10.28.2015

Game On.

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| jacket: Gap | tee: UO via Shelby | jeans: Old Navy | flats: Old Navy | 

Game on. A good motto for life, an excellent motto for this week!

Last night, as I stopped in a frenzied costume store to gather the last two pieces for my costume tonight, I realized: things don't slow down at this time of year. They only speed up! Every year, it seems like after Halloween hits, it's full speed ahead 'til January after New Years. So I guess what I'm trying to say (most of all, to myself, because I am perpetually looking forward) is: the best and craziest part of the year is afoot, 2016 is almost over. GAME ON. 

I also realized [disclaimer: as much as I love hanging with my fam and the luxury of going home for Thanksgiving] I am relieved to not be traveling to California for Thanksgiving this year. I made so many trips home this year that I'm not feeling homesick quite yet, I have some big travel planned for Christmas, and it's kinda relaxing to know I'll have a few days off here in town. 

Tonight I'll be playing school nurse in our volunteer haunted house. I spent my weekend in an stale smelling gym ripping old sheets and spraying blood capsules everywhere, and I am so pleased with how things turned out! I have a theatrical soul that will always love costumes, lights, special effects, etc. I'll try really hard to get some pictures to share with you guys.

Notes on this outfit: I've never mentioned on perfectlyP that I love and collect pins! I like picking them up, pretty much everywhere I go, and then pinning them everywhere. I actually found this one in my office a couple weeks ago. When my co-workers return from conferences, you can expect to stumble upon a table full of the swag they've collected. I believe that's where this came from, though I can't be sure :)

Hunter told me this was a deviant of my usual style, and like something I should wear to a concert. I don't disagree- though I can never get enough of bright color combos and sweet prints, like every girl, sometimes I want to wear ripped black jeans and my faithful jean jacket. And that's the cool thing about fashion- you can do whatever you want. 

Oh- and this sweet necklace I've been rocking lately was my bridesmaids gift from Jacqui! I've barely taken it off since her wedding. That's how you know you've given a great bridesmaid gift.

P.S. I wore this originally when Galina was in town, for dinner and drinks at Hunter's new place. The bride-and-groom-to-be also stopped by! But I also wore this same thing yesterday- just with a different tee and shoes. A favorited formula, for sureeee. Have a great rest of your Hallo-week!
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10.23.2015

My New Favorite Outfit

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| blouse: H&M via clothing swap | leggings: Zella | boots: Frye | purse: Kate Spade | watch: c/o JORD |

Last weekend I found it- a comfortable AND put together uniform for the Fall. A long-sleeve silk blouse (I have several I rotate through) + my Zella leggings (I got these at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale this year; since then I've been living IN and living FOR them) + boots (broke out the riding boots for the first time this season, it felt really good) + some accessories AND done! What you can't tell from these photos is that this blouse covers everything necessary to fulfill the leggings as pants rules. 

This is nothing special, but it was the perfect outfit for a bright & brisk Fall day, when I met up with my friend Ashley & squad about town. Quick warm fuzzy story: Ashley and I worked together at camp after my sophomore year of college. A few months ago she texted me to say "Hey, I'm coming to Nashville! Would love to get your recommendations and hang while I'm there!" Isn't that a fantastic part of life, when someone you haven't seen or talked to (only laughed at their tweets) in YEARS gets in touch and then you hang out like old friends? I had the best time with Ashley, her sweet boyfriend Chris, and her famous parents. And of course I love playing tour guide in Nashville. When Ashley asked me for recs I thought, I can come up with a few things. One master thesis later...I realized I've done a good job of trying out what Nashville has to offer. 

If any of you are planning a trip to Nashville anytime soon, (or you already live here!) let me know! I will gladly send over my list of "Nashville's Greatest Hits As Told By Priya."


Work has been insane this week! Rarely do I have days that are filled with meetings, but that's what the last few days have been like. I don't hate it, it makes me feel valuable :) 

In terms of my personal life, and evenings after work, it's been relatively chill. Which is good, because next week is going to be n u t s o. 

You may recall last year I mentioned a volunteer haunted house we put on for kids at a nearby community center (check out this crazy costume); this year, myself and Kevin are in charge of the whole thing (next Wednesday!) I'll be spending my weekend over there getting things assembled, along with some babysitting and cooking for lunch bunch sprinkled in. Then next Saturday is Ethan & Andrea's wedding! The last wedding of the year (that I'm in.) My dress is hemmed (thanks Mom!), Hunter is getting his speech ready, and we are SO excited for how epic that's gonna be. 

Have a wonderful weekend friends, and thanks for reading! If you need me, I'll be hanging pipe & drape and playing with smoke & mirrors.  
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10.21.2015

Jacqui & Matt, 9.18.15

SO excited to share photos from Jacqui & Matt's completely lovely wedding today! 
I'm still swooning over my stunning friend, the pretty details, and the unbeatable California backdrop.
You can see my collection of selfies (previously posted) from the day right here
PLEASE NOTE: I didn't take/don't own any of these photos! They were done by the rad Eric McFarland photography duo.
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all photos by Eric McFarland photography, Californians, check them out!!

I tried to pare these photos down, but e v e r y t h i n g was so beautiful. 
Could you die over how gorgeous the new Mr. & Mrs. Suarez are??
So happy I could be a part of this, from the engagement, to the bachelorette party/bridal shower, to the big day! 
Already missing this perfect September day. And in case you're wondering, I am 3 for 3 at crying at weddings I'm in. <3
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10.19.2015

Stripey Sunday

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| sunglasses: H&M | top, jeans, flats: Old Navy | purse: vintage (giveaway win!) | watch: c/o JORD |

Yesterday was pretty much the most perfect Sunday. I slept in but still made it ON TIME to church, met friends (shout-out to Ashley & squad!) at Hattie B's for hot chicken, had a long lazy/productive afternoon (including some overdue blog pics, watching football + drinking tea, cleaning up my apartment, swapping out Summer clothes for Fall, and Hunter putting up some new lights in my room), and then met some friends downtown for sushi, drinks, and more football. A few months ago I wrote about trying to find that perfect balance on the weekend; and well, I don't know how I could get closer than this.  

And this was the near perfect outfit to wear for the day's events! The weather in Nashville [blissfully] cooled down this weekend; so a pair of high-waisted jeans and a mid-sleeve shirt was a great combination with the temperature. 

Also- guess where I like to shop, haha. These jeans are the High-Rise Rockstar skinnies (I've blogged about them before) that I absolutely love. They fit me like a glove and are so comfy; and at $35 a pop, not a huge investment. I purchased this top recently, hoping it was a longer tunic style that I could wear with leggings. The two-tone stripes look so Madewell to me! It has more of a boxy fit and isn't as long as I thought, but I love it just the same.
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| tee: J.Crew | jeans: Gap | shoes: Nike |

Hunter took a bunch of photos for me yesterday, and also looked cute in his outfit, so there you go. I always take test shots before we switch places, and normally he looks miserable in them (because this is the [only] part of taking my photos he totally hates.) In the next shot he's rolling his eyes or laughing at what I'm wearing, but I got a nice one for once <3 love you Huntee! 
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10.16.2015

ipsy vs. Birchbox, September '15

Happy beauty day (and Friday for that matter), ladies and gents!

*This series originally started as I was trying to pick between the two subscription services. Right now, as long as I'm using up what I get, I don't plan to cancel either. And in the process, I'm trying out loads of new products, that I normally wouldn't!*

Check out the whole series right here: 
August // July // June // May // April // March // February // January // December // November

Let's take a look at what I received in my ipsy and Birchbox for the month of September.
ipsy (left to right)
Acure brightening facial scrub- This is a legit, gritty scrub that feels like it's doing its' job. My boss Christine mentioned she loves and notices a brightening scrub, I don't really, but I like using it!
NYX eyeshadow trio- I've been using this regularly since I received it. The lightest shade is just shimmer-y and pink-y enough, and perfect for every day! I haven't gotten as much use out of the other two shades, but the darker brown is nice too. 
Bayberry Naturals moisturizer- meh. I took this on my trip home, and as far as I'm concerned, a moisturizer is a moisturizer. 
*Formula X nail color in Ignite*- This is the most perfect nail polish for Fall. It is very hard for me to resist buying new nail polish, so I was so happy to receive this and promptly used it. Love!
Liptini lipstick in Starlet Cocktail- And this would be the most perfect lipstick for Fall. Who doesn't need a new dark red lippy this time of year? This smells amazing and is super creamy. I've enjoyed breaking it out! I wore it in this outfit post.

*Favorite of the month!* The most perfect Fall polish gave me the most perfect Fall mani. This sample is pretty small, but I think it's because this is great (--> expensive) polish. My beauty friend Hillary (yeah, another one!) confirmed this. I can see myself using this sample up real quick!

This bag is not great. The color is weird and it's duct-tape-y, again! I'm using it to hold my allergy meds. I actually ended up with two of them, because a co-worker handed me hers, filled with ipsy products that "weren't her color!"Anyone want one?
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Birchbox (clockwise)
Parlor by Jeff Chastain shampoo- I've used this twice and don't have much to say about it. Meh.
Parlor by Jeff Chastain conditioner- Also meh. You always need shamps + condish, I didn't notice a real benefit to using these.
*Klorane tinted dry shampoo*- FINALLY, a dry shampoo sample! Like I say every month, I don't use hair products, but I don't live without dry shampoo. This is tinted, which felt especially fancy. My firstie Katie & I both used this during Jacqui's wedding weekend and loved it!
Pop Beauty eyeshadow palette- Between the two palettes I received this month, this one gets second place. Yes, purple is my favorite color, but not for eyeshadow! It's just not as practical, unfortunately. Edit: I did try the middle purple WITH the ^ neutral NYX ^ and loved it! 
ModelCo lipstick in Kitty- I was pumped about this, but mine arrived smashed into the tube :/ I sent a note to BB, they gave me 50 points AND I've been using it anyway, it's just a bit messy. The perfect neutral color for when you don't want to look like you're wearing lipstick, but you still want to wear it.
Wilma Schumann eye pads- I wouldn't go out of my way to buy or use these. When I opened them, they made a huge mess because they were dripping! Eye pads are a nice way to pamper yourself, but I'm just not into it. 

*Favorite of the month!* Dry shampoo is the beauty product I use most regularly (and really, the only hair product I ever use.) I was overjoyed to finally get a sample! Do you hear me, Birchbox? Give me more!

It's not that I don't love the message of this box; it's just compared to the last few, it's not as much my favorite. The gold foil lettering is awesome, though!

I have to give ipsy the win this month, with several solid products, against Birchbox's lackluster bunch. This makes the score ipsy- 6, Birchbox- 6, after almost a year of doing this series on the blog! No seriously, it's a tie! 


And in today's segment of "Where Are They Now?" a few products that have tickled my fancy lately:
- This Cailyn tinted lipgloss (not featured on the blog) in Basic Instinct is the perfect shade & my go-to bridesmaid lippy!
- I was happy to have this Amika mask laying around for my desperate end-of-Summer hair. Loved using it!
- I've been using this pur-lisse brightening serum every night before bed. I still can't tell a difference.
- This ModelCo blush is gone, baby, gone! It became my daily blush, the shade was perfect.
- My Number 4 Clarifying shampoo is currently in my shower, saving me from actually buying shampoo a little longer!


Anyone receive similar products, or something you absolutely loved this month? Please share!!

If you are interested in signing up for ipsy OR Birchbox (or both ;) for $10/month, you can find my referral links here: ipsy // Birchbox. View this entire series here
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10.13.2015

Basically, Blush

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| necklace: gift (J.Crew) | blazer: H&M | dress: Old Navy | loafers: Old Navy |

HI! Like every other blogger, in the past year or so, I've collected a few basic knit dresses from Old Navy (^this one^, the gray fit & flare, the swing.) I think the appeal behind these dresses is: they're effortless, comfortable, and limitless in terms of styling. But is it weird that I find them SUCH a blank canvas that I get overwhelmed, and have trouble styling them? This is the paradox of choice rearing its' ugly head again, I suppose. 

I want to train myself to reach for one of these when I'm running late (every single morning) and am having trouble getting dressed (pretty much every day.) I don't think there's a wrong way to wear them. What's that quote, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication? What's your go-to ensemb for a simple knit dress?

In other news- I need to stop buying blazers because I just don't like them. I don't find them comfortable or especially flattering on me. I guess I just haven't found that "unicorn blazer" that completes me. The struggle is alive and well.

Oh, and if you're wondering about this hairstyle- it isn't. I had planned to do something, ANYTHING to it this morning, but a few extra minutes of sleep won out instead. They usually do! 

Last time I wore this dress / blazer / loafers.


Look who's hanging out with me this week! Isn't she cute?
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here's her whole ensemb that she wanted to share --> 
| scarf: Stitch Fix | blouse: Old Navy (gifted by me! Same as this one.) | jeans: Lucky | flats: Tieks (she swears by these!) | bracelets: gift |

Galina flew in last night, and was kind enough to snap some photos for me today after lunch! Good thing too, because although I've been wearing clothes (nothing too remarkable, mind you), I've had trouble finding that combo of daylight + a willing photographer lately.

I'm a lucky girl to have my big sis come hang with me just because. We've got some plans for the week that include makeovers with Kelley, hiking at Percy Warner, some line dancing, and of course, so many Nashville eats (possibly including soup at Huntee's new place?)

What's everybody up to this week? What's everybody wearing this week??

EDIT: linked up with Bri @ Work Clothes, I Suppose for Third Thursday Threads!
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10.08.2015

Thankful Thursday, #8

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Nashville skyline *edited with VSCOcam*

43. This new spot ^ that I can walk to from my office. Complete with porch swings!
44. My favorite sweaterIt's baaaaack.
45. Mad MenI started watching it last week and already LOVE it. The characters, the fashion, the 60's, swoon!
46. Donuts. This hasn't made it on a ThTh yet!? Worked an event for Donut Den last night, eating leftovers this morning.
47. Work friends. I have some great ones that make the office fun! We're having a ping-pong tournament today!

I'm up to nearly 50 things to be thankful for since I started this gratitude project. Reading back over my list makes it worth it, alone! Check out the whole series here!

What are you feeling thankful for today?
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10.05.2015

Weekend Update: confidence & brunch.

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This morning I thought to myself, I have plenty of pictures for a weekend update post! Well, I actually don't. I guess I just didn't take many, though I think the weekend was pretty picturesque. I spent most of it with different groups of friends, largely around the table, which is probably the best way, don't you think? Though Friday and Saturday were rainy, cold, and cozy; Sunday cleared up into a gorgeous Fall day. Pound it, October!


I think this is a good time to share my one word motto for the month: confidence

A note on what confidence means to me: I would consider myself to be a pretty happy and content person, but this month, my goal is to love every minute of being me. By being confident, I can embrace every part of my life right now, love others in the process, and generally be a lovelier person to be around. 

I generally don't believe it when people are arrogant, because I know that everybody has their own insecurities. Usually it's the people that act the most egotistical that have the biggest insecurities. So, I try to be as over-confident as I can (in my head anyway, not out loud) because I know my self-esteem issues will balance out whatever I come up with. Does that make sense?

Another part of it is, it seems like every day I am hit with things that might make me feel like I don't have enough or I'm not good enough. Which is a pretty normal thing. And I know this is such a cliche, but comparison is truly the thief of joy. 

I read a quote recently (and I'm sorry I can't remember where! Probs Pinterest) that I loved so much, I wrote it in the inside cover of my journal, where I can always see it,

"True confidence has no room for jealousy or envy. When you know you're great, you have no room to hate." I love that. 

Part of this motto is also the bravery that comes along with confidence. I don't think I've ever shared that I am an extremely skittish person that freaks myself out a lot. And I have GOT to stop doing that!

This weekend I also finished reading Mindy Kaling's latest, Why Not Me? The last essay was actually about confidence! It couldn't have come at a better time. Here's a part I loved from that essay:

"Confidence is just entitlement. Entitlement has gotten a bad rap because it's used almost exclusively for the useless children of the rich, reality TV stars, and Conrad Hilton Jr., who gets kicked off an airplane for smoking pot in the lavatory and calling people peasants or whatever. But entitlement in and of itself isn't so bad. Entitlement is simply the belief that you deserve something. Which is great. The hard part is, you'd better make sure you deserve it. So, how did I make sure that I deserved it?" [She goes on to say "I work really hard!"] 

I agree with her, confidence and entitlement get a really bad rap, but that's completely not what I'm going for this month. Also- I am obsessed with Mindy and have been since I first saw her as Kelly Kapoor in The Office, so definitely read the book!


Anyway. I hope you had a lovely weekend! Here's to being confident this month. 
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10.02.2015

Bright Pants, Can't Lose

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| top: F21 via Carina | pants: Old Navy | booties: Target | Polar Loop: gift from Sundar | 

Real talk, guys: this week was rough. One really terrible thing branched off into a bunch of bad things, (isn't that how it always happens?) leaving me feeling pretty down in the dumps. But you know, we made it through. There's always the promise the weekend, and a Friday to kick it off. Red pants also help.

Other notes on this outfit: been wearing my new booties pretty much every day. I've been happily by my sister Carina's side as she's slowly weeded out the Forever 21 from her closet.  Love it or hate it, I've gotten a few blouses I love, that I don't necessarily think "look" Forever 21.

Thanks to my work friend Hillary, for taking these pics!

I think that's all I've got. Have a fabulous weekend, friends, I am looking forward to sleeping, eating, and seeing some friends. Thanks for stopping by. 
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