How adorable are these accessories from Old Soul, New Heart?! I just love them, and I love that they’re made by a mother-daughter team! My friend Laura and I were discussing the other day that there’s just something about moms…as a daughter, I always feel like I’m talking to a smarter version of myself when I talk to my mom. It’s nice.
Okay, back to headbands and necklaces 
Okay, so I kinda dropped the ball on the gift guides. But don’t despair! I’ve assembled a list of very cute things that I found on Etsy, 100% certified handmade. So enjoy!
Ay ay ay it’s been awhile! I just finished with finals yesterday and am so happy to be done. 
Last night I slept for 12 hours…yeah…I never sleep that long. It was crazy, but so great. Today I cleaned! And did a little cooking and eating and watched One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which was good–though shocking in the end! I had never seen it before–it was weird to see Jack Nicholson so young!! Am contemplating my next move here…perhaps shopping for Christmas gifts online, reading, or doing a little writing. I abandoned my nanowrimo project as I didn’t have any time to brainstorm about what I wanted to write about, so I felt very pressured in a bad way to do something crappy…plus finals and all that, and finding a job…kinda not a good time to be writing a novel haha. Just finished Atlas Shrugged a couple days ago (post coming) and after my final on Monday I wandered around a really cute old bookstore for a few minutes (to warm up halfway to my car!!! haha!!!) and really felt like I could spend a couple months just reading and writing. Someone wanna pay me to do that?!?! Hmmm Well, I think I’m gonna get going on some stuff around here, but here are a few things that have made me smile the past few days!
1. this messenger bag from toast (via frolic!)
2. this pretty scarf from banana republic (via elements of style)
3. lovey dovey stationery from sarah drake (via ali loves curtis)
4. etsy jewelry (via binageyer’s etsy shop)
5.venetian glass tumblers from vivre (via apartment therapy chicago)
6.these gorgeous enamel pots! (labour & wait via remodelista)
7. these juicy couture days of the week panties–aww!! hahaha (via saks)
Okay, gift guides are coming…it’s just been a little crazy lately. I thought I would at least post this little wish list of my own first, and then go from there. So, begin!!!
1. Remember those fashion plates that you had when you were little that you scraped a colored pencil against to come up with little fashionista illustrations? Well, I was rather obsessed with those things, and I really enjoy this t-shirt that pays homage to a fun pasttime.
2. These adorable plaid barettes!!!
3. This pretty lemon quartz necklace…found on Etsy but really reminds me of John Hardy or David Yurman!
4. These pillows because the corn on the cobb apartments are my favorite buildings in Chicago!!!! I so want to live in them if I end up here next year…
5. These shoes from QVC
6. This robe from Target. I just bought the blanket version for my bed last week, and I am in love. I seriously have never felt anything so soft, and Todd assures me that it stays that way after you wash it. Yippee!
Now that I’m getting over my cold, I’ve decided to embrace the season which is usually my least favorite of seasons. There is something special about warm apple cider, homemade pasta, and snuggling up to read good books (I’m currently reading Jane Eyre), which invigorates me. Here are a few things I’ve found inspiring lately.
1. Daydreaming of walks, hand-in-hand, through expansive old farms at sunset.
2. These cute DIY winter votives (they remind me of a more grown-up room 10!)
3. Christmas shopping for those I love (possible to buy all handmade this year? I’d like to try.)
4. Warm, simple, feminine frocks.
5. Pretty bedrooms with bright orange, lime, olive, and white hues.
6. Writing notes to friends on cute stationary (wouldn’t this forest scene also look great on a mantle?)
7. Blue roses (newly developed by scientists)–how gorgeous!
I was reading Elements of Style the other day and was blown away by some of the Old Navy pieces she was featuring. I thought I’d go over there and browse a little bit, and man, they have really mixed things up. I am so pleased that they’ve decided to compete with stores like H&M and Target, instead of wallowing in the performance fleece-only rut. I’m definitely going to have to go over there sometime soon, especially if I can fit into their pants! It’s official, that I am too small/too tall to fit into Gap pants anymore. I know, I know, cry about it, I’m small, but you know it is kind of a problem that I only have one store (Banana Republic) that actually carries pants my size for less than $100 apiece. Still, I’m a student, and I need a cheaper option for every day!
Help, I can’t decide which color to get of this dress–it is $10!
Found the following necklaces on Banana Republic’s site…man, they really have a good selection! I wouldn’t really think of BR for jewelry, but what they have is simple, modern, and very cute–and also pretty affordable as far as jewelry goes…I think I may need to cash in my “family and friends” discount from Alex soon…
Such a pretty necklace…
I recently came across RachelleD’s etsy shop, and really fell in love with it! I like that the designs are simple, girly, and colorful–a perfect match for me! Here are a few of my favorites:
