The Traveling Billabong Jacket of Friendship

In the semester I took off to save up before going to college, I was to do nothing but work, learn Italian, and “master” yoga. I did yoga maybe twice a month, saved up just enough for a plane ticket, and memorized funny Italian pickup lines. I also spent about 70% of my free time shopping with my best friend Ana.

We felt the best time to shop for cutesy candles at Earthbound was an hour before having to spend the next four slinging chicken. (Note: New studies show that shopping before work increases mindless conversations about said shopping and occasional tardiness. I highly recommend it.) So we set off on what was the first of many malling adventures. 

Right as we were rushing out the doors, I saw the striped jacket hanging so coolly from a mannequin in the window of a surfer-y shop. It was the perfect piece to transition me into fall, so I sprinted into the store and snatched the first one I saw off of the wood table. If I had known that it would take the sole retail worker ten minutes just to wrap it up I might have walked away and made it to work on time. But one never knows when they may be asked to a late night bonfire at the beach, so I patiently waited for the over-priced jacket to be neatly folded, wrapped, and gently placed into a bag while exchanging apologetic looks with Ana. Finally, we were able to leave and so starts the magical story of the traveling Billabong jacket. 

The jacket was left in a friend’s car before leaving. It was shortly returned to me, then left in Rome. I was heartbroken. To my surprise, it returned to me a few months ago by a wonderful friend in Italy who retrieved my dusty suitcases from a mysterious place where the Roman sun definitely does not shine. I thought this is like the traveling jeans, except it totally wasn't. No matter, the beach-chic jacket gives me warm feelings of friendship whenever I wear it, which is all of the time.

Miley Cyrus/Max Azria Vest

Ah, Labor Day Weekend! Time to bid adieu to wonderful Summer and begin welcoming crisp Fall. While I love a day of no class, sales are the real reason why I keep track this minor holiday.

I was in desperate need for new bras but we all know how pricey that can be. I patiently waited the entire summer for this weekend to replenish my collection, keeping my eyes out for a good sale. Last weekend though, I could not take the stabbing any longer! I splurged on new bralettes online at American Eagle’s Aerie. I knew AE always had a huge Labor Day sale, but all bras were just 15 bucks each! With free shipping, I figured it could not get better than that… Until I went to their site to write reviews (yes, I just have ample free time) and saw the promotions. Everything 40% off, plus free shipping! The obsessive side of me needed to know what the difference would have been-about 15 dollars less than what I had spent and I would have received a free polka dot tote. Oh well, I am still pleased with my purchase. (They have the softest lace bralettes in a myriad of colors in case you are wondering.)

When I went to throw out my abused bras I saw the bandeau I bought years ago as my first purchase from Aerie. It is a floral print bandeau that I’ve publicly worn for more than an hour once. It was to the 2011 Honda Civic Tour, which my friend Jaime generously took me too after she scored free tickets. I rocked my floral bandeau with a black Miley Cyrus/Max Azria cotton vest from Walmart and espadrille Keds. I know. Walmart? Miley Cyrus? What is wrong with you Claudia?! 

I promise you this vest was as cute as it was versatile. Just picture pre-twerk Miley. I risked the dangerous parking lot of Walmart with my mom to find black jeans for work and I wondered into the Miley section. I adored the simplicity of the piece and since I rarely stepped foot into a Wally World I just had to get it. And it was $3.88. 

The vest was lost during the tiny window of packing for school and leaving for school. It was pretty faded, like had become an off navy blue, so I wasn’t too sad about losing it. However, I will never forget the awesome time I had, jumping around to Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and Matt & Kim, in my cute vest and denim shorts. 

Megan, the vest, and Jaime. 

Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day! 

Olsenboye Messenger (Back to School)

With previews for new fall programs playing every commercial break it is obvious a new semester is upon us. Perhaps even a few of you already started (suckers). A new semester brings Red Bull, fresh notepads, and those burdensome things we hope to not have to drag around called textbooks. 

Picture this in blue. And without front pockets. 

One thing I like adding to my supply list is a new bag, rather it be simple Jansport or a trendy messenger. My absolute favorite back-to-school bag was a tartan Olsenboye messenger I got on sale at JC Penny in high school. 

I consider myself a fashion nerd in that I love learning about labels and how the inspiration for a line came about. Olsenboye, as you may have already guessed, is designed by the famous Olsen twins. Let me just say that the Olsen twins have some talent. I was instantly swooned by the Olsen brand after my excessive research (google searching) lead me to discover their many enterprises. I officially established my favorite of the two after seeing Mark-Kate's performance in The Wackness.

And she looked amazing in this Marie Claire spread.

Anyway, the Mary Poppins quality of the bag is really what made me fall head-over-heels for it. I could easily stuff my jacket and gym clothes, a water bottle and some snacks, textbooks and spirals, more and still be able to zip it up if it happened to rain on the walk home. Also, the plaid design made it the trendiest bag for the fall season. I left it behind in Rome, of course, and now I have to settle for a lame-o backpack to haul my crap around in tomorrow. 

I hope this semester doesn’t keep me too busy so I can keep up with this blog. On that note, it’s been a while since my last post because I have been enjoying cable before my face becomes permanently buried in a 10 pound Art History book. Though, I am sure your lives did not suffer from my lack of motivation to put out (that's what she said). 

Best of luck with classes!