breezy

Ahhhh, vacation :)

We get four weeks of vacation each school year, and since it's been fifteen months since my last one, I am so excited to finally have a few weeks off! I'm currently in Chicago - my sister and I met up here for a few days for exploring, eating, and shopping! I'm heading back to Ohio today (after a SoulCycle class with Hallie!). Next week I'm going down to Miami for a little family trip for my youngest sister's birthday, and the following week CR and I are hoping to go to Montreal! So lots of little trips packed into a few weeks. 

Of course, I couldn't really post without quickly commenting on my outfit! The shirt is from Loft (currently 40% off!) and is something a little different for me with the looser fit and sleeves. Definitely fun to get a bit out of my comfort zone, even if it's just with a different style shirt! The shoes are probably one of my favorite things right now - they are tortoise shell! They look like they'd be uncomfortable, but I think these are actually more comfortable than the traditional Revas. 

Blouse: Loft [exact]

Jeans: 7 for all Mankind c/o Shopbop [exact]

Scarf: H&M 

Shoes: Tory Burch c/o Shopbop [save | exact]

Purse: Coach 

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact - use code FRANZISKA15 for 15% off]

Loft is getting ahead of the weather and has a ton of cute (almost springtime) new pieces in! We're just starting winter here, so I can't get too excited about pencil skirts yet (although the tulip one is super cute, right?) but there are a lot of items you can either layer (like that amazing lace top that is now in my cart) or that wrap cardigan. Everything is currently 40% off!

one | two | three

four | five | six

seven | eight | nine

dotted + spotted

Sooooo....these pictures are from like 6 weeks ago. Oops! Wearing scrubs almost every day has really put a damper on blogging. Good news is that my next rotation has a lot of clinic time, so in case you have just been dying for more work-appropriate outfit posts, you're maybe in luck ;)

Anyway - this outfit is from the first time I wore this polka dot blouse, but it certainly hasn't been the last time I've worn it since! I've been reaching for it every weekend and it's just so fun to wear. Unfortunately it sold out pretty quickly, but I found a few alternatives below. I'm excited to pair it with a skirt next!

Blouse: Loft 

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Bag: Mulberry via eBay [save | exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch [save | exact]

Scarf: H&M [similar]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Here are a few similar polka dot shirts out there, both in white on black and black on white. My favorite is the Foxcroft version - I just think it would look so cute tucked into some dark wash jeans! Loft has the white on black version of my shirt currently available as well. 

one | two | three

four | five | six

nothing about everything

Today is my first day of internal medicine, and I'll be honest - I'm super nervous! I feel like I haven't done a lot of real medicine since we've started rotations. It's all been very specific fields of medicine, so I just don't have any experience with the treatment of people who are in the hospital (who aren't having surgery or delivering babies). I suppose that's the whole point of it, but it's hard entering a new environment and field of medicine every four weeks. Luckily, I have 8 weeks of general IM to get used to it. Wish me luck!

Blouse: Loft [similar]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Coat: Burberry [save version that is almost identical]

Scarf: H&M [similar]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Bag: Mulberry via eBay [save | exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

wearing a dress as a skirt

One of the easiest ways to look dressed up is just wear a dress - you look nice with minimal effort! Part of the reason they are so easy to wear though is because they aren't very versatile - you can throw a cardigan or something over it, but it's pretty much a stand alone piece. I've been meaning to try the "dress as a skirt' thing for a while, and I'm so glad I did because it really felt like having a new piece in my closet, although it wasn't! So now that I've done the dress as a skirt, and a shirt as a scarf, what do I try to re-wear in a new way?

Dress: J.Crew [similar below]

Sweater: J.Crew Factory [similar]

Tights: Target [exact - slimming but not constricting!]

Scarf: H&M [similar]

Boots: Vince Camuto [exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

and a few similar options below (I love the first one!)

is it okay to wear black and brown together?

I used to be fiercely against wearing black and brown together, especially when it came to leathers. I think I read that rule somewhere in a fashion magazine when I was in my early teens, and I took it as the gospel. You know, along with other silly rules like no white after labor day and vertical stripes are the most flattering stripes.

Clearly, I no longer abide by the black and brown rule when it comes to clothing, but I still get a little weird about it when it comes to leather. I don't think I could ever wear a brown belt with black shoes!  Or maybe even a black watch band with tan shoes. Is that silly? 

Who knows, here I am, breaking all my own rules with a cognac tote and black boots. It doesn't feel as wrong, for some reason!

(horizonal, for shame!) striped tee: Loft [exact on sale]

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory [same style]

Pants: Gap [similar]

Scarf: H&M [similar]

Boots: Vince Camuto [exact]

Tote: Madewell [save | exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

besides these deep philosophical style conversations, here are a few current MLK Day sales: 

• Ann Taylor: 
• 40% off full price items (like this perfect blouse, seriously!) 
• 70% (!!!) off sale items (go for a fun sweater dress)
• Anthropologie: code EXTRAEXTRA
• 40% off sale items: I'd go for this beautiful scarf -it'll go with everything!
• Banana Republic: code BRWEEKEND, ends 1/19
• 40% off everything (time to finally try a midi skirt because this one is perfect)
• Gap: code DEALS
• 40% off everything: I wish I knew how to wear moto jackets, because this one (that comes in 2 different greys) is so cute
• Lands' End: 
• 20% off everything: I ordered this tote for CR's sister for Christmas, and it's gorgeous in real life (go for the monogram!)
• Shopbop:
• Tons of new things added to the sale section, including beautiful Equipment tops, Marc Jacobs watches (I really love the Baker watch!), and Tory Burch shoes.

few and far between

I like my closet full of "boring" staples - dark jeans, striped tees, neutral cardigans - but I love the fun and unexpected pieces. They are few and far between in my closet because I rarely step away from the "basics" comfort zone pieces (what can I say, I'm predictable!), but my old man blazer I got on sale years at H&M is one of my favorites. It's not even that outlandish, or great in quality, but I can't get enough of the pattern, the unexpected masculinity, and the elbow patches. I don't reach for it a ton, but every time I do, I love it just as much as I did when I first bought it.

One of my goals for this year is to find a few more of those pieces - they don't need to cost a lot, or be the "it" item of the year - they just have to be something I love wearing. The first item I'm trying out is this dress from Target  - while I ordered the pattern that I would normally go for (the black and white, obviously), I also ordered the floral version. A little bit unexpected compared to what I normally would buy, but I'm excited to give it a try! 

Blazer: H&M 

Shirt: JcPenneys [similar]

Scarf: H&M [similar]

Pants: Gap [similar]

Boots: Vince Camuto [exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Bag: Kate Spade [similar]

Nails: Smith + Cult [exact]

stripes, the eternal trend

My boyfriend thinks that stripes are a trend right now. I think he sees my closet, full of stripes, and then sees striped shirts in stores, and thinks that they are the trendy thing. I'm still trying to convince him that stripes are a classic, not a trend, but you know how boys are ;)

But really, I love a great striped shirt. I think they are so versatile - they can stand on their own, they can be combined with other patterns, or they can be used as a layer to add interest. I've been looking for a white shirt with black stripes, long sleeves, and a longer hem for a long time. I finally found it when I found this tee at Loft a few weeks ago. I'M OBSESSED. It's has the longer rounded hem that makes it perfect for layering. If you've been looking for a simple striped tee, this one is currently on sale for $15 (no code needed). I found that it runs true to size, and I can't stop wearing it. 

Striped Top: Loft [exact]

Sweater: Soft by Joie c/o Zappos [exact]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Scarf: H&M [exact]

Watch: Kate Spade [save | same style]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

Bag: Madewell [save | exact]

top three [12.07.14]

maroon scarves forever: one | two | three | similar scarf here

Medicine

• Clothing makes the doctor. Such an interesting read about what patients want their doctors to wear, the safety concerns about certain items (ties that aren't clipped), and how different clothing styles are perceived. (Thanks to Coree for tweeting me the link to this article!)
• I spent a morning shadowing our local pathologist and really liked it. Granted, I was only there for four hours, but I found it so interesting, and there are certain aspects that I think I would really enjoy.  I'm going to make sure I do an elective in it next year to see how I really feel about it, but it's definitely something I never saw myself doing but could see it now...
• There's a type of tumor (a pheochromocytoma) that in rare cases can grow in the bladder, which results in hypertension, flushing, post-urination fainting, and other sympathetic signs when you pee. Every time you pee! 

Spotted

• I've been looking for a portable charger that plugs directly into my iPhone and I finally found the perfect one, and it just happens to be adorable to boot. It comes in pink and gold too!
• Fair isle leggings are a thing...a thing I want on my legs all of Christmas break.
• I wish I had an event to go to, because this dress is lacey, beautiful, and would be hanging in my closet just waiting to be taken out for a spin.

On the Internet

• Maya may have picked out the cutest possible background ever. She's so dang pretty.
• I'm so happy that Grace is back! I really enjoyed her Whole 30 recap - I made her give me the recipes so I can incorporate sweet potatoes into our diet in new ways (as "buns" and as a crust!)
• And my other favorite Grace is wearing an entire outfit of things I would love to own. Doesn't she look so beautiful? 

On Franish

• On the blog: cheaper alternatives to the Madewell Transport Tote
• On instagram: sometimes Lucy just needs a bit more attention
• On pinterest: we may not have a 3D tree this year, but wouldn't a 2D tree be cute?

Notable Sales

• If you've had your eye on any BR Picks (that are rarely included in sales), and have a Banana Republic (or Gap/Old Navy) card, today is the last day to save 40% with no exclusions. I ordered both this blanket scarf and this textured scarf because I couldn't decide which one I liked more - hopefully I don't end up loving both ;)
• 30% off Forever 21 jewelry. A layered pearl necklace will be worn for years, while this cuff is the perfect compliment to your favorite gold watch. 
• 40% off everything at LOFT. My suggestions: the perfect winter time dress (wear it with sweater tights and a scarf), a zip sweatshirt jacket is the easiest and comfiest way to look chic, and if you get this skirt, we will be twins since it's currently on it's way to me ;)

Personal 

• The last three weeks of school are in full swing and it is killing me slowly. My poor boyfriend - I've had several moments of weakness/stress this week that ended in tears. They're just really piling it all on at the end of the semester! 11 more days until sweet sweet Christmas break freedom.
• In addition to school stress, we also signed up for boards this week. May 21st is the date - I'm so nervous! This test determines what residencies we are competitive for, so it really does determine the rest of your (professional) life. For those who have gone through Step 1 - any tips? 
• And on a positive note, my girlfriends and I are throwing an ugly Christmas sweater party on Tuesday after our exam and I'm so excited. We're making this punch, wearing these headbands, and taking as many ridiculous pictures as possible. 

switcheroo

Remember how everything was covered in snow last week? Thanks to a couple of 50+ days, the snow is now gone (forever!....just kidding) and we're back to beautiful weather. I'm sure this little switcheroo won't last long, but boy am I thrilled the warmer weather is here for just a few more days!

Another switcheroo is the outfit I had planned on wearing this day. Since I have another move coming up at the end of May, and that move will lead to probably having to share a closet with a boy, I've been slowly going through my clothes again. I've been pulling out items I haven't worn since I moved here, and putting them on the hook right next to my closet. I leave it front and center for about a week, and if I'm still not reaching for it, it goes into the donate pile. I had this shirt I bought a few years ago out and while in theory I would like it (black, white, geometric), I tried wearing it several different ways and it just didn't feel right anymore, so into the donate pile it went.

My mom and little sister went through my donate pile and took what they were interested in. My mom ended up taking the shirt, and I know she'll wear the hell out of it. Plus if I ever miss it, I can just go borrow it ;)

Blouse: Loft [similar]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Scarf: H&M [similar]

Belt: Everlane [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [save | exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch [save | exact]

P.S. Cyber Monday is in full swing. Here are just a few of the best sales ;)

• Kate Spade: 30% off 
• For them: everyone needs more polka dot placemats in their lives
• For you: I love the unique style of this crossbody bag (that is already on sale)
• C. Wonder: 40% off
• For them: a little bubbly for their bubbly
• For you: a personalized necklace that makes me wish I was a gemini 
• DvF: 40% off 
• For them: a studded zip clutch they'll want to go out with
• For you: a dress you'll wear for decades to come - if not now, when? 
• Gap: 40% off everything
• For them: high five gloves will make her the coolest on the playground
• For you: get this sweater that they just re-stocked so we can be twins (I just ordered it!)
• Target: buy one, get one 50% off
• For them: a cozy sweater (that you'll end up buying a second one for yourself!)
• For you: a festive sweater you can wear all winter long
• Loft: 50% off everything
• For them: pearls upon pearls upon pearls 
• For you: soft and embellished - how great would this look under a blazer? Or maybe this dress (which I think is just so beautiful...but I shouldn't...should I?)
• J.Crew Factory: 50% off
• For them: for that biking man of yours (who also likes to look good)
• For you: this dress would look amazing on you, promise
• Nordstrom: up to 40% off sale items
• For them: a cognac purse that would get so much use
• For you: these OTK boots are amazing. Seriously...if I didn't own a pair, these would be on their way to me.

budget shopping with nokia

If you follow along on Instagram and Twitter, you've probably seen a few posts that have including using a Nokia Lumia phone. Nokia reached out a few weeks ago asking if I'd like to test out one of their phones, and see how it helps a blogger shop on a budget. In my phone-owning life time, I've gone from using a brick Nokia to having a RAZR (and yes, I thought I was super cool) to a Blackberry to an Android to now using an iPhone, so it was fun to see how much Nokias have changed since my first phone. Unfortunately this one doesn't have Snake on it (still probably the best phone game of all time), but it's been so much fun to play around with it. The tile formatting is super fun (and really customizable which is awesome!), and I really like how big and light weight it is. CR has referred to it as my "business phone" for the past few weeks since I do a lot of blogging background work on it, from taking pictures to answering emails to using certain apps to order clothes. 

As a part of the partnership, I was given a $200 giftcard to create a look on a budget, something you guys know I'm all about. I set off a few days ago to explore the new H&M and Forever 21 our mall recently opened. I haven't been in an H&M in a really long time, but I was pleasantly surprised - you can find some really great pieces there! Although I tried on a ton of different sweaters, I ended up walking away with this grey coat. I don't really have a heavier fall coat that isn't a winter coat (you know, for those 30-45 degree days we have for the next month until it freezes over for the following 5 months), so I was really excited to find it. It's thick while not being puffy, the sleeves are long enough on me, and the color is a great neutral that goes with everything. I also picked up a set of rings for under $6 - because while I love my real metal jewelry, sometimes it's fun just to play with a few different styles! 

I then stopped at Forever 21, which I've really distanced myself from in recent years just because the clothes never look good on me (although I'm so jealous of everyone who can wear their clothes beautifully because you can get some really great stuff there!). What I do love about them is their accessories though, so I ended up buying a really pretty cream and black stripped scarf. While I was there, I noticed that they have a verrrry similar plaid scarf to the Zara scarf from last year if you missed out on that and the Target version (and it's the cheapest option of all three! Is it bad that I want that one too?). 

Tee: Loft c/o Nokia [exact]

Coat: H&M c/o Nokia [exact]

Rings: H&M c/o Nokia [similar]

Pants: Gap 

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Scarf: H&M

Earrings: eBay [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact]

Disclosure: Nokia lent me a Nokia Lumia to test out, and gave me a $200 gift card to create a budget-friendly look. I was not paid for my opinions because they are not for sale :)