hitting the town

I am so happy today! It's Wednesday and I am only two classes away from being home free for a fabulous weekend in Amsterdam and Paris! Tonight we're having a family dinner for Thanksgiving with another family, the father is American, the turkey, dressing, pumpkin bread, the whole nine yards. Apparently the father is bringing a guitar because my host mom told him that I sing well and that we should duet together... oh boy. They're going to get some wine in me first- liquid courage, eh? I don't generally like to sing in public by myself. I get really nervous and embarrassed which makes it worse because I'm embarrassed that I'm embarrassed, you know how that goes- vicious cycle.

Anyway, wanted to spread my good cheer with you all! So, I'm posting some pictures from a few different nights/occasions from this past week or so in Barcelona. I've been wearing my boots pretty much non-stop. They're super comfy, versatile and warm- can't say that of my other shoe options here. My Keds died on me and my only other everyday wear kind of shoes are flats aka way too much skin exposure for this wind.

The first photo and the one above are from the same night. We hopped around the city from a packed bar to a really fun, semi-swanky club. I wore a black, long-sleeved cotton dress with waist tie, burgundy wine-colored tights, turquoise and silver earrings, a scarf (for warmth!) and chunky wooden heels. All in all, a really successful outfit. The dress is actually made of a fairly heavy material, so it kept me warm enough. It's a difficult balance to achieve in terms of temperature because it's really cold out especially when the wind blows, but it is really flipping hot in the bars and clubs (body heat is no joke!). So, scarves function well because you can take it off and tie it around your purse or stick in your bag if it's big enough. Tights are another must have because they give your legs some coverage, but are thin enough that you're not burning up in the club. And to be quite honest, the shoes aren't bad! Well I mean, they're heels and heels are always bad. But, I successfully danced in them all night without horrible consequences. The soles are rounded so that when you walk, the shoe just rolls forward if that makes sense. There is no hard edge on the bottom, it's all one curved piece.

The next set of photos are from a girl's night out this past weekend. We met up with some girl friends at Fairytale bar. It is just as it sounds! The decor is made to feel like you're inside some sort of forest, it's a really intimate environment. It was a great night of relaxed conversation and general fun.

My (failed) attempt at looking like a princess haha.

And then, last but certainly not least! We saw Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows on the 13th I believe. We tracked down a theater that played it in the original version with Spanish subtitles. I was like a little child on Christmas morning. When it ended, we were all like, ummm? It's only been a half an hour, where's the rest of the movie? Time flies when you're in Harry Potter world, I swear.

Largest popcorn of all time! And I'm proud to say we killed the entire thing before the movie even started. For some reason, we were all famished and just destroyed it. Super delicious and plus, less distractions during the movie. Just me and Harry :]

Wishing you all a wonderful, fabulous weekend!

xx.

fall color

My dad visited me for a week in Barcelona! We had a really fabulous time being super touristy and eating at delicious restaurants. It was so odd not being super cheap and actually buying drinks (aka water, it is uber expensive here). Just wanted to share a few photos of signs of autumn here. The majority of the leaves still haven't turned, so I got really excited about the few that have.

Thought the carpet of my dad's hotel was interesting and I like the colors of it with my flats. Was inspired by Rebecca of The Clothes Horse's flats' series.

in with a bang

I get bored with my hair really easily because it´s always straight and the same. It really is true that the grass is greener on the other side- I know so many people who say that they're jealous of my hair because it's straight and easy and I don't slave over a straightener every day. But, I would much rather have wavy or curly hair- I think it's gorgeous.

I've been thinking about getting straight across bangs for a while; so, decided to take the plunge!

crema catalana

I've decided this outfit looks a little food inspired as well, so I'm going to run with it. Crema catalana is a cream specific to this region of Spain, Cataluna. They have CC flavored gelato, pastries, errthing to cure a sweet tooth. Side note: sorry that the majority of my photos are in my room. I know it's not the most scenic (i.e. towels in the background), but like I said- it's really one of the only places I can set up for self-timer.

This top is from my earlier trip to H&M. H&M is so, so huge here- they have them all over the place and alot of things are the more upscale, trendy pieces. They have long, evening appropriate gowns, furs (fake hopefully), in general more night life wear than I've seen in the US, but maybe it's because I haven't been to a major H&M like in NYC or somewhere like that. Anyway, I love this top, it's super floaty hence super comfortable.

It's hard to see in these pictures, but I'm actually wearing these legging pants; they are high-waisted with really cute military detailing. But, you can only see that part if I wear it with a shirt tucked in (coming soon, I'm sure).

Hasta pronto! :]

xx.

hot cocoa

I've noticed in Spain that the Spanish women are really masters of the neutral, earth tone palette. It always looks elegant and put together without being boring. So, I've been trying my hand at this look which I think it well suited for fall.

Sorry this is a really weird angle, just tilt your head a little to the left. haha this is what happens when I try to create a makeshift tripod out of stacked books and other assorted objects. But, look! It's our doggie, Pongo. He's such a cutie. Kind of a wild child, he's only 6 months old, but we love him just the same. He definitely keeps life interesting, you never know what he's going to do next- eat your underwear? burst your black pen all over his white fur? sneak under your bed when you're not looking? But hey, what is life without surprise?

I really love the details on these J. Crew shorts, they're made of wool but have satin-like trim and a cute little bow in the front. They were kinda pricey, but I think it was worth it because they're really good quality and fairly timeless.

striped top, Gap// jacket, Ann Taylor Loft// wool shorts, J. Crew// scarf, Zara// tights, old// boots, Piperlime

Stay warm you guys! :]

xx. A