*I'll be home this weekend to get some last minute things done before the wedding. I'll do my best to keep my post as regular as possible!*
Taking a step away from the fashion, I just wanted to do a quick blog about my life.
As you all know, Friday August 3rd was my last day at work (and my baby brother's 25th bday!!!). I have been at the current internship/job since January 2011, with a 5 month break to work at a related multi-lateral agency. Without going into two much detail, I work as an International Relations Analyst at a Federal Agency. My focus was labor (may be giving it away), and I have really enjoyed the work I did there! I have met some of the most intelligent, motivated and interesting characters there! Its really like a family in my Bureau, and the work we do really has an effect greater than we can truly see in our day to day lives. After graduating with my Masters in Public Policy, this job ticks so many boxes for me. It deals with human rights, policy making, analysis and all internationally. I really saw myself there for the medium-term and could see myself grow over time to really hone my policy skills.
Alas, life gets in the way. Here I am, a recent graduate having, to leave a job I truly enjoy to move on and embark on another journey. I can say I am truly sad to leave, but I am also happy that I have the chance to embark on another journey that will also add to my skill set. At the end of the day, I am sad to leave this current job, but I am also excited to see what the next few years take me. I am finally in a place, which I have not been since graduating undergrad, where I can see my career/life shaping up. I know what I want to do and where I want to go, and I am finally on the right path there. There may be a few bumps in the road, but I can see my career and life start to shape up before my eyes. Something I wouldn't have been able to say two years ago! It's all exhilarating as well as frightening at the same time, but I'm not getting any younger and if there is a time to embark on a new journey...that time is now!
Sorry for the ramble, but wanted to share my most recent milestone! Have you experienced a life-changing event/milestone that you are excited/scared about?
Taking a step away from the fashion, I just wanted to do a quick blog about my life.
As you all know, Friday August 3rd was my last day at work (and my baby brother's 25th bday!!!). I have been at the current internship/job since January 2011, with a 5 month break to work at a related multi-lateral agency. Without going into two much detail, I work as an International Relations Analyst at a Federal Agency. My focus was labor (may be giving it away), and I have really enjoyed the work I did there! I have met some of the most intelligent, motivated and interesting characters there! Its really like a family in my Bureau, and the work we do really has an effect greater than we can truly see in our day to day lives. After graduating with my Masters in Public Policy, this job ticks so many boxes for me. It deals with human rights, policy making, analysis and all internationally. I really saw myself there for the medium-term and could see myself grow over time to really hone my policy skills.
Alas, life gets in the way. Here I am, a recent graduate having, to leave a job I truly enjoy to move on and embark on another journey. I can say I am truly sad to leave, but I am also happy that I have the chance to embark on another journey that will also add to my skill set. At the end of the day, I am sad to leave this current job, but I am also excited to see what the next few years take me. I am finally in a place, which I have not been since graduating undergrad, where I can see my career/life shaping up. I know what I want to do and where I want to go, and I am finally on the right path there. There may be a few bumps in the road, but I can see my career and life start to shape up before my eyes. Something I wouldn't have been able to say two years ago! It's all exhilarating as well as frightening at the same time, but I'm not getting any younger and if there is a time to embark on a new journey...that time is now!
Sorry for the ramble, but wanted to share my most recent milestone! Have you experienced a life-changing event/milestone that you are excited/scared about?
As promised, I have created a short list of must-haves for this week! After finishing 'Overdressed', I really wanted to start saving my money to go toward more quality pieces. Part of the books mantra is to buy local. Buy from designers who are using local materials and are not jacking up their prices. As a result, you will end up with amazing, unique pieces that will end up lasting a long time!
I was able to narrow down my list to two designers who produce amazing accessories! Since my closet is exploding with unworn clothing, I want to focus my attention on unique accessories to dress-up my outfits, for work and play. I picked two local designers that I think you should know if you haven't heard of them yet!
1. Love, Cortnie Clutches
I discovered Love, Cortnie statement clutches through CapFABB (check out her blog StyleLust Pages), and I have been drooling over her bags ever since. Her clutches are so thoughtfully made, and the fact that she is located in Maryland makes me love her even more! I picked a few of her my favorite clutches from her Etsy store, but there are tons more styles to suit all tastes! With prices starting around $35, you can't not afford to have a Love, Cortnie in your closet! Also, she is running a 15% off sale until tonight at 10pm EST!
As you can see, statement clutches and necklaces are fast becoming my new obsession! I also love the fact that I am supporting a person, especially a local, small-businesse, rather than a corporation!
What are some of your must-have items you have found from local designers?
I was able to narrow down my list to two designers who produce amazing accessories! Since my closet is exploding with unworn clothing, I want to focus my attention on unique accessories to dress-up my outfits, for work and play. I picked two local designers that I think you should know if you haven't heard of them yet!
1. Love, Cortnie Clutches
I discovered Love, Cortnie statement clutches through CapFABB (check out her blog StyleLust Pages), and I have been drooling over her bags ever since. Her clutches are so thoughtfully made, and the fact that she is located in Maryland makes me love her even more! I picked a few of her my favorite clutches from her Etsy store, but there are tons more styles to suit all tastes! With prices starting around $35, you can't not afford to have a Love, Cortnie in your closet! Also, she is running a 15% off sale until tonight at 10pm EST!
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| Source (Clockwise starting from top left): Statement Clutches - Ashleigh, |
Cool Cat, Linked (on sale!), Genevieve, and Doodle
2. Simple Girl Designs
So this review may be a bit skewed since I actually know this designer, but I believe her work speaks for itself. Two weeks ago, I went to a BBQ thrown by a friend of mine (see OOTD here) I served in Peace Corps with. I began talking with his lovely roommate Nadine, and discovered she made jewelry! I fell in love with her necklaces the moment she brought them down (at my request of course!). They were beautiful crafted and were my style! I have included a few of her works below, but head to her Facebook page to see more. It also helps that she puts a lot of love into her pieces, and her personality is amazing! I can't wait to purchase some of her statement necklaces for work!
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| Source |
As you can see, statement clutches and necklaces are fast becoming my new obsession! I also love the fact that I am supporting a person, especially a local, small-businesse, rather than a corporation!
What are some of your must-have items you have found from local designers?
I know I was not gone for long, but I will be back tomorrow with more posts tomorrow!!!
Our move could only be described as traumatic since my boyfriend and I were alone lifting mattresses, computers, and countless boxes up our three-story walk-up! Because none of our friends could make it (thanks Emma for trying), we were left alone to fend for ourselves. Needless to say, I have been recovering ever since, and we haven't finished moving out of our old place yet! You can accumulate tons of crap over two years, and now the key is to figure out how to fit it in our new, smaller apartment. In other news, I am so so so happy to finally be living in the district. It definitely has improved my quality of life!
Look out for my belated Monday Must-Haves: Local Edition tomorrow!
Our move could only be described as traumatic since my boyfriend and I were alone lifting mattresses, computers, and countless boxes up our three-story walk-up! Because none of our friends could make it (thanks Emma for trying), we were left alone to fend for ourselves. Needless to say, I have been recovering ever since, and we haven't finished moving out of our old place yet! You can accumulate tons of crap over two years, and now the key is to figure out how to fit it in our new, smaller apartment. In other news, I am so so so happy to finally be living in the district. It definitely has improved my quality of life!
Look out for my belated Monday Must-Haves: Local Edition tomorrow!
So finally moving day is here!! I have been moving between panic attacks and sheer excitement, but moving is not fun at all! I am lucky that a few of my friends and my boyfriend will be helping!
Though I have lived in the DMV for the past two years, it will be great to live in the District! However, there is a huge pile of boxes, three flights of stairs and lots more packing to be done between now and when I can actually even sleep at my new place. We are lucky that we just ate the double rent and have both places for August, but that is not stopping us from getting out of our awful apt. as soon as humanly possible!
My posting my spotty in the next week as I try to set up internet in my new apt, but I will try my best to schedule posts to keep you all up-to-date! I have a package headed to Zara soon so look forward to seeing more fashion posts!!
In other news, I get to go to Spain in 2 weeks!!! So excited but so exhausted from the move. My plan is to take a crap ton of pics and do fashion hauls for you of all the stuff I pick up. Tell me if you want to see anything else!
Though I have lived in the DMV for the past two years, it will be great to live in the District! However, there is a huge pile of boxes, three flights of stairs and lots more packing to be done between now and when I can actually even sleep at my new place. We are lucky that we just ate the double rent and have both places for August, but that is not stopping us from getting out of our awful apt. as soon as humanly possible!
My posting my spotty in the next week as I try to set up internet in my new apt, but I will try my best to schedule posts to keep you all up-to-date! I have a package headed to Zara soon so look forward to seeing more fashion posts!!
In other news, I get to go to Spain in 2 weeks!!! So excited but so exhausted from the move. My plan is to take a crap ton of pics and do fashion hauls for you of all the stuff I pick up. Tell me if you want to see anything else!
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| Source: DC Goodwill |
Hello Everyone!
*This week has been super hectic, and I will try my best to keep the content coming. I am in the middle of moving (got my keys August 1st!!!) and leaving my job (last day is Friday, August 3rd :-( ), so you can understand why my posts may not be as frequent in the coming weeks. However, I have been working on scheduling posts 3 times a week (Mon-Wed-Fri)to keep you all up-to-date. But life does get in the way sometimes and the best plans go awry. I may post more or less (considering my hectic August it may be more of the latter), but I plan to shoot for 3 times a week at a minimum.*
Besides running around like a mad woman picking up my apt. keys and running back and forth over the Anacostia River checking things off my list Wednesday (8/1), I was able to stop by DC Goodwill's Pop-up shop - Edited (see more info here). I can say at first glance I was...well...underwhelmed! It began at 12pm and I strolled in casually around 12:20/12:30pm. My first impression was of a warehouse sale; things were picked over before I even got there and the line was wrapped around the corner. However, upon closer inspection I was really impressed with Gensler; they did a great job incorporating colors and simple decorations when decorating the pop-up shop. The front space was a bit bare with the clever use of boxes and color coordination (in the beginning, clothing was placed in color groups) to really play up the items on sale. A chair or jar served as merchandise and added to the ambiance! In contrast, the back room reminded me of a sample sale in NY; clothing strewn about and women clamoring to get to items on the shelf. It was all a bit much given the small selection and the large amount of people; it was a bit of an afterthought rather than a continution of the front room theme.
Now for the actual merchadise. The place looked picked over, the line was hella long, and the pickings were slim! I was so disoriented I had no idea where to look or what to look for! It was like thrifiting in the middle of Times Square! I was ready to pack up my bags and leave when I realized - WAIT I'M THRIFTING! It's not like walking into a store where everything is laid out pretty (though they did a great job with the displays), and the fun thing about thrifting is the hunt and the great finds!
Well as I looked closer at all the items, my thrifting spirit came back, and I was able to find little bits here and there. Though most clothing went back on the rack, I did find a beautiful candle holder which will serve as decor in our new place and a pair of burgundy pumps ( I had to trade for them though!!). My friend found awesome but uncomfortable Bakers Leopard Print Pumps and a cute crossbody bag. Though, I have to admit, many of my finds were accidental in nature. They were either left behind or spotted on the floor of the dressing room, but I did get a chance to see many of the other items women were getting! You would be able to walk away with great stuff if you have the time and patience - something working folk in DC lack during their lunch hour! You probably won't be walking out with bags and bags of clothing, but you will definitely be able to snag a few quality pieces! I was there for probably like 2 hours scouring, and snagged a cute tank from F21, a day dress, nantucket red long shorts, candle holder, and burgundy pumps for only $25.27!! I felt proud of myself that I didn't grab too much, but am itching to head back (It runs from Aug 1- 3 from 12pm to 7pm next door to the National Portrait Gallery of G ST NW)!
Overall, I will probably try to go back Thursday and possibly Friday! They had stock in the back that they would bring out so every day will probably bring new and exciting finds! Definitely try to support if you have time! [I apologize this post is going up so late! Edited for Goodwill is still open today, 8/3, from 12 to 7pm, and hopefully you can grab some last minute things before they shut their doors!]
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| Pictures clockwise from left: 1) Sign for Edited for Decor, 2) Edited store front; 3) Internal Decor; 4)Beautiful Red Chair I would have loved to take home with me; 5) My friend and my finds!; 6) A fellow shopper looking over items; and 7) Edited makes its mark in DC |
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| ZARA Dress With Irregular Fine Pleats - $29.99. Sold out! |
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| Modeling the Dress. When belted you can't tell its too big on me! |
*I am still working on the format of my blog, so any constructive tips or suggestions are welcome!*
As I start my last week and my job, I have decided to go on a shopping hiatus once I get back from my vacay. It breaks my heart, but I have so many unworn clothing that I really need to take the time to shop my own closet. However, a girl can still dream and I present you with my Monday Must-Haves!
As I start my last week and my job, I have decided to go on a shopping hiatus once I get back from my vacay. It breaks my heart, but I have so many unworn clothing that I really need to take the time to shop my own closet. However, a girl can still dream and I present you with my Monday Must-Haves!
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| ASOS Sleeveless Pleated Maxi Dress: sold out in my size in this color but can be found here! |
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| Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Take Me Ozzie' Tote: find here and here. |
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| TOMS Gabriela Flats: find here. |
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| Bauble Bar Molten Gold Bib Necklace: find here. What items have you been lusting for this Monday? |
Sorry for awful lighting; hoping the lighting at my new place will be better. Also, I take my photos with my iPhone so they are not the best quality. Looking to upgrade soon!
Not sure I'm loving the self-portraits so may have to
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| Shirt: Forever 21 - $19.80; Dress: Lucaya $24.99; Watch: Kenneth Cole; Flats: Payless | ; Necklace: Forever 21 |
I am in such a weird place right now in my life. I am leaving my job/internship that I have done for the past 18 months. I have graduated from grad school. And now I am moving to DC and starting a new career. It is all a bit nerve wracking and scary. The last 4-5 years for me have been nothing but turbulent; I graduated undergrad, went abroad for two years, found the love of my life, had family issues, started and finished grad school, etc. I m soooo ready for a change. I am ready for stability and to feel like I am beginning the rest of my life. I want to get married, have a successful career and BABIES! However, before that can even begin, I need to move. The month of August is going to be a nightmare for me, but I look forward to sharing it all with you. I'll be leaving my beloved MD to finally become a Washingtonian, I head abroad (finally!) and get to be unemployed for awhile as I move between jobs. It'll be an interesting transition to say the least....
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| Packing up 2 years is going to be difficult! |