april budget

J.Crew Field Jacket: originally $148, on sale for $77
J.Crew Blouse: originally $70, on sale for $60
Target Sandals: originally $22, on sale for $18
Ann Taylor Dress: originally $149, on sale for $75
J.Crew Factory Necklace: originally $52, on sale for $15
Loft Chambray Blazer: originally $128, on sale for $55
Old Navy Dress: originally $25, on sale for $15

April total: $315 + $25 in tailoring costs = $340 + March ($70) + February ($89)


So I've come down with the most annoying and ill-timed of all colds, so I apologize for both being completely MIA the last few days, and the fact that today's post is going to be short. I had a review post planned for Monday and a longer Q&A based on recent budget questions, but every minute I'm not drowning myself in cough syrup and pillows is spent doing UWorld questions and reviewing for our pathology shelf exam on Thursday.

So this month was a bit more spendy than recent months, but that's the nice thing about my current quarter budget. I didn't spend a lot in February or March, so I had a bit more wiggle room this month to buy some things I'm really excited about. The Old Navy dress has already been several times in the short amount of time I've owned it - it's going to be a definite staple this summer (I suggest sizing down if you are interested - mine is a medium)! The spring has been rather chilly and rainy, so the J.Crew jacket has been a real winner as well. I was also pretty excited to get my hands on the J.Crew Factory pearl necklace - I've admired it for a while, but could never justify the full price. During a flash jewelry sale, I got it for $15!

I'm going to do a review on the Ann Taylor dress soon (beginning of next week maybe?) but I just wanted to talk about it real quick. I fell in love with it online, and love it even more in person. It just fits me so well and it has all the features of a dress I'm always looking for (v-neck, sleeves, waist flattering). I wasn't going to keep it though because I didn't really have a place to wear it - it's too white to wear to a wedding and it's too pretty to wear to work. I was telling CR about it and he told me that if I loved it that much, I should keep it, and he'll make an occasion for me to wear it to. Date planner and shopping enabler? Definitely a keeper ;)

I was also very fortunate to be able to pick out a few items c/o this month. I had saved up a few months worth of credits from Shopbop to pick up a Tory Burch dress and a Michael Kors crossbody bag during the sale they had at the beginning of the month. From Nordstrom I picked out a jean jacket, sandals (seen here), and a pretty little red dress (seen here). I include my c/o pieces in my budget because I think it's only fair to also tell you guys what I add to my closet that didn't directly come out of my wallet. Thank you for supporting those who have so graciously supported me!

top three [04.26.2015]

can't stop won't stop with my favorite white tee

medicine

• Alkaptonuria is a genetic disease that makes your body unable to process certain amino acids. It is lovingly called black urine because those who have it have brown/black urine. Their eyes and certain cartilage (like of their ears) also tends to be pigmented. Here are a few pictures of these changes (as always, look at your own risk!) 
• In french, folie à deux means "madness shared by two". It is a type of shared psychotic disorder where the delusions of one person are then transmitted to another, usually between two people in very close relationships like in a couple or between siblings.  Here's a short 3 minute video by a psychiatrist who explains it much better than I could!
• Intussception is a condition where one part of the intestines folds into another, kind of like a telescope. It can be attributed to both anatomic problems or infections. It always reminds me of this meme:

on the internet

• Obsessing over a bunch of different things we never knew we needed - this Lilly x Target recap couldn't have been anymore spot on (on target?) if it tried.
• I could never be as cool as Jentine, no matter how hard I tried (and her analysis of good colored walls is spot on - those poor non-photographer men in our lives!) 
• Is your birthday in April? You lucky lady, you!

spotted

• How great is this floral + striped shirt ? It does the pattern mixing for you!
• I'm going to hopefully be doing a bit of traveling this year, so I think it's probably time to upgrade from my 9 year old $20 suitcase. I'd love to be able to get something like this subdued floral + rose gold hardware suitcase - okay, a girl can at least dream, right? 
• This dachshund sweater must be mine - MUST! Thank you, Sam, for sharing this find with me!

on franish

• on the blog: so many great tips from you guys on how to kick out some of your clothes
• on the instagram: my little sister got into the University of Wisconsin! Can't wait to have another Badger in the family :)
• on the twitter: more and more every day.

personal

• Thank you so much to everyone who has filled out my recent survey. You guys have all been so kind, have left the funniest comments, and given me some really great feedback that I am hoping to implement in the coming months. One of the most requested items was more dog and cat pictures! While they already grace my instagram quite a bit, you can see a ton more of them on my snapchat (@fhasselhof). 
• We went on a little house hunting trip yesterday and lets just say it was more than unsuccessful, it was down right scary. I'm so nervous that we won't actually find a place to live! It's not exactly the most convenient time currently to find a new place to live, in a different state no less, less than a month before our board exam.
• I'm sick :( 

diamonds are forever

In a break from the snow (YES SNOW..okay fine, just a few flakes), we had one really nice day this week - it may have only been 50 degrees, but that is nice enough weather in my books to break out the sandals. 

If I had a choice in life, it would be to never have to wear shoes. Since that is not socially acceptable, I do the next best thing and wear as little shoe as possible. Many people seem to be concerned about my feet in the winter because of hussyankles the fact that I wear non-boots for most of the winter. My general winter rule is that if it's not actually snowing, then the ground will be clear enough to wear flats. My summer shoe rule is that the shoes need to be cute, go with a ton of different things (because I generally only own a few pairs of sandals), and they need to be something I can walk in longer-ish distances. 

So that rules out gladiator sandals for me....

But luckily there are so many cute summer shoes currently out that fulfill that criteria! When I was approached to pick out a pair from Nordstrom for the spring, I immediately picked out these half sandal half espadrilles from Louse et Cie. I loved the pattern, that they were a bit unique, and that I could see it going with a bunch of things in my closet. Unfortunately the fit was a no go as I couldn't tighten the ankle enough - luckily, Nordstrom offers free return shipping, which makes online shoe shopping so.much.easier. The second pair I picked out was this sparkly pair from Sole Society and they more than fulfill the summer shoe criteria. The red color is exaclty what I've been looking for, the crystals make them a bit special, and they are very comfortable. I find that they run very true to size, if not a tiny bit small - I'm between a 9 and a 9.5, and ordered it in a 9.5. They also come in black and gold if red isn't your favorite color (and if it isn't your favorite color, I'm afraid we can't be friends).

Dress: Old Navy [exact]

Denim Jacket: Paige c/o Nordstrom [exact sold out | similar for $75]

Sandals: Sole Society c/o Nordstrom [exact]

Bag: Madewell [save | exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact 25% off]

Here are a few more options that also fit those same requirements, all under $100. If you're looking for sandals you can walk long distances in, these Clarks are probably your best bet. These rose gold slides are sitting in my cart though - thoughts? 

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

nine | ten | eleven | twelve

Disclosure: thank you to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post! 

knowing when to let go

No, this post will not be about knowing when to let go of a boyfriend, although trust, I could write a whole book about that topic ;) Instead, it's going to be about letting go of a piece of clothing. Not nearly as scandalous to write about it but maybe a bit more applicable to this here style blog.

So I bought this striped skirt two years. It was soon after I found out I got into school, and I was really excited to get out of my lab clothes and into more "fun" clothes (jokes on me now, I miss those jean days!). I found this skirt on a sales rack at Banana Republic, and bought it in preparation for school. Well, school came, and I found myself never reaching for this skirt. I never really thought about why, until I was doing a bit of closet rearranging the other day and tried to make an outfit around it. The biggest issue for me is that it's actually a navy + cream combo, and that means it restricts what I can wear with it. I would much prefer it to be black and white, because it means I could mix and match it with so many more of the tops in my closet. It is also too large on me. But I still like it enough, so I paired it with my favorite chambray top and cognac wedges, and went on with my day. Turns out, chambray goes with just about everything.

So I have this skirt that in theory I should like (hello, stripes) but in reality I don't. The thing is, I would like to own a striped pencil skirt because I could see it being pretty versatile, but I would never go and buy a new one because I already own one, although it's one I don't really wear because it's not what I want. So the issue is - do I keep a skirt that is fine, there's nothing really wrong with it, or do I get rid of it and move on?

I've had a lot of people ask me how to do a closet clean up. Between the time I found out I got into school and before I moved two years ago, I got rid of a lot of clothes in my closet. It was right around the time that I was getting better about figuring out what worked on my body, what I wanted in my closet, and what I didn't, and so I got rid of the clothes I had accumulated over the seven years I lived in Madison. Over the past two years, I have really honed in on my style, and realized that works for my dress code and what doesn't. I've held on to quite a few pieces over the last two years that I bought before I started school because I thought they would work in my current lifestyle, but I realize now that I never ever reach for them. With another move coming up, I've been slowly working my way back through my closet. There's definitely certain items that are easier to let go - ones I haven't touched since moving, or ones that just aren't as nice as they once were. I've either passed them on to friends/family members, sent them in to ThredUp, or donated them. 

The harder pieces are ones that you just don't wear as often although there is nothing really wrong with them. I have a really hard time letting go of those pieces. I paid good money for them, I should make it work somehow! But because I have clothes I like a lot more, I wear those instead, and occasional try to make something work that I'm just not as excited about. So when a closet clean up comes around, and I come across something that I haven't worn in a while, I try to make it work. I tried this skirt with three or four shirts before I found one where the colors worked together, and a belt that kept the skirt from falling off. While I like this particular outfit, I don't think that getting dressed should be such a hassle. I've spent years trying to build a closet with clothes I'm excited to wear, so holding on to something because I paid $20 for it two years ago is not a good enough reason to have it take up a hanger. 

So to wrap up this novella about a striped skirt....I'm selling the skirt. I know that once it is gone, I won't even miss it. And then some day, when I come across a striped skirt that is in the colors that I want, in a size that fits me, I won't feel guilty about buying it. Or I'll never find one I like, and that's okay too. 

What tips do you have for getting rid of those pieces that are fine, but not great? Do you hold on to them in hopes you fall back in love, or get rid of it and move on? 

Chambray: J.Crew [exact]

Skirt: Banana Republic

Belt: Gap [very similar]

Shoes: Frye [exact, some sizes on sale]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact currently 25% off]

a survey, a giveaway, and a thank you

via 

Three years ago today I started my blog. Like most people, I stared it on a whim - I took a picture with my computer, used a nickname my friend Lizzi gave me, and somehow here I am, three years later. Blogging has been such a blessing - it's kept me in touch with my family, I've met some of the coolest people, and it has given me the opportunity to do things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

how to not look like an undergrad at the library

Because our own library has too many rules (including no drinking of water or coffee), we spend a ton of our study time at the more relaxed local college where CR's sister goes to school. We sit in a beautiful large open room with natural light and big wood tables where four of us can sit comfortably with about 15 books and electronic devices between us. Many times we have the room to ourselves early on Saturday mornings, and it's really the place I get the most work done.

I'm close to a decade older than some of the undergrads who study there though, and I think at this point I don't think I can get away with pretending I'm 21 anymore (but please, tell me I'm wrong ;) ). As a general rule, I try to look presentable when I go to the library. I've always been a person who has to change out of pajamas and put myself together before I can be productive in the morning, and since studying is kind of my job right now (one that never seems to end), I put on real clothes. I got this open cardigan a few months ago, and it very quickly has become my most worn item in my closet. I wear a variation of this outfit probably 3 days a week and it's the perfect medium between see through leggings and mini skirts and tube tops (both of which I've witnessed at the library...). 

Oh college, I miss you ;)

Sweater: c/o Shopbop [love this zip-up version]

Tee: Everlane [exact]

Pants: Paige c/o Zappos [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Bracelet: gift from my friend Lizzi [very similar]

Nails: Essie [exact]

Ring: borrowed from Rocksbox [use code franishxoxo for 1 free month]

On a side note, Ann Taylor currently is offering 50% off everything! While I don't shop there often because their clothes are typically a little more pricey, I did order several items with such a steep discount. A few of you 3rd and 4th year medical students have recommended a few sleeveless tops for under the white coat in the summer, so I ordered this pretty linen shell (with a high neckline, which is definitely a necessity). I also couldn't resist ordering this dress to at least try on ...it's just so pretty! The practical side of me ordered these grey ankle pants too, just because I am determined to find a pair I like!

one | two | three | four | five 

top three [04.19.2015]

a striped tee for all season: one | two | three

medicine

• While electroconvulsive therapy ("electroshock therapy") seems like it's something that no longer exists (it's over 80 years old), it's actually still a pretty common tool used in the treatment of depression or mania with over a million people receiving it yearly.  It's actually one of the safest options for severely depressed pregnant women! Great improvements have been made in the past few decades with the use of anesthesia and muscle relaxants to make it a less terrifying experience for the patient.
• Many performers in "freak shows" of the past actually had medical conditions that predisposed them to their talents. An example of this is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which due to a defect in connective tissue, and leads to hyperflexibility and stretchy skin. Here's a short video that shows a couple of examples. 
• The various vasculitis syndromes are some of my favorite pathological diseases. Kawasaki Disease is pretty interesting disease because it happens in young children. Due to an autoimmune reaction, vessels in these children's' bodies become inflamed, with the most serious of these vessels being the coronary arteries. This can lead to fatal coronary artery aneurysms but don't worry, with the right treatment, mortality is less than half a percent. The treatment is also interesting, as it includes aspirin, which is hardly ever given to children. 

on the internet

• 
  
• Helpful hints for buying on eBay - take it from this lady, she has ninja eBay skills!
• Are you guys participating in Sarah's Top 10 Remix? I'm not getting dressed/blogging consistently enough to do it this time around, but I've loved seeing all of your takes on it!

spotted

• I've seen this beautiful midi skirt on several bloggers and just fell in love with it. It's way too expensive and it wouldn't really be something I can wear to work, but a girl can dream, right? (please say right)
• Peplum was something I haven't really gotten in to, but I would love to try on this beautiful lace peplum top. Maybe as a post boards present to myself? 
• I love the color of this sheer lipstick - it just looks like it would the prettiest color for spring...and summer...and really, whenever.
• P.S. Don't forget that the Lilly x Target line came out today! I'm stopping by my Target early just to take a look - I have my eye on the wine stoppers, the blue tassel shorts, and the starfish cuff :) This article on the collaboration was also an interesting read - I love that the brand says that everyone should get to enjoy their aesthetic, which is so refreshing. 

on franish

• on the blog: a review of some hits and misses lately 
• on the instagram: what's your favorite flavor? 
• on the twitter: my fantasies include early morning "fun" reading, an afternoon nap, and a movie on the couch with white cheddar popcorn

notable sales

• Ann Taylor: 40% off select styles
• How beautiful is this dress? Seriously. 
• Loft: 40% off everything (code: SHAREIT)
• Love love LOVE this checkered shirt dress
• Just ordered this shift dress. I love that the straps are thick enough to wear a normal bra, and that it comes in talls so it hopefully won't be too short
• Kate Spade: 25% off everything (code: DEAREST)

personal

• We ordered our couch this week! Thank you for all of your suggestions on instagram - we ended up going with the middle color because it's dark enough to hide any stains and floating pet hairs (although it will firmly be a NO PETS couch) but is still a very neutral color.  Now I get to start imaginary decorating it and the surrounding space! I love the idea of this ink dot pillow with this gold pillow just because it's a little girly but something that CR will still approve of. Now I just need to figure out how to convince him that this gold coral is a necessary part of that vision...
• We're at the part of board studying where the days are starting to run together and I'm just kind of numb to the amount of time we spend studying. On Wednesday we spent 12 hours at the library, and then studied for another 3 after coming home. It sounds nuts, but the hours just kind of fly by.
• Spring is officially here! CR and I went on a three mile run yesterday by the lake, and it was so nice to be outside for a little while. I haven't ran in a while, just ellipticalled all winter, and yesterday made me realize how much I miss running. We are thinking about signing up for a half marathon sometime this summer! 

little red dress

I've been looking for a sleeved red dress for ages (does it feel like I say that about a lot of things? I'm always looking for something...), but apparently they are much harder to find than one would think! A few weeks ago I was perusing Nordstrom's dress section (a weekly habit) looking for a dang dress for that wedding next month, and I spotted this one. The ratings spoke very highly of it, so when I had the opportunity through ShopStyle to try out a dress from Nordstrom, it was the push I needed to order it because what's the worst thing that happens, I use the free return shipping and send it back? 

The reviews say that if you are between sizes, which I am, to size down, so I'm wearing a 10 here. It's a beautiful thick fabric that isn't stiff at all. The lining helps hold the shape of the dress, and I think the cut is so flattering. It's form fitting without being tight. I wore this on a quick dinner out with CR before settling down at the library (after changing into yoga pants...). I loved having a chance to get just a little dressed up by pairing it with my favorite wedges and tassel necklace (I felt very Joan) but I do think it's a bit short on me with heels in more professional settings, so I'll be wearing it with flats at school. It's like the perfect dual occasions dress!

Dress: c/o Tahari dress [exact - comes in a bunch of colors!]

Necklace: Forever 21 [exact]

Wedges: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Below are a few more "dual occasion" dresses - I adore the polka dot wrap dress!

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

nine | ten | eleven | twelve

Thank you to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!

purple rain

If my flattened hair didn't give it away, it just started sprinkling when we started taking these pictures. I kind of forgot that with the beautiful spells of sun and 65 degrees comes random thunderstorms...

On a completely different, non-boring weather, topic is the subject of Rocksbox. If you guys follow on instagram, you've probably seen that I've been wearing various pieces of jewelry from them lately. There are literally hundreds of different subscription boxes out there - make-up, nail polish, clothes, snacks, you know the drill. I've tried a couple of them, like Birchbox and Le Tote, and wasn't the biggest fan. The concept of Le Tote is wonderful, but if you are outside of their standard sizing, the clothes didn't fit all that well - everything was always shorter than I wanted it to me, so it wasn't worth the cost of the box for me.

You know what looks good on everyone? Jewelry. Rocksbox asked me a few months ago if I wanted to try out their jewelry subscription box, and hey, who doesn't like to wear free jewelry? The concept of Rocksbox is for $20 a month, you basically get an unlimited amount of jewelry - well, you really get 3 pieces at a time, but if you don't like it, you can send it back and have a new box at your house in just a few days. Rocksbox gave me a subscription for three months, and I was thinking about if I would spend my own money on it, and you know, I really would. I have a large collection of necklaces I don't really wear. I wear them a few times and then I'm kind of bored with them. There are definitely exceptions - certain items I wear over and over again, but I definitely have more that I don't wear. When I got this Juliet + Co. necklace in a recent box, I was so excited because it's so pretty...but it's also a very "statement" pieces that I know I wouldn't wear as often as the cost would make me feel like I had to. So I wore it with an outfit I loved, and then sent it right back. Best part is that now I have a new box coming my way with a few pieces I think I will really love, and if it turns out I want to wear them again and again, I can buy them from Rocksbox at a discounted price (plus they give you $10 every month that goes toward a purchase, so it's even cheaper). 

Rocksbox isn't paying me to say any of this, but I wanted to share my thoughts on their subscription box. If you'd like to give it a try, you can get a free month with the code "franishxoxo". If you've signed up, or do in the future, I'd love to hear about your opinions on it! 

Blazer: Loft [exact | review here]

Tee: Boden [exact]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Necklace: borrowed from Rocksbox

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Nails: Essie [exact]

top three [04.12.2015]

I miss wearing jeans 

medicine

• A deletion on chromosome 5 can lead to a syndrome called Cri du chat, which means cry of the cat in french. It's named this because many infants have a cry that sounds like a cat's meow. 
• While most health issues have to do with problems below the skin, we are taught to look for clues that we can see to help us make a diagnosis. Years before imaging and explorative surgery were possible, these clues were all doctors had to base their diagnoses on. Finger clubbing was the first diagnostic clue tied to a disease - it points (haha get it?) to certain pulmonary and cardiac issues.
• Pica is a rare type of eating disorder that leads people to eat various non-nutritive objects, like paper, metal, or sand. There different variations and causes, from iron deficiency to a chemical imbalance. There are all sorts of preferences for different objects - here are a couple of different videos of people of various ages and object preferences.  

on the internet

• Tips on how to turn your blog into a business.
• It's seriously not fair how cute Grace is. 
• Loved this casual look on Maya - I want those sneakers!! ...and to look good in hats 

spotted

• I'm not a huge floral person, but the print on this (oh so flattering) dress is beeauuuuutiful. I could totally do florals this way! Think black cardigan and heels for work, jean jacket and sandals for a night out (ps looking for a jean jacket? I just got this one and love it. It's currently 60% off and there are a few sizes left. If you are between sizes, I would suggest sizing down - mine is a medium and fits nicely)
• Soft. pink. espadrilles (for under $40). You will be mine! 
• Those espadrilles + skinny jeans + this soft white blouse = summer uniform. It looks slightly boxy - I wonder if ordering it in a size down but in a tall will help make it more figure flattering?

on franish

• on the blog: the difference a year makes
• on the instagram: tell me you wouldn't do the same
• on the pinterest: think CR will allow a pink chair in our living room? We are ordering our couch this week though and I'm so nervous/excited!

notable sales

• Banana Republic: up to 40% off certain styles
• Is it bad that the thing I want the most from there is a sweatshirt?
• J.Crew Factory: 40-60% off everything
• My favorite retail dress now is available!
• Loft: extra 60% off sale items
• Helllllllllllo striped pocket blouse! *hearteyes*

personal

• Game of Thrones!!!!!!! We won't start watching this season until we are through with this season's House of Cards, but I'm SO excited it's back. We only finished the previous season a month ago, but I already was going through withdrawals. Remember, no twitter spoilers!! ;)
• I'm very much emoji obsessed, if my snapchat, instagram, and actual stickers didn't give it away. Did you see they came out with new ones? Still no cheese one, so me and Apple are currently not on speaking terms. 
• We are just under six weeks away from our board exam and I'm actually feeling okay. I'm about half way through the question bank (just about everyone studies for step 1 by doing a 2500 question bank) and feel like I have a pretty good grasp on the material...sometimes. It's getting harder and harder to lock myself away for hours at a time now that it's nicer out, but I just keep reminding myself that this is temporary. I know there will be times where I will miss this time of school - making my own schedule, just sitting at a table with my coffee and learning, but I'm also kind of excited for our clinical years to start. 

one year ago today: boden wow pencil skirt

I didn't realize that I wore basically the exact same thing, one year apart, until I put the pictures next to each other. You know what they say - if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

I'm so excited it's finally warm enough outside to wear skirts again. I don't really wear skirts much in the winter because I hate tights, but we are consistently above 35 degrees now, and that means skirt weather! This one from Boden is one of my favorites, although I don't wear it nearly enough. I love that it's something just a little bit unique in my closet (yellow and green, who am I?...besides someone from Wisconsin) but it also fits in perfectly with the more tame pieces I have.

On a different note, I'm like a whole new level of pale right now. I finally broke down and ordered Tanwise after seeing it recommended on several blogs. Lets hope it gives me just a little color so I don't completely match my nude shoes...

Blouse: Loft [similar on sale]

Skirt: c/o Boden [exact]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Bag: Kate Spade [similar]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact]

Lipstick: Nars [exact]

Nails: Essie [exact]

previous one year ago posts: floral pants, embroidered tee

all you need is a light jacket

If I were a better planner, I would have waited to post these until the perfect date.  But I'm not, so here we are! 

I ordered the J.Crew field jacket a few weeks ago during a particular good sale. I've had my eye on it for the past two years, but never actually bought it. When it went on sale for just over $70, and it the weather outside looked like it would need a jacket for the next month, I finally bought it. I ended up ordering it in tall large and after trying it on, was debating exchanging it for a medium. When I wear a light shirt under it, it is a little too big on me, but I figured that I will want to wear it with sweaters and more layers during the cooler months of the year, so I kept the large. It's come in handy over the last week since we've gone from 60 and sunny to 20 and snowy within 24 hours!

Blouse: J.Crew [exact on sale - I'm wearing a medium]

Jacket: J.Crew [exact]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Bag: Madewell [exact | black version on sale]

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [love this pink face version]

P.S. J.Crew Factory's jewelry is all on sale for $15 or less. I just picked up this $50+ necklace that I've wanted forever. Sale ends tomorrow!