turkey. I didn't bring any hair products with me because I figured it would be a hassle to pack. That was a mistake. I had to buy a few styling products and hair accessories, because I just couldn't deal. Although this means that I will appreciate them so much more when I get home!
As for my outfits, I've been wearing a lot of neutrals, since those are the only clothes I brought with. I wanted everything to mix and match, and my theory has been working out very well! I packed very lightly considering I'm in this country for 3 1/2 months, but I figured since I'm such a shopper I would come back with much more clothing than I left with. I'm leaving towels/sheets behind so I have extra room in my suitcase on the way home.
About a week ago I went into Primark, which is a popular clothing store here. It reminds me of H&M, but cheaper and higher quality. I found a great white cable knit sweater with tan elbow patches, tan skinny jeans, a 9 pack of white/gold earrings, and the hair donut. Does anyone have any recommendations of clothing/shoe/accessory stores in the UK? Still trying to find a favorite!

Three Favorite Toms

I am obviously obsessed with Toms. I've written multiple posts about them (like here, here and here) and most of my outfits start with, "What matches these Toms?" I love the One for One mission behind the company and I think the shoes are adorable! I love the fact that there are so many different styles to chose from as well. I recently acquired my eighth pair (the red J Marro classics, on the far right in the gif-click to activate) and I know I'll buy many more as the weather warms up!

My Week in Photos

Top left: a sequined shirt from Eddie Bauer I found after cleaning my closet.
Top right: boots and sparkly socks on a cold, wet day.
Middle left: a mustache courtesy of my wonderful mother.
Middle right: paper voodoo dolls, to help or harm.
Bottom left: silver tree, fully decorated with mini ornaments.
Bottom right: ear man, as featured here. 

Between studying for finals, packing for home and an impromptu visit from my grandparents, my week has been far from boring.  I've been doing so much lately that I'm more than ready to relax at home.  To make my weeks a little less stressful, my mom sent me a care package filled with the silver tree in the bottom left of the picture and a little something for every day of December.  She did the same thing last year, and it's a great tradition to make finals easier to manage.  The paper voodoo dolls, mustache and ear man were all gifts included, as well as energy drinks, hot chocolate and yummy smelling lotions.  This upcoming week I have five finals left, out of the seven I had total this semester.  On Wednesday I'll finally be able to head home for a month to see friends, family and to drive my new car!  I hope that everyone has a wonderful week, but until next time; what was the highlight of your week?  Did you get a fabulous new haircut?  Did you ace that insanely hard math exam?

My Secret Admirer

December is a hard month for me to get through. As soon as I get back from Thanksgiving break, all I can think of is going back home, even though I have so much to do before that option presents itself. The third week of December is finals week for me, and I am stressed beyond belief this year, due to having seven exams.  Thankfully my mom helped relieved my stress by sending me a care package filled with one gift for each day of the month.  I love each of the little trinkets I get from her, it shows just how much she cares about me.  I like to tell people that this little man that hangs on my ear whispers me sweet things.  Maybe if I'm lucky he'll even whisper the answers to all my exams...

I'm inspired today to start living my life. To do the things I want to do. To start (and finish!) my to-do/bucket list. Because if not now, when? Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow, and if you take today for granted you'll be left with nothing. I want to better myself because I want to. I'm not going to let the little things bother me. Or the big things. Because I've never met a problem I can't deal with. No matter what happens in life, there is always a reason for it. I'm not going to take anything too seriously, especially people. I'm going to love with my whole heart. I will not participate in complaining about petty things because my life is great. I'm going to live.

One Day Without Shoes

Tuesday, April 5 was Toms Shoes One Day Without Shoes. This is an annual event that helps to raise awareness for the millions of children around the world that have to live their lives without shoes. When someone walks around barefoot, others ask why they're doing it, they inform them about the One for One mission, and knowledge is spread to many people. Front of my shirt says "A few feet can go a long way" My day without shoes was such an incredible experience. I was so greatful to be a part of such an important event. Thankfully the weather cooperated and it was sunny and 60 all day long! I stepped on glass, rocks and the occassional bug, but for every bad thing I stepped on, it made me so thankful for all the 364 days in a year that I am blessed with multiple shoes to choose from. Toms is such a wonderful company because not only are they looking out for themselves, but they are helping change the world one pair of shoes at a time.

True Happiness

In this age of materialism and the thought process of we must have more, more, more of everything, this blog post was very refreshing. Reading it made me think about the things that truly make me happy. I love shopping and buying new clothes, technology and cars, but is it the material thing that truly makes me happy? I began to retrace my last few purchases and think about why they made me happy. For example, why is it that Toms shoes make me happier than Uggs or Converse? I soon realized that it's not the style of the shoe or the brand that makes me as happy as the meaning behind it. I love that they don't just make money by selling shoes, taking the money and walking away. Their One for One mission is extremely important, because it shows that Toms has a real purpose, a "sole", you could say (yes, pun intended). As consumers, companies often try to get our attention by creating advertising that appeals to our sensitive side. Companies will donate "a percentage of the profits to [so-and-so charity]" and more often than not, we purchase something from them, even if we didn't need it, because we want to show that we care. As Americans, we all need to reevaluate what we value most. If you ask someone what is most important to them, they will likely say, "family" or "friends". But just because we say this doesn't mean it's really true. If you're one of the people that would answer family or friends to the question, think about this: when is the last time you've told these people how much they mean to you? Do they know how you feel about them? Don't just assume that because you're related to them or spend everyday with them that they know. Sometimes a smile and a hug is all it takes. What we all need to take from this is that although we may think that material things make us happy and our family and friends mean the most to us, sometimes you have to dig deeper and find the real reason you get happiness from these things.

Obsession...

For those of you that don't know, I am beyond obsessed with Toms. (Clearly.) I own four pairs and a sweatshirt and have a giant pack of stickers that I don't even know what to do with, since I have already stickered everything I own. I recently received my new spring-time Toms and I love them more than I thought I could ever love a pair of shoes. They're different than the other pairs I own because these have the option of having shoelaces (which are PINK, btw). Because Wisconsin has decided that it wants an early spring, I've decided to go along with it and only wear these as an "Ode to Spring". Ooh, good song title. Anyway, as much as I wish that this weather would last, I know that eventually the cold will come back, but I'll just close my eyes and remember that even when you can't see it, the sun is out there. :)

Winter blues? I have the answer!

Well this is embarassing. I've been...busy? I promise I didn't forget about you guys! I'm in the middle of finding a summer job, finding housing for next year, settling into this semester's classes, and trying to find a way to fund my shopping addiction! This is no easy task, but somehow I've managed. Because I haven't taken any outfit photos lately (sorry!!) I will indulge you all in my favorite winter break purchases. It was hard to pick out of such a vast collection! Enjoy!

My dog ate my laptop?

I can't believe its been almost a month since I last posted! This is ridiculous and obviously unacceptable. To make up for it I will try my hardest to picture my next few good outfits and post them, but don't get mad if I break that promise! I have finals coming up so I'm studying like crazy! For now, you'll just have to settle for a list of my favorite gorgeous and sparkly nail polish colors.


1. Deborah Lipmann in Happy Birthday 2. OPI in Brand New Skates 3. OPI in Simmer and Shimmer 4. Dior in Czarnia 5. Essie in Carnival