Trained

I know myself. I know that when I go shopping on the internet, or anywhere for that matter, that when I spot something that is expensive or by a particular designer, I will like it much more than if it were a cheap, unknown brand. Shallow? Maybe. But that is just the way I am. I pretty much believe that the more money something costs, the better it must be.

Since I am getting kicked out on my butt by my parents, financially speaking, I can't live this way anymore. So I have adopted a method of looking at the picture of the piece of clothing/jewelery/handbag, etc. online BEFORE I look at the price. I thought this was a sure-fire way to discover what styles I liked without being influenced by price/designer.

Well, kids, as it turns out, apparently I have trained my eyes to only pick out the expensive stuff. As I scrolled through Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale, I looked at no prices, just pictures. The only things that stood out to me in the accessories section were all $1000+. I’m scared to even move on to the clothes. Does this happen to anyone else?!

Graduation Countdown

There are officially 16 days until I am a college graduate. I have no solid job to rely on when I'm done with school. But guess what? I'm not even worried! My mom met a guy on a plane a couple of days ago who had a marketing internship position I could apply for. That is a huge stretch. And it is Orlando...so I don't know. It would be a cool job, but I don't want to get my hopes up. I definitely want to get out of this city though.

If any readers know of marketing/PR/advertising firms anywhere with a good reputation just drop a comment, I'll check anything out!

Oh and apparently companies are offering tons of internships now because hiring/firing costs are serious. So I know it sucks to have an internship after college, but I might have no other choice.

Moving on, I am in need of a graduation dress. Apparently dress makers across America banned together and said "Let's make a bunch of dresses that Sarah Elizabeth will hate." I just sifted through over 700 dresses at Nordstrom and came out with 3...THREE...that I liked (in order from least favorite to favorite):

PS I am outraged by Lilly Pulitzer's current selection of dresses. Normally, I can find at least 20 dresses I'm in love with on her site, but today, I found 3 or 4 that I would consider trying on.

Well I'm off to search for other dresses floating around. But first, check out my pretty new nail polish! Ah! So springy!

Growing Up Sucks

I got my first ever REAL suit this past weekend. I have only purchased one 'suit' before this, and it was a POS from JCPenny when I was 17. I needed it to go to court for a drinking ticket. Oh me. This time, I stepped it up a notch, or two. I got this wonderful JCrew number.

I got this 'Super 120 2-button jacket'. It is lightweight and comfy. I can move around and it doesn't make me look like a man (my #1 fear with suits).

These are the 'City-fit Super 120 Classic Trouser' that I got to go with the jacket. Just as light and comfy as the jacket.

Thanks to JCrew's student discount, which I plan to use far after I actually graduate, I got the whole number for right around $320! This made me super happy because the only other suit in the WHOLE MALL that I liked was going to run me close to $700! My jacket and pants are at the tailor right now being sewn to perfection. I will be picking it up today, and wearing it out for the first time tomorrow for a big presentation at school. I'm super nervous already - but at least I'll be looking hot!

Finally Some New Clothes!

In honor of my recent weight loss, I have gone a tiny tiny tiny shopping spree. I had to keep it tiny because my finances aren't where they need to be right now. Anyways, I went to Old Navy and stocked up on some great v-neck t-shirts for the coming warm weather and a long dress.

I got this shirt in 5 colors (Light Gray, Dark Gray, Black, Navy and Emerald Green)

This dress, I got in solid black...no horizontal stripes, thank you.

And the creme de la creme: NEW JEANS! AH!

These are my beautiful new Citizen's. I can no longer fit comfortably into my jean collection...going for one size smaller! This is good because I'm thinner, but bad because I have now have well over $1000 in jeans currently sitting idle in my closet.

Anyone else doing a little shopping now that it's spring!?

The Bad Economy Affects Sarah Elizabeth...

I'll be graduating in May.

That's pretty much all that needs to be said. Ok, fine...I'll elaborate. There are no loans to be had to continue school and pretty much no one is hiring. These are the only two paths I see for myself come May. That or moving back in with my parents.

NOOOOO!!!!!

I have been lucky enough to be on my own with a LOT of help from my parents since I became a college student. But May is the cut-off. We haven't discussed specifics yet, but my parents have notified me that they will no longer pay my rent and utilities among other things once I graduate. The shitty economy couldn't have come at a worse time.

I was very fortunate as a child (well I still am) and always assumed when I graduated I would be able to live the same way. WRONG. I have credit card debt that I can't get my dad to help me with and an impending date by which I have to make a life decision. Ok, I realize I am being dramatic there, but I just can't fathom living with my parents again. I'm a total daddy's girl and love spending time with him. But my mom on the other hand is pretty much intolerable. She is a wonderful woman and has taught me so many things, but our personalities tend to clash and the more time we spend together the more she gets on my nerves. I honestly do love and appreciate her for everything she has done for me, but it just isn't as easy as it is with my dad. I envy girls who are best friends with their mom, but oh well.

The economy also sucks for me right now because of said credit card debt. I have a job, but it pays a measly $10/hour and I'm only working 12 hours/week due to school. How am I supposed to pay off the credit card debt I have dug myself into with this tiny pay check? Well I get it. Everyone is screaming....JUST STOP SPENDING. I guess that is where I run into a problem. I love to look good...this means taking care of my skin, body and fashion. How am I supposed to do that on a budget!? Ugh. Blah. Boo. Frick.

Will someone please tell the economy to check itself? Because it isn't listening to me.

Christmas Break!

I'm finally on Christmas break! I only had two exams, so the past couple of weeks actually haven't been that stressful, but I have been sick as well and that didn't help. But I'm back and ready to read/write blogs! Exams went well, I guess...grades haven't come back yet, but I expect to do just as well as I have in the past - Dean's List every semester since freshman year, thank you.

In other news, Dru and I haven't talked much over the past week, but I expect to talk to him to tonight. Ever since he bailed on me about a month ago, he has been saying this coming weekend will be the first weekend he would be able to visit. So, I'm waiting to hear if he wants to come - but I doubt he actually will. I have a Christmas party to go to on Friday and would love to take him to meet some of my friends, but we'll just have to see.

OH! I went shopping a couple of weekends ago and saved SO MUCH MONEY! My dad works for one of the best department stores in the area, so normally I get 20% off anything. Well they have special employee discount days where employees get 40% off! On top of all of the holiday discounts, I was able to get tons of stuff for a tiny part of the original price. Here is a run-down:

This Michael Kohrs Astor Tote originally $348.00, I got it for $110.00!

BCBG Max Azria Flat Boot originally $550.00, I got it for $206.00!!

This French Connection Smock Skirt was originally $168...I got it for $12.95!

*And I can wear it as a shirt too...multitasker!

I also got my sister a BCBG Max Azria top for Christmas that was originally $152 for only $32!

So, basically, I rocked. I realize that most of the stuff was for me, but at prices like that how could I resist!? It will take me a while of strict discipline to pay off the credit card, but I know I can do it.

How is your Christmas shopping going? Have you found any incredible deals?

I want I want I want

...what I can't have.

There must be something in the air, because I have heard of this home store mecca by the name of West Elm in multiple blogs today. I browsed their website and IM IN LOVE. There isn't such a store within 3 hours of where I live, so I was unaware of the awesome-ness. It would be completely fine with me if someone wanted to buy me one of everything from this store. Hardly ever do I find myself actually saying that. Maybe it is because the lack of money in my bank account right now, but I have been wanting things more often these days. For example, I want one of everything from Anthropologie , too.

The burning desire to decorate my apartment has increased over the past few weeks because I know eventually (hopefully) Dru is going to come visit. Since we moved into our apartment in May, roomie and I have decorated to some extent. Both being college students, it is hard to make the place look exactly how we envisioned it. Our living room and dining room furniture are hand-me-downs from my parents and cousin. It is tasteful, lightly used, furniture and I am more than grateful to have it, but these pieces aren't exactly what I would have picked out if I had enough money to decorate myself.

Next, my bedroom. As I have mentioned, I built a headboard for my bed. It is beautiful and I am really proud of it. It is the center piece of my room. But that's about it. There are some great curtains in my room and two new pieces (nightstand and dresser) of furniture also in my room, but nothing else.* I have some great ideas to adorn my bare walls, but no funding for such a project. It is really frustrating because I want my room to be great and express my creativity, but I guess I'll just have to go at it one accent at a time.

So in an effort to squelch these unrealistic desires, I'll post some of my absolute favorites here and pretend they are mine. If they are on my blog then they are really mine, right?

The next 4 pictures are courtesy of West Elm:

This mirror would replace the 80's style, small, stand-up mirror I currently have displayed (only out of necessity).

The darker shade would go great in our living room with our dark furniture.

Although I have bought 2 pieces of furniture for my room already, I'm almost positive this frame would match. I hate bed skirts, and this would rid me of them forever.

The middle shower curtain is ideal for my bathroom. Classy and simple. The metallic gray on the top and bottom bands would complement the panels on my bedroom window perfectly!

A few a lot from Anthropologie:

2 things:

-I want the polka-dot dress for New Years.

-Can you tell I have somewhat of a jacket fetish!?

Oh wait! I almost forgot...one of the main things I want up in my room is my monogram or initials in some form. They have this great peel-and-stick monogram at Pottery Barn but it doesn't come in black yet, so it won't fit with my room. But I was also thinking of getting these metal initials from Urban Outfitters, spray painting them a rustic silver and putting them up on ledges in my room.

Well, that's my housewares/fashion rant for the day. If only I could have a million dollars...or just $100,000. What great things are you yearning for these days?

*I promise to put up pictures of my real room soon!

Sarah Goes To Alabama

I'M GOING TO VISIT DRU!!! He booked the flight and sent me the itinerary last night! I can't believe it! I am baffled by the fact that someone would spend so much money just to put me on a flight for a weekend visit! I'm flattered of course, but now I feel indebted to him. Oh well, he wouldn't have done it unless he wanted to, right? I mean I, in no way, asked him to get me on a plane. BUT I'M SO EXCITED!

After sending me the information, he called last night and we talked for a little while. I think I may have convinced him that I'm not a dumb blonde a little bit last night, because we actually had a fun conversation. He told me what the plans were for next weekend: my flight gets in around 4:30 then I think we are going to head down to Auburn for the night and either stay at their lake house (which is like 30 mins from the school) or stay with a friend. The next day we are going to the Auburn/LSU game! It's one of ESPN's game day games and should be out of this world. I'm psyched. It is also my first-ever SEC game, which are apparently wayyy better than ACC games - according to Dru. Then we will probably stay in Auburn that night too. Then I come home Sunday night. It's a short, but sweet trip and I couldn't be more excited and NERVOUS.

Auburn's colors are blue and orange. Yuck. There is no way you can put those colors together and actually look good. Well...maybe, but it is going to take some work. I'm thinking a blue dress with orange accessories. OR I have this orange dress, but it is silk and probably too dressy for a football game...oh the choices.

Another dilemma I'm facing is the packing situation. I have never just used a carry-on, I always check luggage (which I won't be doing because checking luggage for a weekend trip just makes me look stupid). This is troublesome because:

1. I'm a HEAVY packer (especially when I'm going to new places - a girl's got to be prepared, right?)

2. This whole put-your-liquids-under-3oz-in-a-bag thing really chaps my ass. I have certain items that go in certain bags, and putting them in a giant freezer bag just doesn't suit me.

3. I do not want to carry a bag around. Especially since I have to change planes.

4. I WILL NOT use a roller carry-on bag. Geeky.

5. (This one may or may not qualify as troublesome) I found a Jessica Simpson bag at our local department store named specifically, "The Weekender" which I now HAVE TO HAVE. It is $142...money I know I should not spend. But what other bag am I supposed to use and still look cute when Dru picks me up at the airport?

Soo I am completely nervous and the trip is still 8 days away. Good thing I have plenty of time to prepare. If y'all see any blue or orange clothes while you are browsing around let me know...I'm on the look-out.

Also, I wanted to thank everyone for the great advice. It really helps hearing back from everyone and it's good to know I can turn to y'all when my traditional in-person friends aren't enough (that sounds harsh but I mean it in a nice way). I have decided to let Ed know that he is welcome at our apartment, but that it is strictly platonic. I am going to explain that things with Dru are kind of developing and I don't want to do anything that he wouldn't approve of (even though we aren't technically dating). I'm pretty sure Ed will be alright with everything, considering we really haven't been talking much at all in the past couple of weeks.

I am so excited to see how things develop in Alabama! I am so nervous for the day to come, but at the same time I wish it were here already!

Hulabaloo

Random Topic #1

I went shopping again yesterday just for a few key items. I got a new white dress shirt with ruffles down the front. I'm going to wear it all fashion-forward-like, unbuttoned kinda far down with a belt, shorts and some high heels - oh and the collar popped, of course. I think I want this to be the first outfit for going out in LA.

I also got some shorts from Banana that are off white, and a copperish-colored dressy sleeveless shirt.

I am no good at describing things, but if I put up pictures they will seem kind of boring.

Oh well. You trust that I'll work it, right?

I really wanted to find a good pair of basic black pumps because my last ones got destroyed and I can barely stand in them. But much to my dismay, I couldn't find any basic black 'going-out' shoes that I liked in my size! What is this world coming to!?

Random Topic #2

I saw a FedEx truck run a red light today. I mean plain as day. The light had been, and continued to be red for a good two minutes before/after he ran it! Some people....

That van could have had my computer in it that I have been waiting for and won't be able to take on my trip with me because it is taking so long!

Random Topic #3

I recently started...twittering? I'm not really good at updating it as much as most people, but I'm working on it. I almost got into a wreck trying to send in an update. Note to self: no twittering in the car.

I have a terrible problem with texting and driving. A law should be enforced to stop it just like for drunk driving...because aren't they basically the same? ...Not paying attention to the road, thinking about other things and the like? Instead, my fair state along with others, just implemented a law that you can't talk on your cell phone and drive (unless it is hands-free), but it is perfectly legal to text and drive!

I digress, back to twitter. Every time I think of Twitter, I get a picture of a little animated fat blue birdie in my head. I don't think birds chirp, I think they twitter. Is it just me or does Twitter sound totally bird-related?

Random Topic #4

I CAN'T WAIT TO GET OUT OF THIS OFFICE! I leave for LA tomorrow morning and I am so ancy (sp? is that even a real word?) I can hardly keep still. I am so tempted to find a reason to leave the office early.

Random Topic #5

I have a manicure appointment after work - my first one in over a month! Woah buddy...a little overdue don't you think?

Random Topic #6

WTF happened to USA women's gymnastics last night? Did anyone see that? The Chinese just took it too us. We handed the gold to them on a silver platter. At the beginning with vault and the uneven bars, USA and China were pretty close (but I sort of thought China was better).

Then USA gets up on the balance beam and falls apart. Sacramone fell off of the beam during her mount, then went on to fall on her butt during floor. My fave (and the cutest person alive), Shawn Johnson, stepped out of bounds and so did Miss Perfect, Nastia Liukin. What happened girls??

I think it is because Americans are normal. In China they pick girls from their homes at veryyy young ages (I mean come on those girls aren't 16!?*) and place them into training. Yeah, that's right. They are bred for sports. I think it is sick and immoral. And they talk about it like everything is fine and dandy.

These girls are, in some cases, removed from their home and taken to a location where they live and train everyday. Basically, their life is chosen for them. One of the Chinese gymnasts expressed desire to quit, but was forced to continue. I don't get it. Hearing these stories and being exposed to the Chinese way of life makes me grateful to be an American.

On second thought, good job team USA for being human, making mistakes and earning the silver. I would never wish a life of forced competition on anyone.

On a lighter note, GO MICHAEL PHELPS. Woop woop! I want to marry that kid. Dana...let's get to work on that! :)


*Maybe they will discover that these girls aren't really 16 and give the gold medal to the USA!

I Went Shoppinggggg!!!!

I am so pleased with myself! I went shopping this weekend, but didn't spend too much! I just want to scream! OK here is the loot (and savings):

Theory Print Sleeveless Dress

Originally: $295

What I Paid: $175

Savings: $120

Off-The-Shoulder Top from The Limited

Originally: $29.95

What I paid: $4.80

Savings: $25.15

(Sorry I couldn't find a picture)

Skinny Hinged Enamel Bangle from Banana Republic

Originally: $24 each

What I paid: $9.98

Savings: $38.02

Grand Total: $189.78

Total Amount Saved: $183.17

Not too shabby! I always feel good when I save just as much (or more) than I spend!

I am headed back to the mall today to get a few more things for my trip...basic staples that I just need in my closet. I leave in 2 days!!!

Oh, and just a little update on my running - I'm up to 3 miles now! Go me!

Oh, and YAY MICHAEL PHELPS-3 golds! Go USA! (If anyone knows him/has his phone number, you can give it to me. Thanks)

Spending Problem Update.

After work Friday I went to the mall. I thought I could control myself but I was wrong. Intending to only buy a pair of shoes...I came out with 3 things for my Mac laptop, a pair of shoes and a Sony music player thing for my iPhone. Ridiculous.



See my pretty shoes:

I have a spending problem.

It is getting serious. Up until last month all of the credit cards I have for shopping have been sent to my parents' house. My dad would generously pay them off as they came in. Until now. For some odd reason I finally put my foot down and had the address for all of my cards changed to my address (I must have been drunk).

Crazy right?

Although I feel better about not being such a burden on my parents (still), I totally regret the decision. See, with my dad paying them off I had no idea how much I was spending. And since he didn't say anything I figured it was a reasonable amount.

WRONG.

So I am reading Confessions of A Shopaholic and totally relate to the main character. She writes about becoming nervous before opening a VISA bill. And of how she justifies everything she buys. I, like the character, have a problem with "Buy One Get One Free" or "Triple Bonus Points Day" or "Spend $150 get 15% Off". Each time I see a promotion similar to the aforementioned, I automatically justify it by saying to myself, "Well the reward will be worth the price."

This habit must stop for the next couple of weeks. I am going to LA to visit some friends in the beginning of July and must have money for going out/shopping/eating at great restaurants. Here and now I am vowing to stop purchasing "wants" and only "needs" until my LA trip. (After I get the Betsy Johnson yellow polka dot heels that are 50% off at Belk's...where I happen to have $60 in gift certificates. That's OK - right?)