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Monday, November 11, 2013

Decisions, decisions...

Do any of you have trouble making decisions? I am the Queen of being indecisive. Especially when high prices are involved. So now that I'm trying to decide on my first genuine leather purse, I am struggling big time. (#firstworldproblems)

A little background on this whole purse situation:

About 5 years ago, after I graduated high school, my family and I went on a two and a half week trip to Italy (take me back please). While we were there, my mom said I could buy one genuine leather purse. What better place to buy leather goods other than Italy?! Cue my inability to make decisions, and we had ourselves a stalemate. Low and behold, I didn't end up buying a purse in Italy. #Shocker. Luckily, my mom said that I could choose a name brand bag back in the US. 5 years later? Still no purse. Again, #shocker.

Now that I'm about to enter the real world as a working woman, I thought there was no better time to get my first "real" purse. But that means I need to make a decision. Uh oh. The deadline I've given myself is Christmas. How am I going to make this decision? With the help of all of you!

That's another reason why I love blogging. I'm a big fan of collecting people's opinions and taking them into consideration. You know, like gathering all the facts before coming to a conclusion. I find myself checking out the opinions and experiences of fellow bloggers/followers on products. So here I am, 5 years sans purse, asking for your help!

I've chosen a few options, pretty basic and mostly in black. I feel that spending this much money on one item requires getting something that is timeless, classy, and simple.

For play:

I've had my eyes on the Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Francesca for a little over a year now. It's simple, classic, and I've always loved the texture of Marc Jacobs leather.


After a while of seeing the regular Michael Kors Hamilton purse (Medium & Large), I decided it was too stiff for me. There's nothing nicer than the feel of broken in leather. So when I came across the Michael Kors Medium Hamilton Slouchy Satchel, I fell in love.

For work:

The idea of starting work also got me thinking about the possibility of a work bag. (Just what I need, more things to decide on and buy.) After reading a post about Dagne Dover on The College Prepster, I fell in love. Again.



Dagne Dover Tote & Clutch

Maybe I fall too easily. But the practicality of these two items sell themselves. That clutch is so perfect for going out at night and bringing just the essentials without carrying anything too bulky or uncomfortable. As for the tote? Not only does it have a slot for everything you could think of (laptop, iPad, cards), but it's totally chic too! Getting the tote in black would be the safest choice; but the oxblood is just so gorgeous!

Okay. I've narrowed it down. Now what?!

Opinions people!!

What's your favorite/current bag? Work or play!




Images from Marc JacobsMichael Kors, & Dagne Dover websites.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Love Your Life NYC Event

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend an event I had mentioned in a previous post called Love Your Life. It was hosted in the city by Lynette Lewis with guest speaker Jen Ramos of Made By Girl. Both of these women were so inspirational and I learned a lot about myself and being a career woman.

Going into the night, I had no idea what to expect. I was just hoping to leave with some advice and motivation, being that things right now (career wise) are a little on the stressful side. 

How do I feel post-event?

Words cannot even begin to describe what I got out of that event. From advice, to networking, to inspirational stories...the event was a really big eye opener and almost like a push to keep moving forward towards what is waiting for me.

The night started out with a little icebreaker in which Lynette would ask questions and if it related to any audience members, they would go up to the stage and receive a package of delicious mini cakes. I actually went up in regards to having made a small step towards a goal of mine: starting/working on my blog. I then shared what my blog is about and the name of it. (Nice plug for some new followers haha)

After discussing some of the upcoming events (one of which I will be attending in January, the Leading on Purpose Workshop), Lynette introduced Jen. I don't even know where to start when describing how much more of an inspiration Jen is to me now after hearing her journey throughout the years. After numerous failed business attempts, to personal struggles, to finally starting up Made By Girl in 2006, Jen is a true example of what it means to not give up on your dreams. 


Here are some takeaway tips you can use to follow your dreams as well!

Jen's 5 Steps to Starting Your Own Business

Figure out your passion: What gets you out of bed every day? What do you want the future to bring? Think about the one thing (or more) that you can't imagine your life without. Find what you have a love for and truly motivates you, then go for it!

Do your research: If you're starting something new, chances are you don't exactly know what you're doing. Take the time to reach out to people currently in the business you are beginning and ask as many questions as possible. Learn as much as you can about all of the things you don't know and even things you think you may know. All that information can't hurt!

Don't quit your day job right away: Before making any rash decisions, establish a support system. You don't need to waste your time worrying about ways to pay the bills when you're trying to establish something new. Use any free moment you have during lunch breaks, at night, and on weekends to work on your dreams. Once things come together and you are certain you can support yourself financially, then you can consider leaving your job.

Focus on your goal: As mentioned before, spend every free moment possible in the most productive way to get closer to reaching your goal. It is important to remember what your goal is; don't try to do everything, just do you.

Don't just dream, DO: You can't reach the finish line without taking steps. Don't just talk about what you want to accomplish and make lists of the things you want to do (guilty!). Actually go out and make it happen!

Something else that really struck me was the idea that there is beauty in pain. You know all of those quotes that say "you can't have a rainbow without some rain"? Well, LISTEN TO THEM! After hearing Jen's experience, it hit me that everyone goes through hard times and the negative phases. You just need to push through them and focus on what really matters to you. The more certain you are about what you want, the closer you are to achieving it.

It was great being able to relate to what Jen experienced in terms of figuring out where to start, how to move forward, and dealing with those negative voices (including your own). These are some of the things I struggle with every single day. Before this event, I thought I was the only one. I thought "well, maybe this isn't for me. I don't know what I'm doing, maybe I'm not cut out for it." But what Jen and Lynette showed me is that everyone has those doubts, everyone starts somewhere. Just take one step at a time.

Another thing that was touched on at the event was dealing with your fears. One of the bigger fears I have deals with worrying about what other people think. This tends to translate into my blogging life as well. After meeting and talking with another blogger I admire, Ashlina of The Decorista, she told me that everyone has their own perspective on things. You just need to own up to what you believe in and do you! Oddly enough, this fear also sneaks its way into my fashion. I actually had my outfit planned for about a week, but for some reason when it came time to rock it, I got nervous. Here's what I wore:

Top: J.Crew (similar) || Leather skirt: H&M || Booties: Steve Madden (similar)

I'm so glad I was able to attend such an amazing and uplifting event! My eyes, ears, heart, and mind were all opened and filled with the most inspirational and motivational of things. I can't wait until the next Love Your Life event!

I can never get enough of the city!


Jen's lovely artwork! You can find more here!







always,



Friday, November 1, 2013

Sweater Weather

There's nothing I love more than finding the perfect sweater to cozy up in while also looking stylish! Add in an affordable price and I. Am. Sold.

I was browsing Forever 21 for some inspiration on sweater styles and actually came across some really cute options. F21 is always affordable so I don't even have to worry about that. 
Check them out!



1-No Fuss Sweater || A basic that I think is so important to have (in every color).
2-Classic Relaxed Fit Sweater || This one just looked so comfortable, I couldn't resist!
3-Easy Open-Front Cardigan || I like this one because I feel like you could use it all year round. It's cozy enough for this weather but breathes enough to wear over a pair of cutoffs in warm weather.
4-Mixed Knit Boyfriend Sweater || Who doesn't love an oversized boyfriend sweater? Guys clothing is the best.
5-Favorite Boyfriend Cardigan || There's no doubt in my mind this sweater is going to end up in my closet (maybe in multiple colors). It's such a staple piece for fall layering!
6-Playful Kitten Sweatshirt || It wouldn't be right if I didn't include this one. #catlady4life


What are some of your favorite sweaters for the season?

always,

Weekend Festivities

HOW IS IT ALREADY NOVEMBER?!


My shock is also coupled with thrill. I could not be any more excited for this weekend! It's filled with a number of fun and exciting events that I can't wait to share with you!

Starting with tomorrow's activities, I'm joining one of my best friends to pick up her new kitten!!! Even though I am extremely jealous that I am not picking up one of my own, I couldn't be happier for her...and for getting to be her self-proclaimed godmother! After we take her back to Jess' apartment, we're spending the night getting to know her and hanging out. I'll be sure to post pictures of her, don't you worry.

Sunday brings even more fun, and this time in the city! My parents and I are traveling to NYC to meet up with my brother and have dinner with a cousin who has flown in from Mexico City. Beforehand, however, my mom and I have managed to convince my dad to drop us off early at Canal Street to do a little shopping :) Pictures of my purchases will surely be uploaded as well.

Finally, although it's not technically the weekend, I am most excited for Monday's festivities!! I will be returning to NYC to attend the Love Your Live with Lynette Lewis event! Originally I had just signed up to go to experience some motivational words and advice. But once I found out Jen Ramos of Made By Girl would be speaking I was even more ecstatic! I have been following Jen's blog for quite some time now and have always found inspiration through her posts. She has the perfect mix of all things fashion, beauty, decor, food, and personal bits. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures of my experience and let you all know how the event goes (maybe I'll even see some of you there)! Is it sad that I already have my outfit picked out? Haha.

Source: Love Your Life

What are your plans this weekend?!

always,