Featuring my one of my favorite models, Daphne Groeneveld. Dior is genius.

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Jenna Lyons and J Crew 2013

But really though, how amazing is Jenna Lyons? Those pants? Love her.

Okay, I Forgot...

So I made this post like a week ago, but amidst all the election excitement (see: anxiety and stress) I completely forgot to post it. I know, my bad. Mea culpa, excuse me.

I normally keep a list of my favorite things about the past month/week, so these are some of mine from October. It makes me almost wish I could go back, but then we would be dealing with election stress, and ain't nobody got time for that.

London Cool

The Sartorialist

I want to be English now please

Flat Out

It's hard to believe now, but I went through a big "no flats" phase a few years ago. I thought they made my legs look weird. Though that was legit only like two years ago, I still can't believe I ever thought that. I practically live in ballet flats! That's actually probably the biggest source of spending for me - I always feel like I need more (I mean I do...)! I've found a few favorite brands and styles so I'm thinking I'll have to stock up on more, you know, for London weather.

What do y'all spend your money on most? These are some that I've definitely been eyeing.

Top left to right: kate spade, Gap, J Crew, J Crew, Rebecca Minkoff, Chloe

Current Obsessions

Photos: Net-a-Porter, la casita, Pinterest, kate spade, Pinterest, Stitch Design Co., Pinterest, Pinterest

1. Like everyone else, I first saw this sweater on the Atlantic-Pacific blog. If that baby weren't $160, I would wear it, sleep in it, and sweat in it. It is, after all, still in the 80s here in SC
2. I pinned this photo a while back, but I never got around to actually doing the DIY. It looks so cute without being formal (or costing much!)
3. I'm a total nap person, and after a stressful week I can't wait for my nap time. As in like a two hour nap. I don't understand how people can "power nap." Like, what is that?
4. Kate Spade polka dot pumps. Nuff said.
5. I've been dying for a pair of strappy heels or wedges like these. I know Zara used to have some, but they're since sold out. Not that I have anywhere fancy to wear them to, but I could show off my minty green pedicure that I'm super proud of.
6. I'm obsessed with paper- particularly business cards. I love me some thick weight paper, foil, and letterpress. Give me all of the above and watch me keel over.
7. Also, I want a tattoo. Not a big one. Just a cute one. 
8. But am I cool enough for a tattoo? Another internal struggle to add to the list.

Coated

Since there will be an approximate 20 degree difference in London versus in Columbia, SC by the time I go abroad (literally counting the days until January 7th), I've practically been dreaming pretty coats and outwear. Yes, I dream in wool, cashmere, and quilted vests.

In Columbia, and maybe it's just college in general, you can pretty much get away with being really lazy as far as fashion goes...and actually most things as long as it's not USC football. We are serious about our football. At USC the average girl wears a giant oversized t-shirt, norts (Nike shorts for those not familiar with college lingo), and running sneakers until the very last day of fall, when she then exchanges the norts for leggings. It's all about comfort, people.

But I'm trying to do as the Romans do and step up my game. I like dressing nice when I can, but in London I don't think "when I can" will count. If The Sartorialist is an accurate representation of what people dress like (which I believe wholeheartedly it does), I have some serious upgrading to do.

Photos via by Anja Louise Verdugo, j. crew, via,  j. crew, zara, dorothy perkins, sartorialist, via, via

Sweater Weather Fever

One reason why I love colder weather is my intense passionate love affair with sweaters. Now that it's starting to get into the 60's and 50's in Columbia (it was 55 degrees Monday!) I've been picking out some of my sweaters from the back of my closet. Of course now I have to go shopping to add to my extensive sweater collection. I'm really digging the polka dots and animal trends and styles going on this season!

Top left to right: J Crew, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Madewell, Kate Spade, Madewell

On Your Mark...Get Set...GO!

I don't know why both J. Crew and Tory Burch are having a sale on the same weekend but I am TOTALLY OKAY WITH IT YOU GUYS.

Go check them out! GOGOGOGO!

Can we talk about Jenny Packham for a sec?

What is this line and why have I not been obsessed with Jenny Packham before now?! I saw some photos of her showcase from fashion week and I'm hooked! Does anyone else feel the same? Please tell me if I'm missing out on any great designers!

Why are you so beautiful...

...Daphne Groeneveld? You are three years younger than me. I don't understand. Ugh.

Photos via Models.com

Diane Von Furstenberg is SO cool

I found a link to this video earlier today on The College Prepster and had to share it. Could you imagine actually being her? Such a cool inside perspective of NYFW!

Girl Crush: The Man Repeller

Enter: Leandra Medine. The videos she's done with Rebecca Minkoff are priceless and I feel like we would make amazing best friends. We could do videos together. I could steal her clothes. I could stay with her in NYC and get front row seats at NYFW. It would be a 50/50 friendship, definitely.

Do yourself a favor and watch these videos. The first is an NYFW training video and the other is a cover of Call Me Maybe. I may or may not have burst out laughing. Only once or twice. Or a lot.

Sh*t Fashion Girls Say at NYFW

Even though I'm in little ole' South Carolina, I'm thinking that if I want it enough I can will myself to NYC this week for Fashion Week. So if for some reason that doesn't happen, I'm watching Sh*t Fashion Girls Say videos until I stop crying (kidding!). What do you think? I think this video is TOTES AMAZE

Emerson Fry Fall Preview ughhh

Maybe because of London's impending presence in my life, but I've been DYING over Emerson Fry's Fall Preview- especially over the coats. I've been looking for some good, warm coats that will last me for what seems like a much colder winter than I'm used to. If someone were to buy me the spotted coat I would die a happy death. Just saying.

So then these coats make me think of this song...

London Appreciation Post #1

As I mentioned in my first post, I'm studying abroad in London next semester. I can't quite put into words how excited I am to get out of this miserable heat (we have highs in the 90s for the rest of this week, y'all) and get into the same city that Gwyneth Paltrow lives in. Maybe I can soak up some of her perfection while I'm there. That, and I want lots of scones.

Here are some images from The Sartorialist that make me SO EXCITED

via The Sartorialist

Introduction and First Post!

Hi y'all! My name is Emily and this is my blog where I will rant about everything I love, recipes I try to make,  and DIY projects I attempt! I'm getting super into Illustrator, so maybe I'll add a few free downloads as well!

As an introduction, I'll tell you a little about myself:

I'm 20 years old and I go to the University of South Carolina. I'm planning on studying abroad next semester, so expect lots of posts about London, traveling, and Europe in general. If anyone has any tips for living in London or traveling, feel free to leave some comments! Seriously, please help me out here.

I have a shopping problem. I'm coming to terms with it. I haven't been to therapy yet. Maybe I should. I love me some Kate Spade and J. Crew, and the Southern girl in me loves bow ties, seersucker, and pearls. That being said, don't think I look cute all the time. It's sad, but true.

I'm obsessed with weddings. No, I don't have a boyfriend. Yes, it is a little sad. No, I will never stop.

via Style Me Pretty, photographed by Jose Villa; via Style Me Pretty, photographed by Andrew Chan Photography; photographed by Becker Photography

And also jewelry. I'm a bit obsessed, though in real life I usually just stick to my basic studs and the occasional ring and/or bangle. My appreciation for humongous jewelry is definitely in there, though.

left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6