Burrrr in Bows.

Bows are cool.

Or is it bow ties are cool? That one Dr.Who saying?

In any case, I personally adore bows and think of them to be so feminine and chic; therefore, I wore some today. 

They also helped distract from the fact that we are just starting a cold spell. I think it's about time, considering the rest of the Midwest and that cold epidemic. Now they know how we feel all day, every day! 

What I wore: multi-strand silver necklace (used), a ballet pink H.I.P bow top (used), a dark gray ICEBERG wool skirt (used), dark gray socks, and reddish ankle length DOC MARTENS (used). 

New Boots, Glacier Water, and Good Company.

You know how you make ideas and suggest trips or whatever, and they never fall through? That saying where it's easier said than done? Well I figured that it being a new year and all, it's about time to go out and actually DO things. Sure I can talk about going to yoga seven times a week, or plan this trip to Girdwood, but to actually buckle down and do them is a whole other thing.

I say that less talking and more doing needs to happen. Life is too short not to go out and experience new things! 

That being said, I just came home from the loveliest girls trip up to the city with one of my really great friends. We had talked incessantly of going up there by ourselves, indulging in the fine cuisine, paying for our own gas and goodies, and shopping up in the big city. *when I say "big" it's by Alaska standards. Anchorage is the biggest city in Alaska but is only home to about three hundred thou* Well, we had finally had enough of all this talk and no do and planned a trip at long last! 

So we drove up yesterday, then had the most exquisite meal at our favorite Girdwood dig, Jack Sprats. The food.. Yeah, go for yourselves and experience the pleasure. And don't forget the desserts! We had bread pudding tonight. 

And then today, we had a banner day consignment shopping in the big city. We began our day with coffee and breakfast and really moved through those racks. And yes, the backseat was definitely full of various bags. 

Some of my treasures that I'd love to share with you would be two new pairs of boots. A rarity for me and my foot size (a whopping size 11), I stumbled upon the classic black HUNTER boots (fun fact- did you know the brand was create in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1856?), and an Alaskan pair of sturdy BOGS. and both were used! 

I love that. 

Last but not least came the glacier water adventure. You see, when driving on Turnagain Arm on the way to Anchorage (a treacherous drive indeed), we always passed this little spigot that came out of the rocks and provided fresh glacial water. This time, we stopped and reveled in the delicacy of this pristine, fresh, clear, all natural Alaskan glacial water. It was incredible. 

So go out and do those things you've always wanted to do! Life is too short to wait and put off adventures that can be lived today. Live each day like it's your last and eat that bread pudding with no shame. 

City Goods and Alaskan Style.

One may think that because we live in a small Alaskan town, we are completely isolated from the outside world. Well, there is some truth in that, and we are about two years behind on most things (fashion, music, movies, slang), but every once in awhile, little things come and surprise me.

For instance, I was working at Curtain Call the other day, and just as we were getting near to closing, this unexpected couple came in and in her hands was the signature Tory Burch patterned box. Immediately, us employees who recognize that pattern were all in an excited state of mind. This gal not only brought in a brand new Tory Burch top, but a brand new purse with matching wallet. TORY BURCH. IN ALASKA. It was the craziest thing! This is simply why I love working at consignment stores. Like Rick on "Pawn Stars" states: "You never know what is gonna walk through those doors."

I think that although Alaska is a bit behind on the rest of the United States, we still can hold our own. And city goods make their way into our doors for our pleasure and enjoyment; it just takes patience.

Speaking of Alaskan style, I was totally going that way for these two outfits. Paired with my new favorite UGG boots (I've literally had them for years and I just discovered how awesome they are), I mixed city style with some good ole Alaskan thrown on in there. Who says you can't mix the two? ;)

What a lovely sight to see come into our store...

What I wore (above): my sister's headband (thanks girl), a J CREW crab necklace (major sale), a LIA SOPHIA leaf necklace, a BETSEY JOHNSON camera necklace (used), a lavender PURE JILL sweater (used), black NIKE leggings (used), multi-color striped dancer leg warmers, and UGG boots (used).

What I wore: gold ANTHROPOLOGIE flower earrings (major sale), a navy and khaki TROUVE silk top (used), MARC BY MARC JACBOBS black slouch bag (used), navy pleated BURBERRY skirt (used), blue tights, and UGG boots (used).

A Song For Sunday- Dear No One.

This song was actually discovered by the lovely iTunes for their "single of the week" a couple weeks back and is one of the few that I actually enjoy. Most of the others are all techie and kind of nondescript. Oh but I knew right away that this song was special.

Quite literally, it is the story of my life. I kid you not, it was like hearing my conscious speak out loud in this lovely pure voice, sharing with the world what I feel exactly. It's crazy! 

Basically, the song is about a girl who likes to be independent and single but who secretly longs for the perfect relationship. It reflects me personally because although I'm not that girl who rejects any form of a potential relationship, I do long for someone special to call my own. I'm willing to be patient for the right one no matter how independent and confident I appear as a single gal. 

"But sometimes I just want somebody to hold,

Someone to give me the jacket when it's cold ,

Got that young love even when we're old."

Gosh, I simply adore this song! I listen to it day in and day out and sing it at the top of my lungs. And Tori Kelly has a really feminine voice too and it's nice to actually hear that good singers still exist in this image obsessed industry. 

I just thought I'd share this little ditty with you today. I hope you find special meaning in music as much as I do! 

Tales in Tulle.

Ok, so I may or may not have discovered that tulle is becoming quite the new love for me.

I've always had a special spot for tulle since I began dancing. The tutus and pointe shoes created the perfect picture of elegance and poise and continue to be a symbol for grace. 

I never thought I would see them in a basic wardrobe, but it appears as if that time has come. I find myself searching for some to purchase online and am even considering a DIY one if I cannot find what I'm looking for. 

I'm simply mad for tulle now. 

On a different , yet somewhat related, topic, I had another mini photo shoot to go along with my senior pictures one. This one was conveniently called a "snow session" and consisted of photos being taken outside in the lovely wilderness that is Alaska. Luckily, it was moved to a warmer day ( the original date was like -12 degrees outside) and it turned out to be super fun. 

Well believe it or not, I wore one outfit, and one outfit only and it just so happened to be an orange prom dress with a beaded top and tulle skirt. It was brought into the consignment shop a couple years ago, the consigner never picked it up, and being the gorgeous piece it was, we kept on to it. Looks like it came to be in good use, yes? 

So tulle is currently a new favorite find of mine, so now if only I could find one to buy and wear....

These photos below were taken from Pinterest and are the types of tulle I'd love to add to my closet. 

Throwback Thursday- My First Time..

Haha it's not what you think! You see, that's always my initial thought when I read the title to those YouTube videos done by famous YouTubers. Yes, today is the day in which I share two of my all time favorite British YouTubers- ladies and gentleman, let me introduce Jack and Finn Harries of "JacksGap."

Oh where to even start with these lads? From the beginning, I suppose. So my best bud Emma was the one to hook me onto these guys. I remember her telling me after I got interested in Ed that she had a bunch of YouTubers to show me. I totally remember thinking what the heck? Who has time for that? Little did I know, I was soon to be immersed in the world of the vlogging media. You see, vlogging is basically what I'm doing but on camera. Remember how I wanted to start my own vlog way back when? I still do, of course, and these guys are the main inspiration behind if. 

So one of the first videos she showed me were Dan Howell's on "danisnotonfire" and then came JacksGap. Oh wow. My very first video to watch of theirs was called " Ask Jack 2" and continues to be one of my all time favorites to this day. I could quote the whole thing, we watched it so many times. The laughing that comes with it is the type to make ones ribs sore and we were crouched over and totally enamored by this video.  I was hooked! 

The video is basically a bunch of questions that the viewers have asked Jack via the Internet and so it's all of his responses and some of them include some dares. One of my favorite parts is definitely when someone asks "can you blow out a candle with your nose?" And when he attempts it and succeeds.. Oh the face he makes! I just love the little burst of air through his nose and then the look of why yes I could is purely priceless. Obviously there are other parts as well that make me smile such as "freaking cats or dogs?!?! Euhhhh" Oh you simply must see it for yourself! I promise you won't regret it. 

Oh, and so Jack's twin brother, Finn, is also beginning to appear in most of his videos. I can't blame them- their viewings skyrocketed again ( not that they were ever low to begin with) one the public learned of not ONE adorably funny, articulate, and super attractive young British entertainer, but TWO, and twins at that. But it's not just their engrossing personalities and devastatingly good looks that make them so popular- they are seriously good at what they do. I don't know the details of it all, but they have excellent experience with videography, filming, photography, and an eye for professional display. They do great things for various charities, have their own website, collaborate with other successful YouTubers for more funny videos, travel the world and share their experiences, attend fashion shows ( for man)... Is there anything they cannot do? I just have a huge respect for these guys and I admire them profusely. 

So not only did this adorably cute and entertaining video hook me onto watching YouTubers ( as entertainment, who would've thought?), but onto vlogging as a possible outlet for me as well. It really does appear to be a popular and growing industry here and to jump on that bandwagon would simply be amazing. All it takes is that first step! 

Anyhow, I really do encourage you to check out their channel, or website, along with Marcus Butler TV, Dicasp, Tyker Oakley, The Pointless Blog TV, Danisnotonfire, and many others. There's a whole world out there full of these inspiring entertainers. And that whole "cheeky" thing that I have adopted into my repertoire? Yes, it happens to be Jack's favorite word, so thank you mate! 

Let me just show you what you're missing.. Yeah. 

This one right below is simply.. the best.

New Year, Same Ole Me.

Personally, I've never been a fan of the whole "New Years Resolutions." Maybe it's because "resolution" sounds so... Official like. I mean, I think it's fantastic to have resolutions but personally, I would rather have goals. I don't think a new year is about changing your habits, lifestyle, and who you are. I find the new year to be a fun little way to inspire me to becoming a better person.

Tis quite difficult to explain somehow, but do you get the gist of what I'm saying? For me, a new year isn't about shedding my old skin and becoming a whole new and improved human being. I am me, and me I will be. Here are some quotes that help explain things. 

So you see, it's not about changing who I am, but slowly allowing me to become who I'd always been - me. Of course there are some goals I have set in mind, most of them involving me getting out more and being not grumpy at home, but to me, it just feels like last week! Just like my 18th birthday- there was no magical poof that turned me into this social and talkative adult. I'm still... Quieter than I'd like to be around people. 

Anyhow, it was a quiet holiday for me but I did work for free to raise money for our local food bank and I thought that was an excellent way to start the year off! It helped counter attack the fact that it poured most of yesterday.. In January, in the middle of winter. Oh well. 

I'm really quite looking forward to this year with all of my exciting activities planned. Of course, it's also the unexpected bits that make it real as well. And I hope you all celebrated in your own way whether it be retiring early (that may be just an Élan thing), or partying with friends and family. Nonetheless, Happy New Year and let's make 2014 a good one!