Sunday Reflections

 

"Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment and know that everything happens for a reason..."

Life, as I am sure you all know, can be pretty crazy at times. It can seem crazy and like a mess at times, but we do have to learn to just keep swimming hahaha! No, but seriously, we do have to learn to just laugh when it gets crazy and realize that these moments will pass. I wish I was better at this, but we should also try and live in the moment and not worry about the future, or the past. I am also a strong believer that everything does happen for reason. We may not know or understand what the reason is at the time but everything does seem to work out in the end. So remember to laugh when things get crazy because everything will be ok!

Do y'all love and agree with this quote as much as I do?

 

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

My Take On Project Runway S13 E5

Hi everybody! So today I am sharing my thoughts on the latest Project Runway Episode. The wonderful Jamie very kindly let me share her idea of doing a Thoughts On Project Runway post. I feel like Project Runway is really how we connected so I am super excited to write this post! I hope y'all enjoy!

I will start this out by saying that I miss Mitchell! I want him to be my best friend because he seems like so much fun!

The Challenge:

Make your own version of an alternative wedding dress and a corresponding reception dress to go with it. Other than that there were no rules.

Guests:

Dita Von Teese and Chiara Ferragni

[caption id="attachment_646" align="aligncenter" width="584"] via- Blogging Project Runway[/caption]

During the show:

Main drama- Korina (of course) is being really rude to Amanda and calling her fake!! Then Char told Amanda that any time she wins she is taking a win away from another person! Um... honey... that is how the show works...

Great, teams again, this will end well. Of course Korina and Amanda are together!

I really was not liking the sketch Emily had the veil/hood looked crazy.

Love the color of Sam and Alexander's dresses but I agree that they look too similar.

Char's dress looks like a mess!

My mom commented on Korina being a "hater" LOL

I actually really liked the black and peach that Fade and Emily worked with. I also loved Kini's look!

Really not liking Korina's look and I am happy that Amanda is sticking to her guts and trying not to let the drama bother her too much.

My thoughts on the yellow Char and Sandhya used: I actually liked the color, but I don't know if I would wear it.

Korina ran out of time because she spent so long on her jacket so Amanda had to do her pants. Then Korina had the audacity to complain about them! If you don't like them you should have done them yourself! A.K.A I really don't like Korina anymore.

The Runway: (in order of the pictures)

[caption id="attachment_647" align="aligncenter" width="584"] via- Blogging Project Runway[/caption]

Alexander- I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I really didn't mind the appliqués too much, but the seam right above her knee looked awful!

Sam- Ummmmm not really a fan. If you see the dress close up you cans see she tried to do some weird ombre thing that just looked like a big stain. I see where some people may like this dress, but it is just not my style.

Korina- The jacket just seemed a little off to me. Maybe I am just biased but with the amount of time she spent on it, it just looked messy.

Amanda- I have really liked all of her designs so far, and this one did not disappoint! I really liked the triangle pattern and how chic the whole thing looked.

Sandhya and Char- I put these together because I feel the same way about both... they are a hot mess! When the judges really looked at them they saw they were constructed completely wrong! The whole concept was just bad!

Emily- I liked the bottom with the peach showing through but not the top. I really don't like the hood and the long lace sleeves.

Fade- His was really cool! He actually painted some of the fabric to look like leather! My only problem with his is that from far away it looked pretty basic, like something I could find at any Dillards.

Kini- Amazing! I was in love!! His look was very high fashion yet still wearable.

Sean- Also great! I loved the movement his shirt had, and his pants were wonderful.

Top Group:

Kini and Sean

Bottom Groups:

Emily and Fade

Char and Sandhya

Sam and Alexander

WINNER:

Sean!

He did great but I feel like Kini was robbed. He has been in the top so many times and still hasn't won! He also made Sean's shirt.

LOSER:

Char!

This didn't surprise me at all. She had been solidly in the middle every time. She hadn't been doing anything too bad, but she wasn't doing anything too good either.

What did you think of this episode and all the drama?

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Friday Favorites

So this concludes my full second week of school and all I can say is UGGGG! This week has been hard mostly because you are really learning what teachers expect from you. I have loved going on Pinterest right before bed to help me decompress this week, so I hope you like some of my favorite finds.

These adorable monogrammed pencil pouches//

 



This amazing black tulle skirt//



 

This little friendly reminder//



 

This AMAZING military jacket//



 

This great quote I found at 11:30 last night//



 

 

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Wishes

I think/hope I am not the only one that wishes for a lot of things. I am not taking about the once a year I make a wish on my birthday candles; I mean the throughout the day, "oh I wish that could have gone better" wish. Some of my wishes are obviously bigger than others. But I have come to realize something... we can't change everything. We are in this certain place for a reason- everything happens for a reason. I will probably talk more about that at a later date. So for August (which also happens to be my birthday month wahoo!) I will share some of my wishes but also why I am ok with things staying the same.

1. I really wish that I lived somewhere else// but if I didn't live here I wouldn't know any of my friends- I live in a town where when people ask you where you are from and you answer they always say, "oh my gosh, I'm so sorry". And yeah, it really can be that bad. But like I said, if I didn't live here I wouldn't know my amazing friends, we wouldn't be as close to the beach, and (don't tell anyone I said this) I really don't mind living in a small town... sometimes.

2. Sometimes I wish I went to a different school// but I know I am getting a good education- I go to a prep school, which as you can imagine, can be pretty stressful. There are signs around school that say, "College isn't an option it is the plan". Now I do want to go to college, but it can be pretty intimidating. But honestly, I really like my school and don't want to go anywhere else, but if you ask me that around midterms time the stress will start talking and I will want to go anywhere else.

3. Sometimes I wish I was older// but I don't want to have to pay bills- I think this is pretty self-explanatory.

4. Sometimes I wish I was younger// but I really don't want to go through those "awkward" years again- I really hope you can all relate.

5. I wish my dreams didn't scare me and I was 100% positive everything will work out/ but I am really excited about the future- Well, I guess my dreams are big enough because the definitely scare me. I also guess that we can't be 100% about anything. I want to move to New York and work in PR for a major fashion company. I don't know about you, but that all sounds pretty scary! I want to move across the country and work in fashion, which as you all know, is not the most certain of industries. But honestly, I am really excited about working towards my goal!

6. I wish I had more free time// but I truly love everything I am doing- I mentioned in my last Life Update that I have a lot going on, especially once the school year starts up. I know I will want more free time, but like I said, I am passionate about everything I am working on.

 

Is there anything y'all wish for?

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Everything Is Coming To An End a.k.a I Need Your Help Finding TV Shows To Watch

I decided to do this post last Wednesday night when my dad saw that one of our favorite TV shows was coming to an end and another show that wont be back on until December. I was VERY upset about the whole thing and dad said, "Oh, I see a blog post coming on" and that gave me this idea! I want to share some of my favorite TV shows with y'all many of which, sadly, have ended.



Castle- This is the only TV show I will talk about today that is still running, but it won't come back on until October! I am so upset about this because last season ended with a huge cliffhanger!!! Castle is a detective show but I really like it because it is not too gory. Castle, the main character, has a very sarcastic sense of humor. Every episode is, of course, solving a murder but you also have the back-story of Kate's (the other main character) mothers murder and the growing relationship between Kate and Castle.



Psych- The amount of times I have watched all the seasons over and over again is ridiculous, but so fun! I will start laughing so hard I end up crying watching this show. It is also a detective show but with a lot more humor. The main character, Shawn, tells the police he is "psychic" when really he just has extremely good observation skills. This show is so well written and has never failed to put a smile on my face.



Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, and Gossip Girl- If you haven't watched even one of these shows then you are truly missing out! These long running TV "dramas" have all been off the air for quite some time, but at least we have Netflix! All of these shows have been an obsession of mine at one time or another because they are SO good.



White Collar- the show that really pushed me to do this post. I found out that this upcoming season of White Collar will be its last. I am HEART-BROKEN! I remember watching that first episode years ago and falling absolutely in love with the show. The main character Neal has been convicted of being a bond forger. Besides that fact that he is really attractive (but really it's ridiculous) he is also incredibly smart. Peter the FBI agent who put him in jail admires Neal's ability and sees how he could be an asset to the bureau. They end up working together on many, many, cases. The show is very smart and funny and I really recommend to watch it if you haven't already.

 

As you can see almost all of my favorite TV shows have ended, or are ending soon, and I need everyone's help. If you have any suggestions for TV shows please, please, please let me know!

What are your favorite TV shows?

 

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Sunday Reflections

Who said it- Beau Taplin

"She was unstoppable. Not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them."

She continued on despite them. These are very powerful words! We all will have our problems, obstacles, doubts, and failures in our life, and those of us with big dreams may have even bigger obstacles. We are all going to have people tell us we are crazy and tell us no. The biggest lesson we have to learn in life is to preserver! You can't let people tell you that your dreams are too big, because most, if you truly work hard, are attainable!

 

 

Task for week 7- No task! Just remember that when you have doubts to continue on!!

What do you do to continue on even when you doubt your self? 

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Friday Favorites

This has been an interesting week full of my birthday and school! I got some really great presents and had more classes, both of which are good things. I have found some fun things this week and I hope you enjoy!

This amazing jacket I need to have now...



How perfect would this jacket be, for not just fall, but all year???

This beautiful monogram bedding...



Now if only it was cheaper...

This quote that basically describes my life...



Like literally spot on.

These super fun tassel necklaces...



How cute are these???? These would be perfect in summer and a great pop of color in the fall.

This flawless picture of Audrey Hepburn...



Gorgeous!

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

CarrieOnTalks- Sarta Designs

One day I am scrolling along Tumblr looking at cute skirts and the next I am obsessed with Sarta Designs. Alex, the designer behind Sarta Designs, started her shop July of 2013. Something really unique about her skirts is that she takes custom orders. All you have to do is send her pictures of the color you want and you are set. She doesn't just stop at skirts she also does adorable sashes and hair bows! You all have to go check her out! Hope you enjoy the interview. :)



1. Hi Alex! So you started your shop in July of 2013, what inspired you to start making, and selling, your own skirts?

I love skirts, but I could never find exactly what I wanted. I wanted a quality skirt with pockets that fit perfectly. Doesn’t seem like a lot to ask for, right? But apparently it was because I could hardly ever find anything, and whenever I did, I needed to pay an arm and a leg for it! I realized that I could use the sewing skills I acquired in high school to just make myself a skirt using my measurements to ensure it fit me perfectly. I had friends and sorority sisters interested as well, and it turned into this fun small business!

 

2. You work with a lot of different patterns for your skirts, what is your absolute favorite pattern?

This is a hard one, because I think it changes on a weekly basis. I think it always comes back to anything that looks great with my pearls!

 

3. Who is your favorite fashion designer, and what inspires your skirt designs?

Kate Spade is my absolute favorite. I fall in love with every piece of hers, whether it’s clothing or accessories. Her brand is full of class, charm, and style, and that’s what inspires my pieces as well.

 

4. How would you describe your personal style in three words?

I’m having a hard time with this one. I’m actually sitting her scrolling through my Pinterest boards and trying to summarize it. Let’s go with these: Classic, Elegant, and Colorful.

 

5. If you had to pick one quote to live your life by what would it be?

“Life is short. Buy the shoes.”

 

6. Do you want to make designing a career, or is it just a fun hobby for now?

It started out as something to do for fun, and has gone above a hobby, but I wouldn’t call it a “job.” I’m a senior in college and getting my degree in Marketing, so hopefully I will be doing something with that! I don’t see myself making this a career (as in all that I do), but I do see myself continuing this as a side business for as long as it continues to be successful! I have been so blessed by the success that I have seen, and it truly is a joy to make custom pieces for people every day.

 

7. What is your favorite store to shop at?

For clothes, Loft. For everything else, Kate Spade.

 

8. How much time to you spend each week picking out fabrics and making skirts?

I browse a good bit online for fabrics and for inspiration. Pinterest and fashion blogs definitely help me get ready for upcoming trends and seasons. I spend a LOT of time making skirts. Thankfully since I am home for the summer, my younger sister (who also learned to sew in high school) is helping me a lot while I am at my internship (yes, this is not all that I do!). I would say I spend at least 15-20 hours a week making skirts.

 

9. Who is your celebrity fashion icon?

Audrey Hepburn, without a doubt.

 

10. What is your favorite thing to do to help you relax?

I love to snuggle up to my dog and my boyfriend and watch Netflix. Right now we are switching between “The Walking Dead” and “Orange is the New Black.”



 

I really hope you all enjoyed learning about a new shop or finding out more about a shop you already know. Thank you Alex for letting me interview you, it was so much fun!

What was your favorite part of the interview?

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

 

 

 

First Impressions Of Sophomore Year Classes

This may very well be a post that not many of you care about, but this blog, in a way, serves as a diary for me. As some of you may know I started school this past Thursday, and really had my concerns about sophomore year. I have now been to all of my classes and I feel I have a pretty good grasp (or at least I think I do) on my teachers and their classes. NOTE: I will only be in my journalism class for a semester I will then transfer to PE. However, if I end up really liking the class I may take it all year in the future. Also, my school goes by block scheduling so we have four classes one day and the other four the next day.  Hope you enjoy!



A Block// English 2 Pre-AP

I am not going to lie when I say that the first thing I noticed was that I was in love with my teacher's skirt. Once my friend and I saw how cute it was we were distracted for quite some time looking at it. Maybe it's not the best we sit together... Just kidding! Let's get real we are always together! (Hi Katherine!!) Back to the actual learning stuff. Um, hi, I should not be this stressed out on the first day! How many papers, packets, and LAPS did we get??? This class is crazy and will be my hardest I am predicting. The good thing is she talked so much we didn't even get to the test we were going to have!

B Block// MultiMedia

I think I am going to really like this class! I am excited because we get to work with Photoshop, and I think that could help my blog. I also really love the teacher.

C Block// French 2

I really love learning about the French language and culture, so I usually enjoy this class! However, my first thought when entering the class was that I had forgotten everything we learned last year, but I think (hope) it will all come back to me. The class is actually taught by one of the sweetest nuns in the world so that's a good thing. :)

D Block// Journalism/Webmaster

In this class we are in charge of the school newspaper and school website. I actually think I may be one of the few excited for this class. The teacher is the same one who teaches MultiMedia so that's good. I will definitely keep y'all updated on how I feel about this class throughout the semester!

E Block//Pre-AP World History

I know this class will be hard work, but I also think I will be genuinely interested in what we are learning about. I am looking forward to this class because as long as I like what I am learning the work doesn't seem that bad!

F Block// Pre-AP Chemistry 

????????? I am really not sure how I feel about this class and I don't know if anyone really does. We have a new teacher so we really don't know what to expect. I am not a huge science fan though so I don't know...

G Block// Pre-AP Algebra 2

I may end up liking this class. Not because I like math, but because I think I am going to really like the teacher. She is also new but I have heard great things about her. She seems like she has a lot of energy (in a good way) and she seems really fun and excited about what she is teaching. I think this class will be a nice breath of fresh air in the middle of a hard day.

H Block// Theology 2

This is another class I think I will enjoy. I really like the teacher so far, and I also like that she said the class is mostly discussion. I tend to really enjoy religion class so I hope this one doesn't change that!

 

Honestly, major props to you if you got all the way through this post! I hope something was interesting.

 

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

 

 

Sunday Reflections

 

 

Where to get this printable- Peter Loves Jane

"Go the extra mile, it's never crowded."

The minute I saw this quote on Pinterest I knew it was going to be a fast favorite. Going the extra isn't always hard, but you would be surprised at how many people don't do it. Spending extra time working on a project at work or at school can only help you. A lot of people aren't willing to put in a little extra effort and I promise you people will notice your hard work.

Task for week 6- Think about what you can do to work harder and go for it!

What do you do to go the extra mile?

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Unique Uniform-Collab with The Fashion Newcomer

If y'all don't know Jamie aka The Fashion Newcomer than you are REALLY missing out. Her blog is absolutely amazing and one I have been reading for quite some time. Her style is amazing, she has so much class, and she is honestly one of the sweetest people I know. She really inspires me in real life and in the blogging world! Plus, we share a love of Project Runway. :)We have been talking back and forth about a lot of different things and decided we really needed to do a collaboration. She has put together some amazing outfits to be your school "uniform", and I came up with ideas to make my actual uniform cute. Basically this means I channeled my inner Blair Waldorf for this one!

 

one// adorable socks and shoes 



 

I may be a little Sperry obsessed...



Espadrilles 

 

 







 

socks

two// hair and makeup





 



 

Lipstick

 

 

 

 







 

three// tights and flats







tights and flats 

Making your school uniforms cute can be so simple! Sometimes we just have to put a little more thought into our looks to make them reflect how we feel. I really hope y'all enjoyed the looks and got some ideas!

Make sure you check out Jamie's post!

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Friday Favorites

Friday- the end of the first week, or two days that felt like a week, of school! Monday my first impressions of all of my classes will be out, and Tuesday is my BIRTHDAY!!!! This week after school I would immediately go on Pinterest to "relax", or avoid doing homework, your choice... These are my favorites from the past week:

This perfect raincoat...



 

I have not owned a raincoat in YEARS, but after seeing this one I may need to buy one asap! I love the combination of navy, white and coral. They go perfectly together, and I feel like so many outfits could be made with this.

These 20 bible verses...



Seeing as school has commenced the stress has wonderfully (I joke) come back too. These bible verses are great and something I will go back to throughout the year. Sometimes when you are feeling the pressure you just need to know that you are not alone and someone always has your back.

This quote we all need to let sink in...



 

These shoes that I have become slightly obsessed with... 



I have recently fallen in love with leopard print, and especially leopard print shoes! I think these shoes are tasteful and could be worn with many different outfits, because as we know, "leopard is a neutral".

These adorable DIY bows...



How cute is this bow garland???? You could do any pattern or color you want so it can match your style or room. The instructions actually look pretty easy so this could be the perfect way to spice up your room or dorm for a new school year!

 

P.S. Because school has started I am trying to come up with a new schedule. The tentative one is as follows:

Posts will be up Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday with any extra posts Saturday, Tuesday, or Thursday. Most posts will go live at 6:00A.M. except for Friday Favorites which will be up at 5:30 P.M. and Sunday Reflections which has always gone up at 7:00 P.M.

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

 

CarrieOnTalks- Evelyn Henson

Evelyn Henson- the wonderful artist behind the many paintings and prints I am sure you have all seen on Pinterest or Etsy. She is truly amazing! All of her work just makes me, and many others, so happy. I loved learning more about her! Don't forget to check out her website and place an order! I promise you won't regret it. :)

via

1. Evelyn, you decided to start selling your work in May of 2013. What inspired you to start your own shop?

The wonderful support of friends and family! I had just graduated college and didn’t have a job yet, so I figured (with the encouragement of sweet friends) I’d start selling art while job hunting. I had stacks of paintings/sketches I had completed for fun while in school, so it didn’t feel serious at first. But, luckily, it grew!

 

2. How has life changed for you in the time since you graduated from Furman University?

More time painting, less time studying!

 

3. Who are your favorite artists?

SO MANY! I was an art history major, and still love exploring other artists’ work. I’m most in awe of Matisse, Raoul Dufy, and De Kooning. Recent/modern day obsessions include Britt Bass and Sally King Benedict. I love gathering color inspiration from abstract works.

 

4. What is your favorite thing to paint?

Flowers! There’s something very peaceful and joyful about creating floral arrangements with a paintbrush. I never have to worry about perfection, and the color palettes feel infinite.

 

5. How would you describe your style? 

Feminine and bright ;) Probably also on the comfortable side, especially if I’m painting.

 

6. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

(Hopefully) Still painting! Perhaps with a non-residential studio with great lighting.

 

7. You are very well known for your Map Prints, what is your favorite place to travel to?

Sea Island GA with family.

 

8. What is your favorite quote that really inspires you to follow your dreams?

When I was about 16, Maya Angelou wrote an article in Seventeen Magazine with the quote “try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” I loved it so much that I tore out the article and still have it framed! I like to strive to be a “rainbow” both in art and in life.

 

9. How many hours a week to you spend working on paintings and your shop?

Hmmm I suppose the same as everyone else, haha! I generally start working between 8-9 AM (the morning is my favorite time of day) and wind down around 5-6 PM. Sometimes more, sometimes less ;)

 

10. What is your favorite color and why?

Pink---it’s just such a happy color!

 

 11. In general, what inspires your artwork?

I never know how to answer this, because, really, it’s just everyday life! Ever since I got into painting, I’m always finding color, patterns, and compositions that I want to paint in very mundane places. I’m always taking note!

 

Thank you so much Evelyn for letting me interview you! I hope you all learned more about her and will go check out her paintings.

 

What was your favorite part of the interview?

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie

Bloggers With Class Award

I was so excited when I found out Cathleen nominated me for the brand new Bloggers With Class Award. When I first found the Bloggers With Class community on Google+ I thought it was a great idea. Cathleen started the community because she thought bloggers that have class could use some recognition because we are lacking some class in the world. I later found Cathleen's blog and quickly fell in love. She has an amazing blog about fashion and life, and of course, she always keeps it classy!

Rules:
~If tagged, please copy the rules into your post
~Please also link back to this post on Classy Cathleen
~Recognize the blogger that tagged you (share a little about them and their blog, and link back to them)
~Answer the questions that are a part of the award
~Tag 5 bloggers that you feel are classy to receive the award as well
~Let the bloggers know that they have been tagged!
~Be sure to include the link to the Bloggers With Class community (And don't forget to join!)
~Include the image in your post

Now lets get to the fun questions!!

Q- What do you think it means to be classy?

A- I think to be classy you have to present your self well. That means dressing and acting appropriately. You should have good manners and be well rounded.

Q- Who are some of your role models?

A- My biggest role models are Emily Raleigh and everyone in The Smart Girls Group. If you haven't already checked it out you need to!! Joining was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and this blog wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for SGG.

Q- Who are some of your style icons?

A- Serena and Blair from Gossip Girl. I also love lots of bloggers- Sequins & Stripes, Summer Wind, Southern Curls & Pearls, Kelly in the City, Covering the Bases, etc.

Q- Pearls or bows?

A- Pearls!!!

Q- Who/What inspires you?

A- The future. Thinking about my dreams for the future, and loving what I do, pushes me to try my best everyday.

Q- What is your favorite color?

A- Seafoam green

Q- Do you like the classy style? What are some of your favorite pieces/trends of the style?

A- I love the classy style! I, personally, think that even if your style isn't preppy it should always be classy. I am not a big "trend" person so the thing I love most about the classy style is that the pieces tend to never go out of style!

Q- What are some of your favorite quotes?

A- I have so many, but here a few:

Q- Why is it important to have class?

A- So people respect you. No one is going to take a trashy person seriously and give them responsibility!

Q- Why did you start your blog? When did you start your blog?

A- I started my blog on June 5th, 2014. Why I started my blog is kind of a long story... Basically I had been reading blogs of a long time and loved them, and then my then editor for Smart Girls Loop really pushed me to start my own!

Who I tag...

~Jamie of The Fashion Newcomer

~Renee of Gimme Glamour

~Anna of Undeniably Anna

~Stephanie of Petite Pastels

~Ally of Pearls & Peonies

~Neidelyn of Get Up & Dress Up

Thanks for reading,

xoxo

Carrie