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HEAD VS. HEART |TAKE A PEEK!

It's a battle as old as time, the one between head and heart, primarily as it concerns romantic relationships. Luckily for me, I settled that particular battle a long time ago. When it comes to matters of romance neither organs have a say. I decide on using what really matters - a calculator and a checkbook.

Ha. Just kidding guys. I wish I had the wiring to be a gold-digger. Life would be void of love but filled with things! Oh, the glorious things!

Where the real fight between head and heart happens for me is in the tricky realm of future aspirations. Simply put, what is it that I want to do with my life? What will be my verb? "Hi, I'm Audrey and I'm a _______________." SEE MORE HERE.

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OVERTHINKING & OVERTALKING |TAKE A PEEK!

I'm an overthinker, okay? I am. But when you think about it, what 20-something year old girl would say she isn't? (Only a care-free, dirty hippie, that's who!) I'm pretty fine with this once all of the the tiny details are confined to the noise in my head, but as I get older the more I notice that overthinking has turned me into an overtalker...SEE MORE HERE.

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THINGS I'VE LEARNED |TAKE A PEEK!

I really don't want to go too deep into whether or not 20somethings are just lost, wandering souls (we totes are), but I do want to share some blurbs that have helped, and are continuing to help, me make it through life alive. These blurbs of self-help have popped up on more than one occasion from various sources (friends, bosses, teachers, Tina Fey, a wise trash can sticker) so I believe them to be true...SEE MORE HERE.

WHAT'S IN MY PURSE

Finding a purse is no easy task, right ladies? It has to compliment your wardrobe (all of it) and it needs to be functional for your lifestyle, which honestly can change from day to day. But once we find it, oh once we find it, it's heaven. Then you have to decide what you're going to lug in it. All day long, you will be attached to it, and it to you. This is no small decision, or at least for me it wasn't. So, here I present to you "What's In My Purse."

THE PURSE 

After hours of searching on eBay, I settled on this baby. It doesn't have a fancy label, but that wasn't number one on my list. You see, I do not judge by the brand of the bag, but by the content of its character and this one had all of the characteristics I was looking for: a fun statement color, a structured shape, gold hardware and the extra strap. One day when I'm a real grown-up, I'll splurge on that great investment purse that'll last for years, but for right now this gem is perfect for me. 

THE CONTENTS

Until I dumped all of this out onto my desk, I had no idea how much stuff I really had in my bag. Honestly speaking  though, 18-year old Audrey and Audrey now has learned a few things about packing a purse. Most of everything I have serves a real purpose. I don't just throw things in my bag for the hell of it. I have tasks to complete and what I carry reflects that. Gah, I'm such a grown up. See below for proof.

1. Agenda: Up until a week ago, I was drawing a calendar in notebook #3 to plan. It was nonsense, so I went to Target and found the cutest gold-foiled striped agenda and I am a better person for it.

2. Notebook: I use this notebook for a to-do list of everything work related. It keeps tasks separated so I don't get overwhelmed.

3. Spiral Notebook: I used this one as a catch-all, but now it's for my personal to-do lists -- my life separate from work. 

4. Pencil Case: To keep my pens from rolling around and getting caught in the crevices of the abyss that is my purse, I went to Forever 21 and got this perfect pouch.

5. Wallet: Girls just wanna have funds, am I right? It's pretty self-explanitory - I keeps my monies here! Shout out to my bestie for this birthday gift! 

6. Mints: No one wants to be caught with ghastly dragon breath, so I pop these after lunch. Minty fresh!

7. Lotion: I am not a fan of dry skin or ashiness, so whenever Bath & Body Works has a sale on their mini lotions I stock up and throw one in each of my purses. 

8. Coupons: I am no crazy coupon lady, but I hold on to a good deal when I can. Plus, if you have to eat fast-food, Capitan D's is a great alternative to a greasy burger. 

9. Tissue: You never know when things'll get messy, so I always keep some kind of napkins or tissue on hand. That, I learned from my momma.

10. Cosmetic Pouch: This Coach wristlet was gift from my boss and while it's too small to use alone, it's a great way to secure my makeup. I always keep make-up basics in case I'm running late and don't get to do my full on face at home. I can finish up on the go with these: mascara, eyeliner/shadow duo and lip-gloss. 

11. Book: If I can, I like to put the iPhone down, step away from a glowing screen and read. I keep this with me just in case I get a chance to crack it open. As of now, I only have six more chapters. Go me! 

THE TALE OF THE TWO RED SKIRTS

Even on my day off from retail, I get thrown back into retail. I'm not complaining though, as today I was able to go to a thrift boutique in Atlanta I'd been wanting to go to for the longest. 

I'm so happy someone decided that wearing dead people's clothes was a trend, because it saves me money. It's also a greener alternative to buying new clothes that children in China get paid ¢15/hr. to make using the earth's limited materials. You see kids, thrifting makes you a good person and saves the environment. 

Although my initial plan was to stay home and watch Girls illegally, my gal-pal from Ohio told me she was leaving in three weeks and that we had to have some city action before she left. I obliged and to the city we went. 

At Sherane's Vintage Closet we were greeted by sweet shopgirls and my new best friend, a fiercely sequined mannequin. Here is where I was faced with the question of which red skirt would be the right red skirt? Today I realized I buy the same thing over and over again. I pick up things that are in the same family all while saying, "I want to try something different!" 

My new best friend was in good company, vintage Diane von Furstenberg & more sequins.

So, after a 20 minute debate of which red skirt would be the red skirt, I chose the one with the most color and accepted that I always get what I always get because I know it works. 

And then we had muhfreakin' cupcakes at Camicakes! In case you didn't know, the way to a woman's anything is through cupcakes. You want my social security number? Give me a red velvet cupcake and you've got a deal! 

21 & SOME CHANGE

Summer is usually a two-month period I like to reserve for changes that can only be made with an increase in time. Some of these self-imposed changes actually get put into effect and some of them sputter out miserably. To witness my sputterings & successes see below. 

Success #1: Jasmine (yes, from Aladdin) Hair *see above

The easiest change to accomplish and possibly the most superficial is the change to mah hur. What I refer to as the Princess Jasmine part has always made me look...awkward, but I have mastered it (with the help with extensions). It's just a fun, simple change that makes me look decidedly more "ethnic", as in what race is she again?

Success #2: Grown-Up Store Shopping

The second in my superficial attempts at summer changes is going to stores other than my staple mall haunts (F21and H&M). My boss preaches the J. Crew gospel so I decided to visit despite the non-college-student-budget-friendly prices. I was apprehensive but lucked onto this bracelet which is apparently a popular little gem. The result: A lingering "I'm too fancy for y'all" feeling. 

Failure #1: The Dog Days Are Over

You remember when I said I would die if I didn't get a dog? Well, I didn't die and I got a dog. Meet Lulu, my precious dog, or my former precious dog. No, I didn't kill a dog! Geesh. Long story short, I had her for a week and felt incredibly guilty that she stayed at home alone all day. She needed a whole family that would love & entertain her and I was only one pathetic person. I just didn't have the time so I found her a family to give her a whole load of love and then some. I still feel like a pathetic person, though.

Lesson time: Don't get a dog unless it's just as lazy as you are, and chances are it won't be. 

Success #3: I Too Can Read, As Well 

 I'm reading books and such y'all!  Nothing terribly scholastic, but all very entertaining. The only downer is that I've been trying to read them all at the same time, so I haven't completed any of them. Although, in my book, five half-read books count for something. 

 Success # 4/Failure #2: Drinking Is/Isn't Fun After You're 21

The minute I turned 21 I took full advantage of my cash & ID. Now just about every restaurant I go to I order a drink. I swear I'm not an alcoholic (although Karen Walker is my hero), but hot damn, it just feels right to order a pretty drink with dinner. Damn the media and their influence telling me that drinking makes me fancy! I think I need a drink, and you probably do too after all of this. 

Sunday Best

Finally, a day in the city. Not that I haven't been to the city while I've been here, I just haven't gone with anyone in my age group (my aunt isn't exactly my bestie). I went out to brunch with Felicia, a friend I met through working with Manik Magazine. She was really nice to take me out and I had a great time. Thanks Felicia!

I think it's best for me to just put this out there. This get-up isn't what I had on when I left the house. See, I figured that lightweight khaki pants would work for the coolest day in New York (since I've been here). It was supposed to rain, so I figured I was safe. I figured wrong. Before a few blocks, they were sticking to me in the most uncomfortable way.

I ran into Forever 21 in Union Square after we had brunch (at a sweet Mexican spot with a Sunday special of free flowing mimosas) and toured the Village. It's the best place for cheap staple items, so a pair of denim shorts weren't hard to find. It was the best I could to not pass out on the street. 

 

Earthbound Trading Co. Ikat Print Clutch|Marshall's Sheer Top|Urban Outfitters Printed Mary Janes|

|F21 Denim Shorts  | Assorted + Charming Charlie Jewelry +Necklace| Thrifted Metallic Corset

For my friends who like pictures of the city (Melena).

For my foodie & alchy friends.

RED VELVET, oh God yes.

Also, see that print clashing? I'd normally stay away, but Ikat + Hawaiian floral, I like!
---Audrey W.

Hot As Heaven

 My first few days in New York, I've spent with my aunt. I'm staying with her, so I think it's only fair to show her some TLC. This means that I've been running errands and other little things with her around the city. One of our stops were at a church where she has a Summer health class. For an old lady, she sure does keep her self active.

Every time I call to check in on her she has a new story to tell me. Last month she played Sandy in a remake of Grease at her local Senior Center. I hope that when I become old I can be as lively as her. I don't intend on going out quietly.

On another note, I'm melting! New York! You're hotter than I remember. I would say it was hot as hell, but these pictures were taken on holy ground (parking lot outside of church. Why the graffiti covered truck then? Don't question it. That's just New York for ya' ).

H&M Jersey Skirt|Marshall's Favorite New Purse & Birkin Look-a-Like|Steve Madden Oxfords  |F21 Pin Striped Button Up | Assorted Jewelry (my almost neck party a la Man Repeller)|

The stained glass windows in the church were so pretty. Knowledge & Love y'all!
---Audrey W.

Long Lost Lover

I'll admit it. There is nothing spectacular about this ensemble. When you have to wake up at 4 A.M. for a flight, comfort trumps looking like a spread out of Vogue.

The most exciting thing about this post, for me anyway, is not the outfit. It is that in all of these pictures I am in New York. Brooklyn to be exact. I feel like New York and I are old ex-lovers. See, when I left NY we were in the beginning stages of our relationship.

I had just began to find out about all the intricacies of the city. How to maneuver on my own: what train took you where, what time was the best time to get to certain places, how to avoid getting bamboozled on the streets by hobos and hustlers. I was on my way to becoming a no-nonsense New Yorker. Then, I moved to the south.

Whenever I come back I feel that pang of break-up guilt. Like New York has on a brand new dress and is yelling "look at me now! You shouldn't have left. I've moved on to bigger and better things."

Then I go through the stages of an old lover trying to weasel their way back in. 1. Excitement because I'm back 2. Disappointment because I feel like everything has changed and I'm not in the loop 3. Hope that maybe New York will make room for me in its new life.

Or maybe I'm just a wordy, nostalgic fool. Either way, I'm in New York baby!

Practicality is key to an airport outfit, especially since they make you practically strip down.

Thrifted Blazer from protection of the arctic airplane wind.

H&M Fedora to ward of frizz inducing humidity.

Navy Pants with spandex, to hug your curves without choking you.

Tank for the purpose of ventilation. Sandals for ease of removal.

Yes, they make you take of your shoes and go through.

Bare feet on ground. That can't be sanitary.



My lovely aunt. She totally copied my rad anti-frizz hat. 

Park Place, front of ground zero. What a tourist. Note the hair tuck under hat. RESIST humidity. Oh, hey pink bra.

View outside my room. It's not the Astoria, but I'll take what New York I get. 



Cheating on all of you with New York for now. xoxo
---Audrey W.

What 20 Feels Like

The beginning of my twenties are here! Like always, I don't feel any different but I do know I want to start doing some things differently. But that's for another day. I had a great time and my best friends definitely did a number this year. Great classic hibachi, amazing drag queens and oh, the gifts! I love you guys! [Picture Heavy Post Alert!]

The Food - Nakato ATL

The Queens - The Jungle ATL Heaven & Hell Night

Her makeup is just grand. - Monica Foster

This girl was doing all sorts of flips. - Alana Kettie

 This costume was amazing! - Jaky Alba

She did Dungeon Dragon by Nicki which all the gays knew the words to, of course. - TaNyla Cassadine

The celebrity guest, Venus D Lite from S3 of RuPaul's Drag Race.

The Gifts

 Steve Madden Oxfords, Aldo Crossbody & Charming Charlie's Jewelry

I couldn't have asked for a better time. Now, onto being old and playing with my new toys. 
Give Good Face
---Audrey W.