Five Things To Be In 2016

It's Friday, and it's a new year. So here are Five Things To Be in 2016!

Be Consistent. With eating healthy & working out. With making time for oneself. With whatever else you want to change in 2016. Consistency is the key for whatever it is you want to change in your daily life.

Be Understanding. Of the person on the highway that is trying your patience. Of the coworker that won't stop talking about their problems. Everyone has something going on in their life that is impacting what they do and what they say. 

Be Less Attached. To material things. To "the perfect plan" for your day, week, month, or life. 

Be Less Reliant On Technology. Constantly checking various social media outlets does no one any good. Limit watching TV. Spend some time away from the phone. Take the time to read a book before bed instead of scrolling through Instagram.

Be Happy. Do what you love. Spend time with the people you love. Don't let anyone drag you down.

Cheers to 2016 and all the adventures, personal growth, and excitement it brings!

--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

Lately I'm Loving...

1. JOGGING. I've been trying to do a power walk/jog around my apartment complex and surrounding area either in the morning to make myself get going on days I don't have class, or at night before dinner to relax and sleep after having coffee. I'm loving it, and I want to keep this up! No schedule, just when I can. (photo credit). 2. THIS QUOTE. Just perfect. (photo credit). 3. BRALETTES. This is the perfect lounging/sleeping bra! The lace band underneath gives pretty decent support, and it's so soft... I already have two! 

4. LEOPARD DRESSES. So cute! Shop it here. 5. THIS WEDDING. I would love a picture like this, especially with Kyle being a firefighter! (And no, we aren't engaged, but I know he's the one :) ). 6. PREMIER DESIGNS JEWELRY. I am just loving my company right now! I had a wonderful talk recently with my Premier Mom, and I'm setting some awesome goals for myself... I just feel like the time is finally right for me to shine! (The picture is a throwback to meeting our founder Andy Horner at National Rally in 2012!) 

7. SQUAT LIKE... This tank makes me laugh, and it's so true! lol! Found on Etsy. 8. EATING RIGHT. Not that I was eating really bad before, but I'm trying to really keep up with my clean eating cleanse that I did with my roommates. I am feeling less bloated, more "fresh" (if that makes any sort of sense), and I have more energy. Eating more fresh foods has been the key, and more fruits that I was eating before. I've also been avoiding gluten better that I have in the past, as well as rice and wheat. (photo credit).

Happy Monday!

--Caroline

Closet Clean Out: Minimalism Approach

Last week I shared with you a ton of articles (sorry!) about different ways people have adapted Minimalism to their life, with the focus being on the closet. (Read my post here.) Fired up by these articles, I attacked my closet with guns blazing!

Step One: Figure Out Which Clothes Are Your Favorites

To do this, I cleared off my bed so that I could lay out these favorite pieces. Then I started thinking about my favorite pieces while not in my closet looking at them! (I think this is an important piece missing from my previous clean-outs, because you are forced to really remember your closet, and therefore the most memorable pieces are the pieces you love the most.) I grouped similar styles into categories, so I could really see what I loved. In the process, I tried on each piece, and I actually came up with a couple outfits just with my favorites that I hadn't thought of before!

I ended up with 40 pieces: 3 sweaters, 3 dresses,  jackets, 13 tops, 4 basic tanks, 2 skirts, 4 shorts, 3 jeans, 1 pant, and 1 romper. 

Then, I examined what was similar about these pieces, so I could determine my "style":

     -classic shapes

     -main colors: white, black, nudes, grays, blues

     -occasional pops of color: greens, pinks, reds

     -simple patterns (stripes & dots primarily)

Now when I'm buying new things that don't necessarily fall into this category, I can really think about if they work with my favorites. (I strongly suggest this evaluation step, even if you think you know your style. That way you know what you are always working with!)

Some observations I made during this step:

     -99% of the things that made it into this category were bought in-person (or tried on a similar size and ordered correct size).

     -Many were unplanned buys that I immediately fell in love with in-store.

     -I knew I was done when I walked into my closet and didn't know what to grab next! This is so important!

Step Two: Figure Out Your "Need to Keeps"

After squishing all my clothes to one side and putting my favorites front and center, I sorted out what I needed to keep. For me this was winter coats & jackets, formal dresses for sorority rituals and functions, and anything I knew I would need for recruitment in the fall. For you, this might mean your job uniform, business suits (only if you 100% love them!), etc. 

Step 3: Attack the Rest & Get Rid of What You Don't Love

By grouping the questionable items together, and making my favorites front-and-center, I was more able to evaluate if something I decided to keep was going to work with everything else I had. For this step, it's extremely crucial to try on everything. If I tried something on and I didn't 100% love it, then out it goes! For me, the things that automatically went were items that require a bandeau or tank (I hate having to wear extra things underneath), items that didn't end up washing well, and items that attract kitty hair like a magnet. 

I also found it helpful (or at a minimum interesting) to take note of some of the things I added into my "loves" first:

     -jean jacket (I wear it a lot, guess I forgot about it in the first step!)

     -3 sleeveless blouses that can go from casual to dressy easily (filled a void in my "loves"!)

     -colorful maxidress I recently got (perfect for spring and summer!) 

I divided up the items I was getting rid of into 3 bags: donate, sell on eBay, and take to a local consignment store. (I prefer Plato's Closet--they pay cash on the spot! Find a location near you here.)

Also important to note: I did this step over two days. Sometimes you just get burnt out and take the easy way out (keep everything), which is not what you want when trying to really be minimal. So I made some decisions the first day, then I slept on it and reevaluated the next morning. 

Step 4: Purgatory

I put every item that I wasn't sure about into a "purgatory" of sorts, in the back of my closet. The pieces that made it here are not favorites, but I do really like them and wasn't ready to get rid of them. When trying to really pare down your wardrobe, you do need to be hard on yourself, but sometimes that's hard! I ended up with 15 items in purgatory, and I'm going to see if I pull anything out in the next month or so (the end of the semester). If I don't then out they go! The key here is sticking to this--don't slack!

Step 5: Deal With the Rejects

Take the time to properly deal with your rejects. Kitty Boy helped me take pictures for my eBay items, and then I loaded up my car to take the items to Plato's. (They took some stuff but not everything, so I'll be adding the rest to my donate bag!). Whatever you do, do not change your mind once you've committed to getting rid of an item. If you wanted to get rid of it for even five minute, it's obviously not worth keeping!

In the end, I went from 92 tops/dresses and 13 pants/skirts to 61 tops/dresses and 8 skirts/pants! That is hanging items only, so my jeans and shorts that are in my dresser don't count in those figures. I am planning on evaluating the remaining dresser drawers (my workout clothes, underwear, and pj's) but that is not nearly as exciting! Overall I am really really proud of myself! Since I've been getting dressed in only my loves, it's been a lot easier to get dressed in the morning, which is always nice. I'm also enjoying my closet rods being less crowded! 

Stay tuned for updates on my purgatory items, as well as updates on my fight to be as minimal as possible. On my list to really go through are my school items, and my large beauty product collection... yikes!

--Caroline

Simplicity & Minimalism

The other day, I found myself sitting (unexpectedly) at Firestone Auto Care waiting for my car to be looked at. After checking emails, and fiddling around on my phone, I turned to their magazine collection and picked up the March 2014 issue of Ladies Home Journal.

That was a great decision, a fantastic decision. And let me tell you why.

While thumbing through, I came across the article "The Joys of Living Small: Three Families Share Their Tiny Houses" (read it here). Thinking it was an article about designing for small spaces, I naturally started reading, and I can tell you it wasn't about designing for small spaces. It was about so much more, and truly got me thinking.

I have always had a knack for organizing, a love for purging unused items. Yet I continue to have a lot of stuff. If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you probably have read about my many challenges I've attempted to curve my spending: my Post-Birthday Shopping Challenge, my Fit2Shop Challenge, and my most recent No Shopping In February Challenge. But this Ladies Home Journal article, and the subsequent research and blog-reading I did, has got me thinking about why these challenges haven't helped my habit. 

In the article, Dave Bruno's 100 Thing Challenge was mentioned. Curious, I typed it into google, and came across his blog and information about his book. Fired up about the negative effects of consumerism here in the United States and the ability to fight it by leading a simple life, the words on his blog by both him and his contributors lept off the page right at me. (literally, I swear! lol). I got to thinking about why I like clothes, why I like to shop. I got to thinking about how I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life, how I don't want to pass down negative traits to my (very future) children. I thought about how I want to be able to afford travel & experiences for both myself now, and in the future. 

"Temporary and fleeting things..." is a compelling way of wording it...

(Take a look at Dave Bruno's blog here, watch his TedTalk here, and read another blogger's version of the challenge here.)

Additionally, I came across the blog INTO MIND, written skillfully about minimalistic capsule wardrobes, and finding your style. The articles that really spoke to me were "How To Build The Perfect Wardrobe: 10 Basic Principles"  and "10 Wardrobe Building Projects for Sunday Afternoons." 

Even though I wrote about how to do a closet clean out not to long ago (read here), I can still learn much from both articles "Closet Cleanout: The Only 10 Pieces of Clothing You Need" and The Order Obsessed's blog entry archive, "Category Archives: build + edit a wardrobe." They both outline some unique ideas I've never heard of that might actually push my de-cluttering skills! 

Due to my research and readings, I have decided I would like to make a change. I believe that why my previous challenges and closet-clean-outs have failed to stick is that they 

1) only affected the physical buying of clothes, not the mental thought processes or emotions involved with shopping.  

2) did not encourage me to think about my personal style or my favorite pieces and why they are my favorite pieces

3) they only acted as temporary changes, not lifestyle changes.

4) I was far too easy on myself!

Check back soon to see the results of my research! I'm excited to finally push myself like never before when dealing with my wardrobe which always seems to grow.

Do you have the same problem? How do you deal with never-ending clutter? How do you feel about the 100 Things Challenge?

--Caroline

Tech Thursday: Favorite Apps

There are a couple apps on my phone that I just really really love, and I thought I'd share them with you today!

ENVELOPES 2

This is my favorite by far. If you've heard about the envelope system for financial management, this is the modern-day version! You can set up your envelopes with whatever name you'd like, and then put however much money you want in them (you can also have the app automatically set monthly budgets, but I haven't used that myself). Why this is so perfect is, if you are not a 100% cash carrier, you can take out money from your envelope after every debit card purchase. The Envelopes app has really helped me to track my spending, and know exactly what I have in my accounts (rather "envelopes") at any given time! Plus, it's secure and doesn't actually like to your checking or savings accounts because it's all manually entered. Even better? It's FREE! Check it out here, via iTunes. 

AFTERLIGHT

A great photo editing app, it's like having photoshop on your iPhone (with a little bit of Instagram thrown in there). With high-quality photo editing and lots of cool filters to choose from, I definitely recommend this app for anyone who loves having editing photos. Doesn't Berlioz look so much cuter when the lighting issue is fixed? Only 99 cents on the iTunes app store. 

RED STAMP

I heard about this app through some of my Premier Designs Jewelry ladies, who use it to make cards to either message virtually or print and send out to jewelry lovers. There are a variety of designs, occasions, and messages to choose from, all of which are customizable! You can, like I said, save it digitally to your phone to text or email out, or you can send it to Red Stamp and they will print them for you and mail them to you. How cool! I used this app to send my mom a virtual card on her birthday, and the other day played around with it to write a cheeky message to go with a photo of me crossing the finish line at a 5K (I might have been a little bored, okay?!). Free on the iTunes app store. 

WATERLOUGE

My graphics professor told me about this one... It's an app that turns your pictures into watercolor images! So cool! Makes your Instagram posts a little more French, and brings out the artist in everyone. I tested it out with the beautiful flowers Kyle gave me for Valentines Day. $2.99 on the iTunes app store. 

SIMPLY BEING--GUIDED MEDITATION FOR RELAXATION AND PRESENCE

I read about this app, I believe in a magazine (don't remember which one, honestly could be making that up even!), and decided to try it out. I usually listen while I'm going to sleep, and I've noticed the nights I use it I tend to sleep much better! Always a plus. The app has lots of customization options, and I've found it to be a soothing asset to stress-relief. Definitely worth the mere 99 cents on the iTunes app store. 

What do you think of these apps? Do you have any favorite apps to share? Share in the comments!

--Caroline 

Linking Up with: What I'm Loving Friday's

Tahitian Dreams

Nautical is trending right now in fashion, but in my opinion it's always in style. The classic patterns, the look of crisp white against navy, blue, and reds... always a good go-to look!

I have this dream of one day being a "rich and shameless designer" and being able to splurge on my mom and I to go on a spa weekend to Tahiti. Or Fiji. Heck, why not both! So when I was thinking about the nautical trend the other day, I started thinking about spring break, and about my eventual trip to Tahiti. If I could get on a plane right now to go there, I would, and this is what I would pack...

Bikini Top / Bikini Bottom / Scarf / Dress / Pants / Wedges / Bag / Blouse

But alas, not today. Instead I'm just stuck in Tallahassee cramming for midterms and trying to finish the endless projects due before Spring Break. Boo!

Have a great Wednesday!

--Caroline

Linking Up With: Three For Thursday Linkup

New Beginnings: No Shopping in February Challenge

I cracked down on myself last night. I made a new email address just for shopping coupons/mailers. I unsubscribed from all the store emails (some I transferred over to my new email), cleaned out my now "old" email... it had to be done.

I've said it many a time on here, and I'm sure I'll always say it. But I have a shopping problem. I love clothes. And shoes. And bags. I love it all! I have this idea in my head of the "life" I want to live-- the niceties of having a "big girl" job and having an expendable income for spur of the moment closet additions. After all, I am a fashionista at heart and it is hard for me to just NOT SHOP. Those words are like death! The reality, however, is bleak (so dramatic, I know. LOL). I am a college student, and a broke one at that. My parents, thank God for them, pay for tuition and living expenses, as well as gas & my sorority. (I honestly don't know what I would do without them. I'm very very very grateful!). But clothes, fun excursions, and dinner are all on me. I have some allowance money and some Premier money, but having school as my focus there just isn't much time to have another job. 

Something had to change. Something has to change. Enter the...

So I fixed up my email, and I will not be checking that store email daily. Or weekly. Or at all. Hopefully I'll forget my password. I also "Unfollowed" many stores on Instagram. My hope with these things is that by not looking at "New Arrivals" or "Sales" or anything of the sort, I will be less likely to venture to the store's site. For y'all, this also means no "Shopping Picks" posts, if I can avoid it, because I don't need anything tempting me. I'm also going to avoid brick-and-mortar stores... This is going to be hard! The end goal? Not buy a single thing for the month of February, rather the rest of February. (YIKES)

My only exceptions are as follows...

So here it goes, wish me luck, feel free to join me! And thank you for listening to my constant frustrations with my shopping problem! 

Have a great Thursday, my sweet readers!

--Caroline 

Five Friday Favorites (well, 10 actually)

Y'all. January is, like, over. Where did it go?! This semester is flying by so fast, but that's ok. I'm really loving all my classes, and I'm not nearly as crazy busy as I was in the fall (can I get an AMEN!!). Since I missed doing a Five Friday Favorites post last week, why not roll both weeks together? Here are my 10 awesome things that have happened these past two weeks.

1. I redesigned my blog a bit! Did you notice? Do you like it?

2. In my Graphics class, we got to try drawing brick. (I had learned this when I was at SCAD but it's been awhile). Not too shabby, and oh so fun!

3. I found out that the Orlando area is getting a couple Noodles and Company's. Let me just tell you that I am (hashtag) OBSESSED with good 'ol Noodles & Co. So when I read this news... I screamed and was so excited! It literally made my day! And yes, I will be driving 4 hours just to have lunch. Not even kidding.

4. I'm still on a great roll with working out at least twice a week at The Refinery! I want to go more and also get to the Wellness Center on campus to lift weights & ride the bike.

5. Kitty cuddles are the best kind of cuddles :)

6. Our Alpha Phi house is even more official now that we've had our ribbon cutting ceremony! It was such a fun day and I'm so glad we have a house now. Many memories will be made there in all the years to come!

7. I wore this super awesome outfit the other day. The mix of patterns and brown & black was not only a fun but classic look. Winner!!

8. We had a "snow" day here in Tallahassee on Wednesday. Basically, there was just a bunch of ice everywhere, but hey, no class and that was a nice break!

9. I found this picture from somewhere (pinterest, instagram, who knows!) and was really inspired by it, so I saved it. I didn't think I could pull off leather leggings but this ensemble looks so casual and easy... maybe I can!

10. How about those Broncos?!?!?! So excited my Colorado team is Super Bowl Bound!! Bronco Nation, Baby! 

Have a great weekend!

--Caroline

Linking Up with: Style Elixir for Fab Favorites

Five Friday Favorites

It's been a very full week, and I'm looking forward to a four day weekend to help me get ahead on some things! Classes are finally picking up and I already have a lot of design homework... But that's ok. I enjoy it!

Interestingly enough, most of my "favorites" for the week stem from my goals for 2014 (outlined in part 1, 2, and 3 here)...

1. I attended my second class at a fitness studio in Tallahassee called The Refinery. They feature barre classes, but this week I also tried their Piloxing class and loved it! I've always been intrigued by boxing, but never thought I'd be able to do a full class without getting bored, so this class is perfect for me! I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a great full body workout... I woke up sore the next day, always a good sign. If you aren't in Tallahassee, you can find Piloxing studios in your area on their website, www.piloxing.com.

2. As mentioned in yesterday's post, I've made some great strides in figuring out what beauty products feel great on my skin, and what products I'm never going back to!

3. I've been to Whole Foods before back home, but I finally went to the one here in Tally. To be honest, I'd be avoiding it! The parking lot is always congested, and I don't have the same "never seen it before" excitement some of my classmates and sisters have for it. Anyway, I picked up this coffee beverage to try and I'm in love! It tasted great, and it's made of coconut water and a bunch of other good-for-you ingredients. I felt focused and ready to start my day, but not in a fatty, sugary way. 

4. My Wednesday outfit was pretty cute!

5. Today, I'm planning on focusing some time on building my Premier business. To keep me focused, I'm referring back to this quote for motivation.

Overall, it's been a great week in my world! I hope y'all had a good week too, and have a happy and safe weekend :)

--Caroline

New Me 2014: Fashion & Blogging Goals

I’ve shared my life goals, my health & beauty goals, so today is all about my fashion & blogging goals!

FASHION

De-clutter my closet. I do this throughout the year, but I’d like to de-clutter and organize for the start of the new year.

Realize that it’s okay to be casual. I think this past year I have forgotten that I don’t always have to be dressed in a perfect outfit everyday. I’m still not breaking my rule of only wearing workout clothes out if I’m actually working out, but it’s okay if I don’t have a perfectly put together outfit everyday. I am in college. I have a whole career of dressing up everyday to look forward to.

BLOGGING

Post more variety. I’ve strayed a little far from having a nice variety here on This Styled Life, and with 2014 I want to bring that back!

Consistently post at least 3 times a week. Hopefully more but keep that my minimum.

Re-design This Styled Life. The restless designer in me wants to switch up the design of this blog, so look for that coming up here soon!

Thanks for letting me share my goals for this year. Check back over the next couple months for updates on how they are going, and tips & tricks that I’ve (hopefully) discovered to help you in your goal making!

--Caroline