Happy Friday!

TGIF. I've been dragging this week and getting my days all out of order (Wednesday felt so much like Tuesday I nearly forget my scheduled appointments, and yesterday was a definite Friday...or so I thought). Thankfully, tomorrow really is the weekend, and this calls for some fun!

Happy things:

I went to bed last night singing this for some reason; so there's that.


This newly caught my eye since the ladies of PLL (while annoying because after 4 years you'd think they would've learned to not venture into a dark alley/wooded area/basement/ or warehouse alone) display excellent fashion sense while hunting for clues. Now you, too, can find their wardrobe pieces. 

Speaking of fun wardrobe pieces, how fun are these bright blazers (here, here, and here are my favs from GMG's blog post today)?! I'm always looking for ways to make my work wardrobe reflect my youth/fun side while still being appropriate.  

February's InStyle mag has the "15 Best Beauty Apps" listed in their print issue (with the fabulous SJP on the cover), so please excuse me while I download and try them all. 

Happy weekend, y'all!

Transformation Tuesday

For the most part, these transformations are reserved for awkward family photos or hilarious moments in the past compared to what you are now. In that regard, the title fits. 

No, I'm not including any awkward photos of myself (though Lord knows they exist), but rather I am addressing something that was not-so-subtly pointed out to me today: I'm willingly turning into Taylor Sterling.

Granted, I don't see this as a bad thing, nor does the glamorous individual who said it to me, but there's something to be said for the fact that I literally found out who she was a week ago and now stalk her every instagram post.

For those who don't know, Taylor Sterling is the founder and creative director of The Glitter Guide. She has a successful website, an adorable family, and a love for metallic polka dots (for this reason it was only a matter of time before our paths crossed).

She has a bebe (Elodie--yes, as in The Hills... as Mere would say, clearly she was team Heidi) on the way, a nursery that rivals royalty in cuteness, and somehow looks more glamorous at 9 months pregnant than I did going to a college formal. Added bonus, she's friends with my gal Julie of Gal Meets Glam.

 

{the coveted gold sheets}

I recognized the transformation was happening almost instantly. Yes, i share a love of gold, stripes and polka dots, but the fact that I found where her bedsheets are from (PB Teen) should have been my first clue. Next came the auto-correct of her name when I type in "Instagram" on my computer. Finally, please avoid Pinterest unless you want to see bookoos of annoying pins from me.

 

{yes, this is Taylor. The image everyone repins... it's actually her}

Again, I reiterate that I don't think having mentors is a bad thing, but there is a line of finding yourself instead of plugging yourself into a mold someone else created. Case and point, I am in love in Inslee Haynes. Truly, madly, deeply. Her illustrations make me smile, even when I have no relation to the image. Part of me (okay, a lot of me) views her blog and thinks "Wow, if only I could do _____."

I've since turned this obsession toward Taylor. When does designating a mentor cross a line into wanting to follow their footsteps instead of forging your own path/success? This is something I really gotta work on. Any advice is appreciated.

I can't help but think of when my friends and I used to mock a stereotypical sorority girl (which we are- minus Eddie, who would ask the questions to us) by saying, "Q: What's your favorite band? A: Trotline!, Q: What's your favorite color? A: Glitter!"

Although I do find it a bit ironic that one of my favorite colors really is gold (glitter) now.

Look for Less

I admit that I'm way more obsessed with a few of my blogger friends than I should be, considering I've never actually met them. But that doesn't stop me from have major wardrobe envy for A Piece of Toast, Gal Meets Glam and Dallas Wardrobe.

 

{photo from Dallas Wardrobe}

Specifically, these boots (similar also seen here on InStyle) that can be found on Happily Grey and Dallas Wardrobe on many occasions (see here, here, here, here or here). I loved, but let's be real... I'm not about to spend my entire paycheck on a pair of boots...just yet anyway. Thankfully, I found a discount double take at trusty H&M (and a middle of the road double take at ALDO).

 

Left: real $598 // Right: knock off $59.95

Gang's All Here

Blame it on the journalist in me, my love of all things Entertainment (E!), or just plain curiosity, but I don't consider my day "started" until a few things have happened.

These things include, but are not limited to, drinking a large cup of coffee, scrolling through the top news on E! Online, and hanging out with the girls. 

In this scenario, the coffee has 2 sugars and heavy cream, E News is the only legitimate form of news (an argument for another post, but celebrity coverage is one thing a gal can count on in this crazy life), and the girls are my blogger consultants.

So yes, now is the time to insert any joke about cyber friends. Good. Now that that's done, I'll introduce you to the ladies I check in with nearly daily (besides my TNB's).

Sally Ann and Molly from A Piece of Toast. Amy from Dallas Wardrobe. Courtney from What Courtney Wore. Mary from Happily Grey. Julia from Gal Meets Glam. Helena from Brooklyn Blonde. Mackenzie from Design Darling. Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black. Erin from Elements of Style. and last, but not least, Inslee from Inslee Illustrations.


So, meet the gang and see for yourself why they're so spectacular.