I tried...

While I don't really care about the "sitting" wrinkles my clothes get when I go to school, I do try to make sure that my clothes aren't really wrinkled for pictures. Pencil skirts, more than anything else, get those annoying wrinkles, so the morning we took these pictures I spent the morning in my pajama pants and waited to put my skirt on until right before I had to leave for school. The 2 minute drive to the picture location really got me. Foiled again, pencil skirt! 

Any tips for keeping the pencil skirt wrinkles away? Maybe it's just this skirt - this is the J.Crew Factory version of their wool pencil skirt, and I never have this problem with my wool skirt from J.Crew :/

Tee: JcPenneys

Skirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Belt: Everlane [exact]

Scarf: Gap 

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

P.S. Loft is having a flash 60% off sale on all of their sale items (including their Lou & Grey sale items!). Here are my four favorites (you guys...that dress!)

one: a skirt for all seasons

two: a jeweled collar for layering

three: a comfy alternative for the weekend

four: possibly the world's cutest dress

cheaper alternative: the madewell transport tote

I love my Madewell Transport Tote. I bought it a few years ago after falling in deep deep lust with it after seeing it on Kendi, and I haven't regretted my purchase one bit. I got it monogrammed, and I think it really gets better with age (which is good, because I plan on owning it forevvvvveeerrrrr. I really should get a bottom shaper for it...). It comes at a hefty price though, and is often excluded from their sales, so I found a few inexpensive alternatives if you've wanted to try it out but weren't willing to drop that much money on a bag right now. I think the best lookalike is number one - it's reversible, comes with pouch, and looks really close to the original (see it on Audrey here!).

the original: beautiful cognac, monogrammable, timeless

one: comes with a pouch (and 3 other colors!)

two: also comes in a very similar black version

three: has a mini scalloped edge

four: also comes in a beautiful cream color

five: a very close replica (that is also reversible)

six: is vegan, comes in 6 colors, and with a cross body strap!

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.

top three [11.30.14]

preppy | cozy | girly

(use code holiday_ franish for 15% off @ Daniel Wellington)

Medicine

• Researchers are growing spinal cord cells using everyone's favorite protein, the Sonic Hedgehog protein (for real)
• I didn't know that there was such a thing as a consumer psychologist, but hearing one of their thoughts on shopping is fascinating
• During kidney development, they initially start in your pelvis and then migrate into your abdomen (there are actually a lot of structures that start in one place in your body and then move some where else - I find that so strange). In some rare cases, the kidney can get stuck in its ascent, and then the person has a pelvic kidney that can also be flattened - they call it a pancake kidney...which is also strange.

Spotted

• I wish I had a holiday party to go to, because I would 100% wear this dress to it. I think it would look a little out of place at our ugly sweater party we're having next week though :/
• This blouse, on the other hand, would be perfect for both a holiday party (+ sparkly skirt + beautiful earrings) , and the rest of the year (+ skinny jeans + cognac accessories + a scarf). Want Want Want.
• Don't forget that Shopbop's Black Friday deal is still on (15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off $1000) if you've had your eye on any large purchases. After weeks of deliberation, I finally ordered this Rebecca Minkoff bag. It came on Friday and I've been carrying it around with me ever since.
• Bonus: Forever 21 restocked their version of the plaid oversized scarf - it's actually my favorite knock off version (and the cheapest!) but sold out quickly last time, so I would act fast if you are interested!

On the Internet

• This is the cutest gift guide/grid I've seen (including blogger gifts!)
• I love Nicole's entire outfit - now I need a scarf in that color! :)
• Blogging impacts all of our lives differently - read how it helped Kimberly's in a time of need
• Bonus: I'm mad Bri never made this cheesecake for me when I was there. YUM.

Notable Sales

• 30% off the whole Kate Spade website. A polka-dot candle would make a great present for your little sister, while this bow handbag is the perfect end of the year treat for yourself!
• 40% off C. Wonder. I'm so tempted to buy this star+moon bracelet (like, it's in my bag and I just need to check out!). If you have any westie lovers in your life, these smoking slippers make the ideal present.
• 30% off everything at ASOS (ends tonight!). A hat to keep their ears warm would be a welcome present under the tree for either a boy or girl!

On Franish

• On Instagram: my most liked picture of all time - probably deserving, that little rascal!
• On the blog: this month's budget post
• On Pinterest: some day I will figure out how to make a midi skirt work for me.

Personal

• My family came into town on Wednesday and we had so much fun. We went out Wednesday night to celebrate my mom's birthday, hung out and watched movies on Thursday, had Thanksgiving dinner on Friday, and waffles Saturday morning. I'm glad they were able to come see me here, especially since I probably won't see them for another year :(
• Did you find any great deals over Black Friday? I didn't buy anything for myself - I wanted to buy this scarf, but it's a BR Pick and therefore not included in any sales. I hate Banana Republic is tricky like that with all of their good items! Maybe it'll be included in a sale soon (fingers crossed for Cyber Monday!). I did cross two people off my present list though, which will make the days before Christmas a little easier ;) 
• I didn't study for three straight days, and it was amazing. Back to the books though - we have 2 major exams this week, and then every week until Christmas. Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like renal and geriatrics, amiright?

Thankful for:

• My supportive family, my caring friends, my adorable dogs, and my amazing boyfriend. I don't know what I would do without all of you!
• My health - learning about what can go wrong with your body every day makes me appreciate my healthy body that much more.
• All of you, for being my sounding board, my friends, and shopping buddies. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

ask me anything: life + blogging

This edition of Ask Me Anything covers life and blogging. I got a bit gabby, so if you don't want to listen to all 30 minutes, the questions and times are listed below. My dad even makes a surprise appearance!

0:35: What's the deal with your relationship? How'd you meet, how long have you been together, tell us the good stuff! He's really cute.

1:40: I know you have a new man in your life, but do you ever miss past relationships?

2:17: What's the best thing another blogger has taught you? And/or what one thing from medical school makes you a better blogger?

4:12: You're stranded somewhere remote, all on your own. What's the one piece of clothing/book/food you couldn't live without?

4:35: You always have great hair. How do you convince yourself to get out of bed early to do your hair and makeup? I have good intentions, but usually show up for work with meh hair and maybe some mascara slapped on.

6:24: I love that you manage time between med school and blogging AND living a good life ... My question is that how do u make time or more importantly how do u manage time with everything? Schedules, to do lists?

7:09: Which other style blogs do you most relate to?

7:50: What has been your best blogging resource to help grow your blog to the big 2-mil?

8:42: How do you create that balance between talking fashion and yet sharing a bit about your life? How do you decide what is worth sharing? I never know what to say in my posts because I don't do anything all that interesting!

10:27: I noticed on your IG that you have been hash tagging "cheat days." is this a diet/health plan?
      (post about my experiences with the 4 hour body here)

12:08: What does it really take to start a blog? I just can't seem to find my niche and am totally discouraged because I have no followers, and not into asking friends to follow because I don't think they'll "get it". I am shy about letting people who know me read my stuff, but I want to be part of the blogger community. Any suggestions?

14:05: I first found your blog through GOMI (in the SOMI forum!) and you quickly became one of my favourite reads. I know you participate over there and you seem to have a really great attitude towards blogging. I wondered if you ever get any tension from other bloggers over your open participation in and liking for GOMI given all the 'fat, jealous, haters', narrative about GOMI we see on some other blogs?

17:00: I am a German girl living in Boston, and love your blog and your style! Please tell us more about your family life, how you all stay in touch, trips to Germany, and so forth. Are there any quirky family traditions you guys do, anything funny/weird?

19:07: How do you deal with negative blog or social media comments?

20:30: What's the best place you have ever been to?

21:00: Does your friend Lizzi actually pull off wearing lululemon Wunder Under crops as pants? I'm skeptical...

21:14: What are your favorite self-care practices for when you are really stressed out? You are in medical school, after all.

22:22: What does your family think of your blog?

23:19: Where does most of your fashion inspiration come from?

23:50: How much time do you spend you reading other blogs? How much time do you spend on your own blog?

25:11: What's your favorite kind of beer?

25:37: I've always been the type of person who has hated her body and has been on a diet since she was 5. You seem to really love and embrace your body. Have you always been like that or is that something you have had to work towards?

26:53: Do you want kids in the future?

27:04: How many siblings do you have and how old are they?

27:35: What are your favorite tv shows?

28:08: How did you initially grow a following on your blog? Tips/methods to share?


P.S. My shirt is from Loft (currently 40% off), my watch is c/o Daniel Wellington (use code holiday_franish for 15% off!), my nails are Essie, and my earrings are from eBay.