Final 13

The first month of 2016 is coming to a close; here is a compilation of the last 13 photos on my phone's camera roll for the month of January showing my last days of winter break, my first couple weeks of my second semester of college and my new obsession with Gossip Girl.

Lavender + Plum

DRESS: Lulu's (similar HERE)  | CARDIGAN: Victoria's Secret (old, similar HERE) | SHOES: similar HERE | NECKLACE: Kendra Scott 'Elisa' pendant necklace | EARRINGS: Kendra Scott 'Logan' stud earrings | RING: Bridge Jewelry cubic zironcia double eternity band ring | LIPS: Revlon ColorStay moisture stain "India Intrigue"

Have glamorous plans this Valentine's Day? Stand out from the predominantly pink and red crowd with a deep plum dress, and if it's chilly out, throw on a soft lavender cardigan. The slits on the sides allows for a nice touch of sexy without being scandalous. Also, I'm only 5'4, and this dress is the perfect length on me! You could also add a statement crystal necklace for a little more glamour. 

Polka Dot Tights

TOP: Forever 21 (old, similar HERE) | SWEATER: similar HERE | SKIRT: Forever 21 knit bodycon skirt | TIGHTS: Gap (not available online, similar HERE) | SHOES: similar HERE | NECKLACE: similar HERE | EARRINGS: Lauren Ralph Lauren faux pearl studs | RINGS: Bridge Jewelry cubic zircona double eternity band ring AND Kendra Scott 'Miles' midi rings

Lately I have had a lot of fun styling outfits around tights, whether they're a solid black or maroon pair or a fun polka dot pair like these. They're an extremely cute way of preventing yourself from freezing to death when you want to dress up in the winter time. Like I said earlier this week, the January weather is sucking the color out of my wardrobe, but the polka dot tights are a fun and girly touch to an otherwise plain outfit. 

Valentine's Day

TopShop Hamptons sweatshirt | Free People 'Angel' lace shift dress | Red lace skater dress | Chloe 'Drew' leather crossbody bag | Diptyque 'Roses' scented candle | Ray-Ban round metal-frame pink lens sunglasses | Crystal flower dangle earrings | Kate Spade New York 'Cedar Street - Mini Nora' crossbody bag | Kendra Scott 'Naomi' double finger ring | TopShop 'Genie' lace-up pump | Halogen 'Olson' pointy toe studded t-strap flat | Pink fluffy knitted cardigan 

Whether you have a romantic date, fun night out with the girls or a day of laying in bed watching sappy romantic comedies planned, Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and there's no better time to break out your best pink, red and lavender pieces! I've put together some of my favorite picks that can work for whatever your plans are. 

This will also be my first Valentine's Day single since 8th grade, more about that later!

Aztec Cape

CAPE: similar HERE | TOP: similar HERE | PANTS: American Eagle Outfitters AEO black knit x jegging | SHOES: Rue 21 (similar HERE) | NECKLACE: Kendra Scott "Iridescent Drusy" 'Elisa' pendant necklace | EARRINGS: Kendra Scott "Iridescent Drusy" 'Logan' stud earrings | LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst matte balm "sultry" 

Capes have become a trendy, light layering piece this season. I love the diversity of the piece in the way that if it's chilly outside you can throw on a light sweater or long sleeve tee underneath, but if it's on the colder side, you can pack on the layers underneath the statement piece.  

Turtleneck Tunic

COAT: simiar HERE | TOP: H&M (similar HERE and HERE) | PANTS: Victoria's Secret PINK (similar HERE) | SHOES: similar HERE | EARRINGS: Kendra Scott 'Logan' stud earrings "iridescent drusy" | LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst matte balm "sultry"

In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been feeling (dressing) very colorful lately. I actually loathe winter, and instead of trying to make the bitter cold a little more bearable by wearing lively brights, I've succumbed to my dull shades of gray. Having been at college this year, I've had to learn to dress to walk around campus in the low temperatures instead of just warm enough to make it to the front door of school, and I've learned a couple things. First, a longer coat that covers your bottom can make a huge difference, and second, taller boots help block out the cold better than your thin leggings. Every little inch of extra coverage counts!

Black & White Chic

SHIRT: T.J. Maxx (similar HERE less than $10!) | VEST: similar HERE and HERE | SKIRT: J.Crew Factory ivory flared skirt | TIGHTS: Gap opaque tights | SHOES: Rue 21 (similar HERE) | PURSE: Lauren Ralph Lauren Acadia crossbody | NECKLACE: similar HERE | EARRINGS: Lauren Ralph Lauren faux pearl studs | RING: Bridge Jewelry city x city cubic zirconia double eternity band ring  | LIPS: Revlon colorstay moisture stain (shade "India Intrigue") 

I know there's the age old rule that you're not supposed to wear white bottoms in the winter, but I found this outfit as an exception. There's just something so chic about an entirely black and white outfit that I am beginning love. I threw on the black puffer vest to help balance out the predominant white and make the outfit slightly more casual. You could also ditch the tights and throw on a pair of black over the knee boots. I think this pair is so cute, and they're less than $50!

Back to School

SWEATER: Ralph Lauren (similar HERE) | JEANS: Abercrombie & Fitch dark wash jean leggings | SHOES: L.L.Bean Bean Boots | HAT: similar HERE | SOCKS: T.J. Maxx (similar HERE) | NECKLACE: Kendra Scott 'Elisa' pendant necklace | EARRINGS: Lauren Ralph Lauren faux pearl stud earrings

Today I'm finishing off my first week of my second semester of college. The month long winter break was great and all, but I love being back in Manhattan. I was blessed with an incredibly easy schedule last semester, but I can already tell that my 8:00 am classes this semester are going to hit me hard. And you know the only thing that can make waking up for an 8 am class worse is? It being freezing cold outside as you walk all the way across campus. The only thing that has made this issue easier is the snow we've gotten the past couple days. I can be a little more tolerant of the cold when there's a pretty white blanket covering the ground. 

Nude Leather Skirt

TOP: T.J. Maxx (similar HERE) | SWEATER: similar HERE | SKIRT:  Lulu's (old, similar HERE) | TIGHTS: Topshop Opaque Tights | SHOES: similar HERE | EARRINGS: similar HERE | RING: Bridge Jewelry City x City Cubic Zirconia Double Eternity Band Ring | LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm "Sultry"

It's not a new concept, as the chilly winter rolls around so does layering, but who says you have to do it with the traditional shirt, sweater, scarf formula? Why not instead take a different approach by adding a little pop of pattern with a striped turtleneck underneath your heavy sweater.

Schoolboy Blazer

TOP: J.Crew Factory (old, similar HERE and HERE) | BLAZER: J.Crew Factory Keating Boy Blazer | JEANS: Abercrombie & Fitch Dark Wash Jean Leggings | SHOES: BP. 'Trolley' Ankle Bootie | PURSE: New Look Stab Stitch Wendy (sold out, similar HERE) | GLASSES: Ralph Lauren (RL6062) from LensCrafters | EARRINGS: Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Pearl Stud Earrings | NECKLACE: J.Crew Rose Wreath Necklace (sold out, similar HERE, cheaper version HERE) | WATCH: Wristology Rachel Gold Chunky Boyfriend Watch | LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm "Sultry"

This outfit makes me feel so professional, like, put me out in the workforce today! I love the classic simplicity the blazer and plain white top have to offer, but I am still able to give it that feminine flare with the peplum waistline and bright statement necklace. Unfortunately, this darling necklace is sold out, but I have linked similar ones above and nearly identical dupes are sold all over the place on Etsy. But beware long haired girls, your hair will get caught in it.

Olive Mock Neck

SHIRT: H&M Ribbed Mock Turtleneck Top (exact color not available online) | CARDIGAN: H&M Gray Fine Knit Cardigan | JEANS: Abercrombie & Fitch Dark Wash Jean Leggings | SHOES: BP. 'Trolley' Ankle Bootie | PURSE: Lauren Ralph Lauren Black Acadia Crossbody | EARRINGS: Kendra Scott 'Logan' Stud Earrings "Gold/Iridescent Drusy" | WATCH: Wristology Rachel Gold Chunky Boyfriend Watch | RING: City x City Cubic Zirconia Double Eternity Band Ring | LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm "Sultry"

I'm not quite sure why, but I always overlook H&M when shopping. Honestly, I can count on one hand the number times I have been in the store even though I have found such fun and trendy pieces every time I have gone, including my olive mock neck top and gray cardigan featured in this look. Maybe I should start stepping into H&M more often.

Cozy Romper

ROMPER: Scoobie (not available online, similar HERE) | JACKET: Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Leather Trim Quilted Jacket | SCARF: Wine Houndstooth Woven Scarf (less than $10!) | TIGHTS:  Gap Opaque Tights | SHOES: BP. 'Trolley' Ankle Bootie | EARRINGS: Kendra Scott 'Logan' Stud Earrings "Gold/Iridescent Drusy" | NECKLACE: Kendra Scott 'Elisa' Pendant Necklace "Iridescent Drusy/Gold" | LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm "Sultry"

I think it goes without saying that I am absolutely adoring this knit romper from Scoobie; it seriously feels like I'm wearing pajamas! While I did do a fall look featuring this romper, I thought it would be fun to warm it up a little bit with a Lauren Ralph Lauren quilted jacket and a super warm knit scarf that is less than $10. (what a steal!) I have also been loving these burgundy tights from Gap recently, as I am able to transition some of my warmer weather clothes into the winter. 

Winter Plaid

SHIRT: Gap (old, similar HERE) | VEST: J.Crew Factory Quilted Puffer Vest | JEANS: Abercrombie & Fitch Dark Wash Jean Leggings (less than $40!) | SHOES: BP. 'Trolley' Ankle Bootie | PURSE: New Look Stab Stitch Wendy (sold out, similar HERE) | EARRINGS: Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Pearl Stud Earrings | NECKLACE: Charming Charlie 16" Single-Strand Pearl Necklace | WATCH: Wristology Rachel Gold Chunky Metal Boyfriend Watch | LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm 'Sultry'

I don't know about y'all, but I always seem to struggle when looking for the perfect plaid shirt. Whenever I am looking for plaid shirts in the women's sections they all appear to be a little too "girly" for me. Is it really that hard to make basic, plaid shirts without pink or turquoise in them for women?? After many frustrating shopping trips, I decided to wander into the men's section, and voila, every basic plaid shirt I could dream of.