Wanderlust

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Go ahead, call me a geek: I'm in Latin Club. 

I'm just beginning my third year of taking Latin as a class and I'm enthralled with Roman culture. After freshman year, I began to really, really, REALLY want to go to Italy. Rome, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, the Amalfi coast, unbelievable food, impeccably crafted clothes, and a generally more relaxed atmosphere. The Latin program at my school takes a trip every few years to Italy over spring break. I personally can't go, but just hearing my teacher talk about it reminds me of how much I want to.

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This has to be my favorite view: My parents visited Positano when my mom was expecting me and brought back a colorful tile we incorporated into our backsplash. Ever since, I've wanted to see the place the tile was based off of.


Ciao for now
xoxo
HBM

Perception vs. Reality

I always see those funny posts where bloggers take their instagram pictures and say what it really took to get the perfect shot. We tend to only portray our lives as we want to on social media when, in reality, they may be totally different. 

Even though we don't have a ton of pictures or followers, I'll still put way too much effort into getting the perfect 'gram

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What it looks like: What a cute and preppy inspiration board! 

What actually happened: I dug out all of my favorite brand stuff out from under my numerous flyers and calendars and movie tickets and sporting event tickets all of which were laying in a mountain on the table below.

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What it looks like: I drink only name brand lemon juice because I'm just THAT fancy

What actually happened: I was babysitting and the little girl was obsessed with this stuff and made me try one. I ended up opening it up after both kids were in bed and I was watching Frozen alone #noshame

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What it looks like: I just love fall with my preppy riding boots! What a cute and clever caption. 

What actually happened: I looked like an idiot standing outside in my yard after church bent over to the side, almost upside down, trying to keep my legs still so I could get the perfect shot.

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What it looks like: How fabulous am I? My cute paper straw matches my cute paper nails which matches my yummy lemonade. Yay summer!

What actually happened: I painted my nails pink and they looked pretty good so I tried to think of a creative way to instagram them. I ended up fixing myself a glass of lemonade and putting in a leftover paper straw from my birthday party (which I didn't even use to drink out of). 

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What it looks like: I just naturally have awesome hair all the time even when I'm not trying. I also tend to wear cute turtlenecks in my spare time

What actually happened: I was trying to figure out what fit me and what didn't from last year's winter clothes. I happened to be in this turtleneck when I thought "hey I haven't posted to instagram in a while" and literally took 100 selfies before I decided this one was decent #theselfiestruggle

Like what you see of our feed? Follow along here!

xoxo

HBM

The Cure-All

I must first sincerely apologize for my radio silence. I know I should probably give a heads up or something but I've been a bit overwhelmed between school work, my attempt at a social life, marching band, latin club, learning to drive, maybe blogging, trying to help get a newspaper published, and occasionally getting dressed presentably. I've violated my "no-leggings-as-pants" rule more times than I can remember and I haven't bought anything new since I purchased my homecoming dress. The truth is I'm falling out of my habit of looking presentable because I can't handle it. I'm drowning in junior year. All I have to do is make it to June, so until then expect sparse posting. I still will post to instagram-I seem to be more able to take pictures for that-so if you want to follow along, that's where I suggest you go. 

Sorry for the depressing overload there but it has to be said. I want to be honest with whoever is loyal enough to still be reading now and again. 

Back to the blog.

Way back in September (where did that entire month go?!), Anastasia and I took posed for some pictures before marching band and, obviously, we got only 3 or 4 decent ones. The rest, of course, were total derps. If you're looking for a laugh, here you go:

Kudos to Anastasia for being the most attractive human being I'm aware of 

Ummm...Apparently I didn't know the picture was being taken

My brother was coming at me with an unknown sharp object...

...I guess we weren't paying attention?

The assistant drum major, Lisa, happened to come out while we taking pictures and then this happened 

Episode II: The return of Lisa

 ...because laughter is the best medicine

See the non-goofy pictures here

Until next time, readers!

xoxo

HBM

Inspired by: Classic Prep

Around this time last year, I realized that my style fell into the preppy category. Before that, I had flitted between trends and was kind of style-confused. As fall is upon us, so is the season of tweed blazers, riding boots, tights, and plaid of all sorts and with that comes my obsession with classic prep.

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Who could resist the crisp, clean yet lived in clothes made of only the finest material? The rich colors, the luxurious colors, the utter proper-ness of it all! How could I not be obsessed? With all the over-the-top preppiness I've been seeing (think huge vineyard vines logos, more monograms than necessary, and shopping exclusively from stores like Lily Pulitzer), these little bits and pieces of inspiration for fall style are just what I needed.

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Happy Fall!

xoxo

HBM

PS, Still not enough prep? Check out these tumblrs: Azimuth Circle, Prepfection, Summer Wind

1989

How amazing is this album cover?

I guess I'm a little late on this one but I have recently named myself a Swiftie. Taylor's new album 1989 is coming out on October 27, 2014 and both Hannah and I are very excited. 

I had drifted away from Taylor when Red came out because I really wasn't into the bubble- gum pop aspect of it. But now, after 2 years, Taylor has changed her hair (which I love, by the way), sound, and inspiration, ready to release a unique new album to the world. 

During a worldwide live stream to share the new album news, Taylor explained how she walks just waiting to be inspired by New York. She will even be sharing voice memos on the album from when she was struck with a chord, melody, or lyric idea and just had record it.  

Taylor also explained how she had been listening the late 80's pop music (yay for the 80's!), and loved how people did such innovative things and didn't care what anyone thought, they just did it. Hence, 1989 (also the year she was born).

Is this outfit not fabulous? Sophistication+playfulness=perfection

Taylor has really grown since her older songs such as "Love Story" (which I still love) and I think she has really put her all into this album. As a viewer, "Shake It Off" is so catchy and amazing for two reasons: 1. Taylor is being herself in the video and 2. people can relate to that. We all want to dance along and belt out "Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate..." and not care about that anyone thinks, just as she doesn't. There's also the fact that she's contrasting beautiful, professional dancing with her own awkward-ness. I mean, let's be honest, both Hannah and I look pretty much exactly like that when we dance.

My calender is marked for October 27 for when 1989 is being released. Until then, I will continue to admire Taylor's new haircut and dance wildly to "Shake It Off" because, despite its pop-song status, it is total perfection.  

//1//2//3//4//5

xoxo,

ASD

Lazy Days

Blue Tee Shirt / White Tee / Black Tee / Lt. Blue Running Shorts / Nikes / Gold Flip Flops / Leather flip flops / Hair / Navy Headband / Blue headband / Black Headband / Lt. Pink Running Shorts / Navy Running Shorts

Confession time: I dress "casually" about 85% of the time. And by casually, I mean oversized tees and running shorts.
Not exactly cute, but when you're up until midnight taking notes and enduring 12 hour days at school (welcome to marching band season), it's a necessity. I want to look cute, I really do, but most some days it just doesn't happen. This got me wondering if there was a way to look cute and preppy sans paint stained middle school shorts. I remembered seeing various giveaways from a magical site called Krass & Co that offered amazingly attractive running shorts. A pair of those, nice flip flops or cute sneakers, a stylish tee (plain ones, 5 for $20 at wet seal), and a thick headband to battle bed-head will keep you looking like you have your crap together even on days when you don't.

xoxo
HBM

Featuring: J.Crew

Tunic / Sweatshirt / Cable Knit Sweater / Color blocked Sweater / Leather Skirt / Navy Skirt / Houndstooth Skirt / Flats / Chain Bracelet / Geo Bangle

I am totally smitten with J.Crew's new fall arrivals. With everything from preppy plaid to cozy cable knits on their virtual shelves, I can't decide what to scoop up first! Some of the pieces, such as the leather skirt, are slightly outside of my conservative and semi-preppy comfort zone, but neutral colors make the styles more approachable while details like shoulder zippers add visual interest to keep each piece from becoming "just another sweater/skirt/pair of flats". This may just be what I need to curb my end-of-summer blues...
xoxo
HBM
P.s. $60 for a skirt not in your budget? Never fear! All new arrivals are 30% off right now.

Hiatus

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It's been a week or two, and for that, I apologize.

Junior year has been even more difficult than I anticipated. With 3 AP classes and 4 GT, my work load has quadrupled and with that, my stress level has quintupled. In addition there's always marching band, JCL, my "social life", and a few more personal things going on in my life lately that have even further distract me. 

It's not fair for me to leave whoever still reads this site hanging while I attempt to keep up with my life but I can't blog right now. It's physically impossible. If there were 48 hours in a day, maybe, but putting in the time to write quality posts and keep up with shops and trends is no longer an option for me. Because of this, both Anastasia and I will be hanging up our blogging hats along with a few of our favorite bloggers in order to focus on school for a while. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some AP US History notes to take

xoxo

HBM

Follow Along on Twitter or Instaram

Summer Recap

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Saying one last farewell before school tomorrow morning

I tried Yoga
I left the country

I paid my respects to some of the greatest and most influential ball players of all time

I saw what my dad referred to as "God's country": a side of New York that I had never seen before

I saw one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world: Niagara Falls

I got my learner's permit

I went to a ball game 

I saw Jersey Boys, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Giver, The Lego Movie, multiple James Bond films, Best in Show, A Touch of Evil, the Alien franchise, the Ocean's Eleven franchise, finished season 6 of Murdoch Mysteries, started season 1 of 24, etc...

I changed the name of this blog (for the last time)

I started reading again AND started a book club

I re-arranged my room (again)

I saw Yellowstone

I saw the Grand Tetons

I went on a plane

I fed a llama/elk/various other herding animals 

I let 4 parakeets walk around on my arm at a time

I saw Luray Caverns...another natural wonder

I saw Penn's Cave

I learned to drive

I watched old faithful erupt 3 times

I saw my first concert...Beck in concert

I visited Charlotte, NC

I tried REAL sushi

I fulfilled some of my style wishlist items

I watched my dogs turn 4

I lead the low brass section

I went and taught and loved every minute of Band Camp

I visited Wyoming and Montana
I entered my first relationship

I experienced 32 degrees and snow in July 

I felt confident in a swimsuit

I got back in touch with people who I thought were out of my life forever

I got to see my friend from India

I turned 16
I celebrated with my closest friends

I made new friends and grew closer to existing ones
I laughed so hard that my sides hurt 

I taught at Bible Camp

I exemplified the term "Couch Potato"

I saw 9 bears, 4 moose, 2 otters, 2 wolves, countless elk, and countless bison in their natural habitats

I rode a horse up a mountain

I went whitewater rafting 

I started my junior year of high school
and I had one of the best summers thus far

Farewell Summer, until next year...

xoxo

HBM

Back to School Checklist

What I'm looking forward to adding to my wardrobe just in time for the school year:

denim jacket / white jeans / boyfriend jeans / blue cami / dark wash jeans / textured pants / Tory burch flats / white sneakers / leopard flat / Red flat

//For the Top Half//
Silk Cami: Wear it with skirts, pants, under a blazer, under a cardigan. This blouse is the perfect year-round wardrobe addition
Denim Jacket: Mine is a bit on the baggy side, so finding a sturdy new denim jacket to go with, oh, just about everything is in order

//Pants//
New Skinny Jeans: Mine are a size too large and never keep their shape. I need a pair to last through the  school day
Boyfriend Jeans: Slouchy perfection
White Jeans: I'm warming up to the whole white-jeans-year-round trend...labor day rule be darned
Trousers: This is more of a autumn wardrobe prep: not completely necessary but oh-so chic

//Kicks//
Leopard Flats: Leopard is the new black. Plus, I adore the pointy toe and d'orsay details
Red Flats: simple, solid, can go with whatever I need it to
Tan Flats: ditto
White Sneakers: While breaking the labor day rule on pants, I'm not so sure I could do the same with shoes. However, these sneakers would last me a good 3 days before they go into storage
Sneakers: I love the sporty chic look and these sneakers are too cute to pass up

xoxo

HBM

Awarded

I remember doing this way back in 2012 when this blog was born, but I haven't done something like it in a while

Since we haven't yet finished our meet the bloggers page, and I adore talking about myself, I figured that it'd be fun. 

Rules:

1. Post eleven facts about yourself.

2. Answer the eleven questions provided by the person who nominated you, and then create an eleven-question set for the next group of nominees.

3. Choose other bloggers to nominate, they have to have under 200 followers, and let them know they've been nominated.

11 Facts:

1. I'm a total entertainment freak: When it comes to music and movies, my standards are through the roof

2. I Irish Dance as a hobby 

3. I started this blog at age 13 and have matured into the ripe age of 16

4. I just finished driver's ed (glad it's over)

5. I have a minor popcorn addiction  

6. I painted and designed my bedroom myself and the only thing I had to buy was a duvet cover from pbteen and a few cans of paint #diypro

7. I was neither born nor raised preppy, but have adopted many preppy aspects into my style although, I'm not sure if I'd call myself a full blown prepster

8. I have a major addiction to all things pink

9. I pay for all my own clothes

10. I basically have the nail polish selection of a manicurist but use only about 3 or 4 colors

11. My band geek resume: Low Brass/Winds section leader in Marching Band, 3rd chair in Wind Ensemble (honor's band), 3rd chair in Varsity Jazz Band

Questions from Sophia (my nominator):

1. What are you most proud of? 

I don't think I'm most proud of anything. I'm proud of my bedroom design, I'm proud of my schoolwork and grades, I'm proud of my ability to find an awesome sale, I'm proud of the leadership positions I currently hold, and I'm proud of this blog

2. What made you start your blog? 

I used to work with a friend on a virtual magazine. When that failed, I decided to try blogging and here we are!

3. What is/was your favorite subject in school? 

I don't really have one...school is school. This year I'm looking forward to Wind Ensemble, Journalism, and AP US History 

4. Do you prefer taking pictures or being in them?

Being in them...I like to be a part of the memories as they are recorded 

5. Name 3 people you would like to have tea with. 

Andy Partridge, The Ghost of Coco Chanel, Sean Connery 

6. Do you prefer TV shows or movies? 

How am I supposed to even compare these? I love both equally

7. Country or city?

There are things I love about both. I think as a young, unmarried woman, I'd go for city but I'd want to retire in the country

8. Where would you love to visit? 

Venice/Rome, Italy

9. Yay or Nay: Tassels

YAY YAY YAY! A well placed tassel is beyond fabulous

10. What animal would you like to be for a day? 

A buffalo living in Yellowstone...they have a great life

11. Beach, mountain, or field? 

This is another one I can't decide between. This summer, I saw western mountains and plains but only a few months prior, I had visited one of our favorite beaches. All are beautiful and tranquil but in different ways. I simply can't decide.

Questions for my nominees:

1. Who is your hero/idol? 

2. What would you do if you won the lottery? 

3. If you could do it over again, what would you major in in college? 

4. Do you have a best friend or a circle of close friends?

5. What genre of music do you listen to?

6. What is your ideal location for a first date?

7. Do you have a sweet tooth or are you more of a savory person?

8. #1 bucket list item?

9. Describe your style

10. 3 favorites: food, animal, color 

11. What is your favorite social media platform?

My Nominees: 

So I honestly don't know very many blogs with under 200 followers (#thestruggle) so I'm going to make this an open nomination for anyone reading who wants to answer some questions about themselves. Let me know in the comments if I have any takers!

xoxo

HBM

Linked

Wishing that summer would never end
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This quiz is the coolest. My mom took it and got Baltimore, but I got New York somehow...I took it again and got Baltimore and D.C so I guess the second time, I was more accurate/honest

Celebrating my mom's birthday today by having her take me driving and going shopping.

Jeans. That fit me perfectly. And are long enough. On sale. 

If you missed this week's posts...what we're listening to, what I'm wearing, what I'm shopping for, and my mantra

My endless pinterest surfing has profited me yet again: learn the secret of the arm party

If you need me, I'll be enduring my last driver's ed course and planning outfits with my new goodies
Sounds like the perfect start to the weekend to me!
xoxo
HBM

Mantra

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If any you have ever seen our philosophy page, you'll see that one of my style mottos is "Quality over Quantity". Maybe it's because I'm watching Project Runway and seeing a huge spectrum of craftsmanship, but I'm rethinking my closet in terms of quality. When I was in middle school, my weight and body shape fluctuated so drastically that I have pieces that are 2 sizes above what I wear in my closet. Whenever I went shopping, my mom would panic about me not be able to wear the piece in the future so she would make me buy it a size up (even if I was paying for it). Now that my body has more or less evened out, I'm starting to be able to start collecting more pieces that fit me well, but I still have so much that I need to weed out. Little to none of my jeans fit correctly, my denim jacket is too big, and I still have pieces from Abercrombie & Fitch that don't match my personal style at all. I'm starting to realize what I truly like and how to find quality yet affordable pieces. 

Shop some of my favorite affordable and not-so-affordable pieces 

What's your style mantra?

xoxo

HBM

Not over yet

I will admit, seeing all of the rich fabrics and deep colors makes me a bit excited for fall, but at the same time, I am SO not ready for summer to be over...

I'm not sure what summer has been like where you live, but Baltimore's weather has been beyond beautiful. Not to mention the adventures I've had with my friends and family making this the best summer to date in my opinion. After all the fun I've had, I''m not quite ready to go back to school...

As the summer winds down, stores start ordering and selling their fall inventory and summer clothes go on sale. This is the perfect excuse to shop for all of the pieces you'll need to finish out August and to get excited about for next year. Here's what I'm still looking at:

Shift dress / striped dress / polo dress / maxi dress / Jack Rogers / flip flops / heels / bangle / earrings / floppy hat

Are you wishing for an endless summer or are you already lusting for autumn 

xoxo

HBM

Collar Poppin' Club

Disclaimer: This photo is the only photo in which my collar was popped

{Shirt: Ralph Lauren, Shorts: J.Crew Factory, Bow/Watch/Sandals: Local Boutique, Earrings: American Eagle}

I'm not sure if any of you have ever visited Baltimore during the summer (or Baltimore, period), but the combination of the heat and the humidity makes for a general uniform of tank tops and shorts (or more realistically: a swimsuit) in the month of August. This year in terms of weather has been extremely mild and I've even been able to wear long sleeves comfortably a few times (like in these pictures). I know I should appreciate tank tops and sundresses while I can, but there's something so adorably classic about a button down and shorts.
Is it mild enough for long sleeves where you live?

xoxo

HBM