This post was supposed to happen in April but due to COVID-19 we had to push it back. I've been so excited to wear these pieces and show them on the blog!

These Pearl Studs are made with 4mm Akoya Pearls - sourced from the freshwater of Japan - and rose gold posts made with 14K gold. AUrate ethically sources their 18-karat and 14-karat gold. At traditional retail these pearl stud earrings could cost $390, but AUrate sells theirs for $150 a pair, a more than 50% savings.

This outfit comes with a long backstory. But it's necessary to share why I had to make this purchase.  Back in February 2012 I posted photos of Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. In that post I said:

[...] ESPECIALLY the owl print t-shirts. I don't care how much they cost but I am going to get my hands on one of those! I'm an owl obsessed freak…maybe it comes from my Harry Potter obsession but I think they are SO cute!

Spoiler alert: I ended up not getting one of the owl tees. Instead I DIYed my own version because I couldn't justify the $300+ price tag. The sweater version with the beaded owl retailed for $3000.

Even though I had my DIY version I still searched for the real version. I had alerts for "Burberry owl" set up on eBay and a couple other sites. Owl sweaters & tees came and went with me resisting purchase. A few months ago I got an eBay alert that one had been posted. I watched it knowing I probably wouldn't buy it since it had been so long.

But then quarantine happened and I got an offer from the seller to purchase it for $75. How could I resist? Luckily I was able to make the splurge because my recent Disney trip was cancelled and I had a negative balance on my credit card from the refunds.  The rest of the refund money will go back into my vacation savings account.

This isn't the exact version I had posted 8 years ago, the sweater is a little lighter and the neck isn't as high, but it is pretty darn close! You can even tell that the owl I recreated was this owl - the colors I chose were very similar. I couldn't replicate the design exactly because I couldn't find small enough beads in colors/shapes I liked.

We're getting in to warmer weather now but I really wanted to post this before it goes away until Fall. Luckily last week we had some cold days so I wore it lounging around the house.

I have had today planned since early March 2019. Christian and I were supposed to be at Disney World. More specifically, at Hollywood Studios celebrating Star Wars Day in Galaxy's Edge.  When the opening date of Galaxy's Edge was announced my friends and I planned a trip for November 2019. Christian couldn't come because of work so I decided I would buy an annual pass and we would go again within a year. We decided on early May to coincide with Star Wars Day (May the 4th) and Mother's Day so we could have his Mom come along for a few days.

At the beginning of this March I knew we wouldn't be able to go due to coronavirus. I still held on to my reservations (dining, fast passes, even our special tours) until Disney cancelled them automatically because I needed that sliver of hope to get by. We were supposed to arrive at Disney early yesterday. Instead, we woke up in our own bed.


Even though we won't be at one of my favorite places, we are still going to make the best of everything. We have our health, as do our other family members & friends, and we know Disney will reopen eventually and we can go when it is safe to do so.

Back in the day I used to watch every Star Wars movie on May 4th. Now there are far too many so I pick & choose and do my best to get through them all! Since we're both still working we decided to start yesterday with the best films - the original trilogy. I also watched Rogue One on my own when Christian tired of the marathon. I will continue watching today while working (Christian works in another room.)

What Order to Watch the Movies In

Everyone has an opinion on the best way to watch the Star Wars movies. You can watch them chronologically, release order, with TV shows included OR Machete Order which cuts out The Phantom Menace, which many deem unworthy.  If I was having a first timer watch - and they have survived without spoilers this long - I would have them do it in almost release order. (Though I do enjoy Machete order, but I put in Phantom Menace)

1. Star Wars: A New Hope
2. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
3. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
4. flashback to Rogue One (the fandom is divided on this film, I love it.)
5. flashback even further to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
6. Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
7. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
8. flash forward to Star Wars: The Force Awakens
9. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (ugh...)
10. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
11. flashback to Solo: A Star Wars Story

Everything is on Disney+, except Solo is on Netflix for a few more months.

What Else to Watch

• The Mandalorian on Disney+: Even if you aren't a Star Wars fan this series is amazing! The cinematography is breathtaking and the story is fun.
• Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian: A documentary series on the making of The Mandalorian - it's brand new as of today! I have to wait until after work to watch the first episode with Christian. After today a new episode will be released each Friday.
• Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy: A documentary on the original Star Wars trilogy.
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars: An animated TV show. I haven't watched this myself yet, I know...shame on me, but lots of friends recommend it! 

For our celebrations I donned the Star Wars pajamas I bought back in 2015 and we had popcorn in old movie theater soda cups from other Star Wars movies. Wish I had more of them but my siblings and I divided them up, ha ha!

Other Fun Activities

• Play Star Wars video games - there are plenty.
• Do a Star Wars puzzle

Star Wars Baked Goods

If you like to bake, why not whip up a fun Star Wars treat!

• Blue Milk Pudding
• Chewie Chews & Blue Milk
• Ackbar Snackbar
• Yoda Pancakes
• Rey's Portion Bread
• More Official Star Wars Recipes

Forever 21 May the Force Be With You Pajama Top, Forever 21 Trust Me I'm a Jedi Pajama Pants, Sphero BB-8 (he can watch the movies with you and react!)

I received 2 pieces from a brand last month and was waiting to share them until this month since I was supposed to do a blog post featuring them. However, that post has now been postponed due to COVD-19. It will probably be a bit before you see them in an outfit post and I wanted to share them! AUrate is still shipping items with a very stringent policy on how to keep everything safe.


THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop ($127.50, retail $170)
   

Basics:

1. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)

Shoes:

1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop ($221.25, retail $295)
2. Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker ($14.83 via DSW, retail $64.99)

Accessories:

1. Ray Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses in Havana c/o Shopbop (retail $163)
2. Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop ($118.50, retail $158)

Gifted from Brands:

1. *NEW!* AUrate Pearl Studs in Rose Gold (retail $150)
2. *NEW!* AUrate Medium Chain Bracelet in Rose Gold (retail $50)

Total spent in April: $0

Total spent in 2020: $14.83

Since I haven't been taking new outfit photos lately I thought I would bring back an old blog series - Favorite Things - and feature some pieces I can't imagine living without.  These Miu Miu leopard sandals were one of my first designer splurges back in 2011. They were part of the Fall 2010 collection and I was low key obsessed for a while before I purchased them.

I first posted about them in October 2011 but had been in love since I saw them on Net-a-Porter at their full price of $795 - YIKES! Even before that blog post I had an eBay alert set up for months to find them. I finally found them in my size in November 2011 and splurged $400 (I think) on them. Still a crazy price to pay but every time I see them in my closet they bring me joy so I think it was worth it, even 9 years later.

They are brown and black leopard print calf hair sandals with a 6 inch heel and a 2 inch platform. Basically a dream for a short girl like me. I look SO TALL in them! Especially in super skinny jeans.  I used to wear them once a week when I was working in an office but since I started working from home in 2014 they've been more of an art piece in my closet brought out for special occasions.

Shop them:


Here are some past outfits featuring my Miu Miu leopard sandals.

Say Goodbye Burgundy Leather Pants

Revisiting October 29 2013

Revisiting May 9 2013

Clinton Crossing Spring Fashion Preview

Movado and Lucky Magazine Arm Candy Party

From the Boys

Thanksgiving Number 2

Date Night

Wild Thing

Merry Little Stroll

LuckyFABB Day 1

The Boyfriend

The Fool on the Hill

KARL for Net-a-Porter Launch

Christmas Celebrations

Pop of Leopard

If you're anything like me during this period of self-isolation you're getting a little stir crazy being inside all day.  I haven't left my house in 3 weeks, the last time I ventured out I didn't leave the car. I tagged along as Christian went to a garden store to buy some soil for our vegetable garden. So technically it's been 4 weeks since I went out in public.

I'm a big movie watcher, as evidenced by my movies seen list, so that's how I've been spending a lot of my free time outside work.  When I say movie watcher I don't necessarily mean I'm seeing every movie that's released. I'm picky with my genres and I enjoy going through old movies to watch the classic actors. But I won't be watching many scary movies or thrillers.

TCM is a great source for watching older movies. Luckily I can use my parents cable login to use TCM's ROKU TV app. You can also use PlutoTV for free and numerous other smart TV apps (Tubi, Roku Channel, etc.)

If there's a movie you're interested in make sure to check for it on JustWatch, it shows where the movie is currently available for streaming. Sadly it doesn't include some of those free apps.

Today I'm going to share some movies that never fail to cheer me up when I'm feeling down.  This list won't include Disney movies because the list would never end.  It also doesn't include some of my favorite series like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars because those aren't exactly "feel good" movies, haha. I'm trying not to share too many so this list isn't fully complete.

I'm sure you've seen a bunch of these already, but that's the point, they're movies you can come back to time and again for comfort.

The Princess Bride (1987)

I could watch this movie every day and never get bored. You would think with a name like The Princess Bride it would be a chick flick, but this movie is loved by men and women alike. My whole family is obsessed with this movie and we quote it often. Do yourself a favor and watch it if you've never seen it. And read the book! The author wrote the screenplay so it's surprisingly accurate.

A Knight's Tale (2001)

Ahh, Heath Ledger. This is my favorite of his films, so endearing! (Although he's amazing in The Dark Knight as well.) I remember the first time I watched this I was at a sleepover with my sister and our two friends and I didn't want to watch because it sounded stupid and I didn't like the picture on the box. Boy how wrong I was!

Little Women (1994)

A classic if there ever was one, Little Women always soothes my soul. My sister and I had the biggest crushes on Christian Bale in this movie when we were young. Now that I'm older I'm in love with the soundtrack. (The new Greta Gerwig version is also really good, but this one remains my favorite of the film adaptions. Not a huge fan of the 2 super old ones)

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

You can't go wrong with Jane Austen. This movie is so beautifully shot with an amazing soundtrack it's hard to not fall in love. (Funnily enough, this trailer uses a bit of a song from Little Women! Only for a quick moment, but as I said, I love that soundtrack so it was easy to pick out)

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997)

There are so many versions of Cinderella out there, this is by far one of my favorites. The cast, the songs, the costumes! Perfection. You won't stop singing the songs after you watch. I still remember watching this for the first time in my living room in 1997. It aired on a Saturday night as one of ABC's "Wonderful World of Disney" movies.

Bringing Up Baby (1938)

I can't mention I like classic movies without putting one on this list. Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant star in this comedy involving a leopard that still makes me laugh every time. One time I even counted how many times Susan says "David" in the movie and shared it on Instagram. (Spoiler alert: it's 168)

You've Got Mail (1998)

I have to include a Meg Ryan movie! You've Got Mail has to be my favorite. Who didn't dream of finding love through AOL back in the day? It could go horribly wrong, but in this movie it all goes right (mostly, hah!)

Honorable Mentions

• Clue (1985)
• Ever After (1998) 
• Some Like it Hot (1959)
• The Holiday (2006)
• It's Complicated (2009)
• Kate & Leopold (2001)
• The Proposal (2009)
• Romancing the Stone (1984)