I Wish I Was, I Wish I Was, Beside You

I just had to use one of my favorite 5SOS lyrics as my title, fitting since I finally got a physical copy of their album at Target on Friday (such excitement!). I’ve been struggling to come up with a post to write about. I read so many amazing blogs with people who live crazy lives of traveling, shopping, festival-going, or all of the above. I am from the middle of no-where where there is never anything to do. I traveled once this summer, and there is no decent shopping in sight. I work all day, and usually end up coming home solely to relax at night. What could I possibly show you all that is actually “fun” or “photo-worthy?”

That’s when I decided to take a closer look at my life. Yes, nothing extravagant seems to happen in my daily routine, but it’s the little things that bring joy, too.

Take, for example, Friday. I woke up early to go get our vehicle worked on (boring, I know), but we didn’t just travel to the nearest “city” (or bigger town, as I like to say), for that. My little sister, going to be a freshman in high school, was getting her braces off. How exciting for her! While this was just an average day for me, this was one of the best days for her. We stopped by Target, each picked up a copy of the 5SOS album (yes, we both like the same band), went to the orthodontist to take out the metal, and then went to Olive Garden to celebrate. I had some amazing pasta and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. I would like another piece now, please.

Look at her BEAUTIFUL, braces free, smile. (I'm on the left, just in case you didn't know!)

We headed back home on the 30-minute drive back to my teeny-tiny town and I had my sister take an OOTD photo in my street to end the day. Yes, I know I wear a lot of black/gray, but it’s my go-to, even for summer! As a bonus, I was wearing one of my absolute favorite Jawbreaking tees. They’re always so unique, so their shop is one of my favorites online.

Top: Jawbreaking (link to their site here)

Bottoms: Forever 21 (Cut by me--post on my DIY here)

Sandals: Forever 21 (borrowed from my sister)

While it wasn’t much, it was a special day for both her and me. Seeing her growing up makes me so happy & sad at the same time. Where did my little sister go? But, it’s nice being able to spend this time with her since I’ll end up having to move away soon, as college is flying by (getting a bit watery-eyed at this point). Small town life just isn’t for me.

Basically, I’m trying to share with you what I’ve been trying to teach myself. Yes, not everyday will be as fabulous and extravagant as others, and maybe you will only do one experience worth binge-blogging about all year, but be sure to take note of the little things too. Not only in blogging, but in life. These little memories are the ones that add up to make you just as happy as a singular major event. And hold joy dear, not only your own, but also those of the one’s you love.

I don’t want to get too emotional now, and I’m sorry if I haven’t gotten around to reading your blogs recently. I’m struggling writing blogs for myself, let alone reading others! I have two more 6-day work weeks coming up, and I’ll be sure to read yours as soon as I can before heading back to college the next week. I love reading about what’s been going on with your lives, especially if you have been doing some fun things this summer. If you are, then I’ve lived my summer vicariously through you. Speaking of summer, WHERE DID IT GO?! I’ve enjoyed getting a bit of blogging done this summer, and I am praying I will keep up with it this year as a second-year student at college. Much love and thanks for keeping up with me thus far—it’s only the beginning.

Much love,

Maggie D. xx

I’VE BEEN ACCEPTED!! *Cue Celebration*

I’m sitting here, writing this blog post at 2 in the morning, listening to Matty & George from The 1975 on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show (I’m catching up on my interviews), questioning absolutely nothing. I am quite content actually. After a week of stress, reading, and more stress and reading, I finally found out the best news I’ve heard all summer. In fact, besides my trip to Chicago, this was the only exciting thing to happen to me this summer (sad but true—there isn’t much to do back home where I’m from).

Last Sunday, I submitted my essay to finish up my study abroad application. I was basically shaking as I pressed the submit button. I wasn’t tooooo nervous, but there was obviously a bit of nerves. What if I didn’t get accepted? What if I looked at myself as a failure for the rest of my life? Ok, so I wasn’t that worried. But I was still scared.

They informed me that I would hear back in five business days, so I figured I would know by Friday. The days seem to drag on and on—I just wanted to know my fate. 5 p.m. hit on Friday, and I figured I wouldn’t know for the week. A WEEKEND OF ANXIOUSLY WAITING—I COULDN’T DO IT.

Then, at exactly 5:15 Friday evening, I got the email: Dear Maggie, I am happy to inform you that you have been selected to study on (college’s name) England program during the Spring of 2015…

I basically froze and wanted to cry and scream and fall down all at the same time. This is what I have wanted for years. I got accepted, and I am still in a bit of shock.

My sister was the only one home at the time, so I told her and texted everyone else that I love: “I GOT ACCEPTED!!”

I had to celebrate, so my sister and I hit up one of my favorite, summery local restaurants for an infamous “Bob’s dog” and fries. We stopped by the DQ for a shake afterward, and celebrated that night by watching House Hunters. Such a celebration, I know, but it really was a lovely evening. I posted a few photos from our little outing, including a little OOTD post. Simple tees, jeans and my new Vans are perfect for summer. I am so so so excited to take this next step in my life, and I cannot wait to travel to London next spring.

Since back-to-college shopping is just around the corner (really, where did summer go?) I was wondering if any Brits would share with me some winter/spring essentials. What should I invest in before traveling across the pond? Thanks for reading, and I have a five day break from work this week, so expect another post again soon!

All of my love,

Maggie D. xx

Chung & Tiffany's: My Style Inspirations

Because of my awkward hours at work, I seem to be suffering bouts of insomnia, or so it seems. I’m up until the weeee hours of the morning (4-4:30 to be exact… sorry if you read my tweets at this time of day). Since I can’t sleep, I took up reading, and reading has given me all kinds of new inspirations. I am currently finishing up my post at a little coffee shop in my town, and I must say I’m feeling perfectly inspired.

My first read was IT by Alexa Chung. I have adored her style and grace for the longest time, and I have been saving up for studying abroad, but I thought this was a necessary minor purchase, as a book purchase wouldn’t break me in the long run. And it was an incredible purchase. If you have been debating purchasing this book I say GO FOR IT. The book puts me in Alexa’s mind, giving me an insight as to why she wears what she wears/does what she does/what she gets inspo from/etc. Her style inspirations are fab, ranging from Wednesday Addams to Kate Moss. She shares her advice from boys to festivals, giving tips here and there for readers who, like me, want to channel their inner “Chung.”

Whilst reading reviews of the book, people complained it wasn’t much of what they were looking for. After reading it, I must add my two cents—what were you looking for? It gives us ace style tips and the photos are incredible, with tidbits of advice here and there. She gave tips to improving my Instagram photos (here is the link to my Insta if you would like to follow meee) and shared her love for dinosaurs. What more can a person want? One of my favorite quotes (among many, I might add): “Looking effortless takes a lot of effort.”

My best friend from college and I decided to start our own little book club which is honestly one of the greatest things I decided to do this summer. As English majors, it’s good to continue honing our inner lit analysts whilst reading some literary classics. (How educated did I sound right there?) In a writing class we took together, we watched the film Capote, giving us a taste about this intriguing author and his life. So, we had to pick up two of his greatest works, In Cold Blood, and the well-known Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a novella, and because it was only 87 pages long, we decided to start with this book. Audrey Hepburn brought Holly Golightly to life in the film, and her face stuck in my mind as I read the novel. Her character is complex, and, is a “real phony,” but she embodies the grace of a woman of her time. “Darling” has been on repeat in my head, and you can hear her voice as it describes the way she dresses. I embody the simplicity of Holly: “…she wore a slim cool black dress, black sandals, a pearl chocker…A pair of dark glasses blotted out her eyes.” The grace described through this one ensemble, and the twist and turns her character takes enthralls me throughout the entire novella. While I haven’t seen the film (I know, where have I been living?!), I would highly recommend the book. You can’t fully capture a literary genius on the screen.

These books both encompass styles and creativity that I absolutely adore. Literary figures and pop culture icons are perfect places to get style inspirations—where do you get your inspiration? What has been on your reading list for the summer? Please share in the comments below.

Much love,

Maggie D. xx

Two Tags, One Post

I've been super busy with work and home remodeling, but I promise I will be posting a regular account post soon. I will also be catching up with my subscription list on here as well, so I'm sorry if I haven't posted on your blog in awhile! I was recently chosen for two different tags, and I figured I’d answer both of them in one post since I can’t turn a tag post down! I was tagged by Evi from evithefashionista for the “This or That tag” and Keighly from her self-titled blog keighly for the Q&A tag, so go ahead and give these lovely ladies a follow. It’s so hard to choose specific people to tag, so if any of you would like to answer the q’s, then send me the link in the comments below.

This or That tag:

//makeup//

blush or bronzer // blush

lip gloss or lipstick // lip stick—gloss is too sticky for my taste!

eye liner or mascara // mascara

foundation or concealer // concealer

neutral or bold eye shadow // neutral

pressed or loose shadows // pressed

brushes or sponges // brushes

//nails//

OPI or china glaze // OPI (or Essie!)

long or short // long

acrylic or natural // natural

brights or darks // darks

//body//

perfume or body splash // perfume

lotion or body butter // lotion

body wash or soap // body wash

LUSH or Bath & Body Works // LUSH

//fashion//

jeans or skirt // jeans

dresses or skirts // both!

stripes or plaid // stripes

flip flops or sandals // sandals

scarves or hats // hats

studs or dangly earrings // studs

necklaces or bracelets // both

heels or flats // boots!

chelsea boots or combat boots // Chelsea

forever 21 or H&M // H&M

Saks 5th or Nordstrom // nordstrom

//hair//

curly or straight // straight

bun or ponytail // bun

hair spray or gel // hair spray

long or short // long

light or dark // both

side sweep bangs or full bangs // full bangs

up or down // down

//random//

rain or shine // depends on my mood

summer or winter // summer

fall or spring // fall

chocolate or vanilla // chocolate

east coast or west coast // both

Q&A Tag

What is your current fashion obsession?

With fall on the way, I have recently been investing in skinnies and boots because I can never have enough! I have been drawn to darker colors recently, so I have invested in a few pair of black skinnies for the cooler months. I have been dying for a pair of Chelsea boots for fall too—I can’t wait for the cooler months ahead!

What is your current make-up obsession?

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Spot Eraser—I use it as a concealer, and it covers up everything!

What are you wearing today?

I have a terrible job, so I am sticking in my shorts and tee that I wore to bed until I switch into a pair of jeans and a tee shirt for my factory job (yucky, I know—but I’ll do whatever I need to to help pay for London!)

Hair?

Straightened

Do you nap a lot?

Not too much! I would rather read, blog, or catch up on YouTube!

Why is today special?

I was able to do a Google Hangout with one of my best friends from college since we live so far away from each other!

What would you like to learn to do?

I would love to learn another language (French? Italian?) or learn how to play guitar.

What's for dinner today?

Steak!

What are you listening to right now?

Me-The 1975 (hyping up until I see them in November)

What is your favorite weather?

My favorite is when the brisk air starts to pick up in the fall—breaking out boots and skinnies is my favorite.

What's the last thing you bought?

A bunch of goodies on sale at Old Navy including a loose fitting black sheer top with mini white stripes and, of course, black boots on sale for $13.99.

What are your essentials when travelling?

My phone (and a charger), bottled water, a magazine, and a good music playlist.

What's your style?

A lot of black/navy and white/cream. I like to stick with basics and throw in a pop of color with accessories. Simplicity is key.

What is your most challenging goal at the moment?

Figuring out how to pay for college/studying abroad and where I want to end up after I graduate.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?

I would love a flat in London—the city seems so beautiful to me! I was in LA last summer and loved it there as well—two opposite ends of the spectrum, I know. This is a tough one!

Favorite vacation spot?

I loved LA when I visited last summer, and just got back from a short trip to Chicago this summer. My favorite vacation spot is anywhere in a city!

Name the things you cannot live without?

Family, Friends, my laptop/phone, music, and Twitter/Tumblr.

How was your childhood?

Good? I have terrible memory, but nothing too terrible from what I can remember!

What would you like to have in your hands right now?

A winning lottery ticket! <<Keighly’s response, but I had to keep it!

What would you like to get rid of?

I would like to sell my out of style clothes and make a buck to invest in some new styles.

What are you most excited for?

Going back to school in the fall to catch up with friends and continue improving my writing skills.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour where would you go?

New York City, Ibiza, or Sydney

Which countries have you visited?

The United States (where I live) and that’s it! I’m planning on studying abroad in England next year, so I’m hoping to do some travelling and get a longer list in a years time!

I tag these lovely ladies for this post:

> Bea from the BCfactor

>Isobella from sincerelyybella

I hope you learned a little more about me through these tags! I can't wait to get back to posting/reading blogs again soon.

Much love,

Maggie D. xx

Make Sparks Fly on the Fourth

It’s that time of year again folks. The fourth of July is a huge holiday here in the states (sorry if you’re reading this from another country!). Styling for freedom day should be the least of your worries when you have all of the BBQs, parties, fireworks, and other outdoor activities to attend. I know it's a bit late to go shopping for a new outfit now, but I have picked out a few pieces that would be great to try. The one thing I would recommend is keeping your ensemble as simple as can be. These toasty July months call for shorts and tanks, and here are a few pieces that will make you ready for any party you will attend. (Just to warn you, there is a lot of red, white, and blue. I mean, it is the fourth, so you might as well go all-out, right?)

A simple pair of shorts and a tee or tank is an easy breezy look for the fourth. I picked out some USA styles that I think would be fun to show off while out and about all day.

 Shorts: Topshop

Tee: Urban Outfitters

Sandals: Urban Outfitters

Tank (plain): Topshop (SALE!)

Tank (MTV): Forever 21

Shorts: Topshop

Sandals: Urban Outfitters

For a formal affair, a dress or romper is ideal. Try a pair nice sandals and a hat to keep away the rays while you spend the day outside.

Dress: Nasty Gal

Sandals: ASOS

Hat: Forever 21

Also, you can't forget a cute pair of sunnies to finish off your ensemble! These are my current favorites (I do have a pretty big obsession with sunglasses--I can't seem to stop buying them!):

Sunglasses: Topshop

Here are a few outfit ideas to try for the fourth! I do not think I will be doing much to celebrate, except staying home and catching up with my family. We have been working and doing all kinds of crazy things all summer, and I work tonight and have off until next Monday for the holiday. I will try to post again soon, so be sure to look for more posts in the upcoming weeks! Thank you for reading, and I can't wait to speak to all of you again soon.

Maggie D. xx