I Hate Winter; I Love My Hat

It's funny how your tastes change as the years go on. I don't think that a few years ago I would've been caught dead in a hat. I really didn't think I looked good in them. And yet today, as I exited the Metro and saw the wet snow falling (ick), I was so happy that I had read the weather report and had my cute hat in tow.

Yes, sure, I'm a nerd for planning ahead and packing my hat early this morning when I left for class. But I was also very happy that my head wasn't going to get wet. I may have been just going home to change right into my sweats and do work, but getting wet does not make this girl happy at all. Also, my head stayed nice and warm. Didn't your mother ever tell you that most of your heat escapes through your head and feet?! My hat is way better than a headband (even though I may look cuter in the headband). I guess that approaching the big 2-5 is making me be more responsible about things in life? Maybe not, but I'm definitely thrilled I had my hat! Yet, despite my new love of my hat, I'm quite certain that I still loathe winter and this weather. Is it time to tan on the beach yet??

I'm a Jaywalker

Since coming to the DC metro area, I have found the people and rules of the city to be quite interesting. One such thing in particular is the subject of jaywalking. In NYC, you have people constantly darting across the street when no cars are coming. I really believe that if you've looked both ways (even on a one-way street) and it's clear, you can totally go. It's all about saving time when walking - jaywalking, speedwalking, etc...

But in DC (and definitely in Northern Virginia), I have witnessed individuals standing alone on a corner, watching the hand/man lights intently and with conviction. They will not step off the corner until that little man illuminates and/or chirps to indicate it's the pedestrian's turn to cross. Even on a street with little traffic, these people wait (and if they catch me stepping off the corner beforehand out of the corner of their eye, I get puzzled and nasty glares).

The fact of the matter is that it's not ever safe if you don't look both way (thanks, Mom and Dad). What if someone runs a red light? Then that crosswalk signal means nothing. Lots of factors come into play. I wouldn't just recklessly run across Queens Boulevard or even the tiniest streets, ya know. You have to be smart. But I cannot explain those lonely rule-rollowers at the edge of the curb. I'm a rules girl, myself. But, really VA/DC pedestrians?!

Plagued By the "Type"

I have a type. Yes, my friends, I tend to date the same type of guy over and over again. And what does that teach me? Apparently nothing the last two times. So now, I believe that means three strikes and you're out. That is the way it will be from now on. However, I think this same type haunts me. If you know me well you know what I'm talking about.

Let's take my plane ride home from California, for instance. I changed my seat upon checking in so I would be closer to the front of the plane and who ends up sitting next to me? None other than my type. Very nice guy, but my guard immediately went up. Why does the same boy continue to talk to me over and over? It's been happening since I'm 17 years old and quite frankly I'm sick of it!

It wasn't until said boy mentioned his girlfriend that I actually let my guard down... kinda. I didn't want to be overly-friendly, as that is what always gets me into trouble. But he so non-chalantly made reference to his girlfriend and her interest in fashion. How, you may ask, did he know I was interested in fashion if I wasn't letting out too much information? Well, I was reading Harper's Bazaar and of course I was looking quite fashionable myself... ha. Well maybe not the fashionable part, since I was on a plane with connecting flights all day long and was still jet lagged. But I was reading the fashion magazine and getting pretty into it.

So through all of this, I decided to raise my standards. I sat down and really thought about all the things I want out of a relationship. There are many things on my checklist now because a girl's gotta have some standards. I refuse to waste time! What is on my list, you ask? A girl can't give away all her secrets...

Battle of the Brands - GIVEAWAY!

I have been completely crazy with schoolwork and stuff. However, I just needed to take the time to tell all of you about the fabulousness that continues to be Shop It To Me.

I've blogged about them before and they have certainly made me -- or should I say my wallet -- the victim of some fantastic purchases. Their latest service? Battle of the Brands! Think of it as a Sweet 16 of College Basketball. Each week, some of your favorite brands will go head to head and compete to be the last brand standing. So what's in it for you?? Well when you vote, you'll be automatically entered to win Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories each week! I adore Marc by Marc Jacobs so I'm sure these will be fabulous prizes. Some of the round 1 competitors include BCBG, LAMB, DVF, and Rag and Bone -- oops, guess you know my faves already! So just head over to the Shop It To Me blog, vote for your faves, and you're automatically entered to win! You must be a member to vote. And if you're not already a member I definitely suggest you join. You'll find the best deals in your mailbox as often as you'd like. Go there now!

That's my fashion news for now, but stay tuned. Be back soon!

Elevator Etiquette

Living in an apartment building puts me in the elevator quite frequently. And I always find it awkward. Since moving it seems interesting when I get off an elevator. Who gets off first? Is it the last person who walked on or the first person to hustle? Do all guys really let the females off first? This seems to be trending in my short experience in a new town.

I also find that people are actually quite polite, wishing me a good day when I leave the elevator. This doesn't happen where I'm from. In fact where I'm from people tend to hit the close door button frantically just so they won't need to share an elevator with anyone at all. Sadly, I am guilty and have to admit that I've committed that crime once every so often. That's New York for you.

I learned in sociology class that it's common for people to stare at the floors and buttons when on an elevator. I do agree with this. Where else would I look? I don't want to stare at other people because that could do one of two things: it can cause a dirty look in NY or strike up a convo in DC.

But then again you never know where your next love will show up. Maybe we'll have an exchange in the elevator. This has happened before. My parents met in an elevator on a rainy day in Manhattan. My dad was the newbie and my mom had been there a while. Though they worked on different floors, they somehow struck up a conversation and a relationship all thanks to an elevator ride. So I guess anything is possible.

Maybe one day I'll learn the rules of elevator etiquette and maybe I'll finally be able to look someone (shyly) in the face...

Where's Simply Fabulous??

The shore. Miami. New York. DC. The big move. The career change.

These are just some of the things I've been up to over the past few months and I've totally neglected my blog! But do not worry, for I am always simply fabulous - and so are you for continuing to read! I am officially back in the swing of things this week and will be updating my blog more regularly. Bad blogger! Let me know if you have anything you'd like to see here :)

Thanks for staying with me!

A Summer Kind of Purse

I believe in investing in purses. As much as I love shoes - I eventually beat them up so badly that I have to part with them and this is very hard for me. However, a nice leather bag has no expiration date in my opinion. For instance, I've now had my Cole Haan bucket bag for two years and I break it out every summer. It's a nice shade of yellow - let's call it marigold.

I found a new bag that I'm crushing on and really why not get a new bag each summer? This Michael Kors Wainscott Large Shoulder Bag is perfect. The word "large" could tend to throw someone off, but I really don't think the bag seems too big. I realize it's tough because it seems that you'd throw things in this bag where there is no end - things may die on the bottom of it. But it's so pretty! I love this shade of blue. And I know it is of a nice quality because it is Michael Kors!!

I'll probably have to wait around to see if it goes on sale somewhere - you know it will. If anyone sees a sale, let me know!