Athletique

Had a wonderful weekend with the family for Mother's Day!  Hope you all did as well.  We had a large festive dinner at my sister's house to celebrate all the mothers in my family.  My drawstring shorts ended up working in my favor as I helped myself to one too many servings of carbohydrates -_-  I purchased these sweat shorts this past weekend & decided they'd make their debut at Mom's Day dinner.  They were rightfully paired with heels (of course) and a tailored blazer.  I scored this clutch last year from Francesca's extra 50% off sale for only $15!  It's the perfect pop of color to any muted outfit.  Props to my 6 year old niece for the photos.  She makes me look good!

Fun Fact: All photos that are off centered and/or are taken at artistic angles are actually because she had to pee really bad and kept shaking the camera.  Her genius is beyond our time. 

Blazer: Banana Republic | Tank: H&M | Shorts: H&M |

Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Clutch: Francescas |
Shoes: Charlotte Russe (old) | Sunnies: Ray Bans.

Casual Friday

Today was beautiful out!  It was still a cool 60 degrees though, so my Casual Friday ensemble consisted of warmer attire.  Denim x denim since the weather hasn't let up.  It's going through a tripolar phase where it can't decide whether it wants to be warm, cold, or snow.  In my safety kit (aka the trunk of my car) there are currently ski masks, snow pants, and a variety of swim suits - all of which, have an equal chance of being worn this week. Anyway, I went for a simple look today.  I'm in love with this ombre chambray (someone please forward that to Busta so he can put that rhyme in his next hit) that I purchased at Macy's a few weeks ago for only $11. The jeans are Free People, also from Macy's and were only $17!  Holler at my dealfinds though.

Finals are underway so I might go missing in this next week.  My new photographer, whom I've just signed to a 2 year contract (also featured in this post, below), though is extra enthusiastic about getting some work put in, so I will try my best to squeeze some more posts in.  Happy Weekend!  

P.S. What's everyone getting mom for Mother's Day?

Shirt: Macys| Jeans: Free People | Shoes: Steve Madden, (thrifted $6!) |
Sunnies: Ray Bans | Clutch: thrifted | Accessories: M. Kors, H&M

Ava is wearing everything Target.
For business inquiries please contact avarulesus@gmail.com
She also utilizes FaceTime.  

Five

Five things I'm currently in love with:

1. Fresh Flowers - I will be the first to admit that I used to hate flowers.  I never comprehended the purport of them serving as particular gifts for women.  Any time I received them I'd loathe the thought of finding a place for them to sit until they withered and died.  That all changed upon getting my own apartment.  Now the house feels absolutely empty without a fresh set to lighten the mood in every room.  Me and the roomie made a conscious effort to buy new flowers for the house weekly this year.  They are the perfect accessory to any and every room!  

2.  Personalized Calendar - This one is extra special to me because it is an entire calendar dedicated to my little brother.  Each month has a personalized photo of us two together and an endearing quote as a caption.  Waking up every morning and seeing this on my vanity always starts my day off right.  (Personalized through Shutterfly.com).

3.  A Good Book - I'm constantly looking for new reads to entertain my already-busy mind.  These are my current reads.  Most of them are graphic novels, due to the fact that I am taking a graphic novel class at school - ALL highly recommended pieces of literature.  

4.  Scented Candles - Candles are as essential to any room as are a fresh set of flowers.  Serving as light & air fresheners, they really are the perfect duo performing accent.  Current favorite scent: Crimson Berry.

5.  Trench Coat - My absolute favorite jacket for many reasons.  1- It can be utilized in almost every season of the year. 2 - Trenches are timeless.  They will never grow old.  I've had this one for 3+ years! 4 - They're fashion friendly for everyone!  There really isn't any body type that doesn't look good in a trench coat. and 5) This trench in particular was only $12 from Old Navy :)

What are you currently in love with? 

My $tache

Even though my collection of wallets & clutches is vast and never-ending, I have come to the conclusion that carrying one around on a constant basis is just a nuisance (especially when I'm shopping).  Therefore, I decided to invest in a card holder and found this super cute one at Typo for only $4.95!  I've gotten so many laughs and compliments on it!  

Lioness

Minnesota bore witness to a miracle this weekend!  Not only have we reached over 40 degrees for the first time all year (yes, we're aware it's April), but we were spoiled with near 75 degree sunshine!  The excitement I procured from this happenstance was due to the fact that I recently picked up these vintage overalls (for a bank breaking total of $4! ;) and have been dying to wear them since!  I am also recently obsessed with this muscle tee self-entitled 'Lioness' (hence the blog post title).  I felt it summarized my mood in this outfit. Plus, my hair is similar to a mane in the sense that it is nappy, cray & probably home to insects in my sleep.  Irony in itself?!  

For those of you who don't know, I work at a clinic and saw one of my patients with this clear utensil bag one day which he used to carry things for work.  I instantly fell in love and asked him where I could find one.  He surprised me the next day with my very own! (FYI: He bought them from a supply store for only $2!)  So sweet!  Love using it as a clutch and have everyone stare at my belongings, which usually consist of a comb & jolly ranchers.  

P.S. I accept that not everyone understands why wearing boy clothing with heels has become habitual for me, but I don't care - I do what I want! #foreveralone 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend soaking up the sun!  XO.

Overalls: Vintage Gap | Sunnies: Pac Sun (old) | Shoes: Zara | Shirt: F21

Accessories: F21 (necklace/rings), M.Kors (watch) Clutch: Gifted

Wild Wild West

I was excited to pack for my Cali trip the second time around, being told I would be basking in 75-80 degree weather (only to later find out that wasn't the case).  This time I left the scarves & chunky sweaters at home and packed some staple summer pieces: shorts & graphic tanks.  Didn't get a chance to take as many outfit photos as I would have hoped, but enjoy the few I got!  Also didn't do as much shopping as I had suspected I would, but I did indulge in some fine dining (see below).  I did pick up a couple pair of booties from H&M's clearance sale for $10 though :)  Fashion finds in LA, check.

Highlights of the week: spontaneously eating at the SAME restaurant as my FAVORITE blogger Sincerely Jules! (I dieee), visiting scenes from Rush Hour 2 in China Town, touching the ocean for the first time, seeing the stars at the Griffith Observatory, & boating on the coast in Marina Del Ray.
Thanks to all my friends who took care of me this weekend!  Now it's time to hit the gym two fold this week!

Xo, Amy

Cali Fever

Although my trip to LA isn't until the beginning of January, I've already caught Cali Fever.  Hence my recent t-shirt buy.  I spotted this $3 steal at Old Navy yesterday and had to have it; a true tourist buy :) I am really going to try and utilize my wardrobe attire and not buy too many things for this upcoming trip!  Did you laugh out loud as much as I just did? Yeah we both know that's actually not possible...

(All outfit details with links listed below!)  

[Another $3 steal!  All you 80's babies can voice your jealousy.]

It isn't an official post unless the baby brother makes a cameo.  Everyone have a great weekend!

Outfit Details: 

LA tee - Old Navy $3

Moto Jacket - Marshalls (similar here)

Faux leather pants - H&M

Wedged sneakers - Urban Outfitters (link here)

Flannel - Target (similar here)

Watch - Michael Kors
Infinity Scarf: H&M