Outfit; A Pop of Color

This coat is my favorite coat. I love the bright color and how it's made. Two years ago I got it for Christmas and it the BEST!!! The one I am wearing is J.Crew Factory, but the J.Crew store has many options every year. I have always tried to bring bright colors into cold days. Makes me want to spring ahead a few month.

Details; Coat: J.Crew Sweater: J.Crew Pants: J.Crew Boots: L.L.Bean

Mens shirts

I am jealous of every single man. Simply because they get to wear comfy clothes everyday. Every time I wear a mens shirt or sweater I am just more cozy. There is something so nice about wearing something slightly bigger and having more room. I usually just steal my dad's sweaters from the 80's and they are amazing. 

Recently I have been OBSESSED with the over-sized mens oxford, and skinny jeans look. And I mean like actually buying a mens shirt, not just buying a larger shirt. It's casual but chic, and that whole "borrowed from the boys look." Kind of goes back to that clean cut look I talked about. It's a look everyone can do. 

Put it with some feminine touches, like earrings, and bracelets and maybe some hot heels, and then you have the perfect look. 

First inspired by Christina Graci an interior designer from New Orleans (hope to live there one day). 

And then I did some searching on Pinterest and I knew I was hooked. 

I think this will be a nice look for spring, can dress it up with some heels, or some cute sandals like the girl above.

 J.crew has a lot of options (as always) and so does Jack Wills.

I am loving this one from Brooks Brothers however, and I think it's the winner. 

What do you think of mens shirt?

Wanderlust; Russia

Maybe it comes from being adopted from Russia, and watching Anastasia when I was little but I have always found beauty in the country of Russia. Yes it is cold, but the snow makes for a beautiful sight, and yes, there is a lot about the country that isn't "safe" but the history and architecture makes for it.

The Olympics are happening there this year and I've noticed it more than ever now. I hope to go back and visit one day just to see the wonderful sights. The question is, do I brave the really, really, REALLY cold temperatures in the winter, or do I visit at a warmer time. 

Park Zheleznovodsk, Stavropol Krai (North Caucasus) Russia

 Novosibirsk, Russia

 Peterhof, Russia

 And of course, St. Petersburg

 One day I will pack up and visit.

Clean Cut

There is one look that I will never get tired of and that is the jeans and white shirt. The look is classic and anyone can wear it. You can dress it up with some accessories or dress it down. It's basically a blank canvas, and you decide what to do with it. I usually go to this outfit when I have no idea what to wear.

Add some fun ballet flats! 

Mackenzie Horan does it very nicely. 

And Sarah

 How would you wear this clean look?

Vibes

Ever just see a photo or hear a song and you just have good vibes? These are some photos (from Pinterest ) and a song from this week that gave me good vibes. 

Oh, I'm feeling the need the need to travel some place magical. 

 J.Crew ad. I love the statement earrings.

Vintage Yale football 

G-Eazy  is one of my favorite artist. He has a new album coming out soon (These Things Happen) and this was a song that "didn't make the album." Can't wait to see what he has in store.

What gives you good vibes?

Change

 

Okay, maybe it's the new year but recently I've been changing and I'm handling it better than I usually do. Change is good, or so I've heard, but lately I've been noticing things I want to gain or simply lose. I'm noticing people that are pulling me down, and I'm leaving them behind, and I'm seeing the people who are there with me through thick and thin. I'm starting to finally see who I want to surround myself with and that's a great feeling. Not only people, but things, I have been putting myself in music I enjoy, and simply clothes.

 I think turning 18 and the new year really made me start realizing who I'm becoming. Now don't get me wrong I still have no idea what is in store for the next year, but I am getting ideas, and ideas are stepping stones. 

"I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you are not I hope you have the strength to start all over again." - F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Playlist of the week

Trend: Winter White

I've never been the one wear white after Labor Day. I put away the white jeans and dresses after that day, however on Pinterest I have seen white worn during the months of winter. Recently I bought this skirt in white and keep looking for inspiration.

White on white is what really attracted me, and I love how she uses the necklace for a pop of color.
Source; Classy Girls Wear Pearls; Coloring a Snow Globe

What do you think of white in the winter?

Bean Boots

For Christmas this year my mom gave me a pair of L.L. Bean Boots. Although I didn't ask for a pair, it was a pleasant surprise. I have always wanted a pair, but I could never bring myself to get a pair. Now I can't take them off. With the crazy snow and rain we are getting I think they are becoming a staple. I love the way they look with leggings, or some tights and a dress.
Boots; L.L. Bean Socks;  J.Crew Factory (similar )

Movie recomendations

We've recently had two snows days!! Being the normal high school senior I've been sleeping in, and getting a little caught up on a few things. However nothing beats just putting on some pj's and watching a movie. I LOVE MOVIES! I watch new movies almost every weekend. Most people enjoy TV more, but TV in my opinion is now trash, and I enjoy reading, but call me a theater kid, I enjoy seeing what is happening. These are a few movies that I love to watch. My go to movies for when I just want unwind.

First: 500 Days of Summer; of how I adore this movie. It is easily one of my favorites. Not many times do I look at life differently after seeing a movie, but this movie changed my outlook on love and life in general. I LOVE IT! I advise everyone to watch it. It is not a love story. It is a story about love.

Second: Fantastic Mr. Fox; This movie is not for everyone, however it is something that if you do watch it, you will enjoy every second. It is kind of a kids film with adult humor, which is always enjoyable.

Third: The Truman Show; I love Jim Carrey. He is easily one of my favorite actors. My mom hates him because she believes he plays the same role in every movie. Although that may be true, he plays that one role so well! This movie was shown to me going into my freshman year of high school and it makes you ask the question "am I doing what I really want to?" It's got one of those lesson in it. I watch it when I need some guidance in life.

Fourth: Saving Private Ryan; After I traveled to France a while ago I was recommend this movie. It is absolutely beautiful to say the least. The last three movies don't show it, but I think war movies are my favorite movies. This is one of those movies where you are drawn in within the first minutes. Matt Damon and Tom Hanks are the dream in this film. The film shows the true sacrifices that happened in World War II, and how one team served America to their fullest duties. It's movies like this that make you feel patriotic and just simply love America.

Fifth: 50/50; Warning; you will cry. I never cry, and this movie had me crying harder than ever. Joesph- Gordon Levitt took on the role of a man who has a 50/50 shot of surviving cancer. This movie is well written and executed. With movies about an illness, I hate to say it, it is taken to the next level and I feel like it doesn't need that sometimes. This movie however was on point. The actors connected with their character really well and it worked. Seth Rogen deserves a round of applause too, because he played a role so different from anything.

What do you like to watch?

Welcome to Lily of the valley

My name is Lily, and welcome
I am so happy to be introducing my own blog!!! Starting a blog has always been an idea in the back of my mind for awhile now. After doing some research and being jealous of other blogs I went for it.
I'm a standard teenage girl to say the least.

I love to learn. I hope to major in history one day (finger crossed). I love to explore and cannot wait to see what my career path is one day.

Before we continue with this blog I would like to tell you more about me. I am adopted from Russia, and I'm so thankful for the family I have. My mom and dad are simply the greatest people ever. I have now lived in Virginia for the past 15 years. Traveling at least 2 hours to Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Washington D.C. always made me want know about the history of Virgina. Next, being around my grandfather's flower nursery in the summer made me love the flowers, and the colors. I enjoy the summer more than any season. There is something so magical about the heat, and just laying out under the sun. Virginia will always have a special place in my heart. One day I will move out of the state just for that "fresh start/ something new" feeling, but I know I will find my way back.

Lastly, I was just voted best dressed at my high school. Eeeeeep! My style is kinda like if Sarah Vickers and Devon Baldwin had some type of preppy, hippie child, it would be me. Does that make sense? Probably not. ANYWAYS...fashion has always been part of me too, I keep up with the trends while still making sure it's traditional. I need to know that the over-sized sweater will still be cool in four years. I hope to do a lot of fashion posts here. 

I hope you enjoy,
Lily