Today I turn 23. Twenty-three. Veintitres. 23 just doesn't sound right. Is it weird that I still feel how I did when I was 19? And then I stop and think of all the things that have passed/I've done since I was 19. Here are 23 things I want to have done by 24:

1. graduate college - done
2. learn to french braid my hair
3. collect a new postcard - from spain, from florida, from vegas
4. go ice skating - see photos from our ice skating adventure here!
5. Watch a hockey game
6. learn to more about graphic design & web design
7. try to be more open minded & say “yes”
8. upgrade my blog layout
9. come up with a regular exercise routine
10. do a photo book - in progress
11. wear more hats. and heels
12. find a hobby Chris and I both enjoy
13. do 6 DIY projects
14. gain (majority) financial independence - I said majority!
15. go see a comedian perform - I'm counting as going to a comedy club as a yes
16. host a girl’s night - Does a throwing bachelorette party count? I'm saying yes.
17. scope out the best antique local shops
18. go on an ski trip
19. find the perfect shade of lipstick
20. train for a marathon or relay
21. read 12 books
    -Love and Other Impossible Pursuits by Ayelet Waldman
    -The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
    -The Hunger Games: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
    -The Hunger Games: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
    -Wool 1-5 by Hugh Howey
    -What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love by Carole Radziwell
    -Tell No One by Harlan Coben
    -Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
    -Kiss the Girls by James Patterson
    -Cross by James Patterson
    -Secret Diary of a Call Girl by Belle de Jour and Anonymous
    -Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
22. try screen printing
23. make a painting

*Idea and some goals nabbed from Wit & Whistle

a person is just a person

[ Cardigan - BDG via UO, romper - Forever 21, boots - Gordman's, bag - Steve Madden ] 

Spring break is over and even though I spent the whole week working, I have to admit that I'm not ready to go back to classes. If anything its made me feel even more ready to be done with school and start working full time.

My weekend was amazing. After coming home Friday from work, Chris whisked me away on a secretly planned date night. On Saturday, we packed up the pups and spent time with my family and my newly arrived sister (and her two adorable little girls) who is here visiting for a few months from Germany! And tonight, as an early birthday gift from T, Chris and I may end up going to the Thunder/Heat game. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such a great bunch of people in my life.

Cardigan paired before here. Boots worn previously here. I was lucky to snag this Steve Madden satchel--$98 at retail price for $18 courtesy of T. 

*Click HERE to see if you won the 50% off at Sugarlips!

so long spring break

here there delilah

Remember last summer when I up and decided a fun weekend project would be starting a small garden? Not at all considering when the prime time to plant would be or if the flowers would survive the current heat wave (which they didn’t).

But with the rain, our tulips started budding.

your clothes never wear as well the next day

 [ Coat - c/o Sugarlips, top - Forever 21, jeggings - American Eagle, boots - Forever 21 ]

For the most part of the weekend, the rain kept us inside. We did manage to venture out a few times: a double date to the theater to watch 21 Jump Street and to grab some groceries (though we forgot the paper towels).

This outfit is actually from a few weeks ago and I found it hidden in my drafts. Who doesn’t love an outfit with stripes? Which brings me to my new “project”/hash tag #stripesarebest aka tagging any outfit post that I’m wearing stripes just to see how many different ways its worn.

Parka worn before here. Last day to enter my giveaway for the chance to buy this parka or any other Sugarlips garment for 50% off!

wish to wear: topshop

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

With the weather warming up so quickly this year my mind is already on summer clothes (and swim suits). I guess I have been gravitating to soft pastels and corals!

I love how delicate and beautiful these tops are—but dishing out $60-$70 for it? It makes me cringe! I am crossing my fingers hoping my size will make it into the sale section! I’ve been going back and forth with this Lurex Skater Dress in mint. I have a wedding I’m going to next month and for some reason, even though I rarely wear shades of green, I keep thinking “I could totally pull this off.”

b, be, bee

[ Blazer - Silence & Noise via UO, top - Forever 21, pants - BDG via UO, platforms - Miss Selfridge ]

Can you spot the little bee hovering above the flowers? You can see a close up here. Chris and I could spot these flowered trees lining main street as we took a walk and I've spotted them in some of my neighbors yards--and I just love them. I think they are so pretty. I can't believe how warm its gotten this March and how the trees and flowers are coming back to life. Makes me nervous that our summer might be worse than last year's!

I’m such a fan of this outfit and couldn’t wait to wear it to work today. Prepare for my gushing: the blazer is fitted brilliantly and has these lovely satin cuffs, the lightweight and adorable bicycle print top that has the long hem in the back, and of course, the platforms! I definitely had a swing in my step each time I had to walk down the hallway to use the bathroom or to warm up my lunch.

Can’t wait that it’s almost the weekend! Tomorrow is our last day of classes before spring break. Does anyone have big plans?

you have to find your own angle

[ Sweater - Forever 21, romper - Old Navy, ring - Express, moccasin boots - Forever 21 ]

It’s Monday and I’m looking at my planner & to-do list and I’m smiling. I took my last midterm today, I have no homework for the night—and can just sit on the couch all evening, catching up on shows with Chris. It’s a big smile, guys.

On Sunday, Chris and I had brunch down at my parent’s house. Waffles, bacon, and eggs. Then as it rained, we worked in the garage on a light box project made from wood. My dad and Chris are quite the carpenters!

The rain passed (come back!) and the weather nearly reached the eighties today. I can’t believe what little of a winter we had! Psh, already showing my (ghostly white) legs this early in the year…

Romper paired before here & moccasin boots paired before here.

black mary jane

Miss Selfridge purchased: the super black mary jane heel. These are perfect in every way. Black suede, mary jane + platforms. 

My only problem with my love of platform shoes is that I’m already tall. But I can’t wait to wear these!

every line is about who i don't wanna write about

Me being absent from blogging would be an understatement. Aside from being busy with midterms and work—I just haven’t had the time to be creative with my camera (sad face) or my outfits. I’ve also been really wanting to give my blog a new look. I’ve been thinking about formatting and doodling out ideas here and there. But I ultimately feel frustrated because I can’t figure out how to do what I want, which makes me kick myself for never tapping more into graphic design while in college.

Once the semester cools down, I’ll be back on this thing and putting more effort into it—but for now, sit tight because I’m trying to make time for it!

Big love for all you readers :)

guess what i picked up today?

Eight more weeks until graduation. Eight weeks.

It feels like a waiting game. It’s hard to see past May. I’m waiting for May so I can start planning and figuring out what’s next. A job, health insurance, a place to live. I’m waiting for validation for my college career.

Earlier this week, I couldn’t help but stop and think about college as a whole. How much I’ve changed over the years, the people that have come and gone—the ones that where suppose to last but didn’t, the people that stayed the same, the people that have moved on with their lives,—and of course, the new ones that have just nestled their place into my life. I can’t help but miss some bits and pieces of it. It’s scary to sit here and not know what’s coming, but it’s exciting to be trying on my graduation cap & gown and twirling the tassle.

Eight weeks and there’ll be no more waiting. Just boxes and a diploma.

*Sugarlips Giveaway! - closed

[Jacket - c/o Sugarlips, sweater - All Saints, top & scarf - Forever 21, pants - BDG via UO, boots - New Look]

I’ve always loved parkas and, since last year, I’ve always looked for the perfect one but haven’t ever settled on one. I finally found the perfect one: it’s by Sugarlips and it’s a good combination of girly and sporty, typical of parkas. 

Today’s giveaway is courtesy of Sugarlips! One lucky winner will be chosen randomly to receive a 50% off any purchase. To enter, simply visit Sugarlips and leave a comment below with a link of your favorite garment! For two additional entries to the giveaway follow them on Twitter, and/or like them on Facebook. For each additional entry, please leave an additional comment indicating so. The giveaway ends on Sunday, March 18 at 9p. Good luck! 

UPDATED 3/25: Thanks to all who entered! Below is the winner...congratulations! Email me at alissamburton@gmail.com so I can give you the 50% discount code to Sugarlips!