I love Ruche because they have the cutest vintage-inspired dresses and accessories. Even iPhone cases… which we know aren’t remotely vintage at all.
Clockwise from top right:
Cupcake Sunglasses by A.J. Morgan, $14.99
Emerald Knoll Bib Necklace, $19.99
Sail Away Striped Dress, $42.99
Bree Flower Indie Hair Clip by Petit Plume, $10.50
Eventually Polka Dot Lace Dress, $44.99
Hello Hello Slim iPhone 5 Case by Rifle Paper Co., $32.99
What is your favorite decade? Mine is the 1950s!
It may not be the holiday season anymore, but there are so many occasions in Spring that call for presents. From Mother’s day to graduations of all sorts, it can be difficult to find the perfect little present, especially if you don’t know the recipient well. Here are some foolproof gift ideas that you just can’t have enough of.
1. Scented candles are always a nice surprise. Find one that comes in a pretty glass jar so the recipient can use it as a pencil cup after the candle melts away.
2. Light scarves are great for dressing up any outfit. Choose a solid color or pattern, but stick to universally-flattering jewel tones or neutrals.
3. You can never have too many notebooks. Pick one with a hard cover to turn a basic office supply into a special gift.
4. Coffee mugs are another item you can never have enough of. Go for one with a unique pattern, or match the recipient’s kitchen decor. You can even fill it with some tea bags or a Starbucks gift card.
5. A nice bottle of nail polish is a fun gift. Again, jewel tones are optimal here.
6. Body lotions are always a treat. For people like me who stick to drugstore brands, a nice bottle of lotion is a luxurious surprise.
What is your favorite small gift to give?
This has been the craziest week… my days have been packed with class, meetings, and sorority events. I’m trying to tackle tasks one at a time to avoid stressing myself out too much. Any free time I have is spent glued to my laptop working on papers, studying, or blogging, but it can be difficult to concentrate when I’ve been go, go, going all day. Music helps me block out distractions and focus on my work. Here are the songs I’ve been listening to over and over lately.
I’m so excited for this weekend: I’m going home to see my family, which means I’ll get to see Daisy! I haven’t seen her since we brought her home from the shelter a few weeks ago. I hope she remembers me!
What songs are your favorites right now?
I love crafts, and Pinterest always has the best ideas! I can’t wait to have more free time this summer so I can try these projects. 
These melted bead barrettes are adorable and perfect for spring! I’d make them in navy, red, white, and mint green.
I love these bright chevron canvases!
I’m in love with these precious felt bows.
This is a great way to display necklaces.
These jars are so pretty for makeup brushes and cosmetics.
Instagram (or other photo) magnets are a fun way to display photos.
Are there any projects on your “To DIY” list?
Marvelous… Daisy! I miss this face! My family sends me photos of her and they always brighten my day.
Marvelous… Whole Foods 365 plain Greek yogurt. It’s so thick, creamy, and affordable. I wash the containers out after I eat the yogurt and use them for cereal on the go. #ecofriendliness
Marvelous… denim chambray shirts. So cute and comfy with leggings. I always feel like an artist when I wear one, which makes me feel cooler than I actually am.
Marvelous… my favorite dress right now. It’s from Gap and I love the pattern and bright colors.
What is marvelous about your Monday?
I love spring. I’m from Chicago, where it’s 80 degrees one day and 40 degrees the next day, so I savor those perfect spring days where it’s warm and breezy, but not too hot. Here are some of my favorite spring items that easily translate to summer looks, too.
1. Boatneck tees have always seemed a bit old-looking for me, but recently they’ve grown on me! Try one with an enamel bib necklace or a fun scarf.
2. I was reluctant to jump on the enamel bib necklace trend, but I’m so glad I did! These necklaces work with casual and formal outfits, and they’re not too heavy on your neck like some large necklaces can be.
3. Cotton dresses are perfect because they require very little thought. No need to match tops and bottoms, just throw one on with a cardigan and know that you’ll look great. I especially like dresses that can be belted around the waist for a little something special.
4. Colored eyelet lace looks so pretty, and adds a fun pop of color and texture to any outfit.
5. J.Crew 3″ chino shorts is so versatile and comfortable. They come in plenty of bright patterns and colors. Dress them down with a simple tee, or dress them up with a tucked-in chambray shirt.
6. Bright nail polish just makes me happy, especially in spring. FACE Stockholm is a great brand of polish, and I absolutely love this color!
7. Bangles are great spring accessories, and these adorable Kate Spade ones have phrases engraved on the inside.
What do you love to wear in spring?
Hi lovelies I’ve been super busy lately, so I’m sorry if I’ve been slow to respond to your comments! When I’m overwhelmed with work, I try to appreciate the little things that make me happy. Here are some of these things as of late.
Archer Farms Dark Chocolate Espresso Trail Mix
My friend Veronica introduced me to this trail mix, and WOW it is addicting. The chocolate-covered coffee beans give you a jolt of energy, making it a perfectly indulgent study snack.
(Productive) Study Breaks
Painting my nails is my favorite way to take a study break. Notice the autism notes in the background? It’s productive, but it gives your brain a break! Confetti nail polish is great inexpensive polish. I got this bottle (called “Not Your Mother’s Pink”) for $2, and it goes on smoothly and lasts for a fairly long time without chipping. It comes in plenty of fun colors, so it’s great for when you want to try a new, fun color but don’t want to splurge.
One Less Thing to Worry About
My research assistantship grant proposal was accepted, so I’ll be getting paid this summer! Thank goodness.
Veggies and Hummus
It’s finally gotten warm in Chicago, so my sorority sisters and I have been spending a lot of time on our porch lately! On Saturday there was a concert on the quad, so we picked up some snacks at Whole Foods and hung out. I got this roasted red pepper hummus on sale, and it was delicious!
Free Stuff
I liked Emergen-C on Facebook, and they sent me free samples! I tried both flavors, and they were both pretty good! Surprisingly, I liked the Tangerine flavor better than the Lemon-Lime flavor. I usually love lemon-lime flavored drinks, but this one just wasn’t tart enough for me. The tangerine flavor was refreshing and sweet. These drink mixes are full of vitamins, and very tasty!
Also, Geneologie was generous enough to send me a cup koozie and a tank top. An employee also sent me a lovely handwritten note… I felt so special! Geneologie is a really cool sorority merchandise site where you can customize everything from water bottles to running shorts.
What little thing have you been loving lately?
