Apologies/Chicago/Local Natives

I just wanted to apologize in advance for being MIA this upcoming weekend! I'm headed to Chicago with some friends. We're going to go see Local Natives/I'm going to be in attack mode come Saturday afternoon (I haven't seen Matt in a few weeks)! Since I'm going to be seeing them on Saturday, why not share their new music video for Wide Eyes? I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I promise I'll return shortly (with photos)!

Cute DIY bow top!

Lately I've been making a lot of cute little hair bows. They're incredibly easy to make, so I've been making quite a few different patterns for fun. I realized that there are only so many different bows I can wear in my hair, so why not add one to something else? This is what I came up with!

Voila! I spruced up a plain grey top with a cute little bow! What do you all think?

Photo post!

Links to those in the photos:
2 & 4: Sara Baldwin (The Basement Jam)
6: Matthew Frazier (Outta Sight)
7: Aya Smith (Strawberry Koi)
8: Leah Fithian (Lee-ugh) and Maybelle (the pup) sadly doesn't have a link, but isn't she adorable?

I hope everyone is having a great week! Anyone else more than ready for the weekend?

If only I needed glasses

Warby Parker's vintage inspired eyewear seriously makes me wish that I didn't have 20/20 vision.

A Alicia

I found these beautiful handmade items by A Alicia on etsy! How cute are these?

Go visit A Alicia ! There are so many more adorable items on her etsy!

J.Crew knows how to do it right

J.Crew always does a great job putting outfits together. Grey is one of my favorite colors to wear, so it's obvious why I love these items!

A few things I love/miss

I went to Jamaica in late May this year and it was one of the most enlightening experiences I've had thus far. It was my first time venturing out of my little American bubble and I absolutely loved the feeling of a new place and new culture. It was refreshing and I learned a lot about myself there. I cannot wait until I get the opportunity to travel more. There are so many places I want to go! What places are on the top of your travel wish list?

This boy and his band, Local Natives. If you haven't listened to them you should. Don't take my word for it, read all of the genuinely nice/wonderful reviews they get (here's one)! They're incredibly talented. He came to visit a couple of weeks ago and I definitely miss him. I get to see him in Chicago a week from Saturday (as well as a show by Local Natives) so I'm overwhelmingly excited! (Image via themusic.fm)

My wonderful friends, Aya and her husband (the man behind the camera), Thom. They are both really loving and caring people and I'm so glad to have them in my life! They also have one of the cutest little ones I've ever seen. Aya is having a little contest to win a coupon to her etsy on her blog, Strawberry Koi. Go and enter! I mean, why wouldn't you? :)

My family! I love them so much. This is only part my mom's side , so I'm missing quite a few of those I love in this picture. I'm so thankful to have such an amazing family. My brother is one of my best friends and I enjoy every second I spend with him. I only get to see him every other weekend or so, therefore I miss him dearly. (Image via Matt Claghorn & yes I used to have a whole lot of hair!)

There's an infinitely long list of other people/things that I love and miss, but I'll leave you with this small slice of my life.

A mix tape that is bound to make you smile

"It takes courage to be willing to meet myself over and over again, seeing in my own face more beauty and grace and ability to love than I had hoped for, more judgment and impatience and need than I had feared. I forget that it does not matter how far or fast I move, but only how much of myself I take along for the journey." Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Sometimes I need to remind myself that even though life can be hard at times, I need to stay optimistic. It's incredible how telling yourself "today is going to be a good day" makes such a difference. I have to remind myself that there are so many people, opportunities, and beautiful things in life that I need to be thankful for, all of the time. I am surrounded by so much love, even when I'm drowning in stress. I'm alive and I need to be grateful for that. One of my favorite things in life is meeting new people and getting to know them. If any of you bloggers out there would like a pen pal, let me know! I'd absolutely love it!

My birthday is coming up next month and I have a feeling that my 22nd year of life is going to be the best one yet. I hope everyone is having a great week so far and here's my mix tape! I hope it makes you smile like it does me!



1. I Want the World to Stop, Belle & Sebastian
2. Camera Talk, Local Natives
3. Empty Room, Arcade Fire
4. Natural's Not In, Gang of Four
5. You Remind me of Home, Ben Gibbard
6. Kings of the Wild Frontier, Adam & The Ants
7. Terra Firma (Behold! The Gaucho), Specific Oceans
8. Bowl of Oranges, Bright Eyes

Outerwear that I am obsessing over

It's getting close to one of my favorite months out of the year, which means cooler temperatures are on their way (hopefully)! I'm swooning over these adorable coats & jackets by Anthropologie. Aren't they wonderful?

Cream Confection Jacket

Plush Private Coat

Venetian Boulevard Coat

O'Reilly Jacket

Maximum Capacity Jacket

Heart Jewelry!

Like I've said in posts before, I like jewelry that holds some sort of meaning behind it. I love these two pieces because I love anything having to do with love (corny, I know). I've been swooning over this knot ring for months now. I think my hand is itching to wear it!

Oksana Sterling Silver Ring by India y La Luna

I love the idea that this knot is shaped like a little heart! I also adore its simplicity. I would never take it off!

Brass Anatomical Heart Necklace by HouseThatCrowBuilt

This hand cut brass heart is really beautiful. I love the texture of it and of course, the stamped "You are here." The piece was inspired by E.E. Cummings's poem I Carry your Heart with me. This makes me smile.

Oh Autumn, I love you so.

My outfit
Dress: Thrifted from Cactus Flower
Shoes: Cooperative Perforated Oxford from Urban Outfitters
Belt: Goodwill
Ring: Claddagh ring, a gift from my grandparents

Jillian's outfit
Dress: Urban Outfitters
Boots: Dolce Vita
Go visit her blog, Proudfit!

Yesterday was a lot of fun! The weather was perfect. It was in the 70s all day, without a cloud in the sky. I spent the majority of my day outside, spending time with my friends. I don't think I stopped smiling all day! I couldn't ask for better people in my life.

Fin de Semaine (A Mixed Tape)

Why not celebrate the end of this week with a mix? Here are some songs I've really loved lately (& in general). I hope you enjoy it! Music suggestions are always welcome!

1. We Used to Wait, Arcade Fire
2. Rope and Summit, Junip
3. Cardinal Points, Specific Oceans
4. Fitz and the Dizzyspells, Andrew Bird
5. The Boy with the Arab Strap, Belle & Sebastian
6. Red and Purple, The Dodos
7. Love Will Tear Us Apart, Joy Division
8. Happiness, Jónsi & Alex

Thief and Bandit

I really love the look of these fabric necklaces and bracelet! The colors and patterns really pop. They would definitely be the highlight of any outfit! Check out Thief and Bandit's etsy shop! (via A Beautiful Mess)

I'm usually all about wearing blacks, greys, & browns, but I am really loving colorful jewelry, scarves, & tights this season! What are some of your favorite colors this season?