New Arrivals at J.Crew Factory

When J.Crew launched their factory website a few years back, I was thrilled. At first, the website was only open on the weekends, so I would have to wait until Saturday morning to get my fix. Now that the website is open 24/7 I

check the website a few times a week for sales and the like. For a while, I liked the clothing at the factory store better than the clothing at the actual store (I liked the prices better too!) You can snag up some really cute "old" (as in traditional) J.Crew pieces for great prices.

While perusing the factory website the other day, I found some great pieces that I just had to share with all of you. These items are perfect for spring, and have me wishing for warmer weather. I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for any sales or special promotions they have in the coming weeks, so that one or two of these items can make their way to my closet.

Paisley Shift Dress 

(I love this pattern. It was in the regular stores last spring. They sell a shirt and skirt too!)

Printed Tissue Scarf

(I have chino shorts in this same pattern, one of my favorite pairs! #anchorsaweigh)

Dotted Shapes Necklace

(You can never have enough navy!)

Lobster Crewneck Sweater

(My mom has this and it is super cute with white pants!)

Printed Chambray Pajama Shirt and Pants

(I've been looking for some classic pajamas for a while now. These lightweight printed ones might do the trick. Navy + anchors = love!)  

Polka-Dot Pintuck Top

(Perfect with shorts or under a suit set for a pop of color!)

Printed Seahorse Bikini Top and Bottom

(Snag this up for spring break!)

Neon Pink Printed Chino Short

(My J.Crew short collection is ridiculous. Regardless, these NEED to join the collection! I hope the restock my size soon!)

Need some outfit inspiration? Check out the Outfit Obsessions section of the factory website.

Two of my favorite "Outfit Obsessions" that are so "me!"

Do you like J.Crew factory? Are there any items that you are lusting over for spring?

Sign up for J.Crew Factory e-mails to get alerted of sales and free shipping!

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.

Emily

Prep for your Pet

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you know that I'm a dog person. I post frequent pictures of myself and my little guy, Chester, our three-year old Norwich Terrier. He's so cuddly and cute.

This Saturday, Chester is getting a brother. We pick 8-week old Norbert up on Saturday. I cannot wait! Norbert is also a Norwich Terrier, and he is actually Chester's half-brother. I'm so excited to meet the little guy, and I'm interested to see how the two dogs will get along. 

Here is a picture of little Norbert that the breeder sent us

Shopping for cute pet supplies and accessories is almost as fun as cuddling with your favorite furry friend. I've compiled some preppy accessories so you and your pet can live in style!

Pet Carrier

Photo Frame

Monogrammed Collar

Monogrammed food bowl

Rope Bone Toy

Gingham Leash

Dog Bed

Quilted Pet Jacket

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.

Emily

Colorado

My family and I returned from our ski trip to Colorado late Sunday night. We had a marvelous three days of skiing, apres ski lounging, delicious food and spending time with some of our close family friends.

I have been skiing since I was seven years old. We have skied in both Colorado and Utah, but for the past six years we have skied at Beaver Creek. We have a routine down there, it is easy to get to, and we absolutely love it!

We spent the days on the mountain, and the evenings enjoying delicious cuisine at dinner. It's honestly the perfect combination! Skiing is one of my favorite activities to do with my family. My mom doesn't ski, but my dad does, and it is great bonding time!

The snow was good, and it wasn't too cold. We got a powder day on the last day! A foot of fresh snow fell overnight, and continued to fall during the day. It was absolute perfection!

Here's some photos from the trip:

We finally skied Grouse Mountain this year. #allblackeverything

My brother and I before the first run of the day

POWDER DAY!

Natalie in Larkspur bowl, getting ready to ski some pow.

My dad and I on Rose Bowl Lift

Natalie and I 

Here we are with our friends before loading the sleigh to Beano's Cabin

WHAT I WORE IN COLORADO:

Outfit #1: Ralph Lauren sweater ( I got mine at TJ Maxx!) (similar here) | Tommy Hilfiger blouse (TJ Maxx!)  | Zara Jeans | Fossil watch (TJ Maxx!) | L.L. Bean boots 

Outfit #2: Forever 21 sweater | H&M denim shirt (similar here) | HUE leggings | L.L. Bean Boots | Made by me headband

Outfit #3: Patagonia jacket (similar here) | Charter Club sweater | TJ Maxx leggings | Kate Spade "Air Quote" mittens (last season from Nordstrom Rack) | SmartWool socks (similar here) | L.L Bean boots |

If you plan on visiting the Vail/Beaver Creek area, here are some awesome restaurant recommendations:

Agave 

Located in Avon, the Mexican restaurant is home to live music, delicious homemade tortillas, and one of the biggest margarita offerings around. My favorite dish is the Enchiladas Suizas. Reservations accepted. 

Blue Moose Pizza

Another family favorite! Blue Moose has locations in both Beaver Creek Village and Vail Village. Guests can dine in or carry-out. Reservations are not accepted, so this place can get pretty busy during peak times. Besides pizza, the restaurant serves salads, pasta, and sandwiches. Our favorite salad is the Greek, and for pizza we usually make our own, with original hand tossed crust, basil, tomato, and goat cheese.

Montauk Seafood Grill

Seafood lovers, this one is for you! Located in Lionshead Village near Vail, this eatery serves delicious fresh seafood. My favorite is the ahi tuna. Reservations accepted.

Russell's Steakhouse

Another one of our favorites, located in Vail Village. (Maybe we like it so much because it bears our namesake!) This upscale eatery offers seafood, soup, salad, and juicy steaks. Reservations accepted.

The Dusty Boot

If you are looking for a casual spot to take in the football game, or unwind with your buddies after a day of skiing, make your way to The Dusty Boot. They offer traditional pub fare. If I were you, I'd order a burger. So good. They do not accept reservations, so it can get pretty busy during peak times.

Beano's Cabin

Beano's is truly a one of a kind dining experience. Beano's cabin is located at the edge of Larkspur Bowl, up Larkspur Mountain. How does one get there, you may ask? Beano's guests are ushered into a snowcat-pulled sleigh at the base of the mountain, and cuddle in blankets as the sleigh makes its way to Beano's. Upon arrival, guests enter into Beano's spacious coatroom, and are offered slippers to wear during dinner. The cabin itself is spacious but rustic, with a large hearth and live music. The menu is amazing, featuring freshly caught game (think rabbit, hen, and quail) and fresh fish. Guests enjoy a five course meal, and then ride down the mountain in the sleigh. So good, and so fun! Reservations are required.

8100

8100 is the restaurant inside the Park Hyatt, located in Beaver Creek Village. It is a great place for apres ski apps and drinks (they have a gorgeous outdoor patio with blankets and heaters), or a nice lunch before heading back to the slopes. My favorites include the endive and pear salad with salmon, the french onion soup, and for apres ski apps, the bacon and gorgonzola tater tots. Reservations accepted for lunch and dinner.

Larkburger

Larkburger has locations all over Colorado, but we usually stop at the one in Edwards on our way from the airport to the resort. An upscale burger joint, Larkburger serves gourmet burgers and delicious fries. I always order a "Little Lark" with lettuce and tomato, and you just have to try the truffle parmesan fries!

Have you been skiing before? Where is your favorite place to ski? Any fellow Beaver Creek devotees?

If you have any questions about Beaver Creek, please don't hesitate to comment below,

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.

Emily

The Greatest Gloves

To state the obvious, it's cold outside!

Here in Illinois, the temperature is in the negatives, and with the windchill the temperatures are reading -45 degrees. Absolutely crazy!

I encourage all of you to stay indoors, but if you absolutely must go outside, make sure to bundle up!

(Read: wear a hat, gloves, scarf, and boots!)

I never used to wear gloves or hats, because my time outside each day consisted of the two minute walk from my car to my high school building. Now that I'm in college, hats and gloves are a must! 20 minute walks from my dorm to the J-School must be accompanied by hats and gloves!

In honor of the bitterly cold temperatures and the #polarvortex, I've compiled some cute gloves (and a pair of mittens.) Stay warm AND stylish!

pink quilted | striped fleece | bejeweled knit | arm-warmers 

chunky mittens | monogrammed knit | red leather | fingerless 

Stay warm, SCC readers!

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.

Emily

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, SCC readers! I hope you had fun last night, however you celebrated!

I'm spending the first day of 2014 in Beaver Creek, Colarado, skiing with my family. I couldn't ask for a better start to the year! 

I try to stay away from the "standby resolutions" and instead think of some goals and resolutions that are unique to me. Here's what I came up with.

Drink More Water: I drink way to much Diet Coke and coffee, and not as much water. I'm going to attempt to replace my daily Diet Coke with a glass of water instead

Improve the Blog: I want to take some time this year to really work on improving SCC. This improves more regular postings, video posts, more contact with readers, building a stronger reader base, improving photo quality, and increasing social media presence.

Meet More New People: I met so many new people this last semester when I started at Mizzou, and I only want to meet more! I want to expand my horizons and my friend group!

Read More (for fun!): With countless reading assignments for classes, I tend to get burned out on reading, and instead of reading a book before I go to bed I troll the internet instead. I want to try to kick my technology-at-bedtime habit and read more books for fun.

Regular Service Work: I want to find a way that I can get involved with regular service work. I plan to explore my options when I get back to campus in January, and possibly join a service fraternity.

Journal Daily: When I left for college, I planned on writing a few lines in a journal daily in order to chronicle my experiences. I didn't stick to that for long! I'd like to resume journaling in the new year!

How are you spending the first day of 2014? What are some of your goals for the new year?

Stay Stylish. Be Classy. Be Creative.

Emily

P.S.- It might be quiet around here for a few days as I will be on vacation in Colorado. Follow me on Instagram to keep up with the action!

2013: What A Year!

2013 has definitely been one of the more eventful years of my life. From graduating from high school in May, to moving to Columbia to start college at Mizzou in August, I've definitely had a year of milestones! 

I'm so thankful for my family and friends (new and old!) who have been by side during the events of the last year. I couldn't have done it without them, and having them with me makes things extra special!

On this last day of 2013, I thought I'd do a quick post with the three biggest highlights of 2013.

NUMBER ONE | High School Graduation

I graduated with honors from Central Catholic High School in May. I had a great four years at CCHS, and can't imagine spending my high school years anywhere else.

Here are some blog posts recapping my high school experience: 1/2

NUMBER TWO | Our Bike Trip to The Netherlands and Belgium

Each August, our family always goes on vacation before school starts up again. This year, we decided to hop the pond and spend ten days cycling around Holland and Belgium. It was my favorite vacation yet, hands down. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and there was no better way to see it then by pedaling through the countryside. We met great people, ate delicious food, and spent precious time together as a family. It is a trip I will never forget!

Delicious pannenkoeken

Biking by the seashore in Holland

Windmill in Kinderdijk

Canal in Amsterdam

Cruising the Amstel River in Amsterdam

Beautiful Brugge at night

To-die- for macarons in Brussels

NUMBER THREE | M-I-Z-Z-O-U

I moved to Columbia, Missouri in August to start my college career at The University of Missouri. I couldn't have made a better college choice! I absolutely love it, and had an amazing first semester. I met so many great people, learned a lot, and definitely grew as a person. I am so proud to call myself a Missouri Tiger, and to study at the best School of Journalism in the nation.

To read a more in depth reflection of my first semester, click here.

My awesome roommate Erin, and our adorable dorm room.

Beautiful campus!

I met great new friends!

Love my Mizzou Tigers football!

2013 has been a successful and unforgettable year! 

Bring it on, 2014!

What were your favorite 2013 events and memories?

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.

Emily

Outfit: Blackwatch Plaid & Cheetah

I went out to dinner last night with my parents and brother and I decided to don my new flannel blackwatch plaid shirt that I got for Christmas.

It's definitely a "holiday" outfit, as I paired the plaid shirt with my favorite J.Crew minnie pants. Our Christmas tree is still up and it made the perfect backdrop, also adding to the holiday vibe. 

I was a bit apprehensive about paring the cheetah print heels and belt with the plaid, but I think it makes for a great combo. 

I added some pearls to the mix, and I had myself a classy and vibrant outfit!

Outfit Details: | Shirt, Tommy Hilfiger (similar) (My mom found mine at TJ Maxx!) | 

| Pants, J.Crew (other colors) |

| Heels, Calvin Klein | Belt, Express | Watch, Fossil (similar) | Bangle, Kate Spade |

| Necklace. Von Maur | Purse, Nine West (old, from my mom) |

Have you sported any of your new Christmas clothes yet?

Stay Stylish, Stay Classy, Be Creative.

Emily