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!

I promise that these photos will get better, but until I can get my tripod set up, this will have to do.

Cardigan: Banana Republic | Tee: Old Navy | Skirt: Banana Republic | Belt: Target | Shoes: Old Navy | Necklace: Claire’s

I really love this skirt because it’s super comfortable and can be dressed up or down. In the first photo, it’s a little more dressed up with a nice cardigan. I wore this to class so I slipped on some comfy flats that were more suitable for walking, but if I were wearing this to the office, I’d wear my red peep-toe pumps.

Jacket: Gap | Top: Old Navy | Scarf: Banana Republic | Skirt: Banana Republic | Shoes: Payless

In the second photo, I’ve paired the skirt with a fabulous denim jacket, scarf and flats. This a little more casual, and I probably would have worn it to class except that it’s still way too hot out for that jacket and scarf. Maybe in a few weeks!

I’m still having a little bit of trouble figuring out how else to style this skirt. That lone red stripe at the bottom throws me off a bit.

Which is your favorite look? Do you have any other suggestions for styling this skirt?

I’ve never considered myself a fashionista but I do like putting together and wearing cute outfits. I’ve received many compliments on my clothes lately so I’ve decided to start blogging about it. I may never be a fashion blogger per se, but if I can inspire folks to love getting dressed every day, then I’ll consider it a success. My photos aren’t the greatest at the moment, and I promise they’ll get better as I get my tripod set up but without further ado, here are a few outfits I’ve worn recently:

Cardigan: Ross | Top: Banana Republic | Jeans: Banana Republic | Belt and Shoes: Old Navy | Necklace: Hawthorne Collection online | Sunglasses: Target

Not surprisingly, everything in this outfit is from Old Navy | Necklace: Target

Dress: Ross | Sweater: Banana Republic | Shoes: Rocket Dog via Zappos | Belt: Target | Necklace: Hawthorne Collection online

This is a sweater over a dress. Pretty clever, huh?

What do you think about fashion? Do you like following fashion blogs/find them helpful?