Summer 2007 Throwback & Fashion Friday!

Does anyone else feel like the weeks keep going by faster and faster?

Whenever I write my Friday posts I always feel like I had just written the last one. Time flies, huh? Well, so I have had a rather great week and quite a productive Friday for that matter! I woke up to a pleasant surprise. I received an email from my internship professor saying she had forwarded my resume to another company looking for interns and that they were very impressed with my resume. In fact, I had a voice-mail waiting for me from the company so I sent in my prescreen application this afternoon and am hoping to hear back on Monday to set up an interview! Tomorrow I'll be volunteering with the CMHT Ambassadors for a school-wide volunteer project called the Big Event and Sunday, I'm going shopping with my sister-in-law for interview outfits. Busy, busy weekend!

Flashback to Summer 2007

1. Went to Chicago. Saw Wicked!


2. Turned 18 - Wow, that feels like so long ago! This is me and my friend Samantha, my twin, who I've known since 3rd grade :)


3. This is the night I got my first tattoo, and also the last day before we all went off to college.


4. My friend Brittany and I decided to go downtown for "teen night" at a club (which is funny because I'm NOT a club person), and my car broke down at like 11:30 at night.

PS: I haven't been that tan since then :(

Which outfit is your favorite?

Thursday 13: Thankful

Oh boy, you guys. I am so ready for tomorrow to be Friday! Anyone else feel like it was a hectic week? I was feeling a little nervous about internships earlier this week since Zale Corp decided to pass and go with a "more qualified candidate" thinking what if I don't find one for the summer?! However, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about a few different positions I can apply for that just popped up! So, cross fingers that I can get and nail those interviews.

Anyways, this week's topic for Thursday 13 (a linkup provided by AunieSauce) is things we are thinkful for. I'm pretty excited, so let's get the ball rollin'!

1. Courage: It took a lot of courage for me to write my blog post from yesterday. I was really nervous to post it knowing anyone could know part of my life story, but felt really encouraged by the feedback I received. I've been wanting to open up a lot more recently and it was the perfect step!


2. My doggies: The two little chichis I have really help keep me going, especially on the days I'm really struggling. They also help keep me company, and are always there for some good snuggles. I try to entertain them a little bit by pretending I'm giving a cooking show and they're my audience. No, really. I do..haha


3. My Parents: I probably don't tell them nearly as often as I should how much they mean to me. But, they've always been a big supporter of me, and I'm so thankful to have them. I couldn't ask for more loving parents! 


4. My lovely friends: I can sometimes be quite a handful and a bit of a hot mess, so I'm thankful for the friends who have stuck around throughout my troubled times, and even more thankful to have them in my life presently! I'm truly blessed.


5. My blogging friends: I cannot believe the incredibly large community of women out there who I see encouraging fellow bloggers and forging friendships. I've had the pleasure of befriending Annelise and Kristen, and reconnecting with an old friend from elementary school, Kristen! Y'all are awesome!!


6. My Car: After my car got stolen by a former friend and wrecked last year (yes, that really happened! If you want, I can post a blog post about it...it's crazy!), I felt like my car wasn't really mine anymore. It's hard to explain but the experience sort of took the joy I had from my little ol' Mustang and that sense of pride. No longer was I all like, "Yeah, see that Mustang over there...she's a beauty huh?"...Just kidding, I do not talk like that (unless I'm joking). But I felt more like "yeah...don't mind that the bumper has to be kicked into place". Really though, without it I don't know what I would do!


7. Easter: I may not go to church, but I still have faith, and there's something inside of me that always feels renewed after Easter passes!


8. The light at the end of the tunnel: After this semester, the only thing between me and my diploma is a summer internship! My journey may have taken a little longer than most people but I haven't given up. August 2012, here I come.


9. My future roommates: I've had some unfortunate living experiences in the years past, and have enjoyed this year in solitude...but I'm ever so thankful for my future roommates! I cannot wait to be in a big house with friends that feel like family.


10. Comedy: I love watching Two and a Half Men and Friends on TV every night. They really give me a little dose of comedic relief after a long day.


11. Humility: I'm thankful that I have the type of personality that's able to make fun of myself, especially when I make mistakes. Life is too short to be bitter and serious all the time. In fact, I think this is something I would really like in a future love interest. If he can't make fun of life, that's not the kind of person I'd want to be around!


12. The future: I'm at a point in my life where the future is unknown. For a long time that scared the crap out of me, but lately I've been finding it as a blessing. My future is open to what I create and although I don't have all the answers, I have possibilities. 


13. Opportunity for Growth: I'm thankful I'm not exactly the person I want to be. Don't get me wrong, I like who I am now but I still have this vision of the future Miranda and let me tell you, she's freakin' awesome! I'm thankful I have something like that to look forward to and aspire to.

Real Talk

Today in class, a few students had to present this project that was due over Spring Break -- a career case interview project. One of the girls in my class was gave a presentation on an interview that she did with a fashion stylist who is started his own company at 22 years old and is now styling for top magazines in Dallas! Anyways, he gave her some advice on how to be successful, which is where my inspiration for this post came from.

Some of y'all may have seen my tweet from earlier:

Here's my story

You see, when I turned 21 I was dealing with a horrible break-up from a toxic on-again/off-again relationship of 3 years and depression which I had been struggling with for about a year. The only way I really knew how to deal with all the pain was to go out, drink and socialize with friends. At some point, I found myself going out on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and sometimes one of the other days of the week. Going out frequently after you turn 21, isn't uncommon. But why I was going out was not okay, especially since alcohol is a depressant and only made my depression worse. All of this became sort of a lifestyle. My depression and anxiety got entirely too bad, to the point where I could barely make it to class -- not because of the drinking, but because I couldn't bare to be in public.

This past year, I slowed down on going out but continued to battle depression. Through the fight, I had lost the figure I once had which sadly contributed to a loss in confidence. The loss in confidence lead to me not being able to be myself. On top of everything, I had all of these goals I wanted to accomplish and was looking toward graduating at the end of the school year. I had all of these things I wanted to accomplish in my life, and never felt like I belonged in the life I was living. I felt like a stranger to my own life.

Along the way, my friendships with 3-5 of the people I hung out with and would go out with deteriorated. This constant conflict of the life I wanted to have and the life I was a part of didn't match up. I felt the only resolution was to let go of these people and cut ties. Three of these people were some of my best friends and we shared a lot of really great memories together, but there was a voice in my heart telling me I couldn't accomplish my goals let alone overcome this debilitating depression with these people in my life.

I didn't sleep for 2 months. Really. I would lay awake until 5, sometimes 7 in the morning because I wanted there to be another way. I didn't want to lose 3 friends. This was back in December, and it's now March. I've forged new friendships and grown closer with old friends along the way. More importantly, I've learned more about myself. I'm learning to love myself, and that sometimes the things you struggle with the most will be the greatest blessings in the long-run. I still struggle on some days, but the good definitely outweigh the bad.

Have you had to overcome depression, or cut someone out of your life that wasn't good for you? What advice do you have to overcome insecurities?

DIY: Fancy Hangers

Being a woman of thousand clothes (story of a fashion major's life), I'm rockin' the naked hanger syndrome. But alas, no more. Thanks to the wonderful world of Pinterest, I have learned I can transform old, boring wire hangers...into art.I don't know about you, but I have come to realize I function better when I'm surrounded by nice and pretty things. Who doesn't? Unfortunately, I'm still living on a college budget which means that elegant padded and wooden hangers to hang my entire wardrobe are out of the question.

Thankfully, a couple of years ago I was working at Victoria's Secret when the company decided to switch from their fancy striped hangers in the Pink department to wooden hangers. Guess who snagged a couple box of those bad boys? Brag moment over.

Miranda, that's genius! I know, i know. So here's what you need:

• Old, ugly, wire hanger


• Tulle fabric from a craft store - I used the kind that comes on the spool, but I also picked up some on clearance for $.25!! Yeah, you heard me. (If you know me, you know I'm always ballin' on a budget)


• Scissors


• Optional: Felted skinny ribbon and hot-glue gun for finishing look 

Simple Steps:

1. Cut several, and by several I mean a heck of a lot of thin strips of tulle (You can trim the edges later so that it looks more uniformed)


2. Loop the strips of tulle fabric and tie in a not.


3. Repeat Step 2 until your wire hanger is no longer nakey.


4. Add optional felted ribbon for a spice of added adorableness, and add a few drops of hot-glue to make it stick. (I opted to forgo this step because I'm lazy, and also I transported my ribbon up to my apartment since I first made this...Fail)


5. Voila! Beautiful, fancy hanger at your disposal for decoration or practical use.

Enjoy, my friends ♥

How many of you think you will give this DIY project a try? Let me know in your comments & post a photo of your finished hanger on your blog!

TGI-Friggin Friday

Normally, I'd be all "Hallelujah, it's Friday!! Woohwhoooooo!" But, I've been on Spring Break. I can honestly say I haven't done a single thing that's been productive. Okay, I lied. Monday morning I had a phone interview with a very well known jewelry company for an internship in their buying office (pause to say that's awesome, right?). Welllll...let's just say I'll be more prepared for my next interview! The normal interview questions were alright, but I was caught off by a couple merchandising/buying-specific questions that I didn't think about being asked.

Anyways, I fully intend on enjoying these last few days off before I return back to school and immerse myself in studying so I can pass finance. Ugh.

Now that you're all caught up on my ever-exciting week, I have not one, not two, but three fabulous link-ups!

Friday just got more awesome. Oh yeahh.

China Glaze, Pink Voltage (Neon) && China Glaze, Celtic Sun (Neon)

Yeah, I've really been missing my bestie this year. She needs to finish her master's already and move back to Dallas

Source: thepinkpeonies.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Thursday 13: This One's For The Guys

Never underestimate the power of a sharp-dressed man

This week's Thursday 13 link-up with Annelise from Aunie Sauce is a theme of our choice! I figured what better way to spend it than to delve into an area of fashion I don't normally discuss: menswear. That's right. This one's for the guys (and girls who like to to help style their brah). Here are 13 things every man should have in his wardrobe:

1. Classic long-sleeve crew-neck with jeans


2. A few Bad-A looking graphic tees (or the funny ones)


3. A good watch -- leather-banded and/or chain-link


4. Don't wear your shirt open like that.


5. No jean-jackets


6. Very few guys can pull off the capri-sweatpants...very few. If you're not one of them....just don't.


7. A brown and a black leather belt - If it's reversible, well that's just fabulous


8. Black on Black


9. Classic looking cardigan


10. Delicious smelling cologne


11. Love it when men wear vests (especially for a dressed-up casual look)


12. Slim-fit jeans -- not too slim though


13. Last but not least, a good pair of shades

 What do you think of my choices? Did I forget to add anything?

Happy Almost-Friday

What To Wear: Spring Weddings

Today marks the official first day of Spring! With that said, I thought I might take the time to help decode spring wedding guest-attire, and provide some inspiration.

Love is in the air

As a fashionista, I want to attend events being the belle of the ball; But weddings are supposed to be the day the bride gets to shine. She won't need much help because after-all, she's the blushing beauty who's got everybody's eyes fixated on her. There is no rule against looking absolutely fabulous at a wedding...After-all, there may be some cute lads for you to flirt it up with during cocktail hour. ;)

Allow me to introduce you to Maggy London

This dress is by far one of my most favorite pieces in my wardrobe of all time. The lines and print are classic, and I can't get enough of the empire-waisted A-Line silhouette and the femininity of the design. By the way, if you love it too...it's still available at Nordstrom in a size 6P, on sale. [This is a photo of my friend and former classmate, Christina, in New York for my school's Fashion Merchandising Study Tour!]

1. Silk Chiffon Blouson Dress, Nordstrom $198
2. Print Wrap Dress, Nordstrom $128
3. Abstract Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress, Nordstrom $198
4.  Beaded One Shoulder, Maggy London $148

 I realize we all do not have $150-$200 to spend on a cocktail dress. Heck, you should know by now I'm a baller on a budget. So take these tips with you while you're searching for a steal of a deal & putting together your ensemble:

• Sometimes less is more. Busy prints on the dress should be paired with basic accessories. Choose 1 accessory if it's bold. (Ex: If you were to wear Dress #1-3, I would wear bold earrings or a bold necklace, but not both)
• Don't be afraid of the best kept braid secret. TBD gives a great trick to create added texture in a natural-looking braid. This look could go great with Dresses #1-3
• For a One-Shoulder dress, wear your hair down. Allow your shoulder to be the focal point!
• Go PINK! ..On your makeup, that is. Just like this.

That's a wrap.

Which of the 4 dresses is your favorite? What are some of your Spring wedding ensembles are your inspiration? Let me know!

Music Mondays {2}

Linkin'-Up today for a second time in a row for Music Mondays, hosted by Kristen at Confessions of a Graphic Design Student. This week's theme: St. Patrick's Day.

Speaking of St. Patty's Day...

Did you go out and celebrate? Have a couple of green beers or Irish Carbombs? Below is a photo of my friend Logan and I at last year's celebration. B-T-Dub, we're both super Irish so it's kind of a big deal ;) Last year we went all out and had a fabulous group of us at the local watering hole complete with the moms, bros and kareoke. This year was a little more low key, but still a time well had. I only wish I had gotten a photo...Logan styled my hair for me and it came out so good!!

And now...for what you really came here for:

 A collection of Irish-inspired songs

• Flogging Molly ~ Celtic Folk


• Mumford & Sons ~ Folk Rock


• Snow Patrol ~ Alternative Rock (from Northern Ireland)

Merchandising, Did You Know? {Accessories}

I may have mentioned that I'm taking a course this semester called Advanced Buying, Planning and Allocation. I've been learning the ins-and-outs of the buying process that retailers use each day to stock products every season: how much to of each SKU to buy, what mark-up to assign each SKU and the price, markdowns during sales and when, and much much more. I won't bore you with the details.

Did you know...?

Accessories like jewelry, scarves, gloves, hats, etc are marked-up by an average of 50-80%? It sort of puts things into perspective when a retailer is asking $20 for a headband that cost them $4 to make.

Spring Break, We meet again!

It's Friday, Friday..Gotta get down on Fridayyyy

At what point does linking up become a bit of an obsession? Hah. I think I'm on the verge of it! Anyway, so this is my first link-up with Aunie at AunieSauce. The goal is to send you off into the weekend with a little memory/throwback photo! I'm also linking up with Kristen at Confessions of a Graphic Design Student for Friday Fancies.

But wait -

Before I get into that which I'll save for the end. I just want to say a sweet hello to my last and final Spring Break as an undergraduate college student. Wooh Woooooooh! Oh boy, I just realized that means I have about 5 months until I graduate. [Insert momentary freak-out session here] So, I bet you're just dying to know what my big plans are. I mean, after all I went to Mardi Gras this year! I must be planning something really awesome to top that, huh? I wish. Though I'm looking forward to graduating and making some big moolah at my future big-girl job (still TBD), I won't have that free week vacation (though I will have vacation dayssss). Anyways, I'll be heading down south to the good ol' H-Town for some R&R at the 'rent's house.

With all that said, in the words of Monica Gellar...

I'll see you suckers later!

Oh, by the way...I was in color guard in high school. If you have 8 minutes to kill, you can watch the show here. It was one of my faves! I'm the tall one at the 45 yard line.

Tres simple, tres chic

Me + This Outfit + Pina-Colada

Is this not one of the best ideas? Wonder Woman inspired outfit

Thursday 13: What's On Your Wishlist?

Linking up again with Annie of AunieSauce for this week's Thursday 13. The theme this week is 13 items on our wishlist...as you'll notice I have a little bit of everything. Enjoy :)

Thursday 13: What's On Your Wishlist?

- 1 -

Mint-Colored Skinnies

- 2 -

Bah! This would hurt!! But it would look so cute

- 3 - 

Three Olives Cake Vodka (For the lush in me)

- 4 -

David Yurman, peace ring

- 5 -

Ed Westwick...need I say more?

- 6 -

An A+ in Finance...Hah, right, because that's gonna happen...

- 7 -

To wake up one day and look like this!!

- 8 - 

For these words to be with me day in & day out

- 9 -

For my bedroom to magically clean itself!! (This is not a picture of my bedroom...but wouldn't it be cool if I had the dog bed trundle?)

- 10 -

If this were my bathroom {Pink!}

- 11 -

Yesss, I'm still dying to go to the motherland. {Ireland}

- 12 -

Ony like the coolest shoes evar!

- 13 - 

I would love to wear my Wonder Woman costume every day!! Or at least for a couple weeks.