Enjoying the View

 Shirt: Walmart. Shorts: thrifted & DIYed. Shoes: Target.

I wore this simple, casual outfit for a day of exploring the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary.  We climbed up a huge hill to a castle/fortress complex and got some absolutely amazing views of both sides of the city at sunset.

Back in Time

Shirt: thrifted. Shorts: American Eagle via thrift (similar here). Belt, sunglasses: Walmart. Shoes: Eva and Zoe via Off Broadway Shoes. Watch: Target.

I haven't had a chance to snap outfit photos here in Europe the past couple days, so I figured I'd post an outfit that I've got backlogged.  I wore this one towards the very end of the school year, and all I remember about that day was that it was during a crazy hot spell.  Also, Amber told me she couldn't remember seeing me in 'normal' denim shorts, i.e. not the high waisted variety that love so much.  However, just because my photographer doesn't remember it doesn't mean it hasn't happened.

On Rain, Sunshine, and a Castle

Shirt: H&M via thrift. Jeans: Old Navy. Belt: vintage. Shoes: Target (here). Scarf: street vender in NYC. Earrings: Mark (old). 

This is what I wore to stroll around the beautiful city of Salzburg.  Checking the weather before leaving the States, I saw that there was supposed to be a lot of rain in the region, so I ran out to buy some small, packable rain boots.  The weather for this day was supposedly supposed to be a 70% chance of rain all day, so I went ahead and wore my boots.  And not a drop of ran fell.  It was sunny all day.  I felt kind of dumb walking around in the sunshine wearing rain boots.  The weather has called for rain every single day of the trip thus far, and it has only rained once, and only for a half an hour.  We've been so lucky.  So actually, I'd rather the weather be wrong and end up wearing boots in the sun rather than actually needing them.

 These pictures were taken in the courtyard of this castle:

That's right, castle.  This is the Hohensalzburg Castle, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.  We took a cool sky tram up the side of the mountain (you can see it on the far right) and then wandered around inside the complex for a good few hours.  The place is even bigger than it looks.  The views of Salzburg from up there were amazing:

Guten Tag aus Deutschland!

Dress, belt, shoes: thrifted. Sunglasses: Walmart.

Greetings from Germany!  

My study abroad trip has begun and I still can't believe how amazing it is over here!  There is so much that is different, but at the same time, it's not been too hard to get used to.  I've been here for 5 days and I can't believe how much I've already seen and experienced.  It's been so interesting being immersed in a new culture and new surroundings. 

I may have fudged the title of the post a little as I'm no longer in Germany, but the pictures were taken there.  After 4 days staying in Munich, we've just moved on today to Vienna, Austria.  Both cities are beautiful.  We've also made stops in Nuremberg and Dachau, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria.  We'll be here in Vienna for the next 4 days.  

The pictures above were taken in front of this lovely building:

Take a look at the band of stone that's above my head and where it at the base to get a sense of the massive scale.  That is the Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan, a church in Munich that was built in the late 1600's.  On just about every street or square, there is a church that is older than the United States.  It's crazy and amazing!

I Can Relate

It's getting down to the wire with packing and preparations for my trip, so I don't have time for an outfit post today, but I thought I'd share this lovely little picture that Amber sent me:

(via penelope-jolicoeur.com)

Does anyone else feel like this at the airport?  I know this will definitely be me in 2(!!!) days.

Evolution

Blazer: TJMaxx. Tee: Walmart. Jeans: Old Navy. Shoes: Target (similar here). Necklace: Charlotte Russe (similar here, and it's on sale!). Watch: my grandpa's. Sunglasses: H&M.

This outfit started as a gauzy peasant top and trouser jeans.  Then I decided I didn't want to wear the top and opted for a basic tee instead.  Then I added the blazer and hated how it looked with the trouser jeans, so I changed into some skinnies.  Funny how an outfit can start as one thing and then evolve into something that is pretty much the complete opposite of the original.  I added my new favorite necklace and the leopard print peep toes to take the basic tee, jeans, and blazer up a notch. 

On a random note, I currently have this song stuck in my head.  And now you do, too.  You're welcome.

Midi?

Shirt, skirt, necklace: thrifted (similar shirt in pink here, though kinda pricey). Shoes: Target. Glasses: Calvin Klein. Watch: my grandpa's.

I picked up this skirt while thrifting a little while back figuring that a simple black skirt is a really good basic to have in my closet.  It's super comfortable (elastic waists rock!) and it's got pockets, which is always a plus.  I was originally ok with the midi length, but looking back at these pictures has me thinking a little differently.  I feel like it's just a smidge too long to be a flattering midi length on me.  I think I'm going to make some time to hop back on the good ol' sewing machine and take the hem, though I'll probably go ahead and bring it up to the knee for good measure. 

America (and a MAJOR Announcement)

Sweater: thrifted (Similar here, or the exact one here on ebay). Shorts, shoes: thrifted. Tights: Target. Sunglasses: Old Navy via thrift.

So apparently this is a men's sweater.  I started to have a sneaky suspicion when I saw a dude rockin' it on lookbook, and it was finally confirmed when I found the identical sweater on ebay, clearly marked as men's.  In my defense, it was on the women's sweater rack when I found it.  And it's not like I don't already browse the men's section at thrift stores anyway (evidence seen in one of my favorite outfits here.)  Ah, who am I kidding, men's sweaters are the best!

It's a little bit ironic that I'm posting this outfit today, when I happen to be making what I consider to be a pretty big announcement.  What does this sweater have to do with announcements, you ask?  It doesn't.  It has to do with America, which is ironic because in a mere 5 days, I will no longer be in America, because I'm studying abroad in Europe this summer!!!

This summer, I have the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Central Europe with the Arts + Architecture program at my school.  We'll be traveling from country to country, spending time in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic.  The program lasts for 5 weeks, and I'll be staying a 6th week in Germany with my parents who are flying over.  I'm leaving this Saturday, which is so soon!  The reality of it all hasn't really sunk in yet.

As of right now, I am 100% planning on continuing my blogging from Europe.  I'm pretty sure there will be some beautiful backdrops for outfit shoots over there.  Unfortunately, my trusty photographer Amber will not be traveling with me, so I'll have to find other people to take my pictures.  There is also the issue of packing, and the fact that I can't take my entire wardrobe over there with me.  Right now, I'm working on doing something along the lines of Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge.  But I haven't started packing yet, so we'll see.

If you got through reading all of that, thanks for sticking with me!  If you've been abroad before and have any tips or anything to share, please let me know!  I can't wait to share my adventure with you.

Nautical-ish

Shirt: TJMaxx. Shorts: vintage (similar here). Shoes: Target. Sunglasses: Old Navy via thrift. Necklace, watch, bracelet: thrifted. Rings: H&M.

Well, it's Everybody, Everywear time again, and this month's theme is nautical.  It took trying to put together a nautical look to make me realize just how desperately my wardrobe is lacking in the essential navy blue and white Breton striped tee.  A few months ago, I got so frustrated with not being able to thrift one that I decided I would pay retail for the perfect specimen.  Unfortunately, I haven't found just the one I'm looking for anywhere.  I might just have to attempt to DIY one because I'm tired of waiting!

We thought the lake at our local park would be a good place for a nautical themed shoot, and while we were there, I got up close and personal with a family of geese who were having a little preening time.  I just couldn't resist getting some pictures of the goslings, despite the fact that Canadian geese aren't usually the friendliest.  I know, I'm such a risk taker.  Totally worth it, though; look at these cuties!

The 'It' Color

Sweater, shoes, bag: thrifted. Chambray: my mom's. Jeans: Old Navy. Belt: J.Crew via gift. 

Necklace: Charlotte Russe (similar here). Sunglasses: F21. Watch: my grandpa's. 

Once again, another outfit from the cool spell.

So if you haven't heard, Pantone named 2012's Color of the Year to be Tangerine Tango, much to my dismay; not because I don't like orange, but rather because this is the second year in a row (last year's was honeysuckle) that the color does horrible things to my skin tone.  I have very orange undertones, so bright pinks and oranges make me look the color of an oompa loompa.  Not so flattering.  However, when I found this necklace a few weeks ago, I decided that it couldn't hurt to try this years 'it' color in a small dose.  I'm so happy I took the leap, because I am in love with this necklace.  I'm definitely going to get good use out of it. 

Also, I'm really liking my thrifted leather backpack lately.  It's so effortless and super roomy.  Amber thought I looked a little ridiculous and made me sing the backpack song from Dora the Explorer before she took any pictures of it.  Obviously, I obliged.  Anyone have thoughts on backpack purses?  Could you love 'um or leave 'um?     

The Next Best Thing

Sweater: vintage via my mom. Dress (worn as a skirt): TJMaxx. Tights: Kmart. Shoes: Target. Sunglasses: H&M.

I wore this the other week when we were having a little bit of a cooler spell, but it feels weird now to be posting pictures of me in a sweater when we're looking at weather in the high 80's this week.  The thought of wearing this right now is making me sweat. 

I don't know specifically why, but for some reason, I really wanted to be cozy that day.  It was one of those times that I was wishing it was socially acceptable to walk around swaddled in a blanket all day.  I figured that my super oversized sweater was the next best option, and slightly more presentable than wearing bedding.  Shapeless?  Yes.  Exceptionally comfy?  You bet.