There are a lot of times on campus where I feel really out-of-place because I’m looking fairly fashionable and it seems like everyone else couldn’t be bothered to get dressed for class that day (i.e. they’re wearing yoga pants or just jeans and tshirts). Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but, being one of the older students on campus, I’ve already been there, done that when it comes to wearing PJs to class. Just kidding, I’ve NEVER worn pajamas to class. The closest I’ve come is wearing track pants, and that was ONLY to 8 AM biology and chemistry labs. Those are tough!

However, I wore this outfit to present a proposal of a program my group created, and luckily, in graduate school, everyone knows that presentations = dress appropriately. So I didn’t feel out-of-place on that day. This shirt has very thin white and black stripes, which make it look gray. It also has a cute scoop neck in the back, but I couldn’t get good photos of it.

The wind was blowing, making it a little chilly so I added the black sweater cardigan for warmth.

Top and Sweater Cardigan: Banana Republic | Skirt and Belt: Target | Necklace: Francesca’s |  Bracelet: Old Navy | Shoes: Target (super old)

It’s really gray outside today but luckily it isn’t raining. Yesterday was the last day of classes and today is “reading day” which means I have all day today and most of tomorrow to study for final 1 of 2. Wish me luck!

I bought this vest right before Thanksgiving and it is quickly becoming my all-time favorite. It’s so easy to style, it’s soft and comfortable, and is puffy but not too puffy. I started off simple by pairing it with a black sweater, but you could pair it with just about anything! I wish the lighting was better so you could see the pattern.

Vest and Sweater: Banana Republic | Camisole: Ross | Denim” Loft | Boots: Steve Madden | Earrings: Target

I know I’ve been missing and I apologize for my absence. With school, the holidays, and just feeling a little down about blogging, I haven’t had much time (or motivation) to post anything but, hopefully, I’m back in full swing. I do have a presentation and two final exams in the this week but then I’m off for a month-long winter break!

It isn’t Sunday but I still wanted to serenade you. Today’s song is Contact High by Allen Stone. I think I like this song so much because it reminds me that it isn’t things that make me happy, but being around the people I care about and experiencing life. So, dear readers, get out there and keep experiencing life!

This Week’s Top 5 Things (that make me happy):

1. Family. Ok, this one is kind of a given, since it was just Thanksgiving, but I’m really close to mine and I haven’t seen them as often as usual since I started grad school. It was almost a relief to get to spend so much time with them!

2. My nephew. This definitely goes with family, but I’ve always wanted to be an aunt (I know it sounds crazy) and now I have a three-year-old nephew. He’s a trip and I love him so much. He lives back in my hometown so I don’t get to see him very much either, except for FaceTime, so I love getting to hang out with him. He’s so smart and funny, he’s definitely an awesome little person.

3. FaceTime. As I mentioned above, I get to talk to my nephew a lot on FaceTime since I don’t get to see him very often, so that makes me very happy!

4. White chocolate and raspberry flavored anything. It’s the best right now and I can’t seem to get enough of it!.

5. The end of the semester. It’s almost here! One semester down, three more to go!

Photo of the Week:

Found on Pinterest

I found this on Pinterest and related to it immediately. I’m constantly reminding myself that I have to keep moving forward, especially when something feels right.

Have a great week, everyone! I’m off to study.

I’ve decided that any sweater and this white vest make the perfect match. And were made for Fall! I do sometimes wish the vest wasn’t quite as puffy as it is, but when that happens, I push as much air out of it as possible and then I’m happy. I like to think it doesn’t take much to make me happy, but I have a feeling that Nick (and probably everyone else around me) would argue otherwise. Oh, well.

As I mentioned in this post, this sweater is less of a light green/blueish and more of a kelly green. Either my clothes just don’t photograph well, or I suck at lighting and need a new camera. Hint, it’s the last one!

Sweater: J. Crew (thrifted) | Vest: Old Navy | Jeans: Banana Republic | Camisole & Earrings: Target | Feather Necklace: Old Navy

Look at how lovely and elegant gold and white are together! Gold/silver/white is my favorite winter color combination so its only natural that I would put it together in an outfit. White pants are still scary for me but I really like them here. After having a really warm couple of days, we’re back to chilly weather; sweater weather if you will! How’s that for fashion blogger cliche?

It’s hard to see in the photos, but this sweater has some sparkle to it. For that reason, it almost feels too dressy to wear to class tonight but I think the white denim provides a nice balance. And this scarf is perfect for fall with its muted colors. Its another piece that reminds me of something an old college professor would wear (much like my elbow-patch blazer),somewhat masculine.

Sweater: Banana Republic | Pants: Old Navy | Shoes: Target | Earrings and Scarf: Target | Bracelet: Old Navy