#Confession: I'm OBSESSED with Social Media

I've been pinning up a storm lately, and can honestly say that I'm becoming a bit obsessed with social media! Can you blame me though? Pinterest is this amazing, endless source of inspiration.

Look at the things I've pinned -- inspiration for just about every part of my life.

I love the lace and blush pink - this is pinned to my "FASH!ON" board. 

THIS LOOKS DELICIOUS. - this is pinned to my "This Looks Delish! (Food)" board

Creative Gift Ideas - pinned to my "So Very Crafty" board.

Love the Blue/White/Bookshelf - pinned to my "Future Grownup Home" board

Quirky, Cute Clutch - pinned to my "Clothes I Loveee" board

What a cute idea for weddings - pinned to my "Someday When I Get Married" board

THIS. IS. GORGEOUS. I'm without words - pinned to my "Art(licious)" board.

Beautiful inspiration for my (fingers crossed) new apartment - "Decorating 300 Square Feet" board

Are you on Pinterest? I'd love to follow you! I'm "EmilyUnedited", so it's pretty easy to find me.

Sometimes Geek CAN Be Chic

Casey Lewis is probs my ultimate girl crush. Her initial blog, Teen Fashionista, was the first fashion blog I ever read and I quickly became a bit obsessed. I love her writing style, her fashion sense and the fact that she was a small-town Midwestern girl like me. Many of my favorite bands, brands, designers, tv shows and books I discovered from her wise words. When I went to college last fall, I reread her archives for the millionth time for a bit of reassurance.

After she graduated from college and transitioned from Teen Fashionista to Classic Case, I loyally followed. How could I not? She was not only living her dream, but unwittingly living mine.

Her blog is one of only a select few that I check obsessively every day for updates - not only is she a fabulous girl crush, I am mildly jealous of her fabulous, sparkly, New York life. She's basically where I want to be in five years, and its so reassuring and exciting that a Midwestern girl like me is doing the same thing.

So when she started a new blog, Geek is Chic, you can bet I was checking it from day one...and obsessing about it ever since. What can I say? She's fabulous!

All photos are from one of Casey's fantastic blogs - credit where credit is due! If this is you reading this Casey (!!) and you want me to take them down, let me know - I'll do it immediately. 

Oy With the Poodles Already!

Gilmore Girls, a television show created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, which aired from 2000 to 2007 starring the lovely Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, is arguably one of my favorite television shows of all time. Between the pop culture references, the quick and witty dialogue, the plot development and the quirky and loveable cast of characters, its a wonder how I ever convince myself to watch anything else on TV - this show encompasses everything that I love in a show. (Minus, perhaps, the blood and guts and crime-y things)

I fell in love with Gilmore Girls during my junior year of high school, and got my mom obsessed with it the summer before my senior year. Now,  its become something my mom and I bond over and discuss constantly - and we've even managed to rope my older sister into our obsession. 

Since very few episodes are available online, and I wasn't able to bring my DVD sets down to Florida with me, its been a while since I've taken a trip to Stars Hollow for an hour or two (or, lets be honest - five or six). Now that I'm home, however, I've decided to rewatch the entire series from the beginning - quite a trip because usually I just skip around to my favorite episodes and seasons (seasons being 3 and 5, respectively). 

In honor of this decision, I wanted to take a second to talk about the Top Five Reasons I Love Gilmore Girls...so, here we go!

5. The Clothes -- the costuming in GG is impeccable and definitely envy-worthy. Lorelai and Rory's wardrobes match their personalities to a T, and even "supporting" characters have fantastic closets (I'm looking at you, Lane and Emily!).

I loved this scarf so much, I started knitting one for myself!

4. The Books -- all of the characters on Gilmore Girls are incredibly literate and reference random books constantly. I love this. I love that they show Rory reading and studying and don't make it look like she just instantly gets great grades and goes to Yale with no problems. Plus, about 98% of my "To Read" list came from books either referenced on GG or what Rory was reading throughout the series.

3. The Music, Television and Film -- like books, the Music, TV and Film referenced on GG is definitely noteworthy. They all have great taste in music -- I've actually discovered some favorite bands through the show -- and the movies and TV that Lorelai and Rory watch have unintentionally become staples in my apartment. I've decided that Lane has just about the best taste in music...ever. 

2. The Boys -- let's face it, the boys on Gilmore Girls are gorgeous. And how could they not be, when the show features such beautiful, smart women? All of Rory's boyfriends were handsome -- Jess being my favorite, personally, closely followed by Logan -- and Lorelai didn't have too shabby taste either. Plus, each Gilmore Boy had a great back story and personality to go with their charming looks. Jess is my favorite of all of Rory's boyfriends (and I've debated this with my mother to no end), and I definitely ship Luke and Lorelai until the end. 

Jess. kdslhgjasj.

1. The Gilmore GIRLS -- you didn't think I could make a list like this without mentioning the lovely ladies themselves, did you? Lorelai and Rory (portrayed by Lauren and Alexis, respectively) make this show. From their distinct personalities to their witty banter, you want these girls to be your best friends...like now. That is, if you aren't secretly (or not so secretly) wanting to be them. While I'm not going to argue that they are perfect (both made mistakes throughout the course of the show: some monumental, some small), it just proves that they are human and real and great role models in the best possible way.

Did you ever watch Gilmore Girls? Do you still watch it like I do? Don't you looooove it?

Blog Crush: Kendi Everyday

Can I please just wax poetic for a second about how much I adore Kendi from Kendi Everday? She's fabulous, she has the best closet and style and I'm 100% sure she'd be a blast to hangout with! I love her writing style and how she is so down to earth - making it clear that she doesn't spend thousands on clothes every week and instead started a 30x30 challenge to "shop your closet".

Take a looksie, some of my favorite outfits she's worn recently:

Plus, she owns a fabulous boutique, has an adorable supportive husband, the cutest dogs and did I mention the best sense of style ever?

Kendi, like Casey from Classic Case that I waxed poetic about last week, is among the few style blogs I obsess over daily. She's one of those bloggers that I wish would post every minute of every day just so I'd have new content to read -- yes, I realize how selfish that is, but its the truth!

I mean, how can you resist her humor and style? She's fab!

Like my past love-letter post about Casey, all of these photos come from Kendi's amazing blog! Hey Kendi, if for some reason you're reading this (!!!) and you want me to take them down, I profusely apologize; let me know and I will do so immediately. 

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to all the brave men and women who have fought to protect our country. I am forever grateful for your bravery, courage and determination.

Whatever your plans are today (mine are a Memorial Day parade and family get-together afterwards to celebrate my birthday and remember the brave fallen men and women), don't forget why we have this wonderful three day weekend. Surprisingly, it's not National Barbeque Day.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! I hope you have a wonderful day, no matter what your plans are today.

I'm Nineteen, but I'm Old For My Age...I Was Born to Be Bad

Another Year, Another Fabulous Celebration of my Day of Birth --- yes, today is my birthday! I'm 19 today, and I can hardly believe it. When I was a kid, 19 felt so old and I thought I'd have everything figured out by now and would be living some sort of magical life in New York or Boston or somewhere. Now, I'm 19 and I find myself living a (I believe) equally-magical life in the city where I grew up and couldn't be happier. And yes, I really did have crayon-shaped candles on my birthday cake.

18 was an extremely good year for me - I graduated high school, started at my university, scored not one - but three - fabulous internships (including one at Walt Disney World) and have grown so much as a person. I can hardly wait to see everything 19 will bring!

Oh and this blog title - lyrics from my absolute favorite song from Rent (my absolute favorite musical of all time) - Light my Candle. 

Can't Stop, Won't Stop...Listening to the Maine

I love the Maine, so when I heard at the beginning of this semester that they were going to be in Milwaukee the week after I got back, I immediately talked to my friend A (she's my concert junkie friend) and we bought tickets. I've been counting down the days til this day for...oh, gosh, about three months now? And now, I am just mere hours to seeing them live and in person for the first time ever...and I am just way to excited for words!

I fell in love with the Maine's music about six, eight months ago. Can't Stop, Won't Stop is my favorite album of theirs and it is on constant repeat in my car...on my iPod...on my iTunes...basically all the time. I love every song on that album - which is pretty rare for me, since I can usually name at least a song or two that I could do without on nearly every album in my iTunes library.

Now, however, I am plagued with the question that comes with every concert I attend...what on earth do I wear?!

This is what I'm thinking, but it's become kind of a "Concert Uniform" for me, so I feel like I need to shake it up a bit. I can't help it though - shorts and a fuss-free lace top are just ridiculously comfy and easy. What do you normally wear to shows? I need some inspiration...

Big Girl Job

After a nice weekend off of work, just spending time at home with my fam and getting all organized after being away for four months, its now time to start my summer - and with my summer, my big girl job. That's right - a job that's actually somewhat related to what I want to be doing when I graduate from university in a few years.

This summer, I'll be working full time as a Administrative Assistant at a public relations-advertising-marketing firm that is pretty close to my parents' house. Administrative Assistant means I'll be helping out with public relations, data analysis and of course, normal assistant work like filing and such. I'm exciting for this new opportunity, including the idea that I will be wearing business-casual - no uniform or costume for this girl!

Today's my first day, and I can't wait to see what's in store. Of course, I'm dressed for success and got my trusty Vera Bradley by my side. Full outfit pictures to come, but here's a sample Polyvore set of the idea I was inspired by.

What are you up to this summer?

Back Behind the Wheel

Something I missed a lot while being in Orlando? DRIVING. I missed the freedom of being behind the wheel and having my own independence to come and go as I pleased. Now that I'm back, I am excited to regain it again - and already have several driving playlists picked out.

Driving is one of my favorite things in the world - I love driving late at night or early in the morning or anytime when there isn't crazy amounts of traffic. I love driving by myself and just thinking or singing at the top of my lungs and I like driving with friends while talking and singing and shoulder-dancing (you know what I'm talking about!). I love it all - and I am so excited to be back behind the wheel.

My first driving playlist? It includes these beauties (all fun, froo-foo, pop-y driving songs):

1. Bad Kids - the Black Lips
2. This Boy - I'm From Barcelona
3. Girls Do What They Want - the Maine
4. Summer - We the Kings
5. Wanna Dance With Somebody - Allstar Weekend
6. Story of Us - Taylor Swift
7. Thanks for Nothing - Downtown Fiction
8. Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
9. We Are Young - Fun.
10. The One That Got Away - Katy Perry

What's on your fun driving playlist? I need some ideas!

I'm HOME (What I Love About Milwaukee)

I'm BAAAAACK! I'm home, in Wisconsin (AKA, the lovely friendly Midwest) breathing in lovely air and basking in the low humidity and heat. And loving it. I slept better last night in my own bed than I ever did in my four months in Orlando - and my room is just the way I left it. Now, if I could just see my friends that I miss so much, everything would be perfect.


And, now that I'm home, I'd like to take a second to do a Milwaukee Appreciation post - AKA, Everything I Love About Milwaukee.

10. The Museums, Galleries and Theatre - There is so much going on here in Milwaukee - from the Public Museum to exhibits at the Art Museum and Haggerty and countless shows from local theatre companies, how could you ever get bored?

9. The Lakefront - Lake Michigan is gorgeous, I love McKinley and Bradford beaches, and I can't wait to sit on the beach for hours and talk with my friends.
8. Summerfest and all the cultural festivals - Summer is JAMPACKED with fun things to do downtown, and I am getting pumped!

7. The Rave - So many great bands come through my favorite concert venue, and I can't wait to go to tons of shows this summer! I'm already hitting up the Rave on Thursday with my friend Angie for the Maine.
6. Vintage Stores, Boutiques and Thrift Stores - buying cute clothes is so cheap here, and so much fun! I love making days just to go shopping and browse.

5. The East Side - Basically everywhere I hang out in Milwaukee is on either Brady or Farwell. Plus the atmosphere and energy is hard to beat - I can't wait to spend all summer on those streets.
4. The Third Ward - the cutest neighborhood ever with the best shops, dining and boutiques.
3. Water Street Brewery, Ma Fischer's and George Webbs - all considered my Milwaukee staples, fantastic food and atmosphere that I've been craving ever since I went away... and Ma Fischer's is open around the clock!

2. Rochambo - a coffee and tea house that I've been going to consistently for about two years now, with the best regulars, employees and lemon mint tea ever. I missed this place almost as much as, well...

1. My friends and family! Did you really think this list would start without saying that? I missed them all so much, and I can't wait to see them all summer long.

In the end, as sad as I am to have left Disney, and I'm sure the withdrawals will kick in soon, I am happy to be home with everything Milwaukee has to offer! It sure is going to be an amazing summer.

Props where props are due - I don't own the rights to any of these images! I found them across the internet, so if you own the rights and would like me to take them down, I apologize profusely in advance and please let me know, they will be removed immediately. 

Home, Let Me Come Home...

Today's the day - at this time, in twenty four hours, I will be home! Heck, at this time in TWELVE hours, I will be home! I can't believe it - I'm so excited, yet so sad to leave. Can I just transplant Disney World to Wisconsin? Please?

I am all packed up and ready to go, and am just about to check out of my apartment complex and head to the Magic Kingdom for the last time. (sad face) This is what I'll be wearing today - and at the airport later this afternoon. V-neck and shorts for comfort, pearl earrings for instant chic factor, flats for easy flow through security, and of course, my Vera Bradley carry-on and personal item, adding a little color to my basic ensemble.

Easy-Peasy, Lemon Squeezy.

Next time I post, I'll be HOME, in Wisconsin, in my parents' house. (happy face) 

"Last Week in Florida" Uniform

Basically what I've been living in the past few days while my family's been in town! It's so hot and humid here that I don't want to throw on anything else, and I am so exhausted from playing in the parks all day with the family, working six-seven-eight hours, then hanging out with friends til the wee hours of the morning to come up with anything more creative. Add a crossbody bag to this, and you have my "Last-Week-In-Florida" uniform.

Can't believe I leave tomorrow! It's unreal...and sad. I mean, I am excited to go home and see my friends, but I am sad to leave everything I have here. I guess wherever you go, you are always missing something or someone - maybe its part of growing up.

Carry-On Essentials

Tonight is my last night of working at the Magic Kingdom (!) - and while I am avoiding thinking about that - I am starting to stress about packing for my flight home on Friday. All my suitcases are packed and ready to go, so now it's just a matter of packing my carry on...and my personal item.

For my carry on, I'll be squeezing my bedding, a few text books, some chargers and a few scattered pieces of clothing into a Vera Bradley large duffel in Poppy Fields. But my personal item, a Vera Bradley Vera tote in Symphony in Hue, is still needing to be packed. This is what I'm thinking...your thoughts? It's astounding to me how I can be an under-packer with my suitcases, only bringing the essentials, but when it comes to what I may need sitting on a plane for just under three hours, I want to bring my entire bedroom in my purse.

1. My iPod - a definite must! I've got several airplane playlists all picked out and ready to go - slow tunes if I feel like sleeping, upbeat if I feel like being productive. 


2. Makeup Essentials in a Clear Cosmetic Bag - easy to go through security with, and a little swipe of mascara and lip balm when leaving the plane will have me fresh and ready to go. 


3. My All-in-One Vera Bradley Wristlet - essential for carrying my credit cards, cash, drivers license and phone all in one place. Very convenient! 


4. Reading Material - three hours is a long time...and I have a lot of books still unread that I brought down here.

5. Healthy Snacks and Water - Popcorn and Protein bars are delicious and a healthy alternative to crappy airplane and airport food. Water is a must to avoid headaches and other flying woes.

6. Magazines - for when the books become to "heavy" to comprehend and I need something light and fun.

7. Notebook and Pens - for jotting down thoughts and ideas, journalling and maybe even doing a little schoolwork.

8. Cardigan and Small Throw Blanket - airplanes are cold. 'Nuff said.

All will fit (tightly) in my lovely Vera tote - or at least, I hope so! What are your carry-on essentials?

Very Obsessed with Vera Bradley

I LOVE Vera Bradley. Adore it. Live it, Breathe it, Dream It. It is a part of my daily life and obsessions for years now and I don't see an end in sight - and I am so okay with that. 

Vera Bradley, for those who have been living under a rock for the past 27 years, is a handbag and accessory company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They're known for their cheerful patterned cotton bags, accessories and travel items - and have been a smash hit since the company's inception in 1985. Since the company was started by two best friends, and is named after one of the founder's mother, the idea of family and friendship runs strong throughout the company's focus and background - details that are not overlooked by the public. 

The large Vera Bradley following is mostly made up of high school and college age women and their mothers (and even grandmothers!). There is a pattern and style to fit every taste and need - and the prices are on the higher end of accessible and affordable. 

I remember the exact moment I became obsessed with Vera Bradley - it was early December 2007, in the middle of a Theology class during my freshman year of high school (between the hours of noon and 1pm). I had been admiring my classmate's schoolbag and pencil case for weeks at that point (I soon learned it was a Vera in Mod Floral Pink and a Brush and Pencil in Java Blue) and we finally got started chit-chatting about it. 

At-this point, I was carrying a (terrible) Vera Bradley knockoff, but at that point I was unaware of my mistake. She just mentioned off hand that she "loved my Vera Bradley" and I was smiled weakly and pretended I knew what she was talking about. I committed the name to memory to Google search at home - but just being able to put a brand name to the bag I had been admiring for weeks was enough for me: the obsession was starting to grow. 

It took just five minutes on the Vera Bradley website after a search and I was full-blown obsessed. I fell in love with the company, the patterns and all the styles and instantly trashed my knockoff, ashamed of my faux-pas. In the weeks that followed, I soon learned all the patterns names and even all of the styles. I can even tell you my first purchase - it was on my "Spring Break" down in Sanibel, Florida - I rode my bike to a boutique that sold Vera Bradley and purchased a luggage tag in Petal Pink. I was hooked - and my next purchase was a bit bigger, I ordered a Villager in the (then-retiring) Capri Melon. 

My collection of Vera Bradley has continued to grow and flourish over the past four (almost five) years. But even though it's gotten larger, I still can tell you when and where I purchased every item, for what occasion and what I paid. It's all part of my Vera Bradley addiction, I guess you could say. 

One of these days, when I'm home and have my whole collection with me, I'll post a photo of it in all its glory. Right now, not only are things back in Wisconsin, but most of it is packed up getting ready for my flight home - so I would not be giving it the full justice that Vera Bradley deserves. Plus - it's a pretty large collection, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to admit to myself the extent to which its grown: especially in the past few months, as I've lived right down the street (literally a 10 minute walk) from a Vera Bradley outlet store. 

I can't imagine my life without Vera Bradley, its colorful patterns and everything the company stands for - so I guess have to give a shout out to the girl who unknowingly started it all, Alexa from my ninth grade theology class - thanks for making my life colorful.

Props where props are due - I don't own any of the rights to any of the photos featured in this post! I found them across the internet, mostly from the official Vera Bradley website. If I used one of your photos unknowingly and you would like me to remove it, let me know and I will do so immediately. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Me and My Mom at my Junior Prom

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Grandma's, Aunts, and special women in anyone's life out there! I hope you all have wonderful days and make some beautiful memories.

Today, I will be lucky enough to see my own Mom (!!!!). I haven't seen her in just about four months, which is the longest we've ever been apart, since I've been down here in Orlando and she's back at home in Milwaukee. My parents and little sister flew down late last night for my last week here, so they will be picking me up in just a few minutes.

I love my Mom. She's beautiful, funny, creative and incredibly inspiring. She's a good listener and gives great advice. She always has a new idea up her sleeve and has the best style ever - she does not dress her age, but in the best possible way. I wouldn't change anything about her. I miss her presence in my life more than I ever thought I would - and I am so excited to see her today and be heading home with her at the end of the week.

So whether you are with your mom or far away, reach out to her today! Tell her how much she means to you - and how much you love her.

Packing, Packing...oh, and some PACKING

I leave Orlando in T-6 days...and my family is coming in T-12 hours(!!), so I have been packing up a storm getting ready for my trip home!

Somehow, I am convinced I amassed more things being down here... but I can't seem to remember buying all this stuff! I'll be leaving a lot of it behind (like towels, a cheap $3 blanket from Walmart, measuring cups and mixing bowls from the dollar store, and various things like laundry detergent and shaving cream), but my piles to pack seem to keep growing and growing!

I like to think I am a good and efficient packer, but sometimes I wonder because this is taking forever. Maybe it's because I refuse to pack during the day, when I could be out doing fun things like playing in the parks (like I'm off to now!) - or maybe it's just because I haven't packed in a while, and have forgotten the ways.

No, it's probably the first reason.

But I can't help it - I can't stay inside packing when I could be out exploring places like this:

Thus, I will be stressing about the packing in 12 hours - it'll be a long night ahead of me. But now, now I'm going to play.

FRIDAY is Forever - a We the Kings Review

Last summer, I saw We the Kings at the Rave with three of my friends. Well, we actually went to see the openers and stayed for WTK, but tomato, tomahto. Little did I know, a little less than a year later, I would fall in love with their album, Sunshine State of Mind. 

From the melodies and power chords to lyrics that range from emotional to simply fun, this album has it all. The signs of a good album - you find yourself thinking "Ohmygosh, that song is about my life!" after every single track. Yep, that happened to me. 

I know that this album is not "new" - it came out about a year ago - but it is new in my life! And I am adoring every second of it. Check it out here, with three of (possibly) my favorite songs on the album. 

First - Summer, the bonus track on the album. AKA, what I'll be listening to in the car all summer long. 

Second - Kiss Me Last, a power-pop-punk song about desire and wanting to relive a night.

And lastly, the song that is featured in my title - Friday is Forever. Just...amazing, no other words.

Have a great weekend, everybody! My posting may be a bit sporadic - my family comes into town tomorrow because a WEEK FROM TODAY, I will be HOME! (I'm excited, can't you tell?)

Of Mice and Men: A Review

Tonight, I finished Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I mentioned last week that I was starting it, and was very excited because I loved Steinbeck's Travels With Charley. Well, I have mixed feelings about this one.

While part of me really enjoyed it (I love his writing style and the character development), the plot line was only mildly interesting and I really disliked the ending (which I won't spoil for you, if like me, you never read it in high school). I probably won't be rereading this again, but I'm glad I read it once - I feel like it is a literary work that is often acknowledged both in culture and in the literary world, and having the reference point will be very helpful later in life.

I'd give this book 3/5 stars - worth the (quick) read.

What's up next? I'm glad you asked! Next, I'll be reading Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov - a book I am super excited about!

Met Gala 2012

Like everyone in the fashion industry (or those who want to be in it), I was excited to see what the most fashionable people worldwide were wearing to one of fashion's most prestigious events - the Met Gala, held at the Met (who woulda thunk!) in New York City honoring fashion's most influential figures (different each year) to kick off the Costume Institute's newest exhibit - this year featuring Prada and Schiaparelli.

These fashionable peeps did not disappoint, and there were many gorgeous gowns all over my computer screen this morning from countless fashion updates. 

Personally, I think that Bee Shaffer

Jamie King

Allison Williams

Vera Wang

Hilary Swank

Scarlett Johansson

Amy Adams

Kristen Bell

Caroline Trentini

Ginnifer Goodwin

and Ashley Greene

were among the best dressed of the evening...though it was incredibly hard narrowing it down to those few! Who topped your BDL (Best Dressed List)? 

None of these photos are mine - they all belong to Getty images and were accessed through a slideshow on the Huffington Post website.