It's Summer!

Hello Everyone! I just finished my 1st quarter of my 2nd year of college on Wednesday and I am beyond excited for my summer break. I have decided to take off my summer quarter to travel, focus on myself, maybe start designing my line, and so much more you'll just have to wait and see. Right now, I am in Vail, Colorado because my big sister is getting married tomorrow! AHHH (Pictures to come, I promise). The house we are staying in is absolutely beautiful, I am planning on doing a post or more for each place I am traveling to this summer, so don't worry you will get to see plenty wedding related things. Trust me, you have to see her dress it is to die for. On Tuesday, I will be headed back to Minnesota for about a week to visit with high school friends, I am really excited, I haven't seen everyone in 6 months. After, I am going to visit my roommate Tyler in her hometown in North Carolina for a little before heading back to the lovely LA in mid-July. 

As for right now, I have photos from projects I have done this quarter at FIDM that I wanted to share with you guys. I am very proud of these, I have worked very hard on them and I am planning on adding them to my portfolio. Let me know what you think :)

Also, these are only photographs I have taken with my phone just to give you an idea of what I have created, I am not going to post the official project on here. 

Digital Design- For this class my final project was to create a theme, 4 flats, and 5 original patterns. My theme was Amour Eternal, I was going for a very feminine, elegant look but something causal that one could dress up or down depending on the occasion. Aside from the digital file we were asked to mount it on foam core (to make it 3D). I loved how my final board turned out, one of my favorite projects so far! 

Trends and Design Application: My final in this class was to create a denim based line with 4 jean flats, and then 4 variations of denim. I didn't think I was going to like this project very much just because I am not a huge fan of sketching denim but turned out I really enjoyed this one and how it turned out. I used a similar theme as to the one I used for my Digital Design Project, I designed these jeans for Paige Premium Denim, a higher end premium denim line. I was going for the jean that someone could easily wear grocery shopping or out to dinner/the club at night. I wanted a very versatile line, I think that is super important when it comes to denim because there are so many options and ways of wearing it. My mood was very edgy, yet chic, incorporating some girly pieces. Enjoy! :)

My theme/inspiration board:

Denim Flat Designs:

I have one last "project" that was for my textile class, this was just a fun end of the term project we did. We were able to create a screen-print in Photoshop and then print it on a t-shirt. I loved the way mine turned out and I have actually already worn it. I received a lot of positive feedback on this one already of people wanted one for themselves, so who knows maybe a graphic shirt line is in the near future? Stay tuned :)

That's all for today's blog post! Let me know what you think, I seriously enjoy feedback! I am going to be posting a lot this summer (I know I always say this) but I am serious. Since I am taking a break I will have a lot of free time and I am looking forward to sharing everything with you guys. Check back on the blog this Sunday for a outfit post including my most recent looks and a Downtown Los Angeles exploration!

Xoxo, Emily 

Ketchup or Catch Up?

Hello Everyone! I'm back again, to provide you with a monthly update on all the fun things I have been doing in life! Enjoy :)

First off, I have a few lookbooks I want to share with you guys that I never got to post about on here but you might have seen them on my Instagram or my Lookbook!

Cali Vibes

Kimono: Forever 21

Crop Top: Forever 21

Quilited White Circle Skirt: Forever 21

White Strap Sandals: Forever 21

Necklace: Francesca's

Bangles: LA Fashion District

Watch: Kate Spade

Because I'm Happy!

Flannel: Rosebowl Flea Market

Vintage Disney Tank: Rosebowl Flea Market

Distressed High Waisted Levis: Rosebowl Flea Market

Shoes: White Converse

Those are a few of my latest looks I have done this month. I will hopefully be posting more soon. As for life, I have been busy with school as always! But I am almost done with my 4th quarter at FIDM, I will be finishing up in June. My parents just came and visited me and also drove 2,000 miles to bring me a car! Yay! Best parents award. As for what is to come, my sister's wedding is upcoming up in a little over a month, very exciting. The house is for sale back home, crossing fingers for my parents to move someone warm (cough, cough Florida). 

Check back for more soon! Comment what you would like me to blog about...

May Favorites? Shopping Hauls? More Looks? DIY? Etc.

Xoxo,

Emily

Favorites and Easter Basket!

Originally in my previous post I said I was going to be sharing another look with you from today but unfortunately I didn't get the chance to do one today. Instead I am going to be sharing with you some of my current favorites and products I have been obsessing over lately, also I will show what I got in my Easter basket.. Yes I know Easter is still a week away but mine came a little early.

Current Favorites:

1. The Fault In Our Stars: I have heard a lot of people talking about this book and I know the movie is coming out so when I was grocery shopping at Ralph's yesterday I saw it and knew I had to buy it. I am starting it tonight but I can already tell I am going to be in love with it. If you haven't heard of it I encourage you to pick it up for a good read, if you aren't much a reader check out the movie trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ItBvH5J6ss I can't wait for the movie!

2. Pink Summer Daze Body Spray: I picked this up from Victoria Secret Pink last summer and haven't used it much until recently, it smells so good. The scent is juiced citron and fresh pansy... It smells so perfect and exactly like a summer day. It is almost a sweet, sexy scent that is perfect for daytime and nighttime. I don't think they sell this in stores anymore but I'm sure if you wanted it you could find something online or similar in stores.

3. Naked 3 Palette.. OKAY MY FAVORITE OF FAVORITES. I am literally so obsessed with this palette you have know idea. Listen to this.. I wanted it so bad for Christmas and so did my older sister and turns out she opened hers first and my mom told me that she didn't get one.. I started crying a little bit that is how badly I wanted it. I have used this palette every single day since Christmas too. My favorite shadows are Darkside, Mugshot, Liar, Trick, and Dust. I use these colors on my everyday makeup routine and the shadow is so nice and pigmented I can wear this for 24 hours and the color will still look brand new. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new shadow or change in there makeup, I promise you won't be let down.

4. Revlon Lipstick in Plumalicious: I have been using this particular color so much lately, it is a darker tint that looks really good with my dark hair so I have been using it non-stop. I never really was a huge fan of lipstick, especially after being forced to wear some atrocious shades during my dance career. I recently got back into the lipstick phase and this is hands down my favorite. If you look at some of my past photos that is the color you will see me wearing. Also, it is super cheap and long lasting so you can look glamorous without putting a dent into your wallet.

5. Noxzema Ultimate Clear Anti-Blemish Pads: A friend actually recommended these to me and I was scared to use them because I have really sensitive skin I thought it would just eat away at my face. I ended up purchasing these and loving them... I got them at Target for only $3.99. I have used these multiple times a day every day for the past week and I can see the difference. Although right now I have some blemishes on my cheeks it is most likely the medicine bringing them to the surface. I would recommend these for people who are looking for a pad that clears and prevent breakouts. I did notice some drying with this product though so make sure to moisture daily to decrease that.

6. Essie; Mint Candy Apple Polish: This is sort of an old polish I have but I haven't used it until now I got it last year this time from my sister when she asked me to be her bridesmaid. It is a perfect color for the spring time and usually I am not a huge fan of nail colors besides pink/red but this color looks really good on your nails especially if you are tan. To be honest I think it is more of a bluish tint than a green. It is super pretty and should be available in stores still.

That's all for my current favorite products! What do you think? Have you tried any of these.. Thoughts? Let me know, comment below.

Now onto my favorite part of this part... MY EASTER BASKET.
So I was actually really sad I wouldn't be receiving an Easter basket this year since I am away at college but of course my wonderful mom would never miss a holiday and got me some goodies.
I got a ton of candy even some pieces from Abdallah chocolates and if you have never had them you seriously have to try.. the best chocolate in the world. Aside from all the yummy treats I got a few items too. I got a super cute v-neck t-shirt from Victoria Secret that has palm trees on it, what could be more perfect for Cali? This is going to be a great tee for going to the pool, pajamas, or even pairing it with some high waisted shorts. I also got a new pair of ocean blue undies which are absolutely adorable and the color is beautiful. Next, I got 2 new shades of nail polish from Sally Hansen Insta-Dry collection in colors Peachy Breeze and Blue-Away... so cute and springy. Thanks Mama :)

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed my post. Keep checking back for more.

Upcoming on the blog: Forever 21 Haul and Lookbook 

Xoxo, Emily. 

Last Night

Insomnia... What a SOB. Currently about 3:09 am and I can't sleep for anything so I figured "Hey! Let's do something productive Emily and blog..." Okay, sure why not? I also found myself signing up for different clubs and volunteer work at these wee hours of the morning. Interesting person I am, I know. Anyways, I decided to pick up my computer and start blogging for a couple of reasons. Number 1: I feel as though this could possible be karma keeping me awake because I didn't blog yesterday.. Dang it! I will include my lookbook in this post not to worry. Number 2: I have been unusually anxious and motivated, I feel like suddenly I want to change the world.. Okay maybe not that far but something very similar. This is a very good thing for me though I was hoping for that little kick in the booty to get me jump started in some things I should have done awhile ago including finding a job/internship, daily gym visits, blog posts, lookbooks and focusing on school to name a few. Who would know growing up could be so fun! Number 3: Writing is an outlet for me. I'm not one to keep a journal but if you were to browse through my notes on my phone or my twitter drafts you would see I often jot down a lot of things. For me, this helps kind of relive some stress even though no one else is reading it. When I write down my thoughts or problems it feels as though an immense burden is lifted from my shoulders, a place to get things off your chest. I find this to be really helpful in a lot of situations, as a visual learner seeing my thoughts written down in front of me makes so much more sense then them running full speed through my head, allows me to get a grasp on what's happening.

I suppose I will share with you my look from yesterday.. I was going for more of a spring inspired look yet something super casual and simple. For my top, I am wearing at button up, crop style blouse that has fringe detailing on the cuffs as well as amazing vintage like embroidery on the front. I love this shirt! It is from H&M, I got it a few months ago when my mom was visiting (Thanks Mom!). Next, my scarf is from a boutique store back home in Minnesota called Heartbreaker, to be honest I think I bought this like 3 years ago and wore it once, saw it in my closet today and was thinking it would go with my outfit and it did! My jeans are just a light wash jean from Forever 21, I am not a huge fan of light wash but I actually adore these particular ones they are great for spring and summer. My booties are also from Forever 21 and I wear these so much. They have been really durable for $40 and actually comfortable. I have gotten a lot of wear out of them and they still look great. Also, they are really basic and go with so many outfits. They have a slight heel making them perfect to dress up or down. Finally, my flower chain bracelet which is emphasized in the detail shots is wonderful, isn't it? My mom got me this for Christmas from Ann Taylor. It was one of those items you see in the check out and immediately think of the person who would love it and you have to buy it! She was definitely right I absolutely love this bracelet. It is so cool it has bronze and metal flowers on a wide silver chain and they have diamond details on the interior. Such a great accessory! That's my outfit of the day! Enjoy and look forward to tomorrow's look.

Now 3:30 am I start to wonder hmmm will I actually sleep tonight, who really knows. It's about 200 degrees in my bedroom and I think my spring time allergies are starting to kick in because I'm noticing I'm getting stuffed up, not too happy about that. Anyways, before I hit the sheets again I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite motivational quotes or just little sayings I often read when I need a little pick me up. I hope you find a sense of relief and comfort in these as I do.

Behind you are the challenges you've met. Before you lies new possibilities. Today you choose the direction of your life.

Never apologize for being emotional or sensitive. It's a sign that you have a big heart, and that you aren't afraid to let others see it. Showing your emotions is a sign of strength.

The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you've come.

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right.

Anyone can give up, it's the easier thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.

Always remember you are braver than you believe stronger than you seem smarter than you think and twice as beautiful as you have ever imagined.

And lastly I'm going to include my favorite uplifting bible verse, although I am not the most religious person in the world God is very important in my life.

Philippians 4: 6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything, tell God your needs an don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and you hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

By the time this is posted I'm sure it will be Saturday afternoon, by at least I technically wrote a post for Friday.

Be sure to check back later this evening for another outfit post and a glimpse at some of my favorite products it have been obsessed with lately.

Xoxo, Emily.

Rebel Yell

As I prep for my first day of my second year of college this Monday I felt it was only appropriate to get back in the swing of things with my lookbook. I am feeling very motivated to get more looks out there to share with everyone! I named this look "Rebel Yell" it shows an edgy side of my fashion style which I only portray once in awhile... Everyone likes to be a little badass at some point right? The pieces I paired together are a Marc Jacobs "Hollywood" Beanie I picked up while shopping in between MAGIC when I was in Vegas and I AM IN LOVE WITH IT. I have never been one to really wear beanies because I always thought they looked silly on me, but with my hair getting so long now I am started to LOVE them more everyday. Next, I have a fringe style tank top which is just from Forever 21.. I got this while I was in Vegas also to wear to the Miley Cyrus concert and I paired it with a lightweight snap-front bleach washed denim jacket. I was honestly really hesitant when I bought this because I really didn't think I was ever going to wear it but I am so glad I purchased it because it literally goes with so many outfits and is easy to throw on when it gets chilly. My pants are also from forever 21 and it is hard to tell in the photo because they are so dark but they are actually harem pants... I am wearing them high waisted and the fringe blends to make it hard to notice that they are in fact harem pants. Lastly, just your everyday combat boots that I wear the heck out of because who doesn't love a good ol' pair of combats these particular ones are from GUESS? and they have been so durable and comfortable.

That's my lookbook for today!
Hope you all enjoyed it and give it a hype on lookbook at www.lookbook.nu/emilyphillips
 Also you can follow me on my social media websites.
Instagram: @theroyaldiva
Twitter: @emmilyphillips

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 Xoxo, Emily

Spring Cleaning

Not only am I going to be doing fashion related posts on my blog but also lifestyle posts... things that are occurring in my life/what am I currently into. I love writing it has always been a passion of mine, excited to write for you guys. Here is my first one, enjoy :)

This time comes around every single year where we all feel the need to be out with the old and in with the new... Spring Fever! As I am getting super excited for the coming warm months I have been getting rid of old "winter" clothes, last season pieces or just things I don't wear anymore. Not only that but I have thrown away mass amounts of paper from my past quarters at school and next week I start my second year of college... Can you believe it? Most college students get an entire summer to regroup with old friends back in there hometown but for me it is much different.. I only have 3 weeks which is quickly ending. Times like this you realize how much your life has changed in such a short time, I mean this time last year I was sitting in high school classrooms, 6 hours a day, awaiting the moment of graduation where I couldn't wait a minute more to move far far away and start fresh. Not often but occasionally I wish I could just relive one more day in high school, carefree with a bunch of old friends. During Christmas I had to say goodbye to my home for what could be my last visit in the house I grew up in, to be honest I didn't actually think or feel like that would really be my last time being there. My parents have decided to take a spontaneous, adventure in life and relocate somewhere warm and stress-free (hopefully) meaning the house will be up on the market within a few weeks. Being the youngest child and last one at home I spent many unforgettable years in an amazing home filled with countless memories; the good and bad. I will no longer have a "home" in Minnesota and the few friends I have kept in contact with since high school will end up having to adopt me for a week when I visit... I'm sure they won't mind, right? I will always stay true to my roots though, Minnesota accent and all.. I will forever call soda, POP and say things wrong like bagel, milk, and roof.

 I believe that all good things come to end for something better to start. Everything happens for a reason. Although I will miss Minnesota immensely and it has been an incredible place to grow up I am so happy my parents now get to start a new chapter of life. I strongly believe in traveling the world, living new places and trying things that scare the shit out of you. That's the only way you learn to be a truly strong individual. God created so many amazing things across the world that everyone should get a chance to see. As I write this post I have found myself tearing up more than once.. Happy tears that is. Thinking of all the memories from the past and experiences I have lived through amazes me and all the opportunities I will be faced with in the future. At this point in my life I am discovering my true talents, passions and who I want to be for the rest of my life. I have "spring cleaned" out the old/bad and I am ready to take on my new, bright future with full force. Cheers to a new adventure for all! I encourage you to take a fresh start and do something that scares you everyday, eliminate the "what ifs" and try it for yourself.

I have decided to compile a playlist of songs for "moving on". Maybe something to listen to while you spring clean or reflect on life.

Check it out here: http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Spring+Cleaning/96917223


Thanks for reading,
Xoxo Emily.


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I'M ALIVE!

Well.... So this blogging every single day of 2014 has not been going as well as I would hope. Considering I haven't blogged in a few months this is really not a good sign. I'M SO SORRY. Maybe I shouldn't have deleted my previous blog lol oops. I am finally catching a break from school for a few weeks after I have just finished my first year of college yay! In the previous weeks I have been swamped and overwhelmed with every aspect of life and buried upon multiple hours of homework everyday. So I am sitting here in my bed thinking "Wow Emily, you really need to start getting back in the swing of things and BLOG BLOG BLOG." Here I am friends, I'm back and this time for good.

I will try and catch you all up on everything that has occur in my life in the past few months. As I am so excited I have so much to share. Enjoy, xoxo.

FEBRUARY:

I can honestly say February went by in a blink of an eye for me.. Literally. I had so much fun though and got to experience a lot of amazing things. I spent a week in Las Vegas with a few of my good friends for the WWD Magic trade show and my oh my was it amazing. I can only imagine what it would be like to be a buyer or an exhibitor there, absolutely amazing.  (Thank you FIDM for the opportunity to go!) For those of you who aren't familiar with Magic it is a giant fashion trade show that happens twice a year in Las Vegas where designers/brands show their upcoming collections. It was so cool to be able to see everyone and everything, such an eye opener and definitely a conformation for myself that I am in the right industry. Not only was Magic incredibly, it was also my first time in Vegas so exploring that in itself was quite interesting too... Not exactly my favorite city (I would rather be on the beach somewhere) but it was something to check off my bucket list.

What I Wore

Top: Oversize String Front Blouse (Ann Taylor)

Jacket: Quilted Black Bomber Jacket (Forever 21)

Pants: Tapestry Flower Jeans (Forever 21)

Ring: For you, forever Latin Ring (Marc Jacobs)

Bag: Michael Kors Black Everyday Tote (MK)

After I returned from Vegas that weekend I was stoked because it was the MILEY CYRUS concert. Lately I have been obsessed with Miley, really obsessed. I have been to quite a few concerts in my time and I can honestly say nothing compared to her's, it wasn't just a concert.. it was a show. From the costuming to the singing and dancing every aspect was unreal (Emily major fan-girling, lol)  It's amazing how someone can put on such a performance like that. It was my first concert in LA at the Staples Center.. and we are so lucky to live literally right across the street that we can just walk there. I went with my roommates Tyler & Drew and we had an absolute blast.. I would do anything to go back and see her again. If any of you have the chance to see her in concert PLEASE do you won't regret it.

What I Wore

Top: Vague Fringe Tank (Forever 21)

Jacket: Bleached Denim Jacket (Forever 21)

Dress: Ditsy Print Dress (Forever 21)

Shoes: Spiked Beige Litas (not in the photo)

Necklace: Gold Chain (

As February was coming to a close we had one last hoorah to celebrate and that was my roommate Tyler's birthday! As always, we had a bunch of fun. First, we got a few of our friends together and went to a restaurant near by our apartment called El Cholo.. It's a little famous Mexican restaurant with delicious food! Then we headed back to get ready to go out for the night.. We ended up in Hollywood (as usual) for some fun at the club and called it a night.

Other than that February was pretty much a blur.. Between school, traveling, concerts and everything I was almost certain I was going to forget to breathe. Also, my parents visited early in the month so it was really nice to see them again, after not seeing them since the Holiday's.

MARCH:

After an overwhelming previous month I decided to focus March more on myself instead of my social life/friends which is really unusual for me. With the quarter coming to an end I needed to give my full attention to school. I found myself laying by the pool a few times because who would have known it could be 90 degrees in the beginning of March.. Not this Minnesota girl who is used to wearing her snow boots and Winter coat until about mid April (if we are lucky). Aside from that I got to see Nelly perform live at Supperclub which was awesome.. Been a huge fan since I was a little girl back when my father's company in St. Louis (where Nelly's from) would do work on his car and such. And yes I realize I said I wasn't going to go out and focus on school but this night was an exception :)

The week before finals a few friends and I headed to a much needed day trip to Malibu to watch the sunset and grab some dinner. It was exactly what I needed.. I was already stressed to the max about the week of finals to come. We went to a little hidden beach in Malibu and you have no idea how calming and peaceful the sunset was that night. I can honestly say the beach is my little serenity... I always has the ability to calm me and bring me back to reality. I am so blessed to live close to these amazing places where I can just enjoy nature, I love it.

I had to finish everything for my finals a week before because I was going to my big sister's Bachelorette party in Colorado the weekend before my last finals. I had a few final projects that I was really proud of and put a lot of work into that I will share with you guys. First, for my Apparel Process 2 class which is a pattern making/sewing class we had to draft a pattern and create a garment for out final so I decided to make a crop top and a matching skirt because sets are really in. I found an amazing velvet knit fabric from the FIDM scholarship store for only $5... I was so happy!!! And the outfit turned out amazing I think and is really cute on (I wore the top in Colorado) It's so cool for people to ask me "Where is your top from?" and I reply "I made it." One of the best compliments I think.. and really motivating for the future.

Another project I did was for my CAD (Computer Aided Design) class where we make flats on Adobe Illustrator. My collection was all about the Free Spirit for the Young Contemporary Market. I am really happy how it turned out and I will definitely be using this for future work samples/for my portfolio. I am not going to show that project on here for my own privacy.

Before March could end and I could relax I made the trip out to Denver, Colorado for my big sister Lizzie's bach party. It was a bunch of fun and I got to see my other sister Sara too so that was really nice. I was only there for a weekend and arrived on Friday. When I got there we got ready to go out for dinner and drinks. On Saturday we woke up early to drive about 2 hours into the mountains to Granby to my sister's friends ranch. We spent the day at the natural hot springs.. overall I thought it was really cool who doesn't like a big natural hot tub? Only downfall is it takes a while to get used to the sulfur (egg like) smell. Yuck. After we returned to the ranch for dinner and a night filled of games and fun.

What I Wore

Top: Jeweled Velvet Crop Top (Emily Phillips Original)

Jacket: Quilted Bomber Jacket (Forever 21)

Skirt: Black Circle Skirt (Cotton On)

I wrapped up my first year of college that Monday... CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE IT. I really can't. Wow, I can just remember back to this time last year when I was touring the FIDM campus, going to DEBUT, and thinking wow I really love it here. If you guys are friends with me on Facebook you have already seen my post but I am going to slightly reiterate a little (sorry).  I am so blessed for all the opportunities and outpouring support I have received from my loved ones. I would not be where I am today without there constant encouragement... They are my cheerleaders. A special thanks to my parents, it's not easy to let your youngest daughter go off 2,000 miles to a huge city. I am so lucky for their faith and trust in me and letting me follow my dreams. They have put so much time and effort into raising me I could not thank them enough for how thankful I am. I cannot wait to share with everyone what is coming in my future and I could not be more excited for what God has in store for me. Once again, thank you all for everything.. even if it's just reading this blog and you don't really know me, it truly means a lot to me.

Looks like I am all caught up with all of you... I am currently on break and just enjoying myself and relaxing... something I sort of forgot how to do with my fast pace life. But not worry... I will be starting school again in a few weeks for my second year. Yes, FIDM is year round I don't get a summer. But I know it will be worth it in the long run. Anyways... That's all for now.

Xoxo, Emily.