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Nikki by example - Just a girl trying to lead by example
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  • Extras
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  • About Nikki
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Fashion•Travel

Notorious Overpacker

March 10, 2015 by Nikki 3 Comments

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Let’s hear it for Spring Break!

This week is my last spring break ever, which is awesome because that means school is almost over forever. It also means that Nick and I are heading to Savannah, GA tomorrow for a nice little four-day vacation. I’m really excited to get away for a romantic week with my lovey dovey. It’s been a really long and difficult two years of graduate school for us because I’ve had to spend most of it away from home, commuting to school (which is almost 2 hours away). This trip will give us a few days to ourselves, without having to worry about school or work or who is going to load/unload the dishwasher after an exhaustingly long day. The only thing I’m NOT looking forward to is packing because I’m a notorious overpacker. For as long as I can remember, I’ve overpacked for every single trip I’ve taken. I’m not even joking. One time we went to the beach for a week and I had at least three different bags full of clothes. As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve gotten a little better at planning out a full itinerary so I will know what we will be doing and can pack/dress accordingly.

This trip is no different. We’re planning to eat at yummy restaurants, go on a nighttime ghost walk, see the sights, do some shopping, and possibly take a moonlight riverboat cruise. That all sounds easy enough to pack for, but the one thing throwing me off is that it’s supposed to rain all week. Boo, rain! Anyway, I’ve challenged myself to pack light for this trip. Everything has to fit into this weekender bag I purchased from Target:

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

I’ve chosen four shirts, two pairs of pants, and two pairs of shoes. I’ve only decided on one accessory (for now) which is a scarf. I’ll throw some jewelry in there last-minute, like usual

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

I also plan to pack my rain gear (e.g. trench and/or rain coat and rain boots) and a skirt or dress in case we make it to a fancy dinner or that riverboat cruise, but I haven’t decided on which dress yet because I still have to get my spring clothes out of storage.  Here are some of the outfits I’ve put together with my chosen items so that I have some options and can work with the rain.

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

I know these photos aren’t exactly Pinterest-worthy, but I took them  as I was putting outfits together and figuring it all out. I think they serve their purpose. Maybe next time I’ll be a little more organized and get better photos. I will say I’m actually really glad that I decided to post about this because it has helped confirm some of my choices!

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Notorous Overpacker: Spring Break Trip | NCsquared Life

Yes, that is my dog, Mia’s little butt/leg in the corner of this photo!

I can’t make any promises that I won’t add a bunch of stuff at the last minute (my brain is already screaming at me, “oh my gosh, you forgot to include a cardigan in case it’s a little chilly!) but I will do my best. I’ll try to get lots of outfit photos while I’m there so you can see how it all came together. I hope everyone has a great week and you all are enjoying the great thaw 🙂

Shirts: Pink sweater: Banana Republic | Gray tee: Target | Striped tee: Old Navy | Beige sweater: Banana Republic
Jeans: Both from Old Navy
Shoes: Canvas sneaks: Target | Cognac flats: Old Navy
Scarf: boutique from Wilmington, NC
Necklace: Stitch Fix

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Reading time: 3 min
Fashion

I Do What I Want!

August 27, 2014 by Nikki 1 Comment

Purple + White | NCsquared Life

I wore this outfit to the office yesterday and my friend asked if I was trying wear all my white before Labor Day and I told her I’ll wear white whenever I want! I’ve never understood this rule so I looked it up and, apparently, the origin is pretty snobby: only women from “old money” could wear white so that they could identify and ignore the women from “new money.”  I wouldn’t want to participate in that because everyone should be able to wear whatever they want and not be excluded. So there!

Somehow I ended up with two pairs of white jeans so I’m excited to experiment with wearing white in the fall – I kind of missed out on that last year. I also love wearing sunglasses as headbands so, really, I do what I want!

Purple + White | NCsquared Life

Purple + White | NCsquared Life

Purple + White | NCsquared Life

I’m bringing back the fun one!

Purple + White | NCsquared Life

 If you’re wondering about the change in scenery, I explain it here.

Top, Pants, & Cardigan: Banana Republic
Shoes: Old Navy
Teal Bracelet: Light Years
Pink Bracelet: Old Navy
Earrings: Wal-Mart
Sunnies: Target

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Reading time: 1 min
Fashion

Pinspired: White and Green

May 28, 2014 by Nikki 1 Comment

Pinspired: White and Green | NCsquared Life

I absolutely adore Simply Lulu Style, and I became an even bigger fan of Lulu when I found out she’s a shorty like me, at 5’1″, because it proves that petite women can look sophisticated and grown up. When I saw this outfit, I pinned it right away because I loved everything about it: crisp white jeans, bright top, and denim jacket. Really, I love pretty much everything Lulu puts together. That woman knows how to dress!

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago during finals. In a way, I seemed to be a little overdressed for last-minute studying in the library and then taking an exam, but it was so cute that I wanted to wear it . Besides, as Oscar Wilde/the internet says, you can never be overdressed or overeducated so it seemed fitting to get dressed up to ace an exam! 😉

Pinspired: White and Green | NCsquared Life

Pinspired: White and Green | NCsquared Life

Pinspired: White and Green | NCsquared Life

Pinspired: White and Green | NCsquared Life

Pinspired: White and Green | NCsquared Life

Top: Banana Republic (really old)
Pants: Banana Republic (last year)
Sandals: Target
Denim Jacket: Gap
Handbag: Franco Sarto
Necklace: Claire’s (old)
Sunglasses: Target
Bracelet: Old Navy

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Reading time: 1 min
Fashion

Minty Fresh

March 13, 2014 by Nikki 4 Comments

Minty Fresh | NCsquared Life

When I asked Nick what he thought of this outfit, he replied that it was “minty fresh” which reminded me of the doublemint twins. Does anyone remember them? They weren’t my inspiration for this outfit but now that I see the photos, I see it. I was actually inspired by my necklace because it combines mint with a dark green.  And the pop of pink in the shoes adds a somewhat unexpected but perfect touch.

Minty Fresh | NCsquared Life

Minty Fresh | NCsquared Life

Minty Fresh | NCsquared Life

Minty Fresh | NCsquared Life

Minty Fresh | NCsquared Life

Minty Fresh | NCsquared Life

Linking up with Living in Color Style | Perfectly Coutured | Everyday Fashion and Finance | Mix + Match Fashion | Styling in St. Louis | Simply Lulu Style
 
Top, Cardiga, and Pants and Earrings: Old Navy
Necklace and Clutch: Francesca’s
Shoes: Christian Siriano via Payless
Sunglasses: Target
Dainty Bracelet: Etsy
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Reading time: 1 min

About Me

Hi, I’m Nikki. This is where I blog about my life and personal style. I’m a wife and mom, public health professional, sushi lover, wine enthusiast, and coffee snob. Welcome to my little corner of the world where I try to lead by example!

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