Highlights from 2015

I can't believe 2015 is already over.  This year has gone by SO fast!  As promised, here's a short recap of highlights for y'all.  I'm sorry I wasn't more thorough - I was on a time crunch because I had a ton of errands to run.  I hope you guys still love me!

1.  Becoming a Strathmore Artist-in-Residence.

Photographer:  Jonathan Timmes

Strathmore's an amazing arts organization based in the DMV - they sponsor and host a ton of concerts, bringing in huge artists from all genres. It's a true honor to be one of the chosen 6 AIRs! I've already learned so much - their bi-weekly seminars have been so helpful and informative - and I've met some truly incredible musicians and mentors!  I even had the opportunity to dabble in some jazz, ha.  I'm really looking forward to upcoming improv lessons with the wonderful Dan Roberts.  For those of you in the area, I'm being featured in May!  For info on concerts and whatnot, clicky HERE. Also, if you'd like to see more pics from my shoot with Jonathan Timmes, clicky HERE.

2.  Breaking 50k+ on instagram!

I was super excited to reach this milestone because instagram is by far my favorite social media platform.  Thanks to you guys, I was able to to smash my original goal.  I wanted to hit 50k by the end of December, but I built my following up to 55.2k+!  I really can't thank y'all enough.  I promise to work extra hard in 2016.  

3.  Finishing my degree recitals + passing Peabody's piano lit exam.

As you all know, I'm currently pursuing my doctorate in piano performance at the Peabody Institute. I'm stoked to announce that I officially finished my last solo recital for the degree.  If you're wondering what I played for the concert, here's my program: Haydn's Piano Sonata in E Major, No. 31, Chopin's Four Ballades, and a contemporary piece written by my good friend, Natalie Draper.  I was actually pretty nervous for the performance, but it went really well so I'm content.

Also, as I mentioned above, I passed Peabody's piano lit exam on my first try - it was an unexpected ("unexpected" = miraculous) feat, ha!  You guys have NO idea how much I studied.  I was literally scrutinizing scores and listening to recordings 10-12 hours a day.  People told me all sorts of insane stories so I was legit terrified - thank god that's all done and over with.  I still have 2 more comps to complete, but I can sort of see the light at the end of the tunnel now!  Send me good vibes so I pass both my exams in the spring!

4.  Visiting LA + linking up with blogger friends!

The Arts District || Good Times in Hollywood || Feeling Myself

Last summer, I visited la-la land and had a marvelous time romping around like a tourist!  I worked with an amazing photographer and hung out with some IG favorites: fashionista804, kkarmalove, and lifesjules.  My trip was super short so I didn't get to connect with all my CA friends - I guess that means I have to go back soon!  FYI, links to full posts are provided in the caption.

5.  Hosting Snobswap's DC event + modeling for Fox news.

I was stoked to co-host my first event in DC this year!  "The Best of Snobswap" was such a blast - the h'orderves were delish and the space (Malmaison) was super cute.  I had the opportunity to connect with local consignment boutiques and mingle with fashionable DMV-ers.  I represented Ella Rue and wore Alexis and James Jeans to the event.  Also, I made my first official TV appearance as a fashion blogger/model on Fox news to help promote the event!  I've been featured/interviewed on TV for my music several times in the past so I thought I'd feel fine, but I was surprisingly nervous.  I guess jitters don't fade with time, ha!

6.  Creating my youtube channel + making videos/recording with Blue Griffin.

Ok, I know my youtube channel only has ONE video, but that's going to change very soon!  I actually flew to Michigan to record a bunch of videos and audio tracks with Blue Griffin.  Keep an eye out because sh*t's about to get real.  Also, if you're wondering why I have a random photo of a living room, it's because I stayed with my recording engineer and his partner during my stay in Lansing. Their home is freakin' ginormous.  In fact, it's an insult to call their house a "house" because their crib is actually an effin' castle.  Ha.  Moving on, I'm planning to vlog a bunch this year so let me know if you have requests.  I always take them into consideration!

7.  Attending my first Her Campus Event + covering it as an ambassador for European Wax Center.

I had a blast covering Her Campus' College Fashion Week!  European Wax Center generously sponsored my post - if you missed it, clicky here. I really enjoyed the show because they featured "real" girls, and the audience was really supportive. As a plus, HC got Allie Gonino (Laurel from The Lying Game) to perform a lovely set as an opening act.

What are some of your favorite moments from 2015? Leave me a comment below with your most memorable experience!  Also, don't forget to check out my list of end-of-the-year sales HERE.

End-of-the-Year Blowout Sales

7forallmankind - is offering 30-50% off select women's and men's denim, sweaters, jackets, shirts, tops and more through 1/3.

Amazon - Up to 70% off dress shoes for everyone in the family - ends 1/14.

American Eagle - Buy 1 Get 1 50% off AEO jeans and 50% off clearance - ends 1/6.

Ann Taylor - Extra 60% off sale styles until 1/10.

Athleta - up to 60% off for their semi annual sale - ends 1/4.

Banana Republic - Extra 50% off sale styles - valid until 1/5.

Barneys New York - Up to 60% off regular prices on select items - valid until 1/2.

Bath&Body Works - Semi annual sale - up to 75% off select items + $10 off $50 with code YAY10 - ends 1/18.

Bed Bath & Beyond - Up to 50% off clearance items.

Brooks Brothers - shop their semi-annual sale; ends on 1/3.

Carter's - The More the Merrier Sale: get up to 70% off - ends 1/3.

Charlotte Russe - Free shipping on orders $50+.

eBags - up to 80% off End of the Year Blowout - ends 1/3.

Forever 21 - Free shipping on orders $50+.

Gymboree - up to 75% off any order - ends 1/10.

JCPenney - 25% off $100+ order with a JCPenney Credit Card or 20% off with any other method of payment with code BIGSAVING - valid until 1/3.

J. Crew - Extra 40% off sale styles with code SHOPNOW - ends 1/6.

J. Crew Factory - Get an extra 40% off clearance with code HEY2016- ends on 1/5.

Lands' end - The great winter sale: up to 60% off - ends 1/15.

Levi's - Extra 40% off sale styles with code SALE40 - ends 1/3.

L.L.Bean - Up to 50% off + free shipping until 1/10.

Loft - 60% off any sale item - expires 1/5.

Nasty Gal - Get an extra 40% off on already reduced merchandise - ends 1/3.

Neiman Marcus - Extra 25-33% off sale items; ends 1/2.

Nike - 25% off clearance + free shipping on all orders with Nike+ - use code BESTYOU.  Valid until 1/5.

Nordstrom - Up to 50% off men, women, & kids at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale - valid until 1/3.

Ralph Lauren - Additional 40% off select styles - ends 1/14.

Rebecca Minkoff - Extra 40% off sale items with code BYE2015 - valid until 1/4.

Rebecca Taylor - get an extra 30% off post-holiday sale items with code NEWYEAR through 1/4. This code also provides up to 70% off sale items.

Saks Fifth Avenue - Up to 70% off designer selections - ends 1/9.

Sears - Extra $10 off $40+ on regular and sale priced items with code NEWYEAR - valid until 1/2.

Sperry - Shop their End of the Year sale to get up to 50% off select styles until 1/6.

The Children's Place - 50-60% off monster sale + extra 25% off + free shipping with code HOLIDAY25. Ends 1/2.

The Limited - Get an extra 60% off sale items - ends 1/3.

Toms - Up to 25% off sale items - ends 1/31.

ToysRUs - Shop the great after-Christmas sale - ends 1/2.

Ulta - But 1 get 1 50% off Ulta Beauty skincare + $3.50 off $10 with code 307962. Expires 1/2.

Uniqlo - $20 off $150+ with code NEWYOU - ends 1/14.

Victoria's Secret - Semi-annual sale, up to 60% off - expires 1/20.

Ringing in the New Year

Holy crap, I can't believe 2015 is coming to a close.  This year has been insane!  There's been so much excitement - I can't wait to recap with you guys.  I'll make sure to share highlights tomorrow so stay tuned.  Sorry, I'm a little tired because I just got back from my FL trip - hopefully y'all can cut me some slack and commend me on my dedication, ha!  Anywho, for my NYE outfit, I combined two fabulous pieces (a plunging v-neck bodysuit + sequin maxi skirt) to make one killer dress.  I don't know if you guys remember this bodysuit, but I featured it here a while back!  

Charlotte Russe seriously carries some of the sexiest bodysuits I've ever seen!  I scored this baby for $10, but unfortunately, this piece is no longer available online.  Lucky for you guys, they carry tons of other fabulous options.  

Here are some cute but affordable options for your browsing pleasure:

Here's a full body shot for you guys!  I picked this skirt up at ASOS for $54.  If you want one too, act quickly because it's currently on sale HERE for $34 (!!!)  Yeah, I'm kind of kicking myself right now. I'm an avid bargain shopper - hence the name, "Sensible Stylista" - so it makes me sad when something I buys gets discounted further, ha.  I'll get over it though...eventually.  Anywho, I just LOVE the thigh-high split.  I channel my inner Angelina every time I wear it!  

Bodysuit:  Charlotte Russe || Skirt: ASOS || Necklace:  Isharya || Shoes:  Candie's

Here are some other sequin skirts for y'all (varying price points):

I accessorized with my beautiful Isharya choker and threw on black platform pumps to finish off my look!  I'm excited to party it up with my fam later tonight.  We're going to the city for a lovely meal and then ringing in the new year with Dom Perignon.  I'm so excited for 2016 - it's gonna be even better than 2015.  Do you guys have any new years resolutions?