Weekend in Washington

Last Friday, my Human Rights and Modern Day Slavery class headed to Washington DC to visit two anti-trafficking NGOs. We left campus bright and early, to make it to DC by 10am. Right as I woke up from my nap, I saw the gorgeous view of the Washing Monument. DC has always been my favorite city. I love the history, architecture, museums, and the politics and cannot wait to live there one day! 

The first stop on our was Polaris. Not only does Polaris run the Human Trafficking Hotline, but they also have recently put together a database of anti-trafficking NGOs, safe houses, and places for therapy all around the world. It was so exciting to learn about an organization that is working towards ending an issue that I have become so passionate about. Going to Polaris has opened my eyes to opportunitites that I might not have encountered if I had not taken this class.

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After visiting Polaris, we headed to Alexandria for lunch and to visit NCMEC. A few friends in the class and I stopped at the Bittersweet Cafe for lunch! It was absolutely adorable and such a cute local stop. I grabbed a delicious sandwich and a giant Arnold Palmer. 

Arlington is absolutely gorgeous! Wandering the streets during our quick lunch break was so much fun and a great way to relax in between two very intense information sessions. We even were even able to pop into a cute, local thrift shop! I bought the most ridiculous ugly sweater. I cannot wait to break it out this Christmas!

After our lunch break, we headed over to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They gave us a tour of their main facility, explaining the purpose and workings of each division. We were even able to get a first hand look at the Forensic Services Unit! As someone who is really passionate about forensics, it was so cool. I was able to speak with a few of the employees about possible internships for this summer! 

Love, 

Weekend Wishlist

Top: Left // Middle // Right

Bottom: Left // Middle // Right 

When November rolls around, I immediately start planning out my Christmas List. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday! I am obsess with all of the decoration and the happiness and cheer that come with them. Not to mention, Starbucks just started using their red cups and the peppermint mocha is not available which happens to be my absolute favorite winter drink. Even though I still have about a month to perfect my Christmas List, here are a few things that I have my eye on so far! 

I have always bought cheap watches that break really quickly, so I think this year I want to invest in a nicer one. I love the sleek look of the Gramercy Mini from Kate Spade. It is not too big, but still looks classy. The Lorac Pro To Go palette is to die for! The eyeshadows are beautiful colors and are perfect for the neutral look that I wear on a daily basis. I also love that it comes with two blushes and a bronzer. The perfect palette to travel with! 

What is on your Christmas List this year?

Love, 

Fashion Friday: A Casual Winter

Top: Old Navy // Bottoms: J. Crew // Vest: Patagonia // Boots: L.L. Bean // Socks: SmartWool // Earrings: Tory Burch

When it comes to the colder months of Fall and Winter  I absolutely live in comfortable, warm clothes. I have to admit that most of my flannels have come as hand me downs from my older brother's closet!  I received a pair of Bean Boots last year for Christmas and I am absolutely obsessed with them. They keep your feet nice and warm and I think that they actually look pretty cute. 

While I am trying to definitely dress it up more this Winter with some cords and sweater dresses, I will definitely count on leggings and flannels for the lazy days. For an outfit so comfortable, you somehow still look put together.

Love, 

Fashion Friday: Hinge Clothing

Hinge® takes its inspiration from vintage styles and interprets them into current silhouettes. Wardrobe-building basics are given a fresh spin with subtle details, making them a perfect pair with trend-right pieces. Styles are fun, feminine and free-spirited.

Every time my mom comes to Richmond, we make sure to make a trip to Nordstrom at the Short Pump Towne Center. Especially because we don't have one in Charleston, it is our absolute favorite place. During move in and parents weekend, we happened to find a few things that my mom would give me for my birthday.

Because I was unable to go home for parents weekend, I decided to skip out this weekend. I cannot tell you how relaxing it is to have a weekend at home. More on my version of "Halloweekend" to come later this week. 

While opening my birthday presents, I happened to realize that the two pieces I picked out from Nordstrom were both from the designer Hinge. I decided to look them up and absolutely adore so many of their pieces. 

What are your favorite, unknown brands?

Love,

My Own L.A. Story

Over Fall Break, I had the change to travel to Los Angeles with my Modern Day Slavery class. It was such an incredible experience, and I have so much to write about it but I'll try to keep it simple. The first day, we had a free day and were able to head to Santa Monica. We dipped our toes in the Atlantic Ocean, went shopping at the Third Street Promenade, and ate dinner at the end of the Santa Monica Pier. I was even able to go to lunch in Malibu with one of my best guy friends from High School! 

Over the next two days, we really delved into our study of Human Trafficking. Tuesday morning we went to the Museum of Tolerance which focuses on genocide around the world especially from the Holocaust. That afternoon we met with Ima Matul and Maria Suarez. They're stories are absolutely incredible and most definitely life changing. That night we got to wander down Hollywood Boulevard looking at the Star Walk and the Chinese Theater.

Wednesday morning we had free time to walk around downtown Los Angeles. After eating lunch at the top of the court building, we took a tour of the LAPD and had the chance to speak with the Human Trafficking Task Force. 

Going to Los Angeles, was one of the best life experiences I've had so far. It really reinforced my desire to pursue a career in Forensic Science and to work in the Justice System. 

Love, 

I'm Twenty!

On Friday I turned twenty! It is so crazy to think that I am no longer a teenager. I definitely still feel like a kid at heart!

At noon, I had a big organic chemistry test so my Thursday night and Friday morning were spent in the library studying like crazy. After my test, I met up with my friends for lunch in the dining hall to finally start celebrating. That afternoon, a friend and I went to get a manicure and then we all got ready to go out to dinner. Because we were going to a fraternity social that night, we had a super early but delicious dinner at The Daily in Richmond. After dinner, we all got all dressed up and headed to the social! It was absolutely so much fun. All of my friends including my big were there so they made it a really special night. 

This weekend I am heading home to take a relaxing weekend off. I can't wait to continue to celebrate my birthday with my parents and a few of my best friends. 

Love, 

Fashion Friday: Black and White

Necklace: Etsy // Sweater: Rag and Bone, Cotton On, Forever 21 // Loafers: C. Wonder // Skirt: J. Crew Factory // Dress: J. Crew Factory

This fall, I am absolutely loving black and white together. I am usually someone who wears a lot of color, but recently I have been gravitating towards more neutral colors. 
What are your favorite black and white pieces for the fall?

Love,