grandpa cardigan

I finally found my perfect grandpa cardigan! I absolutely love my oversized oatmeal one from Vera by Vera Wang (I mean, I found it for $4, it's soft, it's large... basically my idea of heaven) but I was just wearing it too much. So when my mom was here, one of our main shopping missions was to find me another cardigan to fill out  my collection - but they all had wool! And we all know my delicate skin just can't handle wool (much as I wish it could). But Colleen and I were out wandering M Street this afternoon and popped into H&M where voila, there it was! Perfection in the form of a cardigan - black, oversized, yarn that was just the perfect chunkiness, brown buttons, elbow patches, and no wool!

I would tell you more but I am on a mission to go to bed before midnight which means I have... 5 minutes to put this post up! Just wanted to say hello and share my find with you, a longer life update will hopefully come tomorrow. Have a good night :)

it's fall

And by fall, I mean it's freezing. And by freezing, I mean that I had to practically crawl under my bed to get to my box of winter clothes. And what did I pull out? My gigantic green cardigan!

by corpus cardigan

vintage necklace

hanes tshirt

jcrew pants

star ling boots

thrifted coach bag

Sorry for the kind of unattractive photos. The camera was being angsty, and I was freezing (photo above, anyone?). Basically, I've been wearing my fuzzy socks for like 24 hours straight. I know I said I was ready for fall, but now I'm not so sure - I mean, if by fall you mean sunny, crisp, and 55/60 degrees, sign me up! But this fall, the 40 degrees and drizzling, it's pretty much inhumane. 

Pretty cool picture of me, right? Except not at all... but it does show off the folds of my cardigan quite well! This thing is actually gigantic. Humongous. The collar is so large that sometimes I put it on upside-down.  How is that possible? Besides the obvious, that I'm not the brightest bulb, I'm not really sure how. But I love it anyways.

This is my second Sunday outfit post! Of course, I've only posted once in the past week or so, so I'm still not doing so hot on this whole posting thing. I think it's the change of seasons. It's hard to go outside and take photos when it's freezing and rainy! And Kennedy is sorely lacking in picture-appropriate stairwells, unlike the lovely New South. All the lights inside are harsh and fluorescent, making picture-taking simply impossible.

Well, this post has been thoroughly uninteresting, so I think I will end things here. Hope you all had a lovely weekend - rest up, because tomorrow's another Monday! Ugh.

wait, it's fall now?

So I looked at my phone this morning to check the weather and saw that it would be around 60 degrees. I mean, ok, I can handle that... But then I step outside my dorm. And it's chilly! This was totally unexpected! I mean, I could handle 50s and 60s - in November. This is not what I left the frigid north for...

nordstrom cardigan

costco tank top (yes, they do exist. and are quite comfortable)

j brand cords

teva flip flops

I'm wearing flip flops in an outfit post! This is my first time doing this, not sure how I feel about it. It was just a flip flop day I guess? Oh, and this cardigan? I love how it kind of has a tweedy, Chanel look to it (at least it does in my head), but in reality it can get kind of annoying. You see, it has they hook-and-eyes, and they attach to the sleeves - basically it's slowly pulling itself to pieces. Drives me insane.

 And p.s., my cords are actually a dark shade of green. I'm realizing it doesn't look that way in the photos, just wanted to advertise that I'm wearing one of my much-beloved pairs of green pants :)

Sorry for the limited visibility of my owl, he's hiding. He's a bit shy...

It's Friday! Can't believe I've already had three weeks of school. Sophomore year is so much different than freshman year - and I think I'm enjoying it! I mean, we'll see what I have to say when classes really start to heat up and I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off - except, sadly, it's more likely that I'll get bored than get stressed. I know, I know. Don't hate me. It's just that so far, I haven't really had much to do! And when I have too much free time on my hands, I get stressed. So we shall see. Maybe I'll fill it all up by obsessively blogging and annoying you all with my pointless posting? Always an option... have a lovely weekend all :)

ruined by the rain

So today I wore this adorable vintage shirtdress to work - see it here, as you're not going to see it at all in the post today. And why is that, you may ask? Because it's soaking wet! My supervisor at the office took me and a few of the other interns to the state capitol today to sit in on a meeting between our State Senate Majority Leader and a visiting group (this one happened to be made up of Parliamentarians from the U.K. - a.k.a. amazing accents ^^). But as the meeting went on, the weather got uglier and uglier outside, and when it was over we had to make a run for it to the car. Long story short, I was basically a wet tshirt contest, and got to go home early since it would be inhumane to make me sit at my desk for another hour in a damp dress. The end. Outfit change:

vera vera wang cardigan

martin&osa tshirt and shorts

thrifted belt

 nordstrom bp watch

toms shoes

Oh  how I love this cardigan! It's so perfect for days when it's just a bit chilly and damp and you want to curl up in something fuzzy :) Never mind that it's basically the length of my shorts, I'm sure no one minds. Also, note the head cut off in most of these photos? Sorry about that, once again it was not intentional. Sigh, the trials of self-photographing

 Whenever I wear these shorts, I just feel required to wear this belt along with it! I don't know why, but they just look so perfect together - very utilitarian-chic. 

So besides my meeting at the capitol (which was lots of fun despite the weather, by the way. The parliamentarians seemed so nice! Wish I could've actually chatted with them) I haven't done much today! Made myself some pasta in lieu of going to Noodles&Company, which turned out to be a bit disappointing - I'm really craving some good pesto! In other news, I've finally reached 100 followers! I know, you are probably looking at the sidebar and thinking "no, no you haven't. You are currently at 87. Close Alison, but no cigar" - I, however, am also counting my bloglovin followers, which puts me in at 103. Sooo, I'm going to do my first giveaway! Not positive what all it's going to be yet, but I should put it up this week, so stay tuned! I know that in the grand scheme of things 100 isn't that many, but I just want to thank everyone for reading and commenting, it makes me quite happy. xx love you all

not my usual skirt

I found this skirt at My Sister's Closet, a consignment store in the Twin Cities, the other day when mom and I were out and about in Minneapolis. They have a store right here in St. Paul in walking distance from our house, but we had never been in the Minneapolis location, so when we drove past and saw they were having their summer sale of 50% the entire store, we practically ran over the curb in our eagerness to get there. So the skirt is a bit longer than what I normally go for (as you may have noticed, I have a penchant for short lengths when it comes to skirts and dresses), but I thought that it might be nice to own a few longer skirts, when it comes to working and interviews, etc. And it is! I wore this interning today, and the soft fabric (linen I believe, judging by the wrinkles) was perfect for sitting at a desk all day.

martin&osa cardigan

jcrew tank

thrifted skirt (odille?)

peeple lures charm

toms shoes

 Yes, a cropped-head picture. Haven't seen one of these in a while, right? My pictures just weren't that attractive today, a problem I am attributing to my finnicky eyes (thus the glasses) and messy hair. Oh well.

Isn't the little eyelet print cute? I'm a fan. And the charm on my chain, below, is from a store up near my cabin in Wisconsin. I seriously have way too many little charms now, but they are so adorable and versatile! I have a weakness for all things nautical (I own multiple striped shirts and a few too many little striped dresses) and though I suppose the ship is a bit literal, I couldn't resist :)

So today was once again interning at the International Center, and I got a lot done! Did some fixing up of an itinerary for a group that is coming this week, and I wish I would be in the office to meet them, as they are from Belarus - we could speak Russian together! Alas, my only days in the office are Monday and Tuesday. But next week we have a group in from Great Britain and apparently I get to go on a meeting or two with them? Can't wait, I do love British accents... But seriously, I'm really enjoying working there! I'm learning all about interesting organizations and nonprofits in the Twin Cities, and I'm hoping to work in this field (international visitors) when I'm back in D.C. later this year. So we shall see! 

That's about all, and it looks like my week is going to be pretty boring from now on (as I was only scheduled at Old Navy once this week... grr) and I'm going to be left by myself! Well not completely, my aunt will still be here but she's gone a lot during the days. Natalie and mom are going down to Iowa to join my dad at Rag Brai, a bike ride across Iowa. Apparently it's pretty interesting, can't wait to hear stories when they get back. Hope everyone is having a great week, good night :)

cooling down

The AC is off, the windows are open, I'm wearing a cardigan and not sweating like a pig - we might actually survive this summer! Apparently the humidity returns tomorrow, so we've gotta enjoy it while it lasts. I spent the morning doing physical tasks outside for the parents, a.k.a. ridding the back porch of its variety of pine needles, dead bugs, and cobwebs - but I have to say it wasn't even that bad, because the weather is so lovely! Here are some pictures of my outfit today, including one of my new purchases from Banana (though not the one I'm so excited to show you, I think it deserves its own post?).

 banana republic cardigan

urban outfitters tank

vintage necklace

target shorts

born sandals

 Question of the day for you : how is it that even my summer wardrobe is filled with fall colors? Because I've been seeing it more and more and I honestly don't know why...

It's hard to tell in these photos, but the front of the cardigan has these panels with a black lace overlay, and they are absolutely amazing! I originally saw it in cream on some bottom shelf in Banana, but when I saw the version in navy I knew I had to get it. I'm really loving lace lately! Also while at Banana yesterday I tried on this gorgeous dark green dress completely overlaid with lace, and I wanted it sooo badly, but I just don't know where I'd wear it! It's too nice and formal for everyday or for even a dinner out with the girls. I'd need to wear it to a nice dinner or the theater (and even then I'd probably be overdressed. Have you seen how people dress at the theater nowadays? So sad), occasions that I just don't get that often, not enough to warrant the price - even with my amazing discount :)

So Jenny and I are headed up north for the night to stay at the Grand Casino in Hinckley! Her mom gets free rooms there, so we decided to have a little girls night away from home. We're going to swim, go to the gym, watch movies, maybe play a little blackjack (you're legally allowed to gamble in Minnesota at 18, in case you were wondering how I'm doing this ^^). Jenny always likes to dress up for these sorts of outings - and when do I miss an opportunity to dress up? - so I'm bringing my camera and will hopefully get some pictures. Not making any promises though, I'm notoriously bad at taking pictures when I'm out and about :)

rainy rainy day

Ugh, when I said yesterday was a blah day clearly I hadn't quite comprehended how blah a day can actually get. Well, maybe that's being a bit overdramatic. The activities of my day were fine, it is just absolutely horrible here, weather-wise. I woke up to the dog barking because of the thunder, and I'm sure I will go to sleep with the sound of rain pounding on the roof. Sure, some people like this weather. Just not me.

vera vera wang cardigan

topshop tshirt

martin&osa shorts

born sandals

Oh self-timer photos - yeee. That's what happens when you're left alone, yet again. But guess what? I remembered to put shoes on for these! Baby steps...

One of my only patterned/brightly-colored shirts. Thought it would spice up my rainy day. 

Went to the Mall of America today, Jenny and I wanted to check out Nordstrom's anniversary sale. I'm sad to say it wasn't very good! I really wanted to go see the pair of Frye boots I want to buy, but they weren't even in store. Sigh. But then I tried on this Dries Van Noten sweater that was just the color of that American Apparel shirt I wanted, made of cashmere of silk, and absolutely gorgeous! Too bad that even on sale it was over $200. Once again, sigh. But I guess it was good that I didn't buy anything, I definitely don't need to spend any more money.

Speaking of money, I start my job next week! While at the mall Jenny and I also ran down to the Mall of America badging office so that I could pick up my Mall of America employee badge - so now while I'm at Old Navy I can traipse around the back hallways of the mall without getting in trouble. Yay! And now I'm off to a friend's house to watch So You Think You Can Dance, have a lovely evening all!

last friday night...

Well, a.k.a yesterday night, but I just heard that song and it's kind of stuck in my head (and it was technically a Friday yesterday). Ughhh I promised I would put up a post of my outfit yesterday and I didn't! I was just too busy. Good news is I managed to take pictures of my outfit, so here they are!

vintage necklace

jcrew button down

martin&osa cardigan

 old navy shorts

 minnetonka moccasins

Wearing this cardigan makes me miss Martin&Osa! I don't know how many of you ever saw it, I feel like there weren't that many stores and it wasn't around for long, maybe a year? It was an offshoot of American Eagle aimed at a slightly older crowd (maybe mid-20s) and they sold really cute, classic, slightly nautical-inspired basic pieces (and had really great sales). Then American Eagle decided to close them in favor of a little kids store. Really? My friend Jenny and I were kind of depressed.

I know, wearing something black and ankle-height on my feet probably isn't going to make my legs look any longer. But I love the shoes, I liked the look of them with this outfit, and I figure I'm tall enough that its not the end of the world if I wear a pair of shoes that aren't technically lengthening...

I am in love with this necklace! It's another one from my Grandma Linda in Iowa, and I just love the mass of chains and the intricate clasp (as witnessed by me wearing it in the front, not the back). My mom loves it too, so there's a chance I won't be able to bring this one back to school with me... or I could just steal it, like those shoes? We shall see

So yesterday I had pilates in the morning, a phone interview in the afternoon, and another in-person interview in the afternoon as well. Then I went home, grabbed some food, and headed out to volunteer greeting visitors and taking donations at Caponi Art Park for their Shakespeare Festival, always a fun, chill job. I should be doing that again tonight, assuming the rain stops. We were promised 2 days of sun, and they can't even give us that?? Ridiculous.

After that I went over to a friends house and a couple of us went out to see Bad Teacher, Cameron Diaz's new movie. My suggestion would be wait until it comes out on DVD - it had it's funny bits and the characters were good, but the plot overall was just ehhh. So yes, that is all. Now I really reallyyy need some lunch, just spent the morning volunteering on the carousel and haven't eaten for quite a few hours. Hope the weekend is going well for everyone!

global warming is a joke

Remember how my last post was talking about how it was blazing hot, like 100 degrees? Well, for the past few days since then its been like 60 and rainy. Really Minnesota, really? I knew we lived in the land of weather extremes, but this is just a bit... extreme. Regardless, I didn't feel like dressing up much today, so here is my throw-on outfit

 simply vera vera wang cardigan

all time low concert tshirt

gap jeans

Oh my oversized sweaters, gotta love them. I always get compliments on how soft this one, and it makes me so feel so warm and fuzzy when I wear it. Its a good rainy-day sweater, makes up for the shapelessness :) Anyways, I needed something comfy to throw on, I got home around 2 last night then got up before 9 (gasp) to go the farmers market and pick up some more rhubarb. I got my sister this cookbook for her birthday, and it had this amazinggg recipe for rhubarb juice in it! Only problem, it takes a lot of rhubarb and we have quickly used up our own garden supply and have had to outsource. But the market was fun, I got a yummy pastry and some salad greens out of the bargain as well

I have to thank my friend Beth for the tshirt, or rather, thank her for accidentally ordering an extra one and giving it me :) I love All Time Low, and concert tshirts are so much fun! And this one isn't signed so I don't have to feel guilty about washing and wearing it.

Ok I'm actually exhausted now. I'm going to bed and hoping I don't wake up until at least 10. I need about 12 hours of sleep, maybe it will perk me up? I doubt it. But on the bright side, I walked 9 holes of the golf course today, and can basically walk on my tiptoes now - the foot recovery is coming along! Night all :)