just wanting to be normal

The closer we get to the end of our second year of school and the beginning of our clinical years, the more and more I look forward to being a bit more of a normal person. Right now, between school work and studying for boards, we don't get a night, much less a day off. Every hour I'm not studying is an hour I feel incredibly guilty about. But it's also really hard to just go go go and never have a break. The worst times for me are really on weekends, when I see everyone else enjoy their time off. 

CR knows that that really does affect me, so we have a new rule that once a month, we go out for Sunday brunch. The library doesn't open until noon anyway, so once a week we get to sleep in a bit more, actually spend a bit of time doing my hair and make-up, and enjoy a nice meal out together. It really has been nice to have that to look forward to and feel like a normal person, even if it's just for the hour before we go to the library all day ;)

Sweater: BR Factory [not similar, but how cool is this sweater?]

Pants: Gap [similar]

Scarf: gift from Steph 

Boots: Vince Camuto [exact]

Purse: c/o Shopbop [exact] **

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

** Shopbop has updated their sale section with a bunch of cute new items, including Rebecca Minkoff purses, and Paige denim (most under $140). The C. Wonder home decor and some Jonathan Adler accessories (like his adorable phone cases!) are really cheap right now - don't forget that if you have Amazon Prime, you get free 2 day shipping :)

shopping, party of one

I've always heard that the day after Christmas is the best day of the year to go shopping, and so today I'm braving the crowds and going to the mall. I haven't been in a mall by myself in over a year, so I'm excited to just go! I really enjoy shopping by myself, but since we live further away from a bigger mall, I'm always either with my boyfriend or my girlfriends, and I hate making people wait around for me to try anything on so I end up never really getting anything. 

Since we're at my boyfriend's parents house for the week and they live in a bigger city, I have the opportunity to go out by myself! Here are some of the current deals out there, and just a few of the things I'd love to try on. Are you going out today, and are you still recovering from all the Christmas goodies?

• Banana Republic: up to 50% off 
• The side-zip sweater I tried on a few weeks ago is now on sale
• I'd love to try on this slight peplum top (perfect for our NYE plans!)
• Gap: 35% off online (code: GIFT4ME)
• I recently got this wireless bra for sleeping (you know, for when you aren't in your own home haha) and it's super cute and soft. I barely even notice it. There are also matching bottoms ;)
• I've heard that the Eversoft sweaters have a cult-like following - this v-neck sweater comes in several great colors (that red is so pretty!)
• J.Crew: 30% off full price + 40% off sale items (code: HOLIDAYTIME)
• Full price: you'll wear this plaid boyfriend shirt for Christmases to come
• On sale: these pencil skirts are amazing and now on super sale (I love that green color!) 
• Loft: 50% off everything (including some Lou & Grey)
• This sweater is the perfect mix of comfort and style - wouldn't it look great with leggings and boots?
• The pattern on this dress isn't actually polka dots. I think it would make a great dress for all seasons, just depends on the accessories! 
• I highly recommend this blouse that I got last month. I did end up having my tailor take it in on the sides slightly, but now it's one of my favorite blouses. I wore it to CR's grandmothers for Christmas and received several compliments :)
• Madewell: 30% off sale items + free shipping on all orders (code: FORYOU)
• This quilted transport tote is now just slightly over $100
• I don't love the styling of this skirt online, but think it would be super cute in real life

Sweater: Everlane [exact]

Tee: Boden

Pants: c/o Zappos [exact]

Scarf: Banana Republic 

Purse: c/o Shopbop [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [save | exact]

Bracelet: gift from Lizzi [exact]