Banana Blue on the Second

 On the second day of graduate school I was a banana with splashes of black and blue.  This is actually the exact same outfit from this July, with the blue denim shorts swapped for the yellow jeans (which both happen to be from the same brand, hmmm).  The unexpectedly oversized tank tucked in ever so slightly differently (:o).  Purse swapped for a more functional backpack (if I'm in school I feel I must carry a backpack).  The earrings were a birthday gift from my dear friends and the hair is an interesting pin-up involving two types of braids that I should learn how to do myself...

A note on the yellow jeans: I found them at Plato's Closet, this cool secondhand clothing shop that a co-worker suggested I go to over a year ago and I never made time to go.  The salesgirl commented that yellow was the one color of pants she didn't have yet and she asked if I knew how I was going to style them.  I had no idea.  I probably should have thought about its specific value to my closet but they were only $15 and they were yellow, so... 

I've worn them three times already, if that means anything.

why yes, that is a single earring in the cuff

Outfit Details

Cynthia Rowley tank // Kut by the Kloth jeans // Report oxfords // Forever 21 jacket // gold/blue earrings

Keep Your Head Up

Sometimes I am a lie!  A fraud, a tame hypocrite.  I pass on words of encouragement because everyone needs encouragement and small reminders from time to time.  Then a moment hits me where I feel down or strange or un-confident.  In that moment I should instantly remember those words of encouragement I've heard and the ones I've tried to pass on.  But I don't. I stay stuck for a bit.

Scrolling through old bookmarks and old blog posts, I had a gasp-filled epiphany.  "Hey you, look at what you favorited.  Look at what you wrote.  Telling people to find joy no matter what's going on, to look up.  Have you done that today in your moment of internal despair?"  Yesterday, I felt some type of way (which is an inadequate way of saying you're displeased with or about something) and had to consciously think about not allowing myself to cry over nothing.  I didn't remember what I'd written to encourage others (and myself).  I didn't remember what my mother has told me about prayer and positive self-talk and perceiving myself as others see me (usually the truth instead of a distortion of the truth).

Staying stuck for longer than a little bit requires hefty reminders.  Until the point of nagging even, if that is what it takes for the lightbulb to switch on.  On to acknowledge the good, on to believe in yourself and your capabilities, on to shine light onto others.  Ahh, please remember sometimes...

I know it's hard, know it's hard,

To remember sometimes,

But you gotta keep your head up, oh,

And you can let your hair down, eh.

--"Keep Your Head Up," Andy Grammer
(this is one awesome, catchy song)

Simple Joy

Hello beautiful people!  

I've got to say, joy that seems to come from nowhere in particular is the best.  Sometimes your life is just fine, nothing devastating or horrible to be concerned about but nothing to jump on a couch about either.  Content without a smile.  Then something as simple as dressing up or getting home safely late at night can fill you with joy (and some serious excited energy).  This happened to me a few weeks ago when I went home and went out with my mom and sister.  To express joy just because...begets more joy, eh?

My mom told me to bring something to wear for a graduate school send-off party and a bridal shower (really, a pre-wedding party that didn't start until midnight).  I packed two outfit options.  When it came time to get dressed I decided to raid my sister's closet and pulled out this simple Prabal Gurung for Target dress.  I was drawn to its print and lack of zippers, cinched waist, or inner lining.  The shoes I'd brought with me were no good, but surprise! there were these pink heels that had been in my closet for six actual years (maybe more) and I don't recall ever wearing them anywhere.  I strategically pinned up my hair and then added silver/shiny jewelry and a pink lipstick (Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivids in Vivid Rose).  Look good, feel good!

*We took photos after coming home close to 3 am when we should have been beat and flopping straight onto the bed to sleep.

Outfit Details

Prabal Gurung for Target First Date printed dress // Michael Antonio lace-up heels // JewelMint Forever Audrey earrings // JewelMint Frosty Florals necklace // super old silver bracelets and bangle 

I hope you find some simple joy today.  Or just create it yourself, from within, no matter what may be happening in your life.  And if times is hard and things are a'changin', continue to look up (and forward) to get through.  xoxo

When On Summer Break...

this looks really green...maybe crop out the walls next time?

the least Picasa can do to "improve"
Plus, I am a pro

flash used on the right
so interesting

I've been in a little transition period in the last month: completing my public health fellowship, moving from San Antonio to Houston, trying to get in some last hurrahs before starting graduate school, and basically acquiring more adult responsibility.  Because of that and the fact that I was without Internet in my apartment for longer than anticipated (and it's still temperamental at best), I haven't been doing the blogging thing.  Though I've wanted to...and not wanted to.

Not wanted to because my move means leaving my enclosed and private comfort zone for do-it-yourself self-photography and I always err on the side of extreme caution when putting things on my plate.  I'm thinking grad school might take up most of the plate.  No room for more, no need to pile it high and get overstuffed or wasteful.  I shared this with one of my aunties and she told me to keep it simple, that I could still do it if I wanted to but I didn't need to gallivant out into the world for grand photos.  Hmmm...true and yet, quality photos are important.  As if mine were the best (I'm still on the curviest learning curve)...

Trying out Warby Parker frames for the nth time

YELLOW!!!!

Anyway, the next couple of posts with feature a lot from the past.  For right now, this remixed repeat outfit was during my last days in San Antonio.  Indoors because it was too hot to even think about stepping outside but then I had a lot of trouble coping with the lighting.  I don't know what Picasa can do about it though. I tried.

Outfit Details

BCBG Max Azria skirt (Uptown Cheapskate) // H&M "oatmeal" colored tank (hidden) // AVA vest (whoa, this is on eBay)  // Sam Edelman sandals // Rachel Roy gold earrings // Steve Madden tiny cross body purse