Best Laid Plans, Not

I'm officially half way through the semester, can I get a hip hip hooray?! I'm taking only 6 credits next semester and will be looking for a new job in the area, so big changes are a comin' {and if you have connections with a rad job, let me know!} I'll be so relieved when I finally have that degree in my hot little hand, and to go make moolah to pay for life/student loans! {Yay? haha}

While avoiding homework today, I decided to "relax" by taking on a Pinterest project I've been meaning to do. Why in the world do I even bother laying out a nice organized plan of action when everything just goes to crap anyways?? {Kinda like my Christmas tree plan…}

I grabbed flowers at Hobby Lobby, but forgot the foam board backing at Lowes. I ruined the picture with black paint, had to go order another one at Staples. Ran out of ribbon, had to head out to sketchy dollar store for more. Ya…I don't really know what delusion I was living in to think this would be an "easy peasy project." Ryan blames my high expectations for a smooth sailing life on all the charming romantic comedies/Disney movies I watch…doesn't he know that I'm secretly a princess? Where my singing birds at?!

{Remixed: Plaid Shirt // Olive Pants}

Well, the project is finally done and I'm pretty happy with myself :) Now I'm off to make Ghiradelli brownies with the husband and to watch another Dateline episode, cause we love watching those intense murder mystery-type shows. Btw, the picture above was my hair from the Frannie's party the other night. All curled up with some clip-in extensions I'm finally making use of after having them for over 2 years! You could say I'm proud that at 22 years old, I'm finally able to do my hair.

Hipster Glasses

I get people asking me allll the time if I'm wearing glasses as a part of my "look" that day. Dang you hipsters! Ruining the wearing of glasses for the rest of us! I actually have lenses in my glasses and wear them for things like...seeing, you know? I first knew I needed glasses when I would determine which teammate I was passing the basketball to by her hair and jersey color. I didn't even realize that I had bad eyesight because I was compensating with colors and my parents didn't know because I was still sinking shots! It wasn't until they asked why I was squinting when I played, and I responded that it was so I could see exactly who I was passing to. Enter glasses!

I'm such a bad contact wearer though, because I sleep with them in for a week or more at a time {I know, I know...stop scratching your eyeballs out.} So when I finally do take them out and my eyes burn to high heavens, I like to look cute in my glasses :)

{Remixed: Boots, Top}

I love my Ray-Ban "inspired" {aka copycat} tortoiseshell glasses for everyday wear, and I just purchased a pair of black cat-eye glasses to give me some more options. Plus, I'm on the hunt for some rectangular glasses from Bonlook so I can look super classy when studying...because that's what's important when studying right? It's nice that prescription glasses are more affordable nowadays, as opposed to my over $200 Vera Wang glasses from high school. Yikes! Hooray for more fashionable options for the nearly-blind!

What are your thoughts on glasses? What are your favorite styles?

Bad Ace

Ryan pointed out this dress at the Loft outlet during my birthday shopping trip, he said that it was leopard print and therefore it was very "Bri." I just love the way guys think out fashion. I tried it on and of course it was a perfect fit {with sleeves, SCORE...we know how I love finding modest dresses}. Plus it was originally $80 and I got it for $16, now that is my kind of shopping. I guess my husband just knows me a little too well.

{Remixed: Purse&Jacket // Spiked Wedges // Necklace}

And let me also introduce you to my new favorite tights from Francesca's Collections: they are fuzzy on the inside, super thick & a total necessity for cold weather layering. Then I paired them with Ryan's not-so-favorite bad ace spiked wedges from Shoedazzle. I think he is so used to me dressing all girly that when I bust out my black leather jacket and spiked shoes he doesn't know how to respond..."Who the heck did I marry?!" At least that's what I'm assuming he thinks ;)

The Makings of a Good Day

Today has been a pretty awesome day, if I do say so myself. After 7 weeks of disgusting rats nest hair, I finally got myself a haircut from my favorite stylist Nicole at Amara Day Spa. I brought her my extensions that I haven't worn since my wedding day {I know, shame on me} so she could teach me how to take care of and what to do with them. She clipped them in my hair, curled me all up, and I felt like a Disney princess!

I made my way on over to Target to do a return and peruse the store {peruse aka what cute things do I feel like I need?} I used my Target & Starbucks gift cards that I won in an Instagram giveaway, and treated myself! I just love meandering Target just for the heck of it and getting stuff I don't need. Woot woot!

{Remixed: Purse, Necklace}

I brought home Caramel Apple Spices for Ryan & I, we did some home fix-ups and I put together my mom's birthday box {feelin' very productive.} And now we are planning on hitting up the pumpkin patch tonight and grabbing dinner! It feels SO nice to not have any major tests or projects hanging over my head after the chaos at school this past week. Plus I'm lookin' forward Halloween festivities, Ryan's birthday, and the Harvest Your Fashion at Francesca's blogger party! Yes, it's been a very good day :)

Serendipity

Tomorrow I have an appointment to get all my angel kisses checked...and I mean ALL of them. My melanoma surgery was a little over 2 years ago, and since then I've visited the doctor every 6 months for her to look over my body for any other troubling spots. I jokinging-ly call it a "paid violation" because I'm willingly paying someone to check every dark and secret crevice on my body. SCARY. And it so does not even matter that I'm married, it's still dang weird. 

Since this doctors trip also means a harrowing trek up to Salt Lake, we're making an afternoon out of it by hitting up City Creek and our favorite Texas de Brazil for Ryan's early birthday dinner {heavens knows we need a break from school}. It was absolute serendipity because I've had this appointment planned for the past 6 months but we just found out that the classes Ryan & I have on tomorrow got cancelled and on top of it we got an awesome email coupon for Texas de Brazil. It was totally meant to be, and I love when that happens ;)

{Remixed: Dress // Boots}

Red Lipstick Confidence

I just love being stared at {<--sarcasm}. I've never experienced it quite like this before moving to Utah...and I don't understand the reason for it. If I'm not wearing my husband's basketball shorts and oversized BYU tee on campus then I get straight up stared at because I'm not begging to be invisible. I'm not saying that I haven't stolen my husband's comfy clothes on occasion...but I also don't think it's ok to wear them on campus. Believe me, I know that there are just "those days" when the planets of chaos align and real clothes just aren't on the docket, but every day?! That married uniform does not convey "I'm comfortable in my skin and feel invincible today"...and regardless of what anyone says, what you look like is a presentation of who you are to the world.

With all the jibber-jabber talk on modesty or what swimsuit is appropriate, why is there no open conversation on self-esteem? Why don't we encourage putting time into ourselves or being the strong confident women that we are? I feel unstoppable when I'm comfortable in my skin, which {to me} also means expressing my femininity. A lot of times when I'm tired and don't feel that strength; putting on some make-up, doing what I can with my unruly hair, and stepping in to some well-fitting clothes helps in creating that strength for me. Which is exactly what I did today, tried to brush out that rat's nest of a hair-do and threw on some red lipstick to feel confident. It worked. And I don't mind getting sideways looks {ahem, stares} for walking with confidence.

{Remixed: Booties, Red Skinnies, Sweater}

Well, this post turned out to be more of a rant than I was thinking it would be. So there you go my friends, anddd goodnight.

Striped Beauty

{Remixed: Shoes, Sweater, Necklace}

I was sent this dress from eShakti just in time for my birthday on September 28th, and couldn't wait to wear it for my 'lil b-day bash. With eShakti you are able to alter the dress to fit your personal taste, shape, and style which is something that sets this company apart from any other. Not only can you alter the dress length, sleeves, and neckline; but you also have the option to input your exact measurements and literally have the dress made for you! Ummm, how cool is that?! I picked the knee-length option, a rounded neckline, and attached some cap sleeves to this striped fit & flare beauty. It seriously fits LIKE A DREAM, and to top it off...it has pockets. And c'mon...what girl doesn't just fall in love with a pocket-ed dress?? Check out eShakti, and keep an eye out for their awesome deals & sales!

Currently...

{Tights: Forever 21 // Remixed: Loft Blouse 1, 2}

Making: Music! Practicing for my voice & piano lessons tomorrow.

Cooking: Salmon with brown sugar spice rub on top, mac&cheese, with steamed veggies.

Drinking: Water with Strawberry Crystal Lite.

Reading: Glamour magazine, November issue {with Rhianna on the cover, not sure how I feel about her style}

Wanting: A visit to the pumpkin patch paired with a Starbucks caramel apple cider drink.

Missing: Evan, terribly. 

Looking: For the perfect cream knit beanie with a pom on top.

Wasting: Time when I should be studying or practicing non-stop...but What Not to Wear is on Netflix! 

Wishing: For a weekend without homework. 

Enjoying: The crisp fall air and orange leaves.

Waiting: For inspiration on what to do with my life.

Liking: Comfy tights.

Wondering: Why music teachers think they don't need to give the schedule for class more than a week in advance?

Loving: Freshly polished OPI nails, using my new San Francisco mini-polish kit.

Hoping: That I'll learn soon how to balance all this work efficiently. 

Marveling: At the snow on the mountains already.

Needing: Orange rolls...the ones sitting in my fridge waiting to be cooked.

Smelling: Gold Canyon apple cider candle.

Wearing: Comfy lounge clothes, baggy gray sweats & Lakers tee.

Noticing: That Utah drivers are probably the worst in the entire world.

Opening: Bills, which are my least favorite thing about being an adult.

Giggling: Over pictures of pomeranians on Instagram, then sharing them with Ryan.

Feeling: Weary, and perpetually worn out. Life of a college student, right?

Music Theory Woes

{Remixed: F21 jacket}

I'd been putting off studying for my Music Theory test for ohhh about a week or so, anticipating the scary multitude of sharps and flats that would inevitably make me go cross-eyed. If any of you have taken piano lessons, you know how obnoxious and brutal music theory is. It is probably the least favorite thing ever for every music student known to man. Amongst all my procrastination, moaning, and groaning it then dawned on me...not many people have this opportunity. Why was I complaining?

This opportunity to sing, learn technique & theory, and have lessons every week to help build up my musical talent really is a blessing. I shouldn't be dragging my feet about learning major and minor key signatures. I should be taking advantage of all this knowledge so I can one day put it to use when teaching voice lessons or teaching my future children how to read music.

I sucked it up and studied all the key signatures, melodic and harmonic scales, and so forth. Said a little prayer then walked into the test a little nervous. Once the test was handed to me I wrote down everything I had memorized while it was still swirling around in my head. Then I started to notice that this test was pretty easy...actually SUPER easy. I finished in a half hour! With all my studying and focus, I was able to completely throw myself into the subject matter which made the test seem easy. If you can't get out of it, get into it right?

This whole semester is jam-packed with music-related courses and I'm really going to focus on having a better attitude about the mountain of work that comes with it. Because when am I going to have another time in my life where I'm required to practice music?

Friday's Letters

{Remixed: white jeans, booties, vest}

Dear Utah, what is up with this heinous weather? We just barely bounced back from the worst winter in 60 years and now you want to take away fall? Shame on you!! Dear School, oh goodness you are kickin' my tush. I pretty much slept all day today to catch up from this crazy week! I'm reallly trying to work on living more "in the moment" and not wish you away all together. Dear Utah Bloggers, keep the night of October 29th open on your calendars ;) Dear Husband, I am so dang proud of you. You are workin' so hard to be on top of every little thing at school and you are getting such good grades! I'm glad that we are such a good team. Dear Treats & Sweets, you are killing me...might need to visit Gold's Gym soon! 

Happy Friday my friends :)

A Search for the Perfect Cream Sweater

I have been on the search for the perfect cream sweater for AGES, and just barely found one...first world problems right? To help streamline my shopping I have a list on the Notes app with a bunch of different items that will fill the gaps in my wardrobe; things such as: white converse, black Kingdom & State layering tee, light colored booties, cream chunky knit scarf, black leather leggings, cream pom beanie, tweed jacket, and a orange chunky knit sweater. 

I do come across these things when I'm shopping, but if it's not exactly what I had envisioned I don't purchase it. For example, during my birthday shopping I was excited to try on an oversized cream sweater at H&M and while it was within my budget...it was just too itchy and I couldn't bring myself to get it. Feeling a little defeated I continued to walk through the mall with sad Charlie Brown music playing as the background music to my life, then found myself moseying towards Francesca's Collections. I decided to walk inside and ask my favorite shopgirl if they happened to have any cream sweaters in and presto! She guided me to this beauty. Soft, cozy, a little oversized, unique details AND 20% off. Perfection.

This skirt on the other hand was not on my list, but was $10 at the Loft outlet...so that's when I become willfully ignorant of my shopping list and go for it ;)

Fall Style Pinspiration: Layering & Accessories

1 // 2

One big perk about living in Utah is having a "real" fall season, unlike so-cal where it is on average 75 degrees year round {that's when we take matters into our own hands and just pretend it's fall for the sake of sanity}. With the crisp cool air, the changing colors, and a season chock-full of holiday festivities; one of my favorite fall style tricks is layering. 

Some of my favorites are:

+ Tights under summer dresses

+ Tall boot socks over tights & under riding boots

+ Scarves paired with coats & sweaters

+ Button-ups under pull-over sweaters

+ Belted sweaters over dresses, or belted scarves

+ Printed socks with booties

+ Chambray tops layered with anything & everything

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

My other favorite thing about fall are all the fun accessories! With all the layering comes the array of fun baubles, knits, and leather to mix&match and play with. Although I typically love a feminine and classic look, I am drawn towards the roughness of ripped up jeans paired with leather jackets, fur scarves and plaid button-ups.

My favorites accessories are:

+ Knit beanies & scarves

+ Leather jackets

+ Furry scarves & coats

+ Sparkly statement necklaces

+ Utility vests & jackets

+ Thick leather belts

+ Lots of thin necklaces to layer

+ Studs or spikes on shoes, purses, & jewelry

+ Big leather totes or purses

+ Arm parties galore {watches, thin & chunky bracelets}

What is your favorite fall fashion trick or accessory?

Fall Fashion Fusion

I know I know, this event was almost 80 years ago and I'm finally getting around to posting it. That's just what happens when you're a super-busy-young-married-college-student-lifestyle-blogger {WHEW! That was a mouthful}. I was invited to Fashion Place Mall's Fall Fashion Fusion runway event, and it was a blast like last time! I met up with my blogger BFF Kyla at the show and was also lucky enough to have my mom in town to come with me.

We got to check out all the up & coming fall trends fashioned by various stores such as: Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Express, Buckle, and more in the Fashion Place Mall. I saw that leather leggings are big as ever, leopard print is still the bomb dot com, and brown booties are an absolute must-have in your Fall wardrobe!

I loved Banana Republic's classic yet feminine take on Fall style with sweaters layered over chambray button-ups {if you don't have one yet, it's a necessity!} as well as Nordstrom's edgy take with drool-worthy Rag & Bone booties and essential skin-tight jeggings & leggings. 

After the show, my mom & I dropped by Lush because she had never been there before and grabbed some fun bath bombs! Love the smells when you walk in there, yummmm!

What is your Fall fashion essential?

The Great Bun Debate

I put the question to my friends on Instagram {and if we aren't friends on there, hop to it! @breezy_days}, on whether the girls usually lean towards a messy bun or a top knot for those days when your hair is just plotting to ruin your entire day. I was surprised that it was basically a 50/50 response! A few voted for the top knot because it was more professional looking, others said messy bun all day 'err day, and some just said that you don't actually get to decide...your hair does.

If my hair isn't doing anything for me that day, it's no doubt in a bun. So now it's decision time...When I'm throwing up my messy bun it's because I'm feeling sassy & bohemian that day. My make-up is did, the loosey goosey outfit is picked out, and I just don't have time to worry about my hair 'do. The top knot is for those days when I'm feelin' extra blogger, collegiate, or classy. Thus, I'm usually a little more streamlined when wearing my top knot. Sooo yes, you can tell what kind of mood I'm in based on the pile of hair pinned to the top of my head. 

So now it's your turn to chirp in....what's your bun of choice?

Preparation

Guess what...my birthday is NEXT SATURDAY. I finally get to run around singing: "I don't know 'bout you...but I'm feelin' TwEnTY TWOOOOoo!" And yes, I make it a big deal every year by texting out a countdown to my family. I'm sure it's not annoying or anything ;)

Friday Ryan will take me out for food and to scour the outlet mall for any fun goodies, then after a choir retreat on Saturday I want to have a 'lil get together with some of my favorite people for a night full of cake & games. I'm so stoked!

You know what this time of the year also means? HALLOWEEN. I've already taken out the decorations and started dusting them off to prepare for some Hocus Pocus-watching and Halloween decorating this next week. Hmmm, ya. You could say I'm pretty happy right now.

Happy weekend!

Bri

Currently Drooling...

{Danita Sheath // Leopardo Sweater}

Over these Anthropologie dresses!

I saw Annie try out the Danita Sheath on her blog Stylish Petite and just about died. It is so classy, fits well {comes with a petite option}, but has edgy leather piping to balance out the girly aspects of the dress. PERFECTION. Speaking of purrr-fection {bahaha}, you know I can't pass up a good leopard print. This spotted cashmere sweater dress is stunning! Hopefully these go on sale so I can snag one up ;) 

Currently Drooling...

Currently drooling over Fall! 

1 // These booties from Target are absolutely adorable! I'm finally getting over the idea of being too short for these little boot specimen, so I might just have to stock up on them this season...

2 // Everything that comes with the Fall season! Candy corn, orange leaves, football, caramel apple cider from Starbucks, pumpkins.

3 // Dark & mysterious nail colors...I've been missing my saucy OPI shades.

4 // Sweater tights. These are 8 bucks a pop on eBay...might have to get myself a few pair to wear with my tall riding boots.

5 // Big comfy sweaters. Just the thought of them makes me feel so warm & cozy inside. Do I really need to say more?

What are you itching for this Fall?

fall style pinspiration

Pretty much I'm avoiding more homework right now.
BLEH.
At least I'm getting a little more used to school, seeing as how there is stuff to turn in now.

So, during my procrastination, I put together some Fall Style Pinspiration boards from my Pinterest!

What I love about the Neutral Pinspiration board is that most of those pieces I already have in my closet! {And I'm sure you have a couple of these pieces in your own!}

Such as:

My black moto jacket, olive jacket, fur jacket, boots, leopard print shoes, and dark jeans.

It hasn't been until I've gotten into the blogging world that I really knew who Kate Spade even was.
{Pathetic, I know}
Now that I'm officially obsessed, I am always drawn to her bright & feminine style.
I loooove the hourglass shapes, bright colors and classic style that the Kate Spade style embodies.
Hopefully one day I'll be able to afford her clothes, but fake it 'till ya make it right??

What trends are you most looking forward to this fall?

<3 Bri