LAZY GIRL GUIDE TO: WINTER COATS

Hello! So I know that in the Midwest, it's already starting to get cold and it'll be cold for the next five months which stinks. So I wanted to make a lazy girl guide to coats (apologies to all the people in California or Florida since this post doesn't really apply to you guys) I've picked out a few coats that will be functional, fashionable, and will be weather-proof for the multiple feet of snow that we're supposed to get. I'm not really looking forward to this winter at all, especially since our fall was so short. Okay, anyways, let's get started:


1. Forever 21 Faux Fur-Lined Parka ($83 online)

This coat may be a little pricey for Forever 21, but I've felt this coat in-store and it feels HEAVENLY. It is so soft and I can tell that the lining will definitely keep you warm on those days where the wind is super cold and frigid. This parka also has a hood (in case you forget a hat!), a zipper and buttons (double protection), pockets, and cute elbow patches. I think this parka is definitely functional and fashionable for the cold weather! I also love this military green color and I think you guys will see that throughout these coats.

2. ASOS Faux Fur Hooded Detachable Lined Parka ($86, currently SOLD OUT) 

Okay this coat is pretty similar to the Forever 21 coat, but I liked it because it has more pockets and zippers as decoration on the coat and ASOS also has better quality than Forever 21 usually so although this coat may be a little more expensive, the quality will be good. I know that it is currently sold out (bummer because I wanted one), but I'll have an update when they come back out again. 

3. Express Classic Trench Coat ($89.60)

This coat is perfect for the ladies who still want to have that classic look without being freezing. This Express coat is just the epitome of classic trench coat/Serena van der Woodsen look and I think it would be perfect with matching winter accessories like gloves, a hat or a scarf. The khaki color of this coat also makes it that much more classy, but this coat also comes in a black hue. 

4. Echo Design Ombre Multi Stripe Tube ($38 on Zappos) 

Since I talked about accessories in the previous coat, I'd thought it would only be fair to include some of them. This scarf is from Zappos and not only looks fashionable, but it is also made of a durable material that will keep your neck warm this winter. Personally I hate when a coat doesn't cover my neck area and part of me is left freezing so I scour websites for the best scarves. This scarf also comes in a red and blue ombre which leads to many possibilities on winter days, especially to brighten up an outfit. 

5. Neff Beanie (around $15)

I think everyone has seen these famous beanies and I think beanies are perfect for winter days. They cover your ears and your head and keep your head warm. It also comes in a variety of colors and can cover up any bad hair day. These are just perfect for the grunge girl or just any girl looking to save herself from the dreadful hair day. 

Okay, that's all for me! These are just some ideas for this upcoming winter season for all of my ladies living in a cold place too. I know it might not be applicable to everyone, especially those in negative degree weather, but hopefully it's a start! 

Timberlands Lookalikes

Hello my lovelies! I hope you're all having a good week. I've been a bit stressed since it's finals week for me (yay for the trimester system). However, I have had time to look for some cute new fall and winter boots. I usually have problems with gross slushy Midwest winter and sadly, the past winter, I fell numerous times due to my fashionable, yet not quite functional shoes. So here I am, proclaiming a new love for badass, tough-girl Timberland boots. However, not all of us can fork over $120, especially on a minimum wage budget. So I've found some lookalikes for all of us girls still looking to stay fashionable, but not break the bank.

1. Union Bay Macon Boot ($29.99, but usually $50)
These boots are a dead ringer for the famous Timberlands that I long for, yet don't have money for. I find these are a good substitute.



http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/shoes/departments/boots-&-booties/combat/Macon-Boot/1000021675?colorId=NS1003454

2. Esprit Forest Lug Boots ($24.99, usually $40)

These look like the Union Bay boots almost to a tee. Oh yeah, this pair and the first one are both from TJMaxx, where I have recently rediscovered a love for their products.

http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/Forest-Lug-Boot/1000035471?cs=PDP

3. Rock & Candy Bulldozer Booties ($44.95, not $65)



These cool booties also are very similar to the pricey Timberlands, but I like these because they come in a variety of colors as well. They come in a winey-burgundy, a dark military green, and the standard tan. These are from DSW aka my heaven.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/rock+.and.+candy+bulldozer+bootie?prodId=311866&category=dsw12cat2440002&activeCats=cat10006,cat20173,dsw12cat244000

4. Dirty Laundry Remix Bootie ($59.95, not $70)

These have a little twist compared to the typical Timberlands. I'm not sure how these shoes hold up to the actual boots in term of grip and functionality, but hey they're definitely a different option for girls who love heels and the outdoors. These have a 3 and a half inch heel but the heel looks pretty thick so it should be fairly comfy.


http://www.dsw.com/shoe/dirty+laundry+remix+bootie?prodId=309842&category=dsw12cat2440002&activeCats=cat10006,cat20173,dsw12cat2440002

Okay and those are some cheaper alternatives to the widely popular Timberland boots. Happy shopping and have a great week!

LAZY GIRL GUIDE TO: QUICK AND HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Hi lovelies! Hope you're having a great weekend that's been full of un-procrastination unlike myself. My first set of college deadlines are in less two weeks and I still have two essays to write. Ugh. I often find myself wondering if I'm cut out to be a pilot or better yet, a hobo for the rest of my life.

Anyways, today is a lazy girl guide to quick and healthy breakfast! I love breakfast and no matter how late I'm running, I always eat breakfast. It's important to eat something after (hopefully) eight hours of sleep (it's more like four or five for me) and it's soooo important if you're trying to lose weight. You can't lose weight by starving in the morning and then overeating throughout the day. Okay let's go!

1. Oat bowl

You'll need:

• oats
• milk (any kind works)
• optional: toppings

Okay, I usually make the oats the night before so I can just pour toppings on in the morning. All you need to do is place some plain oats in a bowl and then pour milk into it. I don't like soggy oats, so I go lighter on the milk. I usually use almond milk, but any kind is okay! Then I just put plastic wrap over the bowl and the next morning, I pick out my favorite toppings. Usually, I add some pumpkin flax granola (tastes like a pumpkin spice latte without the calories), raisins and these amazing Brookside Dark Chocolate Acai pieces. You can add fruit or dark chocolate too! It's super versatile.

2. Blogilates Pancakes

I swear by Blogilates for fun fitness and also these "cheap clean eats" that are lifesavers in a pinch. She has these pancakes that are so simple, yet taste so good.

http://www.blogilates.com/blog/2012/08/17/100-natural-pancakes-recipe-gluten-free-flourless-low-calorie/

All you need is two eggs and a banana; how easy is that? And if you don't like eggs, you can get those liquid egg whites or any other substitute.

3. Fastest Omelette Ever

Some days, I don't want something sweet so I make an omelette. There's really no exact recipe for this one; it varies depends on what vegetables are in my fridge. Usually I'll have:

• 1 or 2 eggs (depends on how hungry I am) 
• frozen vegetable mix (onion, celery, etc) 
• pepper, onion powder, garlic salt
• olive oil
• optional: cheese, tomatoes, other toppings

So all I do is heat some olive oil up, crack my eggs into a pot and then add everything in. I add excessive amounts of black pepper to everything so my omelette is basically covered in black specks. This is super fast, super tasty, and perfect for mornings when I want  something different.


And then if I'm running REALLY late, I turn to an apple, a yogurt, or a granola bar (usually some combination of those three things) and my water.

I also have been drinking water really consistently for about three months now. I just got this "Addison" Contigo 24 oz bottle after my DFL one leaked all over my backseat. This bottle is literally leak-proof and super durable (I've dropped it numerous times on my way to working out). I try to drink at least two of these bottles everyday.

Okay, I'll see you guys later! Hope this provides a little inspiration for all my other lazy girls out there, looking to get more sleep but still eat healthy.

Lazy Girl's Guide to Dressing Well in Under 5 Minutes

Hi lovelies! I hope you've been blessed with crisp, nice fall weather rather than freezing rain and darkness like moi for the past few days. I've recently been searching on tumblr (I refuse to rejoin the Pinterest cult) and just online in general for lazy day outfits. Except I don't like lazy day outfits like sweatpants. I still need to look put together, just not feel like it. I know some other people have to feel this way too; I think I've just been conditioned to look somewhat decent at all times. So here are tried-and-true classy yet effortless outfit ideas!

1. White T shirt

I literally cannot stress the importance of having a white tee that is comfy. If you don't have one, I want you to go out to H&M or Gap and just buy like three because these are life savers. I know whenever I'm running late and I don't have any outfits in mind, I run to a white tee like peanut butter runs to jelly. White t shirts are the quintessential basic; you can dress them up with a blazer or cardigan, layer it with a scarf and a jacket or just casually half tuck it into a pair of jeans and bedhead hair and leave (the latter is me on 95% of all days).

I LITERALLY HAVE 5 MINUTES:

• white tee
• jeans
• flats/cute statement shoes to distract from the mess that is inevitably my hair

Eh I have some more time: 

• white tee
• skirt
• long cardigan
• scarf 
• ankle boots/oxfords

It's freezing outside: 

• white tee
• parka
• jeans
• fuzzy socks
• combat boots
• scarf
• hat

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=136787656

I made a set on Polyvore in case any of you wanted to see these in action. 

2. Chambray

Okay, seriously another investment piece that you will so not regret. Lazy days don't even look lazy with a chambray. The button-down makes it more structured and you'll look like you tried, especially if the chambray has a groovy pattern like polka dots or stars or something. And chambrays look great layered under a military jacket or grandpa cardigan. Go crazy.

WHY DID I HIT SNOOZE SO MUCH: 

• chambray
• black jeans
• flats/boots/oxfords

3. Sweater + Scarf

Dude, you'll be the epitome of comfy. I swear by this combination for freezing days in the Midwest, especially if you own a lot of thick sweaters and scarves like me. And a cute bun ties the whole "I tried, but not too hard and I'm comfier than you" look together. 

IT'S -12 OUTSIDE BUT I WANNA BE CUTE

• grandpa sweater
• super thick and comfy infinity scarf
• leggings (unless you want to wear actual pants, then go ahead) 
• thick socks (YACTRAX for life) 
• boots

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=136788180

Another Polyvore set for you guys! It's the chambray and the sweater together because I'm too lazy to separate them, hence my self-proclaimed title of lazy. 

4. Dresses

Dresses are my lifesavers. I would never look half as semi-decent as I do at school without dresses. They literally take two minutes to put, you can accessorize the poop out of them or leave them plain, wear them in all seasons (screw sundress season, I'll wear mine in January). This is my second to last resort besides the white tee. But really, I love dresses. 

I LOOK CUTER THAN YOU BUT I GOT MORE SLEEP: 

• LBD
• sweater
• tights
• ankle booties

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=136788560

and the last Polyvore set. 

Okay, those were some of my ideas for dressing well in a rush. Even lazy girls can afford to look decent, or at least by my standards. Take those extra minutes that you don't have to spend getting ready to get a pumpkin spice latte or other drink that will warm your insides into a little pile of euphoric mush. Enjoy and get your lazy girl on! 

classy fall

classy fall by soccergirl1614 featuring MICHAEL Michael Kors

Fall Haul

Hi my lovelies! Okay, I really love fall clothes because fall is just a nice season with comfortable temperatures and nice color changes. I didn't really get sweaters, but I did get a few things to wear. So first I hit up Pacsun and then today I hit up Dick's Sporting Goods. Let's go!

So I went to Pacsun a few days ago and then I saw a sale that was buy one, get three free which was crazy. I believe it's still going on too! There were a lot of swimsuits, but many shirts and dresses were on the racks. I paid $23.50 for three dresses and a shirt! WHAT even. If I had paid full price, I would have had to pay $119.80 or $73.92 if they were just normal sale items. I'm just fairly impressed that I saved that much, but anyways I'll show you guys what I got now.

1. Nollie Basic Short Sleeve Scoop T-Shirt (FREE, so much gratification in typing that)

This shirt is a nice basic graphic for lazy days. I can throw it on top of black jeans, like in the picture and be set to go with a messy bun and glasses. Sidenote: wearing my glasses to school this year has created my new label of unofficial hipster of my senior class. But I really like the discreet floral print, as you will see with the dresses. Oh and I got this in a size Small, but one of the dresses I got was a Medium and it fits like a Small.

2. LA Hearts Polka Dot Dress

I'm not quite sure what style this dress is but I want to say a shift dress. Anyways, it's got nice opalescent buttons and then small polka dots all over and a racerback. However, the only problem I have noticed is that I can't easily put this on or take it off, mainly because you can only slide it on over your head, but I think my arms are awkwardly muscular and it is a great struggle attempting to stick my arms through it. Other than that, it's a very cute dress and I can see myself layering sweaters over it. It's also flowy and light so I can pair tights under it.

3. LA Hearts Floral Dress (one was $21.99, the other was free)

So it turns out that I got two of the same dresses just in a different pattern. Originally I had put a different daisy dress on hold the day before I made the purchase, but the changing workers had put it back on the sales rack and I guess someone else got it. Darn. Anyways, these dresses are cute and they have a built-in slip underneath, with a side zipper and a bow back. One is in black with small, discreet little white flowers all over it and the other is cream with bigger red flowers all over it. However, I bought one in a Medium and one in a Small and they both feel a size smaller than they claim. I can still fit both, but I have more of a struggle with the Small one because I think it's meant for people with little waists and hips and I have neither so.

I also went to Dick's Sporting Goods this weekend since I traveled to one of a bigger mall about an hour away for a college interview. Oh man, it might just be me, but I love the smell of walking into a sports store like Finishline or Dick's or just a Nike store. Anyways, I'll get to showing you guys what I got there.

1. Nike Dri-Fit Running Printed Modern Tempo ($23.99 instead of $34)

I actually saw this pair in black when I was in Greece over spring break this year, but the euro conversion made them way more expensive than if I bought them in the US so I decided to buy them when I got back. I totally forgot until I saw these in Dick's and I had to get them. These are in XS, but I don't think they fit uncomfortably which is good. They have the built-in spandex and they are really nice for running or just lounging around.

2. Nike Dri-Fit Training Fly Knit 3.5" Shorts ($21.97 instead of $30)

I am such a sucker for neon colored/patterned shorts and when I saw these, I knew I was going to end up walking out of the store with them. These are made of a really breathable material and I know I can get a lot of runs in with these.

3. Yaktrax Cabin Socks ($12 BOGO deal)

I saw these by the checkout line and it just took one feel to know that these socks were meant to be with me. They literally feel like my feet are in the comfiest sweaters I could ever imagine. And I got a pair for my brother and I think we both are getting each other more pairs for Christmas. I picked men's socks mainly because the patterns were cuter than the women's, but I highly recommend these to anyone who likes comfy socks.

Okay thanks for looking! See you next time with hopefully a fall lookbook patched together!

Dean's List Voxbox Review

 Hello my wonderfuls! Today I have a little haul/review on the Dean's List Voxbox. So basically if you don't know what a Voxbox is, it's a free box of goodies and happiness from Influenster. Influenster is a website where you can write reviews, take questionnaires, and spread information on social media sites. It determines your social media influence and can potentially match you to a Voxbox, based on your preferences. With that bit of disclaimer, I would like to say all of these products were sent to me.

1. Airheads Soft Chews

These candies are the consistency of Airheads, but the flavor is a little iffy. There are five flavors: blue raspberry, watermelon, cherry, lemon, and orange, but they all resemble cough syrup, especially cherry. The neon coloring is also a little off-putting, but somehow they're strangely addictive and I found myself chewing these chewy candies throughout the evening. I'm not quite sure that I'll be getting these again soon, but they're definitely perfect for those candy-lovers who have a preference for an exceptionally artificial taste.

2. Softlips Cube 5-in-1 Lipbalm

The first thing I noticed about this lip balm was the packaging. The clean lines of the 3-D cube make it very appealing and then it smells heavenly. Mine is in Pomegranate blackberry and it smells like a berry smoothie. When I tried it, it made my lips very soft as the name suggests, to an almost crazy degree. My lips feel so nice (not in a weird way), but I totally recommend this product.

3. Sinful Colors in No Text Red

First off, this shade of red is my ideal shade of red. It's not too dark, but not too light and naive looking. I haven't painted all of my nails with this yet, but I've tested it out on just one finger. So far, it seems to go on smoothly and it's rather opaque, but can still be layered. I'll keep y'all posted.

4. Playtex Regular Balance Tampons

First off, when I opened the box and saw tampons, I was like "whattttttttttttttt". But I haven't tested these out just because you know the problems of girl life. But I have used these before and they're nice for athletic people or if you have to go swimming or something.

5. Kiss Natural Flirty Lashes

Okay, I was so happy to see these in the box when I opened it because I've heard people rave about Kiss lashes. However, I don't use fake lashes like ever just because I'm not a makeup aficionado, except for lip products. I will definitely have an update whenever I get around to wearing these, most likely for homecoming or prom this year.

6. Flexion Pens

These pens are supposed to "make you look perfect" and they have an eraserable tip to erase mistakes. However, usually I feel that eraser pens don't end up working as well as I hope. I've placed both pens in my pencil bag for school and I hope these work well.

7. Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation in 110

I was excited to see this in the box too because I always look forward to trying new skin products. Even though I don't wear foundation now, I think I might due to this foundation. When I put it on, it was light and not sticky which is always a plus. However, the part that I like most about this foundation is that it instantly mattifies and remains that way. I placed some on my hand and it made my hand matte, but I also saw that it was waterproof after attempts to scrub it off.

In general, I am so thankful to get this voxbox from Influenster and I really appreciate being sent the Dean's List Voxbox. If you have any questions about Influenster, please leave them! I'll be happy to answer any. See you next time lovelies!