lust list 004: holiday gifts

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year -Andy Williams

one. [$8.00] Honestly, who wouldn't want a pretty little mug? I think mugs could be a great gift for a secret santa or for a low-budget gifting situation. Get a cute mug like this one from Cath Kidston, fill it with tea bags or hot cocoa mix, tie it with a pretty ribbon, and you're set!

two. [$35.00] A pricier option for a gift is this great Cath Kidston toiletries bag. It folds out and even has a hanger on the inside so it's ideal for traveling. I don't have anything of this sort so my makeup is always pretty mixed up in a little section of my suitcase. This would be a very pretty and useful gift for anyone with a girly taste.

three. [$7.25] Here is one great stocking stuffer! This Lush "Rosy Ruby Red Bubbler" gives your bath water a nice smoky scent as well a pretty, glittery red color. Its scent is a combination of rose and carnation, but it's more spicy than flowery. Lush's handmade cosmetics and bath works are sure to please, and this bubbler will provide a lucky someone with a relaxing and festive bathing experience.

four. [$28.00] I can't help but think I would feel like Holden Caulfield in this hat and hop in a cab to ask where the ducks go. This hat from Topshop is made to last and certainly won't go out of style anytime soon so it's a simple and handy gift perfect for the person you don't know exactly what to get for.

five. [$44.00] Kiehl's is a brand that I've read a lot of great things about but have yet to try. I've heard their East Village shop is really nice so I'll have to pop over sometime. This gift set is called "Kiehl's Greatest Hits" and it includes amino acid shampoo and conditioner, creme de corps body moisturizer, creme de corps honey and soy milk body polish, ultimate strength hand salve, ultra facial cream, and midnight recovery concentrate. The set has a great selection of products and it makes a nicer gift than a typical run of the mill bath set.

six. [$120.00] If you've got a bigger budget, this owl face sweater (ahem..jumper) by Emma Cook for Topshop makes the perfect gift for a trendy girl in your life...even if that may be yourself! The color is very fresh and the owl face is absolutely adorable. What's not to love?

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yeah this is happening.

Happening -Chiddy Bang

cardigan: h&m

leggings: simply vera

scarf: h&m

cami: tj maxx

shoes: steve madden

lips: revlon lip butter peach parfait

I'll be honest: when I saw this cardigan in the store, I thought it was so ugly that it was beautiful. All the earth toned patterns, the corduroy elbow patches, and the big brown buttons--it was something fit for a grandfather yet I knew it needed to be mine. A lot of the time I find pieces that I laugh at when I first see them, then I try them on and fall in love. There's just something about taking an unconventionally beautiful piece and pairing it in such a way that really shows it off. 

I wasn't going to do an outfit post today because I have a performance later and I'm up to my neck in work, but I ended up liking my comfy get-stuff-done outfit so I posted anyway! And now it's time for me to recaffeinate and hit the books!

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good morning sunshine.

Good Morning Sunshine -Alex Day

dress: h&m

skirt (underneath): h&m

cardigan: h&m

scarf: calvin klein (tj maxx)

tights: h&m

shoes: steve madden

lips: mac please me

I was originally in a bit of a rut for today's outfit but I decided to go for my cat dress. I originally wore a white sweater over the dress, but I switched to this cardigan at the last minute, because the fit of the sweater just wasn't right for the shape of the dress. I felt that my dress was also a teensy bit too short so I pulled on another black skirt and set it low on my hips (as it's also too short!) so that it would peek out at the bottom of my dress. I'm very happy with the result. I guess the lesson learned is that trial and error is sometimes just the way to go!

On a different note, I've been receiving a lot of really great input on my posts lately and I couldn't be more grateful! I don't have many followers, but I really appreciate each and every one and there's nothing better than hearing your thoughts in the comments. I've been spending so much time reading different blogs and leaving comments that it's inspired me to really try to improve and expand my blog. 

When I first started blogging, I didn't especially take the time to explore many blogs. Of course, I had my favorite few that were the ones that inspired me to start blogging, but I didn't really try to find any other interesting blogs. Now that I'm reading more and more blogs and giving others feedback, I'm so happy that I'm receiving more feedback myself! I'm starting to feel like I'm getting more involved and I'm a part of a community.

As far as expanding my blog and creating more goes, I'm trying, and that's all I can really say. I used to get so frustrated when my photos didn't come out well, or I didn't know how to edit images together, or my layout looked incredibly boring. Sometimes my outfits aren't that great and sometimes my pictures are lacking. But I'd rather be creating material that's average than creating no material at all. I know my blog needs to be okay before it can be good and good before it can be great. I think this video sums up my sentiments exactly. The important thing is that I'm really starting to develop a real passion for blogging. It doesn't matter that I don't have thousands of followers and I don't get invited to press days--that's not what blogging is about. It's about sharing and creating, but if you do get those bonuses along the way, great! 

So basically I think my point is that I really appreciate the feedback I've been getting, and I'm excited about continuing to blog and improving my posts, photos, etc! Thanks for reading!

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easy peasy.

Now is the Start -A Fine Frenzy

cardigan: forever 21

dress: xhilaration (pretty old from target)

snood: calvin klein (tj maxx)

shoes: steve madden

tights: tj maxx
lips: revlon lip butter in peach parfait

Today's outfit really isn't anything special but I like to be honest on here about what I am wearing. I've been pretty stressed out about my upcoming due dates for final papers, not to mention the fact that it's currently tech week for a dance showcase I'm in, and I just keep catching myself fantasizing about Christmas and spending far too much time looking at different blogs. 

I woke up very unwillingly to drag myself to work at 9am so I just grabbed what looked comfortable. I really don't wear brown at all and  green is often paired with brown, but I think pairing it with black looks very fresh and edgier. So I tried not to be too dull, despite my pre-coffee outfit picking.

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christmas, dorm style.

Last Christmas -Glee Cast Version

I thought I'd share some photos of how I decorated my dorm for the holidays! Enjoy!

I'll be filming a vlog for Seventeen about how I went about decorating in 2 weeks, but I thought I would just share some photos here. I got my ornaments from the dollar bin at Target and nearly everything else I got super cheap at the thrift store! Because of my school's rules, we had to tape everything with a lot of blue painter's tape. I also have my room stocked with plenty of tea and some holiday treats (I may have opened the emergency chocolate already when writing an essay yesterday). Also this Glade spray is the best thing ever. It makes my dorm smell like a Christmas tree and I am in love.

Have you decorated for the holidays yet?

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what do I stand for?

Some Nights -Fun.

sweater: thrifted, vintage Christian Dior men's sweater

leggings: cotton on

shoes: steve madden

hat: free people 

scarf: calvin klein

coat: american eagle

lips: revlon top tomato

I think I actually shrieked when I found this sweater at the thrift store. I was rifling through the men's section looking for some nice fluffy sweaters when I felt something soft and bam, Christian Dior. Because these leggings are so crazy, I knew I would have to pair them with something simple so this sweater seemed like the right choice. My winter wear was also incredibly necessary because IT'S SNOWING.

Remember when yesterday I said I'm too cheap to buy disco pants? Yes. Well. It was 1 am and I had come back from a rehearsal that ended at midnight and I was scouring the internet because some student group was giving out free coffee and donuts around 10 o'clock so I couldn't sleep. I realized that American Apparel still has 20% off everything today as an extension of their Cyber Monday sale, so I just gave in and ordered a pair of black disco pants. I regret nothing.

It was still a lot more than I usually spend on a single clothing item, but I think the pants will be very versatile in my wardrobe. And would I ever get the opportunity to get a discount on such flattering pants ever again?! (Probably). I really am quite cheap when buying clothes, especially when spending my own money. All of my designer stuff is from thrift stores or discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Century 21, so be not deceived! But in the end, I was completely satisfied with my first AA purchase and I can't wait for my pants to arrive. I woke up to my order confirmation email, and in that moment, I swear I was infinite.

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today will be a good day.

Put on a Happy Face -Bye Bye Birdie

top: mine (marshalls)

belt: thrifted

skirt: forever 21

boots: steve madden

lips: sula natural lipstick in after sunset

I liked this outfit better in my head than when I put it on and I couldn't figure it out until I realized that this top is a junior's large instead of a small! Ugh boo hiss. I always figure that these sort of tops have the same fit so I didn't try this on in the store, but I guess the large was on a hanger that said small. I didn't realize until I was wearing the shirt either. Ah well, I wouldn't wear this top with a billowy skirt again, but I'd really love to wear it with a pair of disco pants. But I really can't justify spending $85 on a pair of pants, as I'm too cheap and a poor college student.

Anyways, I was feeling a bit down last night for no reason whatsoever when I stumbled upon Zoella's video on dealing with panic attacks and anxiety. I get pretty bad spurts of anxiety a lot of the time but I never do anything about it. I always felt like I needed to validate my problem as serious to make a change. But I'm starting to try to have a more positive outlook. It isn't easy but I started this morning by waking up at a decent our and telling myself that today would be a good day. And although today isn't anything out of the ordinary, I think it's turned out to be a pretty good day indeed.

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life in review 020

Where Are You Christmas -Faith Hill

it snowed/Munch at MoMA/holiday sbucks/selfie/11.11.11/new Lana album/reptile tights/lights at Columbus Circle/bloggin/fig jam at brunch/tea break/tfios/chocolate cookies/John Green live chat/tofurky/Thanksgiving/great documentary/good ole New Jersey bagel

instagram: rebeccadecz

one. I had a really lovely Thanksgiving filled with lots of great food, rest, and time spent with friends.

two. Buuuut now that I'm back at school I really need to focus on the many final projects I have coming up! I will definitely be quite busy.

three. I decorated my dorm for Christmas and I LOVE it. My mind is all Christmas. Forgive appreciate the impending flood of holiday music.

four. In about two weeks I'm going to do my Christmas shopping at Bryant Park and Union Square market! I'll definitely take photos and write a bit about what each has to offer.

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faceoff 002

Maybelline DreamLumi Highlighting Concealer, e.l.f. studio eyebrow kit, e.l.f. eyeliner brush (used with eyebrow kit), Revlon ColorStay Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch, L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Carbon Black mascara, Soho Beauty Powder brush, Rimmel London Eye Definer in Exaggerate, MAC powder blush in Margin, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry, Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2 in 1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum Ultra Black

Here is a closer look at how I wore my makeup for this look. For brunch I wanted my look to be a bit more dramatic than my everyday makeup, so I added some winged liner to my typical shadow. Winged liner, in my opinion, is more appropriate for everyday wear than a smoky eye because it is much more neat and put together. 

For my lips I wore Revlon lipstick in Black Cherry. Because it's such a dark color, it still looks really pretty when it wears off so it's a good choice when you know you will be eating and drinking. It gives your lips a very nice stained look.

This makeup look is something I would wear either at night or during the day. It's simple yet very elegant, so I tend to wear it a lot.

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