You know what’s delicious? Indian buffets! You know what skirt isn’t a good choice to wear to one? This one! I wore it to lunch with Nick where we went to our favorite Indian restaurant/buffet near his office, and I left with a food baby that this skirt didn’t conceal very well. So, I think this is an adorable outfit but the skirt is on the chopping block, meaning I’m thinking about donating it. It’s slightly too big and doesn’t fit exactly where I want it around my waist and because of that, it makes me feel like I lose what little bit of an hourglass shape that I have. Nick said it looked fine and these pictures look great, so I can’t decide if I want to keep the skirt or not.

This top is the same as my gray polka dot top but in solid green. I’m a big fan of buying multiples when you find something you really like, so I got this top in the two colors and I love wearing both.

Blouse: Target | Skirt: Loft | Belt: Target | Shoes: Gap Outlet | Necklace: Old Navy

So, here’s my question for you, my fellow fashionistas: How do you decide whether to keep or donate an item? I still wear the skirt every now and then but I find that I don’t reach for it as often because I don’t feel great in it. But I do wear it. I just can’t decide!

Linking up with:
Garay Treasures
Trend Spend

The Dress

Several bloggers I follow either already have this dress or want this dress, and I wore this Grecian-inspired dress to my friend’s Indian wedding! I picked it up several weeks ago because it’s beautiful and absolutely perfect to wear to a summer wedding. You see, my friend, Waseem, is Muslim so as soon as I was invited, I knew I wanted to be respectful and cover up. The long skirt is obviously perfect, the flowy material was light and airy so I wasn’t sweating the whole time, and it looks great with a cardigan! But perhaps the best thing about it was that IT WAS AVAILABLE IN PETITE!

Dress & Shoes: Banana Republic | Cardigan: Old Navy | Clutch: Nordstrom | Charm Necklace: Target | Layered Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Bracelets: Old Navy

The Wedding

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was my first Indian wedding so I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was great. As you might expect, it was almost completely different from a traditional Christian wedding, but there was plenty of prayers, well wishes, and Waseem walked down the aisle with her father. Also, the food was delicious and everyone was so happy for the couple. In true NCsquared fashion, Nick matched his tie to my dress. Oh. My. Goodness. we are the cutest couple ever!

These are my awesome friends, Kristin (left) and Aarti (right). They specifically requested to be on the blog, so here you are ladies, this one is for you! *wink*

This is Kristin, me, Aarti, and our other friend, Leigh. We all met in my master’s program and graduated together. I absolutely love these girls. They’re incredibly smart, talented, funny, and I know I wouldn’t have made it through without them. Kristin just moved to the Triangle, so we’ll get to hang out all the time now. Our new mission is to find jobs for Aarti and Leigh in the Triangle so we can be together again. Unfortunately, Waseem is leaving for the midwest and we’re going to miss her!

Also, fun fact: Aarti and I went to the same high school but not at the same time because I’m 5 years older than her (I did, however, know her older brother because he was in my grade). After we discovered this, we bonded over our stories about our hometown and the people there. Now we’re the best of friends!

The decorations at the wedding were beautiful. This one little picture just doesn’t do it justice.

Ok, maybe I’m a little biased but I think my friend, Waseem, is the most gorgeous bride that has ever existed, even more beautiful than I was as a bride! She’s also really sweet and super cool, so I’m extremely happy for her and her new husband.

Congratulations Waseem & Ahsan!

Linking up with:
Start the Week Stylish | Still Being Molly | Mix It Mondays | Fashionably Employed | Garay Treasures | Trend Spend | C appuccio and Fashion | The Pleated Poppy | Tucker Up | Rachel the Hat | Charming Friday

So, you remember over a month ago when we celebrated Independence Day on the 4th of July? Yeah, this is what I wore that day so I’m playing catch up! We spent the afternoon/evening with our friends and their family, grilling out burgers, brats, and wings and drinking yummy cocktails and wine and playing fun games. I made a delicious watermelon and jalapeño salad that was a hit with everyone; I might post the recipe later. Then, after the sun went down and it was nice and dark, we set off a few fireworks in the driveway and took silly pictures. It was a really fun holiday.

There are a lot of blue stripes in this outfit, but they’re all in my accessories, so they aren’t overwhelming; I simply accessorized with stripes! It was super hot out so I don’t know why I wore pants and a scarf, but it just felt right. Probably because I was inspired by Kendi’s summer scarf outfit. We stayed inside most of the afternoon so I didn’t melt. I looked pretty good, too.

And here’s the fun blooper, which really isn’t *that* bad!

Hat: Banana Republic | Shirt & Scarf: Gap | Pants: kensie via Stitch Fix | Wedges: Target (old) | Short Necklace: Old Navy | Long Necklace: Wal-Mart

Linking up with:

Spotlight Weekly Link Up wtih Living in Color Style & Stylin’ In St. Louis

Charming Friday with A Pocketful of Polka Dots and Charming Lucy

So, this is what I wore to get my hair cut. My hair doesn’t look that much different because it’s still kind of long – I only wanted a trim – but it looks pretty good and it feels light and amazing. While I was there, I was complimented by my hair dresser and her assistant on my outfit (especially the shoes), so I knew it was a good one. I paired this top and jeans together here already, and while that outfit made me feel kind of boho, this flowy vest and these booties make me feel edgy and cool.

 Tank: Target | Vest: Ross | Denim: Old Navy | Shoes: Fioni via Payless | Sunglasses: Target

 Linking up with:

Start the Week Stylish

The Pleated Poppy

Tucker Up

Cappuccino and Fashion

I’ve been doing a bit more outlet shopping than usual lately, and I’m kind of loving it. Visiting a Banana Republic Outlet in undergrad is what sparked my love for Banana Republic. It was around the time that I got my first part-time office job and needed appropriate clothing for it. So, I went to a BR Outlet and purchased an adorable pencil skirt, a great pair of trousers, some cute jeans and several blouses and hence a new love affair was born.

In an attempt to save money and closet space, I’m trying to only purchase pieces that I absolutely love and will wear all the time. I love both this shirt and pair of shorts. I’ve worn them several times already in several different outfits so I know I picked some winners. I also purchased a cute little skirt with this top so that I can wear it in an office setting once I find a job. I’m just hoping that’s sooner rather than later! I wore this outfit at home, while I was clearing out some clutter in the office and then to dinner at our favorite taco spot, Nanataco.

Top: Loft Outlet | Shorts: J. Crew Outlet | Sandals: Target