Take a Breath

Oh. my. goodness. I am so busy. I knew grad school was going to be tough, but dang, I am working a ton! I'm not complaining though; I'm doing what I love and I couldn't be happier with my classes and classmates. It just means I am a million years behind on following blogs, and posting might be a bit sparse around these parts for a week or two....at least until midterms are over....

 Top: Forever 21 / Tank: Goodwill / Shorts: Gap / Shoes: Crocs / Bag: Jason Wu for Target / Sunglasses: Target

   

Also, this is likely my last post in shorts for another 6 months. :) The leaves are staring to turn (I'll have to post some pictures of them next time around; its getting gorgeous over here), the wind is starting to crisp up, and that smell of Fall is in the air. Break out the scarves and boots!

And it seems like I'm really getting into this beige-top dark-bottoms thing lately...clearly I have to start digging through another part of my closet...

Lapis Lazuli (and a Hello from the Boyfriend)

Dress: Anthropologie (with alterations. similar, similar) / Belt: Madewell (similar) / Wedges: Target / Bag: Jason Wu for Target / Sunglasses: Target / Bracelets: Gift / Necklace: bought in Italy

 

I had an interview of sorts today (I say of sorts because it was pretty informal) for a job I'm hoping to get on campus. Essentially, the job's primary duty is serving alcohol to (of age!) undergrads. Or, to put it more seriously, standing between undergrads and their alcohol. This actually sounds like tons of fun to me. I thought on-campus bartending might be a good way to meet people from other departments, learn a new skill, have a good time, and of course make a little cash.

I mention this because the Boyfriend and I were in a bit of a debate over what I should wear to said interview. He was advocating a much more business-y look (black pencil skirt & button-down, pumps), while I thought this shirtdress (with a more professional leather bag) was appropriate for a casual job in the middle of the world's hottest summer. In the end, he deemed this look appropriate. This was aided by the fact that I'm currently living out of a suitcase and these wedges were the only pair of heels I had access to...kind of put a limit on what I could wear.

So, what do you think? Casual job (I was more dressed up than the interviewer, which I think is always a good sign), hot summer...what to wear?

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[Boyfriend edit: I requested the right to defend myself in court, and permission was granted... so hello! I am the boyfriend. My experience with clothes is, shall we say, binary. You are either dressed up (for men: collared shirt tucked into slacks and fancy shoes) or not (T-shirt, jeans). I learned this growing up in a small California town, but now that I am living in Boston I suppose these shades of grey are what I will need to learn. Luckily, Miss Petite on a Penny steadfastly ignored my "but, um, black pencil skirt and white blouse" plea, and put on something fun and vibrant. 

Now, all of that being said, I have a hard time gauging how far to dress up and when. So if the boyfriend is allowed to pose a follow-up question to the court: what factors and thought process determine how "dressed up" you get?]

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Edit to add: I must have done something right, because I got the job! :D

Review: H&M Shirtdress (and a bit of photo-phobia)

Dress and Belt: H&M (Size 4, $34.95) / Bag: Jason Wu for Target / Sandals: from my sister, bought in Dubai / Necklace: hand-me-down from my mother / Bracelets: bought in England

 

A few hours ago, I was all about this shirtdress! Almost half of the reason I bought it was for the belt, which struck me as endlessly pair-able (no holes, totally adjustable, great color). Then, I put on the dress today, and...the belt broke. Damn it, H&M! I know we're not talking the greatest quality here, but breaking on my first wear? Given my sample size of 1, this may not be an issue with the belt's construction as a whole and might just be that I got a dud. I'll probably make my way back to the store and try to exchange it...

Other than that, the dress is great! It runs small (I got a size 4 and usually wear a 0 or 00 in most stores and a 2 at H&M), and it's floaty and feminine and perfect for summer. It is, however, a bit sheer (I'm wearing an extra slip underneath, in addition to the attached lining), so I wouldn't buy unless you have a slip handy, or can rock that sheer look in a way I can't.

If you're interested, here's the product #:

 

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In other news, I'm becoming increasingly self-conscious about taking photos! I've been shooting in a little alley next to my summer sublet, looking about furtively each time I walk there with my camera and snapping pictures as quickly as possible, terrified that someone will walk by. I have no idea what I'd say if they did, though I've invented a few fanciful stories in my head about photography class self-portrait assignments that seem to ease the fear. :)

So, anyone have any tips on overcoming photo-phobia? Does this unfounded fear get to anyone else, too?