Fall Favorites

Sweater  ||  Banana Republic (similar here)

Pants  ||  H&M

Shoes  || Target

It is the season for breezy days and chilly evenings.  Each year the leaves change, the weather gets cooler, and my excitement peaks each time I slide open my closet door.  With autumn temperatures come so many options, so many layers, and so many combinations.  With the possibilities being practically endless, I tend to stick to my four fall staples. These are pieces that I trust, always feel confident in, and literally go with anything because they are easily mix-and-matched. Here are my four must-haves this time of year:

1. Fierce Top-Knot.

Want to know why you'll love this one? Because it won't cost you a penny, and it is so simple to do. When you have long locks like me, the wind can sometimes be your worst nightmare, which is why the top-knot bun is perfect for those gusty afternoons. It's a quick fix when you're in a rush or when your hair is just not loving you back. Bad hair days be gone! You can leave it on the messier side or tame it with bobbies for a sleeker look. Up-dos are something I used to avoid at all costs, but the top-knot has stolen my heart.

2. Favorite Sweater

Everyone needs a favorite sweater...or five. It makes you feel fearless, but keeps you warm, while still looking great. My go-to is a soft beige, crew neck. It shouldn't be of any surprise that my knitted soulmate is a neutral hue. I just can't get away from earth tones, and I don't think I ever want to.

3. Fall-Colored Pants

Currently I have been crushing over my new olive skinny jeans. Before these pants walked into my life, I was pretty skeptical of pants that weren't a classic shade of denim, black, or tan. Honestly, it took me four months after I bought them to even wear them out. But once I gave them a fair chance, I fell head over heels for them. They double for casual occasions with flats and a cardigan and dressier events matched with stilettos and a flowy top.  Maroon and mustard are next on my wish-list.

4. Faithful Booties

I cannot get enough of booties; they’re the real prize of any Saturday afternoon shopping trip.  Maybe it's because shoes are my weakness, but there is just something about them that catch my eye, and my wallet. With the different styles, materials, and colors, it's hard to choose my preferred pair. Lately, I have been wearing my black, suede, wedges with a cute little tie. They look great with just about anything you couple with them! But the absolute best part about them is that they look glam without killing my feet. Score! When you find shoes that do this for you, buy them right then and there! Your feet will thank you later. My motto is that you can never have too many boots! 

Learning How to Swim

Here I sit, knee deep in my to-do list. It’s full of things for school, my job, and just life in general. Lately, my drive to be productive has hit an all time low. If you happen to find where I have lost my motivation, please let me know, because I dearly need it back. I can’t seem to pull it together to get anything done. I have a handful of incomplete projects that need to come to completion, and it feels never ending. I am a full-time student, with a part time job, and a social life that fills the remaining time gaps.

I’ve hit the brick wall that has been labeled “senioritis.” Actually, I am pretty sure that if you look up senioritis in the dictionary, you will find a picture of me there with gold stars next to my name. I don’t have much desire to write another paper or read another chapter in a textbook. I don’t really care to spend my time commenting on another discussion board or searching for anymore peer-reviewed academic journals for my latest research assignment. This lack of determination has caused me to become so behind in my classes, and in case you didn’t know, deadlines that have passed are more stressful than deadlines that are upcoming.

So as I’m surrounded by all of these things on my to-do list demanding my time, it sometimes feels like I’m drowning.  I’ve found myself sitting in the sand on the bottom of the ocean with the coral and starfish not really knowing what to do or where to start.  Last night I submitted an assignment, and realized that I am learning how to swim again.  I am remembering how to channel my ambition and get things done.  

I’m so thankful that my head is above water again because I have missed blogging.  Blogging has become an outlet for me and something that I adore.  I am overjoyed to get back to this love of mine.  Although our readers may be few, we appreciate you.  Thank you all for reading, commenting, loving, and supporting us.

Who Knew A Monday Could Be So Great?

My life is usually go-go-go; moving from one event to the next. During the week I am usually busy until the wee hours of the morning and on weekends I am traveling to see family or friends. However, this past Monday gave me the gift of all gifts – a day off. Monday became my saving grace.

If we are being honest, I could have used an entire weeks’ worth of Mondays like this. You know, the kind of day were sleeping until noon is acceptable, drinking countless cups of coffee just because I can, and jamming to music while enjoying some good reads in a hammock. Days like such are few and far between because this is the real world now and there is money to be earned and bills needing to be paid. Sigh.

This Monday off was a chance for me to get my life back in order because my life is a hot mess, like all of the time. I hope everyone else enjoyed their extra-long weekend!

Meet The Magnolia Girls

We are three cousins, but we are better defined as sisters. Actually, Kate and Hannah truly are sisters, while Nicolette is just a tag-along, wannabe who was blessed with having only brothers. We are all in different parts of our life – Nicolette is in the beginnings of her career, Kate is working towards her masters, and Hannah is figuring out which profession to peruse. Even though we are on the journey of finding our own place in this world, this blog is what brings us back together.

Kate is the perfect combination of sweet and sassy. She is currently working on her masters in higher education after receiving her undergrad in psychology. People are her passion, which explains her dreams of one day guiding students throughout their college experience. She’s a lover of hammocking and her closet practically consists of neutrals. Coffee and cold brews are her obsession, so finding coffee shops that aren’t overrun by basics is a simple pleasure.

Nicolette is the wild and creative one. She believes in the magic of finding the perfect pair of jeans, or shoes, or both. She’s a designer with a witty sense of humor and a shopping obsession. The one who likes to cook, but never follows the recipe exact, which mimics her attitude in life – just go with it. Her best advice: when in doubt, choose black, always. She’s the sports fanatic that is in a love triangle with margaritas and wine.

Hannah can be defined by the 4 F’s: Family, Friendship, Food, and Flannels. She is the down to earth one and the brains of the trio. With a recent change in career path and school, Hannah is now in the process of receiving her undergrad in communication with a minor in business and science. She is fueled by tea, but s’mores are the way to her heart. Stripes are her fashion staple. She will always try something once and lives for the thrill of finding a good bargain.

Together we make The Magnolia Girls.