Business Casual

Okay, I can not believe it's already April

where did the semester go?

I have a month left of my third year in college..

Now that's super nerve racking, even though, I am a little behind.

That's what happens when you change your major three times...

BUT I am sticking with Fashion Merchandising 

Monday I had to present my current event for my 

intro to Fashion Merchandising class.

It took me forever to try and figure out what I wanted to talk about

because it literally could have been anything.

I kept going back and forth between ideas. Being that my name is at the end of the role I was one of the last few to go and we are not allowed to repeat current events and a lot of the ones I wanted to do were already done..

I decided to talk about Casual Fridays!

I would like to share my project with you guys.

When researching I found a lot of things interesting and very helpful.

So just a little background history..

I bet you guys did not know that Casual Friday originated from Hawaii and it was known as 

Aloha Friday!

It all started in 1966..

The Hawaiian Garment Industry wanted to sell more hawaiian shirts. They came up with this day that encouraged companies to let their employees wear hawaiian shirts one day a week.

This day took off and soon became a culture statement.

By the 1990s Aloha Friday came to the mainland and what we call it today, Casual Friday!

Management for a lot of companies thought this day was too relaxed and were unsure about the idea.

But, Levi's took it as a way to better their brand. The sales of jeans were starting to become stagnate. They recreated the Dockers. Dockers were originally meant for weekends spent on the golf course but, Levi turned them into the casual friday go-to attire. 

This picture is a slide from my presentation 

It shows you how men's clothing have changed over the years

Ever since Aloha friday, casual friday has become an everyday attire.

Most offices run off casual friday dress codes.

I think, we as americans have become so busy and are constantly going that our work attire and our play attire have become the same. It makes life easier when you don't have to change out of your work clothes and into your going out clothes.

Monday for my presentation I attempted to look business casual.

Although I think I was more just casual than business casual but I tend to dress up when most wouldn't. I always say it's better to be overdressed than underdressed.

SO, I'm sure you noticed the oh so adorable pup I'm holding!

Yes, that's my little guy. I've had him for a month now and couldn't be any happier, even though he ate my rainbow sandal the other morning... and I just bought a new pair like a week ago... so mommys not too happy with that.

ANYWAYS.. for my presentation I wore..

• Your basic Ralph Lauren button down that you can find here. 
• I actually found mine at Plato's Closet in the men's section
• There are so many of these tops I've even found some at goodwill
• It never hurts to look because this top is $90 and at outlet stores it's around $50
• These olive green pants are from American Eagle. I can't seem to find them online.
• They do have some that are very similar here. These are cropped jeggings unlike mine which I rolled up. There is also this pair , but they don't have them in the olive green.
• Yes, I said jeggings but honestly they feel like pants. They just fit nice and snug but are very comfortable. AE jeans are always comfortable! These are also high waisted and button up. You might be able to still find these in stores.
• My shoes are Lucky Brand, but I can't find them. I got these so long ago, but I love them
• There are a few shoes I like that I think would do the trick for this outfit:
• You can never go wrong with a pair of Jack Rogers. I don't have a pair, but I do want some. I just can't bring myself to paying that much for them..
• I absolutely love Steve Madden and these are super cute.
• Also if you want to dress this up a bit more you can add some booties and maybe your favorite cardigan or a casual blazer. I found some Carlos Santana booties here. By adding these two things it'll make the outfit more business casual.

                                                               Now time for the jewelry!:)

• In the first picture the set of four bracelets are from Versona, hey I gotta use that employee discount!:) sadly they no longer have them online.
• I found a set that would also do the trick here.
• When stacking bracelets just have fun with it. You really can't go wrong!
• Cheeky Peach also has great bracelets to stack. They have way more in store than online.
• My Fossil watch you can find here. I've had this watch for a few years now and it still is in great shape. Fossil watches are definitely made to last.
• In the second picture I took two of the bracelets from the set and paired it with a wrap bracelet that I made!

I got the idea for my current event from Sunday Morning

I don't know if you guys watch that

but it's something my dad watches 

I always would watch it with him

Now that I live alone me and my pup watch it!

sources for my project

• http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-fallout-from-casual-fridays/
• http://www.marketplace.org/2012/08/17/business/workplace-culture/dress-code-history-business-casual
• http://articlesofstyle.com/56239/a-brief-history-of-mens-style/

additional links

• http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm
• http://time.com/3951291/100-years-mens-fashion/
• This link is for a video that shows the change in men's fashion over a 100 years. It's really cool to watch and they also have one for womens fashion.

"Don't take yourself too seriously and don't get caught up in the rat race, Relax!"

Mufi Hannemann

(former mayor of Honolulu)

Happy Hump Day!

-A

Simplicity

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you learn to know God's will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2

Today, the bible study I attended, we talked a lot on this topic and I just really wanted to share it. This is something I know you all struggle with and I know I very much do, but we just need to know that we do have someone that loves us and looks out for us no matter what. We all fall short in the glory of God and that's okay because God still loves each of us. All we need to do is try to live for him and by him each day. He has a plan for each of us and we just need to use the talents he has given us to spread his word and move forward.

So on this beautiful Friday
while heading to class or work just keep all that in mind and keep things simple.

It's the end of the week!! Life is good so just keep things simple and easy.

I know it's been a minute since I've posted something, but hey life happens!

I am going to try a little harder to post more often.

One of the things I struggle with and why I don't post that often,

is because, it's so hard for me to find people to take pictures for me.

So instead of having to worry about that I'm just going to be basic and use my selfie-stick!

Hey that's what it's meant for, right?

So, I'm just going to apologies in advance for my selfies..

...Today from my closet...

• Top: of course it's a PIKO. The color is Marsala and I love this color!
• Cardigan: Charlotte Russe Cardigan. I can't find the same one because I bought it over a year ago. If I'm being honest I would go somewhere else and find a better one. Don't get me wrong I do really like this cardigan, but you can tell it's cheaply made plus I just found a hole in it so that's real cute..
• I found one that's very similar from TOPSHOP and its on sale!
• You really can do this outfit with any kind of oversized cardigan that you'd like. 
• Jeans: GAP jeggings and they do not have the same ones online. They have way more to pick from in stores plus I got my for $17.99!! I had to buy them! It's never good if I go into GAP alone; I just love that store! I would highly recommend buying a pair because they are so comfortable and I have worn them almost everyday since I got them. They are tight enough to wear in boots and look great when you roll them up for booties.
• Shoes: TOMS They don't have the high top ones like mine online (which is weird because they always have them) but they do have their basic ones that lace up which are just as cute and will serve the same purpose! 
• To make it cute and easy just throw on any basic necklace to finish it off or even one of your favorite scarves!

"I feel that the simplicity of life is just being yourself."

~Bobby Brown~

-A               

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving!!

I hope it's filled with very much food!!

On such a fun and relaxing day filled with family and food 

I'm sure many of you will be heading out for some Black Friday shopping!!

I'm fortunate enough to be working on Black Friday.. 

...that should be fun...

I worked last year on Black Friday and it's kind of a blur..

In my opinion you can find the same if not better deals online!

so for your convenience I found some of my favorite stores and their awesome deals!

1. Entourage, of course! I love this store! They always have great simple pieces for good prices. starting at 5 am on the 27th they are having 20% off the entire store. This also applies for online as well. Also if you text ENTWEB to 313131 you get 10% off your first purchase. This is something they have year round and they always send you updates and coupons. Also they have PIKOs for $15!! and blanket scarves for $12!! both hot items and great gifts this year!
2. Cheeky Peach, another great store! This store is very edge yet contemporary. They are located in the heart of downtown Athens. They have many great gifts and things for yourself! Right now they are having 20% off in-store and online with code:GREATFUL so be sure to use that at cheek out!
3. Kohl's You can find gifts for everyone at Kohl's! It's like a one stop shop! Also for the holidays they are doing $15 for every $50 you spend. Usually they do $10, but you can spend well over $50 so just think if you spend $100 on gifts for everyone you'll get $30 to spend on yourself!! Hey you got to treat yourself! Oh plus Kohl's has Lauren Conrad's line and I absolutely love her line. It's very simple and chic!
4. Macy's we can't forget about Macy's, am I right? They always have great deals. They have free shipping over $50 plus 20% off!
5. Versona since I work here I have to promote them! Unfortunately we do not do anything special for Black Friday, But we always have a ton of sales going on. We also have a lot of items you would find in smaller boutiques, we like to call Versona a department boutique! Definitely stop by because I'll be there working!

This is just a few stores but many other stores have amazing deals both in-stores and online!

Whether you feel brave enough to go out with the masses and embrace the crowds then more power to ya!! 

or, I think the better option would be to grab yourself a big cup of your favorite coffee, get in your favorite PJs and make sure to have your cards ready

and start online shopping!!

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great king above all gods. In his hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.
~Psalm 95:2-4~

Happy Turkey Day!!          

-A           

Fall is in the air

Well this is definitely a long over due post..

Since my last post at the beach a lot has happened and I haven't had much time to blog:(

Well long story short, I've moved back to my home town.. good ole Athens!

I've also started my third year attending a new school and I'll soon be transferring to UGA next semester. I can not wait to be there and start my major. Yeah.. I'm a little behind.

Over the last few months I have gotten so wrapped up with life. The little free time I have all I want to do is sleep and watch Netflix! I realized instead of complaining about all the work I have to do and how busy I am, I need to accept it and make time for the things that matter the most to me. 

So on that note lets get to the important things..

FALL AND FASHION!!

Fall is hands down my favorite season!

One thing I love about living in Georgia is you get to see all the seasons

You don't see the leaves changing colors in Florida

I mean don't get me wrong I do miss Florida and the beautiful sunshine!

but fall in Georgia means...

Cardigans,

Boots,

Flannels,

Starbucks, 

and beautiful weather :)

Cardigans are my favorite thing about colder weather. 

I probably have one too many and this one I just recently added..

I found it at Old Navy and of course it was on clearance!

I couldn't find the exact one but I found some like it..

I think this one from old navy is cute.

(its also on sale)

This one is also cute!

I could go on about cute cardigans because you can never go wrong with one!

A great place to find good ones are Goodwill and Plato's Closet and sometimes if you look in the guys section you can find some good over sized ones.

Speaking oh Goodwill, I just bought a Gap cardigan for $5 and it still had the tag on it. 

Its original price was $45!

The shirt is also from Old Navy and it is a great basic piece to have.

It was only $4 too!!

I went back to get more but they were all gone.. sad..

so I also couldn't find the same top but

Old Navy has a ton of basic tops online and they are all a must have for any ones closet!

Plus most are on sale right now ;)

Of course Fall also means scarves!

and blanket scarves are a must have!

You can find some at..

Old Navy

Entourage

Cheeky Peach

and of course..

Versona

We actually have more in stores than what you see on the Versona website!

So this fall grab 

your favorite cardigan, 

your over sized blanket scarves,

your favorite sunny glasses,

and don't forget to get yourself a fall inspired Starbucks drink! ;)

**Gotta keep it basic, right?**

And go out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather!

"He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows it's time for setting."

~Psalm 104:19~

-A          

Beachin'

Anyone else heading to the beach this summer?

We headed to Amelia Island like we do every year. It is my absolute favorite place to be!

This year I kept it easy and simple.

The cover up I am using this year is actually a night gown from Target, but you can't

even tell it's a night gown. Plus I've worn it as a dress.

It's super cute, comfortable, and very flattering for all body types!

You can find it here for only $16.99!

The shoes (that I am obsessed with) are from Versona. 

I bought them because they look just like Birkenstock Sandals 

only I got mine for $10 instead of $100.

If you want the actual Birkenstocks you can find them here. 

They also have many different styles, which I love them all!

(Mine are no longer on the Versona website, but they have some look alike at Target.)

(Target also has some with a little bling, which you can find here.)

(One of my best friends has the ones with the bling and they are really cute and go with everything)

The bag I found at T.J.Maxx while here in Amelia Island.

I mean even on vacation you must shop!

I thought it was the cutest bag because 

I love pineapples, it's big enough for anything, and it was only $16!!

I found the same bag at Kohl's for the same price

They also have it in a different color.

The bathing suite is one of my best savvy finds I think!

I'm proud of this find because it looks identical to the Triangle Swimwear.

I have always wanted one, but there is no way I can afford them.

I found mine at Target. I can't seem to find it on their website but they also have one that looks similar and I still think its cute as well. You can find that one here.

I hope everyone heading to the beach this summer has a safe and fun trip!

I'm sad my trip is almost over, but it was so much fun to be back here for a week!

   Happy Beachin'         

-A          

Germany!

Traveling this summer?

I got the opportunity to travel to Germany this May.

I took advantage of the maymester programs at my school.

They offer a number of trips to pick from and anyone can go on them. 

You get not only a trip to places like Germany but you also get 6 credit hours.

On this maymester we got credit for a German class and a mass com class. 

We learned about the history of German film.

Now all I have to do is write a 10 page paper to get the credit..

Maybe I should start that..

Anyways, of course while I was over there I was paying attention to the way the Europeans dressed.

I noticed the women wore mostly skinny jeans or leggings and they all wore tennis shoes with everything. That's probably because they walk or ride their bikes everywhere.

The weather was perfect while we were over there.
It was in the 60s and 70s so it was perfect for jeans and a light jacket.

While we were in Münster we went to the farmers market that they have once a week.
You can get basically everything there. From flowers to fish!

My friend Lauren found these awesome pants!

I'm not sure what you'd call these pants but all I know is they are extremely comfortably!

After she bought them she literally wore them everyday.

They are great lounging pants.

You can also dress them up with a nice top!

Which is what she did on the plane ride home. She wore a black Piko top with them.

That was probably the most comfortable way to travel.

Being on a plane for 8 hours you want to be as comfortable as possible.

These pants were definitely money well spent!

 

In both these picture me and Lauren are wearing tops that we bought at Street One

She got a grey one and I got a tan one.

They are super comfortable and very light.

In the left picture I have on a t-shirt from Entourage, leggings, and high tops.

I found my high tops at Platos Closet for $12.

That was a lucky find and they were great for this trip.

But, to be honest I'm still team Vans all the way!

In the right picture Lauren is wearing a short sleeved v-neck Piko in olive green.

Pikos are great for traveling because they can be fancy or casual.

Plus you can get them in any color and all different styles!

She paired her Piko with a cute sleeveless cardigan!

More Pikos!

Lauren has on a red long sleeved Piko with an infinity scarf!

I have on a light sweater that I found at American Eagle 

(I talked about this sweater in my Fab Finds post)

This is a section of the Berlin Wall!

That was really neat to see and there was a ton of graffiti on it!

Jessie on the left is rocking pink skinny jeans and a denim button down.

Which is always something easy to throw on over any top!

That morning she said she looked like a teacher but I think she looked super hot!

Lauren on the right has on black skinny jeans which go with everything!

She also has on a cute sheer top and is rocking those TOMs!

Shocker.. I have on a Piko top!

I'm telling you Pikos are the best top you'll ever buy

and they are cheaper if you order them off their website.

I have to say this trip to Germany was one to remember!

I wouldn't change a single thing about it and this awesome group made it even better!

I'm so glad we got to know each other so well and I couldn't of asked for a better group!

If you're traveling this summer be sure to pack what you need 

and things you can wear a few times.

Don't over think the packing and always keep it simple.

Remember you're going to enjoy yourself and have fun. 

The last thing you want to worry about is your clothes!

 Happy Travels!        

-A          

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Graduation Time

       May is the time for graduation. Whether it's High School or College.

I got to be lucky enough to see my brother and cousin graduate from college!

Man does time fly! 

I can't believe they have both graduated from college!

My brother, Anthony, graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

He has come a long way and has accomplished so much and I am nothing but proud of him!

I had to stick to the GT colors! 

I mean it was only necessary!

I am wearing:

 A navy blue Lauren Conrad dress. Found at Kohl's for only $10.

They do not have this dress on the website anymore, but here is one similar.

My shoes, which you can't see are Steve Madden found at OFF BROADWAY. 

They are super comfortable. I love wedges and Steve Madden.

My bracelet is from Versona and the necklace is from Dress Up. 

I have also worn this necklace in my ladies in red and red white and blue outfits. 

It's a good piece to have!

****

This is my beautiful cousin, Shannon, who just graduated from The University of Virgina!

I am also so proud of her and can not wait to see what the future has in store for her!

She will be attending The University of Florida to finish off her studies!

For this graduation I picked a maxi dress from Entourage.

This dress was found at the Entourage warehouse sale for only $12 and it's originally $36!

Also I am wearing my Giving Key plus some sunglasses I picked up in Germany for 9 Euros!

(Germany post soon to come!)

The graduation was outside so it was pretty hot. I was even hot in this, but it was all worth it!

Again I am extremely proud of my brother and cousin for all that they have accomplished!

Congratulations to all who are graduating!

-A