Mrs. [EX] Recruitment

(Dress: NO Idea, Tights: Michael Starr via TJ Maxx, Shoes: Seychelles via Modcloth)

Going into recruitment, I wasn't sure if I was going to join a sorority, but the first day I got super excited. Everyone was talking about how much they loved all of their sisters, saying how the process worked like a charm and everyone ended up where they were supposed to be. This was very reassuring, but after being "released" by house after house, it really starts to get to you. And at this point I realized that there was not some giant hand of fate leading you in the right direction of your sorority house. Doesn't God have better things to do? No, instead, when 99% of girls don't get the house they want, they make the best of the situation. And if they don't like it, they leave. You listen to all the girls raving about how they found just the house for them, but many of the houses probably would have fit them just as well. And for me, releasing myself from the whole process was the best thing to do. I feel very at peace with this decision. Having a good cry and listening to She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5 over and over again helped.

Also: I looked damn good. Your loss Greek Life.

The Importance of NOT Being Beautiful

This is what I look like when I've just woken up. Also, what I look like in the dining halls after exercising. It's basically my natural state. These past few days I've been going through sorority recruitment and it's one of the most demoralizing experiences of my life. Being told you don't fit in after a 25 minute conversation hurts, especially when it's done multiple times in one day. Everyone knows it's based on what you wear and what you look like, because after that, it's a level playing field. There are hundreds of girls who are good at the awkward, repeated, small talk-filled conversations. It all comes down to appearance. But after this experience, I refuse to walk away from it saying that I'm not good enough. Confusingly enough, I also refuse to believe that I am just as pretty and well-dressed as those other girls. 

Sometimes, I AM NOT BEAUTIFUL. And it's okay. Sometimes I have a giant forehead and bright red hair that I have no idea what to do with. And you know what, I think that makes me lucky. Walking through the dining halls with all the perfectly dressed girls when I'm in my track pants and hair slicked back from sweat, I'm glad. And I'm glad because not being shockingly beautiful, I can choose when to stand out. I can fly under the radar until I want to be seen.

 I feel sorry for those beautiful girls who can't turn it off. They're being put into the sororities that judge them completely for their looks and there's nothing they can do about it. In the dining halls they are always noticed, so dropping a tray and tripping are remembered for longer. They are always being objectified by men, being harassed and whistled at. I say, embrace the ugly, the frizzy, the pimples. 

By being able to take off our pretty girl disguises, we are free to live our lives unencumbered by many of the trials and tribulations faced by the perfect girls. Its allows us to live a life of substance. And when we find people who can look under the giant mess and see the beauty that we have inside, they're the ones worth keeping.

And that's the importance of NOT being beautiful.

There is Nothing to Be Afraid Of

(Shirt: Nordstrom, Sweater: Banana Republic, Skirt: Thrifted via Goodwill, Shoes: Seychelles via Modcloth)

Today was gloomy and sad. So of course I picked a dumpster to pose next to. Almost done with the January semester! Two days left lehgo!

Fatigue

(Shirt: Out of Print Tees, Skirt: Thrifted, Sweater: Thrifted, Shoes: Incyte via Steve Madden, Tights: Target, Watch: Thrifted via Flea Market)

 I was super unhappy with the angles of these photos, but I really liked how the sun peaked up over the top of the house. These boots are new! I'm still breaking them in. I needed to jump on the Incyte bandwagon because everyone else did.

This week has been super tiring which is sad because I've only been in class for four days, but I really need this weekend. Thank God tomorrow is Friday!

If I Had a Hammer

(Dress: Thrifted via Goodwill, Tights: Target, Shoes: Qupid via Modcloth, Sweater: Old Navy, Necklaces: Aeropostale and Made By a Friend)

It's getting warmer, but it's also VERY windy. The wind chill knocks the temperature down several degrees. This dress used to go down to my ankles before I hemmed it, but maybe I should have kept it that way! Tights are a way to trick your body into thinking you're wearing pants, when in fact, you both know you're not. The wind also stopped me from displaying the impressive shoulder pads that came with the dress. I look very Working Girl in it. I think that's one reason why I like it. :)

The fruit cleanse was quickly followed by the overeating of everything that I enjoy. For lunch I had 2 quesadillas, some pesto pasta and a root beer float. I can't help it! I love to eat! Healthy food is for people with self control. Tomorrow night I'm going to see Macbeth (for the third time on stage.. I may be addicted) and then my sister is coming to visit me! And then rush for sororities. Yikes! Busy schedule! I hope you all have a great week!

JOY.

Please listen to this song while reading for the full emotional experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE8NSvD7LSE

(Shirt: JCREW, Pants: Target, Shoes: Rack Room Shoes, Belt: Target, Necklace: Forever 21)

It's been so freaking windy lately! Crazy! This was probably the most fun I've had with outfit shots in a long time. I couldn't go far because my feet were killing me and it looked like it was about to rain, so I just went to the edge of campus. People were walking by and looking at me. I would smile at them and they would lose eye contact and keep walking by awkwardly. It was fantastic. The weather was so windy too, and I love wind. And rain. It was amazing. 

Have a GREAT day.

PLUNGE

(Sweater: Target, Pants: Target, Blazer: JCREW via Outlets, Shoes: Converse, Scarf: H&M) 

I made a pact with myself to not wear blue jeans as an outfit. I feel like they're very constricting. Everyone wears jeans all the time, and I think I can be much more creative by limiting myself in that aspect. I really only wear one pair of jeans over and over again.

Today I jumped into a lake on Campus for the Polar Bear Plunge! It was SO FREAKING COLD. Goodness gracious. But now I can say I've done it! These pictures were taken afterwards. My hands still weren't thawed out, so the tripod was painful to set-up and take down.

Have a wonderful three-day weekend! I know I will! (Except for the fact that I am currently only eating fruit... for every meal. Not looking forward to that part..)

Blog Love!

Color Blocking//It's Gorgeous Out!

(Sweater: Thrifted via Goodwill, Skirt: Anthropologie, Boots: Rack Room Shoes)

I have worn this skirt more than is healthy since I bought it for $15 bucks! Down from $88. Proudest day of my life. I've never actually bought anything from Anthropologie, so Red Line Sale Day was good to me. :) 

I'm going on a ten day all fruit cleanse. We'll see how I feel after that!

Lover to Lover

(Sweater: Target, Blouse: Thrifted via Goodwill, Skirt: Kohl's, Boos: Rack Room Shoes, Raincoat: Rivet)

I really hope the people who live in the house in front of the shed don't discover that I'm taking pictures in it because it was pouring today and I needed somewhere dry but with outdoor lighting. It's perfect. And it's got just the right number of broken/old chairs to make it less empty. I plan on taking tons of photos here.

Back in the Game

(Sweater: Urban Outfitters, Tank: Gap, Skirt: Thrifted, Shoes: Cynthia Rowley for Target, Socks: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx, Watch: Thrifted via Flea Market)

You know that scene in 10 Things I Hate About You where Bianca kisses Cameron and as soon as he leaves, he smacks the steering wheel enthusiastically and proclaimed "ANDD I'm BACK in the game!"? I've always loved that scene. And that's how I feel right now. Really confident and powerful. That might have something to do with the fact that I got a ton of sleep last night, but that's one of my new year's resolutions. To sleep. A lot more. Also, to get back in shape.

Resolutions:

1. Run a Half Marathon

2. Use my journal much more often

3. Stop biting my nails

4. Eat better

6. Keep my dorm clean.

Here's to a happy new year! Ignore the people who think you're insignificant.