HELLO, GORGEOUS: INTRODUCING THE DAYDREAM COLLECTION BY WARBY PARKER

Hi everyone! It's no secret that I am a sunglasses junkie (this should suffice as evidence) so when Warby Parker got in touch with me about helping launch their brand spankin' new collection I was over the moon!

It's called the Daydream Collection and I think it's appropriately named because the last few days I've found myself daydreaming about owning a pair! Some of the frames are completely new while others are tried and true designs  that have gotten a spring overhaul! After looking through the entire collection, I've picked three of my personal favorites to show you all...

These were definitely the first pair that caught my eye. They are the Topper Crystal sunglasses and to me they scream summer! The clear design of these sunglasses is what attracted my attention because I don't think I've ever seen something like them before, and I've certainly never owned a pair like this. I like the roundness of the frames (it suits my face better) and I could see myself wearing them with my more "grungy" looks.

The Piper Petal Tortoise sunglasses are another favorite of mine! I love the cat-eye shape of the frames, it reminds me a bit of 50's fashion. I've owned a few pairs of tortoise sunglasses in the past however this particular print is quite unique I think. Think poodle skirts meets Audrey Hepburn.

My last pick out of the Daydream Collection is this pair, aka Madison English Oak. The shape of the frame is similar to my Wayfarers, which I like. The grainy, wood look reminds me of an old-school surfboard for some reason and that makes me think of California. Which makes me happy, because I miss California <3

I think the Daydream Collection by Warber Parker has something to offer everyone with a true smorgasbord of designs, frames, and colors. You know that you've found a great pair of sunglasses when you find yourself planning (or wanting to plan) entire outfits around them, and I definitely believe this to be the case with this collection! When it comes down to it, fashion is really about inspiration and when a piece in turn inspires you to be more daring or  more true to yourself that's when you know you're onto something.

Want to know something really exciting? You know you do. As of today you can go to the Warby Parker website and order any of these lovely pairs of sunglasses for yourself! And even better for every pair of glasses purchased, Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to someone who needs them! I don't know anything better than treating yourself to a quality product and helping someone in need at the same time :)

until next time,

AN ASSORTMENT OF SNAPSHOTS

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures from the last week or so :)

the mad hatter took a selfie with me!

Right now at Hollywood Studios (soon to be renamed apparently, boo) they have the carriage from the new Cinderella movie, so I had to take a perfectly princess-like picture with it!

Hollywood Studios is really starting to grow on me...after all it is home to two of my favorite attractions, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster (<3 Aerosmith <3) and this beauty of course!

i'm in the second row on the right if you're wondering lol

I'll leave you with this gem of a ride photo! Rocketing from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a millisecond is only slightly terrifying...but being serenaded in my ear by the sweet, sweet silky voice of Steven Tyler sure does calm me down ;)

until next time,

MY 10 PERSONAL SUCCESSES

Hi everyone! Today's post is going to be a tad bit different because it is actually an assignment for the class I am taking at Disney called Creativity and Innovation. My teacher Ellen (hi ellen!) asked me and the rest of my class to highlight ten successes that we have experienced in our lifetime. Seeing as my blog is my creative outlet, I decided to post my ten successes on here for you all to see!

1. getting accepted into the disney college program

How could I leave this one out?! It has been a life-long dream of mine to work for Disney in some way or another, and getting accepted into this program is what made my dream come true! I worked my butt off to get to this point in my education and I am truly proud of all that I have accomplished.

2. graduating from high school

Woah, talk about a flashback! I never doubted for a second that I would graduate from high school (clearly, i'm a nerd) but it was a big deal considering the fact that I went to school for 13 years before I could do it!

3. getting accepted into college(s)

Psych! I didn't even get into this college (UCLA) but I wish I did...isn't it beautiful? I got accepted into three other colleges though, so not all hope was lost!

4. surviving my move across the united states

I don't have a picture for this one because at the time of the move I had no desire to document it. I didn't even want to acknowledge that it was happening. I had to leave the place that I loved, my long-time friends, my boyfriend at the time and his family. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. The successes that I have experienced as a result of my move by far outweigh the hardships I faced during that difficult time. Like...

5. studying abroad in england

need i say more?

6. being in a successful long distance relationship

We met in a slightly non ideal situation (i was leaving england approximately a month and a half after we met) and we are currently in a non ideal situation (mike lives in england, i live in america) however we make it work! And that in itself is a triumph. Or so I've been told by the dozens of people that have told me that they could never do it!

7. distinguished community service award

In high school I completed over 250 hours of community service in a variety of places! Volunteering at my local SPCA was definitely my favorite :)

8. sticking with french all four years of high school

I loved my French teacher and I feel like that was part of the reason why I stuck with it for so long! I don't think French has been too useful in my life just yet, however I did speak it when I went to France much to the dismay of the Parisians I encountered...

9. changing my major halfway through college

I wish I would have chosen English from the beginning but I guess it took me a while to realize that it was always the right path for me. Ever since I changed my major I have felt more confident in myself and my schoolwork.

10. starting this blog

As I have said before, I started this blog as a way to keep myself busy while Mike and I were apart. Of course, I also started this blog because I have a passion for writing and a love of beauty and fashion among many other things. I would consider Essentially Shannon to be a success and I only hope that it will continue to grow!

What are some of your personal successes? Let me know in the comments down below!

until next time,

RAY-BAN: CLASSIC, COLORFUL, AND A TRUE STYLE INVESTMENT

Hi everyone! It was a beautiful sunny day in Orlando today and I was in the mood to shop. I had the day off so I headed to Downtown Disney to do some damage. And boy did I do just that. Behold, the beauty that is my new pair of Ray-Ban Bicolor Wayfarers *insert heart eye emojii here*

I've wanted a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses for basically as long as I can remember. I've always loved the Wayfarer style because they fit my face the best and they look so classic! It's kind of hard to tell in the picture because of the way the lenses are, but the lenses are in fact purple! (if you want a better idea of what they look like here you go) I walked into the store on a whim and I saw these on the shelf and knew that I was going to walk out with them. I rationalized my purchase based on the discount I got (20 percent, thanks Disney!) and the fact that I wear sunglasses every day of my life so I will surely get my use out of them ;)

The lady in the store told me that my sunglasses are limited edition so they came with this nice vintage Ray-Ban case and box! I'm so in love with these sunglasses it's kinda crazy!

Do you have Ray-Bans? What style and color? Or if not, what kind of sunglasses do you have? Let me know in the comments below :)

until next time,

SPRINGSPIRATION

Hi everyone! Can I just tell you how great it feels to have a day off from work?! Mondays and Tuesdays have become my weekend down here in Florida (i have my creativity and innovation class on tuesdays) and today has been a productive Monday so far so I thought I would do a fashion post for you all! The warm Florida weather and sunshine have had me in a springy sort of mood lately...and I had a peek at either Billabong or Roxy's (can't remember which one...i was at city walk the other day in a big store with both brands) spring/summer collection and I was so inspired by it! I would have bought every single piece if I could only afford it...sigh...

When I was looking at the Roxy/Billabong collection the other day, I saw the most beautiful white kimono! To me it screamed spring, as white brings to mind newness and lightness. You can't go wrong with Converse and I really like the zipper detail on these white ones!

  

I love crop tops! I think it is so adorable to wear a crop top with high waisted shorts or a high waisted skirt (or in this case a skort, throw back to elementary school much?) and show just a sliver of stomach. Also, can we talk about the return of the jelly sandal?! Like my temporary aversion to scrunchies, I was a bit hesitant to embrace the jelly sandal's new found popularity but I won't lie...I really want a pair! I especially like this high heeled pair because it puts a more grown up twist on a childhood classic. Oh, and I think this shirt is hilarious...sassy, just how I like it ;)

If this outift looks even vaguely familiar to you, then congrats! You are an avid watcher of American Horror Story like me and we are now best friends ;) AHS is one of my favorite shows and although the third season was not my favorite by any means, the fashion featured in the third season was! Witches in New Orleans made for some very interesting outfit choices, and ever since then I have always yearned to wear black floppy hats and peasant dresses. I have a slight obsession with platform wedges like these ones, there is just something about them! I'm a sucker for grunge, what can I say.

Polyvore is a great tool, but man does it make me want to go shopping...if anyone would like to donate to the Shannon Is A Poor College Student shopping fund feel free because girl needs to hit up Forever 21 really soon ;) I hope you all enjoyed this fashion post, I love putting outfits together so if this is something you would like to see more of let me know down below! I'm open to any and all suggestions and I love hearing from you guys, so don't be shy!

until next time,

BYE BYE MUGGLE WORLD, HELLO HOGWARTS

Hi everyone! It finally happened. After years of fawning and flailing about whenever a commercial would come on, I laid eyes on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal for the first time and it was the most magical experience of my entire life. For a hardcore HP fan like me (circa 2000, what what), walking into a life size Diagon Alley and Hogwarts is an actual dream come true.

I wore my Platform 9 and 3/4 t-shirt (duh) that I purchased at the real King's Cross in London because it was only appropriate!

I had a nice chat with the Knight Bus driver (I call him Stan Shunpike because that is what his name is in the books but I'm not actually sure if that's who he is supposed to be or not...lol) but his shrunken head friend in the window wasn't so polite. He told me I have a big head! He's one to talk...he's only a head! And that's exactly what I told him...sure shut him up! ;)

My friend/fellow apartment mate and HP mega fan Brittany and I ate lunch at The Leaky Cauldron and it was perfection. I was so stoked about the traditional British menu because it made me felt like I was back in London :) I had the bangers and mash and it was delicious! The portion was a pretty decent size so I felt like the price was fair. Unlike at Disney where you pay ten dollars for a burger...sorry Disney, I love you but it aint worth it! And of course, I had to try the butterbeer! I got the normal non-frozen kind and it was heavenly! Towards the end of it I felt a little bit sick because it is quite sweet, but overall I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to try the frozen kind next time!

I was really naughty and not only got butterbeer, but ice cream too! The flavors at Florean Fortescue's are so funky and I just had to try some. I got chocolate chili and clotted cream, and they certainly were interesting! Brittany got the butterbeer soft serve because she's had butterbeer already and she wanted to try something new. I had a lick and it was tasty!

Brittany and I took the Hogwarts Express from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and it was basically the raddest thing ever.

They did a fantastic job with both the platform itself and the Hogwarts Express! When I stepped foot on the train and sat down in one of the compartments, I felt like I was transported right into the books and movies. To be quite honest, I got a little bit emotional riding the Hogwarts Express because ever since I was little I've always dreamed of going to Hogwarts and in a way the physical journey between the two places made that dream a little more real.

Brittany and I rode both Escape from Gringotts and Forbidden Journey twice, and I must say that these two rides are my favorite rides ever. Sure, I'm biased because I absolutely love Harry Potter and of course I'll always have those Disney rides that are my favorites. However, Gringotts and Forbidden Journey are on a different level altogether because of sheer innovation and emotional connection. When I got off of Forbidden Journey for the first time, I was speechless and floored by what I had just experienced! Both rides are so immersive and technologically advanced, I can't wait to ride them again just so I can figure out how they work!

Sidenote: Brittany and I went into a phonebooth in the London section of Wizarding World and I found this! It's a list of all the areas in and surrounding London, and Mike's town is on the list! It made me so happy and I sent this picture to him :) His mum got a kick out of it too!

I am proud to say that I am an Annual Passholder for Universal which means I can go back (almost) anytime I want for the next year! I plan on going a lot (like a lot a lot) before I leave Florida in May so you can definitely expect more posts about Wizarding World from me! I didn't get to take nearly as many pictures as I wanted when I went the other day because it rained the whole day so next time I will take loads! Oh, and I bought an interactive Hermione wand at Ollivander's so I can't wait to cast some spells next time I am in the park :D

until next time,

DCP 2015: A REAL WILD TIME

Hi everyone! On Saturday, I went to Animal Kingdom with my lovely roommates Kayla and Amy. The last time I went to Animal Kingdom was about 10 years ago, but even now it looks almost exactly how I remember it :) When we went to make Fastpass reservations for some of the bigger rides, the cast member that was helping us was nice enough to give us a Fastpass that we could use for whatever ride we wanted! The wait for Kilimanjaro Safari was already long and there weren't any Fastpasses left for the day, so we decided to use our freebie on that! Our roommate Brittany is training to be a tour guide on Kilimanjaro Safari and she happened to be training that day. We looked all over for her while we were in line waiting to get on the safari, and we finally found her right before we departed! She just started taking guests a few days ago and I can't wait to go on a safari with her as my tour guide! :)

the zebras were so close!

Later on, my roommates and I decided to get in line to meet Dug and Russell from Up!

They were so adorable! They are also the first characters I've ever officially met! When I was younger, I used to be scared of characters so I'm starting to make up for all that lost time :)

I met Pocahontas as well and she complimented the "stones" that I wore in my ears! ;) As a blogger who loves fashion, a compliment coming from straight from a princess is much appreciated! My OOTD for the day was a crop top from Nollie, my favorite black high waisted shorts from American Apparel, and my brown booties from DSW.

I've been getting great feedback since I've started posting about my adventures on the Disney College Program! I hope you've been enjoying my posts so far, I've had so much fun doing them. Leave me suggestions down below for any other posts that you would like to see or just say hi! :)

until next time,