School in Style No. 1: The Lady in Leopard

Stockholm Streetstyle

Is anyone really surprised that leopard has managed to stick around long enough to make it back to the fall runways? I've been on the hunt for cute leopard-y things to add to my wardrobe since last fall when they started making their comeback into the real world, but up until now I've been a little too scared to take the jump. I've been lusting over these flats for quite some time now though, so don't be surprised if I pull the trigger come mid-September.

Anyhow, with school starting up again in a little less than a month (not sure how I feel about it yet), I thought it'd be fun to do a little weekly series of fall looks for you all to rock when you head back to campus (or high school)! In case you didn't catch on by now, this week involves leopard. And lots of it! I'm in love.

"As far as I'm concerned, leopard is a neutral."

~Jenna Lyons

Mango collared shirt / Current/Elliott current elliott jeans / Diana Warner rope sandals / Lauren Merkin tote bag / Tech accessory / Stella mccartney glasses

Alice Olivia white blouse / Current/Elliott low rise jeans, $485 / River Island golf skirt, $47 / Christian Louboutin red sole shoes / Alexander Wang leather shoes / Kate Spade brown handbag / Style Co leopard purse

Leetha silk sleeveless top, $925 / Louche summer top, $76 / Theory black pants / Black skirt / French Connection tight / Tory Burch black boots / Kurt Geiger high heel pumps, $500 / Jonathan Adler leather bag / Black handbag, $19 / Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses / Yves Saint Laurent scarve / Tory Burch tech accessory / Diane Von Furstenberg tech accessory / Yves Saint Laurent lipstick / Beauty product

I'm definitely going to have to invest in something soon. And now I'm thinking that in addition to these flats, I'm definitely going to need these Tory booties too. The shopping struggle is always real my friends.

xoxo

10 Things We All Experienced During The Bachelorette Finale

SPOILERS: DO NOT READ ON IF YOU HAVE NOT VIEWED THE FINALE.

I don't know about all you fellow #bachelorette viewers out there, but this season has got to be, hands down, my favorite. I honestly think Andi was one of the strongest women I've seen in the position of bachelorette, and I may or may not have cried when Josh finally got down on one knee and proposed! I know it's a show, but I actually firmly believe they're the real thing. And I am so happy for her! 

Chris Harrison didn't lie for once about this finale. I don't think any of us could have predicted everything that happened in those two hours. Andi sending Nick home before he could even propose was admirable, but holy s*it. My friend Sara and I were watching together, and both our mouths dropped. Needless to say, we were pleased with the finale and the season. OMG IT WAS SO GOOD YOU GUYS.

Oh my god, STAWP.

1. The obligatory "Holy-crap-we've-come-so-far-I-can't-believe-it's-already-the-finale-who-do-you-think-is-going-to-win" pre-finale freak out sesh with your gal-pal viewing party. Basically, if you're not in the "Who's going to win Andi's heart?" conversation, you're irrelevant.

2. "Oh my gosh, it's starting. Nobody speak." But there's always that one friend who doesn't ever shut up. Everyone but her is thinking:

3. The second Andi's dad blatantly says he'll be comparing Josh and Nick when Josh comes to meet the family you're like: "LIKE JOSH BETTER LIKE THE REST OF AMERICA YOU IDIOT." And then you can tell good ole Hy likes Josh better than nervous wreck, boring, Nick. That feeling once you realize Josh has won over not only Andi's heart, but her dad's? Victory, my friends. Nick is as good as gone now.

4. Throughout the whole episode Nick is acting like a pre-pubescent Cory Matthews. Except for it's not cute, it's creepy/extremely annoying.

Okay Nick, she smiled at you. I smile at a lot of guys, it doesn't translate into "OMG I'm in love with you." Jeezum.

5. Going off that, every time Nick opens his mouth you just want to be like:

SHUT UP AND STOP BEING SO EMOTIONAL. BE A MAN FOR PETE'S SAKE.

6. Then during a commercial break Chris Harrison ever so slyly suggested that Chris Soules might be the next Bachelor. Cue every girl in America squealing and jumping for joy. Cue every single one of your friends claiming him. But you can't help but laugh to yourself, because you're just like, "Lawlz, it's cute how they think they stand a chance. He's mine."

7. When Andi showed up at Nick's room to tell him when she woke up that morning that "something was off", every one pulled a Taylor Swift.

Is it finally happening? Is she sending Grumpy home?

She's done it! So long Nick. We all knew she was going to pick Josh because Chris Harrison told us at the beginning that the man she didn't choose basically stalks her. And only Nick would do that. Obvi. Here's a message from all of us:

Dear Nick,

Love, 

America

8. Josh proposes to Andi. It is the most rehearsed and well thought out proposal ever given on the show. Everybody cries because WHY DON'T WE HAVE BOYFRIENDS LIKE THAT? WHERE IS MY HUGE NEIL LANE ENGAGEMENT RING?!

9. By the time ATFR starts, you and your friends are all so emotionally exhausted and seriously questioning signing up for the next season of The Bachelor. You realize that you spent the past two hours stressed to the max about two people you have never met in your lives, and then to make matters worse, you realize that you spent the last ten minutes of The Bachelorette's season crying because you're so happy for these two people whom you actually DO. NOT. KNOW. You then realize you're semi-pathetic and turn to the only thing in the world that truly understands you (unless, you're like, in a happy relationship or something... in which case you're an anomaly.)

10. By the time the three hour debacle of a show finally wraps up at 11pm, you realize that you and all your friends are hammered and depressed. You've also chosen "Bottoms Up!" as your new group motto. Happy Monday.

xoxo

Insta-Lately

I know, I know. Another cop-out post. But unfortunately, life is busy and I'm trying. This weekend really flew by and Monday kind of hit me like a bus. Tomorrow I promise you a good post! I PINKY SWEAR. OKAY?!

In the meantime, check out what I've been up to on Instagram!

If you follow along with me, I'll love you forever!

Have a great Tuesday!

xoxo

While you're following me on Instagram, maybe click over to Facebook and Twitter too?

Stronger

You guys. Life has been so, so good lately. 

So why is the title of this post "Stronger"? The answer is really extremely simple. Regardless of the fact that almost every aspect of my life is going incredibly well right now, I am still prone to the dreaded anxiety attack. As I'm writing this, my stomach is literally in knots, my heart is pounding and I feel like there is a 100 pound weight on my chest; and in true Emily fashion, I have no freaking clue why. If I'm being honest, I think this post is my own sort of therapy session to explore why I'm feeling this way. Congratulations, I trust you (my lovely readers) with my less-than-sane (yet totally normal for a 20-something) antics.

What do you do when the future is right around the corner, but you're still hanging onto the past by the tips of your fingernails? When you're so close to being ready to let go of all that has made you you, and move on to all that will make you who you are ten years from now, is it okay to feel scared s**tless? Because I'm scared s**tless.

And my friends, it's not fun. It's not fun thinking every day (and pardon my French here), "Holy s**t, I'm a senior in college. Oh my gosh, in less than a year my life is going to be drastically different than everything I've known for essentially my whole life." It's not fun thinking about friends getting married and moving in with boyfriends and that I should be doing the same, yet here I am focusing on my career. It's not fun thinking that failure could be around every corner I turn for the next five to ten years. It's not fun thinking that before I know it I'm going to be thrown into a world that has yet to open it's arms to me and welcome me in. It's not fun thinking that the real world never opens it's arms to you in a welcoming, warm hug. Basically, nothing about right now is fun. It's all down right terrifying.

I'm really good at pushing all of these thoughts to the back of my mind and forcing myself to not worry about them. The way I see it, I want to enjoy this next year with as few panic attacks as possible. But when I'm laying in bed it's hard to not think about it all. I'm excited. And nervous. And everything in between.

In two and a half months I celebrate another birthday, and when I start to look back on this year, I see how much I've changed. My views on so many things-- friendships, relationships, life in general-- it's all changed. I think the thing that's really scaring me the most is the fact that for the first time in my life I feel prepared to take on all the twists and turns heading my way in the coming years. Don't get me wrong, I'm still scared to death of them. But lately when I look in the mirror, I don't see a little girl anymore. I might live an extremely sheltered life, but when I look in the mirror I see someone who's seen enough of the world to know that it can swallow you whole, I see a young lady ready to grow into the woman she's meant to be. Sometimes I miss the "Part of Your World"-singing, curly blonde-haired child that I used to be. Sometimes I can't wait to see the woman I am five, ten years down the line. And sometimes, I just want to stay right here, stuck in the in-between. But that doesn't mean it's not a hard place to be.

If I'm being completely honest with you all right now, yes, I am totally and 100% completely afraid of failing. I'm terrified of not leaving after college and of getting stuck in a place that I love and am comfortable in, but want desperately to leave. I'm terrified of not getting the right job, of not doing the right thing after graduation. I'm terrified of it all. But at the same time I'm not. It's so conflicting! The other half of the whole truth is, I'm scared because I'm ready to face it all head-on. I'm scared because I'm stronger than I've ever been. And if that makes me a walking contradiction, then I guess that's what I am--because I'm beginning to think being scared and being strong might be the same thing.

Pinspiration-Volume 1

Pinterest is by far one of my favorite social media platforms. I'm constantly utilizing it to not only draw inspiration for posts, but also for drawing inspiration in different aspects of my life as well. It's helped me discover new blogs that I've absolutely fallen in love with and sitting down to get some good "pin-ing" in has become a favorite part of my day.

Today in particular, I'm lacking motivation and inspiration of any sort. I hate it, and as much as I'd love to pull myself out of it, I think it's just going to be one of those days. Clearly I need more sleep.

Get "Pinspired"

All photos found on Pinterest.

Follow me! I'm always looking for new people to follow :)

xoxo

{Summer} Sweater Weather

I'm notorious for being cold in the summertime. I've been thinking literally all summer of just how badly I need a lightweight sweatshirt to wear around the camp I babysit at nearly every day. The kids make fun of me because, unless we're at the beach, I'm almost always huddled up with a blanket. It could be 80 degrees outside, I don't know why on earth I get so cold.

Photo

Damn Regret

I've been hearing a lot about exes lately. Not mine, but my friends. And I love being there for them, and I have my own things that I look back on and regret doing or saying. We all do. It's impossible not to. But the past few weeks especially I've noticed just how much regret gets in the way of our futures. We all fear it so much that we're consumed by it. But why?

Sundays in Bed

Happy Sunday my loves! I hope your day treats you well as mine is jam-packed. Coffee will be needed and oh, if someone had brought me breakfast in bed this morning, I would have been the happiest girl alive. But I settled for cereal, so there's that. Anyway, moving on to the good stuff...

The city takes a breath on Sunday.

Photo/could i have that?

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Everyone already knows how I feel about sales, but this is the sale of the summer. Spend a little (or a lot) here and you'll be all set come fall! Doesn't it make you just the teeniest bit excited for the coming cooler months?

CLARISONIC Mia 2 Cleansing Collection / Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Set / MICHAEL Michael Kors Cat Eye Sunglasses / kate spade new york 'branton square-mills' satchel / Ted Baker London 'Crystal Bow' Matinee Wallet / Tory Burch 'Plaque' Leather Tote / Nike Free TR Connect 2 Training Shoe / Frye 'Patty' Leather Riding Bootie / Tory Burch 'Eloise' Riding Boot

Find your fall fashion staples here!

And some more of my favorite picks...

Hurry up, prices go up August 4th! xoxo

The Top 5 Planners for Life

It's literally my favorite time of the year. I'm starting to feel the back to school bug getting to me, and call me what you will, but getting a new planner every year is easily one of the highlights of my year. I went on the hunt for the planner to the left, but was semi-disappointed at it's contents. Points for an awesome cover though! And for my sassier friends out there, there's this cover too. If it didn't scream "unprofessional" I'd be all over it.

Anyway, I've been spending the past month looking up planners to get for the upcoming school year (senior year!). But now I also have to consider a planner that can carry me into the real world post graduation. Talk about a struggle! I've narrowed my choices down to five amazing planners. The hard part is going to be picking one!

Summer Nails

I'm a "have to have my nails done year round" kinda girl, but in the summertime I stray from my dark winter shades and move towards brighter, happier shades. Summer is definitely my season and you can usually catch me rocking a new manicure a few times each week. I've stopped paying for gel manicures every few weeks since it just got to be far too expensive and it was wreaking havoc on my nails. Now I just invest in new nail polishes!

Perfectly Polished

Photo/The College Prepster

Photo/Bows and Sequins

Photo/Cupcakes and Cashmere

An Ode to Chris (The Bachelorette Season 10)

Oh. my. goodness. Andi. What were you thinking? I mean, I literally can't. I'm pretty sure last night on the Bachelorette my heart broke, and yes, I fully admit to being one of those girls who is completely obsessed with the show. Especially this season. Andi had a great group of guys and even though for whatever reason Nick (more like ick) is in the top two, this has probably been one of my favorite seasons yet.

But, after last night, all I have left to do is hope that Andi finds happiness and pray, pray, pray that Chris becomes the next Bachelor. Because how could he not? Sorry Marcus, you're a little too emotional for me. And I mean, have you seen Chris? I had actually no clue they made farmers like that. I'm moving to Iowa, stat.

Your Own Kind of Hero

Self-pity is something I think we all turn to in times of great stress and strife (or what feels like strife anyways). The past few weeks I've been scrounging up the money to be able to afford food and gas, and the other day I just completely had a meltdown and called my mom bawling my eyes out. Which only made things worse because well, "you should have known better than to spend your money on designer handbags." Anyone else feel me on this one?

Needless to say, ever since moving out of my house I'm really starting to grasp the importance of saving (read: when my paychecks roll in don't expect me to be going on any shopping sprees.) This summer is now officially dedicated to paying off my credit card bill, paying my utilities, and saving for books/winter. Ugh. Real life.

Sundays in Bed

To say this month has thus far been a little bit unusually busy for me would be an understatement. I am rarely stressed out during the summer but wow, this week was just like, wow. I didn't even work that much, there was just a lot going on with the blog and then our toilet was being temperamental in our apartment. But the good news is we got it fixed on Friday!

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Foodie Fridays: My Go-To Breakfast

I don't know what happened in the past three months, but my love for avocado really hit me. I seriously question how I ever lived without it... Still can't eat it plain, but give it to me on a sandwich, with tomato, I don't even care. Add a dash of salt and some pepper and I'm good to go.

Photo from Melina Hammer Photography

Anyway, my friends are starting to make fun of me for how much avocado I eat. I mean, it was on my turkey burger Wednesday night and I had it with my dinner last night. Basically, it's an addiction and now I'm set on getting you addicted too! (At least it's healthy, right?!)

#MyVegasStyle (via Vegas.com)

Last month I was approached by Vegas.com to come up with a few outfits that could take you from the pool to the club at the Aria Resort & Casino in, you guessed it, Las Vegas. Vegas has always been on my list of places to visit and while I haven't gotten there yet, you can bet that with my twenties just starting up, I'm ready to pack a suitcase, grab some friends, and go.

My three looks are centered around the pool (the resort has two, including the Liquid Pool & Lounge, exclusively for those 21 and older), one of the many restaurants located at the resort, Sage, as well as Haze Nightclub.

Viva Las Vegas, Baby

I hope you're as excited about these looks as I am! Maybe I'm a bit bias, but I would totally rock all of them-- and not just because I put them together. Vegas calls for a bit more of an edgier look than I'm used to, but doesn't that just make the whole thing more fun?!

Lounging by the Pool

Calypso St Barth braided shirt / Mara Hoffman swim suit, $175 / Tkees patent leather shoes / Nine West clear purse / Sun hat / Ray-ban glasses / H M beach towel, $14

Dinner with Girlfriends at Sage

Sophie Hulme shorts, $260 / Carvela black strappy sandals, $190 / Diane Von Furstenberg black leather handbag / 18k jewelry / Silver jewellery / MARC BY MARC JACOBS tech accessory / BCBGMAXAZRIA flower perfume / Butter London nail polish / Wilfred black stretch top / Moisturizing lipstick

Dancing the Night Away at Haze

Topshop bodycon dress / V neck crop top, $42 / Boohoo golf skirt / 2b bebe cut out heel shoes / Valentino slingback pumps / Elizabeth and James black leather purse / Evening handbag / MARC BY MARC JACOBS stainless steel bracelet, $305 / Drop earrings / Kendra Scott bead bracelet / NARS Cosmetics lip gloss, $30 / Lanvin fragrance / Butter london nail polish

So, who's ready to go to Vegas?

xoxo

One Little Memory

I think the hardest thing about growing up and moving on is most definitely leaving home. By the time kids are heading to college, most of them are, in fact, ready to leave home and start out on a new adventure. I was not one of those kids.

In all honesty, when I moved out of my house at the start of last month I was extremely nervous. I had lived away from home before, but in a dorm with a meal plan and heat/hot water that I didn't have to pay for. And even though I still go home multiple times a week, mostly due to the fact that I have become a pro food moocher-offer, sometimes I still get nostalgic thinking about my childhood home.

As I'm writing this, I'm sitting in my bedroom in my new place listening to one of the biggest storms of the summer roll out of town. When I was a kid I used to be terrified of thunder storms, now I find them calming (unless I'm driving in them, then not so much.) Whenever it rained my mom would always sit in her chair and read a book, or if my nana was up then you could always find her sitting in our living room, a book on her lap but her face turned toward the window, watching the raindrops fall. It's these kind of little memories that made leaving home hard.

 If I wasn't always there, would I miss them all?

The Bomber Jacket

So I was browsing around Olivia Palermo's site yesterday, and kind of completely fell in love with it all over again. Olivia Palermo has been one of my favorite style icons for quite some time now, but I always seem to forget about her style blog! I appreciate her style because she doesn't have just one signature look (i.e. preppy, classy, girly... etc.). 

She's one of the few style bloggers who I feel really dresses themselves to emphasize how they're feeling that day. One day she's super girly, and the next, super edgy. How can you not appreciate that kind of fearlessness? I often have a hard time deciding what to buy in stores because on a daily basis, I wouldn't wear any of the items below, so it's hard to justify actually buying them. My goal over the next year is to build a closet that can take on all of my moods. I mean, even if you don't like Olivia Palermo, you can appreciate that her style reflects all of her, not just the parts she wants the outside world to see.

Independence Day

I'm out and about having fun with friends and family today, and I hope you've been enjoying your holiday as much as I have! Take a moment today to remember those who have served our country, are serving our country, and have given up their lives for our country. God bless America!

xoxo