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Budgeted Beauty for the Brilliant

A smart girls' guide on how to stay sleek through a low-budget, high-stress lifestyle.

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Recycling

9/30/2014

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I love when I buy separate pieces for one outfit and then realize they look awesome put together for another outfit. You've seen all the pieces I'm wearing today, but I liked the new look I put together. 
Today I had to do lots of not-fun adult things. Fix a flat tire, tire rotations, air filter change, oil change, all that jazz. The entire Pep-Boys population burst into a fit of laughter when I referred to the tire on the passenger side of my car as the "top right" tire. I'm lucky they didn't over charge me...my only saving grace was that I told them I was going to walk to the gym at the MEDICAL school up the road while they fixed my car. It redeemed my brain a bit. 
After I bombarded the admissions office for another meeting, had a study session, went to coffee with a friend from undergrad/fellow student here, had to stand in front of my class of 70 people and make an announcement for my club, went to class, set up online accounts, paid all my bills, paid my rent, and had to deal with maintenance for all the broken bits of my apartment. Now I have to study for my exams. I have 2 weeks left of 22 after today, and I'm holding on tight to my youth...studying reminds me I'm still young. 
My outfit today was kind of retro. Figured I had to make announcements in front of so many people, might as well make 'em funky.
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I threw on some fake pearls and felt like curtsying. 
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Always Look Decent, You Never Know Who You'll Run Into

9/30/2014

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There are so many days of my life I'd like to roll out looking like hell and not give a damn. My best friends will attest, I'm no stranger to doing so. I can't pretend I've been doing this make-myself-look-nice-thing always because that would be a straight lie. I think of my best friend Olivia (who always looks super trendy and cute), and the amount of times I've had to apologize to her for my appearance when going out for coffee or froyo.
I've come to the realization that there are many simple ways to be just as (or more!) comfy in cute clothes. Flowy skirts are as cozy as sweats, cute sweaters are as comfy as hoodies. When I went to take my MCAT in a maxi-skirt all the kids in sweats looked at me like I had four heads. You all know my policy, though; dress to make yourself feel confident and let it translate to your performance. Acknowledge the significance of whatever event you are involved in by dressing as if you care.
In the words of Mindy Kaling:  
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Can you tell I'm obsessed with her?
So yesterday I did so. I was sore (I finally reached the 10 mile mark in running yesterday, yay!) and kind of just wanted to wear work out clothes. I swear if I went to the gym in my exercise clothes half as much as I just ate in them I'd be a much thinner woman. I basically did (leggings, duh), because I'm not sure if I'm the only one, but I use yoga pants for just about everything BUT yoga. Regardless, I ran into a few friends from undergrad that I hadn't chatted with in a while, and I'm glad I made it out of the house looking (semi) okay.

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I put on that lipgloss and became slightly more psyched. I was still comfy, but a step-up from gym clothes. 
Sweater- H&M $10.00
Leggings-Uniqlo $10.00
Headband-H&M $7.00
Sneaks-eBay $13.00
Alex + Ani Bangles
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eBay is like my Macy's

9/29/2014

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Let me defend myself on that. Every once in a while I'll buy something like shoes on eBay. ALWAYS brand new ALWAYS with tags and boxes....not always from the US. I mean, what's the difference? I'll look at the same exact item on Amazon or any normal retail site, and eBay has the exact same thing, new, and significantly cheaper. I always just "buy it now", I used to get into bidding but that got a bit stressful. So you'll definitely be seeing a few eBay items throughout my posts. I'll share links in case anyone else would like to be so bold.
I'm obsessed with mustard and navy together. Throw a few polka-dots or stripes in there and it's just out of control for me. This Saturday I went to a Beer Garden in Philadelphia which was having an Oktoberfest celebration. A waitress broke a glass out my back and spilled a whole beer all over my skirt...but I got a free new one and it dried pretty quick so I didn't mind. Plus I made some new friends and found a new hairdresser. Wasn't a loss at all!

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Sweater-H&M $13.00
Skirt-H&M $18.00
Necklace-H&M $10.00
Booties-eBay $17.00
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Can't Stop Boot-ing

9/25/2014

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I knew this would happen. I wore boots once and now I can't stop. To my defense, it was raining today. I need to get myself some rain boots.
Exams are quickly approaching--starting next Thursday I'll have exams everyday for a week.
Time to kick up the studying a notch. When studying, I like to be comfy but still look nice. A little confidence goes a long way. Hey, I look cute today! may translate to Hey, this Biochem is so easy! ...maybe that's a stretch. Point being, feeling good about yourself never hurts.
Today for the abundance of emails I sent, the library time I spent, and to class I wore:

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My hair frizzed to oblivion.
Tank-No idea, think I stole it from my sister!
Scarf-Gift
Leggings-H&M $10.00
Cardigan-Forever 21 $20.00
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Jersey Girls

9/24/2014

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I have now officially lived in North Jersey, Central Jersey, and South Jersey. I've found that no matter the region, us jersey girls are obsessed with leopard print. This season it's coming back with a vengeance. Though I wouldn't wear a straight-up leopard top on any given weekday, I do think a bit of a leopard accent brings some sass into your look.
Today the assistant dean of the admissions office of the medical school held an information session catered to those in my program who are considering, or currently applying to the medical school. It was encouraging and discouraging all in the same (6,000 applicants for 150 seats? sheeeesh why didn't I learn ten languages when I had the chance). In a pool of that many individuals with similar GPAs and MCAT scores as you, you MUST stand out. You have to show them what you've got, what you've overcome, what you can bring to the table, and why you'll be an amazing doctor.
....I'll let you guys know how that works out for me!
To this session, and to class, I showed my NJ state school pride with just enough of leopard sass. I love contrasting leopard and red.

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Blazer-Forever 21 $25.00
Jeans-H&M $11.00
Black Boots-Agaci $20.00
Striped Shirt-I believe Forever 21
Necklace-Target $11.00
Bag-Marshalls
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Wear the Rainbow

9/24/2014

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For some reason I have a significantly larger amount of colored jeans than I do of plain denim. I basically live out of 3 pairs of regular denim, a handful of leggings, some crazy pants, and a ton of colored jeans. You'll come to notice I own black,white,green, orange, yellow, light pink, hot pink, and maroon jeanss. I'm sure more colors will be added to the collection shortly. I like them because they add a little pop of excitement to your look no matter what you're wearing. 
Green jeans are very versatile. I've tried a lot of different looks in these babies.

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Top-Forever 21 a billion years ago
Green Jeans- H&M $10.00
Combat boots-Target $35.00
Watch-Michael Kors
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Breaking the Rules

9/22/2014

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I was going to wait until I purchased my new iPhone 6 to post anything. However, after two failed attempts at purchasing one (the first I simply looked at the line and left, the second I waited for 30 minutes and left....mind you, this is today 3 days after it came out) I decided I can stick with my lowly 4S a bit longer.
Tomorrow is the first day of fall. I broke my rules today and wore boots. I also broke fashion's rules by wearing white pants after Labor Day. Two wrongs don't make a right, but today it felt like they did. A bit of summer and a bit of fall. Here it is.

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Sweater-H&M $20.00
Pants-Marshalls $20.00
Necklace-Annie Sez $8.00
Boots-Franco Sarto 
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Think Green

9/17/2014

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Today was a nice break from my workout--study--class--sleep routine because one of my close friends for college came to visit. She got to see my place, walk around town, and get lunch. There's a local brewery within walking distance of my apartment. Though I obviously didn't drink before class, I'm a huge craft-beer head so this is quite convenient for me. I got to simply peruse the beer list at lunch today.
PS I'm sorry for the low quality pics. Still on the iPhone 4, will be upgrading to the 6 Friday. The dress is olive green if it isn't clear!
My outfit:

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Dress-H&M $5.00
Cardigan-Target $20.00
Necklace-Boscovs $15.00
Flats-Marshalls $15.00
Bangles-Gift
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Count Down to Mindy

9/16/2014

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Today felt long. Paperwork, homework, a whole lot of studying, an attempt at lifting which just led to me eating everything in sight, many hours of class, and few minutes of social interaction. I've been attempting to dedicate time studying at least 6 days out of the week. I wasn't a nut like that in undergrad. I earned good grades, but I also did a ton of procrastination and cramming. I flash back to those times when I somehow thought I'd be able to teach myself 8 chapters worth of genetics or organic chemistry in a night. Around 6 am when my eyes were twitching and there was dried ramen stuck to my pants I'd wonder WHY DO I DO THIS?! Of course, I'd do it again the next time around. Many classes came much easier. I'd look over a review once before the test, walk out with a 98, and feel like a superstar. Those were the classes I was very interested in and made immediate sense for life and career application (all my health studies courses).  However, not all classes seemed immediately applicable (really, when will I use the Hardy-Weinberg equation as a Doctor?).  As the story goes, after a late night of crazy studying and about 45 minutes of sleep I would walk out with a decent grade and go on with my weekend. Then I'd forget most of the details I crammed, but what does it matter? NEWS FLASH: IT MATTERS. For the MCATs, for grad school, for research, for med school. You need to retain, understand, and apply. Further studies have showed me how connected it all is. So I'm trying to better my study habits so I can further utilize my knowledge beyond the tests. That's why we go to school, right? To actually USE what we learn. 
I write this while watching the season 3 premiere of The Mindy Project. I hope when I'm a doctor I'll be as stylin' as her...minus the ties. 
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The scarf and bracelet were gifts
Jeans-H&M $11.00
Top-H&M $20.00
Belt-H&M $5.00
Shoes-H&M $11.00
It took an unreasonable amount of hair ties and bobby pins to fashion my hair into a crown braid/bun.
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September 15th

9/15/2014

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Yes, today was the day. I had a pumpkin coffee for the first time this season. So many feelings at once.
I have a confession: I attempted to break my rule exactly one week ago. Yes, I had a weak moment, drove to the Dunkin drive-thru and ordered a pumpkin ice coffee. The 30 second drive to the pick up window was the longest, guiltiest of my life. I waited until I was about a half-mile away to take a sip annnndddddd IT WASN'T PUMPKIN. Either they messed up, or saw the shame in my eyes. Regardless, I was given an original iced coffee (couldn't they have at least given me hazelnut? sheeeesh). So I waited the week until today to sip my guilt-free pumpkin coffee. 

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I should've known this would send me on a spiral into oblivion. My psychosis was soon to follow.
Don't worry, I didn't wear a t-shirt with a pumpkin on it or anything. However I think the only reason I was able to run 7.5 miles today was because I knew there was a 1st pumpkin coffee of the season as a reward.
I need to change the subject, the basic white-girlness of this is out of control. I promise I did real things today.

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Sweater- Tobi $19.00 (I love Tobi because your 1st purchase is 50% off, and there's 50% sales often. Free shipping and returns, too!)
Bandeau- Urban Outfitters $5.00
Pants-Forever 21 $13.00 (Yes, I know they make me look naked)
Faux Snake-Skin Flats- H&M $11.00
Bracelet- Michael Kors
Necklace-Same as last post
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Ain't No Party like a Rooftop Party

9/14/2014

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Because a rooftop party don't stop. What better way to get to know the new city near you than to take a rooftop tour? Yes, the touristy of all tourist things. Philadelphia is actually pretty awesome. New York will always be my home city, and number one in my heart, I'm going to make the most of Philly while I'm only a 15 min train ride away though! 
It ended up DOWN POURING on the tour. It made it that much more fun. I purchased a poncho but still was completely soaked. Unfortunately, when my short hair dries on its own I look like I'm wearing  Darth Vader's helmet. I took the city with force.
Well besides the fact that I ended up looking like this ...
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I looked semi more human before the rain. Those sunglasses were only $5.00 from a music festival. They broke yesterday and I was especially sad. Whenever one of my cheap pairs of sunglasses breaks I tend to start yelling I TRUSTED YOU!! Same thing happened with my necklace. It was not a good day for accessories. 
I'm not a lipstick/lipgloss person. Vaseline is about all my lips get. I decided to try Maybelline's tinted Baby Lips in "Strike a Rose". I actually loved it! Just enough color to make myself look like less of an escapee from the cadaver lab.
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Top-Cotton On $5.00
Skirt-H&M $10.00
Bandeau- Aerie
Shoes-Marshall's $25.00
Necklace-Joyce Leslie $2.50
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Orange is the New Black

9/14/2014

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After two weeks of knowing my roommate, and spending a bit of time in class/on campus with her she  blurted out, "Is there a big sign on your head that I can't see that says 'COME TALK TO ME'?!". I was a bit taken back by that comment...but I took a moment to consider why she'd ask that. It's true, a lot of strangers talk to me...on campus, walking around, on the train...but I don't mind it. There's nothing special about me; I think the only reason randos love making conversation with me is because I'm always looking around. Not in a ditzy way, I just like to take in my environment, make eye contact, and smile. When you start a conversation with me, or me to you, I'll engage. So, people feel comfortable talking to me. At least, that's what I've deduced. They could just think I'm weird and feel bad for me or something. Regardless, they're going to confirm that assumption as soon as they get to know me. Weirdness is half my charm.
I applied for the position of "Class Representative" for an organization on campus called "Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children". I received this position :). This club and the pediatrics club had a fundraiser at a bar Friday night. I went to meet some new people, and do my thing..."class represent"
I did so in orange...
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I like orange...especially this time of year. Figured I'd share my lazy Sunday library outfit because it was orange too. vvv
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Top-H&M $16.00
Shoes-Annie Sez $20.00
Watch-Michael Kors
Necklace-H&M $10.00 (This one makes me look like a character from the Flintstones, right?!
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Top-Aerie $20
Leggings-H&M $10
Turtle Necklace-Brighton
Moccasins-Minnetonka
'tis the season to dress like a pumpkin. 
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Look Good, Feel Great

9/11/2014

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Has anyone ever looked at you and snuffed, "Where are YOU going?" because you just happened to dress nice for no reason? It makes me wonder--do I look like that much of a slob the rest of the time that when I throw on a dress it's a cause for concern?!--or maybe other people put you down when they're in sweats and you're radiating confidence (at least that's what I like to tell myself). Believe me, I have my days that I feel pity on the rest of the population that has to look at me. I have strings of days that have only seen sweatpants and hoodies, and I begin to wonder if the elastic imprint will remain on my waist forever (like a botched tribal tattoo from the 90's). I'm the queen of last night's make up.
That being said, I like to dress up...sometimes. Usually for situations when I need a confidence boost.
Today I had a meeting with one of the admissions officers at the medical school; I wanted to look professional, but not like I was trying too hard (it was a casual setting). I thought this dress was SO cute so it made me feel good. I think the meeting went swell.
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I think it's cute (and more casual!) without the cardigan too!
Dress-H&M $18.00
Cardigan-Target $23.00 (this one is a bit more professional looking than the mustard one)
Necklace-Target $11.00
Bag-Marshalls
Flats-Lucky
There's a lot more blue and white polka-dots where that came from!
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Peacocking 

9/10/2014

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To "peacock" is to dress to gain attention. This, usually, has a sort of negative connotation, (I think of an ugly guy in white pants and snake-skin shoes) but I think it can have a few benefits if done properly. Ladies, of course we want to be remembered for our unique qualities. A sense of humor, quick whit, intelligence, a kind heart...whatever great traits you have that make you YOU should engage others and work in your favor. However, for first impressions it never hurts to have a bit of fun with your look. I used to always tell girls heading into sorority recruitment, "Wear something bold and bright. That way when one girl mentions the statement piece, the others will remember you, and be able to discuss from there."
I'm applying to medical school at the school I am currently getting my master's at. I submitted my secondary application today and decided it would be a good idea to casually pop into the admissions office, say hello, and put a face to the app. I took a bit of my own advice: when I saw this cardigan it reminded me of a peacock. I made an appointment with one of the women to go over my application tomorrow so that she'll know more about me than the fact that I like to wear funky patterns. 

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Cardigan-Joyce Leslie $4.50
Tank-Forever 21 $2.00
Jeans-Forever 21 $8.00
Flats-Marshalls $15.00
Necklace-Joyce Leslie $2.25
I often have a difficult time finding pieces at Joyce Leslie, but they're having a killer 75% off sale this week! Get to it!
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Fall Transitions

9/9/2014

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I have some rules for myself when it comes to the fall. Disclaimer: I can confidently say that I was a lover of all things fall before it was basic. Really, I'm an October baby and was rolling around in the leaves before I could walk. My parents say I even had a special word for pumpkin before I could speak properly. That being said, I do have limits. I won't indulge in any pumpkin/fall flavors, scents, etc. until after September 15th. I try not to wear boots until October 1st. I'm not crazy--it's simply the fact that I go APE on pumpkin/all things fall for the succeeding two months (beer, coffee, candles, perfume, cookies...the list is endless). By Thanksgiving night just looking at a pumpkin makes me want to hurl. 
Where am I going with this? Transitions are key. I can't jump into sweaters and boots right away (it is, technically, still summer), but I can wear fall colors and take advantage of the fact that I won't freeze in a skirt and tank. 
Ohhhh, word to the wise: Don't wear Alex and Ani bangles to your school library. Every time you move your wrist to write the med students glare at you as if you're breaking the Hippocratic Oath.

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Tank-Forever 21 $2.00
Skirt-Forever 21 $6.00
Scarf-Forever 21 $4.00
Navy Flats- Lucky Brand $45.00 (Normally wouldn't spend as much on flats but I had a gift card!)
Clutch-Jessica Simpson (Gift)
Bangles-Alex + Ani

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There's an Art to Fake Glasses

9/8/2014

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That sounds absurd. Correction--that is absurd. I'll admit it; for a girl who studies as much as I do I feel like I've earned the right to wear fake glasses. Real glasses wearers--please don't hurt me. Since I was little, I always thought wearing glasses was the coolest thing ever. Fortunately, I've been blessed with good vision. Unfortunately, I get made fun of relentlessly by my friends every time I try to rock a fake pair.
SO, I figure, if I wore them the first week of school, nobody will accuse me of being a big fake later on. Yes, I just realized how much thought I put into this and feel kind of sad about it. 
I proudly channeled my inner nerd tonight in class. Oh yes, sat in the front row, answered a ton of questions, and wore fake glasses.

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Cardigan- Target $20
Tank-Cotton On $5.00
Jeans-H&M $10.50
Moccasins-Minnetonka
(I bought these a while back, but I saw a similar pair at Marshall's this week for $25, and they last forever!)
Owl Necklace-China Town $4.00
Last, but not least, my pretend glasses, also from China Town $5.00
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Speaking of Flowers and Showers...

9/8/2014

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My baby shower outfit reminded me of a bridal shower outfit I wore a few weeks back. The dress was a gift; I'm not sure where it's from. However, I saw a similar one in Joyce Leslie this week for $10. Can't say I remember the price of the jacket, it's one of those things that has been a staple in my closet forever!
My hair was (clearly) still long. I curled it all with a flat iron, and then used bobby pins to pin it all in the back so that it fell only to the left side.
This outfit is a bit more "Springy" but I thought I'd share.

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Dress--Gift
Denim Jacket- Old Navy
Cowboy Boots-Target $17.00
Necklace-Charlotte Russe $10.00
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Flower Power Baby Shower

9/6/2014

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Yet another September day when I expected to rock a cardigan, but ended up sweating like a pig in a sundress. I looked like I'd been thrown into a pool after the amount of sweat I produced chasing around my 1-year-old nephew all afternoon. For his baby shower, I got to have some fun with my long hair and create a baby bow.
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My short hair is quite restricting. 


Today I attended my previous boss's baby shower. Since fall is quickly approaching, I'm trying to incorporate more maroons, mustards, and navy. I say "trying", but I'm basically obsessed with mustard and navy...so it's easy enough. I'm uploading a photo of the outfit today, as well as one from last September when the weather was a bit cooler. This dress is nice because it can be worn in warmer weather, but transitions nicely into cooler weather. I curled my short hair with a flat iron today.

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I forgot to get the clutch (same 
color as the flats and belt) in
the pic, sorry!
Dress-Target $18.00
Belt-H&M $5.00
Cut-out flats-H&M $11.00
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Last Year 
Same dress
Cardigan-Target $20.00
Boots-Target $20.00
Socks-Target 
$3.00
Can't lie, I dig Target's clothes.
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Crazy Pants Round Two

9/5/2014

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Yes, the list goes on. I wore this outfit to a friend's Labor Day BBQ this past weekend. Comments included "I wish I could pull off wearing crazy pants." My response, EVERYONE can wear crazy pants. They're so much fun! Do it. I dare you. You'll see, if you feel good wearing them--that's the key to pulling anything off. 
Get crazy.

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Unitard-H&M $6.00
Pants-Target $17.00
Necklace-Annie Sez $7.00
(Wore Black Jeweled Sandals from Target $10.00)
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Nothing Sparks a Conversation Like Crazy Pants

9/5/2014

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Tonight I'm going to a "mixer" of medical and graduate students at a local bar. I know no one. Literally, not a single person. I figure, the only way to get to know people is to make an effort in doing so. I've never been to these bars so I'm taking a shot in the dark on what to wear. But hey, you can never go wrong with some crazy pants. You can't tell me you've never referred to someone as "That girl in the weird pants". Maybe it's not always a good thing. She got your attention though, didn't she? So for my attire tonight, I chose some crazy pants. Whether people like them or not will likely be based on my personality, but I feel GREAT in them, so what else matters?

Top-Annie Sez $8.00
Pants-Annie Sez $10.00
Wedges-Annie Sez $10.00
(Bracelet and necklace were gifts so I'm not sure, sorry!)
It's an Annie Sez night I suppose!
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First Day of Class

9/4/2014

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If you're anything like me, you expect the first day back to school, no matter what month it is, to be a crisp fall day perfect for wearing a cozy sweater. However, almost fainting from heat stroke 2 miles into my run today proved to me otherwise. Sadly, a scarf and boots will not be part of my attire for at least a couple more weeks. For my first classes today--some form of master's level Biochemistry and Molecular Biology--I chose this simple outfit. It looks classy enough, as an attribute to the fact that I am actually excited to start school, showing that I'm not just "rolling in".  I tried desperately to fashion a sock bun into my hair (I wanted to show off the patterned neckline of this shirt!) but the recent 11-inch hair chop would not allow me to do so. Instead, I round-brush blew dried the ends in...which only takes 5 minutes.
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Simple enough, right?
Top- H&M $10.00
Jeans- Forever 21 $8.00
Flats- Marshalls $15.00
Bag- Marshalls $30.00 (This is my fall book bag so you'll be seeing a lot of it!)
Nail Color- OPI Incognito in Sausalito (Dark, dark navy blue)
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    Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student, Aspiring Physician, Fashion Enthusiast.

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