It’s official. As of today at noon, I am done with college exams. No more college classes. I’m not quite a college graduate yet (that happens on Saturday!), but the academic chapter has closed.

Classes ended the first week of May and since then life has been a balance of writing final papers and thank you cards and soaking up what I can while I’m still a (temporary) New Yorker.

And of course, there’s no better way to capture that than through Instagram:

Grand Central after a day in Queens

A Fordham organization brought puppies to campus! Meet Heidi!

My last class ever got out an hour early…which means Happy Hour

We celebrated Nancy’s birthday at the Boat Basin

The food in Harlem though…

View of the GWB in Hudson Heights

Finals Week Flowers (courtesy of some campus event)

Arthur Ave. Forever

Posting may be sparse this week, but I’m sure I’ll have lots to share next week.

~ Sarah

Cardigan – Conway; Tee – J. Crew Factory; Tote – Barnes & Noble; Jeans – TJ Maxx; Flats – Payless.

I know I talk about the weather a lot, but I have good reasons for that. To be honest, the forecast has an impact on my quality of life and, of course, what I’m wearing. The temperatures have taken a definite turn for the warmer (finally), but shady spots and evenings are decidedly cool. So cozy cardigans and light scarves it is.

Scarf – Catherine Malandrino (thrifted).

Just in time for Thrifter Thursday is this black and white floral scarf, back from my one and only New York thrifting trip. Not a bad find though: if it wasn’t for thin, yellow script on the corner of the scarf I would’ve never known this was designer. Like real designer, down the runway, not Gap or something. As much as I’ve always liked fashion, I’ve always been more drawn to Seventeen and Ross than Elle and Saks. This scarf was a happy $5 accident in the Village.

~ Sarah

Scarf – Street Vendor; Tee – Target (hand-me-down); Jeans – Conway; Flats – Payless.

Happy May! Here’s hoping the nicer weather is here to stay — it’s truly been too long. Even the last couple weeks temperatures have been flip-flopping, and it actually cools down at night here (a lot). What is that nonsense? And will I ever learn how to layer?

Actually wearing earrings!

This is going to be quite the month. The main event? Graduation. Finally. It’s a very overwhelming thing looming ahead, but I’m very much excited to start the next chapter in my life. Actually, it’s more like starting the next book in a series. I can’t remember not being a student, save for summer vacation, so this will be a change. A welcome one, nonetheless.

Lots of people seem to be panicking, and I certainly have those moments, but the litany of end-of-the-year events are something to look forward to. There are so many dressy occasions. We have a senior prom! My wallet is less enthused.

Also, I finally got that leopard scarf I wanted. Thanks, Queens street fair. Exciting things are happening.

~ Sarah

P.S. Thanks for the photos, Nancy!

Dress – LOFT (borrowed); Pumps – Payless.

Fashion blogging. It all seems really shallow and narcissistic sometimes, doesn’t it? Well, it can be, but it can also be the subject of academic research. I was surprised myself, but it turns out there’s a lot of academic work out there on social media. And a couple weeks ago I actually presented a paper on fashion blogging at Fordham’s research symposium:

I was super nervous to present after working on my project for so long, and I knew the occasion called for something fashionable, professional and comfortable. (After all, who would trust me as a source on fashion blogging if I dressed all corporate?)

I ended borrowing my friend Nancy’s dress, which I actually wore when I presented my thesis last fall (the presentation was less successful). On top of fitting the above requirements, the dress is also flattering and has some lacy for interest. Thanks again, Nancy!

My roommate Jillian also presented at the Symposium. Twice!

My faculty mentor Dr. Marwick.

Oh, and I also added some color with this awesome barrette my friend Juliane brought me from Paris:

And nothing makes a dressy dress awesome quite like being able to dress it down. I swapped my pumps for sandals and added a denim jacket for celebratory drinks afterwards with my roommate.

What do you wear to important presentations?

~ Sarah

P.S. Thanks again to Callie, Danielle, and Michelle for letting them interview me for my paper!

Blazer – Paul & Joe for Target (thrifted); Dress & Boots – Target.

This dress was made for blazers. (See here for an example.) Well, actually it was made for kids, but you have to get creative when you go shopping. I’ve wanted to wear this outfit for a while, and now that it warmed up for a day, I had a chance.

Sunglasses – Walgreens, cause I’m cheap and classy.

This yellow wool blazer suits itself to being paired with gray (like here) — I don’t know why. Maybe the yellow is too striking against white? I’d say I try it, but there’s a very limited amount of time one can wear a wool blazer as an outer layer. Nonetheless, I like the whimsical touch from the polka dots with this look.

I also didn’t realize it until I looked at myself in the mirror, but this outfit reminds me of a certain pop culture icon. Between the yellow and the shorter hemline and the middle part, Cher Horowitz from Clueless popped into my head. Sure, it’s not a full-on yellow plaid suit, but it’s something like a country twist on it, amiright?

~ Sarah

P.S. Thanks for taking my pictures, Katie!

Sunflower Blazer: Do we even need to discuss why I love this blazer?

Election: I’m pretty sure I bought this silk button-down for $7.

Brights with Black: This black print dress is perfect for every season and business casual workplaces.

Truffula Trees Are What Everyone Needs: This silk pencil skirt is part of a suit. Total cost: $12.

Whomp Whomp Wedges: This floral dress is everything for the summer months.

Gardenia: This Caribbean Joe bag is my go-to for work during the summer. Bonus points for the hand-me-down skirt?

Eat (Cheese)cake: I love my polo dress for rainy days – it’s perfect for layering.

Besides thrifting, how else are you Earth-friendly when shoppping? My other tip: canvas shopping bags. Say no to plastic, y’all.

~ Sarah

I love this city. I’m thinking of all my loved ones and their families in the area. Make no mistake, Boston embodies the American spirit and will be stronger than ever.

This coffee table was pinned from Etsy and is no longer available (so I can’t give proper credit!) but it actually looks pretty simple to DIY.

Source

Another Etsy find that I can turn to a DIY with a magnetic cookie sheet and some fabric. This DIY cookie sheet tutorial from Mrs. Happy Homemaker also looks like a great alternative.

Source

A cute way to add color to the sink area, and I could probably find a cute cakestand at a thrift store without having make my own.

Source

Chances are I won’t have a mantel to decorate, but these painted frames and mason jars would look cute on a shelf or bookcase too.

Do you have any apartment tips? How is your own home (or dorm) decorated?

~ Sarah

Jacket – Gap (thrifted); Tee – JC Penney; Jeans – TJ Maxx; Moccasins – Target (hand-me-down via my mom).

Yesterday, I went out in bare legs and wore sandals for the first time since spring break. Now, I’m back to layers and making derpy faces as my roommate takes my picture in our student lounge. Such is college, I guess, especially in the Northeast.

There’s not much to say about this outfit, except that it’s pretty basic. I do dig the green-purple color combo though, and this thrifted jacket (seen here previously) makes a great layering piece for transitional months. Something comfortable with a bit of color was just what I needed for what I needed to be a productive day around campus (not sure how much I succeeded though).

I think I’m getting frazzled just thinking about next week, because my schedule shifted around a little and I have a lot of things due, including a presentation for Fordham’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. Last semester I wrote a paper for my social media class on budget-conscious fashion bloggers (like myself) and consumerism. Now I finally get to present my work! I’m excited, and it was a pleasure to interview Danielle, Michelle and Callie for my research. Speaking of Callie, I’m linking up at her blog as part of Thrifter Thursday again!

~ Sarah

1. Sleeveless Button-down Blouse (Oasis) I’ve been wanting one of these since last summer when I saw them everywhere. Glad they’re back in stores.

2. Solid Color Maxi Dress (Boohoo) Because my mom threw out my purple one during winter break (not over it yet). I’d also love to add a color-blocked one to my collection!

3. Little Black Dress (Walmart) Okay, the color isn’t springy but think about the accessorizing possibilities!

4. Little White Dress (Delia*s) I’ve been searching for the perfect LWD for years now – for the same reason as an LBD!

5. Floral Shoes (Charlotte Russe) Fun and quirky – a spring must!

What are you hoping to buy this season? Any favorite spring trends?

~ Sarah