how to not look like an undergrad at the library

Because our own library has too many rules (including no drinking of water or coffee), we spend a ton of our study time at the more relaxed local college where CR's sister goes to school. We sit in a beautiful large open room with natural light and big wood tables where four of us can sit comfortably with about 15 books and electronic devices between us. Many times we have the room to ourselves early on Saturday mornings, and it's really the place I get the most work done.

I'm close to a decade older than some of the undergrads who study there though, and I think at this point I don't think I can get away with pretending I'm 21 anymore (but please, tell me I'm wrong ;) ). As a general rule, I try to look presentable when I go to the library. I've always been a person who has to change out of pajamas and put myself together before I can be productive in the morning, and since studying is kind of my job right now (one that never seems to end), I put on real clothes. I got this open cardigan a few months ago, and it very quickly has become my most worn item in my closet. I wear a variation of this outfit probably 3 days a week and it's the perfect medium between see through leggings and mini skirts and tube tops (both of which I've witnessed at the library...). 

Oh college, I miss you ;)

Sweater: c/o Shopbop [love this zip-up version]

Tee: Everlane [exact]

Pants: Paige c/o Zappos [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Bracelet: gift from my friend Lizzi [very similar]

Nails: Essie [exact]

Ring: borrowed from Rocksbox [use code franishxoxo for 1 free month]

On a side note, Ann Taylor currently is offering 50% off everything! While I don't shop there often because their clothes are typically a little more pricey, I did order several items with such a steep discount. A few of you 3rd and 4th year medical students have recommended a few sleeveless tops for under the white coat in the summer, so I ordered this pretty linen shell (with a high neckline, which is definitely a necessity). I also couldn't resist ordering this dress to at least try on ...it's just so pretty! The practical side of me ordered these grey ankle pants too, just because I am determined to find a pair I like!

one | two | three | four | five 

the no sweats zone

The other day I was talking to my 8 year old neighbor about our weekend plans. He told me all about all of the hockey he was going to play, and I told him that we had 4 day weekend away from school. He knows we have to study a lot (which is why we can't play nerf gun as often as he would like) so it was fitting when he said to me, "You know Fran, I think you should study for two days, and then come play for two days".

Smart kid. Unfortunately, I had to make the responsible decision and study all four days - getting ahead is the name of the game when it comes to days off. Days away from school are always my favorite for the sole reason that I don't have to dress up - I can just wear whatever I want! I really do try to make an effort though to not fall into the yoga-pants-and-sweatshirt rut, but wear things in my closet that are just as comfortable but still look nice. My ponte pants have been great for that - as stretchy and comfy as yoga pants, but with more structure and pockets (which we all know is the distinction between leggings and pants). Instead of one of my many college sweatshirts (which do still get plenty of love), a longer and cozy sweater takes it's place (I just bought this sweater from H&M and highly recommend it - it's long enough to cover your butt, the v-neck means it's easy to wear on its own or with a scarf over it, and the texture keeps it fun). Finished with a big fluffy scarf to wrap up in, and a classic pair of riding boots, and I feel like I'm not one of the undergrads at the library, but can comfortably sit there for 8 hours.

But I would much rather be playing nerf gun fights in my living room :/

Sweater: H&M c/o Nokia* [exact]

Pants: Gap [similar ponte pants]

Scarf: Forever 21 c/o Nokia*

Boots: Vince Camuto [exact on sale]

Watch: Michael Kors [save | exact]

* I was provided with a $200 giftcard from Nokia. You can read more about that here.

On a side note, I've never owned a pair of black riding boots. I've had grey and cognac, but never black. The current Nordstrom clearance event made it possible to get these Vince Camuto boots for 40% off and I just love them. They are just the most classic pair of boots - I've been wearing them all weekend and just get excited every time I get to put them on. When I put them on for the first time, they were just a bit too tight in the calves, but they have stretched out slightly over the past few days and now fit great. My calves at their widest, while standing, are 15.5 inches, so if you're interested in this pair but have wider calves, they also come in a wide-calf option. Today is the second to last day of the sale though, so if you're interested you'll have to act quick (and don't forget they offer free shipping and returns - mine showed up in 2 days!). Here are a few of my last minute picks:

one [40% off] | two [45% off] | three [33% off] | four [40% off]

one [40% off] | two [40% off] | three [25% off] | four [40% off]

all under $100: one [33% off] | two [33% off] | three [30% off] | four [40% off]

how to wear a blanket scarf: for work and for play (+video)

and by work I mean school and by play I mean the library, but really who's counting. Do I feel like a slight blogging cliche by wearing my blanket-like scarf all the time? Yes, but:

Okay but really, I've been loving this scarf and wearing it almost every day - one of my classmates has it too so we are twinning most days :) It's just so dang cozy and comfy and warm. It actually was out of stock for a few days when it first came out, but it's back online now if anyone wanted to pick one up for yourself (or as a Christmas present, which someone told me they did on Instagram, which is so smart!). There's a little video at the bottom of the post showing you how I "tie" my scarf, even though it's not really evening tying it so much as stuffing it together ;)

Shirt: J.Crew [exact]

Scarf: Target [exact]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Belt: Madewell [very similar on sale]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact in rose gold @25% off]

Earrings: eBay [exact]

Bag: Kate Spade [similar]

slight switch for the library in my Boden tee, Gap ponte pants and Sperrys