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. 

Emily in the City

I've recently becoming obsessed with Sex and the City. Like, devouring nearly two whole seasons in two weeks, obsessed. I can't help it though - the show hooks you right away!

I know I'm late (really really late) to the Sex and the City (or SATC, as all the cool kids abbrev it) obsession, but you have to understand - I wasn't even a preteen when this show started airing on HBO. It's run, from 1998-2004, would be ending as I turned 12 - thus I was no where near the age bracket this show was marketed to.

But that doesn't stop me from being obsessed with it now!

I can see why there are so many rabid fans of this series (and two movies spun off from the series finale). While sex is prominent (as it is in the title), what draws me in is the friendship and camaraderie of the four main characters - Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha.

These girls are intoxicating, fascinating and REAL. I can see a little of each of them in myself - and in all of my friends. They are three dimensional characters with three dimensional relationships and friendships - and that is what is so intriguing in a era where most television shows have two dimensional characters and plot lines at best. (Jersey Shore, Secret Life of the American Teenager - I'm looking at you!)

I haven't gotten far enough in the series to figure out which "one" I am - but so far I'm leaning towards Carrie. Somehow, I feel like we are the same person in a lot of ways.

Aside from the friendship and the sex - the fashion in this series is phenomenal. Seriously - it's all it's been cracked up to be, and I am obsessed already with several pieces I've seen in episodes so far. I can see how Carrie's nameplate necklace and other trends have sparked from the series - everything about it screams New York City cool (in the most effortless, nonchalant, chic way).

Plus, each girl has her own unique style. Miranda is conservative and tailored, Charlotte is classic and feminine, Samantha is sexy and sensuous, and Carrie is all over the map...and always over the top, yet impeccable. There's always something on the screen to lust after - clotheswise, of course!

If you've never watched SATC before, or if you've only watched it casually, or if you just haven't watched in a really long time - I highly recommend sitting down and watching an episode (or six, or lets be honest - a season). The banter, the fashion, the friendship - and yes, even the sex - make this show a must watch and a feel-good pick when your feeling down.

Sunday Style

Summer by frecklegrrl featuring low rise shorts

I've got less than two weeks - and counting - until I'll be back home, ready to start my summer, my "big-girl" job and decide where I'm going to university next year (stay or transfer?). My family's coming down in just a few days to visit and help move me back, and I couldn't possibly be more excited to see them(!!). 

I'll be living in different combinations very similar to this for my last few days in Florida. It is ridiculously hot and humid here, so I can barely pull on anything else! Plus, this gives me the necessary mobility for playing around the parks without worrying about giving anyone a free show. The hat is definitely necessary to keep the sun off my (already a little sun-burnt) face. 

It's become my "Last Two Weeks in Florida" uniform...what's your summer uni? 

Saturday Reads

Currently reading, and obsessing over, Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Unlike about 98% of schools nationwide, we didn't cover it in elementary or high school, so I decided to give it a try now. I absolutely adored Steinbeck's Travels with Charley so I have high hopes for this short novel. I'm about a third of the way through, and I am definitely intrigued. 

The Most Magical Place on Earth

I've got only two weeks left on my internship with the Walt Disney Company down in Orlando, Florida. It's crazy to think that a semester has flown by so fast!

I Love Pandora

I CANNOT stop listening to my latest Pandora stations - "Anyone Else But You" Radio and "All I Want Is You" Radio. What can I say - I've been a Juno-(500) Days of Summer kind of place lately, so this is what has been playing throughout my apartment. It's perfect music for blogging, scavenging the internet for interesting things, cooking, reading and even cleaning.

I also love Pandora stations because, while it would probably be easier to just stream the soundtracks from my iTunes, I get to discover new music that I surely fall in love. It happens every time - no matter what the original station is.

Favorite Songs I've discovered so far?

Gray and Blue by Jaymay

On the Radio by Regina Spektor

aaand Piazza, New York Catcher by Belle & Sebastian.

Good music, yes?

I Met a Storybook's Worth of Characters

I was busy as a bee today - I met twenty-five characters in the Magic Kingdom in less than five hours. I feel accomplished - what did you get done today?

"I'm just going to be me, whoever that is." - Bob Dylan

This quote inspires me and has influenced my life more than just about any quote I can think of. In fact, it was one of two senior quotes when I graduated high school last year. (The other came from the song La Vie Boheme from the musical Rent - also known as my favorite musical ever - "To days of inspiration, playing hooky, making something out of nothing, the need to express, to communicate, to going against the grain, going insane, going mad.") 


I have very little in my life figured out - and I am the first to admit that. My future is an abyss, but instead of being dark and looming, it is a loud and colorful cacophony of ideas and possibilities. It excites me more than words can express, even though it is incredibly frightening at times. 


With this quote, Bob Dylan unwittingly reminds me that it's okay that I'm still exploring and don't have anything figured it - the reassurance I definitely need when everyone around me has a set path and passion. I have lots of ideas, thoughts and interests - and I'm striving to balance them all. 


That's where this blog comes in. 


I've always been a bit envious of niche bloggers and people who have their passions and interests organized into an identity. Face it - its all around us, whether through the internet or in real life - we all have friends (or at least acquaintances, or perhaps even bloggers) with singular passions, whether it be music, fashion, literature, sports - what have you. 


I've never been like that - and I have a string of failed niche blog attempts to prove it. This blog (AKA Emily Unedited) is the anti-niche - a place where I can put all my thoughts, interests, commentary and obsessions in one place. I've decided to stop fighting my multiple interests and let them grow here - a place that's going to be as as diverse as my personality, a home to everything I find fun, interesting and exciting - which is just about everything.

Don't believe me?

This blog will cover fashion, literature, knitting, music, travel, health, beauty, film, weddings, fitness, photography, television, pop culture, poetry, theatre, sewing, history, journalism, podcasts, shopping, magazines, DIY, social media, food...and whatever else strikes my fancy.


Sound intriguing? I thought so - and thus, Emily Unedited was born. Come along for the ride - I have no idea where it's going to lead.