Lumos

So, uh, it seems that whenever I wear this outfit, I eat a whole lot of delicious Italian food - and it's not even planned! The last time I paired this blouse and these jeans, here, I went to an Italian restaurant and ate a huge bowl of gnocchi and some nutella gelato. Today, I ended up going out to lunch and eating the most delicious prosciutto, basil and mozzerella wrap and some tiramisu. And no, there are no food pictures, because I eat like a starving pig. So, what I'm trying to tell you is that I'm going to become a terrible blogger and wear only this outfit forever so I can eat lots of delicious food. Just kidding. Or am I?

Blouse: H&M, Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Hot Kiss? from Famous Footwear









Also, I painted this little owl last week at a paint your own pottery place. His name is Lumos. (The turtle, Shelly, is my friend's)



Until tomorrow,
Nicole

After the Storm

Something you may not know about me - or maybe you do, in which case I'm impressed - is that I'm big on metaphors and "signs from the universe." Even though when things go wrong I tend to panic, shut down, and push people away, my mind is always aware of and interpreting the things going on around me. Last night, I found myself peering out my window, watching hurricane Irene gently rattle everything on my block. Trees were swaying, fences were swaying, cars were swaying, and soon I was swaying (it was infectious). As I stood their, gently rocking, I couldn't help but think of the powerlessness of everything around me. Everything was subject to nature, to the winds and the rains and the bright lightening cracking the sky. I've been frustrated lately due to the powerlessness I've been feeling in my own life. One of the hardest parts of the breakup that I chose to have has been the waiting and wondering, the not knowing whether or not someone wants to be with me. I've been feeling like I don't have control of my life right now, that my future is in someone else's hands. The storm made me realize that no one is ever in full control of their own life. Whether it's nature, illness, or the people in your life, we can only control so much. We have to do what we can to better ourselves and try our best to deal with everything that trips us up. I can't control the future of my relationship right now. I have to accept that and move beyond it, making all of the positive choices I can to improve the other areas of my life. Hurricane Irene didn't turn out to be so bad. Hopefully it's a sign that I can get through this, too.

Skirt: Forever 21, Tee shirt: Borrowed, Boots: Hot Kiss, Socks: We Love Colors, Jacket: Salvation Army











Until tomorrow,
Nicole

Pretty Penny

So, before I talk about my clothes, I just want to tell you how much I appreiciate all of the advice and love you guys sent me on my last post. This whole situation isn't easy, but it's amazing to know that so many of you are so supportive, and I thank you from the very bottom (and top, and middle) of my heart. Now, onto the clothes I suppose. These pants are one of my newest fall purchases. And, while it's still about 75 degrees, I just can't help but dress for the next season. While I wasn't sure if copper colored pants were the most practical buy, I have to say that I kind of love them, and am looking forward to pairing them with rich fall camel browns and mustards. Have you made any cool fall purchases yet?

Blouse: Delia's, Jeans: Espirit, Shoes, Purse: Urban Outfitters









And I just had to include this jumping shot gone wrong, as it looks like I'm trying to flee the photo



And on that note,

Until tomorrow,
Nicole

Up In the Air

Some of you may have noticed that my blog's been a pretty quiet place for the past week, and that I haven't been commenting on your blogs much at all. For that, I'm sorry. And as much as I don't want to type out this explanation, I'm hoping it will be therapeutic or cathartic in some way. On Sunday, I broke up with my boyfriend, Zak. I wasn't sure of the reason, but i was pushing him away, resenting him. Bad things. I thought it was his fault that I didn't have many friends, and that he was the reason I was unhappy a lot of the time. So, I broke up with him and broke his heart. Very soon after, I realized I had made a huge mistake. I rushed myself into a decision that, while was ultimately my fault, I felt pressured to make. I apologized and told him I loved him, and now the ball's in his court. It's not easy having your future up in the air, though I know I deserve it. I've spent the last few days crying, feeling sick to my stomach, and trying to be happy. Obviously, dressing up and taking photos was the last thing I felt like doing. Now, though, there's nothing I can do but live my life, distract myself from the pain, and get back to normalcy, whatever that is now. And, part of normal life is taking pictures and blogging, so I thought that's a good place to start.

Today I went out with my friend Charlotte, and we did a bit of thrift shopping. I was able to pick up some cute new decorations for my room and a few tops. I'm wearing some new stuff here, since there's something about new clothes that clouds despair just the slightest bit. I picked up this deer print dress the other day, and ordered these loafers a few weeks ago. I like them, but the left shoe is a bit too big. I think I have two different size feet. Ah well. I finally tried out the "little socks" trend I've been hesitant to try, but I figured that trying something new might be a good idea at the moment.


Dress: H&M, Socks: We Love Colors, Shoes: Urban Outfitters













Until tomorrow,
Nicole

Celebrate

So, yesterday I got the news that I got offered the fall internship I wanted really badly! I'm so excited to start working with them once the semester starts. To celebrate Zak took me out to dinner (though I may have asked him to...) to one of our favorite restaurants, Underhills Crossing. The food was delicious, though I have no pictures since it was all devoured rather quickly. All in all, a very nice evening. Unfortunately, I had absolutely no clue what to wear. It was one of those days where I just hated my closet and nothing looked right. So, I wasn't thrilled with this outfit. I'm not sure the dress is at all flattering. But who cares? It has owls on it, and I have an internship. Hoorah!

Dress: Modcloth, Boots: Delia's, Thoreau Pin: Berkeley Book Store











Until tomorrow,
Nicole

Bronx Zoo

On Monday, Zak and I headed out for a trip to the Bronx Zoo. We both absolutely love the zoo, and after realizing we hadn't been all summer, we put the trip high on our to do list. It was kind of the perfect zoo trip. The weather was cloudy and cool but not rainy, it wasn't crowded at all, and we got to walk around almost the whole zoo and see nearly everything (I was wearing my pedometer, we walked about 7 miles total!). I have way too many photos of animals and myself, so "bear" with me (puns!). Highlights were a butterfly landing on my hand in the butterfly garden, seeing a very sleepy tiger up close, and making a new peacock friend (see the last photo).

Blouse: H&M, Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Hat: Asos, Purse: Vintage











(This turtle had somehow managed to perch himself on this little statue of a dragonfly, making himself look like a part of the scenery!)





















Until tomorrow,
Nicole

All Tied Up

Last weekend was quite lazy. I did a little bit of shopping for my room, as I'm trying to update it and make it a bit more "mature," but that's really about it. I've had a lot on my mind lately, so part of me would have preferred being super busy and having a bunch of distractions from my thoughts, but relaxation isn't exactly a bad thing when you're stressed. Anyway, I've been wanting to try out the tied up sleeveless button down thing for a while, and even more so after seeing Kallie wear it so well. Unfortunately, I never got around to buying a shirt like that this summer. After a bit of thinking, though, I realized I could wear my beloved denim vest as a blouse, and voila! Let me tell you, that denim vest is quickly becoming the MVP of my wardrobe. To think I wanted to buy a cheaper one because I thought I'd hardly wear it!

Vest: Goodwill, Skirt: Forever 21, Sandals: Dr. Scholl's/Mom's











Until tomorrow,
Nicole