Twice as Nice

To make up for my lack of post yesterday, I bring you today and yesterday's outfits: Two days in pants.
Wednesday:

Blouse: H&M, Cardigan: Old Navy, Pants: Ann Taylor Petites, Shoes: Naturalizer

I bought this gorgeous cropped tiered sheer salmon-y blouse at H&M over the break when I was looking for some nice shirts for my work wardrobe. While in warmer days I look forward to pairing it with a floral skirt, I decided black pants were the way to go for its inaugural wearing. On Tuesday morning in Starbucks I saw a girl carrying that Celine bag that looks like it has a face. That's one of those crazy things about New York - all those things I see on blogs, people actually have them and wear them here.

Thursday:

Blazer & Jeans: Forever 21, Shirt: Old Navy, Necklace: H&M, Booties: ModCloth

I had a few milestones today. First off, I spotted Teen Vogue's Jane Keltner deValle in the elevator today and had a composed silent freakout. She's just as gorgeous in real life, let me tell you. Also, today I flagged down my first cab. I was heading uptown in the dark and rain so I figured I might as well spare myself some anxiety and take a cab. I feel like I'm on my way to being a real New Yorker. Speaking of the rain, it was my main impetus for wearing pants again. I've learned over the past few days that my workplace isn't as formal as I thought it would be, so I felt comfortable wearing jeans. Of course, I did pair them with heels and a blazer...

Day 2

Cardigan & Tights: Target, Dress: Forever 21, Shoes: Aerosoles

I got this star print dress when I was home for spring break. In the midst of all the stripes I got, this dress stands out both for it's cute cut (I love the sleeves and flared skirt) and of course the teeny white stars dotting the fabric. The downside to this dress though, is really a downside to shopping in general. The dress looked fine in the dressing room, no problem. But when I put a coat over it and was walking down the street, the dress started sticking to my slip and tights and I was constantly pulling it back into place. Luckily spring is on the approach, so I shouldn't have to worry about tights too much longer (please please please) but it's just one of those things I wish you could find out before buying a garment.

Working Girl

I survived my first day! I took the subway without getting lost and sat in Bryant Park this morning with some coffee while I realized that sometimes early is a little too early. I had a pretty good day and on the way home I felt distinctly like a New Yorker when I saw a rat in the subway (nowhere near me, thank goodness).
Much thought was put into what I would wear on the first day. I wanted to look put together, but not too formal but also not too casual.

 

Blazer: Forever 21, Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt: Banana Republic, Boots: Target

I think I actually got it just right. Sure, in the lobby I saw some sky high heels and wedges paired with some very skinny pants on very tall women, but I felt comfortable when I got to work. Working gives me a new challenge with dressing myself - it's completely different than just going to class. And I'm happy I'll be able to document this challenge right here.

New York, New York

Well, I'm here. My dad graciously drove me up yesterday morning and I spent my afternoon and evening unpacking. It feels a bit like I'm living in a walk-in closet that happens to have a bed, since the only things I brought with me other than my computer and some toiletries are clothes and shoes. I start work tomorrow and I'm both excited and nervous. I'm going to be that girl who gets to work a half hour early and then just waits at Starbucks until it's time. I'm definitely excited to be in New York but it's a little overwhelming. Hopefully I'll get into the rhythm of things soon.
My closet room:

Movin' On Up

Tomorrow's the big move, so I've been packing furiously the past couple days. My dad and I are driving up tomorrow morning with all my stuff (someday I'll learn how to pack light) and then I start my internship on Monday. I'm a bundle of emotions right now - I'm excited (both for this internship and the one I got offered today that would keep me in the city for the summer) and nervous and completely terrified of the bustling city that I'm about to be thrown into. I'm not sure I'll sleep tomorrow night or Sunday night, but hopefully I'll be so tired that I just can't stay awake any longer. This is a big step for me, but I'll be documenting it here - not so much my internship itself (that's a no-no) but definitely my life in the city and of course, what I'm wearing.
Get ready New York. Here I come.

Train-ing Day

Yesterday my dad and I took a trip up the East Coast to New York for the day. I saw my room (very, very small) walked to my new place of work (I start on Monday) and went to the biggest Bed Bath and Beyond I've ever been in to get some essentials. I'm going up for real on Saturday for which my father has graciously offered me a ride. Yesterday though, we took the Acela and zipped through Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey on our way to the big city. I took some pictures - bridges and bodies of water as my dad noted. I liked how a lot of the pictures turned out - morning before the sun has risen very high can be gorgeous and the weather was a bit moody, making for some mysterious looking bodies of water.

Striping it Rich

 Dress & Necklace: Forever 21, Jacket: LL Bean, Shoes: Target

Last week I went a little stripe-crazy and got three striped dresses and a striped blazer. Lucky for me, they're infinitely wearable so I pulled this dress out for a coffee date with one of my good friends and for a trip to the mall with my mom. I got a little map book for NYC, the April issue of Vogue, a cardigan at Old Navy and some concealer at Sephora. I tried some tinted moisturizer there as well and when I got home I decided to finish the makeup job before I took my pictures. I look a lot better in picture than I did in real life - the moisturizer was a bit orange-y. Luckily, the concealer alone keeps me from looking like a Tim Burton creation - I don't think I'm ready for a full face of makeup. Tomorrow I'm headed up to NYC for the day to check out where I'll be living and get a feel for the area before I move for real on Saturday. A week from right now I'll have finished my first day of interning!

Spring Sprang Sprung

A few signs of Spring...

Have a great Sunday!

Super Saturday

Shirt: GapKids, Jeans: Forever 21, Shoes: H&M

I finally got to sleep in today - the first time since I've been home, which was completely magical. I woke up and made myself some coffee which I drank while watching my Wildcats beat BC in the NIT with my dad. After that, my mom and I went out for part of the afternoon - we went to the consignment store in town as well as a preppy store (no literally, it's called the Preppy Pink Pony) and another small store that we frequent. I lucked out - two Lilly Pulitzer dresses at the consignment store for under $100 and a watch that actually fits! I've been having good luck this week - yesterday I found a pair of black pants that fit perfectly, on sale at Ann Taylor Petites. Pants are hardest to find for me, as someone vaguely leprechaun sized, but luckily the first place I looked had Hanna-sized pants.

Light as a Feather

Shirt: Old Navy, Sweater: Gift, Skirt: Forever 21, Headband: H&M

I'm celebrating the real start of my spring break (done with papers!) by hanging out, watching The Hills on Netflix and of course, trying to take flight in my backyard. I blame the outfit - feathers on my skirt, birds on my bow - what was I supposed to do but try to join the ranks of those who freely roam the air? Alas, humans weren't meant to fly, but I'm okay on solid ground. I'm thankful that my impending move doesn't require any planes. Back and forth to Chicago is fine, but once in a while it's great to stay on terra firma.

Emerald Island

 

 

 

 

 

Shirt: Vintage, Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Target

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I may not be Irish (though I am part Fighting Irish, thanks to my dad) but I enjoy any holiday that lets you dress up a little bit. I have to admit, I was one of those kids who would pinch you if you weren't wearing green - though that had more to do with me being a kid who enjoyed pinching people than the holiday itself. I don't wear many t-shirts with designs or logos on them, but I love this old school Celtics tee that was a hand-me-down from my mom. The very dapper leprechaun on the front makes it perfect for St. Patty's. I completed the look with a gold necklace and the yellow flats I got at Target earlier this week. I can't recall ever having owned yellow shoes before, but I love these and wish that their turquoise twins had been in my size. I included another sign of spring today - a crocus! That's always the first sign of spring in my yard. Another sign came today - bright sun and temperatures in the 60s.