2015: A Year In Review

Today I'm sharing the highlights from this little blog of mine in 2015! I cannot believe the year is already coming to a close; another year, flying right on by!

I started out the year with a lots of cute Winter and Early Spring outfits, but my favorite was this icy monochromatic look.

Then a crazy thing happened; my sweet guy Kyle proposed over spring break, and because he hired a photographer I was able to share Proposal Pictures! This event lead to several posts dedicated to all things wedding; highlights were Venue Hunting 101, Wedding Dress Shopping, Centerpiece Ideas, and Wedding Day Hair Ideas.

My summer adventures prompted a lot of blog posts, especially What I Learned From A 30 Piece Wardrobe. If you're freezing right now, look at the pictures in my post about Lake Como to feel better. That is definitely one of my favorite places ever!

You loved reading all about my Stitch Fix Hauls: 2 / 3 / 4 I can't wait to order my next Stitch Fix!

I shared many great Fall Outfits, but if I had to pick two it would be this early fall shorts combo and my poncho & booties look! Both feature the Color Of 2015, Marsala. 

I shared multiple ways to wear Plum Cords and Denim Dresses.

And I finished off the year with come cute wintery outfits from my trip to Colorado! This outfit with my Red Speckled Cardigan is my personal favorite. 

Thank you all so much for following me in 2015! I hope you've enjoyed reading my posts as much as I've enjoyed writing them. Cheers to 2015, and to all the blessings & adventures 2016 will throw our way. Happy New Year, Y'all!

--Caroline

2015 Goals Update & Sustainability

You may recall that on the first of the year, I shared my goals for 2015. Now that we are over a month in, I thought I'd share a little bit about how it's going!

One of my goals was to workout for a minimum of 10 minutes every day... I was going strong for so long, but this is definitely a challenge. I thought 10 minutes a day would be easy! It is in actuality, and even though there are enough minutes in the day for it I still manage to flat out forget. But the upside of this goal is that I have been running more, which I love. So steps in the right direction!

Another goal of mine was to read 12 books this year and I'm almost done with my first book, so since February is a short month I'll either have to read fast or pick a skinny book! :) I'm not going to stress myself over this one, because the whole point was for me to just read more fun books. Again, steps in the right direction.

I also have developed a new goal: be more sustainability conscious. I'm in a class right now called Sustainability in Design, and to start the semester we've just been going over sustainability in the broad sense. Being from Colorado, I have always been a recycler, been aware of the beauty of nature and understood why we need to protect it, among other things. But I think that since moving to Florida, where there is not the same attitude across the entire state, I've slacked a bit. I'd like to get back on track, and one side of that is that I have always wanted to be more sustainable in what I wear. I think that this can occur in several ways...

1. Buying more things used. You all know I already love eBay, but I'd like to actively remember to try local resale shops more often.

2. Speaking of local... shop local! I'd love to spend my money in places (or on pieces) that were made or sold locally.

3. Spend money on things that will last. I think as fashionistas we frequently get drawn to "fast fashion" and cheap trendy pieces. Which is fun, yes, but it's not a great habit for the environment. Part of this for me means really thinking about what I'm buying, and think about how long it will stay in my closet rotation. Even if it's on clearance, is it really worth the money if I won't love it for months upon months. 

4. Donate, don't trash, old clothes. This is something I already do, but I included it anyway. It's always better to donate old clothes to those in need, instead of tossing them in the trash to end up in a landfill. 

5. Purchase sustainable clothing. It used to be that "green" or eco-friendly clothing was either expensive, or not very fashionable. To some degree, it is still a little bit out of my college-student price range, but there are a fair amount of affordable and fashionable lines now that offer sustainable clothing. I've compiled some great pieces from just a few for you here...

Striped Dress / Striped Tunic / Jumpsuit / Printed Tank

Cowl Neck Dress / Skirt / Jacket

We'll see how this goes! I'm excited to see how these goals progress through the year, and will keep you all updated. If any readers like to lead a sustainable life, I'd love some tips shared in the comments! :)

--Caroline

2015

Welcome to 2015! 

This past year has been so much fun, but I can't wait for what 2015 has in store! Instead of always making resolutions that seem so daunting, this year I'm trying something different. This year, I'm making goals, things I'd like to do this year before the clock turns midnight on December 31st. 

Get A 10-minute Workout in Daily. Whether it's a quick yoga workout, simple stretching and abs, or a full-blown workout, I think if I can just do a minimum of 10 minutes everyday than that will help me to stay on track. Working out has always been a great stress reliever for me, so this is definitely a goal I am determined to make happen!

Have the time of my life studying abroad. I cannot wait to spend the first part of my summer in Florence, Italy, where I'll be learning, exploring, and expanding my world view. I know that the memories I make will stay with me always, and I know it's going to be so much fun!

Get an internship. When I get back from Florence, I'd love to have an internship to start trying to figure out what I want to do in the interior design world. The one thing I do have figured out is where I want my internship to be, but I'll keep that between Kyle and I for now. :)

Save $500. While being in college usually entails having a tight budget, this year I'd like to save up $500. Not for a specific reason, not for use anytime soon, but just to save in preparation for being out of college and in the adult world. 

Read 12 books. Fun books! I used to read so much as a kid, and into high school, but since being in college I've noticed I read much less, getting through maybe 5 books a year. A new book a month might be a stretch, but it's the challenge I need! 

What would you like to accomplish in 2015?

--Caroline

Black & Gold

Mason Jars / Pom Poms / Treat Bags / Leaf Place Cards / Banner / Heels / Nails

Still looking for ideas for your New Years Eve party? Look no further than these great DIY ideas for a Black & Gold New Years Eve Party! My personal favorite? That gold leaf place card! 

I've always loved the idea of a super sparkly and fancy NYE party... it's been a dream since my childhood. It still has yet to happen, but some day it will! This year Kyle works, and I'll be traveling back to Florida, so I expect I might not even be able to stay awake for the ball to drop! 

What are your NYE plans?

--Caroline