mmhmm biochem.

 

Shirt: JC Penneys [exact]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Scarf: Forever 21 [similar]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Now that anatomy is over, I don't spend nearly as much time in lecture as I used to. Most days I'm in school for an hour or two, but the rest of the time I'm at home studying in jeans (YESSS) so I haven't really been putting as much effort into getting ready for school so I only stay in dress code clothing for that hour. So ah....here's what I wore for a more school heavy day. It's not my most favorite outfit of all time, but it's one of the few days in the past week I've had time (or lets be honest, ambition) to actually take a picture. We're currently in the middle of our biochemistry class - all biochem, all the time. There are parts I really like about it (it's crazy what all goes on in our body in every cell all the time - I'm constantly thinking of this video) but sometimes I just don't care what enzymes do what, ya know?

slimming the knees of dress pants & anatomy adventures

Today is our last day of anatomy and I'm torn about how I feel about that.

I'm actually pretty sad- it's crazy how far we've all come in the last twelve weeks. I was one of the unfortunate ones in the class who didn't take anatomy before, so learning everything in such a small amount of time was really, really intense. I would be lying if I said I didn't sit in front of my atlas crying a few times, but the closer I became with my lab group, and the more I figured out how to actually study, the better it got. 

To be able to cut into a human body and learn how everything works is definitely an experience few people get to have, so I'm thankful I got to be one of them. I think we all felt some kind of weird connection with our cadaver. It was disheartening to see how much our bodies go through as we age, but also inspiring that this person decided that they wanted to let us learn from them, even in death. I'm glad that our school structured it that we did anatomy first - it made this whole medical school/becoming doctors real. Now that we're basically done with anatomy (our cumulative exam is this afternoon - keep all of your digits crossed for me because I'm tested out), I'm sad that from here on out it's just books and flash cards. 

In other (not so morbid) news, I finally got my pants back from the tailor. When I initially compared these from The Limited against these from Banana Republic, my biggest issue was that the knees were just too baggy. This is a problem I have with all pants, so I finally just took them in to my tailor to see what she thought. She said it was a relatively easy fix, and pinned them on one knee to see the difference, as you can see below:

In the end, I'm pleased with the subtle improvement. They aren't perfect, there is still some bunching and pulling, but I think that is expected for all pants that are actually worn all day. Part of the problem is definitely the strange shape of my legs, but I do think that this slimming helped the weird bunchiness that was going on. It cost me $10 to have this done as they are unlined pants. I think the difference is worth that, so I may take my maroon pair in to have the same thing done the next time I need to take something in.

Shirt: J.Crew [exact on sale]

Sweater: J.Crew thrifted 

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact on sale]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Whoa, I feel that's a lot of J.Crew. Might have to add another piece to the collection this week though - I'm heading to Pittsburgh tomorrow for a bit of shopping (and buying groceries at Trader Joes apparently because my California friend is a crazy person and refuses to leave his apartment once it starts to snow so he needs to stock up on food), and I really want to try on this long sleeved peplum top while we're at a bigger mall that has a J.Crew. Has anyone tried it on yet? I wish that this sweater was still available because it's adorable - maybe I'll get lucky and fine a lone one in store? 

white blouse, many ways

 

Blouse: H&M

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Belt: The Limited

Earrings: Tiffanys [exact]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Watch: Fossil

Today I'm linking up with Audrey's One Piece, Many Ways post. Make sure you visit all of the other blogs to see how they re-wear their items - ya know, the way normal people do ;)

previously worn here

the limited pencil pants...FTW

I've gotten through the better half of the last 25 years without having to wear dress pants. I had to wear them here and there for interviews or important occasions (...?), but in both college and working in a lab, I could wear jeans all day every day. I feel that dress pants don't look that good on me, and I've just never felt that comfortable in them. Trying on those from the Gap was really frustrating because I just wanted it to be easy - here's some black pants, look - they fit! wear them all the time. But it wasn't, and they all looked terrible. I did mention a few weeks ago that I was interested in the Gap True Straight pants, and then Laura suggested that I try these from The Limited. I think because I got to wear casual clothing in the past that I've always somewhat shied away from that store, but I figured it was worth trying out while I was already at the mall returning all of those other pants.

The first pair I tried on were the pencil pants recommended by Laura. I LOVE THEM. While they also have angled pockets like the Gap pair do, these didn't jut out. The knee area doesn't have too much extra fabric, and they are really comfortable. My school states that technically "cropped" pants aren't allowed, and these may be just on the edge of that, so I think I'm going to have the hem taken down maybe 3/4 of an inch (but at the same time, they also say you have to wear pantyhose and no one seems to follow that rule!). I really like ankle pants as I have this weird thing about not liking things to cover my ankles, so I'm thrilled that I now have these. I did buy them full priced, but I'm going to keep my eye on the sales, and then maybe do a switch with receipts so I can "get them" at a lower price. If there's ever a really good sale going on, I think I'll get the blue pair as well. I think they would look really nice with my nude wedges!

As much as I really like the pencil pants, I knew that I needed a full length pair as well. Luckily, they were having a sale on all regular pants and I ended up really liking this pair. They aren't nearly as baggy as the ones from the Gap were, and they created that streamlined look I wanted. I'm too tall for the regular length, so I purchased them in the tall length (for reference, I'm between 5'9'' and 5'10''). They are currently at the tailors to be hemmed to the appropriate length to wear them with flats. 

I'm happy that I feel content with the current staples in my closet, and that I have pants to reach for now on days where I need to be thinking about what innervates the muscles of the forearm instead of how I'm going to accessorize a dress.

Shirt: J.Crew

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Belt: thrifted

Watch: Fossil

Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs [save | splurge]

Please think good thoughts for me this week! We have an exam every day, including our first anatomy practical and oral exam on Friday!  eck! 

P.S. it's the last day for 40% off at Banana Republic - a great time to buy my new favorite skirt if you've had your eye on it! Same goes for at the Gap - this shirt may be on its way to me. 

And this.

Shopping makes me feel better.

up, up, and away

 

Hello from O'Hare! Despite my dry bagel sandwich and overpriced coffee, I am thrilled to be on my way to Seattle! This is my last trip before a week of packing and then moving away so I'm trying to enjoy every single minute of it. I don't usually like to travel in shorts (I prefer jeans for sticking leather seats), but the weather is beautiful and warm in both Madison and Seattle, so I thought it would be a good time to bust them out, along with my new tee and new favorite sandals. A cardigan for cold airplanes, and my trusty leather bag, and I'm basically set. 

When I first got into school, I knew that I wanted to take a bit of time off. I've never had six full weeks of no responsibilities - I've had a job since I was 15 - so this no working thing has been awesome. I wanted to use this time to travel a bit, and I've always wanted to go visit Seattle. I don't really travel on my own - almost everything has always been with my family or with Chris, so it was a little bit of an adventure for me to book this trip. Every time I told people I was going to go to Seattle, they gave me a really confused look when I said I was going by myself just to go. I'm very lucky though, that this trip is turning into not a by myself trip. When I told Bri I was coming, she insisted I stay in one of her guest rooms. Internet friends are the best - and the most trusting apparently. She's luckily she's smaller than I am or else all of her clothes would be coming home with me ;)   On top of that, Kimmie and I have become fast through-the-wire friends, so she's taking this afternoon, Monday, and Tuesday off from work so we can hang out. We have a segway tour booked - it's going to be hilariously awesome. I think visiting a city is the best when you get to see it with people who live there - you get the best mix of touristy stuff and seeing how people actually live there.

So! If you've been to Seattle, are from Seattle, or have heard great things, tell me what I need to see! I want to do, see, and eat it all. Of course it'll all be documented on here and on instagram :) 

Bri just said we might see some whales this afternoon. WHALES! We don't have those in WI.

Tee: J.Crew [exact on super sale for ~$18 with code STYLE40]

Cardigan: Old Navy

Shorts: Gap Outlet

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Bag: Madewell [exact]

Belt: Madewell [exact | in brown | on sale]

Shoes: Target [exact]

^^ this one's for you Kimmie! 

two

 

A list of alternative titles:

+ you look just like ke$ha : my co-worker looked at the sequins on my shirt and said I was all sparkly and looked just like Kesha. I suppose, if Kesha dressed like a cross between an old man and a disco ball....so maybe that is an accurate description after all.

+ total copycat: AJ wore her chambray with her sparkly shirt so I wanted to too. That's what friends are for right, showing us how to wear our own clothes?

+ pro-layerer: months ago I wrote about how I really struggled with layering, how I knew what I wanted to look like, but wasn't sure how to make that happen (side note: don't let me dye my hair dark ever again). With a lot of experimenting, and a few helpful tips, I feel like I'm finally able to dress myself the way I wanted to. It's not that wearing one shirt over another is something that's difficult, it's just that I never felt comfortable, that there was weird bunching, or that I felt like there was just too much going on on my torso. I don't know what has really changed over the last 6 months, but I finally feel comfortable with the clothes in my closet and how I wear them. I don't spend all day tugging and pulling and wishing I was wearing something different - it just somehow clicked, ya know?

Chambray: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Shirt: Loft 

Pants: Urban Outfitters [exact]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Purse: Coach [current style]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

I am so obnoxious.

four

 

I accidentally matched my glasses today.

This morning I wasn't really feeling getting dressed, and as I longingly stared at my new shorts, I reached for the most comfortable pair of jeans I own (which is why you see them all the time...) and this simple top. I bought this shirt at the Banana Republic Factory store a few months ago, but have only worn it once since then because it had this weird bell sleeve going on which I knew I could fix myself. I borrowed my mom's sewing machine a few weeks ago and cut those suckers off to make normal sleeves. And because I can't help but combine black, white, and red (see below), I figured this would be as good of a time as any to wear my new prescription glasses from GlassesUSA.com.

Although I could wear contacts, I mostly choose not to. I think I look better in glasses as they balance out my chubby cheeks and my smaller eyes, and I honestly just feel a bit naked without them....I even go to push them up when I'm not wearing glasses. I have a really great pair of glasses that my aunt, an optometrist in Germany, made for me last November, but it's always nice to have a bit of variation. I was excited when GlassesUSA offered to send me a pair to test out. It took me a while to decide which eyeglasses to get (see some choices here) because they have quite the selection, but the try on view with your own picture made it a bit easier. I like that the pair I chose are black from the front, but then have red sides. I used to wear all red glasses, so this was kind of a throwback for me. I think they frame my face nicely, and were fairly inexpensive. If I could change one thing, it would have been to upgrade the lenses to the anti-reflective kind. If you are interested in mixing up your glasses routine, you can use the virtual mirror below to buy glasses and use the code BLOG10 to get 10% off your order.

Shirt: Banana Republic Factory [similar]

Jeans: American Eagle [exact]

Glasses: c/o GlassesUSA [exact]

Shoes: Old Navy [cute save | WANT]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Belt: The Limited

Black and White and Red all over:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

P.S. Virtual hugs for everyone who clicks on the little heart :)

grey sweatshirt, you fancy: everlane sweatshirt

I've been sick for the past three days, but with limited PTO left at work, I had to go in. The thought of putting any effort into my outfit, hair, or makeup was just not going to happen, so I was happy that my new Everlane sweatshirt came in last weekend.

I've wanted a "fancy" sweatshirt for a while now.

Hear me out!

I've seen Dotty wear this thinner red "sweatshirt" numerous ways over the past few months, and it was always the perfect combination of comfortable and somehow still appropriate. I felt having something similar in my closet would be great for when school starts. I'm sure there will be numerous days where the last thing I want to do is put on dressy clothes, especially for eight hours of lecture, so having a similar dressy sweatshirt would allow me to look pulled together but be secretly wearing a comfortable sweatshirt. so sneaky. 

After my Everlane tee review, several of you ordered the shirts, which is awesome for two reasons: one, you guys get to try them out for yourself (are you loving them as much as I am??), and two, for every person who orders, I get a store credit. I had several store credits saved up, so I decided that it would be a good time to try out their sweatshirt. I decided to get the graphite version because I felt it would be the most low-key, but I'm kind of wishing I had ordered the mustard instead just because the color is a bit more fun (and especially because my mustard cardigan gets a lot of wear).

Anyway, so Monday when I was only going in for a half day after having to sleep 5 more hours in the morning, I was happy to have this to thrown on along with the minimum amount of makeup, and the maximum amount of dry shampoo. The material is thin but very dense and soft - perfect for a day when you want nothing more than to put your pajamas back on.

I may have worn pretty much the same outfit today too.

Sweatshirt: Everlane

Jeans: American Eagle [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Purse: vintage Coach via Etsy  [current version]

please excuse the mess behind me. I'm starting to slowly pack - it's obviously not going well!

P.S. Do you have 2 seconds to spare? I'd love for you to vote for me here! all you have to do is click the heart :)

rainy day

 

Since it was still snowing in April, it only makes sense that it's still raining in May, right? So much for flowers. 

I am happy I get to wear my rain boots again! I'm so happy I found a pair that actually fit my calves instead of trying to squeeze into "normal" size. I'd be lying if I didn't get just a little bit excited to wear them. I'd also be lying if I said I haven't worn a variation of this outfit for the past three days. I just really wanted to wear my new tee [review here], and it's been chilly all weekend so the chambray and jeans just kind of made sense.

whatever, like you've never worn an outfit several days in a row.

Chambray: Old Navy [same style | fun inexpensive variation]

Tee: Everlane

Jeans: Urban Outfitters [exact]

Boots: Hunter [exact]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Umbrella: J.Crew

via instagram.

linking up with wiww.

the joy of moving

 

This weekend I flew with my parents out to the city I'm going to live in to find housing for next year. I met up with my future roommate and I think we found a place to live (fingers crossed we get it!). Because I will be moving by myself in July with only my little hatchback and a small trailer, I packed a few boxes up to store in a family friend's basement for the coming months. I packed up most of my winter clothes, which means my current closet feels so empty...but in a good way. Like I've mentioned, I'm trying to narrow down what I actually keep in my closet and plan on only taking clothes with me that I actually like and wear. I still have a bit of work to do, but man, it's so much easier to get dressed when the only pieces in there are seasonally appropriate (...it was 37 degrees this morning) and pieces I like. My new-ish blouse, favorite blazer (seen here), and so worn jeans they now have holes in the thigh just felt right together.

If it weren't such a hassle, I should move more often!

Blouse: Gap [exact]

Blazer: J.Crew [save for <$20 | exact]

Jeans: Joe's Jeans [same style]

Necklace: Groopdealz [similar]

Earrings: Tiffany & Co. [exact]

Watch: Fossil [very similar]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

via instagram

linking up with the pleated poppy.

Linking up with what I wore to work!

playing favorites

I think I have fallen madly in love with this Gap shirt. I'm not one to choose favorites with my clothes (I want to love all of them equally!) but I wore it on Friday, and then again on Saturday. I think popovers/button up tunics are my favorite of all the types of shirts, as evidenced by this, this, and this purchase. What can I say, I'm loyal! I like that it can be both more dressy (because of the collar and buttons) but also casual when worn untucked, or with a fun scarf. 

Plus sometimes you don't have to iron them if you are going for that more casual vibe ;)

Blouse: Gap [exact]

Jeans: American Eagle [exact]

Scarf: Forever 21 [save for under $10 | splurge]

Belt: Gap [similar]

Purse: Madewell [exact]

Shoes: Crown Vintage [save | splurge]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Earrings: Tiffany & Co. [exact]

Rings: Galisfly [exact]

Nails: Color Club Age of Aquarius 

P.S. I really wanted to participate in the Pantone-inspired challenge today but I realized I don't own anything emerald. I've actually wanted an emerald scarf for several months now, so I went looking for one in the mall last Thursday but didn't find one anywhere! If I don't find one this weekend in Minneapolis, I may look for one on etsy. This one is adorable, and this one is simple but the exact color I want.

P.P.S. Have you entered both giveaways going on right now? You can enter to win a scarf/clutch here and a $50 Gap card here. Good luck!

how to look like a wrinkled mess

Step 1: iron your bottom layer shirt 

Step 2: don't iron your sweater and make sure you wear it a size too large for extra wrinkles

Sweater: Target [very similar]

Blouse: Gap [exact]

Jeans: Joe's Jeans [same style]

Earrings: Tiffany & Co. [exact]

Necklace: Express [interesting option]

Watch: Fossil [very similar]

Shoes: Nine West [similar]

lazy

You may have already seen me complain about this on twitter, but this weekend was somewhat of a dud. With Chris being gone I've lost that built in person to go do things with, and I'm getting to the point where I'm sick of going out and doing everything by myself. wah wah, life is so tough!

But I did spend most of the weekend on my couch. I ate about 4 omelets (they were delicious), and watched the whole first season of Homeland. Living the dream! Maybe next weekend I'll actually go outside and enjoy the springtime. Or watch season 2. 

Blazer: Old Navy [save | splurge]

Shirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Jeans: Urban Outfitters [exact on super sale]

Earrings: Tiffany & Co. [exact]

Watch: Fossil [exact]

Necklace: Gift from Whitney

Shoes: Rocket Dog [similar]

via instagram