Long overdue

I seriously have not posted in a few months.  For one, because it's been the holidays/finals/etc. and I've been so busy I honestly haven't had time.  Blogging should be something I do for fun (even when I am the only one reading my posts) rather than stressing myself out over doing a post everyday.  No thank you!

So, I'll go ahead and do a little catch up!

My holiday was fabulous.  I was able to spend quality time with my family...  I miss them so much and am sad that I don't see them often enough.  I wish we lived closer!  I got so many fun things for Christmas, but all I really wanted this year was a nice SLR camera.  I have been wanting one for so long and finally got one and a lens!  I'm so excited and plan on doing outfit posts once the weather warms up a bit.  I am still learning how to use it but once life slows down a little I'll figure that out a little more.

Right now I'm working part time and going to school full time and going to the gym daily so it can be hard finding any free time whatsoever.  But I promise, I will get there!

I do have to talk fashion, though, since it's my first post in a long time.  I love preppy (think J.Crew, Gap) but I also love a little edge (Zara, F21) and so I really have no distinct style.  I simply wear what I feel like.  And lately I have been scoring some awesome pieces at great prices.  I usually have a difficult time justifying spending a lot on one item.  I'd rather go shopping and come home with 5 new things rather than 1.  I feel like I have a really good eye for quality and trendy pieces that are stylish and affordable.  For instance, lately I've been getting some great basics from Cotton on.  If you haven't checked them out, you totally should.  They have the best T's and basics that you can dress up with some cute jewelry and shoes.  I think that's what fashion is all about- taking trendy and cheaper pieces and mixing them with higher end, classic pieces.

It's so funny because I work with like 8 girls and we always tell each other the deals we find.  We all usually end up with the same thing by the end of the night because we've all gone and bought it if it's a crazy good deal.  For instance, I've gotten an adorable down jacket from F21 for $15 when it was originally 70, a $5 basic hi-lo top that looks way more expensive than that... etc.  It's GREAT!

Today, I found these amazing booties that look like these, for basically a fraction of the cost.  Like seriously?! So awesome.

F21-$39- trust me, the picture does no justice because when I saw them I almost died and thought to myself that they look pretty dang close to the Chloe version

Chloe- $1325

And like this polka dot sweater

F21- $22

J.Crew- $258 

As you can see, it IS possible finding the cute, trendy pieces for a fraction of the price.  I think it just takes a little patience and time to figure out which of the pieces you don't mind investing in and which you would rather get the deal (like me!) :)

Another tip, too: wait til things go on SALE.  There have been so many times where I've just purchased an item in the moment and because I felt like it rather than waited and usually, it goes on sale for like half the price.  Patience is something I plan on working on this year ;)