Bucket bag: Splurge v. Steal

Pictured above is my own "steal" bucket bag, from Old Navy! (Sadly no longer available)

Being the unorganized person that I am, bucket bags are my favorite go-to bag because I can throw everything I need in and head out (it all gets lost eventually, right?). The draw-string ties are also a bonus because they stay shut, but are easy to pull open- you know, when your phone's ringing and you're expecting a call and you simply do not have time unzip three zippers and punch in a 10-digit code to get into your bag. 

These don't weigh you down and they're easy to transition from fall into a summer beach bag, so you can keep it on your shoulder year-round.

Everywhere I look, someone has a cute Tory Burch or Rebecca Minkoff bucket bag, and as much as I'd like to splurge on one, I think I should pay my rent this month.

And that brings me to my "steal" bucket bags. If you're in the same boat as me, here are a few options for you that are all under $40!

• Top left (Liz Claiborne)
• Top right (Neiman Marcus)
• Bottom Left (H&M)
• Bottom Right (Liz Claiborne)

Edit: After this post was originally created, the two Liz Claiborne bags went off sale from $39 back to their orig. price of $65.

mesh & maxi

First & foremost: three cheers to making it through my first semester of college! I didn't think I'd make it. Unfortunately I've still got 3.5 semesters to go.

Today I'm thankful for nice weather and a break from the crazy cold we've had lately. All year I wait for the day it turns cold, but after having a nice modern-day ice age a few weeks back, these past couple of 70 degree days have been nice (and perfect to get out and shoot!).
As I was scouring my closet for something to wear earlier, I found this maxi dress sitting at the very back, tags still attached. I remember thinking I couldn't live without this dress when I first tried it on, and as soon as I got home I thought "this shows too much skin, I'll never wear it."
Well, the time has come. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone (literally...check out that slit up the side) and trying new things.
Hope my dad doesn't see this post because he might just murder me (sorry, pops!)

• Jacket- c/o Nowistyle Japan
• Maxi- Image
• Heels- Michael Kors
• Necklace- vintage

xo Susie

mid-semester blues

First off, let me apologize for my severe lack of posts lately! I just barely escaped midterm season. My first midterm experience. Needless to say, I definitely was not prepared for that. Can I exchange college-level coursework for highschool-level but keep the awesome social aspect of college? Please & thank you.

Now that I'm done with midterms, I'm going to try and be a little more active on here! I used to always go out and shoot/post whenever I had downtime...but now when I have downtime I pass the heck out because I need sleep. Time management never has been my strongsuit. I really should work on that.

In other news, FALL HIT TEXAS EARLY! Expect lots of sweaters and cozy outfits to come.

• Blouse- c/o Nowistyle Japan
• Clutch- c/o Nowistyle Japan
• Ripped jeans- Vanilla Star
• Shoes- Michael Kors

xo Susie

leather weather

Can't go anywhere without a few packs of Smarties. At this point it may qualify as an addiction.

As you can probably tell from my most recent posts, I'm a little overly-excited about the coming season change. So in the first photo I started out with a blazer, because you know, fall calls for blazers, right?
Then I realized I am still in Texas. And although the weather has gotten comfortable enough for leather skirts in the evenings, I definitely shouldn't opt for leather and a blazer.
So for now I think my only option is cranking the A/C down, turning on all the fans, and pretending I live up North where the weather actually suits me. It would be nice to actually get to wear all of my new sweaters and coats I've been accumulating outside of the house. So, northerners, count your blessings and know that I am infinitely jealous of you right now.

• Skirt/top/bag/blazer- Forever21 (a poor college student's heaven)
• Heels- Michael Kors
• Bracelet- BCBG
• Rings- Chinatown
• Necklace- Uptown Cheapskate

xo Susie

"you are always wearing floral"

I'm always told that I wear a lot of floral, and I'm starting to see the truth in that statement.  But I think it helps balance out the ridiculous amounts of black & white I generally wear.
I'm really into skater skirts right now, and I've finally caved and purchased one (in a floral print, no less) from ASOS, and I love it! I definitely recommend them- they're comfy & flatter any figure.

• Tank- c/o Nowistyle Japan
• Skirt- ASOS
• Shoes- Michael Kors
• Necklace- Uptown Cheapskate

xo Susie

storm shooting

I've been desperately trying to find time to get out & shoot outfit photos, but it's been difficult with working in the evenings, conflicting schedules with my sister/photog, and the weather! The past few days it has been pouring. Nonstop. And of course those would be the only days I could get out and shoot. Thankfully, when I got back from Dallas earlier, the sun was out, so I called my sister up and asked to go shoot.
30 minutes later there's lightning and thunder and a cloud as dark as night overhead. Just my luck.
But I thought, "It's not raining yet...might as well try and get a few shots while we can!" So we drove out and during this outfit it did start raining a bit...but thankfully I found a little spot with covering. Unfortunately, my sister didn't ;) ....she's the best!
I hope all of you are doing well!!
How's everyone's summer going?!

• Top- NY & Dot

• Shoes- Michael Kors

• Shorts- Forever21

• Bag- c/o Nowistyle Japan

xo Susie

No.5

Finally back in my own bed after a nice, week-long trip to Colorado! Sad to be back to blazing hot temperatures, but so happy to get to snuggle up with my little dog and see familiar faces!
This is the last of my Colorado posts....after this it's back to boring ol' Texas posts :')

• Shirt/necklace- c/o nowistyle
• Shorts- c/o Duras
• Shoes- Michael Kors