Sweater: Francesca’s | Tee: Old Navy | Jeans: Banana Republic | Shoes: Old Navy | Necklace: Target

This is the most comfy, cozy sweater I own, and it’s perfect for Fall and Winter. I think it looks nice left completely open like in the first photo but it can feel a little bulky so I tend to belt it at the waist. When it gets really cold outside, I pull out the boots. I love the all-neutrals look and I think next time I’ll try pairing it with black denim.

Sweater: Francesca’s | Tee: Old Navy | Belt: Banana Republic  |Jeans: Banana Republic | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Target

I wear this necklace almost every day. I would like to find a charm-style bracelet that I can wear with it.

Necklace: Target

What is the most cozy thing you own?

It’s a rainy day here in my world. I used to hate going out in the rain because I wore jeans and/or sandals and my feet would get so wet, and that’s one of my least favorite things ever. Only recently, after reading on a fashion blog somewhere that the best rainy day outfit was a dress and boots, did I realize that I didn’t have to get my feet and jeans wet when it rains. So I started pairing cute dresses with nice boots.

Even better than that, last Christmas Nick gave me a pair of rain boots that I wear all the time. Even when it isn’t raining!

Rain boots are the best invention ever. If you don’t have a pair, I strongly recommend them. They’ll change your life!

What is your rainy day uniform?

I’m really reluctant to wear white pants for three reasons: 1) I’m afraid I’ll get them dirty and 2) I’m afraid of too much white and 3) I’m also afraid of the sharp contrast of dark and white!

Cardigan, Top, and Jeans: Banana Republic | Flower clip and Shoes: Target

I don’t think that too much white is a bad thing. I also don’t think that dark on white is a bad thing. In fact, I think both looks are very elegant and classy. But, for some reason, I feel like I can’t pull them off. Clearly I can, because this outfit looks really good! I just have to learn to step outside of my comfort zone more often.

How do you feel about white?

A little humor for your Monday. I’m in the middle of midterms and realized that this is pretty much how I spend my days:

Some of my MPH books

Those are only three of my books. I have more!

My desk at my home away from home.

Yes, Goldfish. They’re a good snack for late-night studying. I’m not a 4 year old, I promise!

Studying for midterms in one of the cubicles at my home away from home away from home (aka the library).

Water and Red Bull. Gotta have a healthy balance.

So far, the hardest thing about being in grad school in a different town is being away from Nick and the dogs for such long periods of time. I miss them and they miss me. There have been many tears.

But, for the most part, school has been going really well. My adviser says I’m ahead of the curve because I already have ideas about my internship and professional paper/thesis. Next semester I’m looking at taking several online courses so that I only have to be away about 2 days per week. I think I will love being able to spend 5 whole days at home with my family in my town. I just have to make it through the next 8 weeks. I can do this!

Tee: Ross | Jeans: Banana Republic | Belt and Shoes: Old Navy | Necklace and Earrings: Target | Watch: old Christmas gift

I wore this to class and to Lakefest, which is a student appreciation lunch they held for students on west campus, home of the medical school, nursing and other public health students like myself. I had my photo taken with Peedee the Pirate, which I’ll admit, I was way too excited about!

Cardigan: Ross | Tee: Ross | Scarf: Old Nvy | Jeans: Banana Republic | Belt and Shoes: Old Navy | Necklace and Earrings: Target | Watch: old Christmas gift

I’ve made this look slightly more “Fall appropriate” by adding a cardigan and scarf. I suppose it’ll keep you a little warmer once the weather starts to cool down, but it’s still too warm for that here.

Let’s hear it for Peedee!