How to Style: Bean Boots

As always, I love when friends and readers send me ideas for new blog content. One of my teammates told me that she would love to know a few different ways to style an extremely popular winter trend- the classic L.L. Bean Boots. I won't even lie to you, I'm all about this boot. They're perfect for braving even the worst Pittsburgh winter, and still look a lot cuter than some of the other boots available (don't worry riding boots, I'm not looking at you.) And some sizing information, they run pretty small. I usually wear about a 7 to a 7.5 in women's, however I ordered a 7 and they're  roomy and loose if I don't wear a heavy sock. I'm a total klutz when it comes to winter weather and dealing with ice, I swear I'm always falling everywhere. In my opinion, most of the snow boots with traction that I've experienced looked really clunky. I love how the Bean Boots are also so functional; you absolutely do not sacrifice comfort, warmth or functionality for fashion. 

I decided to style my Bean Boots in my 2 favorite ways: one, being a more feminine take on classic preppy style (inspired by Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls and KielJamesPatrick fame), and the other a bit more casual and laid back while staying put together. Bean Boots are so versatile, I wore them at least twice a week during school. 

Outfit #1:

Polo Solid Oxford Shirt // Polo Ralph Lauren V-Neck Sweater

  J. Crew Factory Pleated Mini (similar here) // Necklace (similar)

Tights // L.L. Bean Boots

Outfit #2:

Cowl Neck Sweater // Vest (similar) 

 Leggings // Socks (similar & on sale!) // L.L. Bean Boots

If you're looking for something really similar, or Bean Boots are on backorder, (they always are! Word to the wise: BUY EARLY! I ordered mine over the summer on sale) then check out these Duck Boots by Sperry TopSider! I honestly really like them, plus they come in a variety of fun patterns and bright colors! I love these! 

What's your favorite winter trend?

The Cape Trend

Cape (On sale!) // Sweater (similar) // Skirt // Sunglasses (similar)
Shoes (old, but similar) // Bag (old, but similar) // Tights
Necklace  // Gloves // Bracelet (similar)

If you haven't seen this trend before, it's apparent that capes are no longer just for superheroes and storybook characters. Seemingly out of nowhere, this style blew up.  To be honest, I can remember my mom trying to dress me in a cape when I was younger, but I never really loved the trend until recently, when I saw how chic it really is and can be. I've been looking for the perfect cape/capelette to try lately, and I'm almost certain I've found it.

I purchased mine from The Olivia Pope Scandal Collection for The Limited, and I am head over heels mad for this plaid. I've always been obsessed with plaid; I blame it on 11 years of wearing it every day in private school. However, I love how muted and neutral this is. It's a statement coat without being overstated. This allowed me to put my favorite styling technique to work- contrast and statement pieces against a neutral color palette. I can definitely see this as becoming a staple in anyone's winter wardrobe. Plus, it's on sale right now in stores and on The Limited website. However, there are limited quantities left online, so if you're interested, I would act pretty soon.

#GIRLBOSS (Review)

You've probably seen this book everywhere. It's all over Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest; basically any and every social media platform. I honestly couldn't even avoid it if I tried. Let me tell you a little secret, before college, I couldn't have cared less about anything related to business- it seemed so stuffy and boring! At the time, I was dead set on becoming a fashion designer, or a large network anchor or field reporter. However, when I got to college, I made the decision I never thought I'd make... I switched to the business school.. and I realized that WOW this is so much more "me" than I thought. My dad always tried to buy me books by CEO's or business professionals explaining their rise to fame, but I usually shrugged them off and put them aside. And who knows, you might be the same way; the business world might not be your cup of tea. This might shock you, if you haven't read it. This book changed my mind. It might have even changed my life, but I haven't been able to apply most of the lessons in a real world setting just yet. 

Okay, I know I sound like I'm exaggerating quite a bit, but this is one of the very best books I've read in a long time. Anyone who is able to build an empire and stay true to themselves and their vision is remarkable, however NastyGal was started as a one-woman vintage eBay page, and is now a multi-million dollar company. From their website: 

"Nasty Gal is a global online destination for fashion-forward, free-thinking girls. In 2006, founder Sophia Amoruso started an eBay store selling a highly curated selection of vintage pieces. In just five short years, the shop has grown to become an international style source offering both new and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. The name was inspired by the song and album “Nasty Gal.” Betty Davis, the patron saint of badass women, was known for her unapologetically sexy funk music which comprises our vision of femininity—complete with lamé platform thigh-high boots."

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “No matter where you are in life, you'll save a lot of time by not worrying too much about what other people think about you. The earlier in your life that you can learn that, the easier the rest of it will be.” #GIRLBOSS provides the insight and the wisdom that everyone can benefit; to gain confidence, motivation, a work ethic... etc. What is a #GIRLBOSS though? According to Sophia, it's someone who is "...in charge of their own life". Anyone and everyone can be a #GIRLBOSS or a #DUDEBOSS with a little push, motivation, and confidence.

I recommend this book to everyone. Honesty is Sophia's only policy. It's one of the most creative books about business that I've seen so far, and it definitely reflects Sophia's attitude toward the world, and what she puts into her company, as CEO and founder. It will definitely inspire you, and give you insight into what it takes to make it as a business owner, or even as someone working in the working world today. You can buy this book here, here or most large retailers.

What makes you a #GIRLBOSS? 

What's In My (School) Bag?

For as long as I've been watching beauty and fashion YouTube videos, I can remember watching the "What's in my bag" segments. It's always been so interesting to me to see what everyone hauls around in their daily lives. I'm a huge purse fanatic. I can remember always wanting to borrow my mom's to play dress up when I was younger, and constantly begged for my first designer bag. At the time, I was absolutely obsessed with the Coach Poppy bags, which had just been released. I can even remember the first time that I fell in love with a purse, about seventh grade, driving through the city with my best friend and her family on the way to visit a school in the area. However, the bags that you fall head over heels with in middle school aren't usually functional for use in college. I've always been a purse or tote kind-of-girl when it came to school bags, however I've been known to carry a Vera Bradley backpack every now and then. As I said before, one of the keys to finding the perfect bag for school is functionality. Nobody wants their new designer bag's handles to rip off, no matter how pretty it may be, you may just spare yourself some shoulder pain. One thing that differs between high school and college is the amount of books that need to be carried between classes. I find that I'm carrying way less books in college, since I have enough time to switch out books. Since my schedule is completely different every day, I usually find that I have to switch my bags too. On super busy days, or library days, I usually take my backpack to accommodate my laptop as well as multiple textbooks and notebooks. Every other day I use either my Longchamp or Madewell Transport Tote. As a rule, I keep the same school supplies for my classes, and just switch them in between bags.

MacBook Pro: A classic, need I say more? 

Vera Bradley Wristlet: Not gonna lie, I jumped on the bandwagon with this one but it really surprised me. All of my friends are huge Vera Bradley fans, and even though I'm usually not one, this is so convenient. We use id cards to scan into buildings, and this has a front-showing id sleeve so you know you always have it with you. Plus, it has sleeves for the overwhelming abundance of gift cards that I have, as well as a zip-coin purse. If I don't carry my entire bag with me, if I'm going to dinner or something, I just pick this up, stuff my phone in it and go!

Pens & Highlighters: As a rule, I don't use pencils in class. It's so much easier to write with pens for me, probably because I have that super girly half cursive half printing handwriting. I love the Sharpie pens for everyday use. I've already gone through 2 completely without managing to lose them. 

Colored Pens: If you're one of those super-organized note takers who needs to have some color to prevent yourself from getting bored while studying, I definitely recommend Papermate's felt tip marker pens. I've gone through around three packs of these bad boys in a matter of three semesters, between using them up and losing them. More of the second though. 

Five Star Notebook & Folders: I'm a huge fan of five star products, always have been and probably always will be. My mom always ends up convincing me to get the college ruled ones, and I've used them for years. I usually use a three subject notebook for every class, especially for Math classes or my Econ/Accounting classes that require a lot of writing out problems.

Kate Spade Planner (Large): I purchased this last week, and I can't tell you how much I love it so far. Transitioning between Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Spade is difficult. I love my Lilly planner, but I'm so busy that I needed a little more room since I only had a medium. I wasn't a huge fan of the patterns for the covers of the  Lilly jumbo planner, and decided to switch over to the Spade side for the rest of the year. The only complaint I have at this point is how it's not as colorful as the Lilly, which is what initially caught my eye.
Coach ID/Badge Holder with Lanyard: This was one of the first things I bought when I got my driver's permit, and I've had it for years. I don't have the exact one in the picture- mine is pink with a cupcake on it. I use this to hold my driver's license, and attach my dorm room key as well as my home-gym key card to the key ring.
Kate Spade Wallet: I'm a huge sucker for statement accessories. When it comes to purses, I keep it pretty neutral so why not have accessories that contrast and stand out against it? This wallet is absolutely perfect in every way.
Tumbler: While going from class to class, I find it essential to have some sort of water bottle. My schedule consists of five 75-minute classes, so I need to stay hydrated to survive. Plus, carrying a cute tumbler makes it so much more enjoyable. I'm a huge fan of my Starbucks one, or anything that has a sassy quote on it.

But besides all of the above, I also carry headphones. Which are an absolute must in between classes and for the library.

What are your school essentials?