A Little Monday Motivation

In the midst of a day filled with Federal Income Tax and the Rules of Evidence, a girl has to find something to motivate herself!!  Over my 23 years I've discovered that I tend to perform best when I have an incentive ahead of me (somewhat like a potty-training toddler or dog, I suppose??)  Anyway, during these long days of law school I try to remind myself why I should keep at it... And admittedly, my motivation usually involves clothes or handbags or shoes  :)  Hey, as long as it works!!

So today I stumbled upon a beautiful little incentive to dangle in front of myself... The new Coach "Kristin Pleated Clutches"!!  They are so gorgeous... With just the right amount of shine, bling, and studs.  The structure is perfectly balanced between "stiff" and "slouchy", and knowing Coach, I'm sure the leather is of their typical, superior quality.  In the words of Ms. Zoe, "I die!!!!"  :)

Kristin Studded Leather Pleated Clutch in Black 

Coach - $348

Kristin Studded Leather Pleated Clutch in Boysenberry

Coach - $348

Kristin Embossed Python Pleated Clutch

Coach - $348

My Top 10 Back-to-School Essentials

Geared to a law student's lifestyle but applicable to anyone, here is a rundown of my "essentials" for Fall 2010!!

1.  A cuddly, cozy sweater in a neutral color is perfect for the changing Fall weather.  Super versatile, this sweater can go with you from class to dinner to lounging at home.

"Second Nature Cardigan" in Grey

Anthropologie - $88

I love this style of cardigan - it is flattering and easy to wear with almost anything.  It can be dressed down with jeans and flats, or dressed up while worn belted over a dress and layered with necklaces.  I own several sweaters like this, and they are truly my go-to pieces!! 

2.  A soft corduroy pant.  Wear them prepped-out and cuffed, with loafers and a buttoned shirt.  Or go girly... With a turtleneck sweater, bow headband, and flats.  

 Pilcro "Cohort Corduroys" in Brown

Anthropologie - $88

Corduroys are timeless for Fall.  I think they are so appealing because of their unique texture... Accentuate it by pairing them with the softest of delicate sweaters or a feminine silk tank with ruffles.

3.  A jewel-tone dress for celebrating the end of your week with classmates or coworkers.

  Kimchi Blue "Strapless Sweetheart Dress" in Green

Urban Outfitters - $68

Dark teal, sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green, deep amethyst are all beautiful colors for Fall.  This dress could be paired with tights, boots, and a short, fuzzy cardigan for a more casual look, or worn with a jeweled statement necklace and sky-high heels for a fun evening feel.  Whether I have a dinner, law school event, or just going out with friends... I love having a versatile dress that I can wear more than just once and this one would definitely fit the bill.  :)

4.  A big, slouchy bag that will fit everything in my handbag... Plus my agenda, snacks, and a bottle of water for class  :)

Marc Jacobs "Classic Q Hillier Hobo" in Port

ShopBop - $398

I have always been teased for being the "bag lady" of my friends - I haul everything, everywhere.  I've tried to break my habit, but I just can't... So I need a big bag!!  Especially during the school year when my bag has to carry even more goodies.  This bag would be perfect... The color and style are beautiful, and it's nice and roomy.  I love Marc Jacobs for the butter-soft, yet durable leather he uses for his bags.  My Marc by Marc Jacobs bags have all stood the test of time, and they seem to look better and better with age!! 

5.  An oversized, men's watch... To make sure I get to my classes on time!!

 La Mer Collections "Vintage Oversized Watch" in Rose Gold/Brown

ShopBop - $88

I love the look of a big men's watch this Fall!!  This La Mer watch is great because it has that fantastic vintage look, plus the strap is a beautiful color.  You can also search local antique shops or ask your dad or grandpa for a loaner.  I've been wearing one of my dad's watches lately... It feels so much more personal when it has belonged to someone special!!

6.  Colgate Wisps... Portable, mini toothbrushes that I carry in my bag 24/7 for post-lunch or post-coffee refreshers.

  Colgate Wisps in Peppermint

Any drugstore, Target, WalMart - $7.79 for a 16-pack

I am absolutely addicted to these!!  I stock-pile them, and make sure I always have a pack in my handbag.  There is a toothpick on one end, and a brush on the other end that has a bead of mouthwash-like gel in the center.  I use them after coffee, after lunch... And although it's not as good as actually brushing your teeth, it's much more hygienic than just popping in a piece of gum!! 

7.  A bright, fun agenda... To keep my never-ending law assignments in check. 

  Lilly Pulitzer "Large Agenda" in Don't Be Koi

Lilly Pulitzer - $24.95

These 17-month Lilly agendas are perfect for a girl on the go... They have bright colored tabs, both weekly and monthly calendar pages, a "dates to remember" section, as well as contacts and notes pages.  An elastic band slips around to make sure any notes, tickets, receipts you have tucked inside don't spill out!!  The planner is so bright and fun, it makes staying organized just that much better  :) 

8.  A pair of timeless riding boots.  (Plus 10 points if they're made of rubber to go through any weather Fall may throw at you!!) 

 Hunter "Regent Savoy Riding Boots" in Black 

Neiman Marcus - $175

I bought my first pair of Hunter wellies last year and looking back I don't know how I survived these icy, slushy Midwestern winters without them!!  I think riding boots are the boot to buy if you had only one choice.  The style is so classic and timeless, they never look dated.  Riding boots are also very flattering, and I think everyone looks fabulous wearing them with skinny jeans tucked in.  This pair is on my wish list... It's the perfect combination... Snow, rain, and ice-proof wellies combined with the classic elegance of a riding boot!!

9.  A schoolboy blazer... Because there is something undeniably sexy about a tweed blazer in the Fall.  

 Urban Renewal "Vintage Wool Blazer" in Grey Tweed

Urban Outfitters - $48

I love the look of a tweed or plaid blazer for Fall.  This one from Urban Outfitters is adorably preppy and inexpensive.  I would wear mine with an ivory silky top, skinny jeans, and flats or tall mary jane heels.  I love to pair blazers with feminine tops and accessories because it creates such a contrast between the boyish blazer and these more girly pieces.  You can virtually wear them with anything though... How do you guys like to wear your blazers??

10.  A soft, warm scarf... Perfect for a chilly classroom, or walking through the leaves!!

 Love Quotes "Hand Knotted Tassel Scarf" in Camel

ShopBop - $85

I wear a scarf nearly every day as soon as the temperature hits 65.  I just love how a scarf looks, bundled around your neck and tucked under a jacket or scarf.  And, since most classrooms and workplaces tend to be on the cooler side, a scarf can come in handy when you're shivering at your desk!!  This simple scarf by Love Quotes comes in a variety of colors... The "camel" and the "merlot" are my favorites  :)

What do you have to have in your back-to-school or Fall arsenals?!  What Fall trends are you loving right now??  Do any of you have the same favorites as me?!  

Happy shopping... happy back-to-school... and happy Fall!!! 

Xoxo B.

Back to Law School!!!

Photo Credit: Back to School Writing in the Public Domain.

Like so many others, Monday marked the beginning of my 2L year at law school.  ("2L" is short for second year, for you non-legals out there!!)  The start of a new school year is always bittersweet for me, and this one was no different... I'm always excited to see my friends and get back into a steady routine, but at the same time I dread having very little free time and the stress that comes with law school. 

The one difference between this year and last is the missing 1L anxiety.  Before I started law school, I suddenly reverted back into middle-schooler-on-the-first-day mode: Who would be my friend?  Where would I sit?  Who would I eat lunch with?  What if I don't like my professors?  How do I take NOTES?!?!  I was starting all over, and it was so intimidating!!  Luckily, that feeling is gone... I know who my friends are, I know how to take notes for heaven's sake, and I feel much more comfortable in class.  :) 

As a 2L, I am beginning to take more of the classes that I choose to take... Just like in undergrad, when you get your "required courses" out of the way, you can finally start to take things that don't confuse the heck out of you (Philosophy), cause you to fall asleep (Math 101), or just plain weird you out (Christianity in Context - I'm totally serious, hellooooo Catholic university).  Anyway, here's what I'm taking this semester in law school:  Secured Transactions, Business Associations, Evidence, Federal Income Taxation (this one I'm nervous about!), and Legal Writing II. 

And as of today, I have survived my first week as a 2L, and I am going to celebrate the event by going to dinner with one of my favorite "Legal Ladies", followed by a night of shenanigans at our school's all-professional-schools party (appropriately named "Medical Malpractice Party)!!  I hope you all have safe, fabulous Friday nights!!! 

Xoxo B.

My Favorite Parts of "Eat, Pray, Love": Desperate Love

I know, I know... You all probably think I'm OBSESSED with this book!!  (Okay, I am a little.) But as I was reading, I bookmarked several of the "pages" in my iPad version.  After I finished the book, I went back to the bookmarked pages to see what had moved me as I was reading.  And some of these quotes are just so go-oo-oood.  So I wanted to share them with you!!

The first quote is from Chapter 5.  I bookmarked it because I thought it was so honest and so true... I feel like the author had examined what was going on in her mind and heart toward the man she was falling for (David) and at this point, looking into her past, was able to realize the cruel trick we so often play on ourselves while we are sad or lonely or just "missing something" in our lives. 

"David and I met because he was performing in a play based on short stories I'd written.  He was playing a character I had invented, which is somewhat telling.  In desperate love, it's always like this, isn't it?  In desperate love, we always invent the characters of our partners, demanding that they be what we need of them, and then feeling devastated when they refuse to perform the role we created in the first place."  -  Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth and David in the movie "Eat, Pray, Love".  

(Image from Google Images)

I don't know about any of you, but I have seen this frustrating phenomenon happen to myself and some of my friends too.  I think if we're all honest, it has happened to everyone in some way toward a love interest, a friend, or even some activity that we devote ourselves to in times of desperation.  We know what we need or what we're looking for, and we're so desperate for it that we end up imagining that this exists in something we've put our whole heart into.

I think the best part about this quote is that the author was looking back and realizing that what was going on in her mind and heart was something completely different than what was really going on.  It's not that mistaken, confused moment that matters... It's the ability to look back and see clearly.  It's the thankful, sigh-of-relief feeling that comes from knowing where you were, and most importantly, where you are now. 

Xoxo B. 

Room Update: My Beachy Guest Bathroom!!

I have always wanted a beachy bathroom... I don't know why, maybe because I'm a Pisces and I'm naturally attracted to water??  Who knows, anyway... I've always loved how serene and relaxed beach-themed bathrooms feel, with their blue and green colors.  So I decided to transform my guest bathroom into a pretty, calming beach :)

I love the blue and tan shower curtain, and I love love love the mother-of-pearl accents.  My goal was to make the room look like sea, sand, sea grass, and seashells :)

I added a photo of my friends and I on Vero Beach in Florida, near Palm Beach... as well as some seashells from Palm Beach.  The hurricane glass is from Bed, Bath, & Beyond - I bought the sand there as well, then just added a mixture of shells from Mexico and Palm Beach.  I love how it turned out... and it reminds me of some of my favorite vacations. 

I want to find a pretty sea grass arrangement, and I would love to incorporate a mermaid into the room somehow.  I was thinking maybe wall decor with a mermaid??  Do you guys have any ideas for me??

Room Update: My Super-Girly Scrap Room!!

I love scrapbooking.  I mean, I love, love, LOVE scrapbooking!!  I have always been a creative person, I truly enjoy designing everything from artwork to collages to styling an ensemble for someone.  My mom started to get into the hobby of scrapbooking when I was younger, and it didn't take me long to fall in love with all the pretty paper, sparkling embellishments, and the gorgeous finished albums she had made.  More than that, I loved the idea of making a keepsake, literally making a safe place to keep all your favorite memories.  Occasionally I will wander into my mom's scrapbooking room and just browse through the albums she has created.  It means so much to be able to relive my childhood through her words - hearing what she was excited about, the tiniest of details that she remembered about a particular event.  I began scrapbooking when I left home and began college... I can only hope that someday my children will enjoy looking through my scrapbooks as much as I have had looking through my mom's!!

Any of you that scrapbook probably know that it is something that takes a lot of SPACE.  You need room to spread out your photos and paper and embellishments... You need room to put together a layout and then start piecing and layering it together!!  So I felt that it was time I created a scrap room for myself.  :)  Granted, it is a guest bedroom, but I don't think my guests will mind sleeping in a room where such creativity and inspiration occurs, right?!  Hehehe... So here it is, my "scrap room" to share with you!!

I do use my hallway linen closet as a scrapbooking closet... I keep most of my extra paper, clear project folders, and scrapbooking tools there.  It helps to eliminate clutter in the room and makes it easier for me to find things I want to pull for a project.

These plastic bins hold packs of paper and different projects that are in-progress.  They are one of my faves... They keep me organized and I like the fact that they're stackable... This room is small, so the more space the better!!  :)

I bought this white cabinet while I was living in the dorms in undergrad!!  I bought it from Pottery Barn Teen, and I used it for makeup and beauty products.  But now it's perfect to store my pens and markers, embellishments, letters, crystals, and sequins.  It's a great lesson to keep a great piece of furniture around... You never know when you might use it again!!

I couldn't find the perfect way to store my puff-paints... And I finally discovered a small shower shelf that did the trick!!  They are accessible and easy-to-see... Makes projects easier for me!!  It is easy to tuck in a corner and isn't distracting.  One of my favorite (and cheapest!) finds!!

I can't wait to get to work and do some fun projects in here!!  The room feels bright and cheery, it just makes me happy to be there working on things!!  It's my GIRL WORLD  :) 

AW and SL, are you ready to do some scrapbooking this year?!

Xoxo B.

LOVE: "Eat, Pray, Love"

The first time I saw the trailer for "Eat, Pray, Love" I got goosebumps... I couldn't wait to see Ms. Roberts in this movie!!  I recognized the book from the buzz it caused when it was first published a few years ago... But somehow I didn't jump on the bandwagon.  After hearing more and more fantastic recommendations from people who had read "Eat, Pray, Love" I became curious.  And after my kindergarten teacher encouraged me to read the book, I knew I absolutely HAD to see what this buzz was all about.  (Thanks, Mrs. F!!!)

"Eat, Pray, Love" is such a great, interesting read... After it's over you want to just pack up and GO somewhere... Drop everything, grab a bag, and just take off.  But more than giving her readers a feeling of exhilaration, Ms. Gilbert is HONEST.  I think she is so easy to relate to because she is so brilliantly honest about every part of her journey in the book - we have all had those bawling-on-the-bathroom-floor moments - and I love that the author could be so open and honest about those deepest, darkest moments in her life.  It was a GREAT book... I just wanted to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and enjoy it, I couldn't put it down!!  I bought the iPad version, so I was reading "Eat, Pray, Love" while doing cardio at the gym, during a pedicure, while waiting for a doctor appointment.  If I could have, I would have read it while I slept!!

On Saturday, I went to see the movie version of "Eat, Pray, Love" with 2 of my "Legal Ladies" - AW & SL - and AW's bestie from Colorado joined us!!  It was the perfect Saturday afternoon activity :)  I am so glad that I read the book before I saw the movie... I was worried because I didn't want to "ruin" the movie, but in this case the book includes SO many tiny, important details and stories that aren't included in the movie, but I was able to piece it all together when I watched the movie version.  I started crying in the scene where Elizabeth realizes she doesn't want to be married anymore, while my friends who hadn't read the book didn't.  Maybe I cried because I am too emotional, but I think I cried because I remembered how distraught and in pain Elizabeth was at that point in the book.  I liked seeing her journey played out in the movie, then filling in the missing pieces with what I read in the book version. 

Moral of the story??  I love and recommend both:  read the book, go see the movie.  :)

Xoxo B.

My New Favorite Treat

As you probably have heard, I have a huge sweet tooth.  My real problem is that I can't say NO to its constant cravings!!  As a compromise, I try to satisfy it with yummy, not-so-caloric treats.  But sometimes I get bored with a certain treat, and when I get bored I usually go straight back to my old, calorie-laden favorites.  Just in case there are any of you out there like me, I wanted to share with you my new favorite treat, so that maybe we can all satisfy our sweet tooth and postpone the inevitable Ben and Jerry's or Eileen's Cookies as long as possible!!

Okay... So it's super-simple... Just pop your favorite yogurt into the freezer for about 20-30 minutes or so.  (Depending on your freezer, you might want to open it a little and see if it has reached the consistency you want.)  When you take it out, your result will be a frosty, nearly ice cream-like treat, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day!!  And the best part?!  It's low-calorie!!  My favorite yogurt to use is Dannon Light and Fit's "Lemon Chiffon" flavor.  It's only 80 calories, has no fat, and 5 grams of protein!!  But it tastes like a dream... Slightly sweet, slightly tart, and very frosty!!

Lady Gaga Concert!!!

The best thing about the Gaga concert was the amazing variety of costumes and accessories all the fans were wearing.  Since we didn't even know Lady Gaga's opener, we didn't mind being a little late to walk through the concert venue and look at all the outfits.

This was one of our favorites... Just like Lady G's "Telephone" video!!  The girl told us her friend made this for her!! 

Two of my favorite costumes!!  I HAD to get a pic with these guys... I LOVE the sailor's boots!! 

E and I... Being little FAME MONSTERS!!! 

 

How gorgeous is this dress?!  It was STUNNING... All her costume changes were SO creative. 

E and I... We went to Mosaic after the concert for champagne and dancing!!

The Lady G concert ended up being a FABULOUS night with my bestie.  I left the concert liking Lady Gaga more as an artist... I loved that she showcased her true talent, playing both the violin and the piano during the show.  But most importantly, I loved the fact that Lady Gaga encourages all her fans to be who they truly are.  We saw gay couples walking together holding hands, bodies of every shape and size wearing the crazy-skimpy Gaga outfits proudly, and people expressing themselves through some truly creative ensembles... All without being judged.  

Lady G said during her concert that she came up with the idea of the Monster Ball because she wanted to "create a place where everyone could feel comfortable being who they are without being judged.  A place where the freaks were outside the walls of the concert".  Lady Gaga, in my opinion, I think you were pretty successful.  

Xoxo B.

Getting my GaGa On...

My bestie, E, and I are going to the Lady GaGa concert!!  E is a huge fan of Lady G, while I am more of an average fan... For example, E wants to wear Diet Coke cans in her hair, a la Lady G in her "Telephone" music video with Beyonce.  I, on the other hand, was hoping to wear something that was inspired by Lady G yet could still be worn out and about after the concert.  (Send me to a Britney or Christina concert and I will dress in costume... Every. Time.) 

I first thought of rocking a mirrored bra underneath a blazer, but decided against it because of the time it would take to "mirror" the bra and because of the 80-90 heat we've been having lately.  While out shopping today, SL and her mommy discovered a great GaGa-worthy dress (ON SALE) at Express!!  It was perfect... No need to spend the entire night hot-gluing mirror pieces to a bra, and no need to melt in a black blazer!!  When I got home tonight, I put together my whole look...

Dress:  Express, on sale for $18!!

Embellished Belt:  Express, $44.50

Bag:  Louis Vuitton Denim Neo Cabby MM (bought in 2007)

Gladiator Heels:  Steven by Steve Madden

Chain Earrings:  Target brand

Layered Key Necklace:  Target brand

Gold/Black Bangle Bracelets:  Target brand & Juicy Couture

Nail Colors:  Sephora by O.P.I, $9

"Charge It" and "Only Gold For Me" Glitter Topcoat

False Eyelashes:  Makeup Forever, $15

Chain/Semi-Precious Stone Ring:  Kenneth Cole, $42

(Don't you just love this KC ring?!  I didn't buy it specifically for the concert, but I think it will look great with the outfit!!  I love the mixed-metal chains against the stone... I have a feeling it will be one of my favorites this fall!!)

What do you think?!  Can I rock this outfit at the Lady GaGa concert?!  I hope so!!  I can't wait to see all the amazing costumes Lady G's fans come up with!!  Better yet, I can't wait to see the amazing costume E comes up with!!  Eeeee!!! 

Xoxo B. 

Fall Makeup Shopping!!

The Kardashians sisters are not only some of my favorite style icons, I admire them for their beauty know-how as well!!  Although Kim is my favorite as far as beauty goes, I think all three sisters are great at using makeup to accentuate their best features while remaining edgy and on-trend.  

Those are just a few images I found on Kim's website... But there are many more great examples!!  I love how the Kardashian sisters use bronzy-plum shades on their cheeks and smoky, foggy shades on their eyes... They usually accentuate their eyes and leave their lips more nude, which is definitely my favorite way to go as well!!  So today at Sephora I stocked up on some new makeup (and a couple old favorites) for this Fall, inspired by the bronzy-plums the Kardashian sisters wear so fabulously...

1.  Nars Blush in "Oasis" 

2.  Sephora by O.P.I Nail Color in "Already Famous"

3.  Nars Eye Shadow Duo in "Brousse" 

4.  Nars Bronzer in "Laguna" 

*5.  Estee Lauder Magnascopic Mascara in "Really Black"

*6.  Clinique Quickliner Eyeliner in "Black"

*The Estee Lauder mascara and Clinique eyeliner are my tried-and-true favorites!!  I love the eyeliner because it's great for sensitive eyes (I wear contacts) and it has a built-in smudger... I can't pull off a smoky eye without it.  I swear by the mascara... I always get so many compliments on my eyelashes whenever I wear it!!  It thickens and lengthens... And I am completely addicted!!  If I have to rush out the door and have time for only one beauty product, it is always my Estee mascara. 

(You can buy all the Nars, Clinique, and Sephora by O.P.I makeup above at Sephora... The Estee Lauder mascara can be bought at Estee Lauder.)

Coming Home

After another week of work in Switzerland, Dad and I flew home together.  Since everyone in Europe vacations around the same time and vacations for about 2 weeks, almost nobody was at work and we were both getting anxious to come home and have OUR vacations too!!

There were 3 great things about coming home:

1.  The air conditioning - EVERYWHERE - was SO cold!!  I had missed the U.S.'s excessive air conditioning.

2.  SMOOTHIES.  I had missed fruit smoothies so much!!  It was the first thing I wanted when I got home!!

3.  The BEST thing about coming home was getting to see one of my best friends, S, before she flew to Hong Kong for a month, then moves to New York.  Until we changed my flight, I thought that I wouldn't see her before she left, and the next time we would be able to see each other would likely be months and months away...

SOMEHOW... I managed to keep my tweets and blog posts QUIET... And our friends managed to keep it a secret!!  S was completely caught off guard when I showed up at the bar... Her reaction made my exhaustion, post-flight swollen ankles, and general deliriousness TOTALLY worth it  :) 

A, Me, S, B, and J!!

I love you, S!!!  I am so sad you're leaving... But I'm happy that you're chasing your dreams and going after what you want!!  You will do amazing things... I have known that for a LONG time now!!  New York City is VERY lucky... It just doesn't know it yet  :)

Xoxo B.