Help a Gal Out, Will Ya?

I've had a looooong day today, and I got a super duper surprise waiting for me when I got home!!!

I finally got my Warby Parker try at home glasses I've ordered last week! I have been thinking about purchasing a pair from them since early this year but just never got to actually doing so until I decided I needed a pair of glasses that were more casual in comparison to my current pair.

So, here are the 5 pairs I thought I'd try out.... Please ignore the nasty pimple ruining my face.

Sinclair in Midnight Blue

Tenley in Midnight Blue

Huxley in Revolver Black Matte

Sinclair in Burgundy Fade

Roosevelt in Revolver Black

Right now, I am leaning towards the two Sinclairs. I like the Burgundy Fade color because it's seems a little bit more laid back and feels more natural to me. But I am still unsure. I'll have to check them out in the daylight.

What do you think? Which pair suits me the most? Which should I get?
Criteria:
1. I need a pair that works well with my "style"
2. Casual looking
3. Doesn't clash with my hair color

Black Magic Woman

tank & cardi: F21 :: skirt: thrifted :: clogs: Target ::
belt: nicked from my sister :: necklace: Rue21

That song popped in my head when I donned this outfit. (whichever version, I like both Fleetwood Mac's and Santana's versions... maybe the latter more for when I want to twirl around to the long instrumental solo.) Now, it's stuck there forever.

I usually avoid really long skirts/dresses because I am barely 5 feet tall. I like to think I'm 5'1", but I'm a quarter of an inch short of that. My height is probably the main reason why I gravitate towards higher hemlines because of the illusion of extra length they give. But I like this skirt, and I think I look taller wearing it with a tight-fitting tank. I also liked the fact that I look kinda witchy today, with all the black, the messy reddish hair and the snake necklace. I mean, the snake is symbolic of womanhood and fertility, after all.

p.s. I changed the background and header of my blog (again). What can I say? It's sunnier and brighter outside--my blog needed to reflect the bliss blossoming inside my sunshine-starved heart.

How Laura Dresses Man-ish

black tank: F21 :: lavender polo:Bitten by SJP :: vest: Urban Outfitters
jeggings: Walmart :: oxfords: thrifted :: scarf: Urban Outfitters

Green Lantern Pins: Kilowog and Guy Gardner

When I think "man," I obviously think of Will Schuester. He's a vest and polo (or tee) kind of man. And I imagine he wears scarves every once in a while to liven up an outfit. Too keep it from being TOO mannish (and too blah), I added some comics related pins that make me oh so happy. I also cuffed my jeans even though it's freeeeezing outside, and it might even rain later today.

You can tell that I'm expecting to do a lot of work today. I am sans makeup, sans jewelry, and my hair is pulled up to get it out of the way. I've got oodles planned to get done. Hopefully, my coffee (black, laced with raspberry syrup) will keep me fueled all day long.

Today is a happy day! The always adorable Dee orchestrated a denim challenge last week. I am so thrilled to be part of her post! Check out all the other lovely ladies who participated in this challenge.

Lastly, I just want to say hi! to all my followers, new and old. I am soooo thrilled to be part of this awesome blogging community. Blogging has seriously helped me be more creative and optimistic about my wardrobe and my body. Stop by and leave a comment about yourself! A little tidbit of you :) And! follow me on twitter so we can continue the conversation!

Looking forward to get to know you all a little bit more :)

♥ laura

I love you, Mornings. I'm just not IN LOVE with you.

purple tee: Pac Sun :: striped green cardi: Old Navy
black skirt: ? :: grey tights: Banana Republic
grey scarf: Express :: black flats: Target

I've been very productive lately. Perhaps it's because I've been forcing myself to go to the library as soon as it's open to get stuff done. My morning routine has changed drastically since my epiphany of "chill and things will get done." I make time to enjoy my breakfast, grab a cup of coffee, and take my time in the morning. I'm NOT a morning person. Oh, I love the sunshine and all, but I just can't be expected to get anything great done when I get roused from my comfy bed.

Today: Library and then home a little earlier than usual to cook some lentil soup and green bean casserole (not to be eaten together, of course) 

Have a great Monday, everyone!

Leather and Pearls with Flowers to Boot, oh and a Tag!

I feel so high like I'm walking amongst the clouds with flowers on my feet and pink on my lips. The crisp air runs his fingers on my hair, tangling tendrils in semi-curly messes. I look up, and the stars seem just a little bit closer. A little more attainable.

top: LOFT :: jeans: Old Navy :: leather jacket: Blue Rivet
purse: Hot Topic :: heels: F21 :: faux pearls: Icing

Gimlets. What I get when gin and tonic is out to lunch.

♥ ♥ ♥

The lovely Courtney tagged me in this fun handwriting game. Questions I had to answer:

1. name and blog name
2. blog's URL
3. Write, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog"
4. Favorite quote
5. Favorite song
6. Favorite band/singers
7. Anything else you'd like to say?
8. Tag bloggers to participate

There's Hope for Me Yet...

tank & skirt: F21
chiffon top: Rue 21
patent kitten heels: Madden Girl
necklace: Icing

eye shadows: Toki Doki
gel liner: Physician's Formula
lip "stain:" Urban Outfitters Mood lipstick

Thanks for the lovely comments on my messy look. I still think that it look too just-rolled-out-of-bed, which is good for some days, but not today. Today was a sunny (albeit blustery) day, but temps were up in the higher 60s. I just had to take advantage of the sunshine and warmth! Plus!!! my hair was being super cooperative and felt gorgeous today. (I hope I don't jinx it!) However, it's supposed to snow tonight. -_- I am not thrilled.

Messy

top: H&M :: leggings: ? :: cardi: Ruff Hewn ::
clogs: Target:: faux pearls: Icing

LIST OF EXCUSES:
1. I woke up a LOT late today.
2. I really didn't want to get out of my jammies.
3. It was cold.
4. It was grey and cold.
5. I had too much sodium last night and look bloated.
6. It's the first day of school after spring break.

I apologize, readers, for my more than usual messiness. I get frazzled a lot these days. I'm surprised I'm not already a "holic" of some sort. . .

What to Wear to a Comic Convention

Layla Miller knows stuff you wish you knew.

There are stuffed figures taller than I am. That is quite sad.

Over the weekend, I went to c2e2, a comic/entertainment expo in Chicago. As many of you already know, I am a huge comic book geek, and I've been looking forward to attending the convention for months. I had a blast and got oodles of action figures, comic book trades, and more comic book tees.

I had originally planned on wearing just jeans with a tee, since conventions are always crowded and stuffy. I knew I had to wear flats, and was right in doing so seeing that I was walking, bending, and reaching for about 5 hours straight. So, I planned my outfit from the bottom up. I chose my trusty Chucks paired with some knee high socks and then pulled out a comfy, stretchy skirt to match. The tank I'm wearing is one I got made and has a quote from one of my favorite comic characters, Layla Miller.

So, though I had tons and tons of fun in Chicago, it's time to go back to school and work. le sigh.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: How do you cope with the Mondays? or the Mondays after a fantabulous weekend?

Spring Break Giveaway Winner

I am so excited to announce the winner of my first ever giveaway!

Firstly, thanks to every one of you who entered. I am so touched that so many of you really care about what I have to say! well, maybe you don't, but let's just say you do... : )

How, laura, did you pick the winner?

o1:

i wrote out all your names and stuck them in my HK yahtzee shaker. I have never played the game, don't know how to play it, but the shaker was sure handy!

o2:

Let HK do her thang: give it a little shake, shake. Then let her simmer for a while. 

o3:

Pick the winner! and it's MANDY!

Expect an email from me soon! And everyone, thanks again for joining in all the fun! This was such a blast, I can't wait for my next giveaway!!!

I'll be in Chitown for a few days, accumulating geeky merchandise and pictures for you! I hope everyone has a fantabulous weekend!

♥ laura

The Nail Game

Steph from Minnesota Maven asked if I had any nail tips to share, so even though I am not a nail expert, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my finds, faves, and other random stuff about how I do my nails! Don't worry, I'll have an outfit post later on-- I'm leaving thesis land for a bit and am gonna just spend this whole day reading comics.

This is my giganto-cupcake cookie jar that I use to store my nail varnishes in. It's huge, it's heavy, and I like it. 

As you can see, everything is just kind of a mess on the inside. You can also see that I use a lot of different brands of varnish. What can I say? I like a good deal. It's very rare that I purchase an item full price. That is especially true when it comes to nail colors. I paint my nails about twice a week, and since I change my mind so often about what color I want to wear, I don't ever find it worth the price to splurge on expensive nail polish.

That being said, here are some of the brands I use. The most expensive ones I own are OPI's that I got on sale (for $8 or so dollars). I did splurge on some $15 dollar ones for my wedding, and to be honest, they wear the same as most other brands. I'm actually really surprised because the Wet n Wild nail varnishes last a long time, and you can buy them for less than $2.  

My favorite top coat. I used to have really brittle nails and could only wear them super short. But this topcoat really helped so my polish wouldn't chip as much or as quick.

My new favorite product. I cannot do my nails without these drying drops! They save so much time and anguish! $14 at Sephora.
How I do my nails:1. Make sure your nails are clean. Rub polish remover over them, taking care to get all the corners. 2. File, if needed. You don't want bumpy nails. Use a very fine file, and don't rub too hard. I don't have bumps on my nails, and I file maybe once every 6 months, if I even remember to. Wash hands after filing.3. Lotion your hands and rub some of the lotion on your nails. Let dry. I usually am watching TV while doing my nails, so I don't mind all the steps. 4. Apply an even coat of varnish on the nail. I don't bother with a bottom coat, and my nails aren't yellowed. I usually let my nails "breathe" every two or three days. When I apply polish on my nail, I do three swipes per coat-- one swipe at the center, then on either side of it. If I'm really bored, I'll apply polish on the front part of my nail. That doesn't happen very often.5. Once I get the first coat on all my nails, I return to the first nail and apply a second coat. Usually 2 coats should do it. You don't want to put in glops of polish because it takes longer to dry and becomes easier to chip. Apply 2-3 coats max. 6. Let dry for one minute then drop 1-2 drops per nail of the Sephora drying drops. Your nails should be dry to the touch in a minute after that and should be fully dry in 5 minutes. 7. Apply a topcoat, then the drying drops. 

Midweek Shakeup

tunic: thrifted (F21) :: shorts: F21 :: thigh-hi socks: Target
clogs: Target :: belt: Urban Outfitters
satchel: Laura Ashley

pink: Sinful Colors :: blue: Hot Topic :: yellow: Urban Outfitters

I've been a bad blogger, I know. Haven't blogged in three days. To be honest, I've been stewing in my jammies for the past few days now (I know, what a nasty image), immersed in books, revising papers, getting a couple of websites up... It's been busy. And I feel as if I haven't had a chance to properly chillax. AND, why does my spring break fall on "Spring Forward" week??? I may have gained more sunshine, but I did lose an hour of sleep. Seems kinda unfair.

Enough with my complaining.

I really like what I'm wearing today. It's still chilly, so I'm wearing my oversized cardigan over the tunic, and I pulled my socks a little bit higher. I absolutely adore these clogs I got from Target. I've been on the lookout for a comfy, heeled, casual shoe that I can do a lot of walking in, and I think these babies are just what I've been looking for!

Have you entered my giveaway yet???

One last word-- cycling shorts (that's two words...) cyclingshorts (better). I'm wearing them. I feel weird, but they were just necessary. Why I have a pair of them in my closet is beyond me... I don't even know how to properly ride a bike..

P.S. Do people really read post titles? because mine is totally crappy today.