Throwing that cap up at Old Main was the one of the highlights of my college career.

After a final from hell and handing in all of my senior project work, I was so happy on Wednesday to be almost graduated or at least finished with school. My best friend's birthday was on Monday but we celebrated on Wednesday after her finals were done. I threw on this strappy top and some killer shoes to find super long lines at all of the bars. We went to our old standby Cafe 210 West and had a great time. It was good to see everyone that I know and love before graduating. I have to start making plans to hang out once we become real people in a couple of months.

Something about all this cold weather has got me in a style rut. I have tried and tried to make fun outfits but sweaters and jeans with tights underneath can only be so fun. Enter the J. Crew Pixie Pants. I have these pants with the snap front and zip pockets in both black and navy. I just recently treated myself to the normal kind which I bought on EBay for a steal - like 65% off the price on the J. Crew website and they had never been worn with tags! I love Pixie Pants for so many reasons but there are three main reasons I think every girl should have a pair (or two) of these awesome pants. (Mom and Jordan- these might be your birthday present besides other things - they are that great!)

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1.  They basically suck all of you in with the elastic top and back zipper. As you zip yourself in, you can just feel yourself looking skinnier. I really like that the top is elastic, too. It reminds me that I have to wear longer shirts with this pants because they are like leggings.

2. I really like the length - I have the tall length pants but I could even go with the regular - they are that long. When you first get them, they are almost too long but after a spin in the dryer when you wash them - they are the perfect length. They scrunch up when they hit me right where my ankle meets my foot and you can tuck the bottoms up for a shorter more ankle pants look!

3. These pants make me feel fancy. The material is stretchy, soft and smooth. They look like really nice pants but look like leggings. I wore them to the bar the other night and got no less than 5 or 6 compliments because they are dressy but in an understated way.

I read about Pixie Pants for a while on various blogs but I honestly thought they were too expensive for leggings but now owning some - I totally agree that the price is worth the quality of the pants and the comfort you get when you zip yourself in but look like a million bucks.

I've been trying to make my wardrobe more mature. Even though State College is a haven for girls in yoga pants, I really try to dress for class like I have a meeting (which is pretty true). 90% of the time after class or between classes, I have meetings with many people in the Engineering College, other African American Organizations or with companies about funding for my club. With that in mind, I've picked up some things that make me feel a little better about my outfit when meeting with important people.

I like the baseball tee because it's really thick and it would like nice with navy khakis or jeans and a statement necklace.

I bought this pleated bib top mainly to wear with pencil skirts and cardigans. I like the detail on the top! I won't get to play with this until later this year because I sent it to my house. I like to spend things home because I trade out what I bring to school during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break.

This blouse does double duty as part of a pirate Halloween costume but as a tunic with leggings and boots.

This striped shirt is so badass and I love the sleeves. It's also navy and cream which I love!

I've had this sweater since the summer but I shrunk my first one. I wear the shrunken one as cropped top with high waisted jeans but the new one is for a huge sweater or blazer over top.

I love this swiss dot tuxedo shirt! I saw it on Mackenzie Horan this summer and I wanted it but not for full price. I waited and waited and now it is mine! WOO! It's perfect with jeans and pointed toe flats. I also sent this to my home to wear when my mom and I go on a cupcake tour later this year! I already have my outfit planned because I am that excited!

Overall, I am happy with what I bought and the prices I got them for. I really like putting my best foot forward. I'm also really enjoying finding pieces that are post-college Taylor rather than high school and college Taylor.I cannot wait until I go home for Winter Break and go through everything! I love getting rid of things that are not my style anymore.

Raisin Bread Crustini - new guilty pleasure- so simple and refreshing! Recipe on the Blog soon!

Simple wall art for college students - tutorial on the blog soon but I had to share how cute they came out to be!

J Crew Rainbow.

Baba with Pita Chips and Strawberries - best snack ever!

The past two weeks, J Crew had an amazing sale on their final sale items. I am talking 50% off the sale price or 40% the sale price!!! I got a lot of things that really will help me elevate my style at school and conferences.



 First, I had my eye on the Downtown Field Jacket in either navy or moss green. I have a tan trench and while that is perfect for dresses and windy days, I wanted a shorter jacket to wear with jeans or with rain boots. The Field Jacket is waxed cotton and hip length. I snagged it for $70 which is way cheaper than the original price.


Remember when I blogged about the perfect skirt for me in February? I picked it up for $20 and grabbed another in navy. I really liked the material, the length is perfect for going out or brunch and the fit is perfection. It makes you look so slim and elegant. I am sure I will get a lot of use out of it this year!

Lastly, I picked up two pairs of crepe pleated shorts (navy and purple) for nights out and daytime meetings. I always tend to overdress and these shorts are perfect for that. They were also only $18 after all the discounts. I also really like the 5 inch length because I have long legs and 5 inches is the perfect amount of shorts for me. Not too motherly but not too much leg for the world to see.

I still have my eye on a pair of toothpick cords and a silk dress but I will wait until the price is right. I think that is the secret to snagging the J Crew items that you want. Everything is on sale when it comes in - almost 40% off and then on mega sale in the opposite season you would wear it. That's why I am picking up clothes for the fall and late summer for mega awesome prices.