Some thoughts

Yesterday I went to my cousin’s high school graduation. Not only are graduations a great excuse to dress up, but it also got me thinking about my high school graduation and how much has changed since then. It’s actually pretty amazing looking back and realizing what a different person I’ve become. I had to go way back in the creeping but here’s me as a little baby high school graduate, compared to me at my last sorority formal:

Those weren't my prettiest or most fashionable days, but I tried. Anyway, since then I've met and lost many different friends, went through numerous boyfriends only to find one that was been worth sticking with, I've lived in Italy, several different dorms and apartments, as well as moved back home for summers, joined a sorority, met friends that will truly last a life time, finally became legal (21!), and have grown an incredible amount as a person. 

I’m now getting into my 20s and I can’t wait to see what the next few years will hold for me! In your 20s you set the path for how your life is going to become and really grow into the person you're going to be for the rest of your life. As much as this seems terrifying and like a ridiculous amount of pressure, it’s a great feeling to realize the capability you have to make your life what you want it to be and the kind of impact you can have on the world. 

Graduations are a bittersweet occasion because you're leaving something behind that has been a major part of your life, but moving on to something new and even better. In the words of C.S. Lewis, "there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." This is truly an inspirational and comforting thought, and throughout my life has been true so far. Wherever you are in life right now is where you're supposed to be, and this will only get better. Enough of my mushy thoughts, but I hope some of you can relate to these feelings.   

Feelin Beachy

One of my favorite things to do on nice sunny days is sit by the pool or go up to the lake. I'm currently reading Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, which is absolutely wonderful, and usually end up spending hours just relaxing. Of course SPF 50 and a good pair of sunglasses is necessary for my fair Irish skin, along with lots of water! Here is a little something I would love to wear, complete with bows, American flags, and a little Jack Rogers. Time to enjoy the sun!

Let me know what you think!

It's Friday, Friday...

...gotta get down on Fridayyy. Not sure why this song has been stuck in my head since I woke up this morning, I guess I'm just super happy this week was short and it's already Friday! Here is a little outfit I put together for Casual Friday at work. I'm obsessed with the bow on the top as well as the color!

Happy Friday! Any big weekend plans?

Weekend in Chicago

For Memorial Day weekend this year I decided to celebrate in Chicago with my boyfriend! He lives about a 20 minute "L" ride from the city so we spent the long weekend exploring. I've only been to Chicago once for an 8th grade school trip which doesn't exactly count as getting the full experience. I stayed with his family Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night and flew back home to Cleveland on Monday evening. Sometimes it can be awkward staying with someone's family for the first time, but they were all very welcoming.

Here are some highlights of the trip

 

The Bean and Buckingham Fountain (it was chilly and overcast the whole weekend, hence the need for coffee)

 

We got off at the wrong train stop and stumbled upon the Chase Theater, and of course grabbed a Deep Dish pizza for dinner :)

On the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier! I'm terrified of heights so this was an accomplishment for me

Finally we went to the observatory on the 90th floor of the John Hancock Center (more height issues), and got some great views of the city!

Chicago is beautiful and I loved every minute of it. It might sound funny, but I really couldn't believe how huge it was. Cleveland is a big city to me! The best parts of the trip were roaming the streets without having a game plan, and ending up at some amazing places (like the authentic Italian coffeehouse we found, delicious!).

How did you spend Memorial Day Weekend?

Lucky Day!

Today must be my lucky day because I won Marley Lilly's Nauti Giveaway! How exciting is this! I went out on a whim to enter not expecting anything, and received an email from their customer service this morning telling me I won! Woohoo!

There's me, Lindsay! After debating which item to choose for about an hour, I decided to go with the monogrammed tank. It's super cute and looks great for lazy Saturdays on campus. I seriously can't wait for it to arrive! ML posts lots of different giveaways on their Facebook where you have to share an image for a chance to win, or you can enter on their blog like I did. I would suggest entering on their blog, The Monogrammed Life, because there were over 10,000 shares on Facebook! 

I was debating between the bracelet, anchor bow, and tank because I really love everything. What would you have chosen? 

Definitely a great start to my Friday! I hope you all are having a great Friday, too! 

J.Crew Scalloped Dress

Going along with my last post, while I was in J.Crew today I saw this adorable orangey scalloped dress and fell in love. I made a little outfit while daydreaming about wearing it! Hope you like it!

Dress- J.Crew
Necklace- J.Crew
Shoes- Kate Spade

Bag- Tory Burch

Nail Polish- Essie, Borrowed & Blue

A Day of Shopping!

Finally exams are over and I'm home sweet home! The last few days have been spent unpacking and getting my life back together after leaving school, along with a little relaxing. Yesterday I received my final grades and ended up with a GPA of 3.7, I was very proud of myself! To celebrate I decided I deserved a shopping spree after working my butt off all semester. Soo I went over to Nordstrom and J.Crew and picked up a couple items.

Here is the Polyvore version 

And my amateur iPhone version

The blush flats, cream Tippi Sweater, and polka dot oxford were all on sale for 30% at J.Crew, and I got an extra 15% with my student discount. I saved $77 which made me feel a little less guilty about splurging :)

I bought the Jack Roger's at Nordstrom after wanting them for soo long! I wasn't sure what color to get but decided on the gold. I think it was a good decision! Lastly I picked up two new pairs of Nike shorts since I have started running again (and I love wearing them on lazy days, so comfy!) 

It's been awhile since I've splurged but I think I picked up some classic pieces that I can wear for quite awhile. I'm definitely happy with my purchases!

Have you gone on a spree lately? What did you get?