Valentine's Day Gift for Myself

So my boyfriend and I aren't big gift givers. 

We're more the type who like to just sit with each other on holidays etc. 

But, I'm considering spluring and pampering myself this year for Valentine's Day!

I've been having a rough couple of weeks so I thought it might be fun to just treat myself. 

I think all of these are adorable mini gifts to yourself. 

They range from $8 to $40- not too pricy but adorable little things, right? 

Valentine's Day Gift for Myself by classicloving featuring a pink shoulder bag

Old Navy colorblock dress / Pink shoulder bag / J.Crew anchor jewelry / Kate Spade / ALPHA tech accessory / Old Navy

I recently lost my favourite (and only) cross body bag so I'm really learning towards the Target cross body bag (about $9!) - decisions, decisions...! 

Are you planning to buy yourself something this Valentine's Day? If so, what? Let me know! 

xoxo 

Blizzarded in with NEMO

NEMO is CRAZY. 

That is all I can say about the blizzard. 

I went outside to walk my puppy and I literally thought I would die. I mean, the train has stopped running. Everything is shut down. 

And guys, I worked from home on Friday. I NEVER WORK FROM HOME.

While my housemates lounged around and enjoyed their day off, I sat and did work between 9 to 5. (I'm proud). Thus, I didn't have a "day off." 

HOWEVER! since my teaching job got cancelled for today due to Nimo, I can enjoy my "day off."

Here's how I like to take my days off- especially in the winter. 

Blizzarded in with NEMO by classicloving featuring shearling moccasins

Polka dot socks / UGG Australia shearling moccasin / Jonathan Adler Zig Zag Grey Throw Blanket / Arteriors Home Hagar Short Glass Hurricane Candle Holder - #Y1575 / The Best Advice I Ever Got Lessons from Extraordinary Lives

1. Hot Chocolate (and cookies): I'm sorry, but anyone who wouldn't enjoy that on a cold day is crazy. ;-) 

2. Warm blanket: I think this is a must-have. I sit on my couch most of the time, so I like to keep a good warm afghan with me. I use my housemate's AOII afghan all of the time. 

3. Fuzzy socks: I am so obsessed with them. A post about this will come soon. I especially like the Bath and Body Works Shea Infused Socks. 

4. Warm Slippers: I wear mocs, but whatever that makes your feet feel comfortable and happy!

5. Candle: This makes your room smell good and will make you feel relaxed!

6. Netflix: I am guilty of Netflix. And CBS.com. I don't stream movies etc. so these two are vital sources of entertainment for me. I LOVE them. There's just something about sitting inside on a cold day with hot chocolate while watching TV.

7. A Good Book: What more can I say? It's a necessity for a winter "day off." I am currently loving Katie Couric's book that I blogged about before! I got the eBook version before to just read it from the library but I loved it so much that I bought my own copy! 

I also keep my laptop and iPhone with me when I get snowed/colded in! 

I'm going to try to get some readings out of the way so that I can go sledding with my friends in the afternoon :) 

What're your blizzard activities? 

xoxo 

Cold Combat Outfit

GUYS. A BLIZZARD IS COMING. 

Well, I guess by the time this is published, it will be in the middle of a blizzard. 

Even though I was born and raised in New England, I hate the cold.

You have no idea how much I hate the cold. 

But I really do. With a passion.

It doesn't help that it takes me 15 minutes to walk across campus to get to class. 

Thus, I have given up style when I go outside during the cold winter months.

I go in something that makes me comfortable and the winter cold bearable.

Of course, I do try to choose the most stylish things possible, but you know... winter coats ain't that cute, but hey! At least I'm mildly warm and comfortable ;) 

Winter Essentials by classicloving featuring round scarves

The North Face north face coat / Kate Spade bow glove / Trouvé round scarve / ASOS pom hat / Starbucks' UK coffee will be strongest yet, $78,305 / Frye Lindsay Plate

1. North Face Puffer Coat: Now, they make you look like a snowman, but they're warm. It's heavenly in the negative weather! I try not to wear the puffer every year until January (because when I get used to it during the warmer months ie December, when it gets frigid in January, I won't feel as warm), but I love it. 

2. Infinity Scarves: I always wear some kind of scarf in the cold, but lately, I've been in love with the infinity scarf ever since I got one for Christmas. For some odd reason, I find them so much warmer. 

3. Hat: I didn't wear hats until last year- but they're so important! They keep your head warm which keeps me warm. When it covers your ears, you are golden. 

4. Riding Boots: I have recently taken to non-zip up boots for the winter because they're just easier to put on -- one less thing to be disgruntled about when you're not happy to go outside into the cold! Riding boots are more warm in general, so in the winter, I just wear a variety of my riding boots. 

5. Gloves: Necessity- enough said. I'm looking to get the tech-ok gloves so I can text etc. in the cold too. 

6. iPhone/iPod: I like to listen to music to get my mind off of the cold! 

7. Hot drink/Coffee: It keeps my hand warm! And it makes me happy :) 

What's your Cold Combat Outfit? 

Follow me on Twitter @classicloving and Instagram at @shmoo1114 :) 

Bows on Bows

I am loving Kate Spade bows.
I've always loved bows on jewelry (I'm not a hair bow person...) or on clothes or on shoes. Basically, anything bows = I love.

I admit, some of these aren't "bows" per se- they're ties, but I still love them.
So adorable!

Bows on Bows by classicloving featuring kate spade

Kate Spade strand necklace / Kate Spade bow bangle / Kate Spade / Kate Spade / Kate Spade white pearl necklace

I think bows on jewelry are the perfect touch of girliness! 

I can't choose a favourite but I do especially like the single strand pearls with the ribbon on it!

Which are your favourites? 

New Year's Eve Dresses

2013 is fast approaching, and 2012 is fast leaving!

Can you believe it? It has been such a fast year!

I know that everyone has some awesome, awesome NYE plans, and a lot will require dressing up, so I picked out a couple of NYE-worthy dresses. 

New Year's Eve Dresses by classicloving featuring a a line dress

Lilly Pulitzer dress/ Alice + Olivia a line dress, $785 / Kate Spade long sleeve dress / Dress / Zara cutout dress / ASOS dress / Paprika sequin party dress

I think NYE is the one time that sparkles are this in. 

And I'm okay with hopping onto that train because they're just too perfect for the occasion!

I've always wanted to ring in the new year with friends at a bar etc., but at my parents' homeland, they do family style (like Christmas here) so my family has always had family new years via tradition. 

However, this year it'll be a little different because the boyfriend will be visiting me -I'm so excited for my New Years Kiss :) 

Enjoy your evening, ladies and gents!

Finals Studying Essentials

Finals season is fast approaching... I'm sure that some of you are already taking them, in fact! 

So here are a couple of things you would definitely need while studying...

Well, this is a list of my essentials, anyway ;-) 

Finals Studying Essentials by classicloving featuring kate spade

Peacock hair accessory / Kate Spade / Beauty product / Bookmarc Skyline Notebook Paris / Shelthon Blanket / Vera Bradley Ball Point Pen / Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino Coffee Drink 13.7 oz. Bottle

1. Earbuds/Headphones/Call 'em Whatever: Even when I'm studying in my own apartment, since I live with three other girls, I always hear outside noise. So I pop these in (especially if I am in the library!) and turn the music on. I usually listen to classical music when I'm intensely working.

2. Notebook: I tend to write random thoughts during studying (like an idea for an argument for a paper) on random paper. Thus, it's useful to have notebooks lying around for me! Plus, what's better than an adorable notebook to motivate you to study? ;-) 

3. Eye drops: If you're looking at your laptop for an extended amount of time, these are a must. They keep your eyes from becoming too tired and prevent migraines! 

4. Hair ties: Keep your hair out of your way when you study. Go for these types so that they don't cause you migraines etc. when you study!

5. Blanket: I believe in being warm and comfortable while you study. While this may be impossible to bring to a library, if you're studying in your room, it's a must have. 

6. A Great Set of Pens, Pencils, Highlighters: Enough said. 

7. Lip Balm: Chapped lips really bug me. It's also a good way to take a break; it lets your mind wander for two seconds and then you're back into the studying!

8. Coffee: Need I say more? STREAMLINE STREAMLINE STREAMLINE! (but really) I used to drink eight cups a day during exam season my freshman year... haha. So do it in moderation, please? 

9. Little Snacks: I like Jolly Ranchers because they last for a while in your mouth. And the grape flavour is just too yummy. But it's good to have these because it will keep your brain going and if your hunger isn't too bad, the hunger away as well. 

What're your studying essentials?

All Nighter Coziness

All Nighter Coziness by classicloving featuring flannel shorts

Madewell top / American Eagle Outfitters / Old Navy flannel shorts

So I was basically doing an all nighter. And I was thinking about how I would never, ever wear hoodies, sweatpants, and pj pants out into the public, but how incredibly perfect they were to all nighters.

 So came up with a few comfortable yet moderately cute for the house outfits. 

My favourite comfort clothing is definitely the one on the left- except my hoodie is a bright red "Sydney University," where my sister studied abroad for a semester! 

All of these are just so comfortable and cute (in a I'm pulling an all nighter) kind of way! :) 

Busy days!

Guys, I'm alive!!! I have been dying at school because of so much work and extracurriculars, but I am most definitely alive. Barely, but still. Who knew senior year would be so hard?! 

I spend most of my days in class, in meetings, instructing lab, or in the library doing work. 

Which means, I have no time to put a ton of time or thought in to my everyday outfits. But alas! I have a go to combo that is ready in less than five minutes.  Ready? 

Button down + scarf + dark wash jeans + ballet flats + pearl necklace + cute earrings. 

Voila! 

And there's an outfit for ya. It's put together enough that you look good, but it doesn't take any time at all, which is why I wear it so often. I also have a ton of button downs, so it makes my life a lot easier... haha. 

Fall Library by classicloving featuring j. crew

AllSaints mid rise jeans / J.Crew j crew / Jack Rogers flat shoes / Pearl jewelry, $640 / Kate Spade earrings / Missoni scarve

This outfit is also comfortable to spend long hours in the library in, as I am sure most of my classy readers would know ;-)   I'm pretty sure that many of you ladies use these kinds of outfits as a go-to on busy days :)


What is your favourite busy day outfit? 

Rainy Day Flannel

I love the rain when I'm listening to it in my warm bed at night.

It's a great background music,  you know? 

However, when I'm trying to get to work by 9AM after waking up at 7AM, and have to walk through the rain, I'm not so much of a fan. (Although my favourite Ralph Lauren navy umbrella makes it a little bit better.) 

In the rain, I would be ideally in a blanket reading a book. And ideally, I would be dressed warm and comfortably. And here's an outfit that I typically wear on a rainy, cold, bleary day. 

Rainy Day Flannel by classicloving

J Brand denim skinny jeans, $200 / Vera Wang Lavender Label flat shoes / J.Crew j crew jewelry / Givenchy glass earrings / KATO` / AAA flannel check shirt

I enjoy flannel. I really do. I also love, love, love plaid for some odd reason. It just works well with me. I wear a lot of men's flannel shirts too, since they're so comfortable. I would wear flannel with skinny jeans and plain coloured ballet flats. I might also wear leggings on a rainy day with these flannel (naturally, my shoe choice would change with the leggings, though).

Honestly, this is my go-to-staying-in-during-crappy-weather-look for most of the winter and even the fall. It's just so warm and comfortable!

Anyone else have go to looks for staying in in muggy weather? 

Current Loving: Chambray Shirt

I'm in love with my Chambray shirt that I got while I was abroad!

It was about $20, and came in the perfect size for me. 

Excuse my face, I am quite tired after being sick for five days, haha. 

It's a tad big but I love how roomie it is. 

The length of the sleeves are perfect as well- 3/4. I probably won't be able to wear this shirt earlier than most "summer-y, spring-y" shirts that I own, but so worth it. 

It's a great shirt for when I want to be casual and comfortable, but without looking too cozy :) 

And although you can't see it, the back is longer than the front! How awesome is that?! 

It's just so cool haha. I know that it's a silly thing to be excited about, but isn't that cool? I don't think I've had any other casual shirts with a longer back than a front. 

I can pair this shirt with a skirt, a pair of shorts, leggings, dark-washed jeans, and more. I love it!

Do any of y'all have a favourite shirt? 

Travel Essentials: Airplane Carry-On's

I love travelling. I went to Spain in January for 10 days and boy, was it great.
I also travel really long distances fairly frequent for a New Englander, I think- I do long distance (like not California long distance, but in the middle of no where on the globe long distance) at least once or twice a year.

I think packing for planes is vital. You can't go too heavy or your shoulders/back will kill you, but you can't go too light that you don't have anything to do on your flight. Packing a carry-on is also an art: you have to fit everything perfectly so that it'll be fast as possible when you go through security! (nothing worse than waiting to go through security for an hour)
Sometimes, I think it's more important than the actual packing since if you're at your destination and you forget something, worse come to worst you can go buy it. However, when you're on a plane, you're actually stuck. You can't do anything about it. So plan carefully, y'all.

Here's what I usually pack for a flight- both long and short flights (clockwise from the Longchamp spiraling into the nano)

Travel Essentials: Airplane by classicloving featuring longchamp bags

1. Longchamp bag, €75
What I usually bring my stuff in. I travel with the Le Pliage Large, but if you have back problems or will be wandering for a while in the airport etc. I'd suggest you just stick with a backpack. It's a struggle everytime for me.... haha

2. My laptop!!
Bring a couple of movies with you :)

3. Books with Style Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations, $30
A good book. Go with a paperback. Hard covers are fun because they tend to be newer books, but trust  me, you'd definitely want to go as light as possible. 


4. Makeup travel bag, $33
Although this isn't the makeup bag I use, I think this is adorable :) (My cousin made me mine!) 
I tend to go touch up my makeup right before the plane lands. I usually take the morning flights so I go without make or my contacts (especially since I fly 10+ hours) but before I land, I tend to pull myself together. 


5. Aspinal of London Plain Passport Cover, $35
If you're going abroad, I really do hope you'll take your passport with you ;-) 

My passport cover is one from Bally that I've been using FOREVER. Literally since I was one or two, I think. It's all worn out but I love it. 

6.  Kate Spade leather zip wallet, $178

Who wouldn't bring a wallet? 

7. Body moisturizer, $13

Ah the trusty Bath and Body Works! They have travel sized lotions etc. so definitely stop by before you go on a flight. Plane air is usually dry so lotion is always a plus :)

8. BlackBerry Bold 9900 Mobile Phone Black (AT&T), $200
My darling blackberry. Enough said.

9. iPod nano 16GB pink APPLE, £129
I have the old nano but I never go on a trip without my iPod. Airport wait time is so much better with music, don't you think!



What do you bring with you onto the plane? 




Also, if you ever have questions or post requests for me, email me at classicloving [at] gmail.com. Or you can just email me in general! haha