Please...

Gingham PJ set from Women's secret, 11.99€

... and thank you. Sale season is in full swing in Spain, and I am fully taking advantage! When I saw this gingham set at such an amazing price, I knew I had to have it for those hot summer nights. This is what preppy dreams are made of!
Love,

- Ane

Bucket List Wishlist: Luxury Everyday Classics

Kaixo everyone,

I hope y'all are doing great. I am currently super stressed out with my qualifying papers, but it is grad school and I signed up for it. #yagirlsgotknowledgecauseshegotintocollege

As most of you know, I am an avid shopper. I live for day-long shopping trips and online sales (only when they have free shipping). However, something has gotten into me recently. A couple of weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with how cluttered my closet was. So many t-shirts, dresses, pants, etc. that I did not wear. I put them all in a bag, and I decided to go sell them. As some are pretty old, I did not sell them all, but it made me start to think about the changes I am making (and hope to make) to my style.

During Christmas break, I chopped my hair off. Easily 8 inches. I haven't had my hair this short since I was 7 years-old. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT. I feel more mature, self-assured, serious and classy. I feel older. With that, a lot of the things I have in my closet right now remind me of a younger, less confident version of myself. At times, I started buying things because they were in, but I did not feel 100% comfortable in them. That super fitted short Forever 21 floral dress? LOL never been worn. 

Recently, I came to terms with the fact that classy silhouettes, easy white tops and regular jeans are what works best for me. However, there is always a little crazy, young, free spirit in myself, and that is reflected on the fact that having that right make it or break it piece is a must. That piece that compliments the rest of my outfit, but makes me (and the people around me) say whoa.

I have tried to look for that kind of piece for years, but I eventually always buy something impulsively and get tired of what I thought was "the best purchase ever." A couple of Teen Vogue issues ago, there was an edit called something like "The Classics", and talked about those pieces that have been around forever and NEVER go out of style. Some of them are just not gonna happen with me (like those Adidas tracksuits, sorry not sorry), but it clicked that some of them could be that extra *POP* that I've been looking for. 

There are some iconic pieces by some designers that I've been wanting for SO LONG (I don't mean months, I mean years), I know they would get used over and over. Also, they are hella expensive and if you are not gonna wear it until its demise, why buy it? The list I've compiled below are some of the things I would like to own one day, but that I am also sure that I will be able to wear in my everyday (and night) life. So uncomfortable, unwearable stuff will not be included. Example: The Pigalle Louboutin pumps are really cute, but everybody swears they are the most uncomfortable shoes on earth. Not worth the investment. 

Adding to all of this, I have started a month-long shopping fast. I started on Valentine's Day, and I plan not to buy anything online or in store (food not included, my belly needs Chipotle) until March 14th. Not buying random stuff I don't need will make a splurge on one of the items below more rewarding. With that, I will also include the prices below, so that I get ready to save up (and cry in despair!). Here are the pieces that are in my wishlist:

Clockwise from left to right:
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Handbag: (1260$) This is the kind of bag I want for when I get my first big girl job, or graduation itself. I can imagine myself going to teach, to have coffee with friends, to meetings, to go shopping with this bad boy. I would definitely choose the Monogram material with the beige lining. I am not a big fan of large logos, but the LV one is an exception. A huge plus is the pochette inside it. Don't want to go out with the full bag? Take the pochette out and be the baddest bitch you've ever wanted to be.
- Burberry Check Wool Cashmere Scarf: (435$) I am proud to say that my scarf collection is one of my best style assets, and that I use all of them all the time. Considering this, I am ready to take the plunge in the most iconic scarf of all time. Did you know that this scarf is so popular because in 1967, the store manager of the Paris store styled the trench coats at the display show the interior lining, and everyone went nuts about it? Now you know!
- Gucci Double G Buckle Belt: (550$) Gucci is the most disco designer brand for me, and this belt would make my bougie self the most bougie gal in town. I would not wear this to formal meetings, but it would be the ideal piece for when I go out with friends. I know that the gold metal one is more iconic, but I am faithful to silver (and gold makes me look cheap, let's be honest).
- Cartier Love Bracelet: (6300$) The most expensive item on this list, and kinda luckily, the last I would buy anyway. If I had all the disposable income in the world, I would get this. But I do not plan to save for it like for the other items in this list. Pretty, understated, and forever.
- Barbour Beadnell Waxed Jacket: (399$) This is the preppy staple par excellence, the kind of coat you'd wear to reach that KJP Instagram aesthetic. As the Basque Prep, I approve. You can get inside lining too for the colder months (#winning).
- Chanel 2.55 Handbag: (5300$) The item that's been in my wishlist for longer. Probably since I was 15. The quilting, the color, the silver... It's the perfect bag for me. I will probably not be able to afford it in years, but I plan to save up for it. When I have the money, I will go to 31, Rue Cambon (which I visited this Christmas, it was dreamy. Shout out to Danielle, vous êtes la meilleure!) in Paris and cry happy tears when I leave the store with it.
- Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pumps: (995$) Carrie Bradshaw. Enough said.
- POLO Ralph Lauren American Flag Sweater: (145$) The cheapest item of the list, and probably the one I'll buy first. Although this is not a top tier designer label (Ralph Lauren Collection would be that), it is still an American powerhouse that we all love. I am not very happy with the current political climate in this country (disclaimer, it's my blog, and if I want to talk politics, I will, so before you cut me off, know that I won't budge on this), but I have lived in this country for very long, and this sweater is a very classy way of showing the US some love without being tacky.
- Chanel Ballet Flats: (750$) I am still not sure if I'd go for the two tone or the black flats, but as a sucker for ballet flats, these are the ones. The epitome. The elongated shape is that of what ballet flats should look like, and they can make any outfit 200% classier. If I don't get the Louis Vuitton bag, these will be my graduation present to myself.

So all this designer glam comes with the hefty price tag of 16,134$. My salary. Excuse me, I have something in my eye. The good thing is, apart from the Cartier bracelet and the Chanel handbag, it's 4534$. Little by little, I could start my luxury collection.

So now it's your turn! Which are your wishlist items? Would you like to start a collection of designer items? Let me know!
Love,

- Ane

Black Friday (& Cyber Monday) Haul

Kaixo everyone,

Once in every blue moon, I write here, and I write about fashion. And the best deals. Those two things were combined this weekend in the most absolutely wonderful melée. I spent Friday in Chicago, my favorite city, and went to a myriad of stores to get some before Christmas shopping. I usually buy stuff for my family on Black Friday, but this time, it was basically all about myself. Oops!

In my defense, though, a) I needed some retail therapy, b) some of the deals were too good to be true, c) I invested in basics/classics. What do I mean by basics? Anything that I wear on repeat, all day, everyday. What do I mean by classics? Well, not your grandmama's pearls, but almost.

1) Tory Burch Laila Driver Ballet Flat: I'm wearing these as I write to the void we speak. November means Tory Burch for me. Why? Because it's my birthday month. In your birthday month, Tory sends you a 50$ off 100$. Did you get that? 50 freaking dollars off 100 dollars. I started looking for possible presents for myself and I bound up finding these flats. Now question though, what in tarnation are driver ballet flats? And why would I need them, not having a car here in the US?

Well let me tell ya, they were discounted, the suede material is dreamy, and the sole is 10 times better than the Minnie sole. I love my Minnies, but I'm always scared the sole will rip in the middle any minute. Bonus, Tory Burch sent me a pink envelope (what is that?), that is, a 50$ gift card. I combined my birthday promotion and the gift card and I got these flats under 50$. Not even kidding.

Find them here

2) Lululemon Extra Mile Reflective Tights: My Lululemon Wonder Under tights were pretty old, and they kept falling down. I have recently started training for a half marathon, and the old ones didn't cut it. So I went into the Lululemon store, and saw they were having markdowns for Black Friday, and these tights were designed for running. Plus, they were 50$ off! They are not available in the US, but you can find similar ones here.

3) Jewelry: One of my good friends is getting married, and her engagement party is coming up! I already have the dress, but new jewelry was definitely needed. J. Crew had a 40% promotion (and this bracelet was on sale already), I had a 25$ off birthday discount at Madewell (so I didn't pay anything!), and half off at Kendra Scott, so I stocked up! Plus, Forever 21 had the cutest (and cheapest) rings ever!

J. Crew Bracelet (here), Madewell Earrings (here), Kendra Scott Necklace (here)

Forever 21 Rings, find them here and here

4) Anthropologie Velvet Clutch: Nothing about this clutch seems basic or classic, but a monogram is both. I peeked this beauty some weeks ago, so when I saw it at the store (at 30% off!), I went for it! Cannot wait to style it in dates (yeah, that ain't happening) nights out.

Find it here

5) GAP Turtleneck Sweater: Lately, I feel drawn to neutrals and dark colors (#fallwinter), so this light sweater, at half off, was perfection! Plus, the frills are adorable!

Find it here

6) American Eagle Outfitters Jeans: I went to Uniqlo to find jeans but honestly, the line was so long I was not about to have it. Thus, I trusted my dearest AEO jeans. Find them here.

7) Lilly Pulitzer Popover: This was probably my biggest splurge. I honestly did not need this. I don't even know how it will go with my outfits. But my sister had gotten me a gift that didn't fit well, I had a gift certificate and I saw it and fell in love. This particular print is part of the Prints With Purpose collection, and part of the proceeds will go towards the Jane Goodall Institute (hence the chimps!). There were Cyber Monday gifts going on, and I took advantage (BUT! I won't jinx it like last year and I'll try to avoid a similar situation to the #totegate)

Find it here (picture by @emilydelong)

This was basically my Black Friday and Cyber Monday haul! I don't think I'll be buying anything else anytime soon, but I am very happy I got all these beautiful pieces and did not go over my budget. How about you, what did you get this weekend?
Love,

Ane

Please...

Two-tone Slingback Heels from French Sole, 195$

... and thank you. See, I am aware that these resemble the kind of shoes my and every neighbor's grandma wears. They also evoke the heart and soul of this brand, you know, this very iconic brand, erm... CHANEL!?!? Now if you want to go for the real deal and pay 800$, you go ahead champion, do you! Meanwhile I'll think of better options like these beauties, and even keep looking for more affordable ones!

Love,

- Ane

All About Gingham

Kaixo everyone,

I don't know if it's me, that I have way too much free time now, that I browse online stores constantly,  or that my eyesight is just going squary, but I see gingham EVERYWHERE. I've always loved gingham. It's a really easy pattern to wear, reminds me of my childhood, and it's just downright adorable and preppy. I love that it's back because you can have both classic and more contemporary pieces. I have seen it on new cuts, accessories I would never think of, and everywhere in Zara (and if it's in Zara, it's a done deal). I rounded up the following gingham lovelies for your (and my) consumption, including a couple of pieces that I own:

Clockwise from top left:
- Zara Top with Contrasted Embroidery: I bought this top right after I got home, and even though I thought it would be ill-fitting, it has become one of my favorite tops. The embroidery is gorgeous, and it can be perfect with a bright colored cardigan for summer or a navy cardigan for the office.
- ASOS Midi Skirt with Tied Waist: I have a secret to confess *cue dramatic music*. I do not wear anything yellow, ever. I've always associated that color with bananas, and I do not think wearing the same color as a banana looks good on me, at all. People with darker skin usually look amazing in yellow, but not me. However, the yellow in gingham is usually softer, easier on my nuclear white pale skin. Also, not showing my butt when I sit while wearing a skirt #tallpeopleprobs is a huge bonus.
- Draper James Cotton Sundress: This dress is the kind of dress you look at with longing when you see it at the storefront while your mom takes you to a cheaper store (and moms are always right, do go to the cheaper store). However, if dreaming is allowed, this is what I'd wear while doing Alice in Wonderland shenanigans. Also, Carly from The College Prepster is #goals with it.

- Boohoo Cold Shoulder Bow Top: Okay everyone, have a look at the description of this top. Cold Shoulder. Bow. The people at Boohoo are incredibly smart. They have combined two of the most prominent trends, the cold shoulder trend and the one at hand in this post, and my weakness in all garments: Bows. Payday where you at?
- ASOS Smock Dress: Another confession *cue super dramatic music*: I do not wear red either (except for one occasion a year, I may blog about it when it comes up). It is a very bold color for me. I do believe it looks good, but not as good as blue, pink or green. In any case, should I choose to wear red with gingham, this fun dress would be my top 1 pick.
- J. Crew Bow Hair Tie: Pardon my French, but hair ties are the absolute s**t, especially if they are cute like this one. They can double as both a hair tie or a bracelet, they are comfortable, easy to put on and remove, and if you have long hair, a must-have all day, everyday.
- Superga 2750 Calico Sneaker: Introducing: the Italian darling sneaker Superga gets a gingham makeover. I have still not bit the bullet with these shoes due to my everlasting loyalty to my white Chucks, but if I were to, these would be great to start with.
- J. Crew Shirt: I have this shirt, and let me tell you, it's amazing! Lightweight, casual and put-together at the same time (you thought that was not possible, right? Well ha! J. Crew does it again!), this shirt combines my love for pink, gingham, casual, and preppy into one perfect cottony bundle.
- GaiaTM for J. Crew Pom Pom Bag: This is the most fun piece of this roundup, hands down! Pom poms, whether you like it or not, are very in style. You'd have to live under a rock not to know this. I've mentioned this before, but poking and crushing pom poms in your hand is the greatest stress relief. Give it a gingham touch and boom! Love at first sight.
- River Island Cross Body Bag: If I had to make a list of in what order I'd buy the pieces of this round-up (and without considering the shirts that I already own), this would be my number one pick. My favorite gingham combos are white and blue and white and pink. I can imagine dressing my future babies in them. This bag color blocks both of them, and the effect is sleek and elegant like a young London aristocrat wreaking havoc in Chelsea, yet charming and traditional like the gingham of your childhood. River Island for the win.

This round-up is probably the one I've done on the blog that I like most, but I swear to God I could've kept adding and adding dresses, shirts, and swimwear to this list. That is why I hope you give me more gingham recommendations. Sound off below!

Love,

- Ane
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Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale Picks

Kaixo everyone!

If I had to choose my favorite retail store that sells multiple brands, I'd say Nordstrom faster than a suburban mom saying "well, my Jenna got accepted to Princeton AND Yale" when her frenemy starts talking about Jeremy getting 5 acceptance letters (all to Ivies).

Apart from the awesome physical locations (shout out to you, Michigan Avenue), wonderful sales assistants, a customer service that I legit rave about for free and being the mother of my beloved Nordstrom Rack and its discounted Tory Burch, it is a shop that makes me dream about my future as a career girl, my love of fashion since I can remember, and being able to find that one piece (or pieces, the possibilities are endless) that makes me feel like my most confident self.

I am currently not in the US to shop this sale (Tear emoji, or a river one because this is TRAGIC), but that does not mean I did not browse (OCEAN EMOJI, I SHOULD HAVE NOT). I was swooning over these pieces:

Clockwise from left:
- Athena Alexander Ballet Flats: This screams CAREER GIRL. When your own version of hellish Miranda Priestley boss asks you to go for a "Venti Caramel Latte with soy milk and with two shots of expresso with sugar free caramel and three Splendas" run, these shoes can make it happen before she fires you for not being back in 5 minutes. Comes in three different colors too!
- Cluse Watch: I have been eyeing Cluse watches for a while now, and I am delighted to see that Nordstrom is selling them. This combination of camel brown and rose gold is simple, yet put-together. Plus, idk about you, but I feel naked without my watch, and my Fossil watch is like 6-years-old (holy mother of God, I didn't even think about that).
- Soprano Ruffled Blouse: Ruffles are super in-season, whether you like it or not. In my case, I really do! I used to have this ruffled pink tee from Zara that I donated (goddamnit), and this blouse seems like its grown up version. The sleek fabric and color are easy to wear both for work and out.
- Kate Spade New York Market Bag: I will honestly say I struggle to incorporate straw bags into my outfits. I come from a pretty rainy place, and I fear that the sudden thunderstorm can destroy them. However, I cannot get over these pom poms. They are hilarious and they are probably great to poke when stressed.
- Kate Spade New York iPhone 7 Case: Another thing that I don't usually buy are bulky phone cases. I'd rather they have a pretty drawing rather than taking all the space in my handbag. But I can't get over this phone case. I think it's really creative, cute, and would definitely spark some conversation. "OMG, love your case, where did you get that?" "A circus." No ragrets.
- 7 For All Mankind Skinny Jeans: Seven jeans are the kind of jeans I heard about in songs and would  read about in the Gossip Girl series (hell yeah, I read the books even before the show started), and this particular pair would probably make me look like Beyoncé. Or two stuffed sausages, but let's hope for the best.
- Dior Sunglasses: *SWOON* They are definitely out of my budget (regardless of the sale), but I'd love to have these shades.

What are your picks for the sale? Do you usually stock up in a particular item? Sound off!
Love,

- Ane

Please...

Suede Sandals from Max Mara (currently on sale, 444$)

... and thank you.I saw these beauties in Michigan Avenue on Monday and it made me wish I had a post-graduation job.

- Ane

Tory Burch Spring Sale - SHOES Edition

Kaixo everyone,

Accessory-wise, I'm the most disappointing shopaholic in the planet. I own 5 handbags. I always wear the same pearls everyday, except when I'm feeling daring and I wear my Kendra Scott Danielle earrings. I've been wearing the same watch for five years, and my bracelets range from my Phi Mu Alex & Ani bracelet, Tory Burch double strap bracelet and a J Crew bracelet for when I'm feeling fancy. I watch other bloggers' earring/bracelet/handbag collections and I break out in hives just thinking if there is enough of a lifetime to wear all of those at least once.

However, #shoegamestrong. I am a sucker for ballet flats, sandals, sneakers, chunky heels and wedges. When I go shopping, my purchase always includes a white T-shirt (cue my mom: "You have too many!") and a pair of shoes. When I dream about my future home, I always think of Mariah Carey's shoe room. 

*Cries*

Or Imelda Marcos (link up because #culture), the 10th first lady of the Philippines, who is known for having over a 1,000 pairs of shoes, and fishy off-shore accounts. Fair for her husband's constituents? No. Good example to follow? Probably not. Did she have too many shoes? The limit does not exist.

So going with Friday's post, I also wanted to round up some shoes I'd loooove to wear. Now again, these are not shoes I would consider investing in (Millers anyone? They are the best), but a girl can dream, am I right?

So clockwise from left to right:

- Maritime Ankle Strap Ballet Flats: It's like actual BALLET flats in navy! I love navy, and ballet flats, and I used to do ballet (chubbiest kid in 4th grade hollah), so these would be absolutely perfect for me.

- Sinclair Embellished Sandals: I am going to be honest, the squarish sole is not my favorite. But the bright orange color and the gilded accents really are awesome!

- Maritime Pump: Maritime, the name says it all. I could imagine myself walking with these close to the marina in St Tropez before Valentino forbids my boarding onto his yatch for not being the perfect shade of Cheeto-Orange tan. Too bad.

-Shaw Espadrille Flats: These are probably my favorite. I am quite against buying expensive espadrilles because let's face it, it rains and they're done with. However, I would gladly accept them as a present (shout out to my teeny-tiny readership, maybe one of you can be my mecenas!).

- Blossom Flip Flops: The color-block effect is super cool, and they might be the cheapest of all of these shoes so win-win.

- Patos Ankle Strap Sandals: These are probably the most wearable of the list. The ankle strap ensures that they will not dance in your feet, which is a must for me.

Now what do y'all think? Which would be your pick?

Love,

- Ane

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Tory Burch Spring Sale Picks

Kaixo everyone!

Without getting into details about my looooooong looooooong absences, I wanted to get back on track and share what my weekend shopping spree would look like if I were married to a Chicago banker living with two shitzus in the North Shore and going to Pure Barre with my Junior League friends. Alas, I am still a poor graduate student! However, a girl can dream! I have compiled my favorite picks for Tory Burch's Spring Sale!

In this sale, you can get 20% off 300$, 25% off 500$ or 30% off 700$.

I have not included the essentials, which are in my ACTUAL bucket list, provided I save enough. I have not included shoes either, which honestly could go for an entire blog! If I had an unlimited flow of cash, I would definitely rejoice with these pieces instead of drinking off the fact that my banker husband has an affair with his young secretary. B*tch boy bye!

Clockwise from left to right:

- Long-Sleeve Embellished Tunic: Tunics are an instant boost to any outfit: They give a classy flair, they are easy to throw on, and you can combine them with white jeans, regular jeans, shorts and some sandals. Even canvas sneakers if you want to be more casual!

- Ribbon Pear Earrings: These scream Prep Boarding School + Blair Waldorf. I love that ribbon pattern and well, pearls > everything.

- Lenox Ruffle Top: This orange color is the perfect Fighting Illini shade. I would loooove to wear this to games!

- iPhone 6s Case: I have an iPhone 6s and I do not plan to upgrade it anytime soon, particularly due to the stupidity of not being able to charge and listen to music at the same time (*cough* iPhone 7 *cough*), so this adorkable parrot is hilarious and a really cute touch to any phone!

- Scallop Wristlet: Pink and green are life, pink and green are love. Combine them with scallops and BOOM! PREPPY MAGIC!

- Daniella Skirt: This bad boy is 900$ (EL OH EL), but as I said, if I had the funds I would love to rock this!

- Tory Burch Foundation Embrace Ambition Bracelet: This is actually the only piece I own! It's 30$ and all the proceeds go to the Tory Burch Foundation, which raises funds for women entrepreneurs! Aaaand the Gemini link is super sleek, so it's a win-win!

- Marianna Broderie Anglaise Top: White and blue à la your mom's best china has always been one of my favorite patterns, and the intricacy of broderie has always amazed me. 

- Parker Tote: This tote is something I am considering getting (fingers crossed I can use my birthday discount in it). It looks functional, put together, and the price is feasible for an investment bag.

What are your picks for the TB sale?

Love,

- Ane

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Please...

Faux Fur Ankle Boots from Zara (119S)

... and thank you. And thank goodness Zara is way cheaper at home because I got these babies at 59€ yesterday! (Cue the flamenco dancer emoji)

- Ane

Please...

Suede sandals from Roger Vivier (1325$)

And this is me, trying to pretend I have a bottomless bank account or a finance analyst husband.

- Ane

OOTD: When You Go South, Wear Lilly

While Chicago was cold, my first trip to the South was nice and warm! It was also humid and we had downpours (hence the crazy hair and in some of the pics) but still nothing better than some nice sun and warmth for the soul with all the country music. Yes, I finally visited Nashville! And let me tell you, it was awesome! I loved the ambiance, the colors, the music, the food and the history! Since I was venturing below the Mason Dixon line, where Lilly abounds, I decided to rock my new Colie top in Multi Stems. I absolutely LOVE this top. It's a white v-neck (my go to), it has pink, the print is bold and fun and it's Lilly. 

Cardigan: JC Penney (ancient, similar here) // Top: Lilly Pulitzer // Jeans: Uniqlo // Sneakers: Converse // Vest: GAP (similar here) // Sunglasses: BP. // Bag: Tory Burch (old style, similar here) // Bracelet: J. Crew (similar here) // Watch: Fossil (similar here)

 It truly was the simplest outfit, but it felt so right. I felt bold as a flamingo yet composed and elegant, particularly with my other eBay find my Tory Burch Amanda logo bag, and with my new sunglasses I got in Nordstrom. When trying sunglasses on, I honestly asked my mom: "Which makes me look like a femme-fatale boss-ass bitch?" and then I bought them. I should have taken a resting bitch-face pic for you all to see but oh well, I was TOO HAPPY to be in Nashville with my loved ones! :)

So now tell me, what is your go to outfit for visiting the South? And if you are from there, how prevalent (or not) is Lilly? Let me know!

Love,

- Ane

OOTD: Baby It's Cold Outside

Kaixo!

How is the weather so bad and cold? UGH why is winter back? At least I wish I were in Chicago with my family. Like I said some weeks ago, my family came to visit for Spring Break! While I will recap the trip another day, let me share my cold day outfit that I wore in Chicago! :)

Coat: Zara (old) // Jeans: Uniqlo // Shoes: Converse // Bag: Lefties (old, similar here, which I actually ended up getting!) // Scarf: Tory Burch (old, similar here) // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban // Bracelet: J. Crew (old, similar here)

When I'm out and about in the cold, particularly in a big city, I like to steer away from puffer coats and wear more structured pieces, like this coat from Zara. It was love at first sight, and let me tell you, I didn't buy it at first and I almost lost my chance when we couldn't find it anywhere, but a store in my area (one of 5) *might* have had it in my size, and praise the lord they did! For walking, I also choose comfy footwear (aka my beaten up white Converse) and the best jeans in the world! Finally, I usually wear an oversized scarf, and what a great opportunity it was to show my great eBay score from Tory Burch! :)

What do you wear for cold days in the city? Let me know in the comments!
Love,

- Ane

Bargain Fashion Successes + Spring Break Travel Plans!

Kaixo everyone,

Long (very long) time no see! I would like to apologize for this hiatus without blogging, but school has been stressful and at night, the only free time I have for blogging, I only felt like watching some Netflix and sleeping.

This month was clearly eventful in the fashion area for me. I went back to participate with the UIUC chapter of the National Retail Federation, where I'm part of the engagement committee, but mostly, a whole new world of possibilities opened up to me via two platforms: eBay and Poshmark. I had bought things in eBay before, but I tried to steer away from bidding, as it's a binding contract, and you do not want to find yourself paying way too much for something because of the adrenaline rush to win the bid. As for Poshmark, I had heard of it before, but very vaguely. I honestly started looking once my officemate Megan told me she was actually selling some clothes, and considering the amount of clothes that I do not usually wear, I thought I may give it a try. So far I am very pleased!

eBay
My eBay bidding has been limited to a handful of things, but I usually dropped the race right when the prices started to be obnoxious. Speaking of obnoxious, for all of you Lilly fans, this Dark 'n' Stormy shift sold for almost 600$. Desperate, materialistic and unnecessary, in my opinion. It is definitely a beautiful print, but 600 dollars? Crazy.

This actually happened

Crazy. However, my success in eBay has been more economically fruitful, and waayyy cheaper! My first eBay win went as follows:

Some day in February:

- 17:00 (aprox): Oh damn that scarf... wait I posted it on my blog, it's this beauty I would wear to the library (as said here).

17:15: 25$ bid? I'm bidding. (Stays like this for two more days until the final day)

Two days later:

18:00ish: I'm grading exams, it's boring, let's see how the bidding goes. 27$? Um bid. 28$ yas.

18:50: Still same woohoo. Ends at 19:15 let's get ready.

19:05: 10 minutes, still hasn't changed.

19:10: Still same.

19:13: OMG.

19:14: 29$? OMG BACK OFF BIATCH 32$

19:15: Congratulations, you just won the Tory Burch scarf!

10 minutes and 4$ shipping later, it was coming MY WAY!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYYYYYYY!! I fist bumped the air in the library while some people looked at me like wtf and loved my life. The times I've worn it, not only have I felt like a princess, I looked like it, and gosh it's so soft and cuddly!

Fast forward two weeks. I need a brown bag. Poshmark is offering some really nice Tory Burch bags (ugh obsessed with the brand), but they are either too expensive for a second hand bag or destroyed. eBay is offering one for bidding, pretty cheap. It was 50$ at first. And the bidding ended at 6:30am in three days.

Fast forward to 6:30am three days after, and it had come to 120, but I got it for 141$! Success!!!! I love it (it's in perfect condition), and I slept like a queen after winning that bid. While it is true that 141$ dollars for a handbag is rather pricey, the original price was 350$, and being Tory Burch, a highly coveted brand among American millennials, I believe that in the case that I would decide to sell it again, I could still get some revenue from it. It was a bargain for Tory Burch and an investment! :)

Bae

Poshmark

Poshmark has been a great discovery for me. As I mentioned before, I started selling my unused stuff when my friend Megan told me about it. While you really cannot make much profit (considering 20% of it goes to Poshmark and the shipping fees deter many customers), I have found it to be a very welcoming community. People share and like like crazy! While my intention was only to sell, I ended up shopping way more than I thought I would (oops). I got this NWT Lilly skort and Lululemon headband I had coveted when one of my students had it. Definitely great bargain fashion successes, considering I had not tried the skort on (perfect size, yay!) and the image for the headband was just okay.

Luckily, I have also been able to sell one thing! The Lilly for Hope bangle made for the American Cancer Society, which was my first Lilly buy ever. Unfortunately, it was too big for me, so I did not wear it much. Seeing my first Lilly piece go was somewhat sad, but I am happy to report that it ended in good hands, a recent cancer survivor! Serena, if you are reading this, you are gonna rock this bracelet! :)

If you would like to check out my Poshmark closet, feel free to do so at: https://poshmark.com/closet/anetxin91

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So that's my month in terms of fashion. In terms of Spring Break, which starts next Friday...

MY FAMILY IS COMING TO VISIT!!!!!!!

Yes, that is right, for the first time since I moved here, my parents and my sister are coming to visit me and visit some awesome places like Chicago and Nashville!!! I could not be more excited!!! While I'm pretty familiarized with the Windy City, I have never been to Nashville, so any suggestions are welcome! :)

I will have the chance to see my loved ones, travel, and hopefully get some really nice pictures for the blog! How has your life been lately? Let me know! :)

Love,

- Ane

OOTD: Bronco Nation

Kaixo everyone,

I do not believe I have ever talked about this in my blog (I may have though, I am as repetitive as someone can get and I've told this story three times to a friend this weekend. Three times), but I am a huge Denver Broncos fan. Living in the Midwest, this is kind of odd. Being a girl from Europe, this is super odd. However, I did my study abroad in Durango, Colorado, where one of my dearest friends, Elley, instilled her love of the Broncos in me.

In fact, the last week I spent in Colorado, I got to have dinner with one of them! True story. My friend Ali's mom used to work in the hotel were they stayed before games, and she was good friends with one of them, David. She invited him to come over for dinner many times, and finally, he came when I was just visiting Ali! It really was a pleasure to meet such a cool, funny guy and hear what he had to say about being a professional football player.

David, Ali and I in June 2012

The Broncos got to the Super Bowl in 2014, which got me super excited.

2014

If you are a football fan, you may remember was absolutely painful for the Broncos. I cried. I seriously did cry on my way home from watching. The Seahawks crushed them.

So when the Broncos made it to the Super Bowl again this year, I was ecstatic. I was definitely wary, considering how good the Panthers had been during the season. Pretty much everyone here thought the Panthers were gonna win, and only 3 of us at the party where I watched it were rooting for the Broncos. So, SURPRISE SURPRISE, THE BRONCOS WON!!!!! OMAHA, OMAHA!!!

I felt so so happy, and I felt so happy for Elley, Ali, and all my Colorado friends who were so happy about their beloved state team. In 2014 I had the cap that David signed, but this year I had it in Spain, so I got the cutest Denver Broncos tee I could've found in Easy.

Tee, AFApparel

HOW CUTE IS THIS??? A Mexican Día de los Muertos skull with the Broncos' old logo in the forehead. The Bronco is actually a skeleton! I fell in love right at the moment I saw it. But I even fell more in love when I got it on the mail. The royal blue shade was darker than expected, which I loved.

Snapchat filters on point! Follow me: anetxin91

Tank: AFApparel // Cardigan: Forever 21 // Jeans: Uniqlo // Ring: Mango (old, similar here) // Bracelet: Apricot Lane boutique // Sneakers: Converse // Handbag: Lefties (old, similar here) // Necklace: Forever 21

Even Lilly Pulitzer showed a little homage to the Broncos after winning Super Bowl 50! In love with this print!

Tell me about your Super Bowl experience! What team did you root for? Did you wear anything in particular? Let me know!

Love,

- Ane