Sports Crush Saturday I Super Bowl Edition

The SuperBowl is arguably the most watched annual sporting event and rightfully so with the amount of money spent on it each year. Whether people tune in for the game, halftime show, or the commercials the entertainment level is huge. 

The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks are facing off tomorrow in SuperBowl XLIX. The game pits veteran quarterback Tom Brady against the young but still impressive Russell Wilson. Sports analysts are predicting a close competitive match-up between the two teams but regardless the score there are sure to be enough good looking players on the field to keep me entertained. 

I know what your're thinking, just another girl who claims to like sports but is really only interested in how hot the players are. Well you're wrong, I know the rules, the teams, and the players stats but I would be lying to you if I didn't say I also enjoy ogling over athletes. 

What I look for in a Sports Crush, is not just someone who is good looking but also has that something extra that makes them stand out from the rest of the bunch. If they make huge plays on the field, have a great personality in post game interviews, or impress with their social media presence then they are sure to make it onto my list. 

This Superbowl Edition of Sports Crush Saturday is dedicated to Patriots wide receiver and punt returner Julian Edelman. 

Edelman had anything but a usual journey to the NFL but through it all his determination never faltered. After his senior year at Kent State Edelman was not invited to the NFL combine. When the CFL (Canadian Football League) came knocking he held strong onto his dream of playing in the NFL and turned down their offer. During his pro day Edelman showed what he was really made of when he ran a 3.91 in the short shuttle beating the fastest time at the combine proving he deserved a chance.

Edelman's dream came true when he was taken in the 7th round by the New England Patriots and although he had to leave his old position of quarterback behind he had made it to the NFL. His career since has been anything but easy, competing not only with teammates such as Wes Welker for playing time but also fighting through injuries. But this year, Edelman played all 16 games and was the fourth leading receiver in the NFL.

So,while he might not look the part of a number one receiver he has made himself into the Patriots go to guy. Edelman is a versatile playmaker who can help the team with receiving, punt returning or even his arm (yeah that's right, his arm. check out this patriots trick play where Edelman throws a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens in their playoff game this year)

Even Tom Brady can't stop gushing over him. Earlier this season Brady said to NESN "“Jules is just — he’s awesome. I love that guy. Just a special person, player, friend, we’ve had a lot of time together over the years. We’ve just got a great, special bond.”

Any way you put Julian Edelman is hot, has a big heart, and is the Patriots leading reciever making him the perfect sports crush. 

Here are some other reasons why Julian Edelman is so great:

he is all about the fans

he rocks a mean playoff beard

and looks handsome with it in his "dapper" suit

he is best buds with Tom Brady 

(he moved to Cali during the offseason to train with him)

and most of all he is a major goofball!

....oh and did I mention he is pretty easy on the eyes as well.

 Take a few minutes and read this interview he did with NFL.com and learn more about this smoothie loving football star

and let me know who your Superbowl Stud is below !!

Superbowl Sports Crush Honorable Mention:

Tom Brady

Patriots Quarterback

Cooper Helfet

Seahawks Tight End

Doug Baldwin

Seahawks Wide Receiver

Danny Amendola

Patriots Wide Receiver

Favorites Friday I Confession Time

So, today I wanted to share a little confession with you...I love stationary.NOPE. I am obsessed with stationary. Last week I was in a Home Goods store (check them out: you can find loads of furniture, kitchen, and bathroom supplies here) and I spent at least a half hour rummaging through their stationary section. I thought what could it hurt to pick up a small notepad for my purse so that when I have a brilliant idea for my blog I could write it down. And yes I know that I could easily type it into my phone but there is something so satisfying about putting your thoughts down on paper. Since I can't help myself and obviously bought loads more I decided that I would share some of my favorite 

stationary with you !

This set of three notebooks is from My Mind's Eye Paper Goods ($14.99). I got it for 6.99 from Home Goods. I love the design of these Kraft notebooks with the foil letter accents, polka dots, and stripes.   The inside pages are also blank which is great for sketching design ideas for DIY projects and website layouts. 

I also really adored how the set came packaged !

This Neon Kate Spade notebook set is perfect for storing in your purse so that even if you are on the go you always have something to write in. I love adorable sayings on the front cover and the colors are so vibrant like all Kate Spade products. 

This style of notebook is a must have for any collection and the best part is you can get the set from Papyrus for only $3.25.

I found these branch pencils at Home Goods and although I'm not sure what I am really going to do with them yet, I needed to purchase them. I mean they are seriously cool...they are made from Tamarind Trees which are farmed for the fruit. When the branches are trimmed from the trees they are made into pencils and pens. I think they make a great gift idea or decoration for your desk ! 

This pack was $4.99 but you can also get them online from Anthropologie.

I bought this notebook purely because I love owls. They are my favorite animal, my school's mascot (Go Temple!), and they go really well on just about anything. I have a few scarves, earrings, and even a purse with owls but my latest obsession is to buy owl notebooks. I also adore this journal because it is faux leather bound which makes it look sooooo nice!

This notebook is by Eccolo but, I got it from Home Goods for $4.99 and it can also be found on Amazon. 

These are just a few of my favorite stationery that I thought I would share with you. 
 Let me know what your favorite kind is or if you have an equally odd obsessions just like me !

Throwback Thursday I Cousins on Mother's Day 1996

Top Left to Right : Rachel (Sister), Jenna (cousin), Joey (cousin), Me
Bottom: Kate (cousin)

When I look at this picture I can't help but laugh because if I am being honest, not much has 

changed ! Whenever the five of us get together we are always laughing...mostly at whoever we are making fun of that day! 

This picture was taken at Sweetwater Casino outside the restaurant. It was a tradition for my family to go to dinner there every year on Mother's Day. One of my favorite parts was the popcorn machine they had inside the restaurant that we got to eat from while we waited for our table. But mostly I loved getting to spend time with my cousins. (A few years after this picture was taken I moved in around the corner from them and let's just say they haven't been able to get rid of me ever since!)

So, my first Throwback Thursday is dedicated to my wonderful older sister who I would be lost without and my fabulous cousins who I would be hopeless without! 

Favorites Friday I Staple Boots for the Season

Every girl loves a good pair of boots, although most times our wallets do not. Yet, somehow when the first leaves drops from the trees boots find their way into our closets despite the hefty prices.

I mean you have to have remarkable control to resist the genuine leather, unique designs, and don't even get me started on how comfortable they can be. Who needs heels when you can walk miles in boots with all the confidence in the world?

But, that is only where their awesomeness begins. Boots are also the solution to every outfit crisis. You can pair a nice pair of boots with a skirt or dress and slip them on with jeans and a sweater and impress in both looks.That is why boots are my favorite fashion trend of the season. 

Here are some of my top styles that every girl should have in her closet!

Duck Boots

The hottest boot trend that is sweeping the nation right now are duck boots. The 109 year old style is flying off the shelves and have become a fashion favorite!

Women's Bean Boot: L.L. Bean, $109.00

Whether you are going for the "lumberjack" look or casual comfort these are the boots for you. They're easily paired with jeans, tights, and even a dresses. I like to keep it casual and slip them on with leggings and a denim shirt. 

But, their popularity comes at a price....Businessweek reports that L.L. is so backed up on orders, customers in select sizes may not receive their boots until mid March, even with extra production employees on hand.

Don't worry! I've got a few other places were you can snag similar products in the same price range. 


JCrew- J.Crew Unisex Lacrosse Duck Boots, $125

  

Sperry Top-Sider Cold Bay Boot, $150

Combat Boots

My next must have's are Combat boots. And before you think they may be to edgy for your style give them a chance. There might just be the right pair out there for you. I mean hey they've even made it onto the red carpet this year. 

Steven Madden Women's Saffrin Combat Boots, $72

Forever 21 Lace-Up Combat Boots, $34.80

Not only do combat boots look great but they keep your feet warm and they are 

durable so they will last you through the season ! They're great to wear to class because they can spruce up any look....even an oversized sweater or slouchy tee !

Two Toned Riding Boots

Another super sized trend this year has been two-toned riding boots. These boots polish off any outfit whether your going to work or hitting the city with your friends. You can pull off a stylish look in these boots with minimal effort. 

Bandolino Carlotta Tall Riding Boots, $124.99

Ralph Lauren Women's Melanie Riding Boots, $119.25

The sleek sophistication of these boots make it possible to match them with almost anything. They go great with natural tones and vibrant pops of color ! I love wearing them with funky pattern accents. 

Over the Knee Boots 

Last but definitely not least are over the knee boots! In slouchy suede this style has said goodbye to its "Pretty Woman" past and made the journey from runways to closets everywhere. Added bonus: if their worn just right can make your legs look longer !

Steve Madden Tyga Over the Knee Boots, $149.95

Ted Baker Francki Over the Knee Leather Boots, $250.14



(I absolutely love these Ted Baker Boots! I found them last week on Anne Saccone's Blog and fell in love. The open design in the back and zipper accent are the perfect combination!) 

No matter what style, boots are comfortable, chic, and add just 
the right amount of flair to any outfit ! 

Let me know your must have style below and if you've splurged on any boots this season!

Welcome to Gracefully Gaudy

Welcome to Gracefully Gaudy ! 

Sit back and relax while I tell you a little bit about myself.

My name is Allie I am a senior Journalism student at Temple University, a lover of all DIY projects, a bit obsessed with young adult novels, a frequent movie goer, and a crazy sports fan.  

When I am not glued to my computer watching Netflix or coaching high school softball I normally can be found spending loads of time with my amazing family. 

So when it comes to this blog, your gonna get a bit of all the different aspects of my lifestyle. It's kinda like a lazy susan, once you spin it the possibilities are endless. 

Now that you know me a little but more I'm sure you're thinking, but why Gracefully Gaudy? 

Well, I may not be from the South but I have always been a firm believer in the saying "The Bigger the Better" (get your mind out of the gutter, I'm not talking about that!)

What I mean is the more glitter, glitz, and glam that happier I am. 

I wasn't always a lover of fashion, especially not during the "skater girl" years (I like to store those images deep down in the memory vault) But now I can't wait to share all my experiences, ideas, and opinions with you! 

I'm also not all that graceful, despite the 10 years of dancing ! But, I do hope to gracefully guide you through glitter projects, make-up dilemmas, hair tutorials, and much much more. 

if your ready to take an adventure with me and my crazy life, make sure to follow and comment below! 

Always Remember, Stay Gaudy !