see, speak, hear

I think I'm probably one of the worst bloggers when it comes to blogging while traveling. When I travel, I should see it as the perfect opportunity to put together cute outfits, research good photography locations, and see this as a way to really expanding the amount of outfit posts I do on here. Instead, I very rarely put together outfits beforehand - instead, I throw a few of my favorite items into a suitcase and hope it all works out. I'd rather spend time doing my sisters' hair than my own, so I'm always less likely to want to take pictures when my hair has been tossed around by the wind. And outfit pictures should be taken right after putting on an outfit, not after crouching an an uber for 20 minutes and sitting down for a delicious brunch for a few hours.

So typically, I don't really take outfit pictures while on vacation because I'm lazy, but when we were in the Wynwood neighborhood exploring all of the murals, I couldn't help but take just a couple of snaps (thanks again to my sister for always being my photographer!). It's like a bloggers dream down there! So many beautiful walls, all with different colors and stories to tell. We all had so much fun, just walking around, taking pictures of various walls, and popping into the stores in the area. If you are planning a trip to Miami, this is definitely a great way to spend a few hours outside! Especially if you need to go on a long walk after eating a delicious salmon benedict breakfast... 

^ how good looking are my parents? (my dad's glasses are particularly on point...)

Dress: J.Crew Factory [similar]

Belt: Gap [similar]

Purse: Coach via Etsy [similar]

Shoes: Jack Rogers [exact]

Sunglasses: Ray Bans [exact]

Nails: Essie in Spool Me Over [exact]

J.Crew Factory is currently having a flash sale for 35% off everything + free shipping. Below are a few of the adorable items currently on their site. I'm personally ordering the striped dress (I've wanted one like this for years!) and possibly the leopard loafers (I used to own a similar pair years ago and was obsessed with them!). I'd also recommend the layered pearl necklace - I have it and wear it constantly. It's been one of my favorite jewelry purchases over the years!

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

make it work

A couple of months ago, I did a mini review on snapchat about a dress I bought from Loft. There are certain things I loved about it - the color, the lace, the front of the dress. But there were things I didn't like - the elastic waist band hit me at a weird spot, and then weird mini sleeves were not my favorite. So I decided I was going to return it.

Well, a few days after I that, we left for Philadelphia to take our board exam, and while we were there, a friend went through some personal things and needed a place to stay, so we offered her our "spare" bedroom, which is really just a tiny room that only fits a bed, and it's also the room that has the closet with my clothes in. So when we returned from Philly that Sunday, I had 45 minutes to both clean up the room enough for our friend to stay in, and for me to pack to move away for a month. So I did what any adult would do, and stuffed everything, including the Loft bag with that dress in it, under the bed. And then I promptly forgot about it.

Well, last week when I started do a bit of cleaning, I found that bag again, with the dress in it, along with a receipt saying that the return by day had passed. So since I could no longer return the dress, I just made it work for me! I took out the elastic waist band, cut off the mini sleeves, and sewed a pleat in the back to bring the fabric together. And you know what? I really really like the dress now - it still has all the parts I loved about it without the things I didn't like. Now it's just a pretty summer dress, customized to me ;)

Dress: Loft [similar below]

Belt: Gap [similar]

Shoes: Jack Rogers [exact]

My little DIY dress is obviously no longer available, so below are four options that are (and they're all under $100)! And while I was looking for white dresses, I ran across this beautiful wrap dress from June & Hudson - I have literally no where to wear this, but isn't it so darn pretty?

Ellen Tracy | Cupcakes & Cashmere | Eliza J | London Times

gingham in santorini

Now that our vacation is almost over (today was our last full day!), I figured it was time to share just a few pictures! While my goal on this trip was never to turn it into a daily blog photo shoot, how could I not take advantage of the beautiful backdrop? This was one of my absolute favorite outfits on the trip - it's so simple, but I just love it. If you told me I could have only packed one outfit, this would have been it. Luckily I was allowed to bring 20 kilos, so I still had options ;)

Dress: Loft [save | splurge]

Belt: Gap [super cute similar on sale]

Shoes: Jack Rogers [exact]

Sunglasses: Forever 21

via instagram 

you x modcloth

A few weeks ago, I was offered the chance to try out a few new pieces from the new Modcloth label. Coincidentally, I was already eyeing a few of the pieces anyway, so it was perfect timing! The designs are adorable - just enough whimsy to make them special, but still appropriate for every day life. 

I chose the Peace and Client dress to wear to CR's cousin's wedding last week, and it was perfect for a family wedding. It's stretchy, flattering, and with a small stitch put in, appropriate for a night of dancing with parents and cousins. Bonus: it has pockets! I got so many compliments on it that I may just wear it for the next wedding we are going to. 

During last week's fall preview (it was in the 60's for most of the week!), the snuggly cardigan in forest was perfect to keep me comfortable while reading outside at a coffee shop. The fabric is thick and soft, but doesn't feel heavy like some other open cardigans I've tried. I went with the green version of the cardigan because it's CR's favorite color, but they also have a red version that would be super cute during the holidays. 

outfit one

Dress: c/o Modcloth [exact - I'm wearing a large]

Belt: Gap [very similar]

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]

Necklace: c/o Rocksbox [use code franishxoxo for 1 free month]

outfit two

Sweater: c/o Modcloth [exact]

Tee: Everlane [exact]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

Purse: Madewell [save | exact]

Below are some of my picks from the new Modcloth collection. I've always wanted a bright and cheery skirt, so maybe this yellow one will have to be future purchase. Which of the following is your favorite? 

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

nine | ten | eleven | twelve

Disclosure: thank you to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!

dresses are second best

Last week I said that jeans are my favorite article of clothing, and while that is totally still true, dresses are absolutely my second favorite. They are just so easy to throw on with a few simple accessories, and you're set. I don't like over-accessorizing anyway, so just matching leathers and a simple necklace are all I need to feel ready for the day.

Remember how I fell in love with that gingham dress a few months ago but could never get my hands on it? I was casually browsing through the sales section recently and there it was - only one left, and in my size. Fashion fate? Possibly. I also picked up this little striped number - it's currently 50% off, and will be perfect for my trip to Santorini (I promise it's cuter in real life - you can see it on my snapchat @fhasselhof)!

Dress: thrifted [similar below]

Belt: Gap [similar]

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]

a couple of you have mentioned you wanted to know what my outfits look like with my white coat on, so here I am, in all my short coat glory...

and because my dress is from Goodwill (and apparently homemade!), here are a few current options out there. There's also this longer sleeved version, which would be perfect for once the temperatures drop!

one | two | three | four

snip snip!

Remember how I mentioned (....several times) that all my hair got cut off even though all I asked for was a trim? Well, here it is! It isn't really that horrible, but it has definitely taken some time to get used to! He kind of botched the cut itself too, so I'm just patiently waiting for my hair appointment in 4 weeks to clean it up. 

In other news, today is the start of my ENT surgery rotation. I actually have no idea what this month looks like for me, time wise, but I'm looking forward to do a slightly calmer rotation, especially since it's CR vacation month. I've heard this rotation is a lot of one-on-one time with the surgeon, so I'm definitely excited to get a bit more hands on and learn a ton. I also have my surgery shelf at the end of it, so it's time to start studying again. Good thing I have a real desk again ;)  Any of you who have taken the NBME shelf exams - any particular book you recommend? I already have this book, but am open to others!

Dress: Target [similar below]

Shoes: Jack Rogers [exact]

Belt: Gap [similar]

Watch: c/o Larsson and Jennings [exact]

My dress is several years old, but Target has tons of cute options. I love this shirt dress option - it's currently on sale, and it comes in four fun colors...but of course I love the black version ;)

one | two | three | four | five 

P.S. A few people mentioned that my pictures weren't showing up in Feedly - I think Flickr changed some things, and that made me change a few things, and then it all became a mess. I left everything this time - do the pictures show up now? Let me know if not! :)

ask me anything: personal life

Today I'm going to answer a few more of the questions you guys had during my survey in April. You can find previous ask me anything posts here! These questions are all more about my personal life. Anything not answered below? Let me know in the comments!

How do you deal with your online presence? How do you balance your professional aspirations with having a significant online history? I consider you a tactful and professional blogger but just from a privacy standpoint, I know that as an engineer I wouldn't necessarily want my identity/personal preferences over several years readily available to colleagues/potential clients/employers. How do you feel about writing as a to-be-doctor and your patients being able to see your posts? Does this ever influence what you write?

white + blue, the perfect hue

While this is the first time I've shown this dress on here, I've been wearing it almost on a weekly basis since I ordered it a few months ago. It was a dress I had been eyeing for months, and when it finally went on sale when only my size was left, I very quickly ordered it. I just think it's the perfect summer dress - a sturdy fabric to hold its shape, a classic color pairing, and built-in pattern mixing. I wore this on a recent night out with CR, and we all know it's definitely going to be in my suitcase come late September - if not in the place of blue + white, then when? ;)

Dress: Tory Burch c/o Shopbop [exact with similar below]

Belt: Gap [very similar]

Sandals: Target [exact]

Ring: Kendra Scott c/o Nordstrom [exact]

Nails: Essie [exact]

and because my exact dress is almost completely sold out, here are a few similar options. I can't even pick a favorite because all are adorable!

one | two | three

four | five [< $50!] | six