Social Responsibility & Leggings, What’s Not to Love?

The work is piling on more and more as the end of the year grows closer. The fear of not graduating because I can not get my work done and the fear of missing out and moving on are ever present throughout my days here.

I just have to keep reminding myself to breath and focus on the little things that I love about my university. This article from the NY Times talks about how we can decrease “brain fatigue” by just going for a walk in the park. It says that right about now I should be taking a break from work and going for a walk so I guess I should enjoy my beautiful campus while I can and the work can wait…right?

Something I really wish I was able to focus on more right now is my job search but specifically my portfolio. Of course I have been creating my portfolio consistently throughout my years at school but I have not had the time in the past months to compile it all into one place. I have been given a lot of great opportunities here and would really like to showcase it. I just discovered WordPress Porfolio and I think that this along with a hard copy of my portfolio would be great. It would be able to highlight all of the things that the hard copy couldn’t and more.

So as the job search chugs along (slowly that is) I find myself looking for companies that are strongly geared toward social responsibility as well as companies that carry an authentic reputation. I came across an article about H&M on Refinery29’s page the other day and was really impressed. H&M is now one of the first companies to release the names and locations of all of its factories in its move towards even greater transparency and openness. Now that is what I would classify as an authentic company.

Refinery29 also caught my eye for another reason: the legging handbook (as I like to call it). They have gathered five different legging looks that aren’t your average baggy shirt and tights combo and it gets better…The five girls showcased give the low down on their top do’s and don’ts of leggings, I think every female should take a look, study it even. Some of these looks may even be office appropriate…sign me up!

It’s definitely a tie for which one is my favorite:

v.s.

Which look do you prefer? Are leggings work appropriate (if done well)?

P.S. Doesn’t this look delicious and who doesn’t love a sweet Sunday read?

True Friends

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends.
I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” – Jane Austen

Recently friendships have been causing me to be stressed out, frustrated and flat out unhappy. I have a good but big group of very close friends but sometimes there are too many of us to keep up with everyone and to make sure everyone is happy. On top of that there is usually some sort of conflict within the group that may make an outing awkward or uncomfortable for some.  I am usually the planner in my group of friends so it is easy to get overwhelmed trying to coordinate everyone to hang out. The other day was the breaking point for me and I chose to just go with the flow. It was a really nice change of pace to be able to say “I’ll be happy doing whatever, lets just do it.”

I was still feeling pretty frustrated and I really missed one of my best friends and roommates from last semester who is in Disney through August so I called her the other night at 11:30 pm(normal best friend phone call time). Who knew a phone call after a month of not talking would really do the trick? We talked for 2 hours about life, our friends, school and the decisions I have to make soon about post-grad (is that going to be me?).  The conversation really brought me back down to earth and helped me to remember that there are always going to be those friends who really understand you, for you.

Thanks for reading. How do you deal with your friends when things get to be too much? Do you have those friends in your life you can really rely on?

Woman of the Week!

I present to you: Hillary Rodham-Clinton

This former secretary of state and potential presidential candidate in 2016 had a pretty big week. I don’t feel like she needs much more introduction than that. She came out in support of gay marriage  and the rights of all Americans in a video produced for the organization the  Human Rights Campaign. It is wonderful to see more and more people finally telling the world where they stand on this issue and especially wonderful to see a woman with so much power join in the conversation.

In an article by the Huffington Post Hillary is highlighted as saying “I believe America is at its best when we champion the freedom and dignity of every human being.’’ She couldn’t be more right in my opinion, if we were all on the same playing field then America would be a much more pleasant place to live. I also really enjoyed how she made her statement personal by highlighting Chelsea’s (her daughter) wedding and how she hopes thinks all parents should be able to experience that joy.

I can’t wait to see what else she does in the coming months following the end of her time as secretary of state. I expect big things Ms. Rodham-Clinton!

Who is your woman of the week?

What I learned in London

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. – Samuel Johnson 

♣

London was a whirlwind, it came and went so quickly that my mind is still mostly all there and not here at school where it needs to be but I guess I can’t really complain. I was inspired and astounded by London all over again!

Our pre-1700’s pub crawl (at The George Inn above) was by far the best part, that night a local told me that it takes two years to really see London, I feel like there is still so much more for me to discover and be a part of. As I was scrolling through LondonLately I discovered London Walks, something I wish I had discovered three weeks ago but gives me all the more reason to go back…or move there. We gave ourselves a lot of self guided tours, being seniors in college and all, we had to find ways to save our money but these walks would have been fantastic, only £7! There is always next time!

If you are going on a trip where you know you are going to be doing a lot of walking, check the weather.  Of course London is known for it’s grey and dreary weather but last March in London, England was top notch in the weather department, sunny and comfortable, balmy even! March 2013 did not have the same effect. It was chilly and damp for the majority of the trip and this girl did not bring enough warm shoes or a warm enough coat.

I had packed about 5 pairs of flats and one pair of boots for the trip and I most certainly did not need ballet flats in that weather. JCrew posted a video recently about their shoes and I think this is what I had in mind for all my fun and shiny flats on this trip, wishful thinking. Shoes are like fairies after all!

Something else I learned in London: if you are going on a trip of a life time, it’s a good time to disconnect. Here we all are at the science museum taking advantage of their free WiFi, looks fun right? Guys can we leave our phones at home next time?

London was a fantastic trip and I felt right at home there. We are all already planning our next trip back but for now we should probably focus on the end of our senior year.

P.S. Yesterday was national Macaron Day, have you ever had a macaron? I had never had one before I went to London and I am addicted now! I got a dozen at Fortnum and Mason to bring home because they were that good. We ended up having tea at Ladurée after doing some shopping at Harrods on Thursday afternoon and the macarons there were to die for as well and so was the atmosphere! They have a shop in NYC (their only location in America) that I will, of course, be adventuring to.

Homesick.

There are a lot of things that hold me back from reaching my full potential and homesickness is definitely one of them. I suffer from homesickness a lot of the time and to some people this may make me sound like a baby but I’m not homesick for just home it’s more than that. I feel homesick for the past and for the future, for comfort and for people and places I may not ever be able to meet or see.

Like this past weekend when I got off the plane from London and some people’s parents were there to greet them, even entire families showed up to surprise their loved ones, I didn’t have anyone to run to or to share my stories with. Granted my “family” was in London with me but it still would have been nice to see Mom,Dad and Chloe Grace standing their with big smiles on their faces.

I read these words while scrolling through the blogosphere one day:

“Sometimes you’re 23 and standing in the kitchen of your house making breakfast and brewing coffee and listening to music that for some reason is really getting to your heart. You’re just standing there thinking about going to work and picking up your dry cleaning. And also more exciting things like books you’re reading and trips you plan on taking and relationships that are springing into existence. Or fading from your memory, which is far less exciting. And suddenly you just don’t feel at home in your skin or in your house and you just want home but “Mom’s” probably wouldn’t feel like home anymore either. There used to be the comfort of a number in your phone and ears that listened everyday and arms that were never for anyone else. But just to calm you down when you started feeling trapped in a five-minute period where nostalgia is too much and thoughts of this person you are feel foreign. When you realize that you’ll never be this young again but this is the first time you’ve ever been this old. When you can’t remember how you got from sixteen to here and all the same feel like sixteen is just as much of a stranger to you now. The song is over. The coffee’s done. You’re going to breathe in and out. You’re going to be fine in about five minutes.” – The Winter of the Air

I feel like this really pinpointed the feeling. Does anyone else ever feel this way? How do you deal with homesickness?

The Siren's Tale

As far back as I can remember, I’ve carried a constant feeling of homesickness every time I am away from my dwelling. While the feeling has manifested itself differently over the years, it’s always there. That gnawing discomfort that sits in the base of your stomach, tugging at your heart-strings with no mercy.

It all began one day when my Mom let me know I’d be starting kindergarten. At first it sounded like a great idea, but when I saw the bright yellow school bus chugging down my road, my stomach hit my kneecaps. I frantically ran into my backyard, giving my Mom and Aunt a mad-goose chase to grab me before the bus drove away. I thrashed about and yelled out, “I just need to spend time with my Barbies!” Life priorities, after all.

Much like a bad 1980’s comedy movie, when my Mom brought me to the bus…

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Woman of the Week!

I present to you: Tina Fey

Well first off, Happy International Women’s Day! What a perfect holiday for a woman of the week post!

 We all know and love Tina Fey, how can you not? She was the first female writer on Saturday Night Live and she went on to create, write and act for her own show. “30 Rock” went off the air just a few months ago but it was a very popular show and I love the fact that it was based off of the Mary Tyler Moore Show since that show was a breakthrough television show to begin with.  Tina was able to create her own alter ego, she used her show as a way to poke fun at the television business and the networks that owned it. Tina uses her comedy to make commentary on the things happening in the world and to speak out for others who can’t find a voice. An article in the New York Times highlighted the end of her show and came off a bit negative in my opinion. She was bashed for her comedic style and acting abilities but also somewhat praised for opening the doors for other women to create shows in the same genre and light.

One of my favorite moments of Tina Fey is from when she was on SNL during a weekend update with Amy Poehler. The two are talking about Hilary Clinton and her “bitchiness” and about how being “bitch” is the way to get stuff done! It’s so powerful and witty you have to see it for yourself, if you haven’t already: Bitch is the New Black. Now I have not decided if this is the way I want this idea portrayed, that women are bitches if they are serious or successful but I definitely think its a hilarious step in the right direction.

Bonus: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler react to Bill Clinton at the 2013 Golden Globes

How to be the best

Whenever I am searching the web I am looking for blogs and articles about things that will help better myself as an individual in the workplace as well as society. I often times want to share these things with my peers but I feel as though there is a line that it usually drawn that separates me from them. Not to say that my peers are not as motivated or poised for success as I am but I am just not your average 20 something and that’s okay. This is why I am glad to be able to have readers who seek out and read the things that I find interesting too!

As I have shared with you in my past post Whatever it Takes I am a senior in college and I have been very focused on finding a job and what to do when I do find one! Levo League had a great article recently about how to still dress professionally in bad weather. I feel like this is really relevant because I am never quite sure what to wear when it is raining or snowing. Today I went to a campus career fair and it’s raining so I chose to wear my rain boots under my khakis, not a good look, trust me. The article is really helpful and also brought me to a blog I had never heard of before. Corporette is a blog that describes itself as a fashion, lifestyle and career advice blog for overachieving chicks, awesome right? I have been scrolling through and finding some great tips about networking, professional dress, and current events within the business world. Here is a great one about email etiquette that I found really helpful!

Something else I would love to share with you all is theSkimm! This is a daily newsletter created by two women in their 20’s who wanted to bring the news to women everywhere. They write in their about us page: “We see ourselves as a part of a generation where women are out-earning men in paychecks and degrees. We’ve grabbed our seats at the table, now it’s time to Skimm to the head.” The newsletter is fun and easy to read and understand! It tells you everything you need to know with some fun side comments to keep you giggling.  I think that it is so important to be informed and educated about the world around us in order to be functioning citizens and members of the workforce. theSkimm keeps me informed and fits into my busy day, I can read it anywhere and share it with my friends to keep them informed too!

What are some things you do to make yourself the best you, you can be?

Bonus:  take a break and meet your LLBean boyfriend…

What to Wear: In London

1. A practical bag

There is a lot of walking to be done in London, it is best to be prepared for long days filled with adventure and fun by bringing a bag that will be comfortable to carry and able to hold everything you need.

one. two. three. four.

2. A Versatile Coat

The weather in London is generally rainy and grey as we all know so it is best to be prepared for the worst while still looking put together.

One. Two. Three. Four.

3. Fun and Comfortable Tops

These four tops are great for layering and mixing and matching.

One. Two. Three. Four.

4.Putting it all together: Stripes and a Pop of Color

living in color print

5. Putting it all together: Skinny Jeans & Statement Pieces

Woman of the Week!

I present to you: Kate Middleton

In honor of my trip, how could I not? Kate is an image of perfection, she is always dressed to the nines and carries herself with such grace. I love her not only because she is royalty but because of her modern take on being a duchess. She isn’t afraid to be not so traditional, and she tends to show a little bit of skin sometimes which is very new in the royal realm.

On top of her overall wonderfulness she is also in line to be the first Queen to ever have received a college education. She is a fashion icon with some serious brains! I think that’s pretty big for women and it sets a good example for young girls everywhere. Can you believe its already 2013 and she would be the first?

There are a number of blogs dedicated to Kate as well as the royal family, here are two that I found fun: What Kate Wore & PerfectKate.

 

Cheers!

I’m on my way to London in less than 8 days! 

I traveled there with my family and Nicholas this past spring and am so happy and blessed to be able to go back so soon. We’re staying in Earl’s Court, the same neighborhood as last time but at the Hotel Ibis. A great group of friends from school will be with us and it will be many of their first times over seas! I hope to show them some of the things I learned last time and discover new things with them.  I have put together a short outline of our trip to share with all of you!

The Neighborhood

Earls Court is similar to a small suburb right outside of London. There are a lot of great little pubs like The Prince of Teck that I’m sure we will be frequenting and it is easy to get around. (P.S. there is even a Starbucks right down the street from the hotel…)

Tea for Two

I am determined to go to tea while in London, I am almost positive that last time I was there I did not get tea, how can you not get tea while in London? The two places have caught my eye are Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly Circus or Brown’s Hotel in the heart of Mayfair. Both are quite lavish but a girl can dream!

The Sites

I hope to go to a few touristy spots but not too many. I loved going to Tower of London to see the crown jewels and the London Eye was fun but I think the only place we’ll be going back to is Piccadilly Circus so that we can explore more. I would really like to go to Kensington Garden to see Peter Pan, Princess Diana’s memorial and the Italian Garden.

(Nick and I at the Tower of London last spring)

The Libations

We have an entire pub crawl planned. Its gonna be fantastic, all the pubs are historic and the beer will be flowing. We are starting at 11 am and working our way around London all day from The Mayflower to  the Sir Richard Steele.

Do you have any suggestions for cool places I should check out in London?