taking my own advice

A couple of weeks ago I said I was going to try wearing more outfits I liked just because I liked them, and not not wear them just because they may look better on someone else. I figured it was time to actually do that! This outfit was inspired by Kimberly - I tried wearing a button-up under this fluffy (so comfy!) turtleneck, but since the sweater is already very thick, it didn't look good. So this is my own version. There are of course things I would change (hello, drop shoulder sweaters. who thought you were a good idea? probably not someone with broad shoulders!) but I also just loved being comfy and cozy and not necessarily worrying about how it could look better.

Baby steps!

Sweater: BB Dakota c/o Shopbop [exact]

Vest: J.Crew Factory [very similar]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Shoes: Sperry [exact on sale!]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

denim season

If there is one thing I miss from my pre-med school life...it's the jeans. I just really love jeans - they are so much more comfortable, versatile, and in my opinion, flattering than dress pants. So when J.Crew Factory offered to let me try out one of their new pairs, I was super excited because...jeans. 

I've had the miller wash skinny jean for a few weeks now, and I'm a bit in love. I find that they run true to size, and stretch out only slightly throughout the day. I went with the 30 inch inseam (they come in 26, 28, and 30) and the classic medium wash - I love that it can both be worn casually (like I did above for a day brunching and going to the zoo), and more dressed up with a button up and blazer. 

On a different note, if you've had your eye on this sole society bag, act quick. I've watched it pop in and out of stock for the past few days! 

Jeans: c/o J.Crew Factory [exact]

Sweater: Joie c/o Zappos [similar]

Bag: Sole Society [exact | slurge]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [save | exact]

The new J.Crew Factory denim collection has a whole line of different styles, from skinnies to flares. My favorite pair is the slightly distressed black skinny jeans - they have just the right about of distressing. J.Crew Factory is currently offering an extra 35% off (code SALEUPGRADE) if you've had your eye on anything!

black skinnies | high waisted | bootcut | flares

Disclosure: while I received the pair of jeans for free, I was not paid for this post. I just really love the jeans :)

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!

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]

steel city

I'm thankful that our schedule now is a little more relaxed than it was a few weeks ago, because it gives us all a chance to leave.

It's not that I dislike where I currently live, I just know there's places that are more fun to visit...which is why all of us jump at any chance to get out of here, even for just a day or so. A few weeks ago we were down in Pittsburg, while this past weekend we drove up north to visit CR's family and college friends. It's nice to be in a place where they actually mix drinks in front of you, have new places to visit and see, and maybe even have a few original restaurants ;)

Jacket: bought in Germany [inexpensive similar]

Sweater: Everlane

Tee: JcPenneys 

Jeans: Madewell [exact]

Scarf: Target [exact]

Purse: Coach via Etsy [current style]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

via instagram

P.S. LOFT is having a 60% off sale until 10 AM today (use code FLASH). I picked up this beautiful moto sweater recommended by Jean, as well as this waterfall sweater (in grey!)

blown away

By:

- the wind. clearly.
- how much I'm looking forward to cardiology being over
- how much I love this scarf
- and how much I've worn it in the days since I got it

So much that you're going to be sick of it by next week when I've worn in for the third post in a row ;)

Blouse: ASOS [similar]

Scarf: Target [exact]

Skirt: Anthropologie via eBay [inexpensive similar]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [save || splurge]

Ring: Jewelmint

Nails: Julep

as seen on instagram:

p.s. scarf tying "tutorial" in the next post with this scarf :)