Simple Truths

This Monday, the Monday of my birthday week, I've decided to keep this positive message simple. After all, the simplest things are often the truest.

Keep your head up, and keep smiling lovelies.

Love,

Caro

Mail Call!

So my things came in the mail today! I was super excited because I didn't know when they were all supposed to arrive, and I was having a not so good morning, so seeing this stuff in the mailbox pretty much made my day!

This is my new passport case that I got off of Etsy. I had never had a passport case before, because in the airport I just leave it in a specific pocket of my bag, with other really important items. But, since I have to renew my passport to use for general traveling and still keep my old one for the student visa, I thought a passport case might come in handy. It's a nice, soft cloth material, and I got one with a cute constellation pattern on it (after all, I might become an astrophysicist or an astronaut one day). The pattern I got is sold out, but there are tons of other cute options all over Etsy, and at the store where I got mine, here.

I got this shirt from Hautelook a few weeks ago, and it took a while to ship to me, but I absolutely love it! It's really cute and flattering, and super comfy as well. It's nice and long, so I wore it today with a pair of leggings and some flip flops. This specific top isn't available anymore, but you guys should definitely check out Hautleook for tons of other good deals.

And last but not least, my jeans from Pacsun arrived today! I love these! The yellow jeans are definitely a lot brighter than what they look like online (and even what they look like in this picture), but as my friend says "if its less yellow than a taxi, then you're good". You can get the yellow jeans here and the boyfriend jeans here - and they're still on a special promotion, so they only cost $25 instead of $45/$50.

So yeah. These are all of the goodies that came in the mail today. I'm doing my best to limit what I buy to only useful and necessary things, so I shouldn't be putting up too many more haul type posts for a little while. If I can restrain myself, that is.

Love,

Caro

What's On My Desk

I do my best to keep my desk at Uni relatively clean - it does get covered in texbooks and papers a lot, but I make sure that my desk is a space to work, not to toss clothes like the rest of my room. I have at least one notebook, one binder, and one folder for each of my classes, which I like to color-coordinate (it just makes it a little more fun). I have a few computer games, about four total, which I'm really excited about because until about a week ago I had one, so now I have The Sims 3, Assassin's Creed 1 & 2, Scribblenauts Unlimited, and Civilization 5. I absolutely recommend them, they're so much fun. I'm boring though and I don't have any sims expansion packs. Other than school things, and things that are necessary like pencils, and staplers, I have a cute photo frame of pictures of my best friend and I, and she has a matching one with her at Uni. And of course, a jumble of cords and wires.

So yeah. That's generally what I keep on my desk. What so you guys keep on your desks?

Love,

Caro

Vegetarianism: The Bunny Life

So a year ago I decided to become a vegetarian. I had toyed with the idea for a while before (I was a vegetarian for about 9 months back when I was 12), so I tried eating vegetarian for a day to see if I could survive, and then I just decided to stick with it. 

Now, this post is not written to shame people who choose to eat meat or anything like that. Its simply to answer what I think are the three biggest questions or issues about vegetarianism that some people might have, whether they are considering becoming a vegetarian or just curious.

Style Icon: Stevie Nicks

Let me start this off by saying, I love Stevie Nicks. She is so talented, and an awesome human being. And her style, is seriously cool. Even today, she rocks this effortless seventies style that looks absolutely amazing, especially because she has the attitude to pull it off. I love to pull inspiration from her long, flowing tops and skirts, and the overall rocker - hippie feel of her outfits. Here are a few of my favorites.

Here are some inspired pieces that I felt captured the essence of Stevie's ethereal style.

Obviously, its the seventies, so flared pants are a must. I especially love this sheer pair from River Island, its very hippie. Paired with a simple tank and a loose flowing cardigan or kimono, and you've got a great outfit. For skirts, I would stick to a longer length, but you could do a maxi or a midi, or even a slightly shorter one, just no mini skirts. You're gonna want one with lots of movement to it. And for tops, whether its a blouse of a cardigan or kimono, you want something loose and flowing. You don't have to wear long sleeves, they can be short sleeve or sleeveless tops too, just make sure they are not constricting in any way.

Much like her skirts, Stevie's dresses were never tight and super short, they always had great movement. She always liked to either choose a dress with something interesting, like bell sleeves or uneven hems, or add something interesting to a simple dress. For instance, if you take the black maxi dress from H&M and add some long layered necklaces, a fringey scarf, a vest, or a loose flowing cardigan or kimono (or even a few of these things) you could rock Stevie's hippie look.

Now, I know not everyone wants to wear an outfit that looks like its been yanked out of the seventies. The great thing with Stevie Nicks style is that you could easily take one or two pieces and integrate them into your modern wardrobe, the easiest probably being a flowy maxi skirt, since those are a current spring/summer trend. I also find that her loose fitting style of clothing is great for the summer - who wants their clothes sticking to their sweat?!

Love,

Caro

Makeup Review: Topshop Blush in "Flush"

Before I left Scotland, I picked up this blush from Topshop. I tried literally all of the different shades on my hand, and landed on the shade "Flush". There were many different colors, but I thought that "Flush" looked the best for an every day look with my skin tone. I am absolutely in love with this blush! I have really dry skin, and powdery makeup just accentuates this fact, so I love the fact that this blush doesn't make my skin look flaky.Plus, the case it comes in is seriously cute. Its very creamy and pigmented, so to apply it I just use my finger and rub it into my cheek. Because its so pigmented, you don't have to use very much at a time, so I know this is going to last me a while. I will absolutely be repurchasing this when I run out - and in several different shades. 

Topshop Blush in "Flush"

Now to perfect the rosy cheek look!

Love,

Caro

A Pack Rat's Closet

I have way too many clothes. There, I said it, I  own too many items of clothing! I mean, its not as if I go out every day and buy five new things, all at full price, but sometimes it feels like that is the case. In reality, I find a lot of things at sales, or ebay, or thrift/charity shops, and a good chunk of what is in my closet now are things that I have had for years. Literally, I'm sitting on my bed right now and I can see a crochet tank top that I got from American Eagle when I was 12 for about $6. I think its safe to say that I am a bit of a pack rat. 

But its time for that to change. I've graduated high school and completed my first year at university half way around the world - I don't need to hold onto things I've owned since middle school, even if they do still look fine. Besides, my parents are moving out of this house within the coming year, and I would not wish the horror of packing up my room as it is now on anyone. So I'm going to do what I do best: make lists. One list for clothes that I definitely want to keep, one list for clothes that I will get rid of, and then a list of all the clothes that didn't make it onto either list because I just forgot about them. For the clothes I forgot about, I'll wait a week or two to see if I use them, and then if not I donate them with the rest of the giveaway clothing.

And you know what the best part about going through and cleaning out your closet? Filling it with new goodies.

Love,

Caro

P.S. I'll post some before and after pictures of my closet for you lovelies when I finish.