It’s the middle of summer and I probably don’t have to tell you how hot it is. But, friends, it. is. hot. I wore this to an outing for a friend’s birthday where we had dinner and drinks at an outside bar/grill and I felt like I was melting, literally. I like wearing light colors in the summer; it’s about the only way to survive the heat. My favorite way to wear white bottoms must be with an orange/coral/peachy colored top because I’ve done it a lot lately. But that’s just peachy with me!

This is one of the purchases I made with my babysitting money (that I mentioned in my last life lately post), making me sound like I’m 15 again (half my age). I am happy to report, however, that I’ve been getting some interviews with a few organziations so I’m hoping one of them will lead to a full-time position. Fingers crossed!

By the way, look at the cool way I rolled my pants! I wanted to add some interested so I folded them up once to about the middle of my calf and then rolled the bottom of that roll up to the seam. Sometimes I’m so cleaver I can’t even! It works because they’re pretty long. Being short makes it really difficult to find really cute cropped pants because they’re either still too long or they cut me off in an area that makes me look even shorter. Fashion is so hard!

Oh, and I also wore this outfit to our weekly trivia night this past week. We did not win and it was sad (because winners get money) but better luck next time.

Here’s the blooper: I was adjusting the strap on my purse.

Top: Banana Republic Outlet | Denim: Old Navy | Shoes: Rack Room Shoes | Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Sunglasses and Handbag: Target

Linking up with Charming Friday | Tucker Up | Mix & Match Fashion | The Tiny Heart

I spent some time this weekend putting some outfits together for the coming week, and probably just to have on hand for those days when I don’t really feel like getting dressed. This first one is a great one to wear to the office, but I don’t have one of those yet! That’s why it’s photographed as a flat lay instead of as an outfit that I’m wearing. But it’s super cute and I can’t wait to wear it, whether it’s to an office or some other event. I also paired two different shoes with it. I love having options so that I don’t feel limited, but then having too many options can make me feel overwhelmed. I think I would probably wear the brown sandal with this outfit instead of the snake skin heels.

Blouse: Banana Republic | Skirt: Loft Outlet | Necklace: Banana Republic | Shoes: Banana Republic | Clutch: Coach (gift from MIL)

I did some unexpected shopping at a cute little boutique in Durham and purchased a few things without meaning to. Nick encouraged it so he can’t even get mad at me for spending money! These pieces are by patagonia, which is really cool because patagonia is typically outdoorsy and sporty. But these chambray shorts and 3/4-length sleeve top are perfect for running errands or hanging out.

Shirt & Shorts: Patagonia via Vert & Vogue boutique  | Shoes: X-Appeal 

Because it’s still extremely hot, I’m sticking to shorts. I love these black shorts because they’re the perfect length and fit so comfortably. So I’m going to pair them with this sleeveless top and sandals, which is another outfit that is perfect for hanging out, drinking beer or lemonade or even running errands.

Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet | Shorts: Gap | Shoes: X-Appeal | Necklace: Target | Bracelets: Old Navy

What do you think of these outfits? Maybe you’ll see them again on the blog soon.

Linking up with Molly | More Pieces of Me | Michelle’s Pa(i)ge | Fizz and Frosting

Hi everyone, I’m still here; I’m just trying to get my life together. I spend most of my days searching for and applying to jobs. Honestly, when I’m at home, it’s difficult for me to get dressed. Not physically, but mentally. Most days I sit at my desk, writing cover letters and tailoring my resume, and I do it all in my pajamas. When you have no job and nowhere to go, it doesn’t really matter what clothes you put on. So, I spend most days in PJs or yoga pants. When I’m not doing that, I’m either babysitting or volunteering.

I’ve noticed the time that I really enjoy getting dressed is when I volunteer. I spend one day a week at a public health organization that I admire and wouldn’t mind becoming a permanent part of someday. On those days, I get to dress in my office clothes.  I even brush my hair and put on makeup, two other things I never do when I’m at home all day!

This has made me realize how my identity as a professional really defines my style. When I was in grad school, I wasn’t quite sure how to dress because everyone was so casual but my warbdrobe consisted mainly of office attire. When I’m at home, unemployed, I feel useless so I don’t even bother getting dressed. But when I’m working (especially in an office setting) I’m in my element and, aside from following whatever dress code they set forth, I dress the part. My closet is full of pencil skirts, trousers, high heels, and cute tops. Since I don’t have an office to wear them to these days, they get tucked in the corner of my closet, along with my self-esteem. I’m sure something will come along eventually, but until then, I’ll just have to admire my clothes that make me feel the most like me from afar.

Here are a few photos that I’ve taken on my phone from my volunteer outfits. I’ll try to get real posts of them up soon but for now, bathroom pics might be the best we’ll get:

I took some of my babysitting money and went shopping with my friend at the outlet mall (wow, do I sound like I’m 15 years old, or what?). I bought the dress in the above photo from Loft Outlet, which I wore this week to volunteer. I also bought a few pieces that I think will make for good interview attire, if I could ever get one! I also got the casual dress below from Banana Republic Outlet. I plan on wearing it this weekend to a friend’s birthday celebration where we will drink a lot of beer and eat a lot of food from trucks!

Finally, Nick and I are seriously getting our butts back into shape. We’ve started a strength training program together, consisting of a lot of lifting of free weights which makes me feel a little awkward but really empowered at the same time. I have to admit that I love it. It’s my favorite type of work out so far, and I’m getting more comfortable with pushing myself to do more (safely, of course). I took a photo during our last workout, but it’s really blurry because I had just worked my chest and tricepts, so my arms were shaking a bit when I took it. Oops. I’m definitely going to feel that later!

Me, being all badass with the free weights at the gym!

So, that’s been my life lately. I’ve worn a lot of cute outfits that I want to put on the blog, I just have to get it together to take/post pictures. Soon, you guys. I promise!

Photo 1: Pants, Shoes, & Jewelry: Old Navy | Blouse: Gap | Sunglasses: Target
Photo 2: Dress: Loft Outlet | Shoes & Necklace: Old Navy
Photo 3: Dress: Banana Republic Outlet | Shoes: Target

Linking up with A Pocketful of Polka Dots & Charming Lucy