A Dozen Original Glazed

Red sweater, Target (similar here). Jeans, imogene + willie Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Vintage Cole Haan loafers (similar here). Vintage scarf. Arrow necklace, Chibi Jewels.

     I have a theory that all of the problems in my life can be solved by buying a dozen hot donuts from Krispy Kreme and a Coke. The literal act of scarfing down three donuts that just got out of the frier doesn't actually solve anything. But taking that small break from life, that small pause just for myself, that's what allows me to gather myself and move on.

     I'm not sure when my obsession with donuts started. Now, I say obsession with donuts, but I must admit I'm a bit of a brand loyalist when it comes to my donuts of choice. I love small town shops like Richie Kreme in Maryville, but if I'm going for a chain, I will go to Krispy Kreme every time. After all, the chain started in the Southeast. The branding is also something to be admire: the classic red, white, and green boxes get me every time. 

     Since I got to college, one of my favorite ways to spend time with someone is to hop in my car, turn on some good music, and make the twenty minute drive to the closest Krispy Kreme. I buy us a dozen to share, kick back, and let the night unfold from there. This tradition is actually how I met Patrick, who I then dated for almost a year. I'm telling you, these donuts have magical powers. 

     Alright, so magical powers might be a bit of stretch. But there's something about being able to suspend any problems in time and just scarf down horribly unhealthy food while smelling the sweet aroma of new donuts being fried. I can't remember ever being sad while in my local Krispy Kreme. Buying a dozen allows me to share the treat with my friends, something that always brings a smile to my face as well. Next time you're feeling down or stressed out, give my method a try. Even if you have to go to Dunkin. 

20/20 Surgery

Red knit sweater(similar), cotton utility jacket (similar), Target. Patterned button up, Tommy Hilfiger. Dark wash skinny jeans,necklace American Eagle. Heeled lace up boots, Modcloth (similar). Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Red square framed glasses, c/o Firmoo. 

     I'm going to be honest here. I do not wear prescription glasses. In fact, although I'm sure it is on the decline from years of reading by lamplight and endless hours in front of the computer for design classes, my vision doesn't even require me to wear reading glasses. But I've yearned for glasses for as long as I can remember. Embarrassingly enough, I even wore vanity glasses in fourth grade, making my teachers believe I was vision impaired without my parents realizing it. 

     However, I am not ashamed to wear these lovely frames provided to my by Firmoo. They are the perfect accessory for several of my outfits. Sometimes, I'll put an ensemble together and something just seems off. Enter my burgundy frames. I chose the burgundy shade instead of tortoise shell for something unique. I love how the red sets off the blue in my eyes and contrasts with my skin tone. The quality of the glasses is wonderful; especially because you can get your first pair of glasses from Firmoo free- all you have to pay is the shipping cost. 

     While I hope to keep my vision in the shape it is in for quite some time, I still adore wearing these glasses. If I feel more pulled together, then there's nothing stopping me (even the stereotype of "hipster glasses"). 

Weekend Wear

Army jacket, American Eagle (similar). L.L. Bean sweater, thrifted (but you can buy it here). Black skinny jeans, American Eagle (same). Wayfarer sunglasses, Ray-Ban (same). Leather riding boots, DV Dolce Vita (similar). Leather purse, mom's from Argentina. 

     Despite this being one of the more simple outfits that I've worn lately, it is one of my favorites. It was a fairly blustery day, but this L.L. Bean sweater that I found at Goodwill and a light jacket kept me warm. I'm convinced the sweater is magic; however, more than likely, it is just because it was made by an excellent brand with high quality materials. What I really love is that I found the exact sweater online,despite it probably being about fifteen years old. There's something to be said about the classics.

    Although I've always kind of rolled my eyes at the category of "weekend" clothes that magazines want to shove down our throats, I kind of get what they are saying now. I find myself relying on the same basic pieces to get me through some of my more hectic errand running days. If I can be comfortable but still put together, I'm a happy girl.

     I've found that they key to looking my best even when driving/walking all over Knoxville to get things done is layering. I love the look of the sweater with my favorite black skinny jeans, but the army jacket makes it look more on trend and less like I put no thought into getting dressed. Add the boots, and there you have it- my perfect weekend outfit. What's yours?