Vogue 73 Questions: Three Years and 100 Posts Later

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Again, it’s been a minute. The month of January was honestly a serious test, and I’m just happy I’ve made it it to the other side. I sat down to write for the first time in a month, and realized that this will be my 100th post. In that case, it’s only fitting that I redo my first post: the Vogue 73 questions.

A lot has happened in three years from my interests to my experiences and more. So if you want to hear about who I have become since 2020, you’re in luck. Just 73 random (ish) questions about me, for you.

  1. On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?
    • Eight
  2. Describe yourself in hashtag?
    • #basic
  3. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
    • At one point in my life I was shy. I know, I’m shocked too.
  4. What is your wakeup routine?
    • On a weekday, get up for work, make breakfast and pick up a matcha
  5. What is your go to bed ritual?
    • Skincare routine, brush teeth, scroll on TikTok and meditate myself to sleep (insomnia is real)
  6. Dream country to visit?
    • France; I’ve been before but I cannot wait to go again.
  7. What’s your favorite time during the day?
    • The evening; working a corporate job has taught me how to appreciate the evenings and make time to do things that I want to do
  8. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had?
    • Not really a fan of surprises, but I like to surprise people. I loved surprising my siblings on a weekend coming home from college.
  9. Heels or flats/sneakers?
    • Sneakers, but I love being tall and want to wear heels more often.
  10. Vintage or new?
    • I hate to say it… new. But I am all about sustainable fashion.
  11. Style icon?
    • Danielle Guizio 100%
  12. What are three things you can’t live without?
    • My phone, matcha, and music
  13. What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
    • Cinnamon 
  14. What three people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?
    • Selena Gomez, Barbara Waters and Virgil Abloh
  15. What’s your biggest fear in life?
    • Not using my full potential
  16. Window of aisle seat?
    • Aisle, I drink too much water to take the window.
  17. What’s your current TV Obsession?
    • Curb Your Enthusiasm, I don’t know why I didn’t watch this all the way through sooner in life haha
  18. Favorite app?
    • Spotify
  19. Secret talent?
    • I am super good at the limbo, it’s a great party trick! But pro tip: don’t belt limbo at the bar.
  20. Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
    • Just learning to live life a little more spontaneously.
  21. How would you define yourself in three words?
    • Determined, Compassionate, Idealistic
  22. Favorite piece of clothing you own?
  23. Must have clothing item everyone should own?
  24. Superpower you want?
    • Teleportation. I would save sooo much money – this was my 2020 answer and the answer still applies
  25. What’s inspiring in your life right now?
    • Honestly my friends. Seeing my friends do great and amazing things for themselves makes me want to push and hold myself accountable too.
  26. Best piece of advice you’ve received?
    • If you’re feeling anxious about different situations, you’re too comfortable with your routine. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations to get over that underlying anxiety.
  27. Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
    • Speak up more. You can still have your own feelings while taking others into consideration.
  28. A book everyone should read?
    • Get Out of Your Head by Jenie Allen. Even if you don’t necessarily struggle mentally, this book will work wonders.
  29. What would you want to be remembered for?
    • Treating everyone with respect and making people feel their best. 
  30. How do you define beauty?
    • Finding beauty from within.
  31. What do you love most about your body?
    • My height (I’m 5’9)
  32. Best way to take a rest/decompress?
    • Going on long walks! I would say pilates, but that gets expensive. Walking is kind of hard to do considering I live in Chicago, but getting out always helps.
  33. If your life were a song, what would the title be?
    • I’ll use a real song; Call it to Fate, Call it Karma by The Strokes. And this is just looking at the title, not the lyrics. Everything that happens in life happens for a reason, good or bad, and that’s how I’ve been trying to navigate my days recently.
  34. If you could master one instrument, what would it be?
    • Guitar
  35. What is your spirit animal?
    • A frenchie
  36. Best gift you’ve ever received?
    • Handwritten letters; they are above any dollar value gift.
  37. What’s your favorite board game?
    • I haven’t played any in a while, but I grew up playing every version of Candy Land imaginable.
  38. What is your favorite color?
    • Green
  39. Least favorite color?
    • Yellow
  40. Diamonds or pearls?
    • Diamonds
  41. Drugstore makeup or designer?
    • Whichever one is made from clean products
  42. Blow-dry or air-dry your hair?
    • Blow dry; I have to have my hair done for work too much and my natural hair just doesn’t cut it/:
  43. Pilates or yoga?
    • Pilates
  44. Coffee or tea?
    • Tea
  45. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?
    • Dark Chocolate
  46. Summer or winter?
    • Summer… living in the Midwest for six years had made me appreciate the sun.
  47. You are stuck on an island, you can pick one food to eat forever without getting tired of it, what would you eat?
    • Poke bowls
  48. A dessert you don’t like?
    • I am the world’s least pickiest eater, I will eat anything I can! (But nothing with gluten, major stomach issues)
  49. Best thing to happen to you today?
    • I talked to my mom, dad and grandma on the phone (: always makes my day talking people I care about
  50. Worst thing to happen to you today?
    • Woke up feeling pretty anxious, but I worked through it.
  51. Best compliment you’ve ever received?
    • I inspire someone
  52. Favorite smell?
  53. Last piece of content you consumed that made you cry?
    • I cried from a text on Sunday that I got from my mom that it was my family’s dogs first birthday… does that count?
  54. Lipstick or lip gloss?
    • Lip gloss
  55. Sweet of savory?
    • Savory always
  56. How you know you’re in love?
    • I’m not sure… haven’t had that happen enough times to pinpoint what it feels like. 
  57. Song you can listen to on repeat?
    • Pardon my French.. but Fuck Me Pumps by Amy Winehouse . I actually have a whole playlist of songs on Spotify that’s literally called “Songs The Never Get Old”, so really anything on there.
  58. If you could switch lives with someone for the day who would it be?
    • Kit Keenan, I am dying to know what it feels like to be a nepo baby in New York City LOL
  59. What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
    • Opportunity. It’s nervous and exciting. My options are endless on want to live and where I want to shift my career to so I am excited for what is to come.
  60. Your go to for having a good laugh?
    • My sister
  61. Who would you say your role model was growing up?
    • My mom ❤
  62. What would you consider to be your uniform?
    • My everyday jewelry, matching Alo set, hoodie and sneakers. Super puff if it’s cold!
  63. What’s your guilty pleasure?
    • Queso
  64. What is something you really want to try but haven’t yet?
    • Running more; I hate it but I want to learn to love it
  65. What motivates you everyday?
    • My friends and family
  66. What negative experience has made you come out for the better?
    • Going to college far from home really pushed me out of my shell. And I think that was a big jump but has made me a better person. 
  67. What is your current obsession?
    • My juicer. My friends call me an almond mom, and unfortunately sometimes I just have almond mom tendencies. I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for a green juice.
  68. Who makes you laugh the hardest?
    • My sister, you never know what is going to come out of that girls mouth.
  69. What makes you feel the most beautiful?
    • When I feel refreshed and healthy.
  70. Favorite place to visit that is not home?
    • Michigan, that is my second home.
  71. If you could raid one person’s closet, who would it be?
    • This is a hot take but Addison Rae. Whoever is pulling these vintage runway pieces she has been wearing is doing a damn good job!
  72. What will you miss most about college?
    • Honestly school in general. I loved applying myself to something I was super passionate about.
  73. Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
    • At 33 I want to look back on my 20’s and see the progress I have made on my career and how I have identified myself as a brand. I hope to have worked in my desired field in some aspect, and hopefully be in a relationship or married? Too far in advance for that haha but who knows! No matter what, I hope to be happy and healthy and continuing to find joy in the little things.

NYE Outfits That Will Deliver By Friday

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In a pinch for a NYE outfit? Luckily, Revolve has free two-day shipping. I have sorted through and found my favorite items that I would wear for New Years if I needed a last-minute outfit. Order by noon PST today and get these pieces by Friday.

Fringe Dress

Superdown is one of the most affordable brands on Revolve, and they have great going out pieces.

Danielle Guizio Corset

I have this corset and I cannot say enough good things about it! This is the only color right now on Revolve, but the Danielle Guizio website has many others.

Black Micro Skirt

I am in the hunt for a black micro skirt in general, so this will definitely be added to my cart.

LBD

Everyone needs a little black dress, and if you are somewhere warmer this dress is perfect.

Feather Blazer

Let’s not forget about feathers on NYE! If you are looking for something more affordable, J. Crew has really great feather pieces right now and they are running a huge sale.

Business Super Casual Mini Skirt

On NYE you’re going to work – right? Drinking and staying up until midnight can be a full time job.

Pink Metallic Mini Skirt

If you like this metallic pink there is a matching top and jeans in the same material.

Tall Black Boots

These shoes in particular rose to popularity from Matilda Djerf, and they are popular for a reason.

Sparkly Mini Dress

If my salary were about triple what it is right now, this dress would be at my door in two seconds. Anything from Mirror Palais is stunning, and from what I’ve heard, worth the splurge.

Sequin Bodysuit

Want to know what this would look amazing with? The black micro skirt and tall black boots… just saying!

Rose Heels

I have seen the rose embellishment come back more and more on social media, and I love the look on the shoes.

Long Sleeve LBD

Another LBD, but this one is for my cold weather people. I almost bought this last year but it was sold out, so get this while it’s in stock.

A Shirt With Color

Bring some color to NYE with this shirt. I mean it’s not a funeral, it’s a time to celebrate.

By Far Bag

If you know me it should be no surprise that By Far bags made this list. There are so many on Revolve, but this color is a stand out.

Sequin Dress

If you’re looking for a dress that isn’t bodycon, this will do it. This slip dress is perfect for layering, and can even be dressed down for occasions after NYE.

Red Corset

Long torso people, this corset is for you! I am obsessed with the waist on this top, and may have to purchase for other going out nights. Who doesn’t want to look snatched!

Sexy Sweater

Bet you never thought the words “sexy” and “sweater” would be used in the same sentence, but they absolutely apply here.

The Best Outfits I Saw On Social Media This Week

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I definitely spend too much time on social media. Every Sunday when I get the notification showing my weekly screen time I want to crumble because I KNOW 90% of that time is spent on Instagram and TikTok. I really go on social media for two reasons: 1) to distract myself and 2) for inspiration. I use social media as a creative outlet, so I follow people that tend to do the same. This week I was so inspired but some of the fashion I saw from my favorite celebrities and influencers, so I just needed to share my favorite outfits I saw on social media this week.

We Were On A Break!

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Maybe not for Ross & Rachel, but we all need breaks.

The last time I sat down and took time to write was realistically in February when I did my Trend Forecasting for 2022., which is quite literally forever ago. When I look back at the person I was the last time I wrote, I was in a completely different place than where I am today. Not that ~I’m different~ now, but I am. I needed a break from doing things that I love to remember why I loved them, and that includes writing.

This time last year I was finishing up my second semester of graduate school. Really, grad school and work took up all of my time. Not complaining at all, but I could not make enough time to squeeze in the activities that I loved. I loved school, so at the time, it filled all of my needs. Being a full time employee and a full time student at the same time became my personality (sorry to everyone that I know). Because of this, I really lost my sense of self. I stopped working out, I stopped exploring places that inspired me, and I stopped writing. My time was precious, and I had to apply myself where it was best fit for me to succeed financially and socially. With the little free time that I had on the weekends, I chose to go out and socialize with my friends and meet new people in the city – something I would not change for the world. But now that the engulfing school aspect of my life is complete, I am picking back up those things that I love.

Losing my sense of self through writing is hard to put into words, and hard to explain to y friends or someone that has not been in my shoes. The best way to explain falling out of love with a hobby is comparing it to reading in middle school. When we were young, there was nothing better than going to the public library with your mom to pick out a new book, or being given cash to purchase easy-read chapter books at the elementary school book fair. As we grew up, reading became less about enjoyment and was made a requirement. Since we were required to read beginning in middle school, the desire to read for leisure diminished. This was the same thing with writing. When I first started writing for fun in 2020, I could not get enough. I began writing for myself, and sometimes for others if it applied. Writing about my personal experiences, my passions, etc. was a great creative outlet for me, and 10/10 times I would have rather written than scrolled on social media. When I began grad school in August of 2021, I began writing WAY more… for school. Since I was required to write, the enjoyment aspect was lost. When school wrapped up in August 2022, I was drained. I had just completed my graduate program that was a year long, with no breaks. Wrapping up the program sucked out every creative and motivational bone out of my body, because I truly left it all on the field. Here I am, there months later, finally getting the drive and the creative itch back to get back into doing the things I love. Will I be extraordinarily consistent? Probably not, but that takes time.

Time heals all, and the break is over. Happy to say I’m back in a relationship with WordPress ❤

June Mood Board & Intentions

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Wake up! It’s June! Where did the time go! In the blink of an eye, we are almost halfway through the year of 2022. Saying that out loud physically makes me ill, lol. June is a big month of me, as it is a milestone marker for me and many people around my age. June is the month that marks one year at my job. It’s the month that I signed my first apartment lease. It’s the month I committed to going to graduate school. All of those things have shaped me and quite literally put me where I am today, and all of those things happened just a year ago. I wouldn’t say that I have changed since last year, but my life sure has. From uprooting in Texas to becoming a transplant in Chicago, beginning my career and furthering my education, there has been a lot of time for growth and opportunities. I reflect on all of this because as I go into this month, I want to be able to look back on me today and think the same things. That growth needs to continue, and it will if I set the right intentions.

Setting intentions of the month of June will help guide me throughout another (hopefully successful) month. My intentions are…

  • Connect my mind to my body during workouts and movement throughout the day
  • Make time for myself each day
  • Write and post three times a week
  • Make a budget and stick to those guidelines, especially on the weekends
  • Take more time to check in on others, even if you haven’t connected in a while
  • Be mindful fo my sleeping habits
  • Discover new ways to stay motivated on a physical and emotional level
  • Spend less money on materialistic items
  • Explore my creativity within fashion

In order for me to visualize these intentions, I have tried to shift these words to photos by creating a mood board. If you are a visual person like myself, I recommend doing this so you can see and remind yourself of your intentions throughout the month. Remember, these are not goals, as you do not have to feel discouraged if you do not achieve them. Intentions are meant to serve as a guide, and incorporate mindful habits into your daily routine. There is no pressure to complete a task, but an opportunity for you to focus on yourself from the inside out.

Spring SSENSE Sale Picks

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If you aren’t familiar with SSENSE, let me introduce you. SSENSE is an online retailer that specializes in high end luxury goods and street wear items. This Canadian based company has made quite the name for themselves since 2020, and they have some of the best deals I have seen. I would consider myself a very light luxury consumer, as I am always considering what to purchase at the best price.

SSENSE often runs sales and private sales on huge designers such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Off-White and more, at discounts I can’t seem to find anywhere else. Right now, I have gone through and found my favorite picks from shoes to dresses, and what I recommend snagging before it sells out. During these sales, things go fast.

Shop each individual link here, or see more on my LTK.

Jade Swim Set
Agolde 90’s Jeans
Miaou Corset
Miaou Cargo Pants
Bottega Veneta Aviators
Miaou Dress
Danielle Guizio Corset
Sporty & Rich Hoodie
Flastlist Eyewear Sunglasses
By Far Sandals
Louisa Ballou Skirt
The Frankie Shop Blazer
Danielle Guizio Tshirt
Flastlist Eyewear Aviators
Ganni Tube Top
Staud Bag
By Far Bag
Le Labo Santal 33
Skims Fits Everybody Bra
Agolde Shorts

6 Sales You Need To Take Advantage Of

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As the winter comes to an end, it’s time to swap out your turtlenecks for tank tops. As I am making the shift in my closet from winter to spring clothing, I am going through last years pieces to find I don’t love them as much as I used to. Totally fine, but that means one thing… shopping. I am trying to save money but that is not going very well, especially with some of my favorite brands having some of their biggest sales of the year. My internal debate is, do I splurge now or pay full price later?

(Hint: I’ve been splurging now)

Here are all of the sales going on right now that I recommend you take advantage of… if you’re going to build a new wardrobe might as well get it on sale!

SSENSE

Find designer brands such as Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, By Far, Staud, and more on SSENSE all for 15% with code SS2022.

This sale runs now until April 4.

Sephora

While Sephora isn’t necessarily part of a new “wardrobe”, makeup always needs an upgrade. Right now, I am close to running out of all of my products at once – which is the best and worst thing. Luckily, Sephora is having their spring sale. You can shop online with code SPRINGSALE.

This sale will run from April 1-11.

Boys Lie

Popular streetwear brand Boys Lie is having a spring cleaning sale – 15% off all accessories and up to 70% off apparel. Yes, this is your sign to buy one of their trucker hats.

This sale will run until March 31.

Bloomingdales

Bloomingdales is running their friends and family sale, which is 25% off select items and free shipping for everyone.

This sale will run until April 3.

Mango

Mango is running a “Bye Bye Winter’ sale, with 30% of their winter collection. And don’t let this fool you as just being winter clothes, there are plenty of bright florals to spice up your wardrobe for the warmer months.

This sale will run until April 3.

Levi’s

Levis is running a sale on almost all of their items, and it’s one you’re not going to want to miss. Get $25 off $100, $50 off $150, and $75 off $200. Plus, get 20% off your first order from their website.

This sale will run until April 3.