stay cozy in the winter

If my high school self saw my style now, I would probably think I was dorky. I just can't help loving quirky sweaters. Winter time is so dreary and drab, a funky sweater is the perfect thing to cheer things up. The sweaters above are all from asos, I stumbled accross them window-online shopping.

{two birds, stripes, hearts, mistletoe}

Preeetttttyy

Aren't both of these sooo pretty?! They're just so whimsical and flow-y.

source (left, right)

Cozy Fall Accessories

It's been so long since I posted! I promise I do not plan on posting less during the school year. It's kind of you either get quantity or quality with blog posts and I'm still working on that balance. Althought quality seems super important when I'm in design classes during the day.

So while I'm working on that here are some really cute and cozy fall accessories.

{zigzag scarf, gray knit scarf, fox fingerless gloves, brown bag, printed loop scarf, polka dot socks}

Just a Couple of Favorites

Today Tim and I moved our cats back home and tomorrow we will move back (from house-sitting). Being back home for a couple of hours made me realize how much I missed it! So in the spirit of cherishing home and such things, here are a few things that I'm loving.

This is such a good book!! I seriously recommend it! I've read it through once and now I flip through again and again and again.

A new purse/clutch. It's so fun and unlike anything else I have. Plus I love Nemu; poor little guy got sick on both ways between our house and our friends' house.

My faaaavorite foundation right now. I'm not well versed in foundations, I generally don't wear any. This one might change that though.

Window Shopping

There's no other way to put it, I've been window shopping - something Tim would not like to hear. I don't really like new clothes that come out in between seasons. I don't want to be done with summer yet and the fall colors are not appealing. So, I browsed the jewelery.

{1,2,3,4,5,6}

If you follow those links you'll know they're all from Topshop. I also came across these "bra covers" on Topshop and had a good laugh. Who knew?

A Bit of Glitz

There is just something about this picture that I came across on Pinterest. I just can't stop looking at it.

While I love to photograph, there's no way I'd actually wear that skirt on a plain old day. However, this picture has inspired me to add a little sparkle to each day/outfit. I've also rediscovered the joy of plain red nails, like I mentioned in this earlier post. So I'ved pulled out a few spakley accessories on days that I wear plain basics.

This necklace is one of my al time favorites. And it was under $15 from Forever21.

Each of these rings are beautiful on their own, but I love pairing them together.

Friday Outfit

When I'm living out of a suitcase I rarely like to dress up, especially since I don't pack for layers. Plus I'm watching two puppies and it's rainy here, so I get really dirty and don't want to wear clothes that I care about. However, after almost a week of wearing gym clothes I needed a change.

I love putting these two accessories together, I think it gives the outfit an edgey-rocker vibe. The ring was from walmart for $3 and the necklace is from Jewelmint for $30. I love that price difference. Makes me smile every time.

I really like putting that long necklace with a scarf. So I wrapped this one up all around my neck and put my hair in a top knot. Since I didn't have clothes to layer, I went with lots of accessories. It gives the same general style with half the luggage space.

Nails + Product Review

I have been wanting to try out Sally Hansen nail strips for a long time. I would see some on sale, but of course they were always the ugly ones. Until... I found my grocery store having a sale! So I bought these:

This is just an Instagram picture, but I too it the night I applied them and I think it shows how rough they started out. I put them on Monday night and since then they've really smoothed out, and the edges by the cuticles are much better. However, my thumbs peeled back a lot and a teeny tiny part of the tip has rubbed off. 

I really like these, especially for crazy designs like this that I could not do myself. I don't think they're as durable as they claim to be, nor do they fit my nail shape very well. I would say, if you can find them on sale they're worth it, but I would not pay the original $9.

My Life Lately

While I'm getting the MyGlam post ready I wanted to share a few pictures from this week with all of you. Our apartment has been pretty hot lately and my desk is in the hottest corner, or at least it feels like it. So, when I hit a couple of bumps with Photoshop (for the MyGlam post) it felt like a way bigger problem than it was. Now the air conditioning is on and I can get back to work.

How to Survive an All-Nighter Part 3

The last thing that you want to think about the morning after a late night is what to wear. If you don't have something planned you will inevitably end up in either sweat pants or some dumpy outfit that you chose soley because of its comfort level.

The best way to avoid these problems is to have preplanned outfits that are held in reserve for rushed mornings or mornings when you don't have the brain power to pick anything out. I would suggest having two or three of these outfits, this way if you have a couple of bad mornings in a week one outfit will be clean. I also pick outfits that will be comfortable and nothing that I will be fussing with during the day. However I pick something that is still stylish, I may be dead tired but I don't want my clothes to show it.

This first outfit is one of my favorites! I wear my favorite dark wash jeans, a long white tank top and this scarf from Forever21. I don't know how that scarf is still available, it's incredibly light weight and matches with everything. As you can see below I can even match it w/ a patterned sweater. With all of these outfits I have a sweater in mind to layer with incase it's cold.

            

The next outfit is a more colorful option. Again, it's my favorite dark wash jeans with a long tank top, but this time the top is a bright coral color. I wear a long black and white scarf with it and black flip flops. The gray sweater I paired with it is my absolute favorite!! And it's actualy from the men's department at Forever21!

This last outfit is my very last fall back plan. It's black skinny leggings from Victoria's Secret with an long tank top that will cover my booty and a sweater. I try to cover at least most of my butt if I'm wearing leggings as pants. And I put a really simple white sweater on top; you can see my plan is always long tank top with a sweater.

Pinterest Love

I love Pinterest! I spend lots of time on there finding adorable outfits and cute craft ideas, there are so many awesome pictures out there. I literally have over 2000 pins, so I wanted to share a couple of favorites at the moment with you.

Don't worry more the Surviving a Late Night will continue, I just wanted to still do these smaller posts too.

Rose Gold Watch

Rose gold, mensware watches are huge right now! I love the look, especially when it's layered with other bracelets. Like this...

My problem is that I really want a Michael Kors watch, which are pretty expensive in my book. I have bought two cheaper watches in similar styles - both are okay, but have proved to be worth only what I paid. Which makes me wonder, do you get what you pay for in a watch? A Michael Kors watch is a timeless piece (pun intended) and I can wear it forever. This particular style might become a little less trendy, but I think that won't be for a few more years and even then I don't think it will be unfashionable.

So here are the two that I'm down to. What are you thoughts? Do more expensive watches hold up to what you pay for them?

Sources {top going clockwise: 1, 2, 3} {watches: Geneva, Michael Kors}

Thursday Inspiration

Well, I realize it's past midnight which technically makes this Friday inspiration, but let's ignore that.
These are some images I found through Pinterest - I'll try and find their original sources though. This week I am sharing clothing as an inspiration; a lot of times I find vision in my closet. I love mixing old pieces to find a new outfit to fit my mood perfectly. I also might mix unexpected pieces to feel a little fresh and fun, like wearing bright red rain boots with a fun skirt to feel a little playful on a rainy day. The textures and colors of clothes and how they work together is one of the main reasons I love fashion.

I got them here {1, 2, 3, 4} - the first one is a blog that I just discovered.

Please follow me on twitter: @ToriChannell and find me on Pinterest: ToriChannell!

Monday Blues

Get them here {1, 2, 3, 4}

Looking Forward to Spring

I have been feeling so uninspired by the dreary days of winter. I am always so thankful for Valentine's Day because everything gets covered in bright reds, pinks and oranges. Now don't get me wrong, winter is fantastic, but it looses its luster after the holidays. So, this post is embracing my hope for spring to come sooner rather than later.

I do not switch out my clothes based on seasons; at least not when it comes to colors. I find a way to layer and accessorize so a bright colorful piece so works in the middle of January. However, I do change my purses! I have always loved bags so I think that's why I pay more attention to how they work with a season or outfit. Here are a few from Forever21 that would be perfect for spring time.

Get them here {1, 2, 3, 4}

Jason Wu for Target

I don't know if you've heard but Jason Wu is designing for Target. I was super excited when I heard this and even more excited when I found this link! You can read more information from that blog, but I wanted to pick out my favorite looks, ones that I will definitely be checking out.

Simple Cuteness

I came across these adorable, simple jewelery pieces last night and had to share them. I, like so many other girls, have jumped on the mustache-love bandwagon. I am still looking for a great mustache piece to buy; I'm not sure if it's going to be a mug or a ring or a necklace like this. Too many choices!!

These items caught my eye because they're so feminine but on a small scale, which is much more my style.

(all are from Forever21)
Bow Necklace - $1.50
Mustache Necklace - $2.80
Love Ring - $3.80

Monday Blues

We all get a case of the monday blues at least once in a while, so why not make them a little prettier? 

The Essie nail polish is actually my favorite blue polish. Nail polish seems a little silly to spend a little extra on, but I love Essie's colors and their quality is one of the best. I can find it for $7.50 at CVS, although their site lists it for $8 and I paint my nails at least twice a week, so it's worth it for me.

Forever 21 best - $6.80

Alloy top - $19.90

DSW high heels - $44.95

Essie nail polish in Mezmerised - $8.90

All That Glitters

New Year's is the perfect time to break out the sequins! Or at least some sparkly eye shadow.

Subdued Glam Look: I really like this one because the shirt is comfy and will be great however late you stay out.

Little Gold Dress:  This dress is for going all out, keep the jewelery and hair simple.

Lady Like: I love how light and feminine this dress is while the gold stripes are  special enough for NYE.

Glam Look: I think this top is really versatile; you could wear it like this with layers of bracelets and some great hair or tone it down with a blazer and a sleek ponytail.

image sources top to bottom {1-shirt, 1-skirt, 2, 3, 4}

Save on Sweaters

Staying warm in the winter is a must, but that does not mean you need to empty your wallet for warmer clothes.  Here are a few sweaters that I found for under $20, I've also listed other site I recommend for end-of-season sales. Keep in mind I'm a huge fan of layering, so none of these are thick wool sweaters.

1. Delia's Kara Cardigan - $19.99
    I love the cuff detail on this one.
2. Forever21 Casual Cardigan - $15.40
    As a note this style runs a little small, so if you're looking for a looser fit, go a size up.
3. Forever21 Mixed Striped Cardigan - $19.80
4. Delia's Emily Pointelle Cardigan (other colors available) - $9.99
    This would be for a dressy shirt that needs more sleeve.
5. Victoria's Secret Silk Cashmere V-neck Cardigan Sweater (other colors available) - $19.99
    This is an amazing steal! There are so many other colors and $20 for silk and cashmere!

I really recommend keeping an eye on lloy's clearance, Victoria's Secret's clothing sales and Charlotte Russe's in-store clearance.