9.30.2015

Monthly Goals, September

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Rock Island State Park over Labor Day weekend *edited with VSCOcam*

The end of Summer and start of Fall have really slowed things down around here, and I am not complaining. Summer was a blast (check out how I did on my Summer Bucket List!) but Autumn is such sweet relief in terms of...well everything really! September was a good month, in which:


I traveled home for Jacqui + Matt's gorgeous wedding;
I spent a weekend enjoying live music outside at Nashville's Live on the Green;
I saw every member of my family except Sundar; Coren, Carina, Amir, & Tarif all visited me in Nashville;
I made a mindful attempt at simplicity, by: putting my phone down, closing my eyes & enjoying where I was, & going outside;
I made dinner for Hunter and his roommates at their new place last night;
I actually read a book- The Choice, by Nicholas Sparks;
I wrote at least two cards to friends, and I have two more in my planner to mail today!


See the full list/explanation of my monthly goals, here.

Wow, this might be the best month of my goals yet! Apart from reading which I've barely done, the one word motto has proved to be the hardest to keep. I can definitely say I made a consistent, mindful effort to be simple this month. I actually liked this motto so much I would totally do it again! I'm gonna give myself an A+, which I haven't all year (see the rest of my goal re-caps right here.)

How was your month? If you're keeping resolutions or making goals, I would love to hear your personal progress report.

I think October is my favorite month. I honestly seem to enjoy it the most every year. It has this whimsical quality about it; and maybe I'm romanticizing it too much, but the coffee tastes better, the music sounds better, the sweaters feel better, and the weather is the best. The changing of seasons (ESP in Nashville!) is truly magnificent. Onward!
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9.28.2015

Sweater Best

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| vest: Local Honey Nashville | dress: gift from Katie (ASOS) | booties: Target | purse: vintage (giveaway win) |

My wonderful friend Katie gifted me this dress when I was home in June for Jenae's wedding. I wore it non-stop for about a week (how I wore it on the 4th of July- here!); and while it was cool for the Summer, (to borrow words from our friend Demi Lovato) I've been itching to style it for Fall. Though there's a guideline of not wearing white after Labor Day, I follow a different rule- in 2015, there's no such thing as color rules! The simple fabric and style of this dress asks, nay, BEGS to be layered with a sweater, tights, scarves, all the Fall goodies. You know what I mean. 

Last week I was hit with a realization: booties are absolutely the shoe of the moment, AND I have but two pairs to my name (black and brown suede.) Both a brown leather and taupe suede pair seem like essentials. Though all I've ever really wanted were the cognac Madewell booties, I've settled for this nice, sensible pair from Target. Way to shop within your current means, Priya. Especially since I'm not "supposed to be" shopping at all! Btw- Target has oodles of booties right now. If Madewell is not really in your budget either, check them out! 

Uh that's about it! How was your weekend? I just want you to know that I packed up Hunter's kitchen in about 30 minutes yesterday. Not to detract from my moving prowess, but he only owns like four plates and about 25 pint glasses. Boy kitchens, amiright? He was so pleased, I thought he might get down on a knee and ask me to marry him SPOILER ALERT: he didn't. Otherwise, not a terrible Monday. 
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9.25.2015

Garden Pleats

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*photos edited with VSCOCam*
| sunnies: H&M | tank: Urban Outfitters via Carina (old) | cardi: Banana Republic (old) | skirt: Old Navy | clogs: ON | purse: vintage | bracelets: gifts (Huntee, Marjo, Rachel) | watch: c/o JORD |

At this point, my family and friends know that anytime and anyplace is GREAT for taking outfit photos! #Bloggerprobz, amiright? These were taken as we waited to get into Monell's for brunch last weekend. They have the most beautiful garden courtyard, complete with porch swing; we waited for maybe 45 minutes but didn't mind it a bit! We then proceeded to eat a meal with four kinds of meat. Other things too, but the protein had to be noted.

When Tuppy touched down in Nashville and I asked him what he wanted to do, he said "I don't really know. But I definitely want some country food." Ha! I sure have more fun with those twins than probably anyone else in the world.

This outfit is the direct brainchild of wanting to wear this tank before the Summer was over (per my updated style strategy.) It's super old, and used to be one of my favorites; but I just don't find occasions for casual racer-back tanks anymore.

I bought this skirt from Old Navy online this Summer, it was a bit of a splurge (I mean, for Old Navy, where I never pay full price for anything), but it looked like it would be perfect. And it really, really is. I've been wearing it non-stop, and even took it home last weekend. The brilliant thing about it is, I think it'll wear just as well (better?) in the Fall and colder weather with tights + boots. The holy grail.

I have it under good authority (because...I just bought it in red :|) that you can still get it at Old Navy, and now for a cool $10. I have nothing but good things to say about it- cool prints, breezy fabric, great legnth and fit. You can find it right here!


Happy weekend, one and all! I'm going to stay as chill as possible- I haven't made any plans, but they usually find me :) Hunter is officially moving on Monday, and right now my car is loaded with empty boxes from the office for him. So I imagine I'll be helping out because I'm the best girlfriend ;)

Have a great one, and thanks for reading! 
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9.23.2015

Summer Bucket List '15 | Report Card

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top down: Pensacola Beach FL, Pismo Beach CA, Andrea's bridal shower, Bowie Nature Park, Captain Huntee on Centerhill Lake, The Parthenon, Folly Beach SC, Rock Island

Officially, as of today: Summer is totally over, y'all. I know better than to get too excited about the glorious weather we've been having in Nashville, because we will no doubt relapse into Summer heat; but the season, and therefore the window for my Summer Bucket List '15 is OV-AH. 

I made this list at the start of the Summer mostly to take advantage of the season, and actually DO some of those things I always find myself saying I want to do but never actually doing. You can read that original post right here.

It was a grand, busy, humid, fantastic Summer over here. 

Let's take a look at my report card for that bucket list:
*I like to think of Memorial Day & Labor Day as the beginning and end of Summer, but I did give myself a little extra time on these because, you know, idowhatiwant. Also today is the first day of Autumn so, seems legit!

  • go camping | Nope. Unfortunately this just didn't happen this Summer. But the weather is just now getting nice, so maybe we can still do this before it gets too cold. 
  • go to a fair | DONE! I visited the Tennessee State Fair a few weekends ago when the twins came to town. It had all the livestock, deep-fried oreos and skee ball of my dreams!
  • berry-picking | Nope. I think by the time I realized I needed to do this, the season was over? This is something you really need to plan ahead for. Next year.
  • beach trip with Huntee | Not yet. BUT I can almost give myself a check because we have a trip to the 30A area of Florida planned for the second weekend of October and I just can't wait!
  • ombre my hair! | DONE! I did this on my 24th birthday, back in June, and have been loving it all Summer long. My hairdresser (Olive at Trim, Nashvillians!) told me it would lighten up, and it has! I've gotten so many compliments on it and really enjoyed it (outfit photos where you can see it.)
  • go to the farmer's market, make a meal with fresh ingredients | Nope. This is something I've been wanting to do for a while and I honestly didn't visit a farmer's market all Summer. Boo.
  • canoeing/ca-brewing | DONE! Hunter and I took Dave's kayaks out for a spin in June, then we went again for Andrea's birthday in July. This honestly might be the best Summer activity. 
  • spend an entire day outside | Nope. I almost want to give myself a pass on this, because I know I came close; but I never intentionally did it. Plus half the goal in this is to lose track of time. Nope.
  • put on temporary tattooes | DONE! This silly thing is one of my favorites. I put one on that I'd had sitting around forever, from Katie, one day just because. We also wore them for Jacqui's bachelorette.
  • plan an awesome patriotic ensemble for the 4th | DONE! The weather on the 4th really put a damper on the activities, but I still salvaged an outfit I was pretty pleased with.
  • go to a Sounds game | DONE! Through some partner at my office we managed to get several sets of free tickets (and one for Hunter's company outing.) The new stadium is a blast, and I look forward to doing this next Summer! 
  • visit at least five TN State Parks | DONE! Ok, so one of them was just a park. Counting it! This Summer I visited: Cummins Falls, Bowie Nature Park, Bells Bend, Fall Creek Falls, and Rock Island. The perfect activity for an adventure Saturday. TN does have so much natural beauty to offer! 
  • go to an outdoor concert | DONE! We spent every evening of the weekend when the twins were in town at Nashville's own Live on the Green, enjoying Rodrigo y Gabriella, Passion Pit, & Ben Folds.
  • road-trip! | DONE! Though I didn't road-trip just for the sake of road-tripping; at the start of the Summer Carina & I went down to FL, returning through New Orleans, I went down to Florida for Sundar's graduation again in July, and then to Charleston in August for #AndreasFinalFiesta.
  • spend a day on a lake | DONE! We did this in June with a bunch of friends, then again in August when Coren, Marisol, and Carina came to town. Two more of the BEST Summer days.
  • make a Summer cocktail | DONE! Two weeks ago on the opening day of college football, I made a drink called "The Rocky Top" (orange-y with a sugar rim) for our little get together to watch Tennessee play. It was a real hit! This was modeled after the drink that Jacqui's fab Aunt Peggy made at her bridal shower. If anyone is interested in this (simple, made-up, and crowd-pleasing) recipe, just let me know! 
  • sit outside and read | DONE! Now that I really think about it, I know I did this more than once. But two weeks ago, when my bucket list was in crunch time, I headed into the courtyard of my complex to start The Choice by Nicholas Sparks (Amanda gave it to me and told me I had to read it.)
  • actually DO a trivia night | DONE! We had turned this into somewhat of a routine at the start of the Summer, trying several different restaurants with Hunter and a few of his friends. I even got them to call our team "Beyoncé & Friends" one time :) trivia is totally fun. 
  • complete the Bikini Body Guide | DONE! I did my last workout this past week after 16 weeks of this plan! I can't say I noticed any huge changes (didn't lose any weight), but I do feel stronger and more toned. More than anything, I'm proud of myself for sticking with it and finishing the whole thing! It definitely taught me what kind of strength exercise I enjoy. If anyone wants to know more about this, let me know in the comments! 
  • try a pretty (new!) up-do | DONE! I've been feeling a little meh about the current mid-length of my hair, and like most everyone, it's either up in a pony or down. I finally tried somewhat of an up-do for Live on the Green last week! I could really stand to be more creative in this department. 
  • visit an amusement park | Nope. This would have called for a bigger road-trip (the closest one to me is Dollywood?) and amidst all the travel this Summer, it didn't happen. Darn! 

Did you make a Summer Bucket List? How'd it turn out? I would love to hear what your best adventure of the Summer was! 

Now with Summer 2015 respectfully laid to rest, it's time for the resounding heart eyes of the best part of the entire year.

You know what I'm talking about. 
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9.21.2015

#thenewmrssuarez Wedding Weekend!

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And for the next wedding weekend of 2015, Jacqui and Matt had an absolutely gorgeous ceremony this past Friday, September 18th. The sentiment I felt most about it was something I said to her more than once (both in person and in writing, the bridesmaids made her a scrapbook!); I felt honored to be a part of it all.

Jacqui and I became instant best friends when we met at the start of high school. We've kept in touch since, writing letters and seeing each other when possible; but I was really thinking back and missing some of the crazy things we did in HS. Her bridesmaids spanned across friendships throughout her life, cousins, high school, and college; which is pretty cool! I absolutely adore her family (and the extended family I've now met) so it was a blast hanging with them this weekend too!

Then there's the cool thing of your other close friends being in the bridal party, Katie and Carissa were the maid and matron of honor, respectively, and I loved being with them (top left photo), and their respective beaus.

The ceremony and reception were at a winery in Morgan Hill (peep that in the above photos) which was insanely beautiful. California, you guys. California makes my heart sing. Everything about the wedding was all gold, white, and stripes (gorgeous) and I can't wait to eventually share some pics because girlfriend's got taste!

I also managed to squeeze in an allergy test (#stillonmyparentsinsurance ftw), wine tasting in Napa, and a great evening at my parent's house with my friends. Now that I think about it, (and as pretentious as this is gonna sound), I only drank local wine this weekend and it was the besttttt.

Hunter joined me for the long weekend which was great- in terms of having a travel buddy AND a wedding date. It's such a weird, special, and important thing having him meet and spend time with people who have influenced the person I've become.

I didn't really sleep this weekend so I'm off to do some of that.

Congratulations, Jacqui & Matt! Love you guys, and thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

2015 has been all weddings on weddings on weddings and it is the MOST FUN. 
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9.18.2015

ipsy vs. Birchbox, August '15

Happy beauty day on perfectly Priya! Every month, I review my ipsy and Birchbox subscriptions from last month, while I'm slowly becoming a beauty person. 

*This series originally started as I was trying to pick between the two subscriptions. Though I don't have any immediate plans to cancel either, I really need to! I'm just not sold on which one is better for me. The struggle is real. Check out the whole series right here:  July // June // May // April // March // February // January // December // November

Now it's time to move. That. BUS! (any Extreme Makeover: Home Edition fans out there? Anywhere??)
ipsy (left to right)
Marc Anthony Argan Oil Treatment- After a Summer spent in lakes, pools, rivers, etc, my ombre ends were looking a little ragged, so I was excited to try this out! I'm hesitant to use any hair products at all, but especially oil, because it seems counter-intuitive? I've tried this a few times on just the ends of my hair, straight out of the shower, and I have to say, I have noticed a difference! My only complaint is that it's pretty messy to use. 
Marsk shadow brush- I'm not jazzed about brushes, for the most part, because I can't tell one from the other. I have a shadow brush I use daily, this one is a bit bigger, and worked just as well. Meh.
Pencil Me In eyeliner in Boysenberry- I've been using purple eyeliner (on special occassions) since high school, so it's not that I'm against colored liner. This color is just too RED to look normal and pretty as an eyeliner. I tried it, and it was super weird. Who invented this? PASS.
Skone Cosmetics eye/lip pencil in Wine- This was even worse as an eyeliner. I don't see why they had to make it a multipurpose pen. I tried it as an eyeliner, looked like a demon, (while the boysenberry above is reddish-purple, this one is straight up red); then tried it as a lipliner, it was great. Lip liner actually does make your lipstick stay put all day, and not bleed all over your face. So this pencil wasn't a total loss.
*Hikari lipgloss in Merlot*- The lip color always wins, doesn't it? This gloss is shiny, goes on smoothly, and has a great darker red shade. I was happy to recieve this! 

*Favorite of the month!* Lip color is usually my favorite anyway, but especially this month, when my ipsy was all around pretty bad. This is the perfect shade for Fall (yes, I said it!)

I love Houndstooth! But I hated this bag! Something about the pink + houndstooth combo makes it look cheap instead of classy. Plus it looks like it's made out of duct tape. I hid threw this in my gym bag.
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Birchbox (left to right)
IPKN Primer- Primer is something I don't normally use. This stuff is pretty because it has a shimmer to it, but definitely a little too shimmery to use all over (learned that the hard way.) I can't say I noticed a great benefit to using this.
Air Repair Moisturizer- I don't have much to say about this! I took this on my trip to Charleston, the sample size is nice because it's tiny, but otherwise, just another face cream!
*Balance Me Skin Serum*- This stuff actually works! I've used this a few times on blemishes (everybody has them) at night before bed, and woken up with the blemish being significantly less noticeable (especially with redness.) I would recommend this and actually buy this! 
LAQA & Co. Cheeky Lip in Cray-Cray- Having gone through TWO of these LAQA & Co. lip crayons, I was pumped to get this one. Something about the consistency of this one (it's for lips + cheeks so it's slightly different) makes it not as great. While the "lip lube" is more sheer/glossy, this is more pigmented and ends up looking pretty flaky on lips after a few hours. Bummer! 
RUSK Mousse- I used mousse in high school just like everybody else. Like I say every month, I don't like using hair products hardly at all, because I wash my hair about once a week and can't risk putting something gross in it. I had a great opp to use this when I went from lake --> downtown and had to work with wet hair. This definitely made a difference, in terms of frizz and texture. By the second day, any crunchy residue had nicely marinated into my hair. Recommend if you need/use mousse!

*Favorite of the month!* I get a lot of skin products that I'm meh about, but this stuff is measurably effective. This is also something that I need consistently on and off. Glad I got this!

I haven't gotten a plain brown Birchbox for maybe a year, but this one is THE absolute cutest! What an adorable idea for Summer. Loved it!

And my Birchbox is the winner winner chicken dinner after a thoroughly disappointing ipsy last month. ipsy has dominated most months since I started this series, but it seems like Birchbox's quality is really stepping up to bat lately. 


A few products that have stepped into the spotlight in today's "Where Are They Now?"
- I finally used this Coolway Salt Spray after curling my hair, and boy did it add volume + texture + tangles for dayz.
- I threw away this empty Oribe Beach Wave Spray this morning! Would absolutely purchase this.
- Loved using this Coola SPF 50 all Summer long. It smells great, works for my face, and hurts when you get it in your eyes.
- My Cargo Swimmables Blush is on an everyday rotation. I can't say it's waterproof, but I love the coral shade.
- Throwing it way back, this Skone eyeliner pen is my go-to for a cat eye. If you're not using a "felt tip" liner, you need to be! 


How'd you fair with ipsy, Birchbox, or any other subscription service this past month? Any of the above mentioned products strike a chord with you?

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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9.16.2015

Coral + Cargo

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| top: F21 via Kelley | pants: Old Navy | shooties: Payless | bangles: gift (Target) |

I'm really glad I shared my updated style strategy on my blog (TL;DR, to "wear out my closet.") 

Getting my thoughts collected and written down in one place, and sharing them with the world has given me new resolve. Resolve to keep working through my closet, and wearing it out, or saying goodbye to those neglected items! Blogging, to me, is more than anything a great way to keep track of your goals. 

Enter these cargo pants. Every time I've worn them on my blog, I say something like, "I could really get rid of these because I don't wear them very often." Of my three attempts at styling them, I think this is my favorite! And I'm ok with hanging onto them to wear them once/season. But on second thought, I think they can be worn year-round. 

This top has been in heavy rotation since I recently received it in a swap (already styled it on the blog once!) I much prefer silky button-ups to cotton ones, they make any outfit feel instantly luxe! The gold buttons on this one make it feel extra special. I think I'm ready to wear it over leggings + with boots next, for an easy Fall outfit! 


I'm headed to California with Hunter this afternoon for Jacqui's wedding (Friday!) Pumped to celebrate Jacqui & Matt, see some family, and this time have a traveling buddy/wedding date! I will likely have a post or two to go up while I'm gone, and you can follow along on Twitter or insta in the meantime, if you like! Thanks for reading! 
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9.15.2015

Weekend Update: Twinning in Nashville

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clockwise: photobombers at Live on the Green, my happy place at Fall Creek Falls, Tuppy and a BULL at the TN State Fair, being jokers at Monell's, a "wobbly bridge!" that a young tour guide advised us to check out, the state FAIR!  
Basically since I came to Nashville in 2009, I've had this dream that my twin brothers (I've written about them a bunch, here and here too) would come visit me at the same time. Years later, this dream materialized into this past weekend. It was just as I hoped; the three musketeers, together again, laughing and giving Amir a hard time. I know for a fact that the three of us can have fun doing anything, because we tested this growing up (weddings? Check. Parent's errands? Check. India? Check.)

Tuppy flew in Wednesday night, and Amir joined us Friday night after almost getting stranded in Chicago. I was so happy I could've cried that he made it on stand-by, just in time to see Passion Pit on Friday night. We spent all weekend at Live on the Green actually (I wrote about this awesome Nashville thing last year), seeing Rodrigo y Gabriella Thursday night, Passion Pit Friday, and Ben Folds on Saturday. I know what you're thinking. Yeah, I finished up some last minute Summer goals.

We spent Saturday during the day at Fall Creek Falls, which was incredible! The weather was just gorgeous, and it may be my favorite TN State Park I've visited (so far.)

Sunday we got Tarif some "country food" (his first request) at Monell's, and then visited the Tennessee State Fair, which was hilarious. It was quite the experience for the twins, including deep-fried oreos, a prize bull show, and a rabbit barn. 

So yeah, we really packed it in this weekend, and I slept SO WELL last night :)

Those two are just my buddies; I'm already missing them and looking forward to their next visit. Thanks for coming, and making my dreams come true, Amir and Tarif!


P.S. I'm leaving for California with Hunter tomorrow. 
P.P.S. Hunter closes on his place today! 
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9.11.2015

A Pin For The Win: striped button-up

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| necklace: Amazon | button-up: Old Navy via Katy | blazer: F21 | jeans: Seven For All Mankind | flats: Report via Carina | 

And in today's episode of "Clothes I've Swapped That I Love", presenting, this button-up! Katy is on my short list of "people I work with that I'm not friends with but I wish I were" and has this really cool, effortless-bordering-outdoorsy style. Naturally I jumped at the chance to steal one of her button-ups, with no repercussions, at our recent office clothing swap.

I've already worn this button-up several times, and find myself wanting to pair it with everything: denim shorts, a floral skirt, there's nothing it can't do!

This outfit was completely inspired by this pin, by the incomparable Sydney (she may or may not have had a cameo in my dream last night :| the blogging is really getting to me, guys!) As soon as I got this button-up, I knew I had to do it! Honestly, it may be the exact same one. Anyway, how'd I do?

I have an entire pinboard of "Outfits To Try!", that I'm determined to build out of my own closet. Something about my recent re-declaration of style strategy has given me new vigor to actually put those pretty pins to work. If you have a similar thing going on Pinterest (or otherwise), share it with me! All the outfits I accomplish re-creating then go on the "A Pin For The Win" board, check that out too!


As you're reading this, I'm knee-deep in hosting my twin brothers for the weekend. I'm totally thrilled that they're here! We're making the most of the few days by going to Nashville's free music festival every night (tonight: Passion Pit!), checking off my last few Summer goals (#selfmotivated), and of course, plenty of Nashville eats. 

Hope you're enjoying your weekend! And if not, it was only a four-day work week, so we didn't do much to earn it anyway! 
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9.09.2015

Autumnal

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| shirt: H&M via Jamie | dress: Old Navy via Lauren | clogs: Old Navy | bag: Marc Jacobs via Carina |

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago, in the full heat of Summer, and realized: this would be the perfect outfit for...

I can't use the F word! But I'm assuming you all know how I feel about the seasons right about now (I bet you feel the same way!) In related news, I almost accidentally bought a PSL yesterday. Then I realized it was THE day that they came back, and I just couldn't. Too zealous, too basic. I settled for a caramel frap (less zealous, equally basic), which, for the record, I actually like more! 

This outfit is a sweet combo of awesome hand-me-downs; shirt from co-worker Jamie, dress from co-worker Lauren (from our recent clothing swap at work), and the bag a recent inheritance from my sister Carina. She gave it to me with some sweet wholesome story about it being the first designer bag she purchased for herself in college (I wasn't really listening, idk.) 

I am, like most days, the poster child for hand-me-downs. I can't wait to re-wear this outfit in the next few weeks, when the season feels right (fingers crossed.)


Tuppy arrives in Nashville tonight and I still haven't unpacked from #AndreasFinalFiesta or this past weekend (...I did more than I planned to, including dogsitting...but it was good. Hope yours was too!) I have literal mountains of clean laundry on my bedroom floor. So there's a little real time update for ya! Later gators!! 
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9.06.2015

Sunday Lately Link-Up

I don't do a whole lot of link-ups, and I don't really blog on Sundays either, but I loved this idea! Perfect for reflecting on what's actually going on right now, which, ironically, isn't always easy to blog about, the midst of outfits, bachelorette parties, vacations, etc. So today I'm linking up with Meghan, Katy, and Nicole for their Sunday Lately. They've been doing this all year (!) which I am very impressed with.

Planning:
Always! At the moment, I am planning for my twin brothers to visit me in Nashville! Tarif is flying in Wednesday night, Amir will join us Friday afternoon. Plenty of plans to be made for places to eat, things to do, and people to see (at the very least Hattie B's, Live on the Green, and Andrea & Kelley!)

Loving:
My Huneebear. I didn't see him all week, and by Friday realized I really missed him! Always a nice feeling. He showed up to my house sparkly gift in hand, and tomorrow, we are finally going to Rock Island! I'm just really excited to spend the day with him before it's back to the craziness of the week. Hunter works so hard AND is going through the house buying process (! yes, exciting!) so I'm really happy and proud of him.

Reading:
Not a whole lot. I started Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, but couldn't really get into it, and need to take it back to the library. To be honest, the last things I read were an hodge podge of old magazines, People, Glamour, and Teen Vouge that needed to be thrown out. Time to get into a good book!

Wishing:
Like usual, I'm wishing I lived closer to some of my best friends- Jenae & I were talking on Friday night and she said she planned a game night, invited friends, and no one came. Well, she knows game nights are one of MY favorite things and I was like, this is dumb, I live too far away.

Feeling:
I know tired is the lamest answer...but it's true. I'm feeling like I did more than I planned to this weekend (which was nothingggg) and it was fun, but now I'm wiped.

Sunday Lately with KatyNicole and Meghan
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9.04.2015

Snapshots of Life, XI: The Summer Edition!

Ah, Summertime. You were dreamy, humid, and a little bit crazy this time around. With Labor Day "bookending" the last part of the Summer, I figured it was the perfect time to share my snapshots of life lately- little moments that just didn't make it on perfectlyP, but I don't want to forget!
June (left to right)
saw my girl Katie for half a day when I was home for Jenae's wedding, here she is being cute at work
also got to spend an evening out with my favorites, <3 the twins <3 they are hilarious and the best
here I am "enjoying" In n Out after Jenae's wedding with Steph. All this happened in one weekend actually haha 
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July
I call this "so fun spending time together" (can you tell they're on their phones?) in Florida for Sundar's graduation
probably our favorite babysitting charges, L & MC, Huntee trying to wrangle them #dying
Nashville Sounds game with our sweet friends Michael & Amanda. I mean, baseball = Summertime
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August 
Carina & Amir went to the Taylor Swift show together and it was the CUTEST THING EVER
I don't know that I shared the amazing view from our balcony at #MrsSuarezEnFuego weekend. CA <3
Monday before I left CA Sundar, Tuppy & I went to Chavez. A good old Mexican taqueria. It was fun.

So this weekend I am frantically trying to cross a few more off my Summer Bucket List, while it's still legit Summer. Though I will likely give myself an extension because I know I have some stuff coming up. And idowhatiwant. This in the middle of babysitting, dogsitting, watching too much college football (see this tweet), seeing some friends, and hopefully an adventure. 

If I don't make it back here before the weekend is over- have a wonderful Labor Day! 

Check out all my snapshots of life: 10 // 9 // 8 // 7 // 6 // 5 // 4 // 3 // 2 // 1
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9.02.2015

My Updated Style Strategy

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| shirt: Brooks Brothers via Mom | necklace: gift (J.Crew) | pants: Gap Factory | heels: J.Crew via Carina |

A lot has been swirling around the blogosphere lately about "style strategies"; the most popular of these being minimalism. While I love a good capsule packing job, and generally agree with the paradox of choice theory, I have to say: 

I'm a maximalist! I like having options! I like having three of the same thing! And it is nearly impossible for me to get rid of things. I've started to see this sentiment peeking out of blogs as well which makes me feel like, ok, it's safe for me to say.

That being said, I do have a style strategy: to wear out my closet. I've thrown that phrase around on the blog, but what does it actually mean? To me, it means it's ok for me to have more t-shirts and flats than I actually need, as long as they serve a purpose. Seems simple enough, right?

Like most, I'm constantly in the never-ending process of ridding my closet of items that no longer fit- my body or my lifestyle. Like I mentioned, I'm allowing myself to have options, or say, the dress that I like to wear once a season, just so long as I'm actually doing it!

I've read on several blogs about people going through their closet strictly every season, eliminating items that didn't get worn. This seems like a pretty good system to me! To set myself up for the inevitable "but I'll wear this next Summer, promise!" a few weeks ago, I rotated my closet and drawers into sections that had yet to be worn this Summer. If, in a few weeks, those items are still un-worn: out they go

So just know: my closet is full of clothes I've had forever, random hand-me-downs from distant friends and relatives, and whatever new-ish stuff I've managed to buy in the last few years. Though I totally failed my no shopping goal this year, I'm still trying not to shop a lot. The easiest way to do this is of course, to shop my closet. 

It's also very handy keeping track of this venture on my blog. When I contemplate losing/keeping an item, if it hasn't been on my blog ever, that's a pretty good sign that it's completely out of style or ill-fitting. If I'm making a plea to keep it, I have to style it in an outfit that is immediately "blogworthy" (that word is probably a post for another day...but what I mean is, something I actually like and want to wear.)

Case in point here: this button-up. I stole this from my mom a few years ago, and hadn't worn it in nearly as long. But I think I'll keep it still, because I liked this outfit. I copied it straight out of J.Crew's Fall 2015 lookbook, and I know I've seen it before this year too. Seems like a classic piece that can stand the test of time. 

So I'm telling you this mostly so you can keep me accountable, and maybe help me out, if you're anything like me. Do you have the hardest time getting rid of stuff? What works for you? How do you "wear out your closet?" 

This turned wordier than I intended, so; I thank you for reading, and for making perfectlyP a safe space where I can over-think cleaning out my closet. Cheers to ya!
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