Yesterday I said the next time you saw me I would probably be in my new location and I am!

To recap, I started a Masters program in Public Health (MPH) last fall at ECU, which is a good hour and a half from my house (and not an online program). I spent this past year commuting to school, staying with family and friends while I was there during the week. After a while, all of the driving, not having my own space, missing out on important events in my program, AND being away from Nick and the dogs were really starting to get to me. I was exhausted and stressed all the time, and my health was affected because I wasn’t sleeping well, eating too much fast food,  and not getting enough exercise from being on the road all the time. Luckily, over the summer I was offered a position as a graduate assistant to one of my favorite professors, which provides enough income to pay for a small apartment… so that’s what I did. I moved into a studio apartment last week and the best part is I get to bring my furbabies! Once I’m all settled in, I’ll share some photos.

I wore this outfit yesterday to an event welcoming the new cohort to the program. I had planned to wear my chambray wedges, but I had to do a lot of walking so I changed into these at the last minute. They’re teal and the cargidan is green, so the wedges probably would have looked better but this worked well enough.

At our event, we had food and drinks and along with meeting new students, we reconnected with current students that we hadn’t seen all summer as they were off doing their own internships all over the place. It was a fun time!

I apologize for the quality of these photos; I know they’re not great but I will play around with the lighting. And when Nick is here, we’ll get some good shots of campus, so I’m really excited about that!

Top: miami via Francesca’s
Cardigan and Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Gap
Necklaec: bridesmaid gift from my BFF
Bracelets and Earrings: Old Navy

I don’t have a whole lot to say about this outfit except that before I started reading style blogs, I never would have worn stripes with polkda dots. However, I did hear one of the nurses at the clinic where I intern once a week say that he knew “stripes and dots don’t mix” and I had to hold my tongue because, as you can see, sir, they most certainly do!

I thought about wearing my new pink sandals but I didn’t want to go overboard with the pink, so I opted for the white canvas shoes instead. Shorts and Keds definitely take my back to my childhood because I lived in them every summer.

It was way too hot out for a cardigan so it had to go! We were lucky at got these photos in just before it started raining, so it was really muggy out, too. Ugh, sometimes summer is just too much.

This is the charm bracelet Nick got me this past Valentine’s Day and of course I adore it (mostly because I picked it out, hehe). I would like to add an ampersand charm and another ‘n’ charm. Maybe even a c. And maybe a 2 to make it squared!

Top, Shorts & Cardigan: Old Navy
Shoes & Belt: Target
Earrings & Necklace: Wal-Mart
Bracelet: Etsy

We went to brunch again! This time we went to one of our other favorite brunch spots, Scratch Bakery, and then took some cute photos downtown.

I’ve worn this dress/cardigan/boot combo before but today I added some fleece-lined tights and a huge comfy scarf. It was a beautiful day with a slight chill in the air so the scarf was necessary.  This is probably one of my favorite dresses. It’s pretty, comfortable, and really versatile since I can wear it in all seasons. And brunch is an occasion that just feels better in a cute dress.

And here’s the fun one:

Also, in case you were wondering, Scratch was featured on Unique Sweets on the Cooking Channel, and for good reason. It’s delicious! Nick and I had coffee, livermush sandwiches and a grapefruit brûlée. Yum.

Cardigan, Blouse Belt, and Trousers: Banana Republic | Bracelet: Old Navy | Shoes: Target

This is another outfit where the majority of the pieces came from one store: Banana Republic. There are two main reasons why I regularly shop there: 1) Nick works there so we get a sweet discount and 2) Most importantly, they carry petite sizes that [almost] always fit me perfectly, meaning I rarely need to get anything hemmed or taken in. When you’re 5’1″ it can be a real chore to find clothes that fit you properly, but Banana Republic really delivers when it comes to us shorties.

Hey, look, more ruffles! I know I said I’m not usually a fan of ruffles, but again, these are fairly subtle and add a little something extra to the blouse. Also, purple is my favorite color, and I love the rich, fall-ness of this cardigan. I would probably wear it every day if I could. When it gets a little colder out, I’ll probably wear a purple scarf with it, too!

What’s your favorite color?

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?