big girl

Last night I felt like a little girl getting ready for her first day of school - picking out her outfit, doing her hair, setting her alarm clock extra early, having a hard time falling asleep and wondering, "will they like me?" The only thing this little girl forgot was to change the time zone on her phone. Thankfully, something inside told her she was on the verge of oversleeping and stopped her from sleeping through the morning and into the afternoon!

I made it to work on time and with a few minutes to spare, just as I planned for my first day back. I couldn't be happier to be back at the office and into the regular swing of things.

The temperature has definitely taken a plunge since this weekend and I think it won't be long before the gloves and serious winter-wear comes out. In the mean time, I'll enjoy picking my outfits daily and using all the new goodies I found on my trip.

Happy Monday!!

dress and blazer: H&M; tights: Target; booties: Nine West

silver lining

This is probably the last of my summer-wear for a while. Even if I stayed home, a cold front is supposed to blow through this weekend and finally bring the fall down south. The past two days have been seriously rainy and the only colors I'm in the mood to wear are neutral and very much inspired by the grey clouds.

Today, I pulled this blouse out of my "don't pack yet" pile and was glad to add a little burst of color to my day, even if it was on the back. This shirt to me, is the perfect transition to more holly tones that start to take over right around this time of year.

top, jeans, earrings and ring: Forever XXI; shoes: Traffic (old); watch: Michael Kors

November

And just like that, it's November. It's hard to believe by these pictures, but I'll be bundled up till spring come a few days. I feel like lately, I've been getting the best of both worlds - the warm, sunny, welcoming feelings from being back home; and the sweet dreamyness of being in love with a new place and really enjoying making my new life from scratch - but being on the verge of opening a new chapter, I'm in for a harsh wake up call: The Real World!

That's next week but this is this week so for now, I'm enjoying soaking up the sun and being in my original element.

nails: Essie Aperitif

in spirit

When I was little, Halloween was a big deal. Costume brainstorming began in September at the latest or the summer at the earliest and October was spent taking endless trips to the fabric store and fittings for the perfect costume. So this year when I didn't have a costume on Halloween, I was pretty bummed. I had already given up on the idea of dressing up on Sunday when I asked my cousin for clothes to jump on the trampoline at her house. Instead of giving me a pair of shorts or leggings, she gave me her cheer uniforms and made my Halloween! Thanks, J!!

ruffles and baubles

When I first got this dress, it was my favorite and I didn't want to wear it anywhere that wasn't "special." Thankfully that phase is over and I find myself turning to it every time I want something nice and sans complication - I love the ruffle details. One thing I particularly love about it is how easily it transitions from cold weather to hot weather. I threw on my favorite accessories of the moment for lunch with my dad and my sister and ended the afternoon with a brainstorming session on very last minute halloween costumes.

dress and ring: Forever XXI (old); bow bracelet: H&M; watch: Michael Kors; bracelet: the mart; nails: Essie Smokin' Hot

easy(ish)

Being back home and not having to worry about layers of warm clothes, I should find it easy to dress for casual carefree days of doing whatever I want. When I packed for this trip, I told myself I would try to wear everything at least once yet I find myself turning to the same pieces over and over again - light button down shirts and simple striped items.

Today I went to lunch with an old friend for what she very correctly called "the most overdue rendez-vous of the century." We had a great time catching up and I can't wait to do it again!

top, belt and ring: Forever XXI; pants: urban outfitters (old); shoes: Nine West (ancient); bracelet: the mart

golden

I had never heard the term "golden birthday" until last week when a friend asked me how I felt about finally having mine. Although the term was new to me, I must say, I was really excited to turn 23 on the 23rd and to say I was "golden."

Twenty two was a great year for me - finished school, moved to Paris, got a job and I feel like I've really come into my own as a woman and as a person. This year was really a great one, and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and close friends for always supporting my decisions even if most of the time, they are hard ones - I can already feel that this upcoming twenty-third year will be filled with new adventures and opportunities, and hopefully I can say it was indeed golden at the end of it.

Today, celebrations started off with a pampering session of a home haircut (thanks Grandma) and manicure before dinner with close family and friends. Thanks to everyone, near and far, who made this day so special.

dress: Forever XXI (borrowed); shoes: Nine West; bracelet: made by my sister; nails: Limited Addiction by Essie