Monday is feeling a little like this outfit looks: not that great.

First, the outfit: It’s one of those combos that worked better in my head. The problem is the pants: they’re a pair I had before I got pregnant when I had a little more weight on my bones and now they’re just too loose to pair with this flowy top, so the whole thing looks too big. I have another pair of pants in mind that I think will look much better; they’re tighter and longer. Jeans look pretty good with it, though.

HOWEVER, this shirt is awesome. It’s from a new local boutique in Durham called Liberation Threads and their principal business practice is to only sell goods that are ethical and fair trade. This shirt is made from the leftover fabrics of other clothing, and it’s so soft and comfortable. I love the open back because it’s on trend without making me feel like my whole back is on display. Anyway, I only discovered Liberation Threads a few weeks ago and plan to become a regular there.

Next, the Monday: All Mondays are bad enough and, while there isn’t anything in particular about today, I’m just not feeling it. I had a not-so-great Friday and the weekend wasn’t long enough to offset the fatigue of having to be back at work and in the swing of things today. I’m sure these feelings will subside soon, but I’m just over it, y’all. Over. It. As I mentioned on my Facebook on Friday, I’m having a woe-is-me moment. I’m trying really hard to stay positive and keep things in perspective but I’m completely failing at it. I’m sure it won’t take long for me to see that things are fine and life is grand, and then I’ll bounce back to my usual happy self. But right now, I just feel sad and hopeless, and I don’t know what to do to not feel sad and hopeless. Maybe I just need a nap.

Top: via Liberation Threads | Trousers: Karen Kane via Stitch Fix | Shoes: via Ross | Necklaces: Old Navy

I know this is likely just a bump in the road and I’ll be fine. I just have to make it through another day. Another stinkin’ Monday.

I’m finishing up my Master’s program in May and with graduation comes a new job and… office wear! As crazy as it may sound, I’m actually really excited about getting back to working a 9-5 and wearing my pencil skirts on a regular basis. Office wear is much easier for me than casual wear, and I’ve talked a little bit about how difficult it was for me to figure out how to dress for graduate school. I worked in an office for about 6 years before going back to school, so I have a lot of practice with office wear. Plus, I’m really comfortable in it. All that to say that I’m starting to put together more work-appropriate outfits because I’m on the hunt for a real job, a career. This outfit is really simple: black shirt, black skirt, textured blazer and fun, sparkly shoes. It makes me feel like a realtor, which isn’t a bad thing, but it’s not what I’ll be doing.

How cute is this little doggie necklace? It was a birthday gift from a friend; they know me so well!

And here’s the fun one: Maybe I’m a plane?

Top: Old Navy | Skirt: Target | Blazer: Banana Republic | Shoes: Fioni via Payless | Necklace: gift

I’ve worn this outfit several times and tried to get good photos. But every time I step outside with my camera, the sun runs to hide! I guess I didn’t even need the hat! The photo above is the only really good one I got out of the whole bunch. Oh, well.

I really like these shorts, even though they’re almost too short to be comfortable. They’re so cute that I’m willing to overlook it. So far, this the only shirt I’ve worn them with, but I have so many ideas and I can’t wait to style them in other ways. I’ll definitely add some color next time.

Linking up with Living in Color Style | Stylin’ In St. Louis

Top & Shorts: Old Navy
Hat: Wal-Mart
Sandals: Target
Necklace: Claire’s (old)

I love clever puns and ModCloth is the queen of them. ‘Leaf Me Breathless’ is what they called this cutie-patootie flora and fauna dress when I purchased it a few years ago. It’s really light and flowy, and has become my go-to dress in the summer. Having a backyard barbeque? Let me grab my little green dress and sandals. Outdoor wedding? Little green dress with a blazer and wedges. Brunch on Sunday? Little green dress. Class on Tuesday? Little. Green. Dress. You get the picture. Also, the belt came with the dress and I’ve worn it with so many other outfits that e,ven if I didn’t wear the dress, the belt itself would have made the purchase worth it.

Here’s what it looks like without the cardigan:

And here’s the fun one:

This is the kind of thing you’ll find me in on a warm, Spring Sunday. It was in the 80s when I took these photos and it eventually got too warm for the scarf and it had to go. I mostly spent the day inside reading articles and book chapters in preparation for the week at school. The semester is surprisingly almost over and I can’t believe it! Just a few more weeks until finals and that doesn’t feel quite right. This semester has flown by!

This is our backyard and it needs so much work that it’s overwhelming. It looked so good for our wedding, but, of course, that was almost three years ago. Hopefully, we’ll be able to enjoy the yard this summer.

Also, ARMPIT!

And here’s the fun one: Please excuse me while I go crawl into that hammock!