Ten.

Shirt: Old Navy Skirt: Old Navy Sandals: Payless Necklace: Forever 21

Oof, sorry about the crappy iPhone photo and cheesy grin, you guys!  My regular camera was being super funky today and not letting me upload any photos, so you're stuck with the old iPhone...

I did not have to work or go to class this morning, so I was able to sleep in a little bit (8:00!  Woooo!) and work on some homework before hitting the gym.  Ten minutes into my workout, an episode of What Not to Wear came on...so instead of spending the 30 minutes I intended to on the treadmill, I stayed on for the whole episode...I burned 700 calories, though, so that was awesome!  I just love What Not to Wear, and I'm so sad it's going off the air!  I really hope that TLC keeps playing it in syndication, because it's so entertaining.  I've learned a lot about how to dress my body through the show as well, and how to become more confident in my skin.  Plus, it's shows like this (and trashy reality TV) that make my workouts go super fast!!  Please tell me I'm not the only one who watches trashy reality TV on the treadmill...

Six.

Tee: Old Navy Blazer: Old Navy Shorts: Old Navy Wedges: Payless Necklace: Gift

Some of my latest reflections: 

Ultimately, I am really happy with who I am.  I am a good person who does the right thing, cares for others, but also places a lot of importance on caring for myself.  I'm smart, friendly, and talented.  I have a compassionate heart, particularly for children and animals.

The way that I had always pictured my life is not really what I want anymore.  I want more from life - I want purpose and excitement and meaningful relationships.  I won't be content to just keep on going through the motions.

I want to start living more for me, and not somebody else.  My life is my life and as long as I keep on doing the right thing and treating others well, I am capable of making my own decisions.  I am lucky to have a partner who feels similarly.  We both make sacrifices so that each other can be happy as individuals and as a united couple.

I'm not 100% sure what is in the future for me, but I'm going to do my absolute best to make intentional decisions so I don't get bored with my safe, expected life.

Three.

Dress: Old Navy Vest: Old Navy Sandals: Old Navy Belt: Target Necklace: Eclectic Wendy Designs

Today is Kevin's 26th birthday!!  We have a pretty low-key day planned, since Kevin isn't one for big birthday fanfares or anything.  All he wanted was to spend time together and get some ice cream, so that's what we're doing!

Yesterday, Fran had an interesting discussion on her blog about dressing for yourself vs. dressing for others (in particular your partner).  Almost 100% of the time, I dress for myself, but today, I dressed for Kevin.  He has said before that he loves seeing me in purple, and I know he about dies whenever I wear anything that shows off my legs, so I thought this purple dress was the perfect way to make him smile on his birthday.  He also tells me all the time that I don't need to wear makeup to look beautiful, so I went really simple today with just mascara.  I still feel like me and am dressing true to myself, but this outfit is one that he really likes, too :)

One.

Chambray shirt: Old Navy Skirt: Old Navy Shoes: Target Belt: Target Necklace: Gift

It's here!  The 30x30 that Inge and I are taking on together is finally here!  I have been wanting to do this for a while, and it feels great to have a friend alongside me.  Be sure to check out Inge's blog as well to follow along with her.

I love this skirt, but I feel like pencil skirts are often not flattering on my body, which makes them hard to style sometimes.  My chambray shirt seemed to be a good fit, since it's a little looser and forgiving, but just the shirt and skirt together made me look a little boxy and plain.  I tried tucking in my shirt, but it was bunchy and looked weird.  Instead, I tried to define my waist a little more by adding a belt - it almost adds a peplum kind of silhouette...and I like it!  I have always loved the look of a skinny belt around the waist on other people, but I'm kind of squishy and feel like it emphasizes that.  However, I'm trying hard to step outside of my comfort zone and accept my body the way it is, so here you have it!

I hope you all had a great weekend!  I finished two summer classes on Friday, so I was able to relax and "play" guilt-free all weekend long!  It felt awesome.  I caught up on blogs, watched Monsters Inc and then went to the theater to see Monsters University, and had time to cook some food instead of just grabbing whatever was in my fridge.  This week is going to be awesome, with hardly any obligations.  I've needed this break for a while, and I'm super happy to be getting it!!

Casual Friday

Top: Target Jeans: Old Navy Sandals: Target Long necklace: F21 Heart necklace: My grandma's

There is really nothing to say about this outfit - it's essentially jeans and a tee, but it's comfortable and cute and it totally works for a Friday :)

We have a fun weekend planned.  Tonight, we're going to a dinner theater in the Twin Cities to celebrate my dad's birthday.  I'm a huge musical theater lover, so I'm pretty excited to get to see a musical tonight...plus, I get some good family time!  Remember a month ago when I said we were going to foster a puppy?  Well...we absolutely fell in love with her, and have decided to adopt her.  Tomorrow, we finalize the adoption and we couldn't be more excited to have her join our family permanently!  Her name is now Rooney, so follow me on Instagram (brynn_mcconnell) if you want some Pippin + Rooney pictures!

Rooney and me this afternoon.  She was watching ants crawl around on the sidewalk...

Coral Blazer!!!

 

Tee: Old Navy Blazer: Gap Pants: NY&C Flats: Payless Necklace: From Mom

I'm so excited to finally be wearing my coral blazer!  It's comfortable, bright, and fits me perfectly.  I usually don't shop at Gap (even though I love their stuff) because it's a little on the pricey end for me (yes, I'm super cheap and have a tight budget), but I got this one for a steal.  I hope you all like it, because you'll be seeing it frequently!!

I was thinking over the weekend about how my style has changed since I started reading blogs.  I've been reading blogs for three years or so, and I have grown so much in my personal style.  I'm starting to define who I am more, and figure out what I like, what works for me, and what doesn't work for me.  Three years ago, I never would have worn a blazer...and a colorful blazer would have been out of the question.  This is my fourth blazer, and my second colored one!  Even in the nearly six months I've been blogging, I'm not sure I would have been daring enough to wear this blazer.

However, the encouragement, feedback, support, and inspiration I've gotten from all of you have all helped me to try new things.  Thank you for helping me expand my boundaries...while narrowing my style focus at the same time.  Rather than trying out all the things, I'm trying different iterations of those things that are most "me."  You still won't catch me dead in a high-low skirt or dress (despite my love affair with dresses and skirts), in peplum (looks terrible on me), or high heels (OUCH), but I've been branching out with different colors, patterns, and silhouettes and feeling more comfortable with my personal style.

THANK YOU for helping me grow!!

Grandpa Sparkles

Dress: Old Navy Sandals: Target Necklace: F21

I was in my brother-in-law's wedding last summer, and all of the women needed to wear silver shoes.  Since I'm not a heels kind of lady, I decided to look for a pair of silver flat sandals with a little sparkle.  I searched high and low for the perfect pair, and wound up ordering this pair from Target online.  They were only about $20, which was ideal for my itty bitty budget, and they are SO comfortable.

I wore them once before the wedding, at my other brother-in-law's high school graduation open house, and Kevin's grandpa (who is usually super serious and stoic) really liked them.  I was sitting with Kevin in the yard, and Grandpa Mac came up to me and looked at my shoes...and we had the following conversation:

Mac: "So, you like sparkles?"

Me: "Yeah, I do!"

Mac: "Me too...how long do you think you've liked sparkles?  Since you were a little girl?  Maybe, like, two?"

Me: "Oh yes, I definitely liked sparkles when I was little!!"

Mac: [nods head...walks away...]

It was pretty funny, and to this day, we all call him Grandpa Sparkles when referring to him :)

I'm linking up with Heidi at Literate & Stylish for today's We Love Target challenge!

Lace and Flowers

Shirt: Target Skirt: Talbot's via TJ Maxx Sandals: Target Necklace: From Mom

All my pictures were pretty terrible today, and believe it or not, this was the best of the bunch.  I really didn't feel like posting any of them, but I figured a) I haven't posted in forever and I feel pretty bad about it, b) I'd rather be real than only try to choose photos that flattered me, and c) it is the first day of the We Love Target link up, hosted by the wonderful Whitney from Along the Lines of Style and Heidi from Literate & Stylish.   You all know how much I love Target, so I had to post today!!

I knew that Heidi and Whitney were both going to be featuring their lace tops, so I figured I'd showcase how I wear mine as well!  I really love this shirt - it is so comfortable and pretty, and I've worn it so many different ways already.  [You can see the ways I've worn it on the blog here and here.]

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Coral and Navy

Tee: Target Skirt: Target Flats: Payless Necklace: F21

I've been off work since last Friday, and while I enjoyed having the time to bond with Delia and dink around at home, I was ready to get back to work today.  I work in orientation at the university I attend, and we're about to start training all of our new staff members before a summer full of orientation.  I really hate training other people and am not feeling prepared at all, so I was ready to get back into the office today to plug away on some work before our staff arrives on Sunday!  I often feel more productive when I'm dressed nicely, so I wanted to be sure to wear something cute.  I wanted to wear this skirt, and instead of pairing it with something easy/obvious (navy or white), I decided to wear my bright, fun coral tee!  I tied in the navy with a navy and gray necklace.  I really like how this outfit turned out.  I felt comfortable and cute and summery all day.

I tend to place really high expectations on myself.  When I first started the Blog Every Day in May challenge,  I felt determined to complete it and write every. single. day.  I felt pretty good about the challenge the first few days, but after a while, it didn't feel fun anymore.  I wasn't jazzed about every prompt, and I found it to feel like another thing I had to check off of my to do list each day.  It just lost its appeal.  I still think some of the prompts are fantastic, and I may jump in on those days (or borrow the prompts for future posts).  However, I want to keep the focus on my outfits and my own little nuggets for now.  I hate that I'm not completing the project (even though I've missed a day or two) and feel like I'm giving up, but ultimately, I just want to have fun with blogging and not feel such a sense of obligation.  Sound good?

Linking up with Work Clothes I Suppose and Mix and Match Fashion today.

Day Fourteen: 10 Things I Love about Life

Tee: Target Shorts: Old Navy Shoes: Born Necklace: F21

It's going to be 95 degrees here today...WHAT.  I've already shared my disdain for shorts, and while I really don't want to be wearing them today, it's too hot not to.  And I'm pretty sure a flowy dress or skirt is just a play toy for a puppy, so I decided to just suck it up and wear one of my new pairs of shorts.  I still don't love the way they look on me - slightly snug in the waist and the leg holes are huge, but whatever...they're as good as it will get, I fear.  I love these dressy tees from Target, too.  The material is soft, and I love this bright teal color.

Today, I'm sharing with you a list of 10 things that make me happy.  Here they are, in no particular order.

1. Kevin!  He is my perfect partner.  We are so, so different from each other in many ways, but we just work together.  He is super funny and makes me laugh all the time.
2. Painting.  It is so fun to have a hobby like this, where I can just sit quietly or with a podcast or playlist of favorite tunes and create something.
3. Singing.  I love, love, love to sing, especially with other people.  Singing in a small group or a duet is my absolute favorite.  When you sing with someone whose voice blends beautifully with yours, there's almost nothing better.
4. Dogs!  I especially love our little Pippin.  She is quirky and sweet and snuggly and sassy, and she is the best companion ever.  Also, I'm loving little Delia, our foster pup, right now.  She's a great little puppy, and I am excited to help her find her forever home!
5. Frozen yogurt.  It's just delicious and refreshing!
6. Minnesota!  I really don't want to get too political on my blog, but I can't NOT talk about this today.  Minnesota became the 12th state in the country to legalize gay marriage yesterday.  I could not be happier - so many of my family and friends will finally have the privileges I do and will be able to marry their loves as well!
7. Warm, sunny, breezy days.  I'm not much of an outside girl, but on perfect days like that, I just want to sit outside and soak it all in.
8. My family and friends.  It's so great to know there are people out there who support me and care about me.  And man, do they make me laugh!!
9. Harry Potter.  I know the series is over, but I absolutely LOVE Harry Potter.  The books are smart and interesting, and pose some fascinating questions.  I have so much respect for JK Rowling.
10. Telling other people about the positive impact they have had on me.  I know how wonderful it feels to know that I've made a difference in someone else's life, and it means so much to me to pass that along to those who have impacted me as well.

Day Eight: Advice.

Tee: Target Skirt: Target Shoes: Payless Necklace: From Mom

I absolutely love this outfit.  I wanted to wear a fuller skirt today, and this chambray skirt with pockets called to me from my closet this morning!  I also wanted to finally break out my new sandal wedges, so I thought I'd keep the other elements of my outfit focused on black.  I love how this turned out - I feel cute and put together and sassy.  I'm also having a fantastic hair day - I cut it over the weekend and it's quite a bit shorter than it was (particularly in the back, which you can't see here).  I love having a good hair day.

The prompt for today's Blog Every Day in May challenge is to give some advice.  Well, as an aspiring school counselor, we have been taught time and time again that we are not professional advice-givers.  After a year of graduate school, it feels weird to give advice.  But I'll pass on a nugget of wisdom that has been really helpful and motivating to me in my adulthood!

Find a cause that you are passionate about and do something about it.  In a world where there is so much injustice, inequality, and negativity, it feels amazing to make a difference.  Give your time by volunteering or give your money by making donations, or spread the word by advocating for others and educating people who may not know about the cause that you're interested in.  I know I talk about this all the time, but animal rescue is the thing I am most passionate about.  I have done plenty of research on animal rescue and talk to people about it all the time (for instance, I talk about the importance of spaying or neutering your pets).  I volunteer at the local animal shelter on adoption days and help place animals in their forever homes.  And this weekend, Kevin and I are getting our first foster puppy from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky.  We don't have many details yet, but we're excited to share with you when we do know more!  I have never been this excited or passionate about something in my life, and I cannot wait to start saving the lives of innocent dogs!

Day Seven: Waste.

Tank: Old Navy Skirt: Old Navy Cardigan: Gap Flats: Payless Necklace: Eclectic Wendy

I'm loving this outfit today.  I picked up this skirt at Old Navy for $3 because I liked both the price and the colors, but have found it a little difficult to style so far.  The green of my blouse is slightly brighter than the green stripes on the skirt, but I really don't mind.  I just feel springy and fun in this outfit!  And I don't feel boring like I have lately.  It's finally spring here in Minnesota and I'm able to wear all the spring outfits I've been planning in my head for months!

So, for the Blog Every Day in May challenge today, I wrote this long post about the things I'm afraid of (needles, fish, vomiting) but these are the physical things that make me pass out or panic.  These are the easy things to talk about.  I was avoiding the deep things that really make me most afraid at my core.  The thing, deep down, that makes me the most afraid is wasting time.

I'm not just talking about wasting time dinking around on the internet (which I'm really good at, but wish I wasn't) or watching copious amounts of mediocre television on Netflix (I'm looking at you, Desperate Housewives), but I'm talking about something bigger.  I'm talking about the kind of time wasting that prevents you from living life and experiencing it all.

• I'm afraid of wasting time on unhealthy friendships.  Or wasting too much time dwelling on the unhealthy friendships I've had in the past that is taking away from the time I could be investing in new, healthy friendships. 
• I'm afraid of time wasting getting in the way of my family.  My grandfather was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and we don't have as much time (good time, filled with memories) left to spend together.  I'm lucky that I still have four grandparents left, but I know that my time with them is precious.
• I'm afraid that if I waste too much time, I won't be able to accomplish the things I want to.  I have dabbled in painting, but at the end of the day, it is too easy to reach for my laptop instead of my paintbrushes.  I want to learn to love running, but I waste time sitting around instead of getting outside in my running shoes.  I want to become a mother via adoption, but if I waste my time and money at the mall and doing other frivolous things instead of working hard, earning more money, and putting that money towards my future child(ren), I'm afraid it will never happen for me.

Wasting time is so scary for me.  I would love to get better at using my time well and in the most meaningful and productive way possible.  What have you done to better use your time?  What are you afraid of?

Cowgirl??

Dress: Target Denim jacket: Levi's Boots: Guess Necklace: From Mom

When I bought this dress a few weeks ago, the first outfit I planned for it was with my boots and denim jacket.  I've been waiting for just the right occasion to bust it out, and today's the day!  Tonight, all the graduating second year Masters students in my program are presenting their theses at our department's Research Colloquium.  All of the first year students (that's me!) will be attending to support the second years and listen to their presentations.  I'm actually really excited about it, because I'm a big nerd.  Some of the topics of the presentations are things I'm really interested in: eating disorders in adolescents, helping students transition from middle school to high school, cyberbullying, and closing the achievement gap.  The event requires participants and guests to dress up, so I am excited to be wearing my pretty lace dress!!

Kevin told me this morning that I looked like a cowgirl...I'll take it.  He also was watching me take my pictures again, and I didn't get as awkward as I usually do.  But then he told me to pose like a cowgirl, and I did this: 

What the heck is this?  We laughed and laughed at how ridiculous it was.  I love having a partner I can laugh at myself with :)

Also, is it just me, or are jackets and blazers exceptionally hard to photograph??  Whenever I bend my arms, jackets gape and fold weird...oh well!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.

My Own Striped Skirt!

Tank: Old Navy Skirt: Old Navy Jacket: Levi's Tights: Target Boots: Target Necklace: From parents

Oof, you guys.  The Midwest is getting buckets of snow, sleet, and rain today and tomorrow...so today was a boots kind of day.  I'm not one to really complain about the weather, but I did not want to be back in tights.  Since it's laundry day and I'm out of clean pants, though, I had to force myself to dig out my tights again, and I decided to go big or go home with purple tights.  I actually really like the way this outfit turned out.  I've been loving these striped skirts for years, but never bought one for myself for whatever reason.  I recently was in Old Navy using up my Super Cash, and this skirt was on sale for $12!!  Woo!

I've been much more quiet than usual about commenting on others' blogs lately.  First, it was because I was a writing machine, working on the beginnings of my thesis (first draft for the literature review is due on Friday!!), and then my computer battery died.  I KNOW.  I've been blogging from my work computer (shhh, don't tell), because commenting and reading blogs on my phone sucks.  Thankfully, I've got an appointment with the Apple Genius Bar tomorrow to get it back into tiptop shape, and hopefully I'll be able to engage with you all better!!

Also, I have a super important interview tomorrow, so any good vibes you want to send my direction are much appreciated :)

I hope you all have a great Wednesday!

Stripes!!

Shirt: Old Navy Jeans: NY&C Flats: Payless Necklace: Birthday gift from parents

Whoops!  I didn't get a post up yesterday because I had a little minor medical procedure done (I'm fine) and laid on the couch all day, basically in the same outfit as Monday, just with a chambray shirt instead.  No shame.

I went to Old Navy because I had Super Cash to use, plus I saw all their clearance was an additional 30% off.  I got this shirt, 2 skirts, a dress, two tank tops, and a scarf for around $30...and 5 of the 7 things are striped...anyone else have this problem?

I'm heading to a conference this weekend in Minneapolis (WOO!!) with a student I supervise, and I'm really excited.  I presented at this conference as an undergraduate student and I'm so excited to be going back in a supervisory role.  I'll be decked out in school spirit clothes all weekend (the conference is for people involved in college orientation...) so I have nothing too exciting to share on the blog...because you don't want to see me in jeans and a hoodie, right??

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Last Minute Outfit

Shirt: Old Navy Pants: NY&C Boots: Target Necklace: From Mom

So, I'm a huge nerd, and I have a spreadsheet for tracking and planning my outfits (I'll show how I keep track of all this some time, if you're interested).  I usually plan outfits a week or so in advance, which makes getting dressed in the morning a breeze.  I've been so busy lately, however, that I haven't taken the time to plan my outfits for the week, so I wound up trying about 3-4 outfits on before settling on this (as I ran out of time).  It isn't the greatest outfit in the world, but it was comfortable, and I got several compliments at work about it...so I consider it a win. :)  I have had these ponte pants from NY&C for about two years and this is the first time I've ever worn them (I KNOW).  They wound up being super comfy, although they're almost like leggings so I need to make sure I'm wearing longer tops with them :)  I really like the color of them, too; they're like a light chocolate brown.

I hope you all had a great weekend!  The weather is finally starting to turn around in Minnesota, and I'm so excited to be able to wear my new springy purchases without tights!

Spring Cleaning

Sweater: Old Navy Jeans: NY&C Shoes: Payless Necklace: From Mom

Kevin and I have been so busy with school and work lately, and the cleanliness of our apartment has really taken a backseat.  However, we're dog sitting for an 11-month-old black lab (!!) this weekend, and I wanted the apartment to be as puppy-proof as possible for her.  I spent 3 hours today after work cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.  This outfit was perfect for all the hard work I put in!

It's times like this that I wish we were minimalists.  Wouldn't it be so nice to not have very much stuff?! Less surfaces to clean, less things to organize, less places to find a home...I'm feeling the urge to do some spring cleaning now!  I want to do some huge purges!!

I still want to chop my hair, too.  The more I look at it, the more annoyed I get with it.  I may take myself into the hair salon this weekend...stay tuned!!

Research Outfit

Sweater: Old Navy - Men's dept Jeans: NY&C Shoes: TOMS Necklace: Birthday gift from parents

Okay, so I tried outside photos again.  I'm still paranoid about getting caught, but I was ready with the "It's for a school project" excuse if anyone walked by :)  And the photo quality is still pretty poor - I'm not a camera savvy person, so I'm not 100% sure what to do to make the photos less dark and grainy, but I'll keep monkeying around with different angles, camera settings, etc.

Most of the outfits I post on here are worn to work and class.  This is a 100% lazy Saturday outfit!  I used to spend most of my weekends in yoga pants and a sweatshirt (to be honest, I'm usually found in yoga pants as soon as I get home from work/school...), but I feel better and am more productive when I'm wearing clothing that's appropriate for wearing in public.

I'm currently taking the required Research & Writing course for my Master's program, and we're beginning to write our theses, so I am up to my ears in articles.  It has been tons of work so far, but I absolutely love my topic, which makes the whole process more enjoyable.  I've always been the kind of reader who needs to print off all the articles so I can highlight and make notes to my heart's content, but I'm keeping up with the times and reading all my articles on my iPad with GoodNotes.  I can highlight, underline, type notes, etc. all on the iPad, and I have to say, I am a convert!  It's been so convenient!

So...today, I'll be reading and critiquing articles, taking notes, and developing my outline.  Today's outfit is perfect for that: comfortable enough to spend the day on the couch, but polished enough that I don't feel like a slob :)

Happy Saturday!

An Ode to Sweater Dresses...

Dress: Target Fleece-lined leggings: Target Boots: Target Necklace: From Mom

I wore this sweater dress when celebrating my brother's birthday a couple of weeks ago.  It is so simple but comfortable, and I'm kind of in love with this shade of brown (especially paired with black!).  Also, I could seriously live in sweater dresses (or dresses in general, if I'm being really honest) for weeks and not really even miss pants.  Well, I might miss my black pants a little bit...but you get the idea.

Just Visiting

Dress: Old Navy Leggings: Victoria's Secret Necklace: From Mom

Look!  A new setting for pictures!  I'm standing in the middle of my mom and dad's living room/dining room here.  I'm back at home for a few days observing groups of students for grad school at my lovely alma mater.  Rather than skip out on outfit pictures for a couple of days, I thought I'd just snap some at their house.  I wore my beloved black boots with this outfit when I was out and about, but opted not to wear them in my pictures.

I had seen this dress at Old Navy several months ago, but didn't want to pay full price for it.  I stopped into Old Navy the other day (heyyy tax return!) and saw it on the clearance rack for a budget-friendly $15, and snatched it up.  I remember Fran styling it with a red cardigan and brown accessories back in January, and loved the look, but I decided to keep it simple for my first wearing.  I'm a huge fan of black and white stripes (apparently, because this is my third black/white striped dress), and have great plans to get plenty of wear out of this dress all year long (story of my closet's life).

Linking up with My Greatest Hits.