favorite shirt

You know, I've always thought that picking a favorite piece of clothing in my wardrobe would be difficult. But to be honest, when I think about it, this button down is probably the greatest thing I own! I wear it all the time (probably more than I should sometimes), it's versatile, it's light... it's perfect! 

Self-timer again, didn't work so well though? Give you a hint why - my head wasn't actually supposed to be cut off in this one...

old navy button-down

gap tank

banana republic shorts

forlove21 necklace

toms shoes

 Look at me, being a good little brand-ambassador for the Gap Inc. brands! I'm wearing a piece from each of their stores. I should get a raise for this or something...

 This necklace is just perfect for dressing up any outfit. While I love my outfit without it too (kind of simple, preppy, sportswear-ish?), add the necklace and it instantly has more flair. Can't remember exactly what I got it for, but since it's Forever 21 I'm sure it was less than $10, and with how often I wear it, I'm sure the cost-per-wear is in the penny range now (kind of like this shirt -  "clothes I wear too much," seems to be the theme of this post, right?)

Nothing interesting has happened today, to be honest. I had a voice lesson, made myself a pizza for lunch (with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil from the garden? yummm) and, as I said yesterday, Mckenna and I are doing zumba tonight! That I'm quite excited for. That, and the fact that I'm going to make some new frosting for these cupcakes that Natalie made a few days ago. They're gluten-free and vegan I believe (from that book the bakery Babycakes put out?) and they're actually quite good, but I'm not really a fan of the frosting Natalie made to go with them, it's a bit coconut-ey and not quite fluffy enough for my taste. So I'm going to make up a batch of the heart-attack-in-a-bowl, three-ingredient (butter - lots of butter - sugar, and milk) perfection that is my mom's classic frosting. Should be good :)

summer business casual

So today is my first day home alone, yet again (well, Aunt Lori is still here, but as I said she is out and about a fair amount), so... yay for self-timer photos! I must say, I think I've found a pretty good spot in our back porch, so today (for once) I didn't do too badly! I had training for my other internship (this ones all online, helping to search-engine optimize videos for a non-profit in the Twin Cities) and I wasn't sure how to dress, so I figured a button-down can never hurt!

gap button-down

theory shorts

born sandals

 So both the shorts and the shirt are consignment store finds, and I'm pretty proud of myself for the shorts! They were one of my finds from My Sister's Closet in Minneapolis, and with the 50% sale they were basically $20 - when would you ever find something by Theory for that cheap? Only annoying thing is that I noticed a loose thread on their hem while I was on the phone and absentmindedly pulled it - and managed to pull the hem off the right short, causing it to sometimes flip down. As I normally wear them cuffed, this hasn't posed too much of a problem so far...

Alison, repaint your toenails! This is getting ridiculous, I'm sorry. I paint my toenails in the summer (which takes a lot of coaxing in and of itself - I'm just much too lazy) then basically let them go until the big toe is practically unpainted. As you may have noticed, the big toe is basically the only one painted. Classy, aren't I? I think this shirt is absolutely adorable. The sleeves are perfect for rolling up, the fabric has a nice amount of stretch, and it has this little tie around the neck! I haven't been brave enough yet to see if I could tie it in a little bow (would that even work?) but it is perfect to dress up a basic outfit, I especially like to wear it with skinny jeans and a little pair of ballet flats. Perfect slightly-dressed-up casual dressing :)

So I picked up a dress from the tailors today that I can't wait to wear! I bought it at a vintage store in the Twin Cities a while back and though it was huge, I thought I could just belt it and it wouldn't be a problem. It was. So, probably about a year later, I got it taken in! Although I'd say it's a bit long for this weather (a.k.a. too much fabric for the sauna that is Minnesota) I can stop thinking about how it would be perfect with an oversized, chunky knit and some boots. Regardless of that dream, I should be able to show it off before December I'd think!

In other news, tomorrow Mckenna and I are going to a zumba class! Only problem - I can't really move my hips, and have very little rhythm in general. Should be interesting, no? Pray for me... :) Anyways, have a lovely evening!

not my usual skirt

I found this skirt at My Sister's Closet, a consignment store in the Twin Cities, the other day when mom and I were out and about in Minneapolis. They have a store right here in St. Paul in walking distance from our house, but we had never been in the Minneapolis location, so when we drove past and saw they were having their summer sale of 50% the entire store, we practically ran over the curb in our eagerness to get there. So the skirt is a bit longer than what I normally go for (as you may have noticed, I have a penchant for short lengths when it comes to skirts and dresses), but I thought that it might be nice to own a few longer skirts, when it comes to working and interviews, etc. And it is! I wore this interning today, and the soft fabric (linen I believe, judging by the wrinkles) was perfect for sitting at a desk all day.

martin&osa cardigan

jcrew tank

thrifted skirt (odille?)

peeple lures charm

toms shoes

 Yes, a cropped-head picture. Haven't seen one of these in a while, right? My pictures just weren't that attractive today, a problem I am attributing to my finnicky eyes (thus the glasses) and messy hair. Oh well.

Isn't the little eyelet print cute? I'm a fan. And the charm on my chain, below, is from a store up near my cabin in Wisconsin. I seriously have way too many little charms now, but they are so adorable and versatile! I have a weakness for all things nautical (I own multiple striped shirts and a few too many little striped dresses) and though I suppose the ship is a bit literal, I couldn't resist :)

So today was once again interning at the International Center, and I got a lot done! Did some fixing up of an itinerary for a group that is coming this week, and I wish I would be in the office to meet them, as they are from Belarus - we could speak Russian together! Alas, my only days in the office are Monday and Tuesday. But next week we have a group in from Great Britain and apparently I get to go on a meeting or two with them? Can't wait, I do love British accents... But seriously, I'm really enjoying working there! I'm learning all about interesting organizations and nonprofits in the Twin Cities, and I'm hoping to work in this field (international visitors) when I'm back in D.C. later this year. So we shall see! 

That's about all, and it looks like my week is going to be pretty boring from now on (as I was only scheduled at Old Navy once this week... grr) and I'm going to be left by myself! Well not completely, my aunt will still be here but she's gone a lot during the days. Natalie and mom are going down to Iowa to join my dad at Rag Brai, a bike ride across Iowa. Apparently it's pretty interesting, can't wait to hear stories when they get back. Hope everyone is having a great week, good night :)

alexander mcqueen love

So I was watching Fashion Police the other night - hilarious show, by the way - and I fell in love with this dress that Maria Sharapova wore to the ESPYs! Here you go, I'm sure you'll adore it too

As you can see in comparison with the runway photo below, she had it shortened and added some glamorous heels. I am just loving the crystal and feather detailing, and the cut and length show her off so well!

Sarah Burton's inspiration for the Pre-fall collection was military, something not-so-new these days but which she did extra-well I think. The coats were quite literal but still gorgeous and wearable, and how can you dislike a collection with a dress like this in it? Normally I don't put up clothing from award shows or anything like this, but it was just so beautiful I couldn't resist. Now I'm off to work at Old Navy again, fingers crossed that my folding work has improved! Cheers

my feet hurt

So last night I had my first shift working at Old Navy, and it was actually pretty fun! Despite all the folding...  it sort of makes you bitter, making a pile of clothes absolutely perfect only to have someone knock it over and rummage through it for their size only to decide that they don't really want it anyways. I think I enjoyed the fitting room the most, since you got to chat with people and there was always something going on. Working the closing shift is not much fun though, as it means you spend an hour or so (or longer) after everyone has left the store folding. And folding. And folding some more. I'm doing the same shift tomorrow night too, so I suppose I'll be doing it again! Maybe my folding skills will improve with time? Anyways, here is my outfit yesterday from work

old navy tshirt

 jcrew belt

banana republic shorts

I am loving these shorts! For one, I got them for a great price, thanks to my lovely employee discount, and two, they are so comfortable! Oh, and I really like the length. Wow, this employee discount thing really works in the company's advantage! I'm already spending money at their stores and recommending products to people... very clever, Old Navy, very clever

This  morning I volunteered at the carousel, which as usual was lots of fun, even if my poor feet (still tired from last night) barely made it through. Then Natalie came to visit me and we walked around the gardens at the zoo! They even have this gorgeous Japanese tea garden where they have tea ceremonies during the summer, and just as Natalie and I were looking at each other like we should sign up for one, the volunteer tells us they have a waiting list of a year and that we should sign up for next summer. Oh. But it was okay because we got mini donuts, a.k.a. the tastiest things in the world! I always smell them on my way to the car after leaving the carousel but never let myself get them. And now I see why. They are so perfect, so crisp and sugary, that now that I've had them I don't know if I'll ever be able to walk by them again! Such a lack of self-control I have. Darn.

So for now my tentative plan for the rest of the afternoon is to sit my butt down on the couch and not move until my feet stop throbbing. Seems fair, doesn't it? Tomorrow at least I'm at the Minnesota International Center for the morning, so that's a few hours in a chair before the evening shift at Old Navy. Yay for me actually being busy! Hope you had a lovely weekend!

cooling down

The AC is off, the windows are open, I'm wearing a cardigan and not sweating like a pig - we might actually survive this summer! Apparently the humidity returns tomorrow, so we've gotta enjoy it while it lasts. I spent the morning doing physical tasks outside for the parents, a.k.a. ridding the back porch of its variety of pine needles, dead bugs, and cobwebs - but I have to say it wasn't even that bad, because the weather is so lovely! Here are some pictures of my outfit today, including one of my new purchases from Banana (though not the one I'm so excited to show you, I think it deserves its own post?).

 banana republic cardigan

urban outfitters tank

vintage necklace

target shorts

born sandals

 Question of the day for you : how is it that even my summer wardrobe is filled with fall colors? Because I've been seeing it more and more and I honestly don't know why...

It's hard to tell in these photos, but the front of the cardigan has these panels with a black lace overlay, and they are absolutely amazing! I originally saw it in cream on some bottom shelf in Banana, but when I saw the version in navy I knew I had to get it. I'm really loving lace lately! Also while at Banana yesterday I tried on this gorgeous dark green dress completely overlaid with lace, and I wanted it sooo badly, but I just don't know where I'd wear it! It's too nice and formal for everyday or for even a dinner out with the girls. I'd need to wear it to a nice dinner or the theater (and even then I'd probably be overdressed. Have you seen how people dress at the theater nowadays? So sad), occasions that I just don't get that often, not enough to warrant the price - even with my amazing discount :)

So Jenny and I are headed up north for the night to stay at the Grand Casino in Hinckley! Her mom gets free rooms there, so we decided to have a little girls night away from home. We're going to swim, go to the gym, watch movies, maybe play a little blackjack (you're legally allowed to gamble in Minnesota at 18, in case you were wondering how I'm doing this ^^). Jenny always likes to dress up for these sorts of outings - and when do I miss an opportunity to dress up? - so I'm bringing my camera and will hopefully get some pictures. Not making any promises though, I'm notoriously bad at taking pictures when I'm out and about :)

flower power

So, I didn't really feel like posting an outfit post today. With the heat index it was 107 degrees, so I was in a really small sundress (a.k.a my go-to when I want as little clothing as is socially acceptable - not like that is much of a restriction these days - in order to keep myself from dying of heat stroke), and one that I've worn many times before the exact same way - as seen here (minus the straw hat since that sadly didn't make the trip to college too well). But I was just thinking how I want to wear my 70's floral dress - you know the one I wore to the Taylor Swift concert, as shown here - but with all the extra fabric, it technically being long-sleeved and calf-length and all, I didn't think that would work out so well. So in my day's boredom I decided to make a slightly hippie-inspired collage instead! Enjoy

Oh, and exciting news! Made my first purchase using my employee discount at Banana Republic (as an employee at Old Navy I get discounts at all three of Gap Inc's major brands, oh yes) and it's so pretty! I'm not sharing what it is yet but hopefully I will get a post of it soon (hint: it's not really weather-appropriate currently, so you won't be seeing it in any outfit posts anytime soon. But it is, on the other hand, very appropriate for where I will be heading back to college in the fall). Now it seems making practically minimum-wage and  working weekend shifts looks more bearable! Bedtime for me, good night!