I'm finally back in Utah, all settled in, and almost ready for school tomorrow. It was so nice to open my closet and see all my clothes! I got a little too excited and somehow this was what I wore to church.

Wearing Steve & Barry sweater cardigan ($10), J.Crew ruffle top (gift from my mom), Wet Seal skirt ($10), secondhand belt ($6), F21 tights ($8), and Ros Hommerson oxfords ($25).
Another New Year's resolution that I am determined to keep:
Besides this blog, all I do is go to school and work. But at the present time, both make me unhappy. My husband and I both suspect it has sprouted some starts of depression too. But this will be my last semester and I couldn't be more overjoyed! My new resolution is to see the joy in these simple and mundane things because I can easily spiral into an unhappy state or I can turn lemons into lemonade. You're probably wondering why I am doing this when it's making me unhappy. I was only 2 class shy of graduating with a political science degree and I guess I am more of a practical thinker and decided to suck it up and just do it! There's been a lot of tears and Whys but I know I'd regret not getting a degree years later. And it's a just-in-case-something-happens-to-my-husband-and-he-can't-work safety net. Although a polisci degree is pretty useless unless coupled with a law or master degree.
Also, Anonymous readers can now comment! But be warned - if you're a hater, your comment will be deleted. Constructive criticism is fine, just don't be mean! I am self-conscious and have feelings just like every other woman.
Also, Anonymous readers can now comment! But be warned - if you're a hater, your comment will be deleted. Constructive criticism is fine, just don't be mean! I am self-conscious and have feelings just like every other woman.
I love that you posted your school/degree! I'm in your same position! I can't wait to be done after this semester! glad your back!! hope you had such a great time with your family!
ReplyDeletethat's a great combo by the way. I love the tights! i want some!!
fresh brownies
...and better than ever! you are wearing my two favorite colors: mustard yellow and red! you look beautiful.
ReplyDeletealso, i completely understand how you feel. school has been making me m-i-s-e-r-a-b-l-e, but i know that i need to finish. hang in there!!!
good luck with your last semester - i head back soon too ... ahhh but on a more fabcity notewise, I LOVE YOUR OXFORDS and want a pair just like those! im about to print this out and carry it to ever shoe store in philly looking for them. youll get through it, pinky promise, plus an education is so powerful for women, think of it as girl power challenge. best of luck and love, ps i love your blog xx
ReplyDeleteeep! i love your yellow cardigan!! this whole outfit has delicious colors<3 good luck with your last semester! i too feel like my degree is useless (i'm a psych major) unless coupled with a medical degree or a phd, but now i want to go into photography. but yeah i'm sucking it up it up and finishing off the degree (i'm only 3 classes away) then i can do what i want. but it definitely is my safety net too (: hang in there! it'll feel amazing when you finish :D
ReplyDeleteYou look so lovely in this outfit. Wow. The print on the skirt is fantastic. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything...and good for you to warn anon. commenters with a bad agenda that they will be deleted. Haters don't belong here!!!
Adorable outfit! That skirt is divine. :) Good luck with your resolution!
ReplyDeleteElaine,
ReplyDeletePlease take this to heart...What ever discomfort this one semester may present, know that the lack of a college degree will present years of discomfort. A few months versus the rest of your working life! You can do this! I believe in you.
When it gets too much, you have a caring husband and a heart-felt faith to lean on.
Not to mention all of us here to cheer you on!
Thanks for the sweet comment! Your blog is lovely!!!
ReplyDeletehey there :D wow your blog is really interesting.
ReplyDeletei love the fact that you're in college and married.. meaning you call him you're HUSBAND. did you find that surreal at first? i think its awesome. ok ill shutup now LOL
i also love how you say 'this blog is to help me be creative with what i already have.' i find that really cool, definitely following you.
goodluck on your new years resolution :)
i love that skirt and the colors in this outfit! good luck on your last semester!
ReplyDeleteI love this look, the colours are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've been feeling a bit depressed, I've been a bit the same way :(
But yay for being nearly finished!
this is one of my favorite looks of yours! those colors are GORGEOUS on you and they're two of my favorites, mustard yellow and dark red. reminds me of the warmer autumn days. :)
ReplyDeletegood luck with your resolution and i hope you start becoming a little happier. i guess sometimes you have to take a step back and just look at things a little differently before you become suffocated by the same things every day. :)
Omg!!!! Yipee I have been following your blog forever...not like a stalker i promise, but just as a young person needing clothing inspiration! You have inspired me in so many ways your amazing! LOVE THE OUTFIT!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJennica
Beautiful colors!
ReplyDeletecolormenana.blogspot.com
skirt is adorable :) and i like your new year's resolution. its good to find happiness in the smallest things and more importantly yourself. i know it can be hard (i have a hard time sometimes too!) but you should always choose to be happy!
ReplyDeleteleethroughthelens.blogspot.com
Hello, I really like your style, and I'm anonymous, but not a hater. I don't know much about your personal situation, and I applaud your decision to just finish. However, I wanted to respectfully disagree that a political science degree means nothing with a master's degree. I am a professor in political science. My students (and classmates) have gone on to do lots of interesting things without an advanced degree. They include working political campaigns and government jobs, working at non-profits, working in advertising and publishing, working for the foreign service, working as the regional director of a major upscale quick service food chain, university (lower level) administration, working as a lab technician, running a music production company, working as a cop, firefighter, and in finance! So even if you don't work with the "major", a political science degree is not useless, especially if you can write well, communicate effectively, and think critically. For reals. Good luck with your semester!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your resolutions!
ReplyDeleteBTW, love the shoes.
hi! love your outfit, you really have a great sense of style and are not afraid to put two things together that most people would not normally think of. i'm glad to hear you are sticking to your resolutions, i always have the hardest time! good luck with school, mine starts tomorrow too!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with looking fabulous at church!
ReplyDeleteI like your resolution; it is so easy focus on the negative and quickly find yourself in a very unhappy place -- making sure you acknowledge all the positive things in your life is so important!
Good luck with school!
Congrats on being almost done with school! :) I'm the exact same way about school sometimes- I get horribly down about it, and I just feel like quitting. But this semester, I'm taking the fun classes I've ALWAYS wanted to take, so I'm quite excited!! :D
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit! Your tights and cardi are so cute! :)
http://playingdressupwithkellie.blogspot.com/
Hello hun : ) I luv ur combination of colours here, u look stunning!! Good Luck for this year, I hope you feel better soon : ) xxx
ReplyDeleteYay, you're back! I know it's hard, but I think it's great that you're finishing your degree. Good luck with school!
ReplyDeleteCome on!! You are almost there. Just few months and done. Don´t feel sad. Think of the rest of the things that you have granted. Cute combination.
ReplyDeletexoxo
B* a la Moda
for what it's worth, i know how you feel. i graduated with a computer science degree last may. but, a year before graduating, i felt i had made a mistake with the path i had chosen and i actually wanted to change majors. however, that meant that i would have had to stay in school for several more years to pursue that new degree. so, i stayed with computer science, and like you, there were a lot of tears involved and even depression. but, it's over and in retrospect, i'm happy to have my degree, even though i'm not using it because it's a testament to having finished something and that alone was important.
ReplyDeletehang in there. you're almost done and after it's over, you can pursue what you love with full force.
i'm happy your back and i'm lovin' your chevron maroon tights from F21.
I love the colours in this outfit, they remind me of autumn...oh how i wish it was autumn instead of the 40 degree heat we have at the moment!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your unhappy at the moment, i know work and study can wear you out completely. I just finished my degree last month, and I have to say im so glad i pushed through and made it to the end...you will get there too. At least you have blog land to escape to hehe
Looking forward to your future outfits :)
Rose
Glad you're back! Love this whole outfit---great color combination. Good luck finishing up your degree and I hope things look up. I think that's about how I felt last year. Completing your program sounds like a good decision, though! I know I always want to be able to provide for myself.
ReplyDeletewelcome back! you look so super cute in those colours, love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm having a giveaway on my blog, come check it out :)
Fancy Pants
hey i just photo tagged you! go to my blog for details: www.beautybag411.com! have fun :)
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back!! Love the outfit! The skirt is very pretty, especially when paired with that belt.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll 'endure' to finish your school. I've always wanted to take a master degree, but haven't had a chance.. ^_^
http://thenovembergirl.blogspot.com
wow! u really really look gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI like ur outfit in this post. there's no words that I can use to say how great is this!!!
Really well done! Love ur look so much
the skirt is really cute and everything is matched together form the top to toe. Great job!!!! :D
I really impressed! really inspiring :D
Your look cute here and I really like the pattern on your skirt.
ReplyDeleteIt made me sad to here you are perhaps depressed with what is going on in your life. I really hope you work at the studies till the end. I'm pretty sure it will be worth it. Good luck :)
♥
Back and looking amazing! Love this.
ReplyDeleteI wish that I had looked as amazing as you as an undergrad! 2 classes is nothing- you can do it!
ReplyDeleteThe colors of this outfit are impeccable, and the tights are to die for!
gorgeous outfit, i love the colors you used :)
ReplyDeletewelcome back Elaine :) this outfit has a great combination of colors! love it!
ReplyDeleteand good luck for your resolution. temporary suffering equals to permanent happiness! holding a degree is very important coz you never know what will happen in the future. you can do it! ;)
rainbowinthegloomysky.blogspot.com
Hang in there, sweetie! You'll be so happy when you finally finish your degree. Winter seems to bring out the depression in me too - there aren't as many fun social things going on and I just feel like coming home at night and curling up anyway. I work. I blog. I need a hobby! (Basically: I know exactly how you feel. Hugs!)
ReplyDeleteIf it's any consolation, you look adorable in your sunshine-y outfit. And the tights are the most beautiful color!
I love this combination! I'm especially liking the tights with the skirt. Fun mix!
ReplyDeletei'm glad you're back :)
ReplyDeleteyou look lovely in this sun, i love your skirt and red tights, really nice outfit.
Welcome back!! sunny but I can still see some snow...
ReplyDeleteLovely skirt and cardigan and I love the colour of your tights!
xxx
PS: I've never got an anonymous comment...
Love the skirt ! Lovely pattern !
ReplyDeleteGood luck with school, my hubby just finished Very long schooling and is now in a residency so we know how you feel about it. Sure can get you down... But I hope you can see the light at the end of the tunnel enough to Enjoy it! Just smile everyday that will help!
ReplyDeleteYour Great hope you had a great Christmas and trip!
The skirt/belt combo is just dynamite, lady.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is stunning -- love this entire color combination here! You look so sunny :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing up your degree. I felt the same way as you my last semester -- it definitely helps to get out sometimes just to get away from it all for a little while. Good luck this semester -- I know you'll do great!
:) JoAnn, Sidewalk Chalk
Gorgeous look!
ReplyDeleteXx
Gorgeous outfit, especially loving the skirt..the pattern and colours are perfect.
ReplyDeleteLove this outfit, that skirt is wonderful, amazing what one can find at wet seal sometimes!
ReplyDeleteand I totally understand your resolution, school has been making me miserable as well, and it is also thankfully my last semester. Good luck with that goal, and just think, its almost over! :)
Love the outfit and welcome back! Stay strong with school, it will be over before you know it and you'll be glad you toughed it out!
ReplyDeleteI personally LOVE this outfit, the colors are great, I'm in love with mustard colors right now, I love the cardi! Good luck with school!! I feel your "must finish" pain, trust me, you are very smart to finish before having kids!!
ReplyDeleteI think these colors should be making you feel happy! I love mustard yellow and I super love how you paired it with the rust tights!
ReplyDeleteHang in there - in the long run, it's such a small amount of time. I think EVERYONE feels that way about school by the last semester. I know I did!
I love all the different colors, it works together so well!
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck with school!
www.sonyasark.blogspot.com
nice color combination of the cardi and tights. you should often wear outfits with fancy colors. this will surely cheer you up. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't feel too bad- I'm getting a degree in English Literature, which is pretty much only worthwhile if I get (hey this looks familiar) a law degree or my master's degree. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI plan on going to graduate school eventually. Not sure what or where or when I'll be studying, bit it's in the plans. And it will surely wear me out!
I love the colors! you're almost done with school so keep at it! ...and a polisci degree is not useless! you can get pretty much any job with it, my sis graduated with bio and polisci degrees and she's very successful :)
ReplyDeleteElaine, that happens a lot. So, don't feel guilty or bad about it.
ReplyDeleteSurely it will help you later on in life....
What I think is that we are kinda forced to choose at too early of an age.
I chose marketing and now I sometimes wish I had done psychology.
Maybe what you will get your degree on will be an asset to whatever you chose to do later on... remember God works in mysterious ways !
Love.
this outfit looks awesome on you! I love this look!! Too cute!
ReplyDeleteI know what you can do with a polisci. Wherever you end up, go to city council meetings. Join a service organization. Community groups need people with a practical sense of organization and good morals. And a sharp sense of style doesn't hurt either. You can make a better place for your kids (future tense) and everybody's kids.
ReplyDeleteI like the colored tights with that outfit. Looks like a lot of fun texture. Get the degree and drink lots of lemonade while doing it! You won't regret it.
ReplyDeletei'm so glad you're back! ^^
ReplyDeletelovely outfit! <3
i'm going to have to check out f21's tights sometime, it seems that they have a lot of cute ones. i think i have a belt like yours, too! yours is way cuter, though.
ReplyDeletehttp://steampunkdolls.blogspot.com/
My Dads a pastor, and he always says, "the best way to get rid of deppression, is to do something for someone else!" It makes sense to me! Deppression will usually make people think they need to do something for THEMSELVES, but what will really help, is helping someone else! Try voluntering at your mission, or helping a fellow student with homework! Just a few suggestions! I love your outfit! Its so cute! You rock yellow, I look nasty in yellow! But then again, I'm pasty white so....
ReplyDelete______________________________________________
www.natashaatkerson.blogspot.com Check it out!
Become a follower and leave a comment if you like what you see!
lovely skirt. It's in retro style which I just adore.
ReplyDeleteFabulous outfit! The skirt is too cute!
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck with school and everything. I know it can be stressful, but it will all be worth it in the end when you have your degree.
LOVE your outfit, adorable!! Glad you got back safely.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally loving the outfit!!
ReplyDeleteLove this look- you did a great job styling it with the tights! Here's to a happy 2010 to you! :)
ReplyDeleteit's good to see you back. i love the color combination that you are wearing- it's so lovely! i've been in a funk lately too, and i admire your positive attitude on finding the little joys in life. i'm trying to say thanks for at least one thing each day and also make the time to do something that makes me happy to help combat it. just remember the last semester is always the toughest, but it's worth it in the end! {i know you can do it :}
ReplyDeleteGoldenrod is such a beautiful color on you! I adore that skirt.
ReplyDeleteLoving your outfit. I went for yellow today, too :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally can understand how you feel with university and work. I am currently only studying and not working and it is already so much work.
Just keep going... the goal is near
*Nathalie
I love your skirt! It is so cute. Is it a recent purchase? I didn't see it online.
ReplyDeleteI'm in my final semester of undergrad as well. I didn't want to finish, but I know I would regret it.
i love the print of your skirt paired with the bright tights! so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel regarding school and its ups and downs. It is beyond frustrating! But worth it. Your kind words about the difficulties I have been having in my college town with all of my friends graduating put a fierce smile on my face! So, I will give the same advice: it's only one more semester! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I adore your posted outfit. I love playing up skirts and shorts with playful colored tights!
ReplyDeleteAaaaaand you're back with a bang! Lovely colours in the outfit, they really suit you.
ReplyDeletehttp://dreamingspiresandoldcartyres.blogspot.com
wonderful use of colour!
ReplyDeleteThe last leg of a journey often appears to be more than we can handle, but then turns out to really be the easiest. It will be May before you know it!
ReplyDeleteA person would have to be crazy and/or mean to be a hater towards you. So if it happens please don't be hurt by it. I try to feel amused that the person had nothing better to do with their time. =)
Welcome back! And yes, finish that degree. You never know what the future holds and you're right, you don't want to look back and think..crap, why didn't I finish!
ReplyDeleteGo get 'em tiger!!! hehe
xo
nice color combo
ReplyDeletelovely outfit, i esp like the print on your skirt.
ReplyDeletestay positive you've almost got that degree! you never know where your degree can get you. i studied history in undergrad and now i work in politics! =)
Welcome back. I'm loving this outfit. The color combo is great and the print of your skirt is adorable.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up hon, you can do it and you'll be so glad when it's done! It's hard to stay happy all the time, don't be so hard on yourself if you have a bad day ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the sunny yellow! Especially on cold dreary winter days!
i really like this! i remember this skirt from a while back when it was warm. good hot-to-cold transition :)
ReplyDeletePretty skirt! Love that you paired it with those bright, patterned tights, too!
ReplyDeleteI love that maize color on you! You look lovely and hang in there, the right attitude can go a long way!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, hun. Love the outfit - the tights and the skirt are so awesome.
ReplyDeleteWhen I finished school (after 9 long years), I felt weak and de-spirited. But I hung in there for my husband and our future family - it worked out v well, but there were a lot of tough times. It's kind of good ...to realize how strong you can be.
ShopTOLive.ca
stunning!! i just love your outfits!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://animatedconfessions.blogspot.com
in love with this look! i love how u mix the prints and colors together and still be able to make it look polish! u go girl :)
ReplyDeletexo
the best part of your outfit are the little details - that belt pulls everything together. love the hint of gold.
ReplyDeletexo.
princesspolitico
Hy! Thanks for the comment! I love your outfit here!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Don't be depressed, I know how it feels, trust me, but I've already got my degree, it doesn't really help me, because I don't work in that field, but people treat you differently when you have graduated something..But you already knew that :D
Have a nice day!
kiss
Wow.. you look great as always! I love your outfit
ReplyDeleteCheer up Elaine :D You'll be just fine. Soon, it will pass and you'll be able to look back at this time and smile :)
btw, thank you for visiting my blog and give comment on it, though it's not a fashion blog like yours. I'm flattered :D
I always wanted to start one, but I don't have enough confidence :)
Hi Elaine!
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog and I have to say: You have such a cute style!
Belen ♥
http://einahpetsneleb.blogspot.com
So in love with this outfit!! From head to toe it so amazing!
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhhhh...you are so pretty, nice, lovely!I love your style...Muaskss
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt!
ReplyDeleteGreat mix of patterns. I adore that skirt!
ReplyDeleteStick it out Elaine and finish your degree. No one can ever take away your education and after all, "the glory of God is intelligence" and what we take with us after this life is whatever we have learned, which is one of the points of being here in the first place LOL
ReplyDeleteYou can do a lot with that political science degree or any degree ! Think College Graduate...and just go from there !
BTW,
ReplyDeleteYou really know how to put an outfit together...how about a post sometime of must have items in your closet...I could really use some help !
you can do it, my sweet blog friend!!!!!
ReplyDeleteone semester left!
(i'm sending all my sweetest and most powerful secular prayers your way for happiness in every little moment of your year).
xoxo.
I love everything about this outfit! Esp the red tights! - Natalya of Wear Necessities
ReplyDeleteBeautiful color combination.
ReplyDeleteI think your resolution is lovely. Good luck with it! There's a light at the end of the tunnel!
The only resolution I've kept so far is eating at least a serving of vegetables every day. =P I guess I've established that if I don't keep it simple, it's not happening.
-Megan
you look great! i love the color combo, especially the tights!
ReplyDeletei am proud of you for getting the degree. it can give you an edge. i think it's important to finish though it hasn't always been pleasant. i hated going back for my masters, but was oh so glad to get it over with. plus it made me a better therapist;)
ReplyDeleteanyway, elaine, i just love this look. i think this is my all time fave. i love everything about it. the colors, the fun print, the cute belt, the tights! i adore this!
Very sweet and sunny, beautiful color combo!
ReplyDeleteLovely outfit. You really inspire me to try to pair different colors together! You look great.
ReplyDeleteI just had to comment you finishing school!! Speaking from someone who has been out for almost ten years, YOU will be SO GLAD you finished!!! It is such an accomplishment and it will open up doors for you that you may not have expected. I know a few women with children and husbands and the demands of everyday life, that are now trying to go back and finish those last classes, and let me tell you that looks 100 time harder. I'm not one for usually telling people how they will feel, but you will be happy you finished!! You have so many people waiting for you to succeed! DO IT!!
oh my god .. who would say anything rude to you ? you have the best style !
ReplyDeleteim shocked but remeber these losers are often young teenage girls ... which makes everything they say pretty petty .
love the color of your tights .. i hope you feel better about your job .. perhaps if it is truly making you depressed its time for a change ?
I loved Steve and Barry's! Especially their sweaters...and their earrings... So sad that they went under.
ReplyDeleteI think you are definitely making the right decision by finishing up your degree. Hang in there and in the meantime you have all of your blogger friends to keep you company and make you smile :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Crazy in love with the colors, textures and patterns in this outfit!
this outfit is definitely a keeper.
ReplyDeleteit's lovely for the learning environment...