I'll Be Home For Christmas...

It's that time of year again- when everyone is home... but me. I seem to always get so lucky and have finals the LAST day possible. And this year- I have a lot. I'm totally done with three classes- my Literature ones. I managed to pull off a solid B in my online course, so I'm beyond thrilled. I just have an essay for Women's Studies (ugh. A gen ed requirement of community service...), my History final, and then Communications final tomorrow. Oh, and getting signed up for credit for my internship. Which, I'm proud to announce is at... 

VALENTINO!

I'm thrilled to have gotten this amazing internship and it seems like a great group of people I'll be working with. I'll miss being at Hearst, but it seemed like a great opportunity that I couldn't pass up. My friend just interviewed and got an internship position at VOGUE- so maybe we'll be able to see each other a little more often now that our offices are on the same street. It will be nice to have a relatively short commute compared to coming from Brooklyn last year.

I'm excited to go home for Christmas break-- Its been a busy semester with classes and many firsts with my apartment, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I saw close to 20 Broadway shows (from FINALLY seeing The Book of Mormon to the first preview of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with a superstar cast last night). It will be nice to be home with my puppy, catch up on TV, and read some books that I wasn't able to during the semester- I have Divergent already for my Friday morning flight home and plan on also reading Gone Girl. I'm just ready for a little piece and quiet, though I know I'll miss my tiny apartment, sirens going down the street, and being able to walk everywhere!

I've cheated a little and picked out my Christmas present-- I got in when I went to the Mall of America (out there for a wedding). 

 

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel 

It was a worn and refinished bag, but the only thing I could find wrong with it was it was missing that little thing at the top of the straps to hold them together (not necessary) and it had a little wear to the leather. But I use my bags and know they won't be perfect forever, so I went with a good deal and got it. I'm excited to finally be able to use it! 

My mom and I are planning on going to Saks Fifth Avenue in Cleveland (2 hours away) the morning after Christmas since it was our tradition to go downtown. We're just going to go up, shop, have lunch, and then head back to Pittsburgh. I miss spending time with her-- plus my sister kind of hates to shop! I just buy stuff and she claims its boring or what not-- but then wears it. So whatever... I guess she doesn't think it is THAT boring. 

Hopefully everyone had a good finals week and got home safely. Have a fabulous Christmas (or hopefully you had a great Hanukkah if you celebrate that-- everyone thinks I'm Jewish, but I'm not! We do have it somewhere down the line, but we celebrate Christmas) and a Happy New Year!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It's pouring here in NYC today, which is never fun.  I ventured out to get bread for my breakfast toast to Whole Foods and wasn't thrilled to come out to pouring buckets of rain.  I'm headed off to work soon, so at least I'll be inside for the rest of the day. I was slightly bored this morning, so instead of drooling on Pintrest over food items, I decided to make my DREAM Christmas wish list.  Mind you, I probably won't get any of these things, but it's fun to dream!

Hermes Clic H, $610

I think these bracelets are so classy and a great way to dress up your stack. I haven't tried them on yet (chickened out at Hermes on Madison a month ago), so I'm sure they'd be big on my child-size wrists, but they're still adorable!

Longchamp Expandable Travel Tote, $255

When I travel anywhere, I'm always lugging around my Vera Bradley Duffle (in Purple Punch) which is practical and you see most college students with them. However this is a lot more grown up since I'm graduating in the spring. The reviews are awesome for it, and I love all the Longchamps I have!

Tiffany & Co. Bead Earrings, $125

These are a classic. I pretty much wear the same pearl or diamond studs every day, but it would be nice to be able to mix it up with these! Plus they're in the affordable area of Tiffany's, but don't have the logo all over them like everything else. 

Alexander Wang Rocco, $875

I've liked this bag for some time, but wasn't thrilled with the shape. Then I used my Speedy when I was home and forgot how much it holds and is easy to carry. The studs make it unique and so it never touches anything gross on a seat on the subway or whatever!

 

Christian Louboutin Nude Simple Pump, $625

Christian Louboutin is proving to be a staple in the fashion world. We got in countless pairs during my time at my internship.  After much searching, trying on, and analyzing--I think these are the perfect nude pump. They are gorgeous and the signature red sole adds a little pop. 

Louis Vuitton Neverfull- Damier, $900

Ok, so I have a love/hate relationship with this bag. I love how practical it is, but almost everyone has one. Thus, why I would pick this Damier print. Everyone has the typical LV logo one, but I love this print and it's a little different!

Balenciaga Wallet, $495

I've already expressed my love for Balenciaga, but since I went home last weekend and Nordstrom started selling it, it's a little less popular for me. So, I'd just want a wallet to go in one of my 8 million dream purses!

Have you been thinking about Christmas yet? Or have any dream items?

 

Hello!

I feel terrible neglecting my blog, but things have been crazy the past few months.  August had a whirlwind trip up to the city to find, apply, and sign a lease on an apartment and then getting stuff for it. September was move in and then finally yesterday we put the last piece into place with our internet!

Let me tell you--having an online class is rough when you don't have internet. We tried to get Verizon here to set it up, but 3 failed appointments and a month later, we called Time Warner. They could be out in 3 business days- I was sold. We have fast internet and no issues at all so far! So, thanks Time Warner. :)

Things have been busy- I was back at my old internship for a month to help out with new interns and then NYFW where I was lucky enough to attend two shows in the tents-- Nicholas K and Noon by Noor. Interestingly enough, I was in the background of pictures for the Noon by Noor show with my fellow old-intern friend. She was from the summer and wanted to be here for Fashion Week. Luckily we got most of the extra tickets instead of the new interns.

Can you spot me? 

I'm back working at Georgetown Cupcake, which is a thrill. We've gotten busier over the summer-- I mean, running out of red velvet cupcakes at 7 pm?! It's still fun and not hard, which I need with 18 credits (including 3 Literature classes- so a TON of reading). But at the same time, I'm thinking forward to graduation, which is a scary prospect. But at least I'm there with some pay so I have something when it comes to graduation, which is better than some people have when they come to New York City! 

I've got a full length mirror and an iPhone (with instagram!), so I'm going to start working on more OOTD posts. And I got a pintrest account. So follow me on those!

Instagram: aporritt4 

Pintrest: dporritt

Weekly (or more..) Obsession

I've been obsessed with this brand for awhile- Balenciaga. The purses are gorgeous and the leather is what dreams are made of. I never carried one until last semester when I had to carry my boss' purse while she carried a stroller (don't ask what it was doing in a fashion magazine) and I loved it. She had a black City bag with gold, giant hardware and I didn't want to leave it at her desk- I wanted to take it home! 

Of course, I have other lofty handbag inspirations such as Hermes, Celine, and Chloe- but this is pretty affordable when you buy a pre-owned one. Plus it's been around for awhile, so not everyone has one, but no one in Pittsburgh has one. 

One of my favorite consignment shops, The Closet in Boston, MA just posted they got in two of my dream bags- a Balenciaga and a PS1! 

http://blog.closetboston.com/2012/07/handbag-heaven.html

Aren't they gorgeous?? 

Luckily for me, I'm taking a break from the Pittsburgh scene and heading up to New England to spend a little less than a week with my dad. So, who knows- I might come home with one of these if they are still there or something else fabulous! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the purple Balenciaga (not that I'd be sad about the black PS1). I can't wait to hit it Saturday and then again on Wednesday before I leave!

My mom and I realized shopping here in Pittsburgh is such a disappointment compared to shopping in NYC. The only really good store is Nordstrom. I can't wait to be in Boston to hit up Saks, Neiman, and Barney's (which pumps oxygen in the air or something- I swear, it smells different and beautiful) and find high end designer clothing. After working in the fashion closet and frequently dealing with FINE jewelry and everything from Hermes to H&M before it's out in stores, shopping just doesn't seem as fun. I can't wait to be back in a major city! Keep your fingers crossed for me to find an awesome new bag to bring back to NYC with me. <3

Puppy Time!

Getting a puppy is a lot of work. We got her a week ago, and I haven't been out of the house more than 12 hours this week. But, we're trying to make sure she doesn't eat anything--she's a big chewer and other puppy related things. 

Her name is Belle and she's a double doodle and so adorable. A little pain in the butt, but I still love her. She and I have bonded and she's my little baby. Think my mom will notice when I take her in my suitcase back to NYC in August? ;)

OOTD- A random one and the past few days!

June 7th- Class:

Top: Forever 21 (from Plato's Closet $7 score!)

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Shoes: Bloch

Bracelet: Chan Luu

June 8th- Sister's Graduation

Me: Maxi Dress from Forever 21

Wedges- TOMS for Neiman Marcus

Darling Sister: Dress from Macy's

Shoes: Alice & Olivia

June 26th- Hanging with a friend

Shirt: J. Crew

Jeans: Hollister

Shoes: Jack Rogers- FINALLY GOT A PAIR! :)

Bracelets: Chan Luu/ Alex and Ani

 June 27th- Chores with Mom

Top: Everlane- Amazing tops for only $25! They are super soft and it's my go to shirt when I want something cute/ comfy! I'm already planning my next order. 

Jeans: Hollister rolled into capris

Shoes: Charles Phillip

Bracelet: Chan Luu

- It looks pretty boring, but paired up with this fabulous Mac Lipstick (above)- it looked perfect!

 June 28th- Running errands. We're getting the puppy on Sunday- so trying to get everything ready for her!

Top: Abercrombie & Fitch

Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer

Shoes: Jack Rogers

And of course bracelets!

Left --> Right

Tiffany & Co

Chan Luu

Chan Luu (Purchased as a set from Henri Bendel)

Weekly Obsession: Tory Burch

So, once again the top  part of this post is an acknowledgement that I haven't posted in FOREVER. Between moving back to Pittsburgh, job search, and then a summer class. My summer class was super intense. I figured it was summer and a course essentially on Harry Potter, so I figured it was going to be easy-- boy was I wrong. Imagine putting your regular class (14 weeks) and just smooshing it down into 6 weeks. The class meet twice a week for a little over 3 hours each time. Homework would be like read this whole novel in the one day between classes (class was on Tuesdays/Thursdays)- rather intense. It was worth it though so I'll be able to graduate on time!

Anyways- things are busy here!

 We're heading into July and that means my sister is busy and I have to think of things to entertain my brother. He's 15 years old- so any and all suggestions are awesome. He doesn't want to go shopping at the mall every day like I do and he's not too young that playing games at home is cool.

My sister's graduation party is August 11th, so my mom and I are starting to plan! We got her some lovely Georgetown Cupcakes for her party- not exactly the dozen we ordered- we did custom with the assortment to have her favorites and then some party pleasers. So we have those and some cookies from Etsy (we have a few different favorite bakers)-- we still need to order real food, tables/chairs, and everything else! It will all come together as our backyard is being finished.

PUPPY! We're finally getting a dog. Our outdoor cat died a few weeks ago and we've missed his presence every morning. As we get closer to my sister and I moving up to NYC, my mom doesn't want to be alone with just my brother- so my dad agreed to get a dog! We're looking at breeds and then finding a breeder- so it's all exciting. Our friends have a goldendoodle, so we're looking into getting a little girl. :)

So, enough with the update-- onto my weekly obsession.

Tory Burch Caroline

I'm totally obsessed. I look at them every time I go into Nordstrom and have been wanting a great pair of nude shoes (both flats and heels) for awhile now. So of course, this week they've been stalking me. 

1. My mom found a pair at a consignment shop for $45! Worn once. Needless to say- I was jealous (though, I did get a DVF vintage wrap dress- so I had to get it!)

2. My friend from Marie Claire has a super awesome blog and found them at Last Call! A Link to her super awesome blog!

I'm planning a trip to Boston, so I'm hoping either my favorite consignment stores there or Off Fifth Ave- I'm hoping to get lucky since everyone else is with these shoes! 

Have a fabulous week everyone- I promise now that I have time, more outfit of the day posts! 

Sorry... again. I need to work on this posting every day thing...

So once again, I fail at posting. Just between moving out, starting my class, and figuring I don't need the internship I secured. So now I'm working on finding a job (fingers crossed! I have a phone interview with Nordstrom this upcoming week and just did Tiffany & Co's test (which was worse than some of my finals!).)

So, here's a few days from now that I'm home:

May 9th: 

Black T-Shirt: James Perse

Jeans: AG

Shoes: Charles Phillip (from Bergdorf Goodman)- obsessed with slippers! (especially since Michael Lorber (Million Dollar Listing) loves them and apparently he's my future husband. It would actually work from what I've seen of him on the show. It seems like we would work well together.)

And today (May 18th): 

Grey T-Shirt: H&M

Shorts: J. Crew

 Shoes: Dolce Vita

(with an Essie pedicure! :) ) 

Bracelets: 2 Chan Luu wrapped together and then a leather Pandora 

On my other wrist, I have my watch and then a teal leather bracelet I got from my internship. 

Not sure why I look so fat in my home mirror pictures- I'm not a fan. I'm a size 4, so not large at all. But still, I'm on the search for a skinny mirror for my apartment in the fall. The first one is better than the second, so I guess I'll take them in my bathroom instead of with the mirror swung out into the hallway. 

Well off to a busy day with dropping my car off for my dad (as he searches for a new one) at the airport and then my sister has her first (of two) proms tonight! 

Been A Long Day...

Wow, sorry! Things got crazy with life. Between wrapping up the semester, getting everything in place for summer, and starting the search for the apartment, I just haven't had time to post. Of course, I've forgotten to take pictures of outfits also. Ooops.... So here's what I have on my camera: 

April 1st: 

Running errands before work: 

Hoodie: Carnegie Mellon

Jeans: A&F

Shoes: The Row for Toms

 April 14th

Shirt & Cami: Nordstrom

Sweater: J. Crew

Jeans: DL1961

April 18

Top: Romeo & Juliet Couture

Jeans: AG

Shoes: Sperry!

April 20

Internship!

Top: BCBG

Jeans: Joe's

Shoes: Tory Burch 

April 22

Rainy Sunday! 

Shirt: James Perse

Jeans: A&F

Rainboots: Burberry 

Carrying the Banner (again...)

The past two days have been crazy- I went and saw Newsies again on Tuesday and then attended the first preview of Peter and the Starcatcher last night after my internship. I'm getting ready for my sister to come up for a short weekend. So, even more business into my crazy life.

Wednesday:

Black V Neck T-shirt: James Pearse

Green Sweater: Nordstrom

Jeans: Joe's

Shoes (not pictured): glitter Sperrrys 

Thursday: 

Shirt: Juicy Couture

Jeans: A&F

Shoes: Frye Rider Pull On

Currently listening to: Newsies Preview of CD

Lundi et Mardi

Monday:

Top: Just Cavalli

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity-- but sadly they ripped at the one belt loop while at my internship. I was like ready to cry. :( Luckily Bloomingdale's has Friends & Family coming up, so I'm going to get a new pair. 

Shoes: Puma

Top & Jeans: Hollister

Shoes: Uggs

Clearly I try much harder to look cute on my internship days (MWF) as opposed to class days. It's also been much cooler than it was last week, so that's sad. I want the warm, spring weather again! My sister is thinking of taking the MegaBus up here to spend a few days over the weekend, so hopefully my Saturday shift gets picked up and she can come up! 

Mon Week-end

So, I have two outfits to post- It was a pretty busy weekend with working two closing shifts and trying to get random stuff done around the city such as buying a cutting board- random, but I needed it for my tomatoes! In the mornings I did stuff and then went into work at 4 pm.

Saturday

T-Shirt: Rag Doll (found at the Planet Pulse in Cranberry, PA. Nice, soft basic t-shirt)

Jeans: Hudson

Shoes: Sperry

T-Shirt: James Pearse

Sweater: Forever 21

Jeans: Hollister

Shoes: Keds- Neiman Marcus Exclusive

It was a bit cooler this weekend than its been this week, so both were worn with a jacket. I liked the nice weather we were having- it made going on runs so much better! 

OOTD March 22 & 23rd

It's been a crazy few days. With lots due on Thursday and then dinner with the interns, it was a long day. Yesterday was filled with running to our two sets and then helping to pack up the one. 

So, onto my outfits since I want to go to the farmers market at Union Square to get some tomatoes (and check out Nordstrom Rack of course) before work at 4. 

March 22nd, class and then late dinner:

Top: Forever 21

Jeans: Hollister Jeggings rolled up to capris

Shoes: black Toms

March 23, Friday

T-Shirt: Nordstrom

Sweater: Eileen Fisher

Pants: Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick in Black

Shoes: Gentle Souls (Nordstrom Rack)

Close up on shoes

OOTD: March 21

Short post- mainly just my outfit since I have my paper I need to finish and eat lunch before heading back to campus for class at 1 pm. Crazy busy!

It was supposed to be really warm, but didn't warm up as much as I had hoped. It was still a bit chilly when I walked off the train to my apartment. 

Shirt: Nordstrom BP Department

Cardigan: J. Crew

Skirt: Lacoste

Shoes: Puma

Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff

Taken with my phone on the elevator after lunch, so a little different. ;) 

OOTD: March 20

Back to School!

After having been out of classes since March 8th, it was kind of weird to go back to them today. History wasn't bad since it was in the electronic classroom- aka catching up on reading the fashion blogs. I also got signed up for my History Minor and attempted to get permission for my summer class/ fight for classes to count as something else- LIT classes instead of just general electives. I've also changed my purse- at least for this week. Instead of the black Longchamp I've been sporting for awhile, I switched to my deal from Saks' Day After Christmas Sale: A leopard Rebecca Minkoff! It's cute, a little smaller, but does the job well at carrying my necessities. 

My outfit today: 

Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch

Jeans: 7 for All Mankind

Shoes: old, worn Toms. Super comfy and great for casual days- clearly loved. 

Bracelet: grey wrap bracelet from Pandora

These jeans are one of my favorite purchases. They were bought from a consignment store in Pittsburgh. They were like $75 which is expensive for where I purchased them. However- they were brand new and still had the Macy's and 7 tags on them. I love them since they can be rolled up or stay down depending on how you want to wear them. They are boyfriend fit, but have gotten baggier since the last time I wore them. Hey- it's a good thing! 

I'm off to finish homework that I didn't finish over break (of course...) and enjoy the nice weather! 

Have a great day everyone! :) 

Outfit of the Day: March 19th

Top: Michael Stars from forever ago

Pants: Grey Minnie from J. Crew

Shoes: Tory Burch

Spring is clearly headed our way- it was gorgeous and there was no need for a jacket for my afternoon runs! I did the majority of the between trying to do a million other things at my internship. But I did take cupcakes which everyone loved-- of course! Who would love cupcakes after a long Monday at work? 

Now Is The Time To Seize The Day!

Today my cousin & I meet up again for Newsies lotto. We tried yesterday and failed, but today we both won! :) 

First things first, here's my outfit for today: 

White Cami: BP department at Nordstrom

Floral print shirt: Nordstrom

Cardigan: J. Crew

Jeans: Joe's Jeans (they look black in this picture, but they're just a dark fade denim) 

A close up of my accessories!

Bracelet: Gun metal wrap bracelet from Chan Luu (purchased at Bendel's)

Shoes: Toms for the Row (purchased at Bergdorf)

And now for NEWSIES!

The show was amazing. I seriously had huge expectations going in since I had heard great things about it from Papermill and loved their performance all that time ago on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now they've been on the View and are starting previews on BROADWAY.

Of course, I'm a huge Jeremy Jordan fan as most of my friends would know from my mumblemumble times of seeing Bonnie & Clyde on Broadway. He seriously deserves the Tony Award for this role. And this should win best musical. Hands down best show I've seen on Broadway this year. Of course I have many more I still need to see- Evita (which didn't do rush this weekend), Once (which is impossible to rush), and Ghost. Trying to add those into my busy schedule plus shows already planned to see (Newsies again in two weeks, Peter and the Starcatcher the day after, another visit to Carrie, my April and May visits to Priscilla Queen of the Desert. So a lot). Another stand out was Ben Fankhauser as Davey. I saw him a while ago and a few times in the National Tour of Spring Awakening. I liked him but he didn't shine as much as he does in Newsies. I always feel proud when someone from that Spring Awakening tour books something! The show offers everything one might want in a Broadway show: singing, dancing, romance, cute boys that I want to date (seriously- any of them reading this?! I'm single and can give you free amazing cupcakes! Tweet me, Facebook me, text me-- whatever. ;) ), great songs, great actors, and story. Whether you know the movie or now- get tickets now for this musical. It's going to be a mega hit. Yes, I feel like it will extend WAY beyond the "strictly limited 101 performances" and win several Tony Awards (Yo, Tony Award committee- that Best Actor in a Musical Tony? Yup- go ahead and engrave Jeremy's name into it now). So, I'm already planning trips back and trips to see them play softball (see, I'm really a good girlfriend candidate ensemble boys!!) during my lunch break on Thursdays.

All this random tall leads me to say one thing: GO SEE NEWSIES! 

Denim Blues.. and Reds.

So here's the thing- I'm kind of obsessed with denim. I got my first pair of designer jeans when I was probably around 16. They were a pair of Citizens of Humanity, flared lighter fade jean from Pittsburgh Jeans Company. Since then, I've gone back every year to pick out a pair-- or more recently, two, for my birthday present. That would seem like a lot of jeans, but I've changed sizes so much over the course of those years. I started in a 29, worked my way up to a 31, and am now wearing 28s that are a bit big on me. So I've gone through A LOT of denim. From everything True Religion to now having some Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch jeans mixed in with my Paige, Citizens, and Hudsons. I'm not afraid to try any denim- so long as it fits and looks good. I currently love jeggings. I have some cheaper ones- the Hollister and Abercrombies which were when they first came out. I wasn't sure if I would like them and then last year I got a pair of Paige and Citizens for my birthday.

Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick $185

These are my favorite jeans. I have them in a nice dark wash, like the one shown, and in black denim thanks to Friends & Family sale at Bloomies! I'm always on the hunt for these on sale. I'd be content if the majority of my jeans were these. I wear them at least once a week. They are made of super soft and stretchy denim that makes them easy to wear if you're skinny or had a little too much bread from that delicious bread basket at Landmark. 

Now that I'm coming close to my 21st birthday, I want an Omega watch for my birthday... but don't want to break my tradition. So I'm thinking of using some of my own work money towards a pair of jeans. I'm thinking these would be a great addition to my wardrobe. 

Earnest Sewn Esra $178

My mom sent me a text about these jeans since she knew I wanted a red pair of jeans and if you use the code: LUCKYBREAKS5, then they are half off. $89 for a pair of brand new, current Earnest Sewns? Sounds like a great deal to me. This code works on hot pink, bright blue, bright orange, hot red, and kelly green. So even if you don't like the red, you can still get a fabulous pair of jeans for half price. And for $89, its not a bad price. Heck, American Eagle's are $45 and Abercrombie's are $68. I'd rather spend a little more for better quality that will last longer in the long run. I typically don't have my A&F jeans longer than a year or so because they will bag out like crazy or quit fitting right or whatever. And Hollister's always get random holes. So spend a little extra money and get the best quality!

Outfit of the Day: March 17th

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hopefully everyone is having a lovely day! My St. Patrick's Day plans aren't anything stellar. I'm meeting up with my cousin to try Newsies lotto and then have to go get cupcakes for a friend who is leaving the internship next week- stupid trimester schedule! She'll be missed. I love seeing her every other day. And then the rest of the day is devoted to the homework that I was supposed to do over break... but didn't. No partying or parades for me today. 

Here's my outfit today! 

Black Shirt: H&M

Green Cami: Forever 21

Jeans: Hollister

Shoes: Puma 

My necklace is a small gold chain with a single pearl that I've had forever and a pair of pearl studs. I'm not crazy exciting as a jewelry person, but now that I've started doing the jewelry portion of my fashion internship, I've gotten more into it. 

Are you wearing your green today? 

~Dria