Favorites and Changes

[Dress: Victoria's Secret/ Arrow necklace: Forever 21/ Cat Necklace: Charming Charlie/ Jacket: Target/ Earrings: H&M]

It's kind of embarrassing that I am wearing a leather jacket in these photos when it is like 70 degrees outside as I post them. Better late than never, right? 

I think you will be seeing this dress a lot this summer, it is one of my new loves! I know, I know, I say that all the time. And it's always true. I love me a good shirtdress. I love me a good maxi dress. This one combines the best of both worlds. Maybe if I'm not too much of a scaredy cat, I will unbutton it all the way and wear it as a duster cardigan-type deal. Or maybe just a cover up by the pool at my aunt's house. But I am absolutely certain that  you will be seeing much more of this cat necklace. I think I'm slowly starting to create a wardrobe that's entirely centered around cats. Not sure if that's an accomplishment or something to be ashamed of....

Speaking of cats, meet the newest member of our family, 5-year-old Dane. We got him a few weeks ago but we weren't sure if we were going to keep him, due to my cat, who is not the biggest welcomer of change. But we fell in love with him and he is definitely here to stay! He used to live with a family member of a friend who couldn't keep him anymore, so we're very happy we could give him a good home. Isn't he so cute? 

p.s. I do have an instagram now. Yes, I know, always late to the party. Come find me on @gracefully_styled

Mesh and Lace

[Top: Love Culture/ Jeans: H&M/ Bracelet: Love Culture/Ring: Charming Charlie]

When I put this top on, I thought to myself "No, blue jeans are too boring. I need more."  Boy was I wrong. Not that I don't love this outfit, but ten minutes spent walking around campus and I felt like Batman with my long mesh cape flowing out behind me. I got looks from my fellow students that plainly said they were thinking the same thing. 

This lovely top was one of my finds from the wonderful Love Culture that I discovered in Chicago. I love how flowy it is, and the mix of lace and mesh make it the perfect summer top! I also found this snake bracelet on their website. I've been wearing it all the time since, it's such a unique piece. 

Good luck to all of  you that are still working away on finals... the end is near! 

Pastels and Paintball

[Jeans: Old Navy/Top: H&M/ Jacket: H&M/ Necklace: Charlotte Russe]

I'M DONE I'M DONE I'M DONE. You hear that, friends? That is the sound of summer. My last exam was this morning at ten am and now I am DONE. So I have more time for you all, I've missed you terribly!

In addition to the summer, there is also sunshine. Which means dresses and pictures outside! I couldn't be happier right now. Hope you're all doing well. 

So Close yet So Far

 kirra / River Island cut out jumpsuit, $19 / Topshop lace hosiery / Topshop lace hosiery / Xti strap shoes, $39 / Vintage Deadstock Milwaukee Brewers Fitted Hat (NE)(Blue)

Ugh you guys I am so sorry for not posting in almost two weeks! I've been super busy with upcoming finals... who thought taking 18 credits and a clinic session and a new job would be a good idea? Oh yeah, this dummy. I promise I have lots of new outfits for you guys, especially  now that it's been so nice out! That's right, there will actually be decent light in some of these new photos. I know, I can't wait either. So to assuage my guilt of being a horrible blogger, here are just a few things I've been wanting lately.

1) A black jumpsuit. But not just any black jumpsuit. After seeing a few pictures floating around, I cursed myself for being so close minded of the possibilities before. Under a crop top, a jumpsuit transforms into the perfect high waisted pants. It is also the perfect one-piece alternative to a dress, and the solution to all my weird-length shirts and not-quite-high-enough pants. So I am on a mission, friends. Keep your eyes peeled for me.

2)Also on the mission list: a semi-lace maxi dress. I fell in love with one on the Urban Outfitters clearance site, which of course sold out before it made it to my house. And once I am denied something, namely a pretty and cheap dress, I want it more than anything. I'm not talking those dresses that are all lace and have a  mini slip under them. More along the lines of the one pictured above, with panels of lace. A little bit less predictable, no?

3) Of course, my one true love, the wedge sneakers. Perfect for those of us who cannot walk in heels in the summertime.

4) Lace socks for under my boots when, sadly, they need to come out in all this summer rain. It is an incredibly awkward walk across campus trying to adjust my normal socks to fit under my ankle boots but protect my heels from chafing. It's even more awkward when I realize my socks somehow magically turned from black to navy on the way to school. I don't know how these things happen, friends. Only to me. 

5) I'm still looking for the perfect snapback and/or baseball hat to add to my non existent collection. I'm also looking for the confidence to rock one of them in an actual outfit. I do love to wear my boyfriend's Brewers hat, though. It gives me an excuse to wear one, even though I have no prepared explanation as to why my outfit magically matches the hat that I just happened to throw on. 

Hope your start to spring/end of the semester is going well! I'll be back soon, promise promise! 

The Color of Royalty

[Blazer: Forever 21/ Top: H&M/ Jeggings: Wet Seal]

I hope you're all having a good week! I've been buried in school work and regular work, but getting through it with my guilty pleasure songs from the early 2000s. I mean embarrassingly guilty pleasures that I can now proudly listen to in the name of nostalgia. No shame, my friends, not one bit. In other very exciting news, there was snow on the ground the other day. Only a little bit and it was gone by 10am, but still. I guess I shouldn't complain; there's people up north with feet of snow in the middle of April. Good ol' Midwest weather, right? Always giving us something to complain about.

I was pretty proud of this outfit, actually. I've been trying to style this impulse buy blazer for ages, and it just hit me one day... why not purple with purple? I think someone told me once that purple looks good on brunettes, and that's what started my purple obsession. I'm in love, I can't help it. It is the color of royalty, isn't it? You all know how I love me some fanciness, and if that comes in the form of a regal color, I'm all for it. Lord knows I need a little more class in my life...