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Christmas Cheer

12/27/2014

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas!
I know I did. For the first time in a few years my whole family was together. I am so happy when all of us finally are in one room, it feels complete. Plus, our new addition, my nephew, got to spend his first Christmas with us here in NJ!
I love Christmas Eve because it's just as big of a celebration as Christmas day in my family. It's always at my Grandpa's home. We have the Italian 7 fish feast, pasta, rice balls, spinach pie, stroufolli.... you name it. We totally stuff ourselves with food, wine, and laughter. Santa comes with a comedy routine to give out presents each year (my lovely father), we have a grab bag (Shout out to Maria for gifting me a totally clutch portable wine cup!), and all 13 grandchildren get (and put on) matching PJs. The 13 of us took over the "adult table" by force this year once we realized how much we outnumbered them. This has been happening since long before I was born, and I hope the tradition continues in some form forever.
Here is what I wore on Christmas Eve:

Top-Forever 21 $10.00
Skirt-Forever 21 $18.00
Necklace-H&M $5.00
I bought the necklace first and totally built the outfit off of it. I should've accounted for the post-feast bloat when purchasing these sizes...I think I popped a few seams and could not wait to get into those PJs. Totally worth it.

Christmas day is a bit more relaxed. We have family at my house, but it's a total open-door policy. On top of family we have friends, and anyone who needs a place to eat a ton and drink while opening presents. The more the merrier. I love to provide my "White Christmas Sangria", as well as a large selection of winter craft beers. I snuck in Bacon-Cheddar-Ranch dip, and made buffalo chicken dip. They were huge hits but my mom nearly had a heart attack as her all-vegan appetizer spread was tainted by my delicious additions. Sorry, Ma--no one is fighting over the carrots. When I asked her if she needed any more help cleaning the house pre-guest arrival she snapped, "Do you even READ the ingredients of half the stuff you buy?!". I knew I was igniting fire with that bacon dip, but everyone was grateful.
Mom does an awesome job at vegan entrees and apps, though. There's never a shortage of food, and her orzo salad in anticipated all year long. Uncle Lewie comes bearing perogis, kielbasa, and the like. Uncle Dave brings Ham. So I wasn't the only one taking away from the brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and huge array of assorted vegetables. Of course, it all ends with the stragglers drinking the last of the beers and wine, picking on desserts, and breaking into the left overs as we chat about anything and everything until 2am.
Here's a picture of my outfit from Christmas Day:

Top-Annie Sez $8.00
Skirt-Cotton On $5.00!!!

I'm going to head to the mall to do some shopping now. Call me crazy, but the BEST deals happen between Christmas and New Years. All the stores are trying to rid themselves of things they didn't sell for Christmas--and I entirely reap the benefits. If you can stomach it, get out there.
In general the days between Christmas and New Years are great. For me it's a time to relax, be with family, shop, catch up with friends, and still enjoy the beauty of a decorated tree/a winter cocktail. For example--I got to watch movies, drink wine, order Mexican take-out, and cuddle up to a fireplace with my cousins last night. What's better than that? Nothing, the answer is nothing.

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December 22nd, 2014

12/22/2014

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I SURVIVED MY FIRST SEMESTER OF GRAD SCHOOL! I came out alive, more educated, and more pleased with myself. I learned a ton, and I'm grateful for the experiences I had and the many new friends I made. My school is filled with awesome people, and I'm happy that towards the end of the semester I was able to get to know a lot of them better.
Now I'm just waiting on my grades. I am the WORST when it comes to this. I refresh the page every two seconds and hope to see something. The sites are pulled up on my phone so that I can check wherever I am. To those with the self-control to keep themselves from checking until after Christmas/New Years: I commend you, but how the hell can you deal with the suspense?!
The Thursday before finals began my roommate and I threw a little holiday soiree at my apartment. I say little, but I believe over 40 people from school were squeezed in at one point. I LOVE throwing parties. I prefer to throw them than attend them. All things festive excite me. For example, my annual weenie wreath:

I like playing host. Maybe it's something about knowing you created the guest list and don't have to deal with people you don't want to see there. Plus, Christmas parties give me a reason to throw on a pair of antlers. We all know how I love hats.

Top-Charlotte Russe
Skirt-H&M
Antlers-Target ;)
At one point I came out of my room and 20 people were doing the electric slide so I'd say it was a success....I guess boxed wine really brings out your inner line dancer.

Here are a couple random things I wore through exams week. I was not looking too hot by Thursday night....between the lack of sleep, stress, minimal physical activity, terrible eating, and thrown off schedule I successfully put on my winter layer. Thank God, it's going to be a cold one. Need a a little tubb to get me through.

Sweater-Marshalls $16.00

Sweater-Forever 21 $20.00

The sweater was a hand-me-down from my aunt :)

These awesome green pants were only $10.00 at Annie Sez!
This last outfit was worn out to Philly--the whole school went to the same bar to celebrate being done with finals. My wallet was stolen. I wish they had taken all of my money instead of my license. I would pay to not have to go to the DMV. I also ended the night with a cheese burger AND mozzarella sticks...at 4 am. Because that was necessary.
I am now home at last, spending time with my family, and getting into the Christmas spirit. There is no sleep like post-finals sleep and I'm loving it.
Off to go buy some wrapping paper!

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December 09th, 2014

12/9/2014

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As winter is quickly closing in on us I know I have to get the dressing in floral out of my system. As a farewell to any sign of life in nature (I even managed to kill my cactus, how does one manage that?) I wore this floral skirt yesterday.

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3 Outfits, One Pair of Booties

12/8/2014

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Since starting grad school I've gone "out" significantly less. I constantly see my friends going out, and articles exuding that now is the time to explore every bar in every city. I want to explore every city, but I'm not sure I want to do it drunkenly. I envy my friends who live in NYC, Philly, and cities around the country. It's such a cool lifestyle I'd love to experience, but I know it's not conducive to my studies or finances right now. Visiting will have to do; make room on your couch, friends!
For my current situation of studying, this is the perfect place for it. Not too much goes on that I know of. My town at home isn't crazy either, but at home I'm a short ride from New York, Hoboken, etc.
If I really want to, my apartment is an easy train ride away from Philly.
I don't mind this though. I'd say I go OUT (like actually having to get dressed, not a beer at a dive bar) maybe once every 2 weeks. It's been nice. It's a lot less expensive.
In college I didn't think partying effected my studying. I did a LOT of it. Now I can see more clearly how it does. If I am planning on going out for the night I will cut my studying short around 6:00 pm, eat, get ready, etc. be out all night, get back late, sleep in, nurse a hangover (WHICH IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT BECAUSE BAGELS DON'T EXIST DOWN HERE), and MAYBE start studying by 3:00 pm.
Contrarily, if I decided to have a quiet Friday evening, order chinese, decorate my apartment for Christmas, drink a winter beer and watch Elf (which is just as enjoyable, I think) I would stop studying around 8, do those activities, pass out early, and wake up at a decent hour to start studying again. See the difference?
Now when I go out, especially if it's with friends I haven't seen in a while, I enjoy it so much more. It's not routine, and I can actually get excited about it. I enjoy my quiet weekends, too. Being productive on the weekends keeps me from having the "Sunday Blues", I am also more content with myself when I have time to be in solitude and reflect.
This all being said, here are a few outfits I wore "out" recently. All with the same pair of shoes. I am a 5'8 amazon woman. I cannot wear heels. While towering over the rest of the population, I WILL fall, and likely WILL get kicked out of the bar (not because of drunkenness, because of my weak ankles that can't hang). This happened numerous times before I learned my lesson, but it makes footwear very difficult for nights out. I think it's God's way of telling me, "Vanessa, I made you tall enough, chill with the stilettos girlfriend". Okay, okay.
I usually stick with flat-boots in the winter, but I found these booties with just the tiniest kitten-heel and fell in love. There have been no falls to date, and I obviously put them through some serious dance moves.

Top-Tobi.com (check it out, their stuff is 40% off until Christmas)
Bandeau-Aerie (This is an necessary bandeau for life, highly recommended)
Leather Leggings-Cotton On
Booties-Steve Madden $35.00 (Boscovs)

Leather leggings are an essential winter piece. They are just as comfy as normal leggings, but really dress up the outfit. Essentially, they house my beer belly without me looking lazy. Everyone wins.

Winter shorts. What a wonderful concept.
Shorts-Francesca's (Gift)
Sweater-H&M $12.00
Chevron Tights-Forever 21 $7.00
Necklace-Lucky
Same Booties :)

How funky is this shirt?
I got it at a boutique for $7.50 (Down from $60.00, holllllla!)
See, that bandeau is a staple for shirts like this. Nobody needs to see my Tas.

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December 07th, 2014

12/7/2014

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My apologies for being the literal worst. I was so caught up in Thanksgiving break, homework, studying, etc. that I totally fell out of the habit of posting, for two whole weeks! Additionally, I didn't even take pictures of the majority of my outfits....some of which I really loved. I'll have to try to recreate them and post pictures.
I only took a picture of 3 outfits within the past couple weeks. Totally hating myself for it, because I don't even have my Thanksgiving/Thanksgiving Eve/Thanksgiving weekend ensembles up, but I'll throw a few random pics at ya and hope to get my stuff together for the remainder of the semester.

I think this was just a random class day. My hair was getting to a super awkward in between length so I cut it. The short hair is here to stay. I feel like it's just "me" now.

It's hard to tell here but it was a big, black, (but light) sweater from Cotton On $10
With "Leather" leggings, also from Cotton On $15.00
The bag was Annie Sez $ 10.00
Necklace Forever 21-$6.00
and Black boots.

I wore this for a presentation in one of my classes this past Tuesday.
Dress-H&M $12.00
Necklace-Gift from my little sis, Charming Charlie
Boots-Agaci $20.00
I wore my green army jacket over it for outerwear.

I know, super basic monogrammed shirt. I WAS in a sorority though. Give me a break. Sometimes we need to let our basic-ness shine. I was hoping to wear this with a plaid blanket scarf I ordered, but it still hasn't come in(probably because it's from Korea, imitation Zara...)! I thought the green and gold were Christmas-y, and I, of course, rocked antlers as soon as I got there. My aunt once dubbed me: Vanessa Always-Wearing-a-Freakin'-Hat Orbe. What can I say, I like to be festive!
This was comfy and I wore it to volunteer at a Christmas party for children with cancer. I made crafts and played with them all day, and it was a heart-warming way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Shirt-Etsy $16.00
Jeans-Flying Monkey $7.50 (Originally $80.00!!)

Which reminds me...another pair of boutique jeans I purchased for $5.00:

I realized this outfit looked a little, very crazy so I didn't get too far in it.
HOWEVER, an example of $5.00 jeans (Romeo and Juliet) down from $90.00, and a $3.50 sweater down from $130!! Purchased at Annie Sez during the off-season (summer).
When someone told me they liked my "snuggie thing" in reference to my sweater I knew it was time to get changed.

Once again, sorry for the wait! I'll try to recreate and post the rest of my outfits from the past couple weeks!

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Budgeted Beauty for the Brilliant

Christmas Cheer

December 22nd, 2014

December 09th, 2014

3 Outfits, One Pair of Booties

December 07th, 2014

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