Classy, it's a 2014 thing.

Well, as we all know, I'm a Junior in high school. That means that this time next year I'll be starting to apply for college and getting ready to graduate. 

A serious symbol of graduation and adult hood is a class ring. 

And it's finally here!!!

I'M SO HAPPY!

I'll have it with me for the rest of my life and wearing it now means so much to me. It reminds me to how hard work can pay off in a big way. It also reminds me that I need to be responsible and make the right choices in order to graduate on time with the rest of my class.

It means so much to me to me to be a part of a class and a community that has lost so much together and healed together. We truly are a community in it of itself.  We know each other like no one else can or ever will. We fight and argue like the dysfunctional family of a thousand we are. Knowing that I am a part of such a community gives me hope and helps me accept that things will change, but people won't necessarily.

Keep it classy,

~E

Mango Mango Mango.

So, we're opening a new Red Mango in the area. It's all very exciting.
So besides the fact that it's the second store in the general area, it's even more exciting for a second reason. It's going to be Red Mango's 200th store.

There's going to be a huge celebration. The founder Dan Kim is coming in, lots of corporate big wigs and national press.

Weekend Warrior.

Well... I'm keeping the weekend real. Living for every single second. And what's keeping me really happy right now is my Frat Collection Long Sleeve Shirt. Honestly, it's one of my favorite purchases in the last few weeks. I how I was able to completely custom a shirt and it's soft and big. I'm so happy with it! I'm totally going to get a few more probably around March. I can't wait. 

Being comfy and classy is really the best of both worlds. I feel like I can do my best work when I like what I'm wearing. 

Keep it classy,

~E

So long Maggie.

Well, I guess I'm a normal sixteen year old. 

I'll admit it. 

I'm obsessed with my car. 

And in that respect, last week was a huge week for me. 

I said goodbye to my first car, Maggie Thatcher and hello to a new friend.

We've had Maggie in the family since I was 4. My dad taught both Claire and I how to drive in that car. There are so many memories with that car, my first flat tire. My first call to AAA.
 But as a fourteen year old, it was time for her to go.

p.s. this is from Classy Tuesday last week

So, I have a new friend who is still lacking a name. It's maroon and sort of masculine, so I'm going with masculine. He's looking like a Keil (like Keil James Patrick accessories) Mark (from Rent) or a Dawson (like Jack Dawson of Titanic). Yes? No?

Which one do I choose?

Keep it classy,

~E

Pretty Cool!

The other day on my personal twitter account I tweeted about the All Time Low concert, basically it blew up my twitter. All of a sudden I was inundated with a bunch of bands and band members following me. One in particular was set apart, a band called Clear Skies from Springfield, Missouri.

They sent me a shout out to check out their new single "Run To You" on youtube.

Naturally I was curious (as any Kate Spade Girl would be) and clicked onto the link. What I found was suprising. I thoroughly enjoyed the pop-y type beat and moving onscreen lyrics. While they are happy, I did find them... repetitive. That being said, I feel like they have plenty of room for improvement. Singing "don't look back, hold onto me" 6+ times does get old. The begining was much better than the repetitive, overly simplified ending. I'm sure in the future they can improve greatly.

I do have high hopes for Clear Skies and look forward to what they will put out in the future. 

Keep it classy

~E

Classy Tuesday Recap...

Well I'm a bit behind on the Classy Tuesday summaries, so you get a two for one today!

Last week I wore...

Black J. Crew T-shirt

Blue and White Anthro Skirt

Sparkle Skinny belt

Black Gladiators

All together I felt extra classy and pulled together!

This week I wore...

Langford Market Navy and Pink Dragonfly Dress

Sparkle Skinny Belt

Mint Cardigan

Black gladiators

I love the dragonfly dress, it's sort of vintagey feeling, the circle skirt with the button up top.

I do adore feeling like a classy 50's lady. 

Keep it classy,

~E

Clap clap...

I have a new obsession...

Youtube videos of people singing and accompanying themselves on plastic containers.

My two favorites are these...

You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone 

and

Call Your Girlfriend 

Both are fabulous videos!

You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone is a cover of the Lulu And The Lampshades Song done beautifully by Anna Burden. She really did some big things because of it... Like Ricki Lake big...

And it's performed on a bar cup, awesome, no?

Call Your Girlfriend is a cover of the Robyn song by the Stella sisters Lennon and Maisy.

Not only are they adorable, but really they are quite talented. Their harmonies are splendid. 

Also, they use butter tubs, need I say more?

Basically it's the coolest thing ever. I might give it a try sometime...

I'll keep you posted...

Keep it classy,

~E

Lots to look forward to!

Today was a cool day, and it gave me plenty to look forward to for two main reasons...

Reason number one-

We're opening a new Red Mango location... and it's Red Mango's 200th franchise location!!!

There's going to a giant celebration, top members of them company and national press included!

Sounds awesome right?

I'm crazy excited! And not to mention we just made a bunch of new hires so there are plenty of new people to meet and socialize with!

Reason number two-

ALL TIME LOW!

Well, they are releasing a new album, Don't Panic in October, and are currently getting ready to start a new tour, complete with a stop over at The House Of Blues Houston. Even though it's on a school night I just got the ok from the parental to go!!! GAH!!!

I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE THEM LIVE AGAIN!!!

So all in alll, you have to take the good with the bad.

There is plenty to look forward to for me!

What are you looking forward to?

Keep it classy

~E

Almost Tuesday... Almost Happy.

Well, Tuesday is tomorrow, and normally that would be cause for celebration.

But tomorrow is cause for a completely different type of celebration, a celebration of life and memory.

On September 21, 2012, a boy named Luc DeVeau died.

Forever sixteen.

Home at last.

The last few days of school have been messy, tears and beauty.

The tears are for Luc, mainly the class of 2014 is heartbroken. Luc was a genuine nice guy. I honestly don't know anyone who didn't like him. He's going to be missed for a long time coming. But the beauty is it's own special kind. It's the sense of community, the love intertwined with pain. It's truly wonderful that someone could love someone so deeply to be so upset over their passing. 

While I don't understand some of Luc's choices, I respect the fact that he had the right to make them, even if they did ultimately lead to his demise.

He was a great person, but in way to deep with some things way over his head.

Thursday is his memorial, I'm still debating if I should go or not. Yes, I did know him. I don't want to be one of the people who just goes to skip class.He deserves more than that.

I guess that the moral of the story is to keep each other safe and to love one another. Luc's sudden passing reminds us all of how precious life is. You never know when it's your time. Live life with no regrets and never, never, never go to bed angry. I know I won't. I would be an insult to his memory.

~E

Legacy

Today was a bit of a rough day.

In advisory home room they passed out papers advising our parents of our upcoming PSAT which included our scores from last year. 

My poor teacher has so many kids he doesn't know us all by heart so he asked me where a kid named Jack sat.

My heart dropped. I couldn't speak.

"is Jack not here today?" he responded coming to the obvious conclusion.

I didn't know how to communicate what needed to be said.

Everyone knows. How could he not know?

It rocked the class of 2014.

January 3, 2012 Jack shot himself.

It took everything I could not to scream.

I mustered up my courage and said, "Mr. Williams, Jack is dead."

I didn't know Jack. He was in my gym class in 7th grade. But we didn't talk. I regret not getting to know a boy who touched so many lives. His friends hurt still. I'm sure his family does too. 

Jack left behind a legacy.

I'm sure the class of 2014 will think twice before doing anything tragic.

They will remember the grief and pain of the loss of one of our own.

He was one of my mom's students, she found out a day earlier than the student body.

She told me that day as well.

I guess it's because I'm a sensitive person, but the news deeply disturbed me. I cried myself to sleep for the week following his death.

Not being able to carry on with your life is a serious thing. And Jacks been on my mind a lot lately. He was a member of my class, one in 1060, but still distinctly an individual. Like us all, still struggling with identity, school, learning to drive, and relationships. All the things we're doing, starting to look at colleges, keeping grades up, driving to dinner with friends. It all seems so simple. But one of us won't be there when we graduate. He won't be going to college. He'll remain forever fifteen. Living on in the hearts and minds of us all, the people who's lives he touched. 

I said us because he touched my with his death. Jack had problems, and he wasn't able to overcome them. He chose to end his life rather than face it with head held high, stronger because of his past. Jack taught me to be couragous, to take risks. He taught me that no one is here forever. I hope that someday we will heal and move on. But for now, the wound is to fresh. The hurt all to real. 

Keep it classy,

~E

I've done it again

It's been expecially rainy here over the last few days.

And unfortunately (or fortunately, it's a toss up) that rain puts me in the mood for one movie. 

Titanic.

Staring Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

My heart will go on and all that crap.

Well, I've watched it and trashed my evening. 

Literally, I sob from the moment the ship hits the berg to the end of the credits.

In fact, the tears pick up in the credits, due to an equal share of Celene Dion and the shock of what just happened. 

Well, through the storm of crying, I see beauty.

Kate and Leo shared a love so deep they both felt it was worth dying for.

I can only dream that someday I feel the same way about someone. 

Go ahead and give Titanic a second look. I guarantee, you'll be able to see the beauty, the raw emotion, the pain. 

Keep it classy (maybe a monogrammed hankey?)

~E

Classy Tuesday Recap.

Another Classy Tuesday has come and gone... 

Well, It did last week...

Again with the whole "Wrenches" thing (see yesterday's post for more details)

Here's Chloe and I in French class!

Side note: doesn't Chole's top remind you of Kate Spade's #artofthedot?

Any whoo, Here's what I wore:

Top: Berry and yellow  Ralph Lauren Polo t-shirt
Pants: Old Navy skinny chinos
Shoes: Lauren Ralph Lauren pink plaid boat shoes 

Basically, I was pink to the max.
Oh well, it keeps me happy.

Keep it classy,
~E

Wrenches.

Sometimes a wrench is thrown into your perfectly planned day. 

All you can do is to keep from crying, and stay calm while you sort out the problem.

"Don't panic." You tell yourself over and over again. 

"Think logically about what needs to happen."

Those were exactly my thoughts last week when I got my first flat tire.

Here's how it happened...

I was driving to the gym after school like usual, but got stopped at a red light by a construction zone. 

And that's when everything fell apart.

The truck infront of me had stopped short, leaving a bucket and some other things to slide out of the open bed and guess what?

The bucket was filled with giant 2 inch diameter screws. The workmen scrambled to pick it all up before the light turned. But they forgot one.

And I found it. 

With my right front tire. 

After a quick, panicked call to my father we decided that he should come up.

And he did. We left his car in the gym parking lot and headed for the tire store.

But we didn't even get half way before the tire was completely out of air.

We turned into a parking lot and called AAA.

And all I can say is this, if I hadn't had my AAA card we would have been up a creek. Dad didn't have his! 

The lesson here is, no matter how unlikely you think it is, it will happen.

Be prepared with a AAA card and have up to date car insurance. Not to mention a full sized spare and a 4 way lug wrench.

Because you never know, it could be you next time.

Keep it classy,

~E

In Mermoriam.

As I'm sure you all know, today is September 11th.

More specifically today is the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States.

In memoriam I won't be posting anything but this...

The United States really is a great country, the first true rule of the people. 

We wave our flag high even in the face of adversity.

In the face of tragedy, we grieve together, and then rebuild, as we have done for years.

Take today to remember those who were lost in, and as a result of the hijakings.

Take care of a friend or neighbor who seems to be having a hard time.

Love one another.

Keep it classy,

~E

Still Riding High.

Well guys, it's Monday, obviously. And funny story, I'm still riding high from my GREAT day Friday.

Here's a list of what went RIGHT:

1. It was a Friday

2. We had a pep rally, which means shorter classes

3. Camden and I looked adorable (see yesterday's post for details)

4. Chloe was the first follower of The Classy Tuesdays on twitter

5.  I got a 95% on my French III quiz

6. I was told that I'm a fashion inspiration

7. The pep rally was great

8. My math teacher gave out chocolate

9. I got my paycheck and proceeded to blast 'N Sync's Just Got Paid from my car's stereo 

10. We had a football game, and I love games

11. I got to have dinner with my mom before the game and spend quality time with her

 12. We won our game by a lot

So basically, how could it not be a GREAT day?

Have a happy Monday,

Keep it classy,

~E

 

School Spirit!

So, Friday was our first pep rally of the school year, as you've figured out by now. 

I really love pep rallies, and school spirit. Yay school! Well... sort of.

So, I convinced my friend Camden to match me for our beach themed pep rally, and this is what we came up with...  

I just love us! You'll have to excuse us for the seersucker after labor day, it was technically a costume!

Keep it classy,

~E

Celebrating Differences!

Every girl has her individuality! 

My friend Chloe is a great example of that!

She's wonderfully quirky and an all around great girl!

I've had her in class since sophomore year and she is just a joy!

But today we're celebrating differences! While I, as I'm sure you all know, celebrate Classy Tuesday, Chloe celebrates Fancy Friday! 

So while I was dressed in my pep rally beach attire, Chloe was in her Fancy Friday outfit. 

I thought it would be refreshing for everybody to see what other people have going on at my school, so... here's a picture of the two of us!  

Aren't we cute! The picture was taken by the wonderful Miss. Chandler, thanks dear!

P.S. That's our friend Nick with us, he decided that he needed to be in the picture.

Keep it classy, even in your own way,

~E

Staples.

Today and Tomorrow are all about staples, and not the metal things that stick papers together, 

but the kinds of staples that are important. 

We're also going to talk about investing in yourself. 

Any guesses as to our main focus?

If you guessed clothing, shoes and jewelry then you guessed correctly!

Congratulations!

Today were going to keep it simple, I'm going to talk about my six favorite pieces of jewelry I own, how/when I got them and what they mean to me. 

Also for reference I'm providing pictures of my jewelry storage. 

6.  Green Beads-

I got them in my favorite part of France, Les Baux. They help me remember my amazing trip this summer and to further that, that I have wonderful friends and family that are there for me.

5. Pearl In A Cage-

One of my very best friends got me one of those touristy "open your own pearl" necklaces that you put in a cage from her trip to the Bahamas and gave it to me for Christmas freshman year. It my full pearls are "inappropriate" (lies, pearls are always appropriate) for an occasion then I go for this. It's classy and understated, more simple and girly.

4. Green and Silver cuff- 

Funny story, I got this for Christmas five or six years ago from one of my dad's ex girlfriends who got it while on vacation in Honduras. Honestly I really didn't like it until early this year when I realized its full beauty and potential.

3. Pearl Necklace-

One of my favorite gifts ever, I got my pearls for my thirteenth birthday. 

(My family has an order, pearl earrings for 10, necklace for 13, and a trip to New York for 14.)

I wear my pearls all the time, at least once a week. 90% of the time I wear my pearls to work, just to shake things up, which does illicit some teasing from my co-workers.

2. Tiffany cursive "E"-

My "E" was the first Tiffany I ever got. When Claire went to New York at 14 (I was 11) she got one of the Tiffany hearts and my wonderful grandparents got me an "E" so I wouldn't feel left out. I wear it all the time and just got it back from getting the chain fixed, it broke in an impromptu rugby tackle.

(Funny Story: When I got my other Tiffany Key at 14 we picked out a "C" for Claire, and then my mom's students got her a "L" for Christmas last year. So we all can match if we want to.)

1. Pearl Earrings-

One of the oldest items in my jewelry collection, I wear my pearls almost every day. As an investment pearl earrings are one of the best things you can get. They go with silver and gold, and almost everything else. Pearls instantly add class and a soft touch to any outfit, or in my case, every outfit.

Accessorize well, and as always...

Keep it classy,

~E

Getting out there!

In a major push, we've expanded! 

The Classy Tuesdays is now on facebook (facebook.com/TheClassyTuesdays), twitter (@classytuesdays) and an email address (theclassytuesdays@gmail.com)!

So go ahead, follow me on twitter, like the page on facebook, email me, tweet me. tell your friends. Just get the word out there, The Classy Tuesdays is a great blog to read (I hope) because I have fun writing it, and I hope you have fun reading it too!

Keep it classy,

~E

Football, the Texas Way.

Here in Texas we like our high school foot ball just like we like everything, big. 

And today is our football team's first home game!

I'm so excited! 

The rush of the crowd! The thrill of (usual) victory! The agony of (not so often) defeat!

Cheer Leaders, drill team, band. Everything combines for an atmosphere unlike any other! I love going to games with friends and cheering my home team on to victory! 

So tonight send some good Karma to Texas as the Highlanders (us) take on Hightower!!!

P.S. Flashback Friday!!!

I think the moral of this story is that no one looks good in selfies.

Keep it classy,
~E

Happy Birthday Mother!

It's my mom's birthday today guys!

Happy birthday mom!

Mom is on the left.

 

Hug your moms today!

Keep it classy,

~E

Get out of my head!

Today has been one heck of a day. 

I only got 4 hours of sleep, so I slept in.

Sleeping in caused me to be later than I wanted to be to school.

I'm sure you get the picture. 

My day just snowballed, compounded by a National English Honors Society meeting that was mandatory for me, I'm an officer, I was just a big ball of stress and exhaustion all day. 

But one thing kept me going all day, a song that I've loved since I was seven.

It's called Crazy For This Girl by Evan and Jaron.

It was on the first CD I ever got, Now 6! (I know, I'm old, there on Now 83!)

 The video can be found here. P.S. I'm LOVING the Dawson's Creek tie in with Joey, Dawson, and Pacey!

The tune is almost rock and roll but the meaning is soft and tender. I adore this song! You feel like the guys are singing directly to you, they are crazy for you. Ahhh, young, unrequited love songs. Before they all became crappy country ballads and fell to crap. 

What is your favorite love song?

How does it make you feel?

Keep it classy,

~E

Wheels.

So this weekend I went car shopping with dad and got this...

HAHA! Just kidding!

I wish though. Oh was it beautiful!

We found it at the Fiat store, which I forced my dad to go to. I mean, Fiats do get an average of 30 miles per gallon! Oh how I love Fiats! I'm dying to graduate college and move away and see if I need a car. If I knew I was going to come back here than I would save up for one in a heart beat, but sadly (or happily), I plan on moving to a large city. A car would almost be more of a hindrance than a help.

Oh well, my future is bright... I hope.

My friend Annalisa (who I bonded with in Europe) has a Fiat, in fact, she has three. Her parents got her one for her sixteenth birthday, then her father decided he liked hers so much he bought himself one, and then got her mom one. Sounds like Fiat heaven, no?

My car is 14 and dad thinks I need a new one, I think I might have him convinced! Let's all keep our fingers crossed for a Fiat for Eleanor! 

What was your first car? Anyone have a Fiat?

Keep it classy,

~E

Need Cardio?

I don't know if it's just me or the rest of the world, but I absolutely love competition athletic shows. 

Watching people compete and succeed (or fail) is so interesting. 

My newest obsession is American Ninja Warrior. 

I cheer hard for everyone, and watching them fail is sort of heartbreaking. 

But seeing them succeed. Now that's inspiring. 

The course looks just so incredibly difficult. The competition really does get your heart pounding. I always seem to end up just like my dad watching football, shouting at the television and competitors, telling them to "GO GO GO!" 

I've now decided that my rugby coach should become a competitor. She's a crossfitt master with thighs as big as any one's head. She also coaches the Texas A&M Women's Rugby team. There are 3 tryout locations and one is in Dallas, only 3 hours from Houston! It just works. I'm going to drop that on her when she gets back from her latest trip to the Pacific Rim. I can't wait to see what she will say about it. 

If you're looking for a heart pounding experience, turn on American Ninja Warrior or something to that extent, (I survived a Japanese Game Show is trash) Wipeout on ABC is decent. American Ninja Warrior really is the real deal. It's chock full of real athletes and excruciatingly difficult obstacles. It looks like so much fun too!

Keep it classy,

~E

Let's Get Physical.

New school year, new stress. 

Am I right or am I right?

Everyone needs their own coping mechanisms. 

Some people go and get a massage, others take a warm, scented bubble bath, or put in a familiar movie. 

But there are some negative ways people deal with stress, like eating or not eating anything at all. 

I would like to point out that this is a really a bad thing. Starving or stuffing yourself just because of an outside stimulus or stressor is ridiculous. 

As a former stress-eater I know. I really do. 

But fortunately, this year I've managed to find a great new way to manage stress. Going to the gym after class. I love putting on workout clothes and going to work out for an hour. No books, no studying, no stress. You can just work hop onto one of the machines and melt away stress while you melt away the pounds. Not to mention I can get stronger before Rugby season starts in November. 

How do you manage stress, in a positive or negative way?

Keep it classy,

~E