beauty tuesday: the best primer + mascara primer EVER

I am a huge lashes girl - as a blondie, I refuse to leave the house without at least one swipe of mascara on. As the fellow blondes here will tell you, even a swipe of mascara (...and brow powder) makes such a huge difference on us! Which is to say that I've been looking for the perfect mascara for the better half of my life...basically since my parents told me I could finally wear make-up to school in 9th grade (I may or may not have been secretly wearing brown mascara before then. Sorry, Mom!)

For a while, I was pretty close with the L'Oreal primer + Better Than Sex combo, but I always was a bit annoyed with keeping a product where I only used half of it, and had to buy it twice as often. I also found it just a bit too clumpy. About a month ago, Urban Decay sent me a package with a few of their products, and hands down my favorite has been their Subversion Lash primer. This goes on a bit finer and less clumpy than the L'oreal primer, and I think it makes such a huge difference in making your lashes look almost like you're wearing falsies. While my current tube was gifted to me, I can honestly say that I will definitely purchase tubes in the future once my current one runs out. It consistently gives me the lashes I've always wanted.

Below is my "eyelash routine". My eyelash curler is Shiseido, the primer is Urban Decay (c/o) , and the mascara is Too Faced. And as a side note, a few of you have asked how I remove my make-up and it's super simple/cheap. I use coconut oil! I melt it between my fingers, massage onto my eyes, rinse, cleanse with my Paula's Choice cleanser, and done. I will never pay for make-up remover again!

oh so cozy

It feels like forever since I last posted an outfit - it's been two weeks! My hours this rotation make it more difficult to take pictures, as the sun doesn't rise until closer to 8, and I'm at the hospital before 7. I also have the opportunity to wear scrubs if I choose to, and I'll be honest, I end up wearing them most days just because it means I can wear my comfortable birkenstock clogs instead of normal flats. So for the next few months, it'll probably mostly be weekend looks around here. 

Like this outfit! I wore this the week before Christmas to do all of our present shopping. I really really like this sweater from Modcloth. I could have probably gone down a size just because it runs a bit large but that makes that much more comfortable - plus the ability to tie it really helps with any sizing issue. They seem to be running low on sizes, but I believe you can sign up for the waitlist if you are interested. 

Sweater: Modcloth [exact]

Pants: Express [exact - review here]

Boots: Vince Camuto [similar]

Ring: Margaret Elizabeth

Nails: Essie [exact in peak show]

Lips: Nars [exact in Roman Holiday]

While Modcloth is definitely known for their more whimsical pieces, I do think they have quite a bit of more streamlined pieces. I have had a lot of luck with their sweaters - they've held up well, and always receive compliments. Here are a few of my current picks with the grey sweater obviously being #1 ;)

one | two | three | four

top three [01.03.2016]

because I actually didn't share a single outfit this week - but here's an idea of what I wear every.single.day ;)

medicine

• Did you guys hear about the lady with "auto-brewery" syndrome? It's caused by a type of yeast that causes intoxicating levels of alcohol to be produced within the person's body without having a drink of alcohol. It was recently in the news because a lady was charged with a DUI because of her BAC (0.40!) even though she didn't have a single drink. 
• Mittelzschmerz is a fun German word that means "middle pain" - it's used medically to describe the pain some women have during ovulation. Isn't being a woman fun? 
• An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilation of your aorta. It is most commonly found in older male smokers. Interesting, and without yet an explanation, having diabetes actually lowers the risk of acquiring an AAA. 

on the internet

• I am in love with Jessica's gorgeous/unique coat (plus how great does her hair look? I am so jealous). 
• Adina is one of my all time favorite bloggers - go check out her year review to see why (and check out her exciting announcement at the end!) 
• Yasi is also one of my favorites - she just looks effortlessly pulled together all the time. Love this easy layered look (that necklace!) on her.

spotted

• Don't you just watch to throw on this fluffy sweater and curl up in front of a fire? I love the grey color!
• The cut on this J.Crew Factory dress is so so flattering that it's definitely going on my watch-list. It's perfect for wearing wearing alone under a white coat in the summer, or layering with a soft cardigan in the winter. LOVE!
• Is "travel more" on your 2016 resolution list? Sole Society's weekender bag looks so much more expensive than it is. It has a separate bottom compartment, which is just genius!

ask me anything

• Do you have any advice for anyone interested in medical school, but is intimidated/discouraged by not having followed a "traditional" plan. (Major in a science -> Apply to Med School -> Start med school right after graduating college at 22.) What role does age have in med school?
• My advice is that if you really want to go to medical school, there are a thousand different ways of ending up there. You have no idea how thankful I am that I took a few years off before starting school. I think it made me more motivated, and wiser, than if I personally had started right after graduating. Work experience is never a bad thing and taking the non-traditional route to school can definitely be an advantage. I think age doesn't have much of a factor when it comes to school. I'm friends with 24 year olds and 37 year olds in my class - the thing is, at this point in our education, we are at the same point, so age makes less of a difference. 
• My faithful rain boots have finally failed me and I have decided to splurge on some Hunter boots. The only problem is I can't pick a color. I love how you styled your green ones but I am worried they won't be versatile in summer as well. I really just can't narrow it down between green, navy, yellow or red. Help! 
• My advice would be to look at the colors in your closet, your accessories (scarves, jackets) and see what is most complimentary. For example, a pair of yellow boots wouldn't work as well in my closet as a pair of pretty shiny red ones would (come on Hunter, please make an adjustable pair in shiny red!). In the end, rain boots are supposed to be fun so go with a color that makes you happiest. They aren't your every day shoes, and you have to find some way to be happy in the rain/snow ;)
• How many hours a day do you spend (on average) writing your blog, reading/commenting on other blogs, or answering blog related emails?
• That really depends on what kind of post I'm working on. My Sunday posts take me around two hours, with most of the work being done on Saturday although I try to work on it here and there throughout the week. A regular outfit post takes me probably a total of an hour between editing pictures, writing the post, and finding the correct links. I very rarely ever sit down and write a post in one go though, so it's hard for me to quantify. I would say I probably spend 45 minutes a day on writing and reading blogs. I don't have the time to comment on blogs like I used to, but I still read quite a few of them! I wish I had more time to work on my own blog - between taking better/more exciting pictures, improving my editing, and writing more posts in a week, but I have to put my education first. 

on franish

• on the blog: setting and maintaining a clothing budget!
• on the instagram: have you ever seen a happier dog? 
• on the twitter: he wishes!

notable sales

• Loft: 60% off sale items
• A striped sweater dress is a winter staple for me and their black version is super cute. 
• Their denim jacket is now under $20!
• How freaking cute is their gingham top? Colored shorts, black jeans, a fun skirt...want!
• Nordstrom: last day of the Half Yearly sale!
• Are you a bride this year and looking for a white dress for a shower/party/rehearsal? How pretty is this lace sleeved version, now 33% off?!
• The reviews can't stop raving about these Cole Haan heels - they are 35% off. I love the nude version. 
• Kate Spade always makes the cutest watches. I love the gold + thinner cognac strap on their perry watch - so freaking cute!
• Old Navy: sportswear on sale!
• I just got the cropped mesh pants and they are so fun! CR says they are too sexy for the gym but I see them as motivation to just get there ;)
• If you are more into full-length pants, how fun are their leg-graphic pants? I love the polka dots!
• I also got their medium support sports bra. I went with a medium but would have more comfortably worn a large. I find they have the right amount of support for exercise that isn't running (that activity always requires two for me). 
• PS: Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual sale is going on right now. My favorite bra is the lined demi from the Body by Victoria line, and most are right around $30 right now. Plus shipping over $50 is free, which rarely happens. 

personal

• We just started watching Making a Murderer and it is so interesting to see it all unravel. It definitely took us an episode or two to really get into it, but we then couldn't stop. I love seeing glimpses of Wisconsin throughout the story - I miss it so much. Also, do we all really have accents that bad? Ouch!
• 2016 means that I can now say that I graduate next year! But first comes the interview season. CR and I are working our way through all the programs we want to apply to and audition at, and it is making me a nervous wreck. You guys should see our colorful spreadsheet :/
• I've been really into watching more beauty videos and reading more beauty blogs lately. I only have a couple I follow though, so if you have a few favorites, I would love to hear any recommendations you may have!

2015: a review

I seem to have a theme for every year when I look at it as a whole. 2013 was the year of changing, 2014 was the year of figuring it out, and I think 2015 was the year of adapting. Adapting to studying for five months straight without a night or day off. Adapting to living with CR and combining our lives. Adapting to being at the mercy of the hospital - from what I wear to when I eat to what time I get up in the morning. Adapting to being asked questions at any moment, and having to come up with the answer. 

It really was a wonderful year though. I passed my boards, moved in with the greatest man, discovered my love for OB, went on a once in a life time vacation to Santorini, and have all around really enjoyed getting to actually be a part of medicine rather than just reading about it in a book. Every year I've blogged I've liked looking back at the year - the good, the bad, the regretful, and the favorites. Thank you for being a part of this year, for all of your words of encouragement, suggestions, and thoughtfulness. I hope you have a great and safe New Years!

Favorite Outfits

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

nine | ten | eleven | twelve

Lots of black + white, stripes, with a bit of red thrown in for sass. 

Least Favorite

Can't win them all, I suppose! I think overall there is nothing majorly bad about these, I just don't love them. The first two I find a bit lackluster, and maybe not particularly blog worthy. While I love the dress in the third picture, it was worn the weekend after I took my boards and I may have had just a little extra stress weight that caused it to not fit the way I would have preferred. And in the last one, I think the scarf doesn't really go with the rest of the outfit.

Favorite Purchases

express pants | loft top [similar] | loft blazer [similar]

ann taylor dress [similar] | jack rogers sandals | loft dress [similar]

These are the items I reach for the most - when I'm getting dressed in a hurry, when I'm packing, or because I can think of a ton of ways to wear it. The express ponte pants are currently my favorite things just because they are so comfortable and flattering. I've worn the striped shirt countless times now, and while I seem to stick with a theme when wearing the chambray blazer, I just think it's so fun. Two pretty dresses, and a simple pair of sandals, and I basically don't need any other clothes...if I lived in a more temperate climate ;)

Purchases I Regret

• My uniqlo cardigans: I used to wear cardigans all.the.time, so when I finally found a kind I thought would be great to replace the ones that needed replacing, I bought two. As it turns out, I don't really like wearing cardigans that much anymore. So now I own two cardigans I just don't wear. Dumb. 
• That tan Aritizia sweater. I spent a little (a lot) more on a sweater when I was in NYC because I thought I was paying for the quality. After one wear and washing, it has already shrunk and pilled. Luckily, Aritizia has offered to let me return it for store credit so it's not a complete wash. 
• Frye flats. I thought these were going to break in better than they have, but they are still just completely destroying my feet every time I've tried to wear them :(
• Banana Republic Midi skirt: I actually love this skirt (it's a part of one of my absolute favorite outfits of the year) but I just never wear it. I would feel strange wearing such a flouncy skirt to work, and I don't have any where else real fancy to wear it to. It will be one of those items I hold on to for a very long time, and will love wearing, but it kind of sucks I will only wear it like once or twice a year. So I guess it's not that I regret it, it's just that it may not make that much sense in my wardrobe. 

Medical School Related Posts
Day in the Life: Board Studying
Day in the Life: Family Medicine
Day in the Life: General Surgery
What's in my white coat? 
Day in the Life: OB-Gyn
Ask Me Anything: medicine edition
What to get a 3rd or 4th year medical student for Christmas


A little more about me
The amount of clothes in my actual closet
How I do my daily make-up
How I afford designer goods while on a budget
How I made my gallery wall
Where I live
What I carry in my bag
How I do my hair

Favorite Instagram Pictures

Still my social media of choice :) you can find me here!

P.S. 

2012 review

2013 review

2014 review

how to: set a clothing budget and stick to it

A little under four years ago, I realized that I was basically living paycheck to small paycheck. I was also going to the mall almost every weekend. I wasn't spending excessively and I wasn't going into debt, but the day or two before payday always made me nervous. I finally decided it was time to crack down and get my shopping and spending under control.

Since then, and quite a few different financial situations later, I have successfully stuck to basically that same budget for four years. I have been able to pay off other debt, go on a few amazing vacations, and feel like I'm just at a better place financially. Not only have my finances been figured out, but so has my style. Being on a budget means every purchase needs to be thought about just a little more. It's easy to throw down $25 here, $50 here, but those add up so quickly. Having to put more thought into each purchase, looking to see if it is exactly what you want rather than settling for something not as good, and how those pieces fit in your closet, means that gradually over time your style and closet will evolve.

While I initially started a clothing budget to keep myself on track financially, I am so excited to see where it has gone when it comes to blogging. I think that blogging can be wonderful, but also so misleading. There are many bloggers who seem to have endless supplies of new clothes, sometimes very expensive items, but they don't talk about the money behind it. I think it gives readers a sense that if the bloggers can afford to buy all that, then so should they, and it can quickly become this weird mix of keeping up with the Jones.blogspot.com while not actually being able to comfortably afford it. I am excited to see the bloggers who post about their budget every month because it gives other women out there a more grounded outlook on clothes. That's not to say that I as a graduate student am the end all be all to what all graduate students are and should be spending on clothes. But I lead a very average life, and so sharing the details of that when it comes to money and clothes makes it all seem a bit more real rather than the fantasy that blogs sometimes portray.

beauty tuesday: fresh seaberry moisturizing face oil review

I have mentioned my dry and flaky skin so much at this point that you guys are probably sick of hearing about it...but my dry and flaky skin is dry and flaky. While one part of getting rid of the flakes is to find a good exfoliator, the biggest part is keeping your skin moisturized. I've been in a bit of transition where I am looking for products that will give me the moisture my skin needs, and that has led to trying a few different products.

I bought the Fresh Seaberry Face Oil during the Sephora VIB sale at the beginning of November, so I've been using it for 6-7 weeks now. When I try these products, I really prefer to use them for several months before sharing my opinions since I believe it takes some time for results to be seen.

what it promises:
Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil is a precious blend of pure oils—seaberry, cranberry seed, camellia seed, grapeseed, and sweet almond—packed with restorative omegas to maintain a youthful appearance. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly for a boost of vital moisture, while vitamin E works to maintain the skin’s elasticity and smoothness. This powerful antioxidant protects the skin from aging free radicals, leaving your complexion soft, smooth, and refreshed.

how I use it:
In the morning, after I've washed my face and applied the Paula's Choice Exfoliant to problem areas, I rub 2-3 drops of the face oil into my skin. I focus on my drier areas - my cheeks, forehead, and around my mouth. Then I follow up with my CeraVe moisturizer.

what I like:
This does initially help my skin feel not as dry and tight. It absorbs fairly better than previous oils I've used, and doesn't really make my face look or feel oily (if I use the correct amount). The bottle and dropper are also very secure - I've traveled with this several times now and have had no leakage issues.

what I don't like:
As with probably most face oils, there is a fine line between just enough and too much. If I use even a little too much, it doesn't absorb as well, and leaves my skin feeling oily. In these situations, my make-up seems to slide off my face quicker. It also doesn't make my face not have those dry spots - I may have a little less, but it is still scaly.

It is also quite expensive - $50 for 1.6 ounces.

would I buy this again? 
Right now I am leaning towards no. I will probably continue to use the bottle I own, at least until I am near a Sephora to return it. It isn't a bad product at all, it just hasn't been worth the price to just be alright.

I still have the dry patches on my skin, even when used perfectly after a slight exfoliation. I don't know if it's a pipedream to find a few products that make my skin not dry and flaky. I received a smaller bottle of the Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk, and have been using it on those spots, and it is actually helping quite a bit. I may end up returning the Fresh oil and exchanging it for a larger bottle of Argan Milk. Has anyone had any experience with it?

december budget

Express pants: originally $60 + 50% off = $30

Loft blouse: originally $60, on sale for $35

J.Crew Factory skirt: originally $90, on sale for $45

Modcloth sweater: originally $60 + 30% off + giftcard = $0

Nordstrom scarf: $42

Vince Camuto boots: originally $172 + giftcard = $50

December budget: $202

Quarter budget: $500 - $35 in November - $202 in December = $263 left for January 

While I spent quite a bit more than I did in November (...considering I only bought one thing!), I am really excited about the items I bought this month. I've already mentioned most of these at length - the ponte pants (reviewed here), the plaid skirt (shown here), the loft blouse (seen multiple times on instagram), and the vince camuto boots (mini review here). The Modcloth sweater is something I came across when I was answering a reader's question, and fell in love with it. I've been holding on to some credit for a while, so with a Black Friday deal, it ended up not costing me anything. I wore it twice over the weekend, and got compliments each time. I've wanted a tan scarf for over a year - I've always admired Jean's tan scarf, and I love the way mine now compliments so many of the colors I have in my closet (mostly the whites, blacks, and navy). 

Looking forward, I don't really see myself doing a ton of shopping. I have the option of wearing scrubs on this rotation, so I have at least 6 more weeks in scrubs, at least part of the time. After IM is over, I'll be on another month of OB, so scrubs again. I did order that blanket scarf from Ann Taylor as well as their two-in-one sweater. I'm also hoping that Nordstrom's cashmere poncho will go even on further sale. Other than those items, I think the next few months will probably be a bit quieter on the shopping front. 

On the sponsorship side of things, I saved up Shopbop credits to order the tan Tory Burch revas. I also collaborated with New York and Company and received their beautiful coatigan and heels.

With the beginning of a new year coming right around the corner, I know many of us are thinking about what we want to accomplish in the new year. I am in the process of working on a post about setting and maintaining a clothing budget, so if one of your goals is to take control of your finances, I hope that will help. It will be about how to figure out how much your budget should be, how my budget has changed my shopping habits, and hopefully it'll include a few testimonies from some of the other ladies who have been sharing their budgets with us for years!