review: the time I actually try a jumpsuit on

I spent four years building a professional work clothes closet...only to have a job where I wear scrubs 98% of the time. Because I never actually wear real clothes anymore, I rarely buy new clothes...which is why I think the budgetting bloggers series won't be making a comeback any time soon. But every once in a while, I get the itch to try on a few new things, so review posts aren't going anywhere! This time around I try a few new silhouettes for me, and continue to keep things that I already know work well for me ;)

First up is a jumpsuit from J.Crew. I have never tried on a jumpsuit before. I always love them on other people, but they seem somewhat impractical, and hard to find a good fit when you're a bit taller. When I saw J.Crew's blue with white polka dots jumpsuit though, I just had to try it. I'm wearing a size 10 here. I really wish that it had been made in petites and talls, as I think a lot of the fit issues are from the fact that it's too short on me. It kind of rides up my butt a bit, making me feel like I was wearing a diaper. The fabric in the front was too loose in parts and tight in others - you can see how the fabric just makes a straight shot from my chest down without any indication of curves from the side. I also found it somewhat difficult to get on and off - I couldn't get my arms out of it without some awkward moving around. All in all, not the worst it could have been, but for my body, this was not going to work on me. I really would love to find a simple black jumpsuit though - I could see myself really wearing that all summer long!

The other item I ordered from J.Crew was their quilted field jacket. I own their original field jacket, and wear it quite a bit in the spring, so a milder winter version would have been great. I just didn't love this as much in real life as I wanted to. I'm wearing a tall large here. Even with the tall fit, I still found it hit me a bit at an awkward length - I wish it was 2 inches longer! The sleeves were also way too big on me, which just made me feel bulky. Big pluses for the jacket were the side pockets it has - I hate when you can't put your hands in your jacket pockets! It also has the adjustable side flaps (I'm sure there's a real word for those....), incase you want it to have a bit more shape, which is appreciated. Again, this one wasn't a keeper for me, but if you are a bit shorter than me, this may sit better on you than it did on me. If you're a fan of the original field jacket, have you seen they make an uncoated version now?!

The next top is from Vince Camuto, and I'm so excited about it! I'm always looking for a bit longer tops with an interesting feature - they are so easy to wear, but because they are a bit more special, it makes it look like you're wearing something fancier than you actually are - another example of this is my Karen Kane blouse. Anyway, I saw this blouse online, and ordered it in two sizes immediately. I ordered the medium and the large - I typically wear a large, but the reviews said to size down. I'm glad I listened, because the medium did end up fitting me a bit nicer than the large. The large fit well, but I liked that the medium's sleeves were a bit more fitted on me. The fabric is 96% viscose, so it just lays really nice, and feels great on. I love the slightly angled stripes (of course!) and the chiffon hem adds just a small interesting detail that makes it a great top for both casual events and dressier dates (I'm planning on wearing it tonight!). I've noticed that sizes keep popping in and out stock, so if your size is currently not in stock, keep an eye on it as it will probably come back at some point!

I ordered another Vince Camuto blouse with that order - I really love this style of tops - shorter sleeves, higher neckline, with a dressier fabric, so it's super versatile, and requires no ironing. It's the best. This one was on sale, so I was twice as excited about it. It's hard to really show what it looks like in these pictures because it is black, but you can see what the white version looks like. I just love how it fits - it's longer in the back, so your butt is covered if you want to wear it with leggings or ponte pants. It's opaque, so no cami underneath is required. I'm wearing a large here, and while the description says to size down, I think a medium may have been too tight on my arms. If you're looking for a versatilte blouse that can take you from work to a date, it's so easy to accessorize. I'm very excited about this blouse. 

The next two items are ones that didn't work out for me. First up is a sweater from Free People. I've never really tried anything from Free People before and this sweater proves that some items only look good in posed positions. In the first picture in the top left, it looks super cute and casual right? Even slimming, for something that is oversized. It wasn't until you really move around that you see how oversized it is on me. I don't know why I didn't listen to the reviews about sizing down, and instead ordered it in a large. Overall, I actually really like this sweater - the fabric is soft, it's not heavy so it's great for those inbetween months coming up, and I just love cream colored sweaters...which is why I'm going to reorder this in a medium and see how I feel about it. Has anyone else tried this sweater yet? It's currently 40% off if you're interested!

This last top is one I knew wouldn't really work for me, but I wanted to take a chance anyway. It's a hankerchief top from Gibson - I'm wearing a large here. First, the pluses: the pattern is cute, and I love parts of the front - the hem on the bottom is super fun! My two biggest cons about this is the hem in the back and side - I wish it had been more of a high low type of blouse, rather than high on the front and back and low on the sides. I also didn't love that the sleeves were also ruffled - it's just too many ruffles in one shirt. I pretty much knew it wasn't going to work for me, but it's always worth trying out something new!

So a few new items for my closet that are versatile, but have special small features that make them fun to wear! 

ps. my jeans are old, but 7fam still sells a very similar pair!

top three [2.25.18]

all subway tile inspo
via anthropologie

medical tidbits //

• Hydrosalpinx is a what happens when a fallopian tube becomes blocked and is filled with fluid. It can be caused by infections or adhesions, causing pain and infertility. 
• Heterotopic pregnancies are when there is both a pregnancy in the uterus (an intrauterine pregnancy), and a uterus elsewhere (an extrauterine pregnancy, usually in the fallopian tubes). 
• The liver is the only visceral organ that can regenerate - as little as 25% of the original liver can regenerate back to a normal sized liver! 

I've got my eye on... //

• An adorable dress from a store I haven't shopped at in years...but it's SO CUTE. Perfect for an Italian honeymoon, no? 
• These driving loafers that come in a whole rainbow of colors. I think driving loafers have definitely taken over as my favorite type of shoe, so a red pair is definitely in my future!
• A pair of tri colored work out pants that look pretty much the same as this $90 version...but you know, for one third of the price. (and if you're going to put in an order, add this funnel neck pullover!)

on the internet //

• I really enjoyed reading Grace's post about why she no longer goes to fashion week shows. I found it such an interesting look into the behind the scenes of blogging and I think I'd feel the exact same way about going to shows. 
• How cute is Priya in this snow outfit? I never look this good in the snow!!
• Top picks from The Ordinary - I always love these type of posts!

ask me anything //

• I wanted to know what the best parts are of your new life as a resident, since matching is terrifying but should also be really exciting and it would be great to focus on the positive for a sec :)
• I think my favorite part of being a resident is feeling a real sense of responsibility now, and knowing that I finally am able to do the work I spent years watching other people do. It just gives me a sense of purpose, which I really find gratifying. I also really really like delivering babies!
• Where did you get the candle holders in your fireplace?
• I found them on Amazon!
• I need a few new blouses for work, and you always have the cutest ones! Do you have any suggestions for ones currently available? 
• You are so sweet! I actually really miss wearing real clothes now that I almost always wear scrubs. I recently saw this super simple top from Ann Taylor that I may add to my closet because I absolutely love those dressier t-shirt style tops. I find them super versatile, and the ones I reach for the most (see an example here). Another top I had my eye on from AT was this pretty patterned blouse - I love the floral pattern! Nordstrom also has a couple tops I've had on my wish list, particularly this adorable blouse that I'm pretty sure Blair from Gossip Girl would own. If you are looking to spend a little extra, I own this Karen Kane blouse and it's my absolute favorite top I own - I wear it to just about any date/event I go to, and it would be perfect for a dressier day at work!

this week I... //

• Had my own first successful surgery for one of my own patients! I was so happy that we were able to help my patient, and to walk out knowing it went well. I always say that the obstetrical side is more my favorite, but I was so darn happy after that case that I don't think I can really decide one way or the other!
• Spent a lot of time watching the Olympics. I absolutely love them, and can't get enough. I will say, as cliche as it is, the figure skating really is my favorite! I've probably watched this routine ten times and was telling everyone about it!
• Finally put pictures in the picture frames  up above our bed. We hung them up in September...and apparently it takes me 5 months to order four pictures. We're saving the last two frames for upcoming event pictures :)

my current skincare routine

It's been a good year since I last talked about my full skincare routine, and a few things are the same while some things have changed. I'm constantly trying out new products - some end up becoming a real staple of my skincare routine, and others are exchanged for newer, shinier, more promising products. Thanks to four years of really focusing on improving my skin through products and procedures, I'm at one of the best places I have ever been with my skin!

As far as my current routine, I have a lot of old favorites that are a still a part of my routine, and a ton of new products I've fallen in love with. A few months ago, Drunk Elephant sent me a care package with all of their top products. The irony was that literally the week before,  I had purchased their babyfacial mask and oil, so I was already a purchasing customer! I've been using their products consistently for the past two months and am now a huge convert. This is not a sponsored post, I've just tested their products consistently and am very impressed with the results I've seen in my skin, which is why I keep using them!

in the morning //

1. Drunk Elephant Day Serum: I've been using a Vitamin C serum for the past year, and after recently finishing Ole Henrikson's Truth Serum, I was excited to try a new Vitamin C serum! I would say that these two feel very similar when applied. Vitamin C has been clinically proven to even out skin tone and protect against pollution, which is why I've made it a daily part of my skincare routine!
2. Paula's Choice Sunscreen: A few years ago, I was ready a Q&A somewhere about preventing wrinkles, and one question was about what people in their late twenties/early thirties should do to prevent wrinkles, and the easiest solution that we're all told to do anyway is wear sunscreen. Duh. I've tried several face sunscreens, and keep coming back to this one! It goes on so fluid, you never even know it's there, which is why I use it every day. Highly recommend if you are looking for an easy step to add to your skincare routine that prevents wrinkles, and most importantly, skin cancer! I know we all think we are untouchable when it comes to cancers, but we all know we're going to get wrinkles, so might as well protect against both!
3. Drunk Elephant Hydration Gel: I've always had dry skin, which is why I've really been attracted to hydration gels (like the First Aid serum I used last year!). This DE gel has been a godsend for the past few months of harsh hospital environments and being in a constant state of dehydration haha. But really, my dry skin concerns have been greatly reduced by using this every morning. 
4. Belif moisturizer: One of my holy grail items I buy over and over and over again! I just noticed last week they sell this in a huge economy size tub and I'm honestly debating buying it. 

at night //

1. Glossier cleanser: I looooove this cleanser and buy it over. and over. and over again. I use it to remove my make-up - it's so effective at getting eye makeup off without rubbing and pulling on the delicate skin around eyes, doesn't hurt my eyes, and smells amazing. It's just my absolute favorite. 
2. Tretinoin cream: I use a perscription tretinoin cream every other night. See my full review of how tretinoin majorly changed my skin!
3. OR Drunk Elephant Night Serum: On the nights I don't use the tretinoin cream, I use this night serum. I've noticed a big change in the texture of my skin since I started using it - I used to have a lot more flaking and dry patches, and used to have to do a lot more scrubs than I do now! I think this is one of the biggest additions to my skincare routine that has made my skin really glow. 
4. Drunk Elephant Marula oil: About nine months ago, I really started falling in love with using face oils. Remember like ten-fifteen years ago when we thought oil in skincare products was the devil - everything said it was oil-free! And now I'm constantly smearing oil all over my face, and it's never felt better. I had just finished my third bottle of The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed oil when I received the DE Marula Oil. I think The Ordinary's oil felt super smooth and calming when applied, while I think the Drunk Elephant Marula oil leaves my skin softer the next day - they are two different types of oil, so it's not a direct comparison, but just between two types of oils I've used over the past year. The Ordinary does also sell a Marula oil that I may order the next time I put in an order just so I can compare the two. But I'm so happy with the Drunk Elephant oil that I'm more than willing to buy another bottle with my own money. 
5. Nivea cream: I grew up using Nivea cream - we used to bring huge tubs over from Germany! A few months ago, I randomly read about how the original Nivea cream from Germany is very very similar to La Mer. I have never actually tried La Mer, but I've read enough celebrity interviews over the years to know that people are obsessed with it. The last time my mom went to Germany, I asked her to bring me a tub back, and have been using it ever since. Is it identical to La Mer? No idea. But my skin is soooo soft after I use it that I just keep using it! I think the American version is actually very similar, if you are interested in trying it out for yourself (especially if you've used La Mer, I'd love to hear your opinion!). 

as needed //

1. Drunk Elephant Babyfacial Mask: My friend Tierney told me about how much she loved this face mask, so last fall during a Sephora sale, I ordered it. Babyfacial is a perfect name for it as it leaves you skin looking brand new - just glowy and smooth. I'm a big fan!
2. Ren Glycolic Mask: I continue to use the same bottle of this I had last year - you don't need a huge amount when you apply it. I also love the smell and it really does leave your skin more radiant. 
3. The Ordinary Peeling Solution: I ordered this a few months ago, and have used it a few times now, and really enjoy it! It goes on bright red so don't be scared by that. Leave it on for 10 minutes (no longer!), and have brighter skin after! I wouldn't say that this is my favorite mask I've ever used, but I like it enough to keep using it!
4. Clinique Night Lip Mask: Ohhh, this is a new addition for my night time routine. I almost always have this Clinique balm in my scrub pocket, but saw the night lip mask and instantly wanted to try it. If you also have dry lips, this is a great little product to put on before going to bed (especially if you're a mouth breather like me.....). 
5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: As much as I try to prevent acne, it still shows up once in a while (come onnnnnnn). I use the drying lotion on it as soon as it shows up - it doesn't make it disappear completely, but I generally think the zits are smaller overall. 

top three [2.18.18]

my new favorite part of our house...that didn't exist before!

medical tidbits //

• January was cervical cancer awareness month and to celebrate, I got my pap smear as I was due! Now that I'm 30, I get co-testing done every five years. Co-testing tests for both changes in the cervical cells (the pap smear part) and tests for HPV (the virus that is largely responsible for those cell changes). Curious to know what you're due for? Check out this page for more information! Share with your girlfriends, sisters, mothers. Cervical cancer is preventable and there's no reason we should still be dying of a disease we have screening tools and vaccines for. 
• Couvelaire uterus is a life threatening condition that may happen after placental abruption, where the blood infiltrates the myometrium (the muscle of the uterus), causing the uterus to look blue. 
• One in 1000 babies are born with a tooth. I have yet to see that! ;)

I've got my eye on ... //

• A soft Free People sweater that would get me through the rest of this weird winter (it's currently 40% off!). 
• The answer to all my transport tote dreams - I'm obsessed with this medium sized tote. I love that it comes with a strap, so it's perfect for lugging around everything to work! I think after six years, it's finally time for an upgrade from my original. 
• The cutest little faux moss bunny. I know this is supposed to be a spring/easter decoration, but would it be weird to have it on my shelf all year long? 

on the internet //

• I really appreciate Krista's post about why she keeps her relationship more private. I 100% agree with everything that she says!
• I ran a half marathon years and years ago, and every once in a while I think about doing another one. This post will be bookmarked for when I finally commit to one (maybe not during intern year!). 
• I have just about every item in this outfit and can't wait to recreate! Literally I have that blazer (seen here), bag, and shirt!

sales this weekend //

• J.Crew: 30% off everything!
• Ohhhh you guys, have you seen the quilted version of the field jacket? I think I definitely need that - it's like the perfect mix of a field jacket, barbour jacket, and those shorter burberry coats. Bonus, it comes in petites and talls!
• I love this simple wrap sweater - it's a little bit more special than just a v-neck, but still very versatile. Plus the colors are so pretty. 
• If I wore real dress clothes anymore, I'd 100% buy this simple sheath dress. It requires no accessories but would always look cute!
• Ann Taylor: 40% off full priced items
• For those of you who wear a lot of blazers (or need a shirt for under a suit!), this blouse is so cute but also simple and classic. I really like it!
• Speaking of blazers, their nautically inspired striped blazer is perfect...plus wait until you see the buttons!
• If you are looking for an outfit for Easter, please consider this swirly pleated skirt. I just want to take it for a spin!
• Anthro: 40% off sale items
• Their lace shell is so versatile - wear it alone for date night with black skinny jeans, or pair with a blazer for work!
• I think we all agree that Anthro makes the cutest mugs! 
• You KNOW I can't say no to a grey cardigan - I just love them!

this week I... //

• Delivered my first baby where I did the mother's initial Ob visit! I can't believe we are at that point now where I've been with patient's through their whole pregnancy!
• Got in four work outs, three on my spin bike, and one Orange Theory class. I <3 off service blocks!
• Missed CR terribly - he's on Ob nights the month after I was on Ob nights, so we only see each other on weekends, and then I happen to work most weekends this month! We just keep telling each other it's all temporary...because it is. Eventually we will both be on a normal schedule again!

house update: the kitchen and dining room

I'm so excited to finally share our updated kitchen! It's been a long seven months of slowly piecing it together (and we aren't really done yet). The kitchen was a real sticking point when we were debating buying our house as it was just not a functional kitchen. At a quick glance it was great - new appliances, a granite countertop, and white cabinets. But then you look closely and actually think about a full functional kitchen and you realize a few things....like that the current set up only has ONE drawer, three cabinets, and minimal countertop space. We don't own a ton of kitchen things, but enough that we need more than that! But with some convincing CR of the vision, and now nine months later, I think we are both so happy with our decision to buy this home and make it our own!

So above is what our kitchen looked like on the day of closing. When you walk in through the side door of the house, the top left picture is what you saw. If you turned right, you saw what is on the top right picture. To the right and behind of the kitchen entrance is that empty space in the bottom left picture. And then straight ahead to the left was the empty wall you see in the bottom right picture. 

So our plan was to add cabinets against the wall. We initially debated doing a center island instead, but we wanted to have a pantry area, so cabinets against the wall made more sense. A coffee station was to be added to the little space between the kitchen entrance and the bathroom door.

During the first weeks of owning our house, we spent painted the whole house Gliddean's Universal Grey. We replaced all of the hardware with matte black ones. Some people have that knack for mixing metals and colors and so on, but...I'm not one of them. So having a matte black everywhere just made so many things easier!

So here are the before and afters!

haiiii

Hello everyone!

Well...it's been a hot second, huh?

To cut to the chase, I really just needed to step back from blogging for a while. We have had so much going on for the past six months, that the easiest thing to drop was the blog. It was honestly so nice to not worry about it, and just live my life and work and figure out this new life as a doctor, daughter, future bride, new homeowner, and person. Blogger just didn't feel to fit into that for a while.

But this past weekend, CR sent this blog post I wrote about couples matching to a current third year medical student, and I went back to read that post, and I remembered how much I loved writing those posts and being connected with you guys. It was nice to have a space just my own, and while I needed to step away from "my space", I think I'm ready to get back to it.

Things are going to be different, but I think it only makes sense that my blog grows and changes as my life does. I wear scrubs every. single. day. New clothing and outfits just doesn't make sense to the be center focus of my blog because it's not a part of my life at all. I definitely plan on sharing things once in a while when I find something new and worthy of sharing (hello, my new favorite piece of clothing I wear whenever I get the chance), but just as I've never lived my life for the blog, it doesn't make sense to buy clothes just to blog about them.

So what are we going to talk about?

Skincare (hellllo, baby facial!)

Makeup (I'm obsessed with this under eye brightner!)

Hair care (always chasing that perfect blond and trying new products - like L'oreal's new hair mask!)

House updates & how-tos (a post about how we built our "built-ins" and a room by room update)

Wedding posts (do we want the all in one invite or the traditional style for invitations? help!)

Travel posts (mostly about our recent trip to Arizona!)

Top three posts occasionally

And whatever else comes up!

There will be occasional posts about residency, but as I'm sure you can understand, I won't be sharing a ton of my day to day life or about patient care. Things you can expect though are topics I wrote about before - great presents for new residents, how meal prepping in residency helps me stay away from the daily treats, and the best shoes for long days on the floor (spoiler: still loving my danksos, but considering a pair of klogs!). You can always follow along on instastories, where I definitely share a bit more of the day-to-day life!

So hello, and welcome back! I missed you!

p.s. got any other requests for posts? would love to hear from you!