Thankful for Friday

tee: Old Navy, jacket: thrifted, jeans: Gap outlet, shoes: Target, necklace: Walmart

This week whooped me. It was wonderful to start a new job, don't get me wrong, but exhausting! I'm looking forward to starting the weekend off with friends at a cookout to celebrate my best friend since before preschool getting engaged. I'm so excited for her and can't wait to see her with that pretty, sparkly ring on her finger! Tomorrow is an 18 mile training run. I won't lie, I'm a little intimidated. Is it bad that once that's done, I have no intention of wearing anything besides sweatpants and t-shirts until Tuesday morning when I go back to work?! What are your fun plans for the holiday weekend??

Linking up with Allison over at Two Thirty-Five Designs for Casual Friday!

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New Girl

tee: Five Below, pants: New York & Co., blazer: Ambiance (if I lived in SF, I would go broke because I love shopping in this store so much!), necklace: JCPenney, shoes: thrifted

I started my new job today, and I have to say - I think I'm going to love it! Everyone was incredibly nice and welcoming, and the space seems like a great one to work in. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and I have a lot to learn, but I'm looking forward to settling into the position! 

I went for the professional, but stylish look for my first day. I pretty much never wore dress pants at my old job, so I was excited to find these ankle length pair that feel a little more updated and are so incredibly comfortable too! 

Linking up today...

Last Day

tee and shoes: Old Navy, jeans: Gap outlet

We're back from vacation #2! Thanks to Beth and Heidi for filling in for me while I was gone so this blog wouldn't be completely quiet for a week. I hope you enjoyed getting the chance to know them! I promise to do a recap of all the fun things we got the opportunity to do on vacation, but want to focus on today first. After a week of vacation, I returned to work today for my last day. I know, it doesn't make much sense, but due to my limited available vacation time and the flight back we chose due to the prices, I had planned to return to work today anyway. It just so happened to make the most sense for today to be my last day, and when nobody in management gave me a hard time about it, I stuck with that schedule!

I start my new job as an academic advisor on Monday. I'm more excited than nervous, but feel like it's the first day of school all over again or something like that. I keep stressing about what outfit to wear (although I have plenty of options after spending a decent amount of my vacation shopping!) and I just want everyone to like me. :) I've spent the past two and a half years working with an amazing team with co-workers who are smart, compassionate, funny, and most importantly sane! haha.  (I say this because I think we've all had that crazy co-worker, right?!) I have to say that I'm going to miss them like crazy and I hope we all stay in touch! 

Academic advising is what my master's degree is in and it's what I've wanted to do for several years now. I'm so excited to finally get the opportunity, but have to admit that there's some anxiety there too. What if it's not as great as I thought? What if I'm an awful advisor?! I have a lot of faith in my abilities, but still can't help that those nerves are creeping in!

By the way...linking up with Allison today over at Two Thirty-Five Designs for Casual Friday!

Guest Post: Meet Heidi!

I want everyone to meet Heidi today if you haven't yet! Her look is so classic and seeing her handmade skirts she wears is what will finally convince me to learn how to sew. I'm always checking out her blog and have been using it for inspiration as I'm planning my outfits for my new job next week. :)

hi!  i'm heidi and you can find me over at literate & stylish.  thanks so much to jess for inviting me to hang out with you guys here at her blog today while she is enjoying her vacation in california!

 

How would you describe your personal style?

this question had me stumped for a while!  i like to come across looking professional, put together, and with a pop of something fun or interesting - that could be in the form of an accessory, color, or print.  i don't care that much for trends but i like well-fitting pieces that i can wear month after month, year after year.

What’s one item you suggest adding to an outfit that will instantly make you feel and look more professional?

a blazer!  i instantly feel a little more "smart" & confident in blazers and find them to be great layering pieces that can really tie together an outfit.  you can easily wear them year round, too - i've worn the 3/4 sleeve linen blazer on the right several times this summer!

 

What’s your go-to look when you’re low on time and energy?

i have these mornings a lot!  i tend to reach for a neutral/solid bottom (pants or skirt) and let a printed blouse or cardigan steal the show.  there's no need for a statement necklace or other accessory when there's a dominant print.  that in and of itself always leaves me feeling pretty put together.

You have such amazing sewing skills! How long have you been making your own clothing and how did you get started?

thank you!  my mom has sewed, quilted, and done needlework for nearly as long as i can remember.  she probably thought for the longest time that i can't really be her daughter because i never expressed an interest in any of those crafts and didn't even want to sew on a button!  however, when i first started becoming more interested in fashion and style a few years ago i had the thought in the back of my mind to try to make a skirt one day.  about a year ago i enlisted my mom's help to make my first elastic waisted skirt on a sewing machine i inherited from my nana.  recently i tried making clothes from patterns and the above picture is a skirt i made from one a couple weeks ago.  i have a long way to go before i can really live up to feeling like i have "amazing sewing skills" but it's a relaxing and cathartic hobby and the sense of accomplishment is so rewarding.  :)

Guest Post: Meet Beth!

Meet Beth from The Fashionable Adventures of Bethie the Boo! Between her thrifting skills and her appreciation of a good craft beer (two of my favorite things!), I'm beginning to think we may be long lost sisters or something. :) I put her on the spot and had her answer some questions so you could get to know her, but check out her blog for even more!

How would you describe your personal style? 

I struggle to answer this question - I don't know that I fit "one" type of style.  I kind of feel it's classic, a little preppy, a little country and a little rock and roll - ha.  But seriously, I enjoy taking new pieces and mixing them with vintage or older thrifted things I've found to create a fresh new look.  So I suppose fresh and fun describe me best!

What are 3 items in your closet that you would be lost without? 

I have a pair of plaid pants I thrifted last year that fit no matter what day of the month it is, they go with everything and I heart them so.  My maxi dresses and skirts have become pretty much staples this summer when I've felt a lack of creativity.  And finally my La Coco necklace from Stella and Dot - if I feel like an outfit is boring, this necklace adds a touch of class and can totally transform it.  Plus, I've had fun pinning buttonflowers to it that I've bought from Megan Mae Daily!

 If you could only shop at one clothing store for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?

Clothes Mentor.  It's a really nice consignment shop where you can get brand name items for much less.  I have found many nice pieces there for work.

What’s your go-to look when you’re low on time and energy? 

This summer I've reached for maxi dresses a whole bunch or a pencil skirt with a nice shirt.  

What’s your favorite outfit you’ve ever posted to your blog?  

Anything I've done with this houndstooth dress from Two Birds.  I've included a photo - it's so cute and I have found so many ways to style it!  I love it!

Celebrating a Bargain

shirt: Old Navy, skirt: thrifted, shoes: Target

With another vacation coming up in two days, I had no business being in Target this weekend, but that’s exactly where I went! When all said and done, I ended up with three new pairs of shoes – but hear me out! The full price pair are teal wedges (my favorite color!) and will get so much use this fall that they’re definitely worth it. The other two were clearance: a pair of boots (clearance in August on these?? I’ll take it!), and the other were the sandals in my outfit today.  I only paid something like $7.48 for them and just about did a little dance in the store when I realized they had my size!

Being Stubborn

jacket: Kohl's, tee and purse: thrifted, jeans and shoes: Old Navy, watch: anniversary present, bracelets: from Jenn

Today was only a high of 75 degrees, so I added a layer for the first time in a long time. My stubbornness for fall held strong until about 3:30 when I just couldn't do it anymore. That's ok though, I'm just thankful for the reminder that the next season is right around the corner! :) 

Linking up with Allison for Casual Friday!

Moving On

tee: Five Below, skirt: thrifted, shoes: Payless, belt: Forever 21, necklace: Charming Charlie, watch: Target

It’s official – I accepted an offer, my background check came back already, and my resignation letter has been turned in….I got a new job!!! Starting on Monday August 27^th I will officially be an Academic Advisor for a local university. I am beyond excited!!  Almost exactly a year ago I graduated with my Master’s degree in Academic Advising from Kansas State University (all online while working a full time job) and I’m finally getting the opportunity to put it to use. This was by far the hardest I’ve ever worked to earn a job offer, so I feel like I definitely earned this. I’m thinking a post about interview outfit selection may be in order in the near future. :)

It feels so good to share this news! For obvious reasons, I couldn’t post about it. Most people don’t really know I have a blog, but it still wasn’t worth the risk. Thanks for all your support while I was in my funk…everyone has rough days, but I’m pretty sure those feelings will stay in the past for quite awhile now! :)

*went back and realized this outfit was perfect for Everybody Everywear this month.  Woohoo! ;)

Black and Tan

shirt: Walmart, belt: Kohl's, skirt: thrifted, shoes: Target

This is probably the tannest I've been since spring break 2006, so I figured I'd take advantage and wear a skirt to show off my legs today. :) This year I've really come around to the idea of mixing black and brown as long as it's more tan than brown. When I got to work today, a co-worker/friend made a comment about how the shoes tie the belt into the outfit and I think she's right!

Back At It

purse: gift from my mother-in-law (from Charming Charlie)

scarf and necklace: gift from my mother-in-law (from Charming Charlie), tank: Forever 21, pants: NY&Co. from Shopper's World, shoes: Payless

I have to say, I really loved my outfit today! I know I've shown before that a tee is my favorite look to go to when I just don't have the energy for much effort, and today was one of those days again. Returning to work after a vacation will really do that to you I guess! Lucky for me, I get to leave again next week! :) We'll be joining my parents in San Francisco to visit my cousins and their families as well as my aunt and uncle. I'm sad to see all my vacation time for the year disappear in one month's time, but I think I'm more excited to head to the opposite coast for some more family time!

Linking up for YOLO Mondays for the first time...go check it out!

And We're Back

We're back! After 15 hours of traveling with some stops and a visit with my father-in-law's cousin and aunt, we are back in Ohio. A week at the beach was wonderful, but I'm thankful to be home! Thank you guys for your words of encouragement last week...while I was gone we apparently had quite a few lay-offs, so I'm not excited to return to work tomorrow but I'm trying to talk myself into going in with a good attitude!

While I was catching up on some favorite blogs, I saw that Callie joined Ashley for The Sunday Social. It sounded like fun, so I joined in today too! :) Head over to Ashleys Carnival Ride to check it out!

1. What is your favorite fall activity?

I probably have a lot because it's definitely my favorite season! What comes to mind though is running in amazing weather (I am sick and tired of having to get up at 5:30am to beat the heat and humidity!), and drinking fall beers with my husband. I would love a Dogfish Head Punkin Ale or a Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale in a glass with some brown sugar around the rim right now!

2. Do you follow a football team? If so which one and why?

College - Ohio State because I went to college there.

Professional - Cleveland Browns, truthfully mostly because my husband is a huge fan! I've been known to be bad luck, so I'm not always allowed to watch the games though. :)

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

Buckeye football! I think we've finally gotten to the age that we won't spend every home game Saturday down by campus, but it's such an amazing time, with or without tickets to the game!

Go Bucks!

4. What are your favorite fall outfit staples?

Skinny jeans, tall boots, cardigans, and scarves - all together. I can't wait for cooler temperatures!

5. What things are you looking forward to most about this coming fall season?

Our first marathon my husband I are training for. The race is October 21st and I'm already going back and forth between being excited and being terrified! I'm looking forward to the accomplishment of crossing that finish line though!

After my first half marathon - such a fun experience!

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Traditions?

Thanksgiving for sure. I love that it's always on Thursday so it's always a four day holiday weekend. It's a ton of driving, but we go back and forth visiting my family and my husbands' family. We get the really small family experience with my side (it's only ever my parents, my brother and his girlfriend, then my husband and I) and the 40+ family gathering with my husbands' side. I love both experiences and wouldn't give them up for anything!

Thanksgiving a few years ago - My dad can't help but take pictures of food he cooks :)

My Struggle

Fabulous K via Pinterest (tried my best to link back to give the deserved credit for this...)

*I drafted this post during lunch on Friday, but wanted to wait to make sure this is still how I feel. Yep, it is...

I wholeheartedly agree with this quote, but you guys, I’m struggling with this one. I don’t think I’ve gone in too deep into what I do for a living on here, but I’m sure I’ve mentioned its social services related and grant funded. Its HARD work, but it can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be incredibly disappointing for various reasons, that disappointment not always being based on the actions of our youth.

Like I said, I’m struggling. I’m not giving 100% right now because I don’t feel capable of it, and that’s a place emotionally that I don’t like to be in. I know I’ve been holding back on here, not because I want to, but because there’s certain things I can’t put out there on the internet for everyone to potentially see. I truly hope I’m in a position to be a little more open about it over the next few weeks. Right now I feel like that girl that says “oh nothing…” when you ask her what’s wrong even though you can clearly tell something’s wrong and she wants to talk about it.  That’s one of my biggest pet peeves! Truthfully I’m hoping for a lot of things, but mostly that a week at the beach lets me come back to work feeling recharged and refocused on what’s important to me! 

If you stuck around to listen to me mope, thank you!! :) I promise I should be back to my outfit posting, fun loving self soon!!