Della Grace's Life

Daily Wear- Roulette

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

These photos were titled "Russian Roulette" on my computer. I have no idea how this came to be. I must have either been tired (p) or watching a movie (q). Which means that this sentence would look like this in logic math: pq. See? I am learning something.

worn: cardigan/gift, scarf/gift, skirt/jcp, boots/ross, blouse/stolen from brother, earrings/five below

Daily Wear: Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, ladies! I hope you had a lovely day with loved ones and chocolate. Everywhere I went today there were treats, I even had a professor bring in brownies! Aren't you jealous of my college?

I told you I was theme dressing today. I went a hundred percent girl-y and Valentine-y...I was my own Valentine.

worn: sweater, skirt/thrifted and altered, shoes/payless, tights/target, earrings/claire's
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On a completely different rabbit trail, I've started a new challenge for myself. You see, my Mom gave me a Barbie calendar for Christmas and the outfits are quite inspiring. I've decided that for every month I will create an outfit inspired by Barbie's. I'm a little behind, but this Valentine's outfit was inspired by this picture below. I'll show you January's outfit soon!

Smooch.

2012-02-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Lick the one you love.

(Kidding. And if you try to come near me, my book bag is heavy.)

psst. themed outfit post coming later tonight!

Review: HANA Salon Flat Iron

2012-02-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

When I was offered the chance to review a Hana Salon 1.5" Flat Iron from Misikko, I was really excited. As I told their representative, my hair is anything but straight. It's neither curly or straight, just...wavy.

The presentation of the package is really great- like they advertise, it would be a the perfect gift for any girl on any occasion. They send you a spa in a box, not even kidding! Take a look at the first three pictures if you want proof. And if you want to treat yourself a little more, why not try the CHI Hair Dryer?

Not being an obsessive hair straightener or a hair straightener connoisseur, I'm not really experienced with straightening my hair. While it took me about 10-15 minutes to straighten my hair, the flat iron heats up super fast which was a pleasant surprise. When I've borrowed my sister's flat iron, it took a few minutes to get good and hot- hot enough to tame my mane. (And gee! When my hair is straight, it's long. Almost unbearably. Time for a cut?) I was really pleased with the results, my hair was not wavy and looks very modish when straight.

The only thing I would caution you with about this flat iron is that the power button is on the inner side, if you are clumsy like me you will need to watch out and not burn yourself. Or, don't straighten your hair when half asleep.

All in all, I'm very happy to have been able to review this product. I'm sure that I will enjoy many future days of straight hair because of it. Thank you Misikko for the opportunity to try your products!

Daily Wear: Umbrella

2012-02-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

I specifically asked for a clear umbrella for Christmas and happily, there was one under the tree on Christmas morning. Sadly, there has been no occasion to use it until these past few weeks. This umbrella is amazing. It can cover me and my book bag completely so nothing gets wet. And the best part? You don't walk into cars or other pedestrians because it's clear!

worn: blouse/thrifted, necklace/walmart, jeggings/jcp, boots/gift via old navy, belt/thrifted, umbrella/gift

Daily Wear- Milkmaid

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun taking my outfit pictures with my goats. I don't have as much time as I want to just hang out with them since college started...I forgot how funny they are to observe. So here is me in my natural habitat!

worn: dress/thrifted, belt/thrifted, shoes/old navy, necklace/walmart

Daily Wear- Black Elephant

2012-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

While some bloggers like to dress up like the ballerinas from Black Swan, I prefer to dress like a Black Elephant of Doom and take drunk-face pictures (this was my trademark face as a child).

What can we conclude from this?

1. I probably shouldn't endeavor to call myself an elephant. I think it's because I've been reading Faulkner who constantly references big mammals and girls in the same breath.

2. Taking photos when I'm half asleep and coffee deprived will never be a good idea.

worn: shirt/hand-me-down, skirt/old navy, shoes/target, hairband/gift, necklace/gift

Daily Wear- School Girl

2012-02-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

When life hands you man ties, you dress like a 1940's typing school girl.

I am so excited right now. There are so many amazing things I get to study and write about this semester like Hemingway, Kierkegaard, ect. Sometimes I get too caught up in the stress and forget about how much fun my studies are. Getting a Liberal Arts degree rocks.

worn: vest/thrifted, dress/thrifted and altered, tie/vintage hand-me-down, tights/ross, shoes/fossil

Daily Wear- I've Been Kilted

2012-02-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

I work up at the bleak hour of 7 a.m and grabbed my warmest and softest clothes. I'm positive that my subconscious wanted me to dress like this because I had read Kasmira's blog before I went to bed. Now there's a lady who can pattern mix!

worn: shirt/thrifted, skirt/thrifted, boots/dsw, earrings/five below

Pit of Doom

2012-02-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

I found this photo online and giggled. I've been working hard all morning along with my Dad to fill out tax info for applications and FAFSA. (Good news! I'm eligible to go into debt and get loans. That made me laugh really hard.)

Most of the applications are due March 1st along with essays and a million reports and recommendation letters from current professors.

I've now settled by the fire, transposing my jumbled thoughts into a coherent "why I want to transfer" statement.

Daily Wear- It was a mushroom cloud bomb of a test.

2012-02-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in life, we fail miserably. After a hearty scream or cry, I recommend you pick yourself up (or in this case, myself) and move on at a fast clip.

Why yes, I absolutely bombed a test this week. I'm a little more dramatic because this is the first test I've ever bombed. I had three tests this week and not enough time to study for all of them. And unfortunately, physiology is the topic I struggle with the most. The grade I received showed me that.

The good news is, I will never have to touch action potentials (my downfall) again on a test. I'm allowed to move on and forget they exist. Now to avoid the pitying looks from that professor.

I think I've just received the kick-in-the-pants motivator that I've been lacking these past few weeks. On to better test scores and fun outings with siblings!

worn: sweatshirt, tank, necklace/target, shoes/old navy, jeggings/jcp

Daily Wear- Procrastination is Purple.

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

In a desperate attempt at procrastination, I decided to dress like a purple berry and to try to remix this dress. The procrastination attempt was successful, but the outfit? Meh. It feels like a slacker outfit.

And seeing these pictures makes me hate my hair. If I ever found a genie, I would make him give me perfect hair everyday of my life. And then somehow, my wish for perfect hair would come back to haunt me every waking moment.

Oh? Happy February!

worn: cardigan/thrifted, dress/thrifted, boots/sears, necklace/handmade by sister

Daily Wear- Mortal Syntax

2012-01-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

As I sat in the college hallway at 8 in the evening, chortling to myself, the Professor of Anatomy and Physiology walked by and remarked, "That looks like a good book, what is it?" Beaming, I gleefully told him it was a grammar book and did he want a read? From the horrified look on his face, I gather that he does not find grammar books as amusing as I. He then assured me that I am a "great student" in both science and English. And then I assured him that is was indeed a fun book. Both of us assured, he walked away and I went back to reading.

Hannah always gives the best book presents. I urge everyone to read this book. It stays in my purse for those free moments before class so I don't have to awkwardly make conversation. (Hey look, Amazon has it for $12!)

worn: lace collar/thirfted, skirt/thrifted, sweater/thrifted, tights/thrifted, shoes/co CSN

Daily Wear- Drawing Board

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

This dress has a very schoolmarm-ish vibe to it which is why I left my hair down- I go to school, I do not teach. Though, I suppose the pumps negate the letting down of my hair.

I had a long weekend- all family members (extended included!) minus one were present. The house was probably shaking from all the noise. Now it's back to school and lots o' tests this week. I can't believe I already have tests, I feel like I just started this semester!

worn: dress, heels, tights/ thrifted, scarf/hand me down, ring/gift

Diligence

2012-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

At times, college can seem vastly overwhelming. Throw in college applications as well as a full time semester and I start wondering if it's worth it. But that's only in my moments of extreme terror (the kind that wake me up at 2 a.m).

But every time I get an A or have a professor remark that they can see I'm trying makes all the hard work worth it. Not painless or worry free by any means.

For me, the hardest part of college is trying to balance procrastination and spur of the moment diligence. And saying "no" to watching Korean Dramas all night long.

Having just been accepted into one university (LA Tech!) it's tempting to not work on any more of my college applications (William and Mary, Mary Washington, and Washington and Lee). But now that I have my first taste of being accepted, I want more. It's like getting your first real grade in college. You become addicted to that grade-high feeling. It's wonderful.

I shall endeavor to be more responsible and diligent in my studies and my college applications. Slacking off is no longer an option. These next few weeks I shall get my rear in gear, as the military says. Diligence is going to become my first name.

(What's with this attitude? The three tests that loom in front of me.)

Daily Wear- Stoned

2012-01-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

I managed to wear all my favorite things in one outfit! And how ridiculous is that belt?

I've got the plague again...I seriously sound like a hacking elephant right now. Aren't my lab partners lucky? At least having the plague means no one invites me anywhere and I get more homework done. Right?!

worn: sweater, belt/thrifted, necklace/target, skirt/sewn by me, boots/gift, seagull cuff/gift

Daily Wear- Seeing Spots

2012-01-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

I wimped out and took my photos next to the warmth of the fire instead of out in the frigid outdoors. Sarge decided he wanted to have his daily wear pictures taken, too. I obliged because he is so sweet. Hounds are the best family dogs...not to cuddly, licky, or needy. Just the right amount of friendly.

worn: blouse/thrifted, belt/gift, skirt/thrifted, tights/kohls, heels/fossil

Daily Wear- Mod Farm

2012-01-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

When I showed this outfit to my little sister, she proclaimed that it was so "mod farm". Puzzled, I asked her what that was...she meant Mod Cloth. But hey, I'll take Mod Farm seeing as I'm a milkmaid anyways.

Over the weekend I was very busy with homework and hurting myself. The worst hurt? Breaking my toe. So I'm stuck in flats for the next few weeks. But this will give me a chance to parade around in my barely worn boots!

worn: boots/dsw, dress/self sewn, sweater/jcp, belt/thrifted, earrings/target, necklace/walmart

Della Bakes: Red Velvet Cake

2012-01-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I had this intense desire to bake a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. No substitutes allowed. So I did what any normal girl without a kitchen would do, I mixed together the cake in the bathroom and then cooked it after the workers had left the now barren kitchen.

And now I'm out of red food coloring. A whole bottle went into this cake. And two blocks of cream cheese and two blocks of butter went into the icing. Dear Paula Dean, aren't you proud of me?!

(If you feel like you've missed out on the whole kitchen thing, let me inform you: my parents are completely redoing the kitchen. So we have the bare bones left on the weekends...it's slowly coming together. And looking very nice if I may say so.)

Student to Student: Classroom Etiquette

2012-01-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

After completing the first two weeks of this semester, there are a few things that I would like to remind students of. If you have anything to add from your own college experience, please leave them in the comments.

1. Bring your own notebooks and pencils. Obviously you are aware enough to sign up for classes, pack your bag with supplies.

2. Do not play footsie with the girl in front of you. Especially if you aren't wearing shoes.

3. In accordance with #2, don't sprawl on the tables. Maintain your space bubble.

4. Do not use any electronics during class. Especially your phone. Everyone in the class room knows you are texting, so does the professor.

5. Really? Falling asleep in class? This isn't high school. Get the appropriate amount of sleep and or coffee to make it through an 1.5 hour long class. You can do it.

6. If you are in college, than you probably think you are mature. Act like it. Don't pout when you get your grades back. You reap what you sow.

7. Personal hygiene. It may not matter to you, but for the sake of all of us students, brush your teeth and use deodorant. And to the boy who wears to much Axe and stinks up the study rooms, I will find you.

8. Don't talk about the teacher behind their backs in class. They can hear you.

9. Don't swear in class. Especially about homework assignments.

10. If you eat food during class, eat something neutral. Leave the Chinese outside. Same goes for pot (which isn't a food, but does smell up the classroom and kills your brain cells, which are...useful).

Daily Wear- Stick To It

2012-01-19T04:30:00.000-08:00

My camera remote broke right before taking these pictures, which really bummed me out. (Yes, bummed.) I'm ordering a new one right now, but the next few outfits are blurry and out of focus. You'd be bummed out too.

I am so excited to not have a Friday class this semester- I'm trying to get into a routine of getting my homework done mainly on Friday so I can hang out or whatever on Saturday. I really need to work on sticking to a routine though...I tend to be more than a little lax in that area.

worn: vest/thrifted, top/thrifted, pants/target, heels/fossil, flower pin/gift

Daily Wear- Sheepskin

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

You caught me, I'm theme dressing again. I can't give it up, I just can't. Everyone should theme dress. Why? 1. Inspiration has been given to us for years, my inspiration was old cowboy movies and shows (I had a crush on Adam from Bonanza as a little girl). 2. It gives you an excuse to wear crazy faux fur vests and cowboy hats and boots. 3. You'll think of me every time you do it.

worn: vest/target, blouse/gift, belt/thrifted, skirt/old navy, boots/give, hat/target, jewelry/gifts

Daily Wear- Waltz of the Snowflakes

2012-01-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

The first day of the fall semester, we were graced with an earthquake. The first day of the spring semester, we were graced with a tiny snowstorm.

I think the weather gods want to motivate me via natural disasters.

Motivation is actually the one thing I'm lacking right now. Which means that I have done the bare minimum due for classes. This bodes ill.

worn: top/borrowed, skirt/made by me, earrings/gift, flower pin/gift, shoes/dsw, tights/thrifted

Daily Wear- Madame Librarian

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hands down, this is my favorite winter skirt. It was thrifted for a song (and a poorly written one, at that!) and I've worn it for the past two fall/winters. And it's vintage! I need to only purchases items that will prove themselves worthy like this skirt...especially since I'll only have room in my dorm next fall for my favorite things.

I'm torn between petrified and exhilarated at the thought of moving out and attending a "real" college. Such a strange thought. It's nuts that I only have one full time semester left of my sophomore year.

worn: sweater/thrifted, skirt/thrifted, shoes/fossil, hair clip/gift, necklace/gift, purse/thrifted

Daily Wear- Sneakers

2012-01-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

Before this semester started, Mom, Es, and I left the construction zone (our house) and headed to Potomac Mills.

After having stepped on a tack (my foot still hurts!) I knew that wearing sensible shoes was mandatory. But I didn't mind, Pumas are really the best. I love mine. And Elaine had recently posted cute outfits that included sneakers, so I was inspired. I only bought myself a ring at Forever 21 and a few closet organizors at Ikea...I mainly went to hang out and take pictures in the parking lot. :)

worn: blazer/kohls, jeggings/jcp, tank/target, necklace/gift, glasses/amazon, shoes/puma

Daily Wear- Out on a Limb

2012-01-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

Whew. Sorry I disappeared there! This first week of spring semester has been intense- I leave the house early and get home late. Adjusting to new schedules and professors is a lot of work.

At least I'm done for the week and can now stay at home and work on homework.

worn: shirt/jcp, jumper/homemade, beret/h&m, cuff/gift, earrings/gift, boots/target

Daily Wear- Call of the Wild

2012-01-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

Unlike Buck in The Call of the Wild, I would never have recognized my primordial instincts in the wilds of Alaska and then I would have died of frostbite. I barely survived taking these pictures in 20 degree weather. I am a weak human instead of a magnificent dog I'm afraid. I'm sure London would have thought of me as such a wimp.

Though, these boots would probably have done very well in the cold. I traipsed through mud and underbrush and they came out with nary a scratch and I didn't have frostbitten toes. I call that a win!

Today is the first day of classes! I will be in class for seven hours (3-10 PM)- Anatomy and Physiology II and Into to Philosophy. Wish me luck staying awake. ;)

worn: coat/hand me down, boots/diy, skirt/diy, vest/thrifted and altered, scarf/dollar store, shirt/hand me down

DIY: Shearling Ankle Boots

2012-01-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

I love all shearling items, the coats, the boots...But coats and boots with the addition of faux fur are dreadfully expensive. I decided to diy a pair of thrifted ankle boots (they cost me 3 dollars). I bought a 1/4 of a yard of faux shearling for $2 at JoAnn's. I then cut and hot glued the fur on the top of the boots. I think they came out really cute! And you cannot beat paying $5 instead of $30+ for a pair of trendy boots.

Daily Wear- Black, White and Red All Over

2012-01-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

What's black and white and red all over?

A zebra in a blender.

Hardy har har.

I can't stop the dumb stuff coming out of my mouth anymore. College needs to start again.

worn: dress/from grandmother, jacket/gift, shoes/payless, tights/gift

iTunes Quiz

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ok basically, what you do here is put iTunes on shuffle. For each question, press next song. Whatever random song iTunes selects is the answer for the question. I'm addicted to these quizzes because the answers are always so ridiculous.

1. How is your mood right now?
Hold On- Sister Hazel

Hold on to break? Yes.

2. How is tomorrow going to be for me?
Perfect Peace- Laura Story

Well, if you call Ikea perfect peace.

3. What kind of person am I?
Kick Off- Relient K

I should really try to be this person.

4. Am I loved?
Wish That- B. Reith

Um, actually, I'm pretty sure I'm loved.

5. How can I achieve my highest potential?
No More Pills- The Benjy Davis Project

Yep, I should definitely give up the pills.

6. What should I do with my life?
Hey Mama- Mat Kearney

Ha!

7. Is everything really going to be alright in the end?
In Christ Alone- Owl City

Perfect.

8. What is my best quality?
Outta Control- Thousand Foot Krutch

I'll take that!

9. How does my life look?
Feeling Good- Michael Buble

This is exactly how I feel!

10. What is the meaning of life?
Time Machine- The Click Five

Oh man, too perfect.

11. What do people think of me?
Kiss With a Fist- Florence + the Machine

Seriously? 'Cause that would rock.

12. Do I make a good catch?
Young Dumb and in Love- Mat Kearney

Is that a no??

13. How crazy am I?
Beyond Measure- Jeremy Camp

Dying.

14. Will I have a good life in general?
Title and Registration- Death Cab for Cutie

I feel a little emo now.

15. Can anyone ever really love me?
Whatever It Takes- Michael Buble

Thank you, Mr. Buble.

16. What is the one thing that will really make me happy?
Cosmic Love- Florence + the Machine

I'm pretty sure that everyone thinks love with make them happy...

17. What's going to happen to me this week?
Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus

Score! I love parties.

18. Where will I be a year from now?
Galaxies- Owl City

I wish! But I'm pretty sure I'll be back home on break.

19. What is my biggest wish?
Mr. Blue- The Fleetwoods

Hahaha!

20. What is the love of my life doing at this very moment?
Merry Go Round- Poets of the Fall

I'm going to marry a person who works a merry go round? Hmmm.

21. How will I die?
In Repair- John Mayer

In surgery? Never getting another surgery again!

22. What will happen after I die?
Hot Air Balloon- Owl City

Note to family: I want my ashes spread from a hot air balloon after I die in surgery.

23. How do my friends feel about me?
Thank You- Sanctus Real

They'd better! ;)

24. What is my current theme song?
Only Natural- Steven Curtis Chapman

That's my excuse.

25. What music will play at my funeral?
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!- ABBA

Truly? That would make my death.

Daily Wear- First O' the Year

2012-01-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

This outfit I blatantly copied from one of my favorite Korean Dramas: Mary Stayed Out All Night. I waited for over six months for this show to become available online, all because it had the actor from You're So Beautiful. And I love him. But then, I'm obsessed with Korean Dramas.

You know what an amazing job would be? Styling all those drama characters. Lots of layers, jewels, and sleek hair. If only.

And check out my beret, Danielle knitted it! Lady has got skillz.

worn: sweater/thrifted, skirt/thrifted, tights/ross, shoes/kohls, beret/gift

Dadgum, Coffee

2012-01-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

This what my pantomimes look like when Coffee is annoying me. When I study she insists on laying on my computer and or my hands. Enter frustration. Let's hope she's not this bad when I'm working on college applications.Which haven't happened yet. Must get a move on. I still have decided if I want my essays to be desperate or nonchalant.

If you've got any college advice, please, share. I love hearing about other people's experiences. :)

Daily Wear- Twee

2012-01-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

Proof that I have changed from jeggings and into something fancier!

Hannah and I were discussing stupid sounding words and I remembered 'twee'. We both agreed that one should refrain from using words that make one sound stupid. But in the case that someone needs the definition of twee, it's this outfit.

worn: sweater/thrifted, dress/ross, shoes/gift, tights/thrifted

Daily Wear- Break

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Are you ready for 2012? I'm super excited for all the college changes that are coming. So much to do, so little time.

My break wear has consisted largely of jeggings. Why, you ask? The accommodate the lounging required by all family activities. And jeggings are amenable to holiday foods. (Not that I ate many. After baking all the cookies, I didn't even want to look at them.)

worn: sweater and jeggings/jcp, shoes/old navy, top/thrifted, necklace/f21

Daily Wear- Sparkle, Mary, Sparkle

2011-12-31T05:30:00.000-08:00

On this particular day I couldn't help but don all my sparkly gear. Waking up early for church requires strange motivators.

I was really trying to get all my outfits posted before the first day of 2012, but I don't think it's going to happen. C'est la vie!

P.s. the title is from the very old MGM version of Pride and Prejudice.

worn: shirt and belt/vintage and thrifted, skirt/thrifted, shoes/dsw, tights/thrifted

Anniversary and Favorite Outfits of 2011

2011-12-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

{January 2011, Tin Foil}

{February 2011, Sweetheart}

{March 2011, Ripples}

{April 2011, Birthday Suit}

{May 2011, Scorpion Queen}

{June 2011, Seagulls}

{July 2011, Playing with Kids}

{August 2011, Back to School Earthquake}

{September 2011, Botany, Worn and Seen}

{October 2011, Cowboys and Indians}

{November 2011, Swedish 70's}

{December 2011, Monkey Fur}

I seemed to have missed the anniversary of my outfit documentation- I started two years ago during finals at college (which is probably why I keep missing the actual day).

I decided to kill two birds with one large post. Everyone is doing their end of the year recaps, so I thought I'd join in.

Here are my favorite outfits to commemorate the anniversary and the end of 2011!

Daily Wear- The Final Finale

2011-12-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

I was feeling a little nervous about my math final but cured that feeling with a fancy outfit. And giving my Professor cookies. ;)

And this is the last outfit from the Fall semester. I cannot believe it's over. I still wake up and try to remember what class I have "today". Ridiculous. I'm free 'til January 9th!

worn: sweater/vintage and thrifted, blouse/kohls, tights/ross, shoes/dsw, skirt/thrifted and altered, hair pin/claire's

Daily Wear- Blurred

2011-12-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

You will laugh at me when I tell you when these photos are from...December 15th, that's when! I am so behind on blogging. I blame being sick and the fact that trying to blog via Internet Explorer or Mozilla is beyond painful.

I bought that top at Target on clearance for $5 and I have worn it at least ten times. I've basically lived in it for the past two weeks.

My Christmas was lovely. I got a super cool Christmas present- I'll take pictures and post soon, promise.

worn: top/target, jeggings/jcp, shoes/kohls, earrings/claire's
worn: