Pleasant Valley Sunday

 When: February 27, 2011


What:
Sweater: Cynthia Rowley from TJ Maxx
Dress: Target
Shoes: Ugg from Nordstrom
Tights: Forever 21
Necklace: A gift from Paul


Where: To church


Why: I'm not a believer in the "wearing jeans to church is OK" theory. I wouldn't necessarily call this my "Sunday best," but church is special and I want to look nice. So here you go. I haven't been to church in awhile (a long while), it's something I've fallen out of the habit of, but I'm trying to get back into it now that I've found some friends that are of the same faith as me. And I'm finally at the age that I can appreciate the service, instead of doodling in the songbook. 


It was interesting, today's mass was about worrying and giving up anxiety. This week my goal is to worry less by focusing on what is going on my life at that moment. We'll see how that goes. I'm also thinking of giving up shopping for lent. It seems like a brilliant idea, because it's something I really enjoy, but also very, very challenging. And what really constitutes shopping? Is it looking at things, or is shopping all in the purchase? If you have some idea, let me know. 


I'm looking forward to this coming week. On Tuesday I have an interview to be a campus tour guide for prospective students, so get ready to see an interview outfit! And Thursday is the fashion show. I bought some nude pumps this weekend that I'm planning on styling with a gold brocade skirt! I can't wait to show you all the fashion show piece too! Get ready for an awesome week, we're going to start it off right. 

Snow White

When: February 24, 2011

What:

Sweater: J. Crew

Boots: Hunter

Jeans: Levi's

Belt: American Eagle

Where: To classes and out in the snow! 

Why: If you've ever been in Oregon snow, rain boots are a must. The snow is usually short lived, so snow boots aren't really necessary unless you're a mountain dweller. Although, there are some pretty sassy Sorel boots out there. Wearing this sweater I was so warm! It was all I needed. I was going for the winter white here. Now that I look back, I would have liked to style this outfit with a skinny black belt around the waist and either some pearls or a chunky scarf, depending on my mood. Unfortunately, I will probably never do that because I just found out that I'm allergic to wool, and this is 18%. If it's 100% I get a rash, but this just made my whole body itchy. I get itchy just thinking about it. So, I will either be consigning this sweater or giving it my mom (she would look beautiful in it). Now, all I have is a picture to show me fond memories of its beauty. 

The groundhog lied. Early spring my ass. Although, today (Wednesday) is sunny and freezing. I can get a tan if I sit indoors by a window. So I guess spring is on its way, but that groundhog needs to get off the shrooms. 

Don't judge me for this, but last night I saw the Justin Bieber movie and I LOVED it. Every second of it. It was well put together, and J.B. is a true talent. Think what you want, but don't try to argue with me about it. I am woman that is smitten and unswayable.  

If you want to see more pictures of my day, check out the post "Snow Means Snow."

Snow Means Snow

So you've seen a lot of pictures of me taken by my friends, but you haven't really seen an exhibition of my skills yet. When starting this blog I thought I  would be taking pictures of myself, but most of what you seen has been me handing my camera to a friend and saying, "Will you snap a few pictures for me, please?" Alas, I am still in the works of purchasing a tripod, so I guess we all have something to look forward to. I can't wait until I'm taking my own photos!  


I woke up this morning and looked out the window, turned to my roommate Victoria and said, "Are you serious?" I pretty much went on a photography expedition on my way to biology lecture this morning. I also have an outfit to show you, but I'll post that a little later. 


I hope you enjoy seeing what my morning looked like today! Click on the pictures to see a larger version. 


(All photos are Copyright (c) Lakin McCarthy 2011)

Classic Rock

When: February 21, 2011

What:

Sweater: Borrowed from my suitemate, Amber 

Tank top: Forever 21

Skirt: Nordstrom B.P. 

Tights: Betsey Johnson at TJ Maxx

Boots: Target

Belt: Nordstrom B.P. 

Where: Chi Omega Chapter Meeting

Why: Honestly, I've worn this outfit more than once. I wanted to wear it again so I could show you all! I called this outfit classic rock, because without the shoes, it's just "classic." I get told a lot that I'm classy, but prim and proper are two things that I am not. I like a little edge to my class, and here it is. I know you're seeing a lot of these boots, so I hope you aren't getting wary, because you'll just have to deal with it. I am in a love affair with these boots. And the skirt I call "a Marilyn" because I was in New York City last summer and totally caught a breeze. 

I am exhausted. We have been SLAVING over Recycled Fashion show dress. I know this is my outfit from Monday, but as I type it is the end of Tuesday, and we just finished the dress. But I've decided, I'm not showing you any pictures until the fashion show happens! Ha, let's see if I can keep my excitement in check. 

Also, today I rediscovered the double shot of espresso. Magic in a can, need I say more?  

Lust List: February 2011

I LOVE online shopping. Being a resident of Corvallis, I have to find some way to fill my craving. This is a new series I've been thinking of doing that I like to call the "Lust List." I'm going to show you some of my favorite items online right now that I am dying to have. Let me know what you think! Also, share some of your favorite finds by commenting! 

black fitted dress, braided brown belt, white circle scarf, maxi-check collared shirt, nautical striped sweater, chambray popover shirt, dock stripe collared shirt, shawl collar fleece, chambray tunic, slouchy dolman sweater, tie neck drapey blouse, Franco Sarto luxe nude pumps, Frye dorado riding boot, black peep toe wedge booties, Dolce Vita torino black wedge boot, cream bucket bag

PS: I find a lot of these great items at great prices using Shop It To Me! Twice a week (you can decide how often) I get emails about sales going on with all my favorite brands and stores. I even got to choose a price range I want all items to be within. Check it out! 

D&B Duck Hunting

When: February 19, 2011

What:

Coat: Nordstrom B.P. 

Jeans: Levi's

Scarf: My mom's 

Sweater: American Eagle

Shoes: Nordstrom

Where: Out to breakfast with Paul and antiquing 

Why: Let's be real, it's COLD out. I wore my first ever peacoat that I got in 8th grade when I went through my Pride & Prejudice phase. It's still serving me well! My goals in choosing this outfit were to be comfortable, casual and simply stylish. I wasn't trying to make any statements today, like "Hello, I'm a fashionista!" This is purely me. 

Paul and I had an amazing breakfast at the Broken Yoke. The waitress told me that my makeup looked great, which was an added bonus. Ha ha. Afterwards we explored Corvallis. I was on the hunt for some antique stores because my roommate told me she saw some old Dooney & Bourke bags in a store for cheap. Although, my hunting was to no avail. Yet, the hunt is not over, it is duck season (maybe, idk) and I will find my D&B. 

Also, I hope you enjoyed my "teen vogue" pose above. Uber modelesque, no?

Hope you all had a great weekend! I've been working extremely hard this weekend. I'm finishing up the Recycled Fashion show dress with my teammates Flynn and Palmer. I also just finished a bracelet I was making for a design project. Expect pictures soon! 

My friend Grace and I are also playing around with the idea of doing Topsider Tuesdays! Although, that will start after she gets them for her birthday in April. :) 

Keep sharing the love on bloglovin' and StumbleUpon! 

The Only Girl in the World

 When: February 18, 2011


What: 
Dress: Anthropologie
Necklace: LOFT
Shoes: Nine West from Piperlime
Mask: Self made


Where: Chi Omega's Persephone's formal dance- masquerade theme


Why: I fell in love with this dress while shopping for my sister's birthday. I had to have it! I am obsessed with the neckline and the colors. Plus, the birds are adorable! Also, those shoes are amazing. So comfortable. Plus I'm 6'1" in them, what's not to like? This isn't necessarily my most formal outfit, it feels more like a garden party ensemble, but I was feeling it, so I wore it. 


I wasn't expecting much from this dance, but I actually had a great time! The best moment of the night was when Paul and I attempted to swing dance to Mambo #5. It was sooooo fun! I think we'll be taking swing lessons this summer.


Oh, and this is Paul. Isn't he a gem? If you're wondering, he's 6'5". What a sweetheart! 


Do you like his new suit? He's stylish as well. :D 

Mixed Neutrals

When: February 17, 2011

What:

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Oldnavy

Belt: Nordstrom B.P.

Tights: Forever 21

Boots: Target

Earrings: Anne Bocci Boutique

Where: Out to dinner at Local Boyz for my suite mate Amber's 19th birthday! 

Why: I got this dress over the weekend when I was in Portland, and I'm so glad I bought it! I've thought of a ton of different combos! This is what I did to dress it up for winter. I loved doing mixed neutrals: navy, gray, and brown. It all came together so nicely. This outfit made me feel great. (You can't really see my earrings, but they're adorable leaf earrings!) 

So the end of the week is upon us. My friends Flynn, Palmer and I (we are the ones with unique names) are just finishing up our Recycled Fashion Show 2011: Dumpsters to Diamonds entry. Look for photos on my portfolio page soon! 

And tomorrow Paul is coming to town for the Chi Omega masquerade ball! Expect photos this weekend. Next week is going to be hectic, I have a slew of deadlines falling on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but it will all be worth it, because I will have some beautiful projects to share with you all. 

If you're not already a follower, please consider following my blog by clicking the "Follow" button to the right! You don't have to be a member of Google. Also, I joined bloglovin' so follow me there! Or submit my page to Stumble Upon. There is a button in the right column. I will love you forever. <3 

Have a great weekend! 

Photo Credit to the wonderful and amazing: Julie Ruppert 

Rainy Day Essentials

Today is one of those days that when you're you back in your room after class, you take off your raincoat, shake it off, take off the scarf, the boots, the coat under the raincoat... and your pants. No surface goes un-drenched. Northwest rain is persistent. For days like today, I pretty much wear a rainy day uniform. Sorry, I don't have a picture of my outfit for today, my camera is like a kitty: no baths. But here are some go to items for a girl living in the Pacific Northwest, or any other soaking wet climate:

Rainy Day Essentials by Lakin McCarthy featuring hunter shoes

General OSU style is sporty and practical with expressive accessorizing. Some of my favorite trends I've seen are:


Hunter Wellies- They're a classic! Although they have a triple digit price tag, I find them to be a worthy investment considering the amount of rain we get here. I love not having to think about puddles. Or jumping in them. 


North Face coats- I have the Venture jacket in Weimaraner brown. The color is beautifully vivid. It repels moisture as needed, but you have to remember to shake it off before going into class. There are three things that sold me on this jacket, 1) the price is affordable, 2) it comes in a ton of colors, 3) it's lightweight, perfect for layering! And nothing is worse than sweating in your jacket on a rainy day. 


Bubble umbrellas- Most Oregonians are too proud to carry an umbrella, and often I am among them. But recently I have been lusting after this one, as I see a few on campus. I want to do a photo shoot with one! 


Knit headbands- So cute! You can make them yourself, buy locally, or find one for cheap at stores like Forever 21. They are a simple accessory that adds a little style and a little warmth to a rainy day. 


Pashmina scarves- Perhaps in an earlier post you saw my scarf from Morocco. I practically live in that thing. I always wear a scarf on rainy days. A scarf is stylish, personal, and helps deter sickness by staying warm. A triple win.
I also love infinity scarves.  


Warm socks- Always wear warm socks with boots. Your feet will thank you. 


What's your must have for a day of downpour? Leave a comment! 


I hope you all are surviving the rain! And those of you in warm climates: you are smart.  

Reading for A Style Metamorphasis

This may seem somewhat obvious, but simply put: looking great is not all about fashion. It's about style. I absolutely adore these three books, I pick them up regularly because they never cease to inspire me. All three are highly visual, which I love. They are as follows: 

The Science of Sexy, By Bradley Bayou

This book tells you how to dress your body type. There is a chart that is organized by height and weight, then you find your color and silhouette and it tells you what will flatter your figure. I love it! It's a no nonsense guide to dressing to flatter. Definitely pick this one up. 

Color Me Beautiful, By Carole Jackson

I found this one going through my mom's bookshelf. It doesn't look like much, but it's helped me immensely! When I used to shop, I would buy things because I thought the color was beautiful, not because it flattered me. Reading this book, I discovered that I am in fact "a summer" and it has helped me refine the color palette of my wardrobe and what I am drawn to in stores. The benefit? Everything matches! 

You Know You Want It, By Eric Daman

This book is beautiful. If you've ever watched Gossip Girl, I bet you've worshipped the clothes too. I received $14 in overdue fines from the library for keeping this book too long, finally, I just bought it. This book is great for visualizing how to creatively put outfits together. It has beautiful illustrations and is truly inspiring. 


Read any of these books? What did you think? Leave a comment!

Happy reading! And Happy Valentine's Day. <3 

Rich & Sassy

When: February 12, 2011


What:
Sweater: Gap
Scarf: a gift from Morocco
Jeans: Levi's
Boots: Target
Bag: Coach
Earrings: Anne Bocci Boutique

Where: Date night with Paul


Why: I didn't bring many clothes home for the weekend, so I threw together something comfortable yet still special. I feel like a total Oregonian in these boots! Paul and I ended up going to Famous Dave's, and let me tell you, that was a trip. The place is baby central. There are people feeding their children coleslaw which the children proceed to spit out onto the table. Other children are walking and eating corn simultaneously. It was a germaphobe's nightmare. Somehow, I expected more from a BBQ joint, but Paul kindly reminded me that that's a bit naive. It was also naive to wear white to a BBQ place. Later, we came back to my house and I goaded the reluctant Paul into playing Battleship, which he enjoyed. Win.


(PS: "Rich & Sassy" is Famous Dave's "go to sauce." Ha ha, I approve.)

Welcome to the Home of the Beavers

Just thought I should introduce you to the place I call home: Oregon State University. 

The Memorial Union from the outside. 

 Weatherford Hall

 The Valley Library and the first leaves of spring! 

The inside of the Memorial Union.

I'm a Oregon girl at heart and I couldn't have made a better choice in a school. I'm so proud to live in the northwest. As a school, OSU is progressive but still upholds valuable traditions. We're about an hour from the beach, an hour and a half from Portland, and an hour from Eugene. Although it's kind of a small agricultural town, I like to think of it as a little oasis out in Oregon country. Get ready to see more of campus. This is where I live. Oh, and we all wear flannel everyday, ride horses to class and are still trying to deal with those incorrigible Indians. Go figure.