31ST

New Years Eve is in four days, and I could not be happier that 2013 is coming to an end.  I've always had a slightly obsessive-compulsive issue with years that end in odd numbers. They really just look weird.  2014.  Much more pleasing to the eye.

Fireworks are an aspect of NYE that terrify me.  Without a doubt I partly inherited this fear from my mother. But maybe the fear also comes from watching a Mississippi River barge literally CATCH on fire and explode when I was like 12, which is why I spend each New Years on edge, hiding behind chairs and people.  But hey, as long as my outfit is cute, I'm not complaining.

I've been looking at holiday dresses, and the excuse to drench myself in sequins and glitter really does excite me.  New Years is the one time audacity isn't required to look like a discoball.  You're almost a weirdo if you don't.  But NOTH-ING is worse than the I-grabbed-everything-sparkly-in-my-closet look, which we all know too well.  I'm cringing.  I feel like it's time to ditch the purple sequin shorts, silver sequin tops and N E W Y E A R headpieces and glasses thrown up by unicorns for pretty deep blues, dark vegan leathers and tulles, or even better, classic black.  That I'm definitely down for.  Now I'm not saying sequins are a no-go--I'm sure I'll wear them in some form.  It's New Years...we all have to shine a little bit, but scaling back a little wouldn't hurt anyone.  Stick to one outstanding piece and let it shine solo-style.

Here are a few items that have caught my eye and made me feel sparkly inside:

                                          

                                       

                     

'90S LIP

I've decided to fully embrace the comeback of the 1990's. It's about time. Crop tops, flannels and dark lips. A little belly hangout and a touch of lumberjack-goth. I may or may not have pulled a few tiny strands of hair down from my ponytail this morning. Now where are those butterfly clips I wore in kindergarten...

My beautiful blonde roommate, who's a MAC makeup artist, and me with our plum pouts.

HOW TO GET THROUGH A COLD FINALS WEEK

Here's a little advice from me on how to get through this week and a look inside my attention deficit disorder.

Wear the same flannel every day to channel the resurgence of the grunge movement.
You DGAF about exams/life, right?  Prove it.  Grunge is a state of mind.

Invest in a cute pair of glasses. 

Glasses make you feel/appear smarter.  I'd bet money that it's scientifically proven.  

Stock up on candles and skulls to remind yourself that death is imminent. 

The last thing you'll think about on your deathbed is the macroeconomics final you studied five days for and got a C on.  Just saying.  Study hard, take the final and move on.  Life goes on.

Take plenty of SCS's (Serious Coffee Selfies).
For the constant reminder that coffee is king.

Sanity is overrated. 

Self-explanatory.

ETHIOPIA JEWELRY--A GOOD CAUSE

Noelie Harmon--my new fave eco-friendly boutique.  After a sandwich fest at Jimmy John's with my mom, we stepped into Noelie for a quick visit.  It used to be a mainly vintage store, but they ditched the old clothes and converted to a fresh "respect the Earth" status.  And I am super glad.  I literally just want to roll on the floor forever in that store--I want everything.  The have a great Toms selection, and plenty of yummy candles, handmade knits and hipster baby clothes.  They recently began replacing their plastic and paper tags with ones that can be buried in the soil to grow new plants.  If that isn't eco-friendly, then I don't know what is!  But what stands out to me is the shop's artisan jewelry, which mainly sits in an old wooden china cabinet.

I bought an Ethiopia necklace, made by Ethiopian women with leather and recycled vintage coins.  After a little research, I found out that the brand is partnered with Raven + Lily, a platform that employs impoverished women to use their artistic talents to create opportunities for themselves and their families.  Ethiopia jewelry is made by women with HIV/AIDS who have been banished to the Entono Mountain region in Northern Ethiopia for their disease.  The sale of Ethiopia jewelry assists these women with HIV treatment and provides educational assistance to their families.  Ethiopia jewelry is so stunning, and I love it even more now that I know it helps to support those who don't have the inherent opportunities most Americans like myself have.  I will wear it proudly.

I also picked up a $5 J.R. Watkins room freshener while I was at Noelie to satisfy my lemon craving, probably brought on by the lemon and powdered sugar piece of cake I had earlier this week for my birthday.  Nothing beats the smell of fresh lemon.  

J'ADORE JEFFREY CAMPBELL

My two favorite pairs of shoes are both Jeffrey Campbells.  Both are nude, and both are suede.  Perhaps it's the illusion of a long leg that draws me to flesh-colored shoes.  As for the suede--definitely a product of my textural issues;  I don't like smooth surfaces against my skin.

Jeffrey Campbell Isley booties are the newest addition to my shoe collection.  I ordered them from Nasty Gal in a size 7.5.  I always go a half size up in boots.  Note:  if you're ordering these booties, you may want to go a full size up.  They're a little snug in the toe bed, although the leather has stretched a good amount.  But I liked them so much that paying to ship them back wasn't worth it.  They go with everything, and I like when people stare at my cute shoes.  The unique straps are quite mesmerizing I must say.

Above I'm wearing them with a baby doll dress from a boutique called Love.  I'm also carrying a Pendleton cross body.

My other faves are Jeffrey Campbell Moochies.  I've had them for more than two years now.  Again they go with everything and give me longer legs.  Kinda weak support in the ankles, so I have to be careful walking.  I took a tumble in New Orleans casually crossing the street in front of a car last Christmas.  Luckily someone was there to catch me.  The things we go through to wear beautiful shoes.

Above I'm holding the J. Crew Edie in Hydrangea.  My friend Maggie A took this photo.

I paired the JCs with an Urban Outfitters dress.