Visual FBFF - Where I Blog

Today's unique FBFF topic is hosted by Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy. It was her idea for us bloggers to share where we blog from. (Read: where we all spend way too much of  our time sitting in front of a computer screen. Haha.)

Anyway, I do all my blogging at my desk in my room. Lucas helped me put this desk together right before I moved into this house. Actually, he did all the putting together and I just helped by removing all the packaging the desk came with. By the way, note the nail polish and glitter next to my tiny speaker and my DIY flower lamp. I'm pretty proud of it. ♥

This has nothing to do with blogging, but here is the built-in shelf on top of my desk. I use it to display a poster full of high school photos and newspaper clippings, my tassel, old bass drum mallets, and my Angels baseball bobbleheads.

I guess the next step is showing my entire room...meaning I'll have to get it organized someday. Maybe one of these days I'll actually show it off. :)

I'm Already Looking Forward to Fall

I know this might sound strange, but summer is my least favorite season. Why? Because it's hot - in varying degrees - everything from uncomfortably hot to unbearably hot. So needless to say, I am more than ready for fall (my favorite season!) to start. It's true; as a Southern Californian, I may not be able to enjoy watching the leaves change colors or even get to experience true fall weather until Thanksgiving. But there is one thing that I can get excited about now...FALL FASHION!

So here is my list of the things that I'm looking forward to wearing the most this fall:

1) Cardigans and Sweaters - Last year, I definitely considered black cardigans a fall fashion staple. And why not? Black cardigans are a classy alternative to hooded sweatshirts (not that there's anything wrong with hoodies; I have tons!) I always wear black cardigans with everything from skinny jeans to tulle skirts. This coming fall, I plan on dazzling up my cardigans with sparkly, colorful brooches and feather flower pins. I also plan on expanding my horizons by wearing pretty, non-black sweaters. I love the neutral-colored one in this picture, especially with the sparkly buttons. :)

[image source: we♥it]

2) Tights - Black tights are another fall fashion staple for me. I love how they can easily extend the life of my spring and summer dresses. (Lace dress + black tights + heels = PRETTY!) For more casual outfits, I can't wait to try the tights and shorts combo that so many bloggers pull off so well. As with cardigans, I'm also looking forward to moving beyond basic black. Think fun patterns and bright colors.

[image source: we♥it]

3) Plaid - This will always be my #1 favorite pattern, even more than polka dots. Sure, there are the fun and summery plaids (reminiscent of picnic tablecloths), but what I really love are the deep, rich plaids of fall (think tartans and private school uniforms.) As much as I will always love the pleated skirt and knee socks look, now that I'm a semester away from graduating college, I think I should stick to skirts that are knee length and longer. I'm also starting to have an obsession with other plaid items - dresses, vests, and tunics.

[image source: {this is glamorous}]

4) Blazers - Nothing completes the collegiate preppy look quite like a well structured blazer. I've always wanted a brown tweed one with elbow patches, like the kind that college professors wear. I definitely don't have a problem with settling for a navy blue one, similar to what Blair wears in Season 1 of Gossip Girl. And yes, I love the headband and tie too!

[image source: Google]

5) Mary Jane Pumps - I haven't worn this style of shoe since I was in elementary school. Back when I was 6 years old, I always wore Mary Janes with ankle socks or tights (yes, even in the summer time!) I really love this grown up version and its patent leather trim. And isn't this color gorgeous? I bought this exact pair of shoes last week and it has yet to be delivered to my house. Here's hoping it arrives soon!

[image source: Nordstrom]

So let's discuss: Is anyone else eagerly anticipating fall as much as I am? What are you looking forward to wearing the most?

Charmed, I'm Sure

Even before I got this beautiful charm bracelet last Christmas, I've been in love with Juicy Couture jewelry. I love how their charms are big, bold, and glamorous, but never tacky. I want to have a box full of charms some day to mix and match with my bracelet. These are some of my current favorite designs.

 Donut Charm

 Crayon Box Charm

 Picnic Basket Charm

 Cupcake Charm

Crown Charm

Glitter is Always a Good Idea

I did my nails last night. At first, I thought of painting them a bright, summery color (coral, anyone?), but then I thought, "Why not try something sparkly?" I was totally inspired by Pugly Pixel's glitter tape tutorial and I figured it would be a great concept to apply to my nails. After all, glitter is always a good idea.

What I Used:

• Gold Nail Polish (Revlon Metallic nail polish in Gold Coin, from Rite Aid)
• Clear Nail Polish (Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat, from Rite Aid)
• Extra-Fine Glitter (Tulip Fashion Glitter from Michaels craft store)

Directions:

1. Cut/shape your nails as usual. I recommend cleaning them with nail polish remover, even if you don't have any old polish on. This helps the new color stay on better.
2. Apply one coat of gold nail polish. Don't worry if it isn't perfect; it'll be covered!
3. While the gold nail polish is still wet, cover the entire nail with lots of glitter. Be sure to hold your hand over a bowl or a plate to avoid making a huge mess!
4. Flip your hand upside down and tap off any excess - again, make sure to keep your hand over the bowl or plate.
5. Repeat with each finger on one hand. Allow to dry.
6. Apply two coats of clear nail polish to seal the glitter. Allow to dry. Tip: Wipe off the nail polish applicator on a clean sheet of paper to remove any glitter that may stick to it. Otherwise, it'll end up in the bottle!
7. Repeat on other hand.
8. Admire your new sparkly nails!

I apologize for not taking any pictures of the process. It would have been pretty hard to take pictures and paint my nails at the same time. :)