Florals in Trastevere

 Dress: c/o StyleWe | Boots: Public Desire (similar) | Bag: Tory Burch | Lipstick: Stila in "Brulee"

Ahhh I can't believe I'm actually in Rome to study abroad for 4 months! It honestly feels like a dream and it's hard to believe I'm staying for so long. So far, I love this city so much. There are so many places to see, its overwhelming. While a lot of the city is unfortunately covered with graffiti, the most beautiful and historic parts remain untouched. Another gorgeous section of the city (that is less known by tourists) is the neighborhood, Trastevere. I was shocked to find out that it used to be the poor neighborhood "across the river" because of how cute and picture perfect the buildings are. I thought that this dress that I was recently sent from StyleWe matched Trastevere perfect, aesthetically. I cannot find enough good words to describe StyleWe. This brand counteracts every terrible stereotype you've heard about ordering from foreign fashion companies (mainly the poor quality and bad fit). This dress and the sweater (which I will be posting about soon) I got from StyleWe are both amazing quality and both cost only around $60. I got a size Large in the dress out of precaution but definitely could have sized down to a medium, the size I usually wear. I can't wait to share more photos of Rome and the outfits I wear to explore :)

Favorite Purchases of 2016

1. Public Desire Over the knee boots

These are by far my favorite purchase of 2016 because I've worn them at least 3 times a week since I got them at the end of the summer. They instantly make any outfit more chic and allow you to wear skirts when its cold outside without wearing tights to stay warm! I prefer over the knee boots that are flat, tight fitting on the leg and have a drawstring at the top that you can tie in the back. Shop similar options here:

Marc Fisher | Steve Madden | Vince Camuto

2. Off the shoulder dress

I purchased this off the shoulder dress in the spring and it was one of my favorite pieces for warmer weather. I love it because it's one of those pieces you can get away with in a casual or a somewhat fancy setting. I wore this dress to my cousins graduation but I also wore it countless times to go shopping or go out for a casual dinner. Shop similar options below:

Mango | Shoptiques | Shoptiques

3. White Cardigan (that doubles as a blazer)

Since I'm starting to get to the point in my life where I'm going to have internships and soon, jobs, I wanted to start building my professional wardrobe a bit. I love this cardigan Club Monaco because it is casual enough to just be a cardigan. However, since it has the shape lapels of a blazer, you can also pass it off as a blazer. Shop similar cardigans below:

Asos | Lilly Pulitzer

4. Chunky/oversized knit sweater


I purchased this sweater from Madewell at the beginning of 2016 and it seriously got me through the harsh weather of NYC in January, February and March. The key is that it is made of a wool blend so it keeps you very warm. I love chunkier knit sweaters that are made of natural materials because I think they look more expensive (but I only payed $40 for this one!). Bonus points if its a mock neck or turtleneck. Shop similar chunky knit sweaters below:

Lush | BP | Leith

5. Lace up Heels

I realized this summer that I don't own a single pair of nice heels. I found these Vince Camuto ones on sale during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and thought they were perfect. The heel is actual pretty low (only 3 inches or so) so they aren't that hard to walk in and are just about as comfortable as heels can get. The lace up details are super trendy and the fact that they are close-toed means that they are appropriate to wear during all seasons. Shop other lace up heels below:

Nasty Gal | Asos | Marc Fisher

6. Floral Dress

I was really happy with purchasing this dress that I found at a local boutique because I think it looks so much like a Free People dress (except I payed only a fraction of the price). I love how effortless, bohemian and feminine it is. Shop similar floral dresses below:

Love Riche | Umgee | Free People (on sale!)

7. Tory Burch Marion small flap shoulder bag

I am very picky when it comes to handbags –especially when I'm spending $400+ on them. I think that the majority of them look cheap even when they aren't cheap at all! I love this one primarily because it is the perfect size for an everyday cross body bag –not too big and not too small. I adore the neutral color, modest logo and how the chain strap is reminiscent of a Chanel bag!

8. Jcrew Parka

I feel the same way about parkas as I do about handbags: the majority of them look cheap! You really have to pay up to get one that looks nice. I was willing to make the investment in this Jcrew parka because it is gorgeous and I knew I would get so much wear out of it being up north. It is impeccably made, the material is thick and has a lovely texture and the gold trimmings are just the icing on the cake that make it look so polished. I chose this unique color because I wanted something that stood out. I couldn't find many great parkas since stores are starting to clear out for their spring merchandise but here are a couple: 

Asos | Jcrew Factory

9. Distressed, raw hem jeans

The two biggest trends in denim right now are big rips and raw hems. I love these details because I think they add so much dimension and texture to an outfit so oftentimes, I throw them on with a basic sweater and simple flats and that makes for an interesting enough outfit. I was especially thrilled with these jeans because I scored them for only $50! Shop similar ones below: 

Banjara | Express | Joe's | SP Black

What were your favorite purchases of 2016? Let me know in a comment!

Winter Florals

Cardigan: c/o Make Me Chic | Top: Ann Taylor | Jeans: Nordstrom (similar) | Shoes: Steve Madden (similar) | Bag: Tory Burch | Necklace: Kiel James Patrick | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Big news: I'm headed off to study abroad in Rome in two weeks! While I'm beyond excited, I'm not too sure what clothing to pack. I've done some research about what the weather is like there in the winter and from what I've found, its a bit colder than my hometown in Georgia but not as cold as where I go to college in New York. That puts me in a hard place because I have very few jackets that aren't parkas. I'm super pumped about receiving this sweater from Make Me Chic because its super thick, warm and long but still not as heavy duty as a parka/coat –Perfect for Rome during the winter and early spring! I thought the maroon color paired perfectly with this floral top I got recently from Ann Taylor and the ripped jeans add some texture. The lace-up flats pull the whole outfit together into a chic ensemble. 

What I got for Christmas 2016

Christmas 2016 was one for the books! I got to spend one blissful week of relaxing and visiting with family in Mississippi and Tennessee and to top it all off, I got some awesome gifts. Just a disclaimer: by posting this, I am in no way trying to brag about what I got! Some people on tumblr requested that I do this post and I thought it was a cool idea. 

Blanket: Nordstrom (same blanket in different color)

I have seen a few bloggers feature this blanket on their blogs and I immediately knew I had to have it. I've been using a Pottery Barn throw blanket that I stole from my mom on my bed at school so I figured it was about time for a new one! This one is super soft, matches my dorm decor and the pom poms are SO freaking adorable. 

Vest: La Creme (similar one from same brand)

I found this vest while I was shopping at a boutique in Starkville, MS over thanksgiving break. It is basically the softest thing I've ever felt in my life and the outfit possibilities for it are endless so I asked my mom to get it for me for Christmas.

Lens: Canon 1.4 55mm 

I really want a camera upgrade (my Canon Rebel t3i just isn't doing it for me anymore) but I felt bad asking for a $1,000+ camera for Christmas. As a compromise, I asked for a lens upgrade. I'm very happy with this lens because for the price I payed for it, it makes photos look surprisingly amazing and professional. I love how much it increases the depth of field of a photo. 

Top: Ann Taylor

Ok, ok I know Ann Taylor is known as a brand for middle aged women in need of wear-to-work clothing. BUT, they actually have some amazing and youthful (enough) pieces. After seeing my friend, Emily, wearing this top. I fell in love and asked for it for Christmas. The black lace and ruffle detailing on the neck are incredible. 

Glasses: Warby Parker

I've had a bit of difficulty seeing up close for a while now so over Thanksgiving I payed a visit to the eye doctor. They determined that my vision was slightly flawed (not sure of what the official name of it is) and that getting eye glasses would help for when I'm looking at my computer or reading. I knew from the beginning that if I needed eye glasses, I wanted to get them from Warby Parker. They make so many classic, face-flattering styles. I ended up going with the "Downing" style. 

Hair oil treatment: Moroccan Oil | Primer: Pür Minerals | Liquid eyeliner: Stila

For a practical gift, I asked for refills of some of my holy grail beauty products. I've been using this Moroccan Oil conditioning treatment on my hair after every shower for about 7 years now. If I don't use it, my hair literally feels as dry as hay! The primer is also a staple in my daily makeup routine because it cancels out the redness caused by the rosacea on my cheeks. The Stila eyeliner lasts so long and makes the most precise eyeliner wing. 

 Necklace: Kendra Scott "Oliver" (similar from same brand)

I am such a huge fan of Kendra Scott pieces that utilize druzy stones. I love how this necklace is simplistic but still has a touch of glam because of the stone. It is perfect for layering because of the long length. 

Portable phone charger | Phone charging cord: Modal

I wasn't expecting to get these gifts but my mom is awesome and got them for me because she knew I needed them. My iPhone, although only a year old, loses its charge extremely fast (thanks a lot, Apple). I also am constantly breaking those flimsy Apple charging cords (Apple really needs to get its ish together). This cord is a lot thicker so it won't break as easily and it also lights up when your phone is charging with it! 

I hope y'all enjoyed this post and are having a fabulous holiday season!