OOTD: Black Friday look

Normally I do not shop on Black Friday. Like ever. I don't really get all the hype. I'd rather shop online or shop the week before Black Friday. When I went shopping the weekend prior I got some AMAZING deal! But, my friend asked me to go shopping with her so I decided to tough it out and head out to the mall. To my surprise it wasn't to crazy around 2-3 in the afternoon. We went to a few stores and I got some great deals (I can't lie). Some included 30% off at Francesca's as well as $10 deals at Charming Charlie's. I mean 2 for $10 winter accessories can't be beat. I got 4 great scarves (one for me 3 as gifts) for $20! What a steal.

For my on-the-go Black Friday look I decided to mix prints. I wore a simple striped long sleeve with a bright pink plaid scarf. Mixing stripes and plaid is one of my favorite combinations. It's a surprisingly cute combo! In general, I think mixing prints can add a lot of interest to ones outfit. It makes your look have a little something extra in comparison to a plain tee and scarf. 

To stay comfortable while shopping I wore my go-to American Eagle jeans. American Eagle jeans are the ONLY jeans I wear! They are not only super stretchy but they are beyond comfortable. 

To complete the look I threw on my favorite pair of short boots. I've worn these in countless OOTD looks because they are the perfect height. Also, they are great for walking around because the are uber comfy. Then I added a pair of fun purple and pink statement earrings to accent the pink scarf. For my arm candy I mixed Alex and Ani, Kate Spade, and Henri Bendel pieces. 

My newest obsession is a recent purchase of mine this black cape coat from Nordstrom. I picked it up at Nordstrom rack for around $50 which is a decent price for a cape coat. Although it doesn't look warm it actually keeps me toasty. I love this kind of coat if you know you will be running in and out of stores. Not to mention it is adorable!

 Where it's from: 

Shirt: Old Navy 

Scarf: Gift from a friend 

Earrings: J Crew 

Jeans: American Eagle 

Boots: Michael Kors 

Coat: Nordstrom 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Kate Spade, and Henri Bendel 

Watch: Henri Bendel 

Are you loving the cape trend? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

OOTD: A thankful look

First things first..... I cut my hair! I cut about 5 1/2- 6 inches off so it is kind of a drastic change. I feel kind of like a 20's flapper mixed with Taylor Swift with my new hair-do. So, I'm basically obsessed! Do you like short hair or long hair? Let me know in the comments! 

But here is my Thanksgiving day look........

Thanksgiving calls for a festive outfit. When I think of Thanksgiving I think of my favorite foods from the famous meal, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. So, for my outfit I took inspiration from the two foods with a cranberry colored dress and a creme colored cardigan. 

For my outfit I wanted to be comfortable and be able to eat a lot! The key to a great Thanksgiving look is being able to hide your food baby. So, I chose an adorable baby doll style dress. I love this dress because of the extra tulle skirt. It creates a fun and festive look perfect for any holiday party! 

Overtop my dress I wore my favorite winter sweater. This cardigan is basically a sweater which is perfect for a long evening of food. This sweater also has great small details like a zipper closure and side pockets. I always stash my phone in these small pockets which is super handy. 

For my jewelry I wore my go-to necklace of the moment my tassel monogram necklace from Marley Lilly. I am OBSESSED with this piece! Its simple compared to most of my pieces so I love throwing it on with statement earrings. I wore these great black and crystal earrings from Baublebar to complete the look. 

For my shoes I wore these awesome maroon heels. The heel is super chunky and it has a high platform which makes them surprisingly comfortable. I bought these a while back for only $9! What a steal! 

Where it's from: 

Dress: Local boutique in Iowa 

Sweater: Nordstrom 

Necklace: Marley Lilly 

Shoes: Forever 21 

Tights: Aerie 

Earrings: Baublebar 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Armed and Readi, and Lilly and Laura

Watch: Henri Bendel 

For my arm party I went a little crazy! Without the problem of having to write and type constantly I stacked up my bracelets for this look. I am loving a new purchase from Armed and Readi recently. It's a marbled beaded bracelet with an adorable creme tassel detail. Then I wore my favorite Alex and Ani bangles (as usual) as well as an adorable Lilly and Laura bracelet. 

What did you wear for Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments or post a link to a blog post! I would love to see :) 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Glitter Gift Guide

It's almost the holiday season which means everyone is planning their friends and families fabulous gifts. This holiday season is no different when it comes to the trend of glitter and sparkle. Personally, I love anything and everything sparkly for the holidays! So many gift guides this year feature glitter goods ready to be gifted. Here are a few of my favorites for the glam girl in your life. 

glitter phone case |  sparkle bow belt | Keds | hair pins 

nail polish | sunnies | statement necklace | glitter studs 

dog earring holder | glitter brush | cold weather headband | Saturday pouch 

This is one of many holiday gift guides to come from my gift guide series! What other gift guides would you like to see? Leave requests in the comments below! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope everyone has a very safe and happy holiday. Today is a day that we can take a moment and remember what we are thankful for. Personally, I am so thankful for everything that has happened the past two years of my life. Not only have I met incredible new friends but I have also gained incredible opportunities. From my Pi Phi sisters, to my guy friends, to all of my college involvements I am so thankful for it all! 

And of course I am thankful for my amazing family who has supported me throughout my life. From gaining leadership positions to having friend trouble they have been by my side the entire way. So today I thank everyone who has made my life what it is. 

What are you thankful for? Let me know in the comments :) 

~Happy Thanksgiving~

XOXO 

Miranda 

Break Shenanigans: Day spent shopping in the city

For a day spent shopping in the city I wanted to look my best! So, I paired a simple denim button down with one of my favorite Topshop skirts. I love this skirt because it has so many great fall colors. Over the shirt I layered a blue cardigan to pick up the blues in the skirt. Denim shirts are a major staple for me (If you couldn't tell!). I love layering them with sweaters and cardigans to create a layered look. Not to mention they go with practically anything. From skirts to colored pant they go with practically everything in my wardrobe. 

To add some sparkle to my look I added a fun statement necklace. This necklace matches a lot of my fall outfits because of its great fall colors! Then for shoes I wore one of my favorite pair of tall brown boots. To finish off the look I stacked my go-to bracelets and wore my Henri Bendel watch. 

It's all in the details! I am loving this currently bracelet stack. It features my two favorite Alex and Ani bracelets as well as a fun spikey piece from Nordstrom. 

Where it's from: 

Shirt: Lucky Brand 

Sweater: Aerie 

Skirt: Topshop 

Tights: Nordstrom 

Boots: Michael Kors 

Necklace: J Crew 

Watch: Henri Bendel 

Bracelets: Nordstrom & Alex and Ani

Check out my super cute blogger friends Cassidy and Mariah! 

Cassidy- The Yellow Window

Mariah- Chambery and Champagne

A snap from the Lush store and the hotel lobby! I love this super modern tree. I wish I could have one in my own house! 

I was so excited to finally eat at the Shake Shack in Chicago. Literally Shake Shack as the best burger and fries you will ever eat. It is for sure my favorite fast food place in the city. Not to mention I tried their ice cream and its to die for. 

Where is your favorite place to eat a burger and fries? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Break Shenanigans: A night in the city

For a rainy night in the city I layered a simple denim shirt with an embellished sweatshirt. Then over top I wore this awesome black cape which is a recent purchase. This coat is great if you are wearing a heavy sweater or a layered look.

Where it's from: 
Cape: Nordstrom
Jeans: American Eagle
Shirt: J Crew
Sweatshirt: Aerie
Necklace: J Crew
Bag: Longchamp

For my outfit I wore my The Periwinkle Co. hair bow! I love this plaid one from their winter collection. Use the code REP if you want a discount off their site! Also be on the look out for a post on how I style these adorable bows. 

We checked out Forever 21 on Michigan Avenue and I have to say I was impressed. In the past I wasn't a big fan of their quality but it has drastically improved since I have last shopped there! They have some amazing pieces that were very chic. This section and display I loved. I love the idea of pastels for winter! 

After we ate dinner we stopped at the Ghiradelli store for a little treat, even though we had dessert at the restaurant. But, you can never get enough chocolate! I tried a chocolate bar inspired by wine and it was to die for. 

We ate at one of my favorite restaurants downtown Volare. It's this amazing Italian restaurant that is to die for! I ordered the Gnocchi and it is literally amazing. It is for sure my favorite Italian restaurant EVER. 

Here are a few snap shots of the city. I love Chicago during the holidays because there are lights everywhere. 

The Ghiradelli store is too cute! Reminds me of a vintage soda fountain shop. 

One of my favorites store windows that we passed. Although I don't shop at ZARA this window was perfect. I love the twinkling lights and the sparkle it features. 

Do you have any fun plans for Thanksgiving break? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

College Series: 3 things I've learned this semester

As a sophomore I am still figuring out how college works. I'm still making mistakes, figuring out what I want to do with my life, and just trying to survive. But, there are a few things I have learned this semester so far that I find important to share. Whether you are a freshman, a senior in high school, or whatever take these lessons into account. Maybe I can prevent someone from worrying or making the same mistakes as me! 

1. It's okay to change your plan. When I first came to college I thought I for sure knew what I was going to do. I wanted to major in apparel design and double in journalism. Well, as a first semester sophomore I am now an apparel merchandizing and public relations major. Although its not a drastic change its still a pretty big change to my original plan. I never thought I would be the person to change my major. But I did. And you know what, it's okay! Basically, its okay to not know exactly what your doing all the time. For a few semesters its okay to be all over the place. Sure you have to collect yourself eventually but don't rush it. I had an ah ha moment and I finally realized what I want to do. Your time will come and it will be great. 
2. Don't fall into old habits. This is more relating to boys but I found myself gravitating to old flings from last year. For what? I don't know! Go out and experience new things and people. The biggest waste of time is spending time on people or things that aren't worth it. If something or someone is getting old and dragging you down get rid of them/ it! Whatever your old habit may be (person, thing, or actual habit) it's not worth repeating. Out with the old and in with the new! 
3. Don't take 8 am classes. This may seem like an obvious thing but I underestimated the 8 ams. Well in my defense my class schedule was kind of forced on me. BUT if you can avoid 8ams do it. This past semester I have had 4 and it has been hell. Waking up early 4 days in a row really becomes tiring. I find myself falling asleep around 8:30pm. That is just sad. Also, if I actually have to stay up late to do something I physically can't stay awake. Maybe I just suck at being a morning person, because trust me I do, but avoid 8ams at all cost. 9 ams are less evil take those. 

Hopefully my lovely mistakes and lessons helped you out a bit. Or hopefully they provided some entertainment value. Do you have any lessons you learned this semester? Comment below I'd love to hear! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

College Series: 10 things you need to do during Thanksgiving break

I am thankful for Thanksgiving break! 

With Thanksgiving break or fall break approaching I'm starting to think of things that I want to do while I'm at home. Here is my top 10 list of things I will be doing over Thanksgiving break.

Count down: Less then a week till break!  

1. Hangout with your parents | I'm not sure about you but I never see my parents! So be sure to actually hangout with them while your home. I know I won't see my parents until Christmas basically after Thanksgiving. Of course hangout with your friends but hangout with your family as well!
2. Eat a home cooked meal | I miss home cooked food SO much when I'm at school. Be super nice to whoever cooks you dinner so you can get a nice meal while your at home. 
3. Have a movie night on your coach | My coach has been calling my name all semester. I plan on cuddling up and watching some movies while I'm home. I miss my coach dearly and I intend on taking advantage of it while I'm home. 
4. Have a get together with friends from high school | Take advantage of your time at home and see your old friends! I love my friends from college but sometimes its nice catching up with old friends. 
5. See a movie | So many movies are coming out over Thanksgiving! Be sure to catch one of the new flicks that are premiering. I just realized that Horrible Bosses 2 comes out November 26th so you better believe I will be there. 
6. Eat at your favorite restaurant from home | If anyone reading this is from Chicago... I miss Portillos more then life itself. I intend on getting Portillos at least 3 times while I'm home. But, to be honest it will probably be more then that. Be sure to eat at your favorite hometown eats so you can survive the rest of the semester! 
7. Sleep | This semester I never sleep. Like ever. When I'm home I can't wait to curl up in my own bed and sleep the night (and day) away. 
8. Actually do some homework | Believe it or not breaks are a great way to stay organized and on top of your school work. Obviously take a nice break, but during break I intend on organizing for finals so I will do less work once I get back to school! 
9. Visit your old teachers | If your feeling sentimental visit your old high school teachers. I know I will probably be visiting my old dance team at some point so if your in the mood head back and say hi! 
10. Take a drive | I miss driving in my car. During break I can't wait just to drive around and blast some music for a bit. And by music I just mean the new Taylor Swift album because lets be honest thats all I listen too. 

What do you plan on doing over Thanksgiving break? Let me know in the comments below! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Break Shenanigans: A day of shopping and food

Saturday November 22nd, 2014

Today was my first full day back home for Thanksgiving break. For a few days my lovely friends from Iowa State will be staying with me in my hometown. I love when people come to visit me because I can show them around to see all the sights the Chicago area has to offer. Although my hometown is boring to me it's super exciting to people who don't live there. So, I always get a kick out of their reactions to things. 

For our first day we basically ate and shopped all day. I went my favorite restaurants, stopped at the outlet mall, as well as drove around. The outlet mall trip was a huge success so be on the look out for an upcoming blog haul! I haven't done one in a long time so I think its time to show off a recent shopping trip! 

For lunch we ate at a really great pizza place Lou Malnati's. Of course its deep dish which is the only way to go when in Chicago. Then for dinner we went to the Melting Pot which is a fabulous fondue restaurant. Also earlier in the day we had breakfast we a few friends. So essentially we ate our little hearts out! 

Since my two friends who came to visit me are also fashion bloggers we had a mini photo shoot in my town's downtown area. 

Be sure to check out their blogs: 

Cassidy: The Yellow Window (post about the same day)

Mariah: Chambery and Champagne (post about the same day)

For my outfit of the day I wore a fun layered look. I wore my favorite denim short sleeve button down under a sweater my mom picked up for me. The sweater is cropped and has a fun leather zipper detail in the back. Then I paired the layered tops with my favorite army green utility pants. I would describe this look as preppy with an edge. This look isn't edgy for most people, but it is a little different then what I usually wear. 

I recently purchased this monogram tassel necklace and I am IN LOVE! The package came the day I left to go home so that was extremely lucky. This necklace was around $16 when I purchased it from Marley Lilly during a flash sale. Just wearing it today I have gotten multiple compliments! I think this is going to be a great layering piece for all year round. In this look I layered it with a favorite statement necklace from J Crew. Then I also wore my go-to watch, pearl studs, and bracelet stack. 

The zipper detail in the back of this sweater is so fun! I love tiny details in clothes. Maybe it is the apparel merchandizing and design major in me but tiny details make all the difference for me when I am shopping for clothes. 

What I'm wearing: 

Denim shirt: J Crew 

Sweater: Banana Republic 

Pants: J Crew 

Boots: Michael Kors 

Statement necklace: J Crew 

Monogram tassel necklace: Marley Lilly 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani & Nordstrom 

Watch: Henri Bendel 

Bag: Kate Spade 

Surprisingly it was relatively warm outside during the day. So I slipped on my houndstooth coat (a personal favorite). For my bag I carried my favorite Kate Spade bag. I had gotten this bag over the summer but I still love carrying it now despite the cold weather. 

The holiday display at the Kate Spade outlet was adorable. Who doesn't love a champagne themed store? 

XOXO 

Miranda