Girl Crush of the Week - Taylor O'Shaughnessy

Our Girl Crush of the Week, Taylor O'Shaughnessy, is beyond adorable. You can just tell she never had that awkward stage in 7th grade, which would be totally annoying...if she weren't so darned sweet, hilarious, and well, crush-worthy :)

Taylor, who writes the blog It's the Little Things, is a Miami alum living in Chicago. Originally from Atlanta, Taylor's style is a perfect mix of southern prep and big-city gal-on-the-go. Girlfriend WORKS those monograms - and you know that's the way to our little Tartan & Sequins hearts!

It's the Little Things covers life, fashion, pop culture, and random little things. Personally, I live for Taylor's Coffee Talk posts, where she dishes about pop culture happenings on her radar. And I totally love that she noted that her last Coffee Talk post was cancelled due to lack of hustle. Haha. 

Not only is she gorgeous, funny, sweet, hilarious and creative - Taylor is also super smart! She made a super cool mid-twenties change up and recently returned to school to become a dental hygienist. I mean hello, look at those teeth - it seems like a natural choice to me! :) Anyhoo, I always find a ton of inspiration when people mix it up and go for the career they really want, a few years out of school, and wanted to note how rad I thought it was that Taylor was doing so! Snaps, Taylor, snaps! And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming...Tay O'Shay 101! Class is in session, babes. Enjoy getting to know Taylor and be sure to pop over to It's the Little Things to check out more of her awesome little self!

• Style icons? Rachel Bilson, for her always relaxed and adorable style.  Olivia Palermo, because I wish I looked half as amazing and fashionable as her when I walked out the door everyday. And Ashley Olsen, for her perfectly un-done look that I will never be able to replicate. I am from the age where the Olsens were everything to me, and I can still quote every line from their tv-movies and musicals. (I feel bad kicking out MK from this group, but homeless chic isn't really my thing.) 

• Design philosophy? Dress for yourself. And if you aren't comfortable, don't wear it. (heels aside - those will just plain never be comfortable).  Feeling awkward in something, no matter how gorgeous it is, will ruin the night real fast. 
• Favorite book of all time? If we're talking classics and I want to sound intelligent, The Catcher in The Rye. But I love mindless chick-lit beach reads more than anything, especially Emily Giffin, and celebrity autobiographies are a big plus as well. 

• Best advice you ever received?  Mind your manners. Say please and thank you. Be polite to everyone, especially the bus boy, and table manners tell a lot more about someone than the words coming out of their mouth. 

Speaking of table manners......

• Favorite stores? Nordstrom for anything and everything (and the best customer service ever), Shopbop for endless amazing dress options, J. Crew and Anthropologie for everyday, and Francesca's Collection for inexpensive necklaces.

• Dream place to live? I haven't been too many places abroad, but I would love to spend a year or two living anywhere outside of the country, and Italy and London would be at the top of the list. 

• The one product you're obsessed with right now? Benefit Yes, They're Real Mascara. My nonexistent stubby lashes actually look thick and long when I use it.  
• Biggest indulgence? Food and dresses. I would wear a dress everyday if I could, and usually do in the summer. These go hand in hand for me, because the best dresses are the ones that are gorgeous but that also allow you to devour a cheeseburger, french fries, and plenty of cocktails without anyone ever noticing.  

• Girl crush? Emma Stone and Rachel Bilson.  They're both so freaking adorable and seem like they are nice as pie. 

• Favorite song? I am known for knowing every word to songs no one our age ever listens to (Michael McDonald, Hall + Oates, Motown, Journey) but my favorite current song is Everybody Talks by Neon Trees and anything by Adele. 
• Prized possession? My mom's original ring guard that she gave me when my dad passed away.  I never take it off. 

• Current hangout? Newport Bar + Grill, a perfectly dumpy bar steps from my apartment. Cheap beers + live music make for the perfect Friday night.  
• Motto? If it's not alright, it's not the end. Oh, and Monogram EVERYTHING.... it's just better that way.  
• Best place on earth? The Cayman Islands. I count down the days every year until I get to spend Christmas with my toes in the sand. 

• Favorite drink? Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.  

Isn't she the coolest?! Be sure to check Taylor out on her blog, It's The Little Things, for even more sassiness and monograms :)