fashion – Jaclyn Grace

Fall Favorites

Hi all!

I could not have been more excited to find out when I woke up that it was National Coffee Day today! One of my absolute favorite things to do on a chilly, fall day is to sit down with a nice big mug of coffee.

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This got me thinking about some of the other things that I love about fall, and there are lots and lots of them!

In the past, summer has always been my favorite season. I loved nothing more than spending all of my days out by the pool with a good book. Now that I have a full-time job during the summer and no pool to use daily, I find myself looking forward to the fall more and more each year.

Some of my top favorite things about fall:

PUMPKIN EVERYTHING

Even though Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts released their pumpkin spice lattes and coffee weeks ago, I forced myself to wait until September 22nd (the actual first day of fall) to order one.

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Now that that day has passed, I’m enjoying pumpkin fall beverages every chance that I get! Before you know it, Christmas drinks will be out!

2. Layering

I absolutely love being cozy. Whether this means curling up under a thick blanket (which is always my Vermont Flannel Throw that I am completely obsessed with), or bundling up with layers to spend the day studying, I love it. There are so many cute and comfy fall trends that I am completely obsessed with. It’s just so easy to throw on a big sweater and scarf and look like you made an effort for the day ;).

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3. Football

While I will admit that I’ve never been a die-hard fan, I become more and more interested in watching football every year. There’s something about sitting down on a Sunday afternoon (or Thursday night) with a bunch of snacks and watching the Patriots kick some serious butt.

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4. Santa is Coming!

Just kidding! (kind of) I love knowing that the holidays are right around the corner even if it is a little bit too early to start celebrating. Some of my favorite memories growing up coincide with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Screen Shot 2016-09-29 at 7.34.55 PM.png — Last year’s family wreath-making night!

I love surprising my family with special gifts and just making the most of the time that we all get to spend together. I also love the fact that in just a few weeks it will finally be acceptable to start listening to christmas music again ;).

There are plenty more but I’m going to cut the list there for now and finish up the rest of my homework. Tomorrow I’m going to be sharing some very exciting news, so be sure to check in!

xo,

Jaclyn

Wedges

Last night I caved in and bought myself a little reward for finishing up two big school projects and securing a summer internship! I always have trouble justifying buying things for myself, but I figured that these cute Charles David wedges were well deserved.

I don’t have any black wedges and I thought these would be so cute to bring on my trip. I mentioned last week that I was originally looking for a tan pair, but these were too good of a deal to pass up. They were 64% off at Nordstrom Rack!

I absolutely love the look of wedges to dress up or dress down any outfit during the summer months. I always admire people who incorporate these into their everyday outfits rather than saving them for special occasions. They look just as cute with shorts and a t-shirt as they do with a sundress! I think one of my goals this summer will be to wear my new (and old) wedges more often.

I thought this would be a perfect little post in honor of the fact that it will be 80 degrees when I land in Australia in less than one week. 🙂

xo,

Jaclyn

Friday’s Fabulous Five

Lately I have been in a serious shopping mood. Unfortunately, when you’re a college student and trying to save every penny that comes your way, a shopping spree isn’t always a possibility. Instead, I like to browse online and make note of things that I love so that when I do have a little extra money, I know exactly what I want to use it for. A few of the things that I’m loving this week are things that I have found online, but don’t actually own.

1. Color Karma Bracelets

I am obsessed with these bracelets. They come in a variety of colors that each stand for something different – beauty, balance, strength, wisdom, hope, bliss, love, calm, harmony, and goodness. I think my favorite is the “calm” one pictured above. I love the little charms attached and how they come in a stack. I think that these are so cute and could make the perfect gift for a sister or friend!

2. Nude Wedges

In the warm weather, I love wearing wedges. I love how you can dress them up or down, and don’t feel like you are going to fall over every time you take a step. I have one fun colored pair that I wear often, but most of the time I find myself reaching for my mom’s nude colored ones. I am always on the lookout for a neutral pair of my own, and I think I finally found exactly what I have been looking for!

These Dolce Vita wedges are so cute and have awesome reviews, though they are a little bit on the expensive side. I absolutely love the braided detail on these. They also come in other fun colors.

3. Statement Necklaces

Lately I have been on a kick with these. I love how they can pull together an entire outfit so effortlessly. I was hoping to grab a few more for myself before I leave for Australia. Since I’ll likely be repeating the same outfits over and over, different necklaces and accessories could really help add some variety to my wardrobe.

I thought this necklace was really cute and fun! It also comes in fun a bright fuschia color.

4. Emergen-C

I know my mom is so proud to see that this is one of my favorite things this week. Don’t get me wrong I hate the taste and texture of this, but I do believe it works wonders to combat a cold. I mix it into a cold glass of water and chug it first thing in the morning as soon as I start to feel under the weather.

5. Dance Team

I’m so proud of my college competition dance team. We worked really hard on our dance all year and last weekend at our competition it paid off! Even though we still have a lot more work to do, I’m proud of how far we have come over the past few years.

Here is a picture of my Little, my BFF, and I before we performed!

xo,

Jaclyn

Friday’s Fabulous Five

1. Blogging

The first thing I’m loving is the fact that I have decided to continue with my blog! I am hoping to document my entire study abroad experience on here so that my family and friends can follow along on my journey. I am not leaving for about a month and a half, but I want to get into the habit of writing each week. I hope you continue to follow along. 🙂

2. Mix and Match Mama & Pinterest Told Me To

These two blogs have quickly become favorites over the past few weeks. Over on PTMT, Sheaffer recreates cute outfits that she finds on Pinterest, reviews and recommends amazing must have wardrobe pieces, and keeps track of great deals that come up at Nordstroms, The LOFT, and other similar stores. I have just recently become more focused on dressing fashionably and comfortably! Following this blog has helped me to do just that, basically serving as my personal stylist.

I came across Mix and Match Mama through PTMT and am so glad that I did. Shay not only posts incredible and easy recipes – she also has an extremely positive attitude and energy (& not to mention the cutest kids ever). She’s extremely open about her faith and even just reading her blog inspires me to be a better person.

Check these two out and I promise you will not be disappointed!

3. Neila Ray Abs

With my big trip coming up soon, I have been trying to eat healthier and get in better shape. I did this workout the other night with my dance team and it was a killer! It has been two days and I still can’t laugh (or move)! It doesn’t take long either – quick and effective.

4. Loose Leaf Tea

My mom and I have been on a tea kick lately! “Forever Nuts” by David’s Tea is possibly one of the most delicious things that I have ever tasted. It turns bright pink once it is brewed so that’s pretty cool too! I am also a huge fan of the tea lattes that are served at David’s Tea, though they are a bit expensive and hard to make at home. Since being back at school, I have been brewing a cup in the morning and bringing my Teavana Travel Mug with me for the day. It keeps my tea hot ALL DAY, so hot that I usually can’t even drink it until around lunch time. It’s perfect for a little afternoon pick me up. 🙂

5. Reveal

As a female at an engineering school, I am often surrounded by all guys. Because of this, I joined a sorority my freshman year. It was not something I had ever imagined myself doing, but I wanted to have a group of ladies to enjoy my college years with. My sorority sisters provide me with a permanent support network and a home away from home. Tonight we will be getting the littlest sister in our family! She loves Disney so my little and I spent most of the past night making these Disney themed family shirts.

I am so excited to make even more memories with my Alpha Xi Delta family.

Enjoy your weekend – I’m hoping for a cozy snow day tomorrow!

xo,

Jaclyn

31 Bags!

Remember that post I promised you last month about my 31 bag collection? Well here it is! These products are extremely durable, versatile, and simply amazing. I discovered them this spring and have been hooked ever since. Between my mom and I we have way too many 31 products. You can get them in any number of colors or patterns, as well as any monogram that you want!

Here we go..

1. The Lunch Break Thermal

This was my very first purchase and it is my absolute favorite. This is perfect for a college student because it allows you to pack both lunch and dinner without having to carry around a massive bag. It keeps things nicely chilled and is extremely easy to clean. This product comes highly recommended from me!

2. Large Utility Tote

All packed with my stuff to move back to my apartment!

This was a purchase that my mom originally made, but once I saw hers I knew that I had to have one. I leave this in the trunk of my car and use it to transport grocery and shopping bags into the house. I can fit almost all of my grocery bags in here at once – which is perfect because I only need to make one trip up the three stories into my apartment! This is also a great bag to bring to the beach, which I have also done.

3. Essential Storage Tote

I received this bag for only $5 during the month of June due to a promotion that the company was having. I use this bag for absolutely EVERYTHING. Last weekend when we went to the Cape, I used this as my travel bag during the long ride. I easily was able to fit lots of snacks, drinks, books, and anything else that I need. This is also the perfect size to use as a reusable grocery bag. Two of these will fit comfortably into the Large Utility Tote.

4. Zipper Pouch

After taking a week long cruise in May, I realized that I need serious help in how I pack. This is especially important since I will be packing for a 2 month long venture to Australia come March! That’s why I bought this zipper pouch. This is the perfect size to serve as a lingerie bag. It is also big enough to store hair products – shampoo, conditioner, and maybe a small bottle of hairspray.

5. Organizing Utility Tote

This was a major impulse buy. I saw it on Pinterest as a method of organizing crafting supplies and knew that I needed to have it. It ended up being one of my favorites! — In case you can’t tell, they are all my favorites — With all of the side pockets, it neatly fits and organizes all of my craft products. This would also be perfect to serve as a toy/snack bag for somebody with small children. I also really love the monogram on this bag.

6. Fresh Market Thermal

This is my mom’s bag, but it is definitely one of the most used in our house. This bag will easily fit a casserole dish and is perfect to bring to a birthday party or cookout. We also fill this with ice packs and bring it with us when we go grocery shopping. This allows us to run all of our errands without having to rush home to put the meat or milk in the refrigerator right away. It comes in very handy!

7. Bring-A-Bottle Thermal

This is not my favorite 31 product, but it is still one that I use daily. It helps keep my water bottle cold all day and prevents it from sweating everywhere. The bottle pictured is a 27 oz. Klean Kanteen and the thermal is a bit big on it. It often falls off and it doesn’t fit well in cup holders with it on. Regardless, it is still super cute and keeps my water cold!

Overall, I would highly recommend 31 products to anybody who is looking for durable and fashionable bags/coolers!

xo,

Jaclyn

Q. Do you have a favorite 31 product?