Inside the Life

Best of 2017

Published on December 29, 2017December 29, 2017 by PeculiarPorter5 Comments

How is almost 2018? Honestly, I’m super excited because I hate sevens with a passion. Bring on lucky 18! Before I dive into thinking of resolutions and all that hocus pocus, I figured I’d reflect on all the madness that happened this year. After all, I graduated and become a “functioning” adult. Without further ado, here are my top six posts from 2017 that sum up how 2017 went.

What I’ll Remember Most About Siena College

Obviously, I had to get overly sappy when graduation was all over my mind. Now I’m eight months out of college and still miss it daily. Everything I talk in this tear-jerking post remains true eight months later. So… Siena College, can I go back now?

How to Make a Crop Top Appropriate

It was so awkwardly hot and cold throughout this entire summer that I had no idea what to wear half the time. Luckily, a crop top and a suede jacket were able to save the day. This post has become one of my most read fashion advice posts and I totally get why. If you think you can’t pull off a crop top… definitely check out this post. You can rock anything, girlfriend.

DIY Blake Lively Jeans

This outfit was definitely my most risky outfit of all of 2017, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. This was my most visited post from Pinterest (hellooooooo DIYs). Check out how you can recreate these pants and awkwardly put them in the oven like I did. I am definitely planning some more possible DIYs for 2018.

What to Wear to a Summer Barn Wedding

My cousin got married this past summer and it was an amazing ceremony. Seriously, go check out this post just to see the decorations. I fell in love with this dress so much that I bought a similar one in blue. Hey, if it’s working don’t fix it!

The Ultimate Styling Trick to Stay Warm

This post is definitely something I need to revisit in 2018. Hello, it’s going to be -7°F on Saturday. I’m literally crazy enough to agree to go skiing for my first time Saturday… wish me luck! I’m definitely revisiting this post and coming up with some new tips for the negative degree weather. Also, I’m obsessed with this sweater. It’s like wearing a statement necklace without having to think about putting one on.

How I Maintain My Sanity During My Daily Commute

After graduating, I was able to land an awesome job that is an hour commute. I decided to share some of my best tricks to maintain my sanity (hint: podcasts are key). Check out podcasts and audiobooks I love so you can keep sane too.

What types of posts did you like in 2017 and what types of posts would you like to see in 2018? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook

Don’t forget to add me on Instagram to get updates on blog posts. Plus, I’m slightly obsessed with the app so I want to check out your life as well… is that weird?

Why I Blog

Published on December 5, 2017December 11, 2017 by PeculiarPorter11 Comments

I hope your day is going better than expected on a Tuesday. Tuesdays sometimes just seem to drag on like a bad punchline. Hopefully, your Tuesday feels more like a Friday night than a Monday morning if you get what I mean.

Now that I’ve been blogging for a little over four years, I’ve started to get used to being asked why I blog. This question still confuses me because it isn’t something that really ever crossed my mind. Even before I started my blog four years ago, I loved reading blogs. I loved reading them on Tumblr and then I found the mystical world of WordPress where I was able to consume many, many blogs at once. I love hearing different people’s opinions on fashion from all over the world. I can read blogs from Italy, Africa, Japan… you name a country, I can find the country.

After reading so many different blogs, I decided to get brave enough to share my own thoughts, feelings, and opinions with the world. Now, I’m not going to lie to you… I was terrified of what people were going to think. Would they think it’s weird? Would they understand my thoughts? Would people actually read it? Were all thoughts that ran through my mind as I clicked that first bight blue “published” button. I hid my blog for about a year until I figured I put on my big girl pants and share it with the world. To my surprise, people responded like crazy. My blog now reaches over 128 different countries and I just surpassed my 200th post. I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. But to answer the question that has been asked again and again…

Blogging forces me to get outside my comfort zone and do things that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

During college, it’s very easy to stay inside a little bubble and not venture far outside of the town or city you’re in. This blog forced me to venture out into the surrounding cities to take pictures, eat interesting food, and experience different ways of living. Even this past weekend, I wandered the streets of Yale to take pictures. Something I would have never of done if it wasn’t for this blog. I love blogging because it allows me opportunities to get outside my comfort zone.

Blogging has made me a more creative person in both my style and writing.

Let’s face it, if you met me four years ago I wouldn’t have been seen in camouflage, turtlenecks, or a leather jacket. This blog helped me experiment with different style pieces and open up my mind to what I like and don’t like in fashion. Something I would have never done if it wasn’t for this blog. As for writing, each new post has helped me think outside the box by creating different posts. I think of what is relevant to you and what you might actually enjoy reading. As a result of this blog, I’ve developed a better sense of my audience and who I’m trying to communicate with.

I love the community of blogging and value each and every interaction I’ve had over the years.

There are so many lovely people I’ve been able to interact with thanks to this blog. I love reaching out to you and hearing what you have to say. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to find out awesome podcasts to listen to on my daily commute, how you stayed positive after the outcome of the 2016 election, what shows to watch on Netflix, and you’ve even been there when I removed negative influences from my life. Your influences have impacted me drastically. I wouldn’t have close blogger friends who live in Germany, Canada, Texas, and so forth if it wasn’t for this blog.

This blog has allowed me new opportunities to network and meet new people.

December 18th, I’m going to my first blogging event where amazing bloggers like Rachel from Pinterest Plans, Alycia from CT Eats Out, Kallie from But First Coffee, and Sandra from The Rustic Life are speaking. I’m so excited (and nervous) to yet again, get outside my comfort zone thanks to this blog.

If you’re always enjoyed reading blogs but have never bit the bullet to create one, now is the time to do so. If you’re looking for a sign… here it is. My advice is to sign up for a WordPress account and just start typing away. You’ll be shocked how many opportunities come your way.

Why do you blog? What is your favorite thing about blogging? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook

July Favorites 2017

Published on August 1, 2017 by PeculiarPorter3 Comments

Hello darlings! Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! I’m not sure if you’ve ever heard this weird superstition, but I was told that you’re supposed to say rabbit three times on the first of every month. Try it out, I swear it’s good luck! So back to this post, I haven’t done a monthly favorites in such a lo-o-o-o-o-o-ng time. Since I’ve been trying a lot of new things out, I thought I’d give it a try.

Beauty

Face mask: I usually do a face mask once a week because a girl needs a little r-e-l-a-x-a-t-i-o-n if you ask me. I was very curious about sheet masks so I purchased this Korean face mask pack from T.J.Maxx. The box came with five different masks that make you look like a scary monster for about 25-30 minutes. The directions recommend leaving the liquid on your face after you take off the mask so that it sinks into your pours. I wasn’t about that life, so I just washed my face after. I’m a fan of this because it really rejuvenated my skin after I had sun burn. I would buy it again.

Dry Shampoo: Go buy this now. No, literally. Hop in your car and drive to CVS. You’ll thank me as soon as you smell this cucumber and green tea dry shampoo. I’ve been trying (very hard) to not wash my hair as frequently. Typically, I wash my hair every day (please don’t scream at your computer, I know it is bad). This dry shampoo has really been helping me ease into the process of being a dirty, grease ball. I highly recommend this.

Yes to: This was another product I found wandering around T.J.Maxx. Honestly, no sponsor needed, these two products have drastically changed my skin’s completion. I feel so much more confident not wearing make up because how it evened out my skin. I would buy this a thousand times.

Eyebrow Pencil: Okay, I’m about to get super personal. Are you ready for this? I’m 22-years-old and I’ve never owned an eyebrow pencil. I’ve never really felt the need to get one. I would sometimes fill out my eyebrows with light eyeshadow if I felt it was appropriate. I definitely like this it cosmetics eye pencil, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to get it. I know the make up bloggers are screaming at their computers right now. I’m sorry!

Fashion

Braceletes: I’ve been really liking this combination of bracelets. They’re really interesting because I received them all at different special times. The Tiffany peace bracelet was given to me as a high school graduation present, the middle Alex and Ani bracelet was given to me at my college graduation, and the top manta bracelet was given to me by one of my best friends for our college graduation. The mantra bracelet stating “live what you love” really speaks to me because my friends and I are all going on this path where we’re trying to find out what makes us happy as adults. It is a constant reminder that we’re not working for money but instead working for something that we really enjoy. I know many students come out of college with the mindset that they just want to make a ton of money and don’t care about actually enjoying their job. I feel the complete opposite. I just want to love what I do.

Perfume: While I was cleaning my room, I found 20+ mini perfumes. So I’ve been trying a new scent every day and so far I’m really digging these three.

Technology

Cacti phone case: Okay so obviously by the three pictures surrounding this text you might think I have a light blue-green vibe going on. You’re totally right. For the longest time I’ve been obsessed with cacti. It’s just something about how sassy they are. So when my other cacti phone case broke, I obviously had to get another. This wonderful case came in the mail yesterday. (I actually bought the bigger one by accident but thankfully amazon is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l when it comes to returns.)

Personal

Project: My big project this month was redecorating my room so it would have more of an adult vibe. Since I’ll be commuting to work from my home for the next two years, I decided I needed a more responsible color. My room was this hot pink color that swallowed up the room and made it look like I was living in a candy box. If you follow me on Pinterest, you probably saw my plethora of room decor pictures. I ended up going to home depot and collected a book worth of paint samples. I finally decided on First Rain. Expect a room tour post very soon (I’m just waiting on a mini rug to come in from amazon).

Girl on the Train: I just purchased this book from Amazon last week. I’m so excited to crack the spine open and start reading. Let me know if you’ve ever read it before!

Three songs I’m totally into right now:

Podcast I’m listening to on the way to work:

Anna Faris is Unqualified. For the love of all humanity: listen, cry, laugh, smile, scream… you’ll do it all listening to this podcast.

Events

Her Campus: Honestly, I’m incredibly sad I didn’t take this opportunity earlier in college. I think it is definitely an event that anyone who wants a great job/life one day should go and see.

Fourth of July: I was lucky enough to spend Fourth of July weekend at with my boyfriend. We did a good amount of fishing, laughing, and swimming. What more could you want in the summer? We also were able to check out Lavender by the Bay, which is definitely a must see attraction if you ever visit the North Fork of Long Island.

What do you think about these types of posts? Since I haven’t done them in so long, I’m not sure if people really want to see the weird items I’m trying out. Let me know what you think about monthly favorites, if you have any ideas on what I should post about, or even have any questions. I’d be all ears.

As always,

Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook

Her Campus: Her Conference 2017

Published on July 25, 2017July 25, 2017 by PeculiarPorter7 Comments

Hello darling! Hope all your dreams are all coming true this week. My dreams really came true this past week at Her Conference hosted by Her Campus. I got to meet Brooke Kamenoff (J.Crew’s Senior Associate of Social Media and Digital Development) and Ann Shoket (Former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen). Some people get excited about meeting athletes, I get excited about meeting successful writers/bosses.

Courtney and I ended up getting to the conference late (typical), so we missed the first keynote speaker. It ended up working for us because we were able to wander around the conference center. There were stations where you can get your hair and makeup done so obviously we had to do that. I’ve never had my make up done by someone so it was really interesting to be pampered for the two days. After we were all dolled up, there was a section where you can work on post college skills such answering graduate school facts and interview questions. We also entered a plethora of raffles. Courtney ended up winning two very nice makeup palettes!

While I was wandering, I ran into one of my hometown friends, Abby! Her blog, C’est La Vive by Abigail Marie, is the cutest thing. I would definitely check it out if I were you.

Okay, so now the main reason why I wanted to go to Her Campus: the speakers. I was blown away by how humble and down to earth each and every speaker was. The first day, I was lucky enough to see (and meet!) Brook Kamenoff (Senior Associate of Social Media and Digital Development for J.Crew). After reading my blog for a while, you know I’m a huge J.Crew fan. The first thing I do every morning is look at the Instastories from J.Crew. I’m actually mildly addicted. I was able to meet her and now we follow each other on Instagram. Life is g-o-o-d! Plus, she was just such a down to earth person so what could be better?

The keynote speakers Courtney and I were able to see on Saturday were Lisa Sugar (Founder and President of POPSUGAR) and Troian Bellisario (Actress, Writer, Producer, and Director). I’m a huge Pretty Little Liars fan so it was so wonderful seeing her as an actress and now as a producer. She was so funny and kind hearted.

Sunday, I nearly passed out from excitement. I was able to meet my childhood hero: Ann Shoket, the Former Editor-in-Cheif of Seventeen. When I was little, the first thing I did when I got home was look for a Seventeen magazine so I could devour each and every sentence. Honestly, as a 22-year-old I still do! She now has a book called The Big Life and I cannot wait to read it. Her speech was centered around her book and explaining on how you can build the big life. I hope one day to be as poised and confident as her.

The keynote speakers we saw on Sunday were Amani Al-Khatahtbeh (Founder and Editor-in-Chief of MuslimGirl.com) and Aja Naomi King (Actress). Going into the keynote, I didn’t know much about Amani. Her speech was so empowering because she talked about how girls should lift one another and support each other. That is definitely something young girls everywhere need to hear.

Her Campus also gave out all of these wonderful gifts in the beginning of each day. You can tell I’m a book nerd because I cannot wait to read Power Your Happy by Lisa Sugar! Plus, they gave out an eyebrow pencil that I’m dumbfounded on how to use. If any of you have a good blog post on how to do your eyebrows I’d be all over that.

I hope this post gave you a little bit of insight to what Her Campus/Her Conference is all about. Bottom line: Her Campus is meant to empower women. They did an incredible job bringing in these powerful women who are making a huge difference in the world. If you’re still in college or high school, I would 100% recommend Her Campus. You’ll open so many different doors and create an unbreakable bond with the people around you.

As always,

Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook

Senior Cruise

Published on May 16, 2017 by PeculiarPorter8 Comments

Hello darling! I wanted to highlight all of the fun I participated in during my last week at Siena College (tears falling quickly down the side of my face). After a jam packed day of bar hopping in Saratoga, the senior class of 2017 hopped on 9 buses to go on a Captain JP Cruise Line boat. The three-hour experience let us sight see Troy to Albany and then back again. We ate, danced, and slightly froze our butts off. Regardless of how cold it was, it was probably one of the most rememberable trips I had during my senior week.

The cruise ship consisted of three different floors. The third and second floors served food and the top floor had an opening to see the dance floor and exit outside the boat. There were also bars on each floor, which made many seniors very happy. During the cruise, we were given a buffet styled dinner that consisted of salted potatoes, salad, eggplant parmesan, bread rolls, and fried chicken. After people finished eating dinner, everyone gained enough courage to take pictures in the cold outdoors. We tried our hardest not to look as if we were freezing out butts off.

Everyone was dressed to the nines but not dressed for the weather. Oh, well! Despite being cold, I was super happy wearing this dress. I’m actually slightly obsessed… I cannot wait to wear it again. The little cutouts made this soft floral pattern so edgy and unique. Plus, the cap sleeves were another reason I was sold. My dress is currently on sale if you want to check that out! It also comes in black.

After the cruise, Siena hosted a “late night dinner” at the dining hall. We blasted music and danced on tables. If you remember High School Musical then you know exactly how the scene looked. One of my friends danced so hard he ripped his pants. If that isn’t rememberable, I don’t know what is.

Looking at these pictures and writing this post is making me sad beyond belief. But I’ll get to that in my upcoming graduation post. Keep your eyes and ears peeled because it may be a tear jerker… or nah.

As always,

Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook

What I’ll Remember Most About Siena College

Published on May 2, 2017December 29, 2017 by PeculiarPorter9 Comments

Hello darling! This post is full of tear jerks and sappy stories… but would it be a college recap if it didn’t? Saturday I went to senior formal with all of the lovely friends I’ve made over the past four years and Monday was the last time I’ll walk out of a classroom at Siena college. It was my last college class… wow, that is scary to type! &Yesterday was when I finished my last undergrad assignment. So, yes, I’m feeling a boat load of emotions.

But how did I get to this point? Four years ago, I was not the person I am today. That may be cliche to say, but I’m a different person from who I was when I was awkwardly brought my belongings into my first dorm. I remember my father telling me that I had to register myself by myself. I was nervous and awkward but it was certainly something he needed to let me do by myself. I shyly got my handbook and saint card and knew this was going to be in interesting four years.

Over the years, I’ve met some incredible people. The Siena community has impacted my life with one open door at a time.

To making friends from the first night in college, to making friends in Italy. My perspective has changed due to these wonderful people. From expanding my horizons away from Dunkin’ Donut’s bagels to dreaming about when my friends come back with Long Island or New Jersey bagels. To realizing people actually say ‘aunt’ like ‘ant’ (still not over it). To realizing no one actually likes tequila (why?). To realize each and every one of us get a little bit home stick once in a while. Each person of the Siena community has changed my perspective to being more openminded and curious. Those are traits you cannot just learn magically over night. Hearing the Siena community’s unique perspectives has helped me become an overall more accepting person, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Mickey’s Dress | My dress |My Shoes | Courtney’s Dress

The Siena class of 2017 has given me memories I’ll cherish for years to come. I’ll remember yelling out the windows freshman year, cramming during midterm and finals week, getting lost in multiple countries, buying random fish tanks, being dragged to more Starbucks in foreign countries than in America, each trifecta, Chowderfest and Larkfest, Thursday nights, chucking jolly ranchers out the windows at passing freshman, tarpozia, dressing like creatures for theme parties and halloween, getting brunch at Iron gate, blowing up 300 balloons, Siena fest, losing my voice at basketball games, jumping in pools fully clothed, the list goes on and on and the memories do not stop. These people have created memories I’ll never forget because these people are unforgettable. (Cliche but relevant).

And the new friends that I’ve made just this year. You’ve made this year incredibly exciting and perplexing to how our livers are still existing (sorry mom and dad!). Thank you all for being remarkably you.

With each laugh and each tear shed, I know I made the best decision of my life four years ago. I’m glad to be a Siena alumna…. in 10 days. Not a day shorter or longer.

Senior week begins on Sunday and I look forward to showing you a little piece of my life. I’ll be going to Saratoga, on a cruise in Troy, a champagne toast, the ‘beach’ if it is nice, and actually graduating on the 14th with all these wonderful people. I hope to cling to every second of these last days. Look out for a few tear jerker posts coming soon.

As always,

Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook