get outta here

This past weekend was our first "free" weekend in ten weeks since school started in the beginning of August. We almost always have exams on Monday, which means our weekends are our hardcore study time, but last week we had an exam on Friday, which meant  freeeeeeeeeeeeeedom. Fake freedom because we still had to do work Friday afternoon and Sunday night, but mostly freeeedom.

CR and I took it as an excuse to get out of town - I've felt super cooped up lately, so I was more than willing to pay for a hotel room for the night. We decided to go to Pittsburgh, and it was so much fun. A lot of walking around, eating at fun restaurants (like a meatball place!), and seeing the sites. There were also a couple hours of television involved (since neither of us have cable) lounging on the king sized bed, and some time spent at the mall. I ended up getting this blouse from J.Crew that's currently on sale - it's perfect since I hate ironing ;)

Overall, it was a really great weekend. We're moving a little closer to Pittsburgh at the end of May, so I'm excited to explore even more on a regular basis. If you have any recommendations of must see/eat/visit places, I'd love to hear!

Top: Ann Taylor [exact on sale]

Pants: The Limited [similar]

Scarf: Victoria's Secret 

Belt: Gap [similar]

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]

Earrings: eBay [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact]

look for less: target edition

I love Target as much as the next girl (basic bitch?) - where else can you get bread, cute ballet flats, and fun stationary? While their clothes don't always work on me, there are some real gems to be found there! Not only are they cute, a lot of items are verrrrrry similar to more expensive items. Here are just a few things I found, plus their pricier counterpart!

original || target version

I have a similar Frye pair (mine are the Paige version) that I've had for three years now, and I love them as much as the day I bought them. They are crrrrrrrrazy expensive though, so the Target version, while still pricey for Target boots, are genuine leather and have the same look for way way less.

original || target version

You guys know how much I love my transport tote. I've been using it for years, and I think it only gets better with age. That said, I got mine during a 30% off sale, and even then it is still really expensive. The Target version looks to be about the same size, and as an added bonus, is also reversible! (and if you are looking for a bag with just a little something extra, this cognac bag is beautiful, and if I wasn't so attached to my current school bag, I would really consider ordering it)

original || target version

There's something about Madewell's dresses that makes me want every single one - but four dresses later, and there would go my entire quarter's budget. The Target version is strikingly similar, and almost a fifth of the price. If any of you have tried this dress on, please let me know what you think! I'm afraid that because it's in juniors that it will be too short on me, but I would love to try it out.

original || target version

While I love the Michael Kors I bought earlier this summer, I have a similar gold version from Target that I love (almost) as much. It's just so sturdy, and held up well over the years since I purchased it. The current teal version is a fun way to add a bit of color to a traditional mens style watch!

And of course I couldn't mention look a likes without mentioning my new favorite scarf. I've worn this scarf every single day since I bought it - it's just so soft and snuggly. I know a couple of you already went out and bought it, but if you haven't, run, don't walk. They seem to be selling out quickly, and for good reason ;)

blown away

By:

- the wind. clearly.
- how much I'm looking forward to cardiology being over
- how much I love this scarf
- and how much I've worn it in the days since I got it

So much that you're going to be sick of it by next week when I've worn in for the third post in a row ;)

Blouse: ASOS [similar]

Scarf: Target [exact]

Skirt: Anthropologie via eBay [inexpensive similar]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [save || splurge]

Ring: Jewelmint

Nails: Julep

as seen on instagram:

p.s. scarf tying "tutorial" in the next post with this scarf :)

staple on sale: tory burch reva ballet flats

I received a pair of Tory Burch Reva flats for my birthday two years ago, and I wore them to the ground. I seriously wore them every day, no matter the weather (and that meant a lot of snowy mornings). By the beginning of last winter, they really started to show their wear - the elastic in the back was completely worn off, and my feet slide out of them all the time. I've been debating replacing them for a while now, even though I felt that $200+ was just too much to take out of my quarterly budget for one pair of flats.

I finally pulled the trigger today because Tory Burch is having their friends and family event. With the code FRIENDLIEST you get 25% off your purchase. I decided to go with this pair this time because I've been wearing a lot more gold in recent months. I have a few more shoes to choose from now though (and more seasonal appropriate footwear), so I'm hoping these last for many years. If you've wanted a brand new pair of Revas, today is the day  as I've never seen them cheaper (and the sale ends tonight)!

(& if you want the look for even less, these flats are half the price of the Revas)

surviving the cold with SOREL boots

 I've lived in the Midwest for almost my entire life, so I know a thing or two about surviving the winters here. You always need to be prepared to wake up to a blizzard. If you want to get to work on time, you have to be up shoveling more than an hour before you want to leave for work. And most importantly, you need the right boots to keep your feet dry as you sludge through whatever weather is being thrown your way. 

Because I've been stubborn about footwear in the winter in the past, I've spent many winter mornings with cold and wet feet. No longer now, thanks to SOREL. I've admired their brand of boots for years, and now I'm kicking myself for not buying a pair years ago. I was given the opportunity to pick out a pair of their boots to try out - after much deliberation I ended up choosing the SOREL Slimboot because of the modern take on a classic style. I love that the underside is made for walking on slush and ice, but the top looks sleek and rich. SOREL offers a wide selection of boots, from the iconic styles like the 1964 Premium LTR boot, to the more modern Toronto Wedge bootie. If you are searching for your next pair of winter boots, I would recommend these to anyone - the quality is superior to any winter boots I've ever owned, plus it doesn't hurt they're beautiful to boot (har har).

If you're already a proud owner of SOREL boots, you can share your back to campus look with #SORELstyleContest on Instagram or Twitter and you could win a trip to New York for teenVOGUE’s Fashion University, or one of ten $250 shopping sprees and SOREL boots.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by SOREL through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about SOREL, all opinions are my own.

playing favorites

There are a few things in my closet that I wish I could wear all of the time. My navy schoolboy blazer. That white ASOS shirt I bought earlier in the summer. Madewell's skinny jeans. And now this dress. I won't go as far as saying it's a magic dress, but it's pretty darn close. How else can it be so comfortable but yet look nice?

...magic.

Dress: Old Navy [exact]*

Scarf: H & M [similar]

Earrings: eBay [exact]**

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact on sale]

Belt: Gap 

* Reviews say it runs short, so I ordered it in a large tall. It's slightly too big in my waist (as you can see by the extra fabric) but I hope that shrinks slightly with a wash and low-heat dry. Otherwise a quick few minutes with a sewing machine will fix that right up!

** I have fairly sensitive ears, and these are the first pair of costume jewelry earrings that don't hurt my ears at all. I've worn them for several hours over several days, and there hasn't been any sensitivity. While they're a pretty trendy thing right now, some trends (at the right price!) are fun to participate in :)

on trend: oversized plaid scarf

Last fall when Zara came out with their oversized plaid scarf, I immediately purchased one - large, flannel, and comfy? I'm all over it. 

Unfortunately I should have taken the term "blanket scarf" more literally - it was ginormous. I sent it back, but had major scarf FOMO all winter after seeing it over and over again. Fortunately for all of us, Target really knows what trendy things to pick up on, and made a very very similar scarf this year. I think it's even better than the original though, because it isn't as blanket-like but still oversized and comfy. 

Best part? It's half the price of the original, and you can pick up a gallon of milk at the same time.

Or a couple of gold throw pillows to make yourself feel better after an exam. Just me?