Wearing Now: Celebration

Dress: BCBG - $35 via eBay (real deal here, wallet friendly here)
Boyfriend blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Necklace: courtesy of Anjolee
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Now that I've graduated college and assumed real-life financial responsibilities, I tend to buy pieces that serve double duty in my closet. Take this dress, for example. Though it's too short for work (and most civilized establishments, actually) it can take me from running casual errands during the day to a late night outing with the Mr. or friends. Just change shoes and add a blazer - and in the winter, add tights. This time I wore it to a tea house with a good friend to celebrate my new job. You're now looking at a gal who's living her dream of infectious diseases, diagnostics, and pathology :) 

Longwood Gardens, PA

Top: INC - $10 via eBay (want this one)
Jeans: Current/Elliott - $15 via eBay with tags still attached! (seller: BHFO; available here)
Shoes: Coach - $90 via Marshalls (similar here)
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Necklace: courtesy of Anjolee

1. Blatant abuse of chambray
2. Orange orchid
3. The silver garden - a glorious array of desert plants
4,5. Magenta orchids
5. Belin - the ambassador to Longwood Gardens and the guardian of the Pierce-du Pont house. Think I'm exaggerating? Check out his page here

Ever since I visited Longwood Botanical Gardens in Pennsylvania three weeks ago I vowed to return as soon as I possibly could. I took my dearest friend Kate for the ride this time and we spent a whole afternoon enjoying the view. This is but a snippet of all the photos I took since I picked the ones you might enjoy the most (while sparing your data plans if you're browsing with a phone/tablet). I traveled over two and half hours each way and I was not disappointed. If you live in the area (or are within reasonable driving distance), I couldn't recommend this place enough. I paid $8/ticket with a student ID but they're normally $18 with some variation in pricing on select days. If you have other questions/want to see other photos, just let me know in the comments!

Wearing Now: Chambray, Olive, and Black Accents

Chambray top: INC - $10 via eBay (from the ultimate authority on chambray)
Skirt: Burberry (similar, classy, and on sale here; another well-priced option here)
Sandals: Coach - $50 via eBay (similar here ($), here($$), and here($$$)
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Accessories: Coach watch, necklace courtesy of Anjolee

Making my way to the metro (subway, in non-DC English) after a productive day of work and application essay writing (I'm often a compelled volunteer at my boyfriend's business). Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Wearing Now: Chambray and Neutrals

Chambray top: INC - $10 via eBay (from the ultimate authority on chambray)
Linen pants: J. Crew - $25 (here)
Sandals: Theory - $50 via eBay (similar here)
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Accessories: Coach watch, Roberto Cavalli bracelet, courtesy of Anjolee necklace

Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack (these are gorgeous)

I could have easily titled this post "wrinkled" but that would have drawn attention to all that is wrong with this outfit (and linen/chambray in general). But wrinkles are like battle scars; evidence of a hard day's work. I'll spare you all the boring detail so have a great evening!