Tag: work

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #132

Hello everyone! Happy Friday, it’s the first Friday of February! I know I am happy to see a new month. I love all the things that come with February, more winter fun, Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day, plus we are one step closer to Spring!

My pup has been enjoying chilly nights and the warm fire!

Today, I’m linking up with with Erika and Andrea for another round of Friday Favorites! Here’s some things I have been loving this week! This is a fun mix of things I have watched, used, and some life hacks that has made my life a whole lot easier. Warning, we have had a lot of days inside due to cold weather, so this post is heavy with shows and movies to check out. Let’s dive right in!

Martha– A documentary that’s been on my watchlist was Martha. I have always known of and followed Martha Stewart and was excited to see that a documentary about her would be coming out. I got around to watching it after the holidays and really enjoyed it and learned a lot about her. I appreciated how they showed a lot of her early life and how she got her start and shared some of the not so pleasant parts of her life . My favorite part was that it was in her own words. After watching this film, I will definitely be reading her entertaining books. 

Man on the Inside- I know this series has been out for a while but my mom and I got around to watching ā€œA Man on the Insideā€ starring Ted Danson. Itā€™s all about a man who goes undercover in a retirement home. There were so many older actors and actresses in this series on Netflix and the one-liners and references were incredible. Although, some serious parts, the show had me laughing out loud. An easy watch for winter months. It’s only one season, but a second season is coming soon!

Sweet Magnolias-Another Netflix favorite! Sweet Magnolias is back for a new season. It returned yesterday for season four on Netflix and depending on when you are reading this, I may or may not have started it yet. Iā€™m excited to see where this season takes the women and the drama, love, and stories that come along with it. So many of my shows have new seasons coming out which makes the long winter months go by fast. Iā€™m excited to pass the time by catching up on some of my favorite shows.

Sweat suit– I have been spending so much time indoors due to cold weather and you can tell based on my other favorites. Haha! I have been looking and wearing warmer and cozier apparel. This cream sweat suit from Aerie has been a big favorite of mine. First, I love the color, I don’t have too many creams or whites in my wardrobe, so it’s been a nice change of pace. The material is so soft and it’s presentable enough that you can wear it out and about if you want. All wins in my book for a good outfit!

Extra Work Tote- This has been an unexpected favorite of mine. Besides my purse that I bring into work every day, in the winter I have a more things that I take with me. I have my lunch, shoes to switch into from my boots, a jacket or sweater for layers, a scarf, hat, gloves, and any other odds or ends I may need depending on the day. I found myself lugging in lots of little bags and items every day and it became a hassle. I decided to get a larger recyclable tote that I can put all the small things in every day. This was a small change that has made a huge difference and life a whole lot less stressful. It’s incredible what small changes can do to make life easier.

That’s a look into what I’m loving this week. Lots of warm items and forms of entertainment to keep me busy on chilly days. I’ve also been breaking out some Valentine’s Day decor!

How has the weather been by you? Are you staying warm and cozy? Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fabulous living

What I’m Thankful For

It’s Thanksgiving Eve! Is it just me or did the holiday sneak up on you too?

These past few weeks have been the calm before the holiday rush. I have been spending days off doing lots of fall cleaning and organizing. I cleaned out, donated and sold so many items that I had outgrown or wasn’t using anymore. It feels good to have clean spaces before I bring out all the holiday decorations. More on deep cleaning tips to come in the new year.

Before we get to Christmas, we have to focus on Thanksgiving! I’m looking forward to spending time with my family. Everyone will be home for the weekend which will be great to get some quality family time and honor some traditions too.

As we look towards the holiday, I am reflecting on what I am thankful for this year.

As the year began, I didn’t know what the year would hold: change, new beginnings, things sticking to status quo? For the most part, this year has been filled with routine, new hobbies, travel, family time, friends, and creating memories.

I have so much to be thankful for and could list a hundred things, but to save both you and I from a litany, here’s the top things I’m thankful for:

Loving family– I don’t know where I would be without my family. I am so fortunateĀ to have such a loving and supportive family and the fact I get to see them every day as an adult is something I don’t take for granted. I have gotten so much bonus time with my parents and younger siblings as an adult by living at home that I am truly grateful for. Whether we are on vacation together or just sitting around the dining room table, the memories made are ones I truly cherish. This past summer, my family and I all were home under the same roof and the older I get, I know that won’t be the case forever. However, no matter where I am or what I am doing I will always have the love and support of my family with me.

Memories from family trips!

My boyfriend– I have kept my relationship with my boyfriend pretty private over the past few years, but I am so lucky to have such an incredibly supportive and loving person in my life. He’s caring, hardworking, understands my job, gets my humor, is so accommodating and overall, supportive. He will get up early to read my blog every time I have a new post, he notices the little things and goes out of his way to find ways to being unexpected moments of joy to my day. He plans incredible dates whether it’s 24 hours in NYC or a lazy day of childhood movies and junk food. I couldn’t have asked for a better or more supportive boyfriend.

The sights and sounds of NYC

Supportive friends-Whether near or far, I’m so lucky to have such wonderfulĀ friends in my life. I try to be consistent with my friends by doing weekly check-ins via text or monthly meet-ups. I have different friends from different stages of my life and I know I can always count on them to show up when I need them most, whether it’s a funny meme, some advice, or just a good long walk, I know my friends are always in my corner.

Girls night with my friends!

My pets– Keeping this one brief, there’s no better feeling than coming home after a long day and sitting on the couch and petting a dog. They know what you need by just nuzzling their head on you. They provide instant love, they give the best kisses and they really allow you to let your worries fade away for however long you need.

My loving pups!

My faith- Life has its ups and downs, but my faith and trust in God is always there. I’m thankful for my parents for instilling a good faith in me at a young age. I’m so grateful for all the blessings he has given me and how he always, always, always, looks out for me no matter where I am in life. Even when the path may seem unclear, I always put my faith and trust in God.

A good education– From grade school to high school and college, I am so thankful for my educational foundation to get me to where I am today. From the practical skills in the classroom, to the life skills outside of the classroom, my teachers and classmates have helped shaped me into the person I am today. I also got my love of learning from the classroom. One of my favorite parts of my job is learning something new every day and I got that love of learning from going to great schools and having wonderful teachers and role models.

A job I love– I am so lucky that I get to wake up and go to a job that I am passionateĀ about and love every day. I always tell people that I landed my dream job right out of college and that’s the honest truth. I get to do what I love, in a place that I love, with some incredibly smart and talented people. I find fulfillment and joy each day in my work and I couldn’t be more grateful that I found my niche. I have talked to friends who don’t have the same love or passion for their jobs as I do and in those moments, it makes me feel more grateful that I hit the jackpot doing something I love.

New hobbies– This year I have found so many new hobbies that have brought me so much joy. Besides my love of reading, I have developed a love of running (which I never thought would happen). I have gotten physically stronger over this past year and I’m proud of my endurance.

One of my latest runs

My garden was a labor of love this summer, but I loved being able to eat the vegetable I grew over the summer, and I loved the sense of accomplishment of seeing hard work pay off.

My last haul from the garden.

I also have enjoyed all my time in the kitchen whether it be baking, trying new recipes of dinner, or learning family recipes. Not only has it been a good skill to learn, but it’s also been so fun too!

Some of my creations.

Good health of myself, family and friends– My health and the health of my family and friends is something I don’t take for granted. There’s so many illnesses, diseases, and viruses in our world and I’m so grateful that I am healthy and happy along with my family and friends. I’m also grateful for doctors who do what they can to help provide answers to health problems.Ā 

So much to be grateful for!

New opportunities to grow and push me out of my comfortĀ zone– Even when things can get challenging, I am grateful for the hard and uncomfortable moments in life because that’s when we see the biggest growth in ourselves and others. I’m grateful for new adventures, new opportunities and experiences. Whether positive or negative, I’m grateful for every moment that got me to where I am today.

SO many moments of joy this year!

I have a lot to be grateful for this year. I don’t know what the next year will bring, but I’m thankful for every moment of 2023.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Give Thanks!

Categories
Fabulous living

2023 New Year’s Resolutions Check In

Hello everyone!

Happy Wednesday and Happy August! It’s hard to believe we are into August. This summer has been packed full of work, crossing things off my summer bucket list, seeing friends, traveling to new places and still finding time to enjoy the lazy days of summer. It has been the best two months and I’m looking forward to what this next month brings.

Sweet summer mornings

As we make our way through the year, I wanted to do a New Year’s resolution check-in. 

I always think it’s a good idea to hold ourselves accountable to our goals and resolutions and check in to see how we are doing with things we set our mind’s to. Here’s a look at my post from the beginning of the year.

My motto for 2023 is “Embrace Change” and although there hasn’t been too much major changes that has happened to me this past year, I have been doing my best to be flexible, open to change and embrace it. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m doing my best to be open to new ideas and opportunities.

Here’s a look at my resolutions for this year:

Eat healthier and Run a 5K– I am really proud of this 2023 goal. During the spring, I started to train for my 5K and I’m running it this weekend! I’m both excited and nervous to compete, Iā€™m not doing it to win it all, rather to say I did it. I started running twice, sometimes three times a week and have upped my mileage every week.

One of recent runs.

I also started to eat healthier in the spring and summer. I have been making healthier meals, snacking less and making smarter food choices and being mindful of what Iā€™m putting in my body. Overall, I have felt so much better. I have more energy, I am sleeping better, overall, I feel healthier. This has been a resolution that I am very proud of. Even after I complete my 5K, I still plan on running since I have enjoyed this newfound hobby.

An example of a new summer meal.

Take advantage of local parks and spots– I have done a pretty good job of this one, but there is still room for improvement. I have found some new places around the region to hike and walk in my own backyard rather than traveling distances to go hiking. I have taken advantage of more places in the spring, summer and fall, but I still want to do more in the winter, itā€™s all about bundling up for the walks. 

A new place to go hiking
A familiar place to go hiking.

Plan to do more things on days off– This is one area that I have done pretty well with, but I still want to make sure Iā€™m taking full advantage of my vacation days and weekends. I try to make sure my weekends are balanced between work and relaxing, but sometimes, the balance isnā€™t always there. The same goes with vacation days, sometimes I have certain things planned but other times, I donā€™t take advantage of them to the fullest. This is something that I still have time to work on this year.

Seeing Ed Sheeran and heading to a new park to go hiking was a day off well spent.

Continue to grow in my Profession-This is one that I will always be working on every day. I have been a part of a few big projects during the first half of this year that have challenged me and helped me grow, but I am always looking for ways to get better and challenge myself. I try to get creative with my job and find different things to bring to the table and I think I do a pretty good job at it, but I know the only way we grow is if we challenge ourselves.

One adventure was heading to Canada for a work trip.

Those were my four main goals and resolutions for the year. Overall, I think I have done a good job of accomplishing them so far this year, but in good news, I have several months to continue to work on these goals.

Tell me, with several months to go, how are you doing with your 2023 Resolutions? Have you accomplished? Are you pleased with where you are at? Let me know in the comments below! See you Friday for another edition of Friday Favorites!

Categories
Fabulous living

Six Years Later

Over 400 posts, almost 50 Currently’s and counting, new link ups, like Friday Favorites and Let’s Look, outfits for all the seasons, home decor and favorite things from books, shows, and movies, I have covered a lot of ground over the past six years.Ā 

I started this blog as a way to start a hobby in college, a creative outlet that let me work on my writing, document my feelings and memories of day to day college life and stay in touch with family and friends. It’s been six years and this blog has become so much more than just a creative outlet. Here’s one of my first posts.

A lot has changed since I first blogging.

Since I began this blog, I learned a lot in the classroom, took life changing trips, graduated college, moved home, landed my dream job, got promoted, made new friends and reconnected with old friends, have an incredible boyfriend and grown as a better daughter, girlfriend and friend.

Happy Graduation Day
Heading out for a job interview
Getting ready for work.

I’ve learned to take risks, go with my gut, say yes, but also be okay with saying no, be flexible and make self care a priority.

Skating in the city!

When I reflect on this last year, the word stable keeps coming to mind. I’m stable with my career and friends, I have a good routine, I have been prioritizing my health and hobbies and I have been having fun too.Ā 

My mom and I after a candle making course.
A show in the city at night!

Some of the past highlights of this past year for me and my blog include launching my Friday Favorites as I link up with other bloggers every Friday.

Traveling to new places in the summer to visit friends, spending quality time with family and embracing my community by taking advantage of places and events in my backyard.

Ā I read so many different genres of books and shared many of them with you on here.

Some of my books that I’ve read and still need to read.

I tried new beauty products and changed up my wardrobe.

The final look using all my products!

I also tried lots of recipes.

I feel like this past year, I have really found my groove in who I am and what I want in life. College was a time of constant change and growth and then I started my job and the pandemic hit and we spent years navigating that and now it feels like the dust has settled and I’m content and SO happy.

At the beginning of this year, I said my quote was to embrace change and so far, I haven’t had to embrace too much change and I’m okay with that. I don’t know what the second half of the year will hold, but I know I will be taking you all along with me.Ā 

Whether you have been following along since my first post all those years ago or you found my blog through a link up, I’m so happy you are here and I’m so honored you took the time to spend some time reading my words.Ā 

I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Here’s to another year of writing, learning, growth, change and blogging.

As always, we are taking it day by day.

Elspeth

Categories
Fun Ways to Organize

Makeup Bag {Re} Uses

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are all having a great week and soaking up these final weeks of August. 

One of my goals for 2022 was to do better with recycling and using sustainable products. Besides using reusable bags at the grocery store, I have been trying to repurpose things at home, instead of buying new, Iā€™ve been looking on ways to use things in other areas of my life.

Iā€™m sure Iā€™m not the only one who has gotten small makeup bags or totes for free after spending so much on beauty or makeup products. Rather than just having these free little makeup bags sit on a shelf, I decided to find different uses for them. If you have some bags or totes that you donā€™t know what to do with anymore, hereā€™s a few suggestions of how I use mine.

Makeup bags holding more than cosmetics.
  • In my purse to hold toiletries or cosmetics. I sometimes use a small makeup bag to catch a few essentials I always carry in my purse. This also makes it easier to move things from purse to purse, in a pinch. Hereā€™s a few things I put in this bag: hand sanitizer, mask, perfume, and chapstick. Just a few essentials that all fit nice in one place and I donā€™t have to dig through my purse for things.
An inside look of things I keep in my purse.
  • In my desk to hold essentials so they donā€™t get lost. A lot of the things I keep in my purse, I also keep in my desk such as hand sanitizer, hand lotion, and chapstick etc. But, at work, I also have ear buds, memory cards, a jump drive etc. Rather than have them float around in desk drawers, I like have a place to put all my small things that can get lost elsewhere.
A look at what I keep in my desk drawer and how I keep it contained.

  • In my room to hold wires and chargers. If you are like me, my guess is that you probably have lots of chargers, wires or cords floating around your room, car, or house. Instead of always losing them, I keep them all contained in a small makeup bag.This makes it easier to grab my headphones, cell phone charger, watch charger or speaker cord. Iā€™m not searching high or low for them and this tiny purse makes it easy to travel too.Ā 
My technology grab bag.

Those are just three ways to use or reuse bags, especially those tiny ones, you may already have around your home. Rather than buy new or lose things, itā€™s great to see what you have and how you can use it in a different way.

What are your favorite ways to reuse items you no longer use? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great day and happy recycling or reusing!

Categories
Fashion

Business Casual Summer Outfits

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! Iā€™m back with another fashion post for you. Last week, I shared some of my favorite summer dresses. As I was working on my list of summer outfits, I had a lot that werenā€™t dresses but still cute summer ensembles, hence the two-parter post!

This post will be more geared towards bottoms and blouses. These pieces can work for work, networking events, job interviews or a more polished summer look.

Iā€™ll share the links with as many pieces I can find. Without further ado, hereā€™s some of my favorite summer ensembles.

Pop of pink for spring

This first outfit is perfect for the early spring days. I got these soft pink pants from Gap a few years back. One of my favorite things abut them is the straight cut. It can be so challenging to find pants that are straight cut, not skinny and not a flair and these fit the build. I opted for a soft pink for a pop of color. 

I did a big shopping haul from Ann Taylor at the start of the summer and got a lot of things on sale. This white top was one of them. I love the accent with the sleeves. I think it really elevates this top and adds a bit of flair to the outfit. I also like the detailing with the piping down the front too.

I also wore a pair or soft pink mules for shoes. Sometimes, I wear heels with pants, but other times I prefer a flat or loafer. Even though I chose soft, solid neutrals for the outfit, I like the pop of design for the shoes.

Bright and bold in the middle of the summer

This next outfit features more pink! I got this soft pink short sleeve sweater from Ann Taylor.

I love the bright pink color. It can be paired with a pair of dress pants or a skirt. I really like it gives off some early fall vibes but still summer with the short sleeves.

These tan pants are a favorite staple in my closet. One of the things I learned from my mom is to invest in those staple articles of clothing. These could be things like nice dress pants (I have good quality pairs of pants in blue, black, and tan), a few blazers (I have a gray, black, and blue that are must-haves especially for business and work events) and some nice blouses. I have some crisp white blouses along with some fun colors too that are great to pair with different pants and blazers. I got these pants from Ann Taylor and I wear them in all the seasons, they work great in the winter with a blouse and blazer or summer with a bright colored blouse.

I wore a brown pair of mules with this outfit. Although, itā€™s a slightly different shade, they still work great together. I got these shoes from DSW, my favorite place for shoes!

This next outfit says hello summer. I was on the hunt for a pair of white dress pants for a long time and I finally found them this summer at none other than Ann Taylor. I took this picture during the golden hour, hence the sun setting glare.

I really love that these pants donā€™t feel too much like a summer pant that you would wear on the beach. They are made of a thicker material that can work in the summer months. My favorite part about these pants is that you can pair them with almost anything, any color, any pattern or any style.Ā 

I opted to pair these white pants with a bright yellow top from yet again, Ann Taylor. I told you I took advantage of a lot of sales this year. I love the sleeves and the bright canary yellow. I plan to wear this top with black skirts, navy dress pants and black dress pants to change things up. You can even wear this top into the fall and in the spring. I really love the versatility that comes with this top.

I wore a white pair of heels with this outfit. I got these heels from DSW and I love the style and how comfortable they are. I was so pleased that I got them in black and navy too.Ā 

Another outfit I put together with these same pants but a different top was this combo.

This outfit is a bit more casual with the pin stripe top, but still professional. I got this top from J.Crew and I love how crisp it looks with the white pants.

Once again, these pants are from Ann Taylor.and the shoes are from DSW. I love how the pants are tailored and cuffed. This is the perfect summer combo with the blue and white and great for an even by the water.

Thatā€™s just a quick roundup of some other alternative outfits you can wear to the office, to events or a business casual meeting.

What are you wearing and loving this summer? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Shopping!

Categories
Fashion

Fall Outfit Round-Up

Hi guys! HappyWednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start.

Now that we are in the midst of fall, I thought it was time for a fall outfit roundup. To be honest, the weather has been fairly mild, so I still am wearing some summer clothes and dresses. Some mornings its really chilly but then by 3:00 in the afternoon, it’s 75 degrees, it makes planning for outfits very challenging.

I have a feeling the deeper we get into autumn, the more I will have to transition from lighter to darker colors. I am ready to welcome fall with open arms. I’m ready for layers, sweaters and all things cozy!

Hereā€™s two new looks, one for the office. One for a weekend or a day out and about.

Bright red for fall

This work dress is score from Amazon. I placed an order this summer and was really happy with all my purchases. To see some of my other Amazon successes, click here.

This red cotton dress is perfect for summer and fall. It’s affordable, easy to clean and great quality. It’s light enough for summer and the hot days, but a great transitional piece for changing seasons. I may even try and wear it in the winter with a blazer and tights.

I love the Peter Pan collar and the cut and style of the dress.

Overall, this was a major win for me!

If you are looking for a casual look out of the office, I have an option for you too.

A casual look

I went for a fall walk and train ride a few weeks back and it was the perfect time to break out some fall clothes. I got the top from J.Crew for Christmas and couldn’t wait to wear it. I love the detail in the collar and the puffed sleeves. It’s a classic look for spring and fall.

The vest is an oldie but a goodie. I got it from Francesca’s several years ago and it was a staple during my college years. It’s lightweight and perfect for the start of fall.

I paired the outfit with a pair of new leggings from Target. I’ve only worn them once, so the jury is still out on them, but I was pleased with the color and the comfort especially after walking all day. We will see how wear number two goes.

Lastly, I rounded the outfit off with a pair of shoe boot wedges from Payless. I wore them a lot in college but haven’t worn them a lot recently. I was happy they are still comfortable and durable.

Up-close of the top.

I will have plenty more outfits as the season goes on. This is just a start. I can’t wait for more fall weather and outfits. What are your favorite looks for this season?

Categories
Fashion

Summer Outfit RoundUp

Hello all!! I canā€™t believe itā€™s August!!! Where has the summer gone?! I do have to say Iā€™ve been making the most of the summer days and nights. From walks, grilling nights, pool days and lots of ice cream. The summer months have also given me more opportunities to try new outfits and looks. Hereā€™s some of my favorite summer looks so far! This will be part of a new series every few months called Season Outfits Roundup. Every few months I will share different outfits I’m wearing for work or play or anything in between.

Most of these are work outfits/professional dresses for this roundup. But, I think between the style and the colors they can be worn for graduation parties, church, cocktail parties, etc. I have linked some of the dresses that I could find online, others I bought last season.

Outfit Number 1: I got this dress from Amazon. The brand is Musol. The fabric is polyester and spandex. I love the light lavender color. I think it could work great for spring or summer. The fabric is lightweight and it stretches to conform to any body type. I also love that its machine washable and fits true to size.

Full length dress.

I wore silver jewelry as accents and then pair of black pumps from Kelly and Katie.

Close up of the neckline and jewelry and makeup.

Outfit Number 2: For another work dress, this royal blue pops for summer. I got this dress from Ross last fall on the clearance rack and I couldn’t wait to wear it this summer. It’s actually a Calvin Klein and it’s all polyester, which is my favorite material/brand to wear at work. I also have the dress in a different style and color but same material because I loved the feel so much. I love the top/sleeves of the royal blue dress, I think that makes it a bit different and stand out. You DO need to dry clean this dress. It fits true to size. I decided once again to wear my black pumps from Kelly and Katie with silver jewelry again.

The full dress.
Same material but different style and color. I got this from Marshalls.

Outfit Number 3: I love a light blue for summer. I loved the color so much I got it in a longer sleeve dress too. I’ll share that one in the fall. I also got this dress from Amazon. The brand is MUXXN. This dress is perfect for spring and summer weather. The neckline is my favorite too. I like the uneven scope. You DO need to dry clean this dress as well. The material is a mix of Rayon, Cotton, and Spandex, so it’s a more stretchy material if that makes sense. I have this same fabric in an orange dress which I really like.

Full length of the dress
Close up of neckline and jewelry.
Different color and style but same material, purchased through Amazon
Again different style and color but same material. Also purchased through Amazon.

Outfit Number 4: Sometimes, you just want to throw on an easy dress while still looking professional and this does the trick. It’s both cotton and polyester. This is also an Amazon purchase. The brand is VFShow. I love the bold colors on the top of the blue, white and black. I like the soft material and the cuffed sleeves. You can throw this in the washer and dryer which makes clean-up even easier!

Outfit Number 5: I wouldn’t consider this last look as work look. I think this would be better for dinner and drinks out or maybe a picnic. I got this top from Marshall’s last summer and I love the soft pink color. The cross over tie is a fun twist on the top too. It’s also very flowy and light weight which is a win for summer. I got the capris from American Eagle, but I have worn white dress pants to dress the outfit up. To dress it down, you can wear sandals or sneakers, to dress it up I would recommend wearing heels.

That’s a roundup of some outfits I’ve been wearing this summer for work and play. I wear a lot more work clothes compared to play clothes haha! Amazon has been a great place for deal and fun colors and styles of dresses. I often have luck at Marshall’s, T.J.Maxx and Ross‘ too! Where are your favorite places to shop?!

Categories
Fashion

Shopping my Closet

Itā€™s been a while since Iā€™ve done a fashion post. BecauseI have to dress up every day for work, I do a lot of shopping in the store, but I also shop my closet a lot too. I love to mix and match outfits and looks for different functions, events and looks.Ā 

Hereā€™s a few looks that Iā€™m loving right now.

Look number 1

I wear a lot of black. In the fall and winter I have black dresses, tops, pants and skirts. Itā€™s an easy, go-to, color that looks slimming and itā€™s also super versatile. You can dress it up or down depending on what you are feeling. Even though black is worn more in the winter months, it can be also worn on occasion n the summer which brings me to my look today.

A silk black blouse with black dress pants and a pair of pumps. Iā€™ve had all these pieces in my closet and paired them all together for an outfit for work. The sleeveless blouse is perfect for summer. I got the blouse from Marshalls last summer. The black trousers are great for on the go and busy days, I got mine from Talbots. I chose the pump because they are versatile in all seasons. Iā€™ve had these shoes for years. They are by Kelly and Katie and I got them from DSW. You can wear them with black tights in the winter or with black pants in the summer on those breezy days.

Look number 2

Another classic look is a summer dress. I wear a lot of dresses to work, and I love looks that are bold and bright. This dress was one I picked up late last season and I couldnā€™t wait to wear it this summer. I love the classic colors of pink, blue, and white. They are softer colors but also speak volumes. Itā€™s a lightweight dress but has the formal feel to it. I got this dress from Ross Dress for Less last year. Itā€™s a hit or miss for Ross for me, sometimes, I find great dresses, other times, I leave empty handed. My best advice is to always keep checking back. I wore this dress with a pair of blue pumps, but you can easily wear a flats, loafers or even sandals to change the look of the outfit. I would suggest wearing a navy blue or white shoe. This would be great to wear for work, a semi-formal occasion or a dinner.

Look number 3

My third and final look is a bright dress that screams summer fun. Once again, I got it late last season and couldnā€™t wait to wear it in the summer. Besides the bright color and the feel of the dress, the neckline is a favorite of mine. I also got this dress from Marshalls last year and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I think it stands out without being too bold. I wore this dress with a pair of white pumps but you can easily wear sandals or a kitten heel for a different style.

These are three looks that Iā€™m loving this summer. I got them from a variety of affordable places that carry name brand items. These are all more dressed up looks for the summer months. I will have a roundup of casual outfits coming up soon. Until then, what looks are you loving this summer? Let me know below!

Categories
Currently

Currently #16

Hey guys! Another month is coming to an end, I canā€™t believe May will be here next weekā€¦I am very excited for next month because it means we are getting closer and closer to summer. I’m looking forward to spending more time out in the sun.

This month I have been spending as much time as I can outside both in and out of work.

Hereā€™s a look into my life over the past month.Ā 

What Iā€™m up to: This month was all about welcoming spring! The month started out with Easter preps! We dyed eggs and went to Easter mass and saw family. It was a much more normal celebration compared to last year when we were all in a stay at home order. Iā€™ve also wrapped up a few work projects which was a great sigh of relief and the Iā€™ve been spending a lot of time outside! Going on walks before or after work has been a favorite of mine!

Easter morning…one of my favorite traditions
And you can’t celebrate Easter without an Easter basket.

What Iā€™m wearing:Ā The weather has been funky, some days itā€™s been in the 70s, other days its been in the 40s, so that makes dressing for work tricky. Luckily, I know the power of layers! But my latest favorite is this trench coat from J. Crew! I got it for Christmas, and I couldnā€™t wait for spring weather to start wearing it. It is the perfect spring jacket that can be dressed up or down. I have worn it over my work dresses but also with leggings and jeans. Hereā€™s a few of the looks.Ā 

One of my favorite trench coats from J.Crew! Here it is all dressed up! And my little pup jumped in the photo!
Here it is dressed down a bit with leggings.

What Iā€™m reading:Ā Reading has been my go-to to start or end the day. In the past month, I finished The Tenth of December, I listened to it on audible and you can read about my experience with audiobooks here. Itā€™s a collection of short stories with different moral lessons. It was a good read, but it wasnā€™t my favorite.

I also read Growing Boldly by Emily Ley. YouĀ Ā can read my full review in last week’s post.

One of my favorites of the month!

And then I read And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. This was my favorite book I have read recently. I loved the concept, the mystery, the intrigue and the characters. It was soooo good and definitely one of my favorites of the year so far.Ā 

I couldn’t put this one down!
My weekly book club dates are a highlight of my week!

What Iā€™m Watching:Ā Ā My weekly shows are starting to wind down.Ā Ā This is Us wraps up in May, this season has been so good and I have enjoyed seeing how the show and cast has adapted to Covid.Ā Greyā€™s AnatomyĀ has been my favorite this year, from seeing how first responders and hospital staff and doctors deal with Covid, to lots of stand alone episodes and Meredith on the beach with TONS of INCREDIBLE guest stars, wow, this season has been fantastic!Ā Ā A Million Little ThingsĀ has been good and fun to keep up with. Those have been keeping me busy. Besides those shows, I just started watching Offspring, its about a family and their dynamics as adults. Itā€™s very funny and light hearted on Netflix.Ā 

What Iā€™m Loving: Even though we had some chilly weather last week, I am loving the warmer weather and taking advantage of the sunshine. Last weekend I picked flowers when I was out for my walk. It was beautiful! On another note, I have been obsessed with Taylor Swiftā€™s (new?) album. Itā€™s bringing me back to my middle school days. 

What Inspires Me: I am inspired by spring colors and the changing seasons. I have so much hope for a much more normal summer and I canā€™t wait to start making my summer bucket list. I am also inspired by Pinterest lately, from quotes, to seasonal things, cooking, and home dĆ©cor. Itā€™s been so fun to browse a bit every night. 

Going for walks has me craving spring.

What I accomplished: Iā€™ve been really happy with my new hobbies, from reading and cooking. Itā€™s been such a fun and creative outlet. Plus, Iā€™m really happy with some of my recent pieces at work and some fun opportunities. Also, by far my favorite accomplishment was getting my Covid-19 vaccine, Iā€™ve been following the story and covering dozens of vaccine clinics for months and I was thrilled to finally get my vaccine (or the first dose at least). 

A behind the scenes look on the job.

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Last month, I definitely accomplished my goals of being outside more. I have been trying for walks several times a week. I donā€™t make it a to-do, but enjoy them as they come. The past few months have been super hectic, so I was happy I got the chance to slow down more. I also got some bonus time in there with my extended family which was such a surprise and much needed since we havenā€™t seen each other much due to the pandemic.

I was out in Pittsburgh for a family commitment and went to Pizza place, best pizza I’ve had in a long time! Yum!

Goals for the New Month: May is my birthday month! Iā€™m so excited to celebrate 23!!! I also canā€™t wait for the official kickoff for summer with Memorial Day weekend. Most importantly, Iā€™m looking forward to getting my second covid shot next month. One more step to normalcy!!!

Thatā€™s a recap of my life. Nothing too exciting, but some of the best things in life happen during the simple days. What are you loving nowadays?