Over the Top

So, wow, I am really, really, really behind on Marvelous Mondays. I formally apologize, and offer up this post on a Wednesday. I'm going to do them all this week, and hopefully one day I'll get a shot outside! I think we all fail to understand just how gorgeous my campus is.

The first theme I'm behind on is Over the Top. While I'm occasionally a bit of an obnoxious dresser, I generally tend towards more simplistic looks. I think I'm turning into a minimalist. I wore this obnoxious pattern party with much more low-key accessories. I was so excited when I woke up this morning and it was cold outside! I've been waiting to wear this sweater since I put it away for the summer.

Sweater, collared top, dangly earrings: Forever 21 | Dress (worn underneath): Image | Leggings: WalMart | Boots: Forever | Cuff: Vintage | Headband: Christmas present | Necklace: Claire's | Studs (worn later): Mudd

And my mom sent Halloween decorations in her last care package! While we haven't gotten around to hanging up some of the cooler ones yet, we have started decorating. One of my roommates even brought these cool Olvera Street guys to hang out with some leaves and stuff.

And finally, I wrote a short article about my love of biology and the importance of education for a local environmental group. Maybe go check it out?

Prodigal Blogger

I'm sorry it's been so long! I've admittedly been to shy to take photos of my outfits, even though they've been some decent outfits. I'm just neurotic. But I promise to get caught up on my Marvelous Monday outfits soon! Like, by next Monday. Expect some catch-up posts.

For now, here's what I wore today. Nothing particularly special, as this is how I've been dressing all semester thus far, but I finally got over myself and took pictures in the living room/kitchen.

As a quick aside, the semester's going pretty well! I like my classes, I like my suitemates, and I recently got into NBC'S Hannibal. My life is a good one.

Skirt and flats: gifted by Dani | Top: Ralph Lauren | Bangles: Forever 21 | Earrings: Mudd

Street Style, Again

Once again, I'm filled with this vague idea that I'd like to try my hand at street style photography. I'd actually like to do it around my campus, with an emphasis on red on Wednesdays, which are, I guess, designated as Redout Wednesdays. Red is the school colour, and I liked seeing how people incorporated it on Wednesday.

Of course, there are a few roadblocks to this idea: I still don't know where my camera charger is (my nightstand back in Lancaster?), I can barely talk to people, and what if people just aren't into it?

I guess if I'm still entertaining the thought later and I've located the stupid charger, we'll see what happens!

Pretty Simple

It's Marvelous Monday again, guys! It's also my first at the university, so that's pretty rad as well. Though I was a bit too cowardly to go beyond the hallway; I did have to tell my roommate was going on, vaguely. So there's that. Eventually, I'll venture onto the beautiful campus.

Maybe.

Let's hope.

Anyway, today I just had a couple of classes, which was pretty nice. I like my chemistry teacher well enough, but my history teacher is fantastic! I'm going to like this semester, I think.

This week's theme: minimalism!

To me, minimalism is just simplicity. Clean lines, simple colour palettes, very few accessories, stuff like that. I went for a monochromatic outfit with a pop of colour (purple lipstick you can barely see in the photo, just how I like it), and a splash of weird.

What better way to introduce myself to strangers than in  my eye shoes? Now all I'm missing is my heart sweater...

Tee: Lane Bryant | Skirt: mom | Tights: WalMart | Shoes: DIY

Now, let's go see how the others did simplicity!

Sian: Sort Life Out; Buy Milk

Jocelyn: Fat, Fashionable, and Feminist

Cheri: Cheri'z Style and Angel Luvin

L: goodbye hollywood

I Have a Dorm!

Well, I'm all sorted out here! I've unpacked, put everything away, gone grocery shopping (twice), met most of my suitemates, and bought approximately 80% of Target. I've also eaten in the cafe, which isn't bad. I'm not sure how often I'll go there, as I have every intention of cooking as often as I can, but I hear they have pretty good pancakes.

I feel like I ought to wait so I can take better pictures of my dorm than what I already have, but I'm a bit impatient, and my cupcake painting is falling down again, already, so these mediocre, wire-crossed pictures will have to do!

And then, more on Mammoth!

Dream Big

We're all dreamers, more or less, right? I mean, at least at some point in our lives, we've had a million and seven big dreams that carried us through boring math classes and people saying it worn't work and boring days where nothing gets done.

I like to think that my dreams, big and otherwise, are more like ambitions than anything, though. And I have a lot. And, since I'm a bit bored and feel like writing (which makes this blog especially handy, really), I'm going to tell you about some of my dreams. Cause why not?

• To get published. You know I've finished my first novel, and I'm fairly certain I'm done with editing (unless someone says otherwise). I've finally had someone read the whole thing, and she absolutely loved it. She's told me that she hates me, and I'm thrilled that she's emotionally invested enough to do that. (She doesn't actually hate me, of course.) I have another person reading it, which is great. I'm still game to have more readers, so feel free to drop me a line if you're interested. I might start looking into a literary agent soon, and a few publishers. I'll keep you updated here!
• To design a clothing collection. I'm not particularly good at sewing, and I just don't like it, much to my mom's eternal chagrin. However, I do love designing. They're not particularly technical, and I don't draw croquis or anything, but I love coming up with new clothing designs. I would be fantastic to work with a brand and come out with a line, but as I've got no technical skills, I doubt anything would really come of this. It's still fun to do, though. Maybe one day I'll post some of my doodles.
• A doctorate degree. Yeah, I'm going to be in school until the end of time, but I want to be Dr. Sarah Springer, scientist extraordinaire. I really just want to be among the best in my field.
• To travel the world. Every single place I can physically step foot on, including Antarctica. I'd actually really, really love to go there, and I'd love to do it with my one-day job.
• To own a sailboat, which needs no more explanation.

So, yeah, that was fun. What kinds of big ol' awesome dreams are swirling around in your head? What gets you through sociology classes you don't take seriously because of the professor and his annoying fonts? What makes your life a better place aside from cupcakes and campfires?

College Kid

I've been in the college game for, what, three years? Well, the community college game. It's not as glamorous or full of hijinks as Community would lead one to believe. It's lame.
In high school, they told us that we could go to community college for two years, knocking out our gen-eds close to home and saving a ton of money. I know that I've saved thousands upon thousands by doing just that, but honestly, if I'd had the opportunity to go straight to university out of high school, I would have.
It's taken me three years of commuting, taking classes that I didn't want to take (hello, Sociology 101), and waiting around, but I'm finally heading off into a proper collegiate wonderland in August. Definitely expect lots of enthusiasm and stuff about decorating my dorm room (yes, I'll be moving into a dorm; yes, I'm stoked) and things like that.
But that wasn't the point of this.
Right, I've been going to community college for three years, and one of those years has been spent waiting. I'm not working on my major, or toward transfer units (I got all of those done in two years, with the exception of one class I had to take over the summer because my critical thinking class did not count as a critical thinking class), or anything. Last semester, I took drawing and Italian because they seemed fun. This semester, I'm taking a class on evolution, astronomy, and geology because I freaking love science.
I'm not the only one who's had trouble with the whole two-years-and-you're-good issue, either. Two of my friends, one of whom doesn't even attend the same school, are still working toward their transfer units. And, while a lot of my friends are having that problem, they're the most directly relevant because we talk about this stuff, okay?
Just know that if you are a high school kid looking at college, community college is a good choice. A really good choice. Just know that it will almost certainly take more than those two years you were promised. I'm not sure if I just had trouble, but I found out that you can't even apply to a school without all of those units down, and you have to apply a full year ahead. That is what's going to get you.
Just smile, work as hard as you can to get done, and take advantage of cheap for-fun classes while you wait, is all I'm saying. That's my take-away, and it ought to be yours too.

Hooray, Dolphins!

Just kidding, dolphins are mean. They're straight-up bullies. The irony here, though, is that once I'm done with my paperwork and giving my school all my money (ouch), I'll be a Dolphin. The capitalization matters here, as I've come to learn that Dolphins are much nicer than dolphins.

I went to an event at the school I'm transferring to, accompanied by my mom, aunt, and uncle. It was sort of a tour, sort of a bunch of workshops, and sort of wonderful. It's an absolutely beautiful campus, and they have a fantastic science program, and the library. It's gorgeous.

I'm just very excited, okay?

We ended up exploring quite a lot, checking out the dorms I'll be staying at, and buying lots of stuff with school spirit. I feel a bit bad that I don't have anything school-spirit-y from my current school, unless you count school ID, but whatever. I can draw a cougar on something if I feel the need for community college spirit.

Also, I ended up accidentally matching my sunglasses to my sweater, and I really liked that.

Finally, I forgot to take pictures on campus (oops), but I'll be going back in June, and I'm sure obsessive picture-taking will be enforced.

Blouse, sweater: Forever 21 | Dress, tights: WalMart | Sunglasses: Tilly's | Ring: Charming Charlie | Shoes: DIY

No one in my family would let me leave the bookstore without buying at least one thing, so I got three. Ha.

Plus One

Yesterday, I did a handful of things. I did homework at Casey's (where we both berated the teacher more than was necessary for being bad at online classes), and played far too much Temple Run to be socially acceptable.

I also went to Erika's house for a party, where I was fed Colombian empanadas. You don't even know how much I love them. I might have a new favourite food. I also played far too much Temple Run to be socially acceptable. But, to even out the social ineptitude, I talked to people. We also enjoyed a horrifically bad horror movie that ended a lot more interestingly than I'd anticipated. One point for the movie! It was A Haunting in Salem, and I am extremely disappointed that it didn't end the way I was expecting.

I forgot to take a picture of my outfit, but I'll be sure to recreate it again in the near future. It was a good one.

Today, I went to WalMart with my mom. That's been the full extent of it.

Banana, Puka, and I are fabulous. 
Does anyone else remember that fantastic cartoon movie, 
Anastasia? Did anyone else get it a couple of years ago? Does 
anyone else watch it regularly?
Didn't think so.

Top: Forever 21 (gift from mom) | Skirt: Fashion Bug | Sunglasses: Image | Flats I keep forgetting to include in the actual picture: Payless

Also, I've gotten three Baby Lips in two days. Guys, a life tip: don't ever buy Baby Lips. You will end up trying to buy them all. They're just too perfect. Especially Cherry Me.

Doin' Stuff

I've spent a good chunk of the day doing homework for my art class (yesterday was biology), and then I finally decided to go outside and stretch my legs. Well, I had to do some chores that required me going outside, but it counts. Even if that wind is cutting.

Either way, look! I'm wearing stuff!

Sweater: thrifted | Dress: WalMart | Flats: Payless

Another Lazy Day

If I keep this up, I might just win an award for Laziest Human. Except I did register for classes, so there's that. Four science classes (yesss) and an art class. Perfect.

Anyway, here's today's music selection. It's a song that makes me sad, which just so happens to be "Fur Alina." It's also one of the prettiest songs, I think.

Five Things: 2012

I thought I'd round this year out with five things that have happened to me in 2012. Because I know you care.

Deeply.

1. I did some traveling, and it was amazing. I went to some new places, some old places, and all of it was perfect. I don't think it's a big secret that I am continually under the influence of wanderlust (at the same time, I doubt it's common knowledge on here), and I'm always happy to go somewhere different. Even if it's a museum twenty minutes away, or a national park two days away. I can only hope that I'll get half as many amazing opportunities in 2013!

I love the Arizona desert.

2. I adopted Charlie, who has continued to get bigger and bother/adore Angel and take up all the space on my bed. I'm okay with all of this, though. Even the whole climbing-on-my-clothes thing.

3. I've developed unhealthy attachments to various TV/radio shows and movies, and their collective actors and writers. The list is long, continually growing longer. This is me, regretting nothing:

4. I've made new friends, reconnected with old friends, and continued to make people look at me strangely while in the company of close friends.

Erika, aka Snowflake. Because she is a special 
one.

Casey, aka the Tony Stark to my Bruce Banner (science bros!).

5. I've passed all my classes, enjoyed the company of some amazing classmates, and learned a new skill (o due).

My year has been awesome, and I can only hope that 2013 will continue with that trend. And I hope that everyone else has had an excellent year!

Huzzuh!

Dieci

Today included naps (in the multiple, blissfully enough), attempting to draw my nephew (who refused to sit still, but I did it, more or less), and a trip to WalMart.

I love my break already.

30x30 Items:

Skirt: mom | Tee: Torrid

Other Stuff:

Jacket: Forever 21 | Tights: WalMart | Boots: Payless

This is the collective doodle my art group did yesterday. If you want to see anything in detail, let me know and I'll post pictures of those specific things. Because, guys, this thing is really cool.

Nove

So today was the last day of the semester. We each went into our drawing class for about thirty seconds to pick up our portfolios. I got another A, despite my firm assumptions that I would get a low B. But, hey, I certainly can't argue. I'm thrilled with it, even if I'm less than thrilled at leaving my art group.

Cue the collective sniffle.

We made do with wasting time together, doodling, and having In-N-Out for lunch. 

But now, the important part: my semester is over. I can sleep in to ungodly hours, and life is awesome.

30x30 Items:

Dress: Forever 21

Other stuff:

Coat: mom | Necklace: Claire's | Bracelet: vintage | Tights: WalMart | Boots: Forever

The thing about this coat is that it makes me want to be all ladylike. I want to pair it with tights that don't have holes (which drives my mom batty, by the way), some heels, and red lipstick. Hmm. I think I may have to do that one of these days. You know, be a lady.

'Tis the season, after all.

Otto

Today, I turned in my art portfolio and took my final for Italian.

Guys, I got an A in Italian. I'm pretty thrilled.

Anyway, this was an outfit chosen with one of my art friends in mind. See, every time she sees my red shoes and red tights (separately), she always tells me that I ought to pair them together. So I made it a thing (complete with my red heart sunglasses) and made her day.

Finally, cat.

30x30 Items:

Blouse: Torrid | Skirt: Fashion Bug

Other Stuff:

Barrette: Target | Necklace: Fashion Bug | Shoes, bangles: Forever 21 | Watch: gift | Tights: WalMart

On a note I nearly forgot, this outfit makes me feel like I'm in high school again. It's mostly the top and hairstyle, but I feel like they both need a bit of a resurrection. With some of my newer, older, wiser (ha!) tricks. Because I have those. Apparently.

Real Quick...

Weeping Woman by Pablo Picasso (1937).

Weeping Woman by my drawing class (2012).

Sei

Today, you guys get a bit of a two-for-one. My outfit pulled double duty, as it had to carry me though school and a tea party. I forgot my camera for the tea (sorry!) but at least I got a shot of my outfit. Hopefully that makes up for it.

Quick story about my day, though. Not that it's interesting. I just like sharing, guys. I feel like we're friends.

After finishing the big class art project (we each created a tile then put it together, like a giant Picasso puzzle), we got out of drawing at one rather than 2:30. Most of my art group went over to Starbucks for lunch, pet stories, and discussions on our favourite Disney movies. After dropping another member of our group off at her class, the three of us sat in K's car for a solid half hour playing music on our iPods and rocking out. Then, K went home, leaving me and J to watch videos (I love introducing people to Sherlock (guys, it's on Netflix (so is Doctor Who))) for another forty-five minutes.

There is a reason why drawing is my favourite class, and it is that group.

Eventually, I made it back into town. My mom picked me up, we picked Casey up, and we all picked up some cat food. I did some magic and my outfit went from comfy to mostly-tea-appropriate.

The tea was a lot of fun. My aunt and one of her friends were hostesses (among nearly a hundred others, I'm not sure how many tables/groups there were), and the food was delicious. I gorged myself on tea, if that's possible. Not likely. There was singing (which Casey and I totally knocked out of the park), a story, and a raffle. The raffle was totally rigged, I swear.

But then, I always say it.

And then I came home and made this post.

Next on the agenda: watch a movie and then go to sleep.

30x30 Items:

Sweater: Thrifted | Dress: eShakti

Other stuff:

Collar: DIY | Tights: WalMart | Boots: Forever | Bow: BOOLVD

I'll post the original once I find it. Promise.

Cinque

So I got up this morning, got my lunch and breakfast together, got ready, and then looked at my email. Turned out I didn't have to go to class.

I wore this outfit for twenty minutes then promptly went back to bed. I love discoveries like that. They make academia a much lovelier place.

30x30 Pieces:

Tee: Lane Bryant | Skirt: ASOS Curve

Other stuff:

Tights: WalMart | Flats: Payless

PS: I get to get all fancified tomorrow evening, and hopefully, I'll have more than just outfit pictures. But I will have those, at the bare minimum. I love December.

Quattro

So I bought some things last time I went to WalMart, and among those things: coloured tights. Yup, I'm one of the cool kids.

Also, if you want to see a group of adults fall to pieces, have them compete for candy in a very (very) spirited review game for Italian. Oh, man.

So worth it, even if Group Three obviously cheated.
Oh, and these tights were complimented and described with a "Whoa!" and pleas to wear them with my red sneakers and red lipstick. To make it a thing, man. I may have to oblige my very enthusiastic art-group-friend. I feel like this could be a good idea.
(even if I am desperately wishing I had more red in my closet to really knock that one out of the park)

Ignore the little setup off by the window. I drew it last night, and let me tell you, I love few things the way I love soft pastel. I know what I'm asking for for Christmas.

30x30 Items:

Dress: Forever 21

Other stuff:

Camisole: Old Navy | Necklace: Fashion Bug | Tights: WalMart | Watch: gift from mom | Bangles: vintage | Boots: Payless

PS: Be sure to check out Dani (one of my favourite precious snowflakes, up there with Erika. Honestly, I call Erika Precious Snowflake so often that I changed her name in my phone. She is now, henceforth and forever, Snowflake) and Jess (who got all spiffy recently, though to be fair, I'm pretty sure she's always spiffy)!

Tre

I got dressed for approximately fifteen minutes. Essentially, it was long enough for me to look at the Christmas lights with my nephew looking on approvingly. I don't even know.

All I do know is that this counts as day three, because there are clothes on me, and they are all part of the list. So it works.

My room is still messy, and I feel like it will continue to be this way until the semester ends. Just seven days left. Seven. I can do this, man!

30x30 Items:

Sweater: thrifted | Skirt: Fashion Bug

Other stuff:

Flats: Payless