wrapped

This is one of my favorite outfits I've worn in recent months - it's so simple, but I love every part of it, from the most comfortable flats I own (which are also the most inexpensive pair I own...) to my new wrap sweater to the uber-flattering blouse underneath. The cardigan is from Banana Republic, and while I've shied away from cardigans the past few years (I always find them to sit wrong on me for one reason or another), I think I may have to reconsider my stance. This one is definitely a unique take as it's not as versatile, but I just think it's so pretty. I really am considering getting the red version if it goes on even more sale - wouldn't it look great in the cooler months? Yep, I've basically convinced myself I need it now.

Sweater: Banana Republic [exact]

Blouse: Anthropologie [exact]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Bag: Mulberry [similar | exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Shoes: Target [very similar on sale I may like even more]

Banana Republic currently has a "Now and Later" sale, for pieces you can wear now and later in the cooler weather. Below are my favorites - it's not secret that I already have the polka dot dress in my basket!

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

go with your gut

So I started my GI rotation this week and I am loving it. The doctor I'm with is amazing - she's so sweet and kind, and she just shows so much compassion for her patients - it's truly inspiring. I know I'm going to learn a lot from her, and I'm just excited to see the real life side of GI versus the book.

On a personal level, it also gives me a bit more of a flexible schedule. Some days I don't have to be at the hospital or clinic until later in the morning, which means I have more time in the morning for reading...and taking pictures once in a while. I repeated an outfit I wore a few weeks ago just because I liked it so much the first time. It's nothing too fancy, but it was comfortable and warm, which is great because it started snowing about five seconds after I finished pictures.

Sweater: Everlane [exact]

Blouse: Loft [similar]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Shoes: Target [save | splurge]

Bag: J.Crew [similar below]

via instagram

My red tote was my Christmas present from my parents and I'm obsessed  with it - it's the perfect work size, plus it has my monogram :) The red version is sold out now, but the blue version is still available and on super sale if you are interested. If you'd rather have a red tote, below are a few options at different price points. Plus Madewell just came out with a red version of the transport tote if you want to spend a little more (it's seriously gorgeous)

under $50: one | two

under $100: three | four

under $200: five | six 

living that path life

I'm in my third week of my pathology elective, and it's been a very interesting experience so far. It's not a very hands-on experience as the hospital I'm at unfortunately no longer does autopsies, but I've seen several frozen sections, and many cut up placentas. Not only do I get to see what they do in pathology, but I've also spent some time in the other laboratories. They drew my blood, and I've watched it go through the various typings, screenings, and tests. At the end of the post is a picture of my actual blood smear - I thought it was pretty neat!

It's been a bit strange not having any patient contact, but since I spend all day in the basement where no one sees me, I've been a bit more casual with my outfits. Starting in two weeks though, I'll be on internal medicine for three months straight. It'll also be the middle of the winter, so I ordered a second pair of slim black pants (this time trying out some from Banana Republic) in preparation (I find it easier to just slip on hunter boots for the short commute through the snow while wearing slimmer dress pants, rather than having them bunch all up). Thankfully the snow hasn't arrived yet!

Sweater: H&M [similar]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Coat: Old Navy [similar]

Purse: Coach 

Shoes: Target [save | splurge]

Watch: c/o Larsson & Jennings [exact]

And here's my blood smear. That purple circle in the middle is an eosinophil, all of the red dots are red blood cells, and the few purple dots on the periphery are neutrophils. 

P.S. I wanted to mention that my Loft polka dot tunic came yesterday and it's amazing. I ordered both a medium and a large, but have only received the large so far. It fits slightly oversized when I wear the large, but I think I prefer it that way. Sizes keep popping back every day, so if you are interested in it but your size isn't available, keep checking it because it may just come back!

bejeweled

This is one of my favorite outfits I've worn in a long time - it's not particularly fancy or anything, but I love the preppy meets masculine meets girly look. I've always struggled to describe "my style" because I don't think I really fall under one category, but it's usually under those headings. Pulled together but not stuffy, masculine styles with girly undertones. 

I love that the J.Crew tank basically is also described that way and that's what makes it one of my favorite shirts in my closet. Here are a few of the ways I've worn it on the blog, and since mine is no longer available, there are four options below (budget friendly too since they are all on sale!)

Sweater: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Blouse: J.Crew [more below]

Pants: The Limited [similar]

Shoes: Target [exact on sale]

Earrings: eBay [exact]

Bag: Coach [save | splurge]

Watch: Boccia

one || two* || three || four

* see it on Kristina here - now I just need the sweater!

the biggest cliche of all

Happy official second day of fall! This is my favorite week of the whole year - it was my birthday on Sunday (so much celebrating was done while I was in the library all day), the weather is starting to cool down, and all of the TV shows are coming back! I tend to always be a few weeks behind, but then if I get a few free hours, I get to binge watch Modern Family in one full swoop. That, and Grey's, Scandal, and The Mindy Project :)

And going along with fall, FALL CLOTHES. I recently ordered this sweater dress from Old Navy because 1. it reminds me so much of a Madewell dress and 2. it looks so comfy. I ordered it during a recent 30% sale as a "try-on filler" while I ordered this coat, and it turns out I love the dress and unfortunately don't love the coat on me. I'll do a more thorough review on Friday during my budget post but the current 25% off sale ends today in case anyone had their eye on it and wanted to grab it for a steal. (the reviews say it runs a bit short, so I ordered it in a tall, and it hits me right at the knee). If you're looking for anything else to fill your basket, I would suggest this buffalo plaid button up - perfect for those cooler days coming our way!

Blazer: Banana Republic [exact]

Blouse: J.Crew 

Pants: The Limited [similar]

Shoes: Target [exact]

Watch: Bocci 

Ring: DIY [tutorial here]

Bag: Kate Spade [save || splurge]

the classics? [+ 9th&Elm giveaway]

As I was trying to write this post, I initially was going to talk about how I tend to wear a lot of "classics" but I don't really know how define my style. So while I was trying to come up with a definition of what my style is (a very good use of my time, I promise), I realized that I already wrote a really similar post 1.5 years ago about this...and it turns out I was wearing a very similar outfit. 

So does that mean that nothing has really changed in the last 18 months, and that this is just my style? Button-ups, slim pants, cap toed flats - I suppose they're called classics for a reason. So maybe slightly boring, but at least I'm consistent ;)

Shirt: Banana Republic [exact]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Necklace: c/o 9th & Elm [exact]

Shoes: Target [even cuter similar]

Bag: Kate Spade [save | splurge]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact]

...and nothing completes defining your style like a piece of jewerly with your monogram on it. I've received several pieces through 9th & Elm now, and I've always enjoyed wearing them. It's a fun way to add a little something customized or hand-made and independent into your outfits. If you'd love to own your own personalized piece of jewelry, or any of the other great products on their site, you can either sign up here, or enter the giveaway for a $30 credit! US residents only please. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

february budget

Target Flats: $20
Loft Tee: originally $30, on sale for $12
Forever 21 Scarf [seen here]: $10
Anne Emma Necklace [seen here]: $15

February budget = $57

Left for the quarter: $463














So this is the least amount of money I've spent on clothing in a really long time. I've been busy with core ending and systems starting, so I haven't had much time to online or in store shop. The one time I did go, this past weekend, I didn't find anything I liked besides the striped shirt, which I already own in pink. I think it's definitely partially due to being sick of winter clothes, but being no where near being able to wear spring clothes as it continues to snow every.damn.day.

Thank you so much for all of your tips about getting out of the shopping rut on that post!! I've been spending some time looking online at stores I don't typically shop at like ASOS and Dorothy Perkins, and signed up to try out StitchFix for a month just to try something new. I know several of you have tried it and liked it, so I'm hoping I'll have similar experiences. Many people also have suggested JC Penneys, which is actually one of the few stores left in our local mall, so I will definitely have to check it out next weekend after this upcoming exam.

After returning the Banana Republic peplum top because it was actually a really flimsy material rather than a structured top as I had assumed (it looks like the one commenter agrees with me), I've kept my eye out for something similar. This one via Nordstrom looks to be a lot more structured so I may just try it out (no harm done since it's free shipping and returns). I'm also keeping an eye out for a J.Crew promotion so I can try this dress (it looks gorgeous in real life!), and these pants for the spring (if it ever shows up).

I know that I'm not really straying too far from the stores I usually shop at, but I am trying to keep an open mind about new styles of items and ways to wear them. Sometimes the problem with having a budget is that I want to squeeze the most out of that I can. I've definitely learned a lot about shopping and buying clothes that fit me and my life over the last two years of budgeting, but I still haven't completely figured it out. I think it's important to realize that sometimes it's okay to spend a bit more on pieces that will also get a lot of wear and love. I definitely have to find a balance between getting as much out of my budget as possible, and only buying pieces I'm really excited about. Thank you for supporting me on this little journey, and for all of your advice so far!

The ladies that link up every month for Budgeting Bloggers have been a huge influence on me, so please make sure you visit them and see what they've been up to this month!