Wear to Work: Tiered Ruffle Shell + Pleated Midi Skirt

Ann Taylor LOFT teal layered shell tank (XSP) (petite deal) // H&M khaki green cardigan //

H&M grey pleated midi skirt (similar for $8) // Charming Charlie coral and gold bauble statement necklace (similar) // 

H&M black bow flats // Claire's white ruffle purse //

Photography: Kristin

MONDAYS (are sometimes awesome). In between a cappella rehearsals for our performance this weekend and geeking out with heart and lung cases, this week has flown by. This Monday (4/22/13) was exceptional in how un-Monday it felt: a midterm conquered, more lectures right after, then an afternoon of clinical class, long rehearsal with choreo, phone chat with a new exciting blog sponsor, nice sit-down dinner with friends and free scrumptious veggie burgers at Northstar Cafe for Earth Day, making grown-up ice cream floats, blaring "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" as loud as we could at karaoke night. Thanks Kristin for taking photos of me nearly walking backwards into traffic as we stood in a long line of onlookers waiting for free dinner (the other two smiling faces are Emma and Kyle).

During lunch I went home to change out of my "ain't nobody got time for that" exam uniform of pocketed sweats and a comfy top to something more presentable, sticking with mostly neutrals and a pop of teal. This pretty LOFT shell has served me well in layering and hot summer days in the research lab. I like the asymmetrical tiers and how they contrast with the long flowing vertical pleats on my midi skirt - a classic yet romantic spring length. To finish off, accessorize with a berry lip and statement pink and gold chain bauble necklace. Happy spring!

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What to Wear to Coachella: LA Grunge

DIY inkblot top w/ flowy sleeves (similar) // Forever 21 red oversized beanie (deal) // 
Forever 21 denim distressed shorts (splurge) //

Soyfashion white tank top (underneath) // Target suede grey ankle booties (exact, on sale) //

Photography: Kristin P (in the jump shot!)

ALL-AMERICAN. Don't I look patriotic? While my heart and mind are drifting in the direction of Indio, CA for Coachella, my body is firmly planted in the Midwest where spring, winter, and summer are all happening a few times every day. This is something I'd wear to Coachella: something DIY for a conversation point, comfy and breathable, and not baring too much skin. Of course while everyone else is decked out in a sea of floral headbands, dreamy sundresses, sunnies bigger than one's face, this LA/grunge style would stand out. Last year I opted for giant floppy hats, showing more midriff, and boho pieces for my pretend Coachella. This year I'll be going to Lollapalooza in August and living the music festival experience to the fullest.

Last weekend was blazing hot and summer-esque. Sometimes being studious and going out seem like antonyms, but I still exercise the right to dress like I have somewhere more exciting to be ;) I threw on my lightweight DIY inkblot top and kept my bum and head warm inside a potentially chilly library with my lumpy beanie and sturdy longer shorts. Ankle boots are standard for year round, no explanation needed. Currently: brewing hazelnut coffee, listening to the "Eternal Spring" playlist, studying lungs vacuuming.

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H&M Conscious Collection 2013 Fitting Room Review

Spring has finally replaced Santa in Ohio. Every year I check out the H&M Conscious Collection because of the unique print and shapes they design. All dresses were 25% off last weekend, surprise surprise at the register. With my life and laundry overflowing with clothing, I think it's about time to be much more selective about buying new pieces and making sure that they can be multitasked for work and play. Somewhere along this process I've become more concerned about fit, which leads to more head shaking and less wallet busting in the fitting room.

1) H&M Conscious Collection plant pattern white cropped pants $35, sz 4 
These pants fit my legs like a glove - now that's rare. Perfectly tapered at my ankles, cinched well at the waist with a little room for dinner in there. However, I knew the water lilies and greenery were too wild for work and I wouldn't rock these on a night out either - more of a leather pants or skirt type of gal. If only they made this in solids! If you're petite/around 5'3" with athletic thighs, these are the pair for you. According to the uber tall model, they're supposed to be well above the ankles but I think they look better on shorties like me. Photo cred: H&M
- Verdict: Passed due to pattern

2) H&M Conscious Collection rainforest tapestry sheath dress $20 (paid 15), sz 2 
Debated for a long time whether to get this dress - the print is impractical and the material very thin and quite sheer. However, since it's blazing 80s suddenly, I figure this could be more highbrow with a white blazer, more tough with my leather jacket, and cute to wear on its own in a park setting, the botanical gardens, Coachella. The fit is quite good on me - have to wiggle in but once I pull it down it sits well at the shoulders, chest area, hips, and gives me some booty.
- Verdict: Purchased but may return - what do you think?

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Style For Your City: Vote for Me !

Hiya and happy Wednesday, friends! The Midwestern spring finally arriving this week (as opposed to gorgeous SoCal sun year round) is quite the hallelujah. Columbus has been full of twittering birds, blue skies, and 80 degree temps. Speaking of which, yesterday I entered Stylemint's #styleforyourcity contest and am excited to share a bit about the locals.

I would really appreciate if you could like Stylemint's Facebook and vote for my entry there. 2 easy clicks :) I chose one of my and your favourite outfits, showcasing the sparkly silver sequins alongside my red lip for the Buckeye colour theme. The sassiness and glitz and glam is very Short North district and the "go big or go home" attitude plays into our college town vibe.

Thanks to everyone who has already voted! There are 3 winners and you can help me win up to $150 worth of clothes from Stylemint. That would be super swell ;)