Blue Jean Baby.

[Blazer, H&M; Tank, Hanes; Jeans, Express; Belt, vintage; Watch, Merona; ID Bracelet, TJ Maxx; Purse, Kimchi Blue; Pumps, Madden Girl.]

It was a long, good day.

Glorified Tee

[Dress, Express; Leggings, Hot Topic; Boots, Nine West; Belt, Hot Topic; Watch, Target; ID Bracelet, TJ Maxx; Silver bangle, thrift store; All other jewelry, vintage]

I woke up late today. And by "woke up late," I mean hit the snooze button for over an hour. Way to go, Julia.

I was exhausted, my head hurt, and I couldn't imagine sitting in class for nine hours. But then I remembered I have not only my first algebra exam, but also my first biology exam, on Thursday, and I could not afford to miss the reviews.

I think it is a safe assumption to say that many rushed and worn out college females turn to sweatpants in the morning, especially if they're running late. But not I. No, no, I still feel embarrassed going to the drugstore in pajamas when I'm ill. Instead of the terribly comfortable, but God-awful eyesore, sweats-and-tee outfit, I turned to the prettier alternative: a t-shirt dress.

If you don't own a t-shirt dress, go buy one. I'm been having a wonderful obsession since I bought my eggplant one at Express several months ago. Although they no longer offer it, they have a similar style, the Shoulder Snap Sleeveless Dress. I also really like Alexander Wang's T-Shirt Dress, with its low, rounded neck. Although typically I'm against pre-fitted "t-shirt silhouette" dresses, I think the Silence & Noise Silk Print T-Shirt Dress is actually very sweet. Perhaps it is the fact that the pattern is reminiscent of something M.I.A. would wear, or perhaps it is because I adore Silence & Noise. Either way, I think it's delightful.

Prior to the t-shirt dress, I turned to trapeze dresses for presentable comfort. Although I still wear them from time to time, nothing is better than jersey knit. Clothing like this ruins the oh-so common "but I like to be comfortable.." excuse.

Despite the fact that I ignored the alarm for so long this morning, it was a good day. I found the time to grab a latte and a bagel before class, BIOL100 was released thirty minutes early, and I was happily greeted by my Moleskine in my mailbox when I got home.

With any luck, tomorrow will be marvelous as well. I'm covering an event for the newspaper at 11 AM, and my last class won't be out until 10 PM. Oh, joy.

At least it gives me an excuse to wear my new heels.

Nostalgia & Pretty, New Things

I did some much needed retail therapy today. Although I didn't buy much, I somehow managed to wander the store for almost three hours. It was exactly what I needed—mindless and fabulous.

I walked out of the store with three items, none of which were a wallet. Ha!

I found a gorgeous burnt orange pleated-bib blouse (Nine West, on clearance for $10!) for interviews/formal business events, a pair of low retro-looking red pumps (Madden Girl), and this adorable bracelet.



I wish I knew who made it. I'm kind of in love with it.

The shopping definitely brightened my day. I am a firm believer in retail therapy. In high school, during fights with friends or significant others, I wandered to the local Hobby Lobby to browse craft supplies and fabric for hours on end. These days, I like to stop by Rag O Rama (aka "Avalon Exchange" as of earlier this year; it is still Rag O Rama to me), Timeless Authentic Garments, or the always fantastic TJ Maxx.

I am listening to PARK, an ex-Springfield, Ill., emo band (and a guilty pleasure for us lucky kids who used to see them during our hometown scene's glory days), on headphones. Is it 2004? It very well might be, since I definitely wore torn jeans and a black tank top out tonight. Thankfully, I've upgraded from back-pocket-less flares to skinnies and a black hoodie to a plaid shrunken blazer.

Despite the desperate need for purchasing pretty things, the day was good. After the editorial meeting and shopping, I came home and worked on newspaper things. Then, around eight, I went to Benedict Arnold's band practice and hung out with the guys. I'd say today was an all-around success.

Tomorrow will hopefully be equally as nice. I'll be in class from 12-9, with a break or two thrown in. Another long day. I think I'll leave early enough to grab a skinny vanilla latte on my way in. Nothing makes algebra more bearable than coffee.

I'm anxiously awaiting a few internet purchases. I ordered a Moleskine Pocket Memos book (I'm a total Moleskine snob; I just can't get enough), along with some new business cards. Hopefully, they will be here when I get home, making a long day much more exciting. After all, a little shopping thrown in helps even the bleakest day.

Wallet Woes

Today at work I helped a woman dig a card out of her wallet. It was stuck deep down in a shockingly tight pocket, and she couldn't get it out by herself.

Later on, a different customer mentioned, after I complimented hers, that finding the perfect wallet is one of the hardest shopping tasks. And I'm starting to agree.

I have been dissatisfied with my wallet for a while. For the last few years, off and on, I have been carrying a pale pink vintage leather pouch with a few small pockets and a zippered coin pouch. Although I still adore the thing (which costs me a mere ten cents at a yard sale), it has lost its shape and strength over time.

Last week I switched back to a wallet I bought in 2007 on clearance at Urban Outfitters. It is a somewhat-slim, armored teal leather zip-around. Although I love it, it is very heavy. And the life of the zipper is starting to be questioned.

So I find it important that I prepare early for my possible upcoming wallet loss.

When I begin looking for anything new, I automatically turn to Marc by Marc Jacobs. I really love the Totally Turnlock Zip Wallet, $138.00 at Bluefly. It looks spacious, but doesn't seem overwhelming. And who doesn't love his classic turnlock pieces?

But, alas, if I spend $138.00 on a wallet, I will have no money to put in it. So I stared browsing Betsey Johnson's website, in hopes of finding something more reasonable. Her Little Bow Pleat Checkbook is very sweet, but is still $125.00 and doesn't show any inside detail pictures.

Then I found what may be it... the perfect replacement. The Gianni Chiarini 'Athene' Clutch in Olive, available for $88.00 at Nordstrom, seems ideal. It's a classic leather envelope with better storage.

But have I bought it yet? No. I am being picky and it is bothersome.

Odds are, I'll search vintage Etsy, second-hand stores and sale bins until my current wallet dies. When it comes to accessories like purses and wallets, I need to make sure they fit; not me, of course, but all of my stuff. I'm a sucker for club cards (hello, Starbucks Gold, Sephora Beauty Insider, CVS Extra Care, Kerasotes Five Buck Club, Borders Rewards, T.G.I. Friday's Give Me More Stripes, The Club at Ulta, just to name a few...)

Needless to say, I have to have a wallet that can hold its own. And then some.

We all fall down.

[Shirt, Hot Topic; Skirt, H&M; Leggings, Hot Topic; Boots, Nine West; Bag, Tommy Hilfiger; Silver bangle, thirft store; Studded watch, Sanrio; Gold bracelet, vintage; Studded bracelet, vintage; Rings, vintage.]

Tonight should be a good night.

Pleased to meet you.

My name is Julia.

But you probably know that already, assuming you've glanced at the sidebar. If not, let me introduce myself. I am a nineteen year old student, majoring in journalism. I am the editor of my college's newspaper, an on-campus English tutor and a clerk at a bookstore.

I live with my boyfriend, Ricky, and our hamster, Tortoise, in the greater St. Louis area. Our apartment is full of mid-century furniture, framed posters from "the best show they ever played!", and KidRobot toys. It's small and lacking in convenient storage options, but the kitchen and powder room are tiled in retro pink and black, and the closet is a walk-in. I can't complain.

Between the two of us, we read approximately twenty-five magazines per month. He hopes to be a brewmaster/brewpub owner, and I dream of being a magazine journalist focusing on style or design; needless to say, the postman must think we're nutty since we receive everything from Beer Magazine to ReadyMade to Lucky.

I recently snagged a copy of H&M Magazine, and completely loved it. I thought it would be nothing more than a glorified catalogue, but I was entirely wrong (although I was a bit biased since it featured two of my favorite Skins actresses.) The article "Shop Smart!" was particularly great; I've always been put off but some people's opinions on designer outlet stores and the like, and think it's fabulous that they are starting to be embraced.

When we're not working (or reading magazines) we normally end up at shows, wandering The Loop, or entertaining. I have a bit of a knack for being a 1950s-housewife, so we have dinner parties regularly. We're currently perfecting our sushi rolling skills to have a Japanese night soon.

Tonight we're going to Italian Fest. It will be in the low 70s, so I'm not exactly sure what I'll wear yet.. Something with black leggings and knee boots, I'm sure. As far as shoes goes, I am a sucker for slouchy boots. I am currently on my third or fourth pair since 2007. Thankfully, the ones I wear now (Nine West Black Leather Cheryl Boots) are holding up much better than my last pairs.

I think I'm going to run off for a bit. I need to get ready for tonight, and should finish some newspaper business. Besides, Side A is over and my record needs to be flipped.