Graduation, Polka Dots, and Pearls

I did it!  On Friday, I officially graduated from my Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2) Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency!  (Never mind the fact that a few projects are extending onward a few days... I'll get there.)

I bought this dress months ago and was originally saving it for a wedding, but I changed my mind and decided that residency graduation called for something fancy.  It came with a belt in the same polka-dot fabric, but instead, I opted to add my own touch with a solid black sash for contrast.  I frequently find myself switching out the belt that a dress comes with - it's a good way to make it look a bit more your own.

I decided to play off the polka dots with simple pearl jewelry, then added a pop of color with a red handbag - not to mention red toenails and just a touch of cherry-red lip stain!  Anyone who knows me is aware that black, white, and red is my favorite color combination, so I was essentially in love with this outfit.  I attempted something different with my hair (gasp) by using a 1-inch clipless curling iron to make soft waves.  Those take some getting used to - I have a few burns to prove it!

The bag is vintage!  I found it a few months ago at a local antiques store which had a small vintage clothing section in their basement.  I love unearthing fun things from where you least expect them.

Dress: The Limited, plus a sash from another dress
Shoes: Bandolino from Famous Footwear
Necklace: The Limited [buy here]
Earrings: The Limited [buy here]
Bracelet: Old, unknown
Purse: Vintage (~1960's)

Below are a few more snapshots from the event.  Congratulations to all of my Midwestern co-residents!

All 14 of the PGY1 and PGY2 residents with Midwestern

With my friend Pearl

Whew!  It took some hard work to get this paper.

Thanks to my lovely parents for all the photos!

Snapshots: Weekend in the City

Yeah, yeah, this will be a mostly-style-blog eventually.  However, a little post just about life can't hurt, right?  Right.

This weekend was one of my last free weekends in the Chicago area before I move, so I pushed aside every work responsibility and spent the entire weekend out and about in the city with my friends.  Every day was full of a fun event or adventure plus a favorite local eatery.  From a show at Beat Kitchen on Friday (featuring my friends in the bands Urbanites and State and Madison) and Tony's Burrito Mex, to the beach and Elly's Pancake House on Saturday, to Portillo's and the new Wes Anderson movie (which was FANTASTIC) on Sunday, it was a blast from start to finish.  I will miss Chicago more than I can possibly describe, but I'll be back often.  A few snapshots of the fun, courtesy of Instagram:

Also, my new favorite picture of my friend Claire and I by the lake:

The Windy City will always have my heart.

Sweet Deal: Classy Summer Handbags for Cheap

Before I begin, here's some good news:  In a mere 12 days, I will finally be done with 2 years of residency, thus officially becoming a trained Infectious Diseases clinical pharmacist!  I will then be returning to my home state of Indiana for my big-kid job with a big-kid salary and a big-kid three-bedroom apartment all to myself.  I will have slightly over a month off in between the jobs, and I am very much looking forward to it.  I'm also looking forward to having a bit more time to devote to hobbies again, including this poor sad neglected little blog of mine.  July will no doubt be lacking in business casual attire due to lack of actual work, but I have many a fun summer outfit idea swimming around in my head at the moment, all of which I look forward to sharing.  But I digress...

What's better than a cute summer bag?  A cute summer bag on sale, of course.  Today, The Limited just put several new items on markdown, and I highly recommend you snatch up the following before they're gone.  If the link says "oops", you're too late!

Saddle Shoulder Bag - Was $69.90, Now $20.24 - Buy [here]

I have this bag, and I love it.  The strap is adjustable, and long enough to be worn as a cross-body.  It's also still available in a deep navy, but I prefer the camel brown shown here.


Blue Ikat Tote - Was $79.90, Now $26.24 - Buy [here]

I've loved this bag since they first introduced it, and ikat print is everywhere right now.  However, this is one of those rare occurrences when I resisted buying something - I can't think of a single outfit I have which would look even halfway decent with this - but if you do, buy it on my behalf!


Large Floral Tote - Was $74.90, Now $29.99 - Buy [here]

Is your old beach bag dirty and shredded like mine?  Toss it and replace it with this beauty.  It's made of a canvas material, but it's pretty enough to be used for either work or play.

Like what you see?  Hop to it, they won't last long!


As I have mentioned before, I am in no way endorsed by The Limited - they just happen to be my favorite store, and consistently produce items I am in love with.