TOMS- all you need to know!

A lot of people asked me about the TOMS in the photos yesterday. A few details:

-They only come in whole sizes (aka 8, 9, 10 not 8.5, 9.5)
-Get a size smaller than you would. For example, I am an 8.5 usually, but I got an 8 because they stretch. They were unbearably tight at first, but I wore them for two days straight around the house and now they are awesome! The fit is perfect, no slipping and they are super comfortable. Worth the painful two days (which weren't even that bad). If you go to big they will fit at first, then begin to slip off.
-for every pair you buy, they donate a pair to a child in need anywhere in the world. totally worth it!! Doing some good while being stylish... check and check!
-they come in so many awesome colors and prints, but start with something neutral so they can go with everything. Get crazier from there.

some awesome colors and prints:

Above: Sparkle and shine! Below: American Flag (awesome!)

so cute.. touch of color!
Go check out their website (http://www.toms.com) because in addition to all these they have baby and toddler TOMS which are the cutest things ever! They also have wedges, heels, and so much more!

So go go go and get shopping for a good cause!!

xoxo

OOTD

Outfit of the Day.

On days when I have three classes I attempt to look nice so people don't think I am a bum. I mean I totally judge those who don't even put themselves together enough to look like they didn't just roll out of bed.

The most important thing is that the outfit is comfortable because the last thing I need during class is rearranging or having to pull my pants up and other general annoyances we have as girls!

Now- I am no fashion blogger and the pics are with a dorm room mirror, so don't judge the crazy faces and cramped space I had to manipulate myself into to snap a photo!

The shirt is flowy material- super breathable, quarter sleeve, gathered neck. Talbots Fall/Winter 2012 line.

Black jeans (a staple in everyones wardrobe.. you can pair anything with them!)- Old Navy;currently in stock. The shoes are grey TOMS (Nordstroms).

This jacket is unbelievable and I think everyone should get one! Its the Patagonia Womens Coat- Grey and magenta accents. I got mine through North River Outfitters Boston Ma, but its available on the Patagonia website. It was super cold out so I had to put something on.

It dips in the back... super flattering, super warm, super comfortable.

I tied my hair back because I got up at 8:35 and had to be hiking my butt to class at 8:45 (go me for getting myself together so quick!)... to add cuteness I really believe in small details, so I added a simple black bow to match the pants and boom- the hair goes from drab to fab. I added two rings (cannot remember where I got them) for a little sparkle and bling.

Needlepoint Mania!

My newest purchases came from a company-Smathers and Branson- which is an entirely needlepoint company. Custom pieces galore like these:

So much cute stuff... they have wallets, belts for both genders, coasters, keyfobs (above), hats, and so much more! Their customer service is amazing and so friendly. They are always available. The only thing is shipping takes a while(6-8 weeks for things not in stock), so order early!

Here are the things I have accumulated over time:

This is the keyfob for Middlesex that I got for Christmas from my brother. I also have one that is purple with the HC emblem for Holy Cross.

These are the Dartmouth coasters I gifted my brother for Christmas. So cute!

The shamrock hat I ordered in celebration of my coming year of abroad studies!

I got my brother this credit card wallet a few years back... the lettering is a different font and it is navy and red color combo. It is so classic and one of a kind. He loves it!


I really recommend their products. Not only are they durable and lasting, but they are personalized and the website is so easy to navigate to find the perfect gift. If you are monogramming or personalizing I would consider calling. They place the order for you and are super quick and helpful about making sure your order arrives on time and in mint condition. Remember, personalized items take a bit longer to ship... so plan ahead!

These gifts are so special and things that will last a lifetime, so check out their website here:
http://www.smathersandbranson.com/


happy shopping!
xoxo

Fashion Friday

The newest trend for the summer (I am officially predicting) is the maxi skirt. I am obsessed and on the hunt for these perfect items! While I haven't found one that I adore yet, here are some I am lusting over!

Their tops are completely ridiculous, but the chevron is such a statement piece, while still being comfortable! More chevron love:

Navy chevron

Grey Chevron

Super chic and girly.

                                        Super cute and preppy.

The best part is they are super flattering on all body types. They are all eye popping-perfect for a dinner party- yet super comfortable so you don't have to worry about readjusting your outfit 24/7. In case you don't believe me.... Celebs are rocking the style too.

Rachel Bilson, Vanessa Hudgens, Nicole Richie

Especially great during pregnancy.

So keep your eyes peeled because these will be flying off the shelves!
xoxox

On my Radar....

1. The season 6 premiere of Mad Men on April 7th will be an entire 2 hours. WOOT WOOT to that! Put that show on your radar if you haven't already.

2. Alexis Bledel and Vincent Kartheiser are engaged. She was the star on Gilmore Girls and he is a star on Mad  Men, of which she recently guest starred. Their engagement couldn't make this mega fan (of both shows!)  more happy! 

3. Kate Middleton's pregnancy-- because anything she does (and wears) is perfect.

4. The rumors that Jimmy Fallon may take over the top stop, replacing Jay Leno. Not that I buy into the whole hatred towards Jay Leno (he is from my hometown after all!), but Jimmy Fallon is absolutely hilarious, younger, and is respected by so many more in the entertainment community.

5. Justin Timberlake. He took time off for his personal life, but the boy was meant to entertain. His new album is a hit and his new tour is blowing up across the US. Tickets are sold out. His wife has been supportive the entire time and he has kept it classy (literally dressing in a suit and tie every gig he does...note: his new album is called Suit and Tie). Cheers to you JT--for giving us more eye candy!

Happy Weekend-ing!

xoxo

 

Three books you should be reading...

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
22 year old Skeeter could care less about a ring on her finger or having children, but wants to make it big as a writer. In her quest to find something inspirational to write about, she begins interviewing different maids around town (Mississippi- 1960's) to get a viewpoint of the help. Intriquing, funny, witty, heartwarming, and a tad sad, this book has it all to keep your attention.
I finished this book in five days. Easily on my top 5 books I have ever read. Once you get used to the dialect you are smooth sailing through the rest of the book.

2. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

A girl escapes her life in Boston and ends up on a waterfront broken down house, making her way as a waitress, when she meets a man who helps her forget about her reality and jump into a new life. Soon the two figure out much about each other, including his two children. However, she can never truly escape her past and it eventually catches up with her. Suspenseful, beautiful, moving, and magical this book will keep you on your toes to see how the main characters handle the realities of life and attempt to escape their doomed fate.
Unlike many of the Sparks books, this one is much more realistic. I actually cried (embarrassing) on the last chapter because he draws you in so you truly feel like a character in the book. Well written and honest, this book is a quick, but satisfying read.

3.Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella 
Lara has a floundering start up business and is barely keeping herself together with all the stress in her life. She begins to think she is going really crazy when she believes she is seeing her great Aunt Sadie as a ghost. Soon enough Sadie has Lara doing all sorts of crazy things-- things that soon help Lara learn what means the most to her and what is going to truly make her happy. Lovely, witty, hilarious, and light this novel is great to dive into. Extremely relateable, the reader may even be able to learn a few lessons from Lara and Sadie herself. 
This author wrote Confessions of a Shopaholic and is well known for her attractive writing style, witty prose, and hidden lessons. You won't want to stop experiencing along with these characters!



If you loved a book and want to know what to read next hit up whatshouldireadnext.com- What should I read next?. This website allows you to type in the book you loved and it gives you a huge list of titles you may want to check out based on the novel you read. A great resource if you are struggling on where to go next! 


Happy Hump Day!
-Caroline
 
 

Documentary Review: Escape Fire

I love documentaries. I have a personality that is super curious. I love to learn about how people live, their life story, goals, dreams, aspirations, and so on. Some documentaries can be oober boring with interviews and nothing that sets it apart. Some are amazingly done, complete with music, a great story, and a lot of passion. I recently just watched on of those.

It was called Escape Fire and it was all about the health care system in America. There is no doubt that it is not serving our country the best it could, but unlike Sicko, done by Michael Moore, this film does not provide a one way, leftist view. This movie outlines all the advantages and disadvantages there is to our system. It takes a first hand look inside hospitals with doctors, pediatricians, clinic doctors and experts in the healthcare field. A special spotlight shines on drug use in the military after injuries or deployment.

 Whether or not you know much about our system, this movie is well worth it. You can rent it on Itunes, Apple TV and purchase it in stores. I really suggest you give it a go. It is super interesting and despite the content, never once was I bored. Plus- as Americans I believe it is our duty to be informed!


Enjoy!
xoxo

St. Patrick's Day Photo Dump!

I hope you all had a fabulous St. Patrick's Day! We celebrated pretty well around these parts since it is the only day of the year when cops don't break anything up. Here is some random photo-dumping constructed throughout the day!

No caption necessary

This was my roommate freshman year... it was so good to see her! Note: It was also freezing outside.

Note someone randomly gave me a cup at some point and I was obsessed with not just throwing it on the ground so I carried around an empty cup the entire day. It was so obviously empty as I am basically holding it upside down in every picture. Everyone got a crack out of me and that cup all day!

Casey, my favorite freshman, and I celebrating as two red heads!

I got a crack out of the google header yesterday (seen below). I had to look something random up and when that popped up all I could do was laugh. How cute! Of course I snapped a photo of it on my phone to share with you all since I thought it was so great. 

Hollywood Hunks (my top 5)!

Another storm is coming to New England yipee!!... said no one ever. Seriously, I adore that I get to experience all four seasons each year, but this winter is lasting far too long. Spring needs to get its booty in gear. To brighten up our wintered souls here are some hollywood hunks to cheer your weekend up!

Eddie Redmayne. An English actor who recently made his fame in Le Miserables. He is darn cute, but unfortunately taken! He is dating a British girl, so for now... eyes only!

Will Estes. He was my first celebrity crush as JJ Pryor on American Dreams. After the show got cancelled he flew under the radar for a while. However, he has made his reappearance as the adorable little brother following in the family business of being a cop on Blue Bloods. If you aren't watching that show, start now! Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg also star. It airs on Fridays at 10!

If you need another reason to love him... below is his beautiful self in uniform!

relationship status: unclear. I have done some serious stalking and nothing! Proves how great he is for staying out of the tabloids.

Edward Burns. He was recently in the Alex Cross movie, but he has been in so much, including 27 Dresses. He is so dashing and charming. Unfortunately he too, is married with children, so he is only available to dream about!

This handsome man is one of my favorites. Kyle Chandler. You may all know him as this guy:

Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights (netflix it NOW.. rent it whatever.. best show on television). He is most famous for his Coach Taylor days, but he has seamlessly entered the acting world in movies like Zero Dark Thirty and Argo. Handsome as ever. Unfortunately, he too is a southern charmer and has a wife and two children.

What would a hunk list be if Jon Hamm wasn't on it. Though he is legit male model status (and GQ's man of the year) he is most famous as Don Draper in Mad Men. He is dapper, dashing, and handsome. What more could you need? He is indeed, a phenomanal actor as well. You'll see him in tons of movies, including The Town, which is dear to my heart because it is about Boston. He is also taken and has been with his girlfriend for close to 20 years, but they do not believe in marriage. So, clearly he is trendy too.

I leave you with my favorite TV character, Don Drapper. Happy St. Patty's Day peeps!


xoxo