My Confidence + Me

Bow Tied

2013-05-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned before, Friday and Saturday were my brother's graduation ceremonies. This is what I wore Saturday to the all-university ceremony, which was outside. It was gorgeous, but way warmer than I expected, so I was a little bit hot, but whatever.

In other news, my parents are coming down to visit for Memorial Day. Yes, I know, I just saw them, but they hardly ever come down to DC, so when they said they were coming I was pumped! We're (probably) going to go to Gettysburg and down to Charlottesville. I've been to the latter before, but never to a battlefield! They don't really exist in New England, outside of Lexington and Concord, which are not battlefields so much as plaques in the middle of the towns, which have grown since the 1770s. I can't wait to see what it's like, and Gettysburg is such an historic place.

{Top: Gap | Pants: Gap | Shoes: Loft | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex + Ani | Lippie: NARS Schiap}

P.S. - Have you entered my giveaway from Oasap.com yet? You should enter! You can win one of eight adorable items. Remember, register at Oasap.com, follow them on Twitter, and leave a comment telling me what item you'd choose if you won!

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Graduation Day

2013-05-21T08:59:00.001-04:00

I cannot (repeat, cannot) believe my little brother graduated from college on Saturday. It feels like just yesterday that I was graduating from college and he was graduating from high school. How times fly!! My parents, grandmother, and I drove up to New Hampshire on Friday afternoon for his Communications ceremony, and then I spent the night at his house and played with his new puppy, before getting up for the all-university ceremony Saturday morning. It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend, and I'm really glad I got to spend so much of it outside. That said, I wish the weather report had actually stated that it would be in the 70s, as I would have packed some shorts, but alas. At least I brought this adorable dress. It's one of my favorites and I am excited to wear it all over this summer! {Dress: Anthropologie (similar) | Belt: Forever 21 (similar) | Shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack | Necklace: Found at a flea market (similar) | Bracelets: Alex + Ani | Watch: Michael Kors | Lippie: Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti} Find more MC+M on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

Life Lately

2013-05-20T09:03:00.000-04:00

Yikes, I've been traveling so much this spring! Granted, it's only back and forth between DC and Massachusetts, so it's way less stressful than it normally would be, but I'm ready to not have to get on a plane for a while! But this time, I was up to MA and UNH (again) for my little brother's graduation. Not only is he graduating (which is just downright scary), but he's also a proud, new puppy parent! Say hello to Spud, the cutest (and smallest) dog on earth. I'm so sad that he will live 500 miles away from me where I can't constantly spoil him. :(. Oh well, that's what mail is for!
In other news, I'm clearly OBSESSED with the Beautiful Mess app! So wonderful! Find more MC+M on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

I'm Back! And With a Giveaway!

2013-05-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. I've been terrible the past couple weeks. But, do you know how hard it is to take outfit photos when you're habitually late in the mornings and then bike home so you're sweaty and gross in the afternoons?! I need to contrive some way of taking photos during lunch. Somehow. #bloggerproblems But! I'm back with excellent news: Have you heard of Oasap? No? Well, they're a really great online boutique that sells seriously adorable clothes. No really. I want them all. And they're being kind enough to give away one of eight awesome items for you!

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8

I want it all! Seriously, who doesn't like the Pink Panther? To enter this awesome giveaway, you must register on Oasap and comment on this post, including the email with which you registered! Giveaway will close at midnight on May 27th! Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Day at the Park

2013-05-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

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SHAYvorites, 5.10.13

2013-05-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

Oh this week has been crazy! DC has jumped ship and already adopted summer weather patterns of thunderstorms every evening (but not summer temperatures yet, thank goodness). It's made biking and outfit photo taking very difficult! But after some storms this weekend, next week looks to be gorgeous! I can't wait to take advantage of it!

Do you like cinnamon rolls? I certainly do, and I can't wait to make these!
Giant letters! With lights! I need to make these!
I can't wait to recreate this outfit for summer! So breezy and cute!

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Bike Around Town

2013-05-07T09:19:00.001-04:00

If you aren't from the DC area, you might be surprised to learn that it is a very bike-friendly city! Everyone seems to have a bike, and there are tons of bike lanes to get you just about anywhere you need to go. After months (ok, maybe weeks...I'm very impatient) of wanting a bike, I finally bit the bullet and purchased one! It's so awesome! I love riding it around and can't wait to explore more of the city with it!

I can't wait to ride to the farmer's market! My bike isn't quite designed for sundresses like the one above, but I'll make it work. Combined with a floppy hat to keep off the sun (or a helmet, if you're really smart) and some sandals that won't fall off, this is the perfect summer outfit for cruising! See you on the roads!

Do you bike?

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SHAYvorites, 5.3.13

2013-05-03T09:36:00.000-04:00

Happy weekend, friends! Do you have anything fun planned? Tomorrow is Derby Day, so I will be dressing to the nines, digging up a hat, and watching the the run for the roses!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, IFB! It drives me insane to see these sorts of grammatical errors in so many blog posts. Seriously, I've even seen them in the same post as one discussing proper grammar. #no.
Palazzo pants are those things that I admire on other people and am too afraid to wear myself. But dayum, Megan, work 'em!
I like muffins. Especially banana muffins. And these are healthy!
Confused about what to do with all that makeup you own? Amanda has a great, simple look for you to try created for her by professionals!

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April 2013 Round-Up

2013-05-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness spring finally arrived this month! It was a good one, barring April 15th, and I am excited for May! One more month til my birthday!

{clockwise from top left: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4}

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The Colored Pants Parade

2013-04-30T08:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I think I have officially tried ever pants trend that's come up in the last year (except purposefully ripped jeans and leather pants because, just....no). From colored pants to mint and patterns to boyfriend jeans, I think I've got pants covered. And I love them all. They're just so much more interesting than regular blue jeans. Am I right?

{Top: Lauren Ralph Lauren | Tank: American Eagle (similar) | Pants: Gap | Shoes: Steve Madden (similar)| Glasses: Warby Parker | Watch: Fossil | Bracelets: Alex + Ani | Lippie: Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti | Mani: Essie Tarte Deco}
I'm so glad that spring has arrived, however the trees can stop reproducing! I guess, I've heard, that the few days of 85-degree weather we had a few weeks ago put all growing things on super speed, because my allergies are OFF THE CHARTS. I can't really breathe and I have an awful cough. I spent most of this weekend cooped up in the house avoiding the pollen-filled outside, but I'm still feeling less than wonderful. Anyone else slammed by the trees this spring?

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What to Wear to Graduation

2013-04-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

Finding the perfect dress to wear for graduation is a big deal! Whether it's your big day or you are in the audience, everyone from friends to family will be watching and photographing you. Even though, if you're the graduate, your dress may be covered by your robe for part of the day, there is plenty of time for it to be shown off! I've gathered together my favorite dresses in a variety of price ranges, all of which are super cute for the day of mortarboards!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Things to keep in mind:

Graduation robes are usually dark colors (mine were red. RED.) Keep an eye on the weather, and if rain is in the forecast wear darker colors or remember to bring a poncho to wear either under or over your robes. Yes, that's lame, but it's better than ruining an outfit with a giant stain from where your robe bled.
The temperature in May can vary. If your ceremony is outdoors, bring layers in case it's cold and water in case it's hot!
Wear sunscreen!
If your ceremony is outside, you may want to wear your newest 4in spikes, but you'll probably sink into the grass. Wedges are a great, and spring-appropriate, alternative.
Carry a small purse or clutch. I made the mistake of lugging around a huge bag and it got annoying!

Congrats, grads!

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SHAYvorites, 4.26.13

2013-04-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

So many wonderful outfits were worn this week!

This dress is my favorite color. And this outfit is just divine.
Maxi dresses are one of my warm-weather staples, and this is a perfect example of how to wear one during these cooler spring days!
After seeing this, I need to try a similar pair of pants!!
Leopard shorts? Yes, please!
I think I need this dress. And Lacey's gorgeous hair!

Find more MC+M on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin' photo credit: Jeff Kubina via photopin cc

New Week

2013-04-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

Phew, am I ever glad that last week is over. What a stressful five days! I feel like all my free time was spent glued to the news and Twitter. I'm seriously hoping this week is all sunshine and rainbows and that wonderful things are on the horizon!

In other news, it was CHILLY this weekend! I really shouldn't complain, because I know that 60 degrees is really wonderful to a lot of the people living north of DC, but the contrast between that and the 80 degree weather we were having last week was shocking! It's amazing how quickly I get over the cold and adjust to warmth. But then, I always say that I'm suited to live in a constant 75 degrees more than any other temperature out there!

{Jacket: Loft (similar) | Shirt: Loft (similar) | Jeans: J.Crew | Shoes: Nine West via DSW (similar) | Sunnies: TJ Maxx (similar) | Belt: Banana Republic (similar) | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex + Ani }

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SHAYvorites, 4.19.13 & A Giveaway!

2013-04-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

So thankful this week that everyone I know in Boston is ok!

One day I will master the cat eye. This tutorial seems foolproof, and I can't wait to try it!
I'm always looking for creative ways to hang my jewelry. I will have to try this!
Do you understand SEO? No? Me either, but I plan to master it!
THIS. Everyone I know is guilty of all of these things.

In other news, I'm hosting my very first giveaway with Jess of Here & Now (check her out, she's awesome)! You can check out a few of my favorite things on her blog and enter to win a $30 J.Crew giftcard or enter the giveaway below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a great weekend!

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Boston

2013-04-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Please join me in saying a prayer for those who were injured or lost their lives in the explosions during the Boston Marathon yesterday. It's my hometown. We'll stay strong. I love that dirty water.

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Chop Chop

2013-04-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

I did it! I finally bit the bullet and got a haircut. At first I was going to just trim it, but with last week's ugly reminder that summer is on the horizon, I figured it was time to either go big or go home. So I went big. And can I just say, I am so glad. My head is so much lighter and cooler and my hair has life. It's a miracle!

I am so happy with the weather this weekend, too. It was so nice with the perfect temperatures, sun, and good times with friends. Does anyone else absolutely adore sleeping with the window open at night and waking up when it's just a little bit chilly and snuggling under the covers? It was like that both mornings this weekend, and I really didn't want to get out of bed!

{Sweater: Loft (similar)| Dress: Calvin Klein via TJ Maxx (similar) | Belt: Steve Madden via Nordstrom Rack (similar) | Shoes: Loft: | Bag: Kate Spade (similar) | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Watch: Fossil | Lippie: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Flirty Honey | Mani: Essie Watermelon | Pedi: Essie Meet Me at Sunset}

This week is supposed to be gorgeous, and I'm excited to eat dinner outside, take runs in the sunset, and generally just enjoy spring in DC!

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SHAYvorites, 4.12.2013

2013-04-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

And, after a brief, unplanned hiatus, SHAYvorites are back! What interesting things did you read this week?

I can never seem to get a cat-eye right. But with this tutorial (and a felt-tip eyeliner), I just might!
As MC+M grows and I create friendships with other bloggers, I am really interested in what others have to say about promoting other blogs.
Zits. We all have them, and they always pop up exactly when we don't need them to. But here are some great products to zap them fast!
Event planning seems so scary to me, but it's something I'd love to do. Bri has some awesome tips that she learned on the job!

photo credit: Today is a good day via photopin cc

Blossoms

2013-04-11T12:34:00.001-04:00

I went to see the cherry blossoms this past weekend (with everyone else in the DC region, apparently), and while they weren't nearly at peak bloom, they day was gorgeous and the few blossoms in existence were too!

Minty Fresh

2013-04-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

Big news, everyone! I finally jumped on the mint train! And I love it! Seriously, I wanted mint pants so badly last year and never got around to finding some. But these made their way home with me a couple weeks ago, and I've been waiting for the perfect warm, spring day to wear them. I think spring has finally sprung!

I also made another awesome TJ Maxx find! Seriously, I can't stop shopping there. This bag is everything I ever wanted. I've been looking for the perfect-sized work bag that is leather but holds all my ~~crap~~ things. Found it! I'm so excited.

{Top: H&M (similar) | Pants: Gap | Shoes: Steve Madden (similar) | Bag: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx | Necklace: JewelrybyJakemi | Bracelets: Alex + Ani (1, 2, 3)| Watch: Michael Kors | Lippie: NARS Schiap}

You can also find this post on IFB!

Writing

2013-04-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

It may come as a surprise, being that I have a blog and everything, that I am not at all a huge fan of writing (or maybe that doesn't come as a surprise if we look at how ~~little~~ much I actually write per post). Particularly when it comes to structured writing, I just can't make myself do it. I've felt this way as long as I can remember. English class was always difficult (except when we got to try free-form, stream-of-consciousness writing), and writing papers in college was a challenge of "write exactly as much as you need with as little amount of effort needed in order to get it over and done with." I hated it.

And I want to like writing. I really do. I feel like I should like it, because it's a good way to express oneself and to get things off your chest (can we say venting?). I'd like to be one of those people who has something to say and could write a book someday. But I just can't see myself doing it. The idea of writing in a structured fashion for 300-something pages? No thank you. Writing a cover letter? One of life's hardest tasks for me (no joke). Hell, I didn't even consider going into a PhD program because the thought of writing a dissertation sounded like the worst thing to ever possibly happen to someone. Barring illness, injury, or death, or course.

But sometimes I do need to say things. And in a forum where I can just say whatever. However I want, with no worries about punctuation or grammar or the correct words. Because, if I am going to write, it's going to be stream of consciousness-esque. And it may not make sense. But that's how I operate. I have enough trouble getting my thoughts to come out of my mouth in a coherent fashion, I don't want to worry about how I write them, too!

I also can never seem to keep a journal. Writing by hand? SO HARD. So when I discovered Memmee, I was super excited. Meant to be short and sweet, it's online. And you create your account and it saves your memmees. And they're private (unless you want to share them or send one to someone). And you can choose from a selection of cute backgrounds and fonts! It's such an awesome idea!

I'm hoping this will inspire me to write more. What do you do you do to inspire you to write?

Yes, it is ironic that I am writing about not liking to write. I guess I can, when I have to!

It's April, So Sponsor MC+M!

2013-04-05T08:38:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. I've hardly posted at all this week. THINGS BE CRAZY. But we're almost back to normal (I hope). So you should sponsor me. Because spring is ~~maybe~~ finally here, and that means skirts! And colored pants! And flowers.

You can learn more about the ways to sponsor MC+M here.

March 2013 Round-up!

2013-04-02T12:55:00.000-04:00

left | right

I seriously do not know how, this time last year, I was managing to take outfit photos every single day. Before work. Was I getting up earlier? Not eating? Miraculously fast in getting ready? I have absolutely no idea. But nowadays, apparently I can only seem to manage 2-3 outfit posts a month. MUST FIX. Granted, March was a little bit on the crazy side. I was in New Hampshire and West Virginia. My heart got broken by the announced demise of Google Reader and I stalked all the things on Etsy. Oh, and then I went to New Hampshire again.

But now I'm back, it's April, the cherry blossoms are almost blooming, and spring seems to have finally sprung!

Etsy and I Have a Problem

2013-03-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

I've been spending a lot of my time on Etsy lately. A. Lot. I can't cease being amazed by all the beautiful things people are creating! I want everything, but there are some things that I simply ~~need~~ love.

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

These are all at the top of my favorites list. Not only do I love these particular items, but I adore the rest of the things in the respective shops, as well! Don't you just love Amanda Catherine Designs' prints? I think I need them all. And these whimsical pieces by Ninemuse?! Divine. Seriously, I am going to be making some major purchases coming up!

What is your favorite Etsy shop?

The Mountains

2013-03-26T09:46:00.001-04:00

This weekend some friends and I took a trip to a cabin in West Virginia. I've never been to the state before, and while we were a little too far in the middle of nowhere for me to be 100% comfortable, it was really nice to get out of the city for a weekend. The scenery was gorgeous (if snowy) and hiking was so much fun! March has been a rough month for me, emotionally, so it was good to have fun and remember things I forgot I love!

I can't wait to head back in summer when the hiking will be a little easier (melting snow is hard to walk on!) and there will be more people around - winter is kind of dead, apparently. But in the summer, this part of West Virginia is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders! I can't wait to check it out!

SHAYvorites, 3/22/13

2013-03-22T10:06:00.000-04:00

I'm off to West Virginia this weekend (checking another state off my list of places I've been)! I think it's going to be cold and snowy, but I'm excited regardless. What are your plans for the weekend?

I'm always amazed by others' entrepreneurial spirits (I definitely do not have that kind of skill), so I was super excited to read about The B Bar, an awesome-sounding collaboration between Meg and Victoria. I can't wait for it to open!
I don't know about you, but Google Analytics is super confusing to me. Thankfully, Design*Sponge has a great article on how to use it!
Never really new the difference between dicing and julienning? Well, now you do.