I Hope We All Make It

Over the past two and a half years of law school, I've realized that this sentiment is the reason I don't alway love my school environment. Law school is set up as a competition- everything is graded, curved, ranked, and directly impacts your future. For every A the person next to you receives, that's one less that you could get. At times, it seems like everyone is your enemy - at finals it can seem like you don't want to be around anyone in your class. People get possessive about their notes or weird about where they sit in the library. Horror stories abound about hidden books and people not returning supplements so that classmates can't check them out.

Even without intending to, it feels like people are always psyching each other out. Whether it's nonchalantly complaining about their journal note topic (so everyone knows they're on journal) or talking about balancing studying for finals and multiple job interviews (so everyone knows they have multiple interviews), it's tough to know the difference between legitimate concerns and those who are trying to  make you feel inferior. It's hard not to be reminded that with how the system is set up, someone else's success truly can mean your failure.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is to try to be above this sort of rivalry. I'm not always great at it, but I do try to congratulate people when they are genuinely excited about something that has gone well for them. And I try not to beat myself up too much when that means I missed out on an opportunity. It's not always easy, but that's life. There will always be someone smarter, faster, stronger, or more accomplished than you are. The important thing is that we're all successful in our own way, by our own definition. I won't be graduating at the top of our class by any means, I don't know if I'll have a solid job, but I do know that I hope we all make it to walk across the stage together in May.

Silver Lining

One thing I've realized over the past month is how to tell who your true friends are. It's not the ones that are there when everything is perfect and fun- it's the ones who are there to help you when everything isn't. A little over a month ago, I had a serious concussion- my second this semester. Because I'd had one already, it was severe and led to post concussive disorder. It was really tough to go from a full class schedule and working two jobs to being put on bed rest. I couldn't drive, I couldn't read or watch tv, I couldn't study. For me, it was the ultimate torture.
Regardless, the silver lining was that I learned was who was really there for me. I had friends that when I told them about my condition, offered to come by and spend time with me... and then I never heard from them again. These were people who I count among my friends, but weren't really there for me when it mattered. They aren't bad people, they aren't even bad friends- they just showed me that I shouldn't count on them for the big things.
Surprisingly, the people that I found I really could rely on were a few of my friends from high school who moved back to town and with whom I've only been back in touch for the past year or so. The goofy guys in their cartoon socks were the ones to stop by and pick me up for a change of scenery, to drop off dinner for me, and to let me know that they were there for me every step of the way while I recovered. I spent a lot of evenings wrapped up in a cartoon character blanket on their couch watching Monday Night Football. Not my choice of activity, but my choice of people. The greatest kind - the ones who step up and surprise you in the best possible way.
True friendship isn't about the people who write on your Facebook wall all the time, the ones you go shopping with, or even the ones that you talk to or text all the time. They're the ones that are there for you when times aren't so good. Life isn't always fun and games- sometimes it knocks you down - it's important to have people there who will help you get back up.

Tie A Knot In It

The past few weeks have been tough. It's getting to be that time of year where the weeks until finals hit single digits and the stress level hits all time highs. As rewarding as my job is and as much as I love going to the office, it's tough balancing that with the increasing demands of school as the semester draws to a close. On top of those worries, I sustained a severe concussion and wasn't allowed to attend my classes or work for the past two weeks.

What sounds like a good excuse for a vacation any other time of year was an extremely unwelcome interruption to my schedule- especially since I wasn't allowed to stress my brain by reading or using my computer. That certainly made keeping up with the classes I've missed particularly hard. There were a few days when I had no idea how I was going to make it through the rest of this semester - the doctors were talking about me having an MRI and my professors were talking about me putting off finals- someone even mentioned me not finishing the semester. That was certainly an unwelcome worry. I didn't know what to do or even if I'd be able to do anything - I was told that I needed to just stay on bed rest and that trying to do anything would make me worse. Hearing that, I was at the end of my rope over how to handle school, work, everything.

I tried to go on to class and work until I realized I really couldn't handle it. I had to listen to the doctor (always something that's been difficult for me to do) and stay in bed. That was the only way to get through it and, with time, I'd figure the rest out. As Thomas Jefferson says, I just had to tie a knot in my rope and hang on.

Thankfully, I'm able to do a few things now and hopefully will be back to my full schedule next week. But the past few weeks have been important in reminding me that sometimes life gets tough ... and then it gets tougher. Sometimes all you can do is ride it out and know that everything will sort itself out. Finals are going to be tough, but I'm grateful that I'll be able to take them. So even though I was "at the end of my rope," I found a new, more grateful perspective.

Mid-Semester Stresses

I haven't been posting lately because it seems like (once again!) everything gets super busy all at the same time. Between school and the accompanying homework, actual work, babysitting, my soccer team, familial obligations, and a million other little things, I feel like I haven't had any time to even breathe, let alone wash the mountains of laundry piling up in my closet (seriously, my white jeans are at the bottom of the hamper). I realized that as important as all of these things are and as much as I really hate saying no to people, I need to start saying no to a few things. As much as I genuinely enjoy being busy and feeling fulfilled, the realization that the only time I'd spent awake in my apartment lately was my fifteen minute shower before bed, was a little depressing.

So when my coworker asked me to babysit last minute at work yesterday, I said no, even though I didn't have an event or obligation on my calendar. I'd blocked out the night for me time, which has to be equally important. I've always felt like I wasn't being productive if I wasn't actively doing something at that minute. This particularly bothers me during the school semester, when I feel like every spare minute should be spent reading or studying. But instead, this week I put in the extra time to read ahead in my classes for the entire week. And last night I put on my pajamas at 8, lit my new fall-scented candles, and watched Sex and the City re-runs on E! for a few hours from my bed.

And instead of feeling like I should be stressed about that fact or reading or studying or even washing the growing pile of dirty clothes I know will only get bigger, I reminded myself that it's important to take the time out from the laundry list of stresses and have me time to help keep myself balanced. Because in the long run, the two or three hours I gave myself last night will most likely not translate into a lower grade in any of my classes, but it will give me the strength and sanity to power through a study marathon this weekend instead of burning out.

Do you ever feel like everything gets busy all at once? It's like the old saying "when it rains, it pours" (which the weather is coincidentally doing now). How do you take time out from the stress?

Wish List Wednesday: Work Dresses

Since law students typically work in the summer, I have an extensive collection of work-appropriate sleeveless dresses in bright colors. Now that I have a job that will continue through the school year, I'm realizing that I need to expand my cool-weather work wardrobe. While I generally have a cardigan or a blazer with me, I don't like feeling like I can't take it off. Keeping in mind the cold front that's promised to arrive in town this weekend, I've been on the hunt for long-sleeve work dresses that I'll be comfortable wearing without a blazer.

Annie Griffin's Carson dress is described as the "ultimate work-to-dinner dress this fall" and I agree.  I love that it has 3/4 length sleeves and a flattering tie waist. Plus, the pretty silk comes in a variety of patterns, perfect for when I end up buying multiples.

Banana Republic's Gemma wrap dress is a perennial favorite. I bought it last year in black and white stripe, but I really love this crimson color for fall. The deep v-neck is flattering, but isn't so low that it's inappropriate at your desk and looks really pretty with a statement necklace. Plus, the knit fabric is comfortable and stays wrinkle free even after a long day at work.

DKNY's Berry ruffle animal print dress- The darker coloring and long sleeves make this look perfect for fall. The animal print keeps it fun, but the modest higher collar and ruffles make it work-appropriate. I bet this would look great with black tights and black ankle boots (plus, it's on sale!).

Sunday in Brooklyn's Fit and Flare mini- I love anything cobalt blue, and especially a cobalt work-worthy dress. I love the fit and flare silhouette of this dress and think it would look fun belted or with leopard pumps. My one concern is that since they call it a 'mini' it may be too short for work for some people - not much of a problem for me at 5'2"!

Tinley Road's stretch wool dress- I love a good sheath dress in the summer, and this dress from Tinley Road looks like the fall appropriate equivalent of my favorite warm weather dresses. It comes in both grey and black, and will be the perfect basic backdrop for my new Loren Hope tassel necklace!

JB by Julie Brown black and ivory scallop print 'Allison' stretch jersey dress- I have a weakness for these faux-wrap dresses- the band at the waist is so flattering, but doesn't require fussing with a tie all day like some true wrap dresses do. The black and white pattern is fun without being too over the top for my office and would easily go with tights, boots, and a blazer for when it turns really cold.

Any of these dresses look like something you would wear to work? I love that there are more long-sleeve options appearing as it cools down!

Wish List Wednesday: Floral Maxi Dresses

This week isn't so much a wish list as a compilation of all the other floral maxi dresses I've been looking at since I ordered an adorable one the other night on a whim and wanted to see what else was out there! Sail to Sable is having an end of summer sale (use code: endless summer for 50% off sale!) and I just had to have this dress I've been coveting; I just love the hydrangea print. I'm planning on wearing it to a function the school is throwing for the 3Ls downtown tomorrow night.

Sail to Sable's The Centerpiece Peacoat Maxi. 

Lilly Pulitzer's Holbrook Strapless Maxi Dress. Because who makes a better floral print than Lilly? I feel like I don't see many strapless maxis, and thought this was a nice way to bare a little skin, but still be modest.

Anthropologie's Sabal Maxi Dress. Not quite floral, but still fauna. I like that the pattern almost looks like palm leaves. (Another sign I'm not ready to give up on summer?)

Anthropologie's Equinox Pleated Maxi Dress. If I really do have do give up on summer soon, I'm going to do so in this gorgeous maxi. The colors look more fall-ish, as do the sleeves. I think I could pull this off with my new brown heeled boots.

Ted Baker Alana Botanical bloom maxi dress. So so pretty with the sweetheart neckline, which I always gravitate towards- it's so flattering!

Kensie Spaced Floral Woven Maxi Dress. The darker navy color makes this an easier dress to transition to fall than some of the brighter colored options. Plus, at less than $40, I can afford to have it and another dress! 

Are you loving all these floral maxi dresses as much as I am? I think I'm just not ready to give up on summer quite yet, but I'm so excited that my STS dress should be delivered tonight! 

(Last) First Day of School

Last Tuesday was my last first day of school, (provided I don't make good on my threats to my parents and get a PhD!) which is both exciting and super scary. It's so weird to see these new freshmen walking around campus for the first time and know that I'm six years of school ahead of them. That time has made me wiser, but  I would still love to trade places and do it all over again. On one hand, I just turned 23 last week and feel a little old to be packing my lunch and my backpack every morning. But on the other hand, how weird will it be not to be walking across campus next fall?

No matter how many nostalgic memories of being a freshman come flooding back in the coming weeks, it's so exciting to have marked law school commencement on my calendar (May 8!!!). Adulthood seemed so far away six years ago when I first moved into my dorm room. Now I sit in my apartment and apply for post-grad jobs and worry about things like making sure I pay my bills on time and grocery shopping. It's weird and so so scary, but exciting at the same time.

As comforting as my security blanket backpack and lunchbox may be, it'll be time soon to give them up. It's so strange to realize that this time next year I'll be finding out whether or not I passed the bar and (hopefully) be working full time. No more summer break, but also no more homework. Like so many things in life, it will be a mix of the good, the bad, and the just plain new. But no matter how I feel about it, this year will probably fly by and pretty soon I'll be in a cap and gown. Scary, right? But also oh so exciting. No matter what happens, I'm excited for my last nine months of school and what the future holds for me after graduation.

This is me and my siblings on my first day of 5th grade. My brother was starting kindergarten and my sister was starting 3d grade. It's so weird to think that we'll all be graduating from one school or another in May!

Have you already graduated from college or graduate school? Did you feel as weird as I do right now anticipating being a real adult and not going to school every day? I'm excited but still a little scared!

Wish List Wednesday: Ballet Flats

As much as I'm in love with my new job, one thing that's weird to me is the much more relaxed dress code. I went from wearing either a suit or a business dress and blazer to working somewhere that tennis shoes are acceptable office attire. While working somewhere so much more laid back is a great change of pace, it's a little weird adjusting to the fact that I could literally wear jeans to work if I wanted to. So my heels have gone back in their boxes and I need more casual selection of work shoes. The one caveat of the dress code is that your shoes have to have a strap on the back, which knocks out a lot of my sandals. Plus, with fall coming on, I have to think about putting them away anyway. Ergo, my new shoe of choice: ballet flats. Pretty, polished, comfortable and they keep me from devolving too far into the casual choices!

I already have this pair of printed bow Viv flats from J.Crew, but I wanted to share them because I love them! They come in other colors and patterns, with and without a bow, and are perfect for dressing up jeans or pairing with a  skirt. 

Joan and David Collection Mitzie Flat- I love the fancy brocade-like pattern and the gold heels on this pair- plus the neutral color palette will pair with so many things in my closet (and they're on super sale!!)

Modcloth's Refined Stride Flat- a truly ballet-esque ballet flat with fun lace-up details at the ankle. These probably wouldn't go with as much in my closet, but at less than $40, I may get them anyway.

Tory Burch Tumbled Leather Ballet Flats - I used to have these in both tan and black, but my semester in London running around over the cobblestones ruined them. Needing non-heel shoes for work reminds me that I should order another pair of these in plenty of colors!

Loeffler Randall's Milla Haircalf Flats from SHOPBOP- scallops and pink, what more could a girl want? For those days when you need a pick-me-up, what's better than bright, fancy feet.

Salvatore Ferragamo Varina Perforated flats- these are a bit of a splurge, but I love my Ferragamo heels so much,  I can't help but want the flats. And especially in this gorgeous royal blue color!

Any of these flats tickle your fancy? Do you ever have trouble balancing looking work appropriate while also not overdressing (I know I have trouble with the latter!)?

Keep On Keeping On

This past week and a half has been super tough. After four days of on boarding, I finally started my internship last Friday. School started on Tuesday. I had planned to do all my reading Monday, but my boss asked me to come in and work. The bookstore was sold out of a book I needed. My friend unexpectedly showed up in town from Boston and wanted to plan her wedding. Life started piling up way too fast- the good, the bad, and the ugly. I started to feel really overwhelmed. I felt like I didn't have enough time for anything, let alone the next five things that were headed my way. As much as I wanted to crawl under the covers and hide from the world in my bed, I knew I couldn't.

Sometimes the best you can do is just keep going. I started Monday with a gigantic coffee so I could put a smile on and kick ass at work. No matter how tired I was, or how concerned I was with getting my reading done, I want this internship to turn into a real job so I need to impress my boss. As worried as I was about school, the best I could do was take advantage of my hour long lunch break by reading my casebook in the lunchroom. I needed to just be in the moment and give the contracts and assignments in front of me the best effort I could. All I could do was keep on reading, scanning, and emailing until the clock hit 5.

As soon as I got off work I went home and spent hours reading for my classes the next day. When I couldn't read anymore I went to bed and woke up early to make coffee and finish reading before my first class. I wanted to watch tv, finish reading my novel, shop for new shoes - but I knew that I couldn't. As long as the cases were, I just had to keep on going. And when I had four classes that day, I knew that I had to keep on. When my friend wanted to get together and talk about her wedding, I knew I needed to show up and be there for her. As stressed as I was, it's more important to be a friend. Sometimes even the good things are just another thing on your plate that needs attention. I needed to remind myself to appreciate our time together.

Life isn't always easy. You don't always get to schedule everything and can't always anticipate or account for the unexpected. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just show up, put a smile on, and keep on going. But here's hoping that next week slows down some!

How do you deal with being over scheduled and overwhelmed? All I could manage this week was showing up and trying to do my best. I fell short plenty of times, but I kept on going!

Wish List Wednesday: Trench Coats

Fall is definitely on it's way if the past few days of weird temperatures and pouring rain are any indication! The cooler temperatures have me thinking about how I'm going to cover up when the go even lower in the coming weeks. One piece I always love is a trench coat. They're classic, but plenty of designers offer fun twists - fun patterns, fabrics, and colors. I have three already (black, khaki, and red) but love them so much I'm tempted to add a fun one from the selection below to my growing collection!

Calvin Klein Double Breasted Trench Coat. When fall brings those yucky, rainy days what could be better to cheer you up than this cherry-red number?

Burberry London Double Breasted Trench Coat. Burberry is THE name in trench coats. Theirs are expensive, but absolutely the authority on classic design and quality - They're out of my student budget right now, but I plan on treating myself to one when I get my first big-girl job!

Ann Taylor's Edgy Trench takes the classic trench silhouette and adds leather accents to take it up a notch. The black and khaki go with everything, but are far from boring!

Ann Taylor Loft's Cotton Plaid Trench-I'm a sucker for plaid in the fall, and I love this lightweight option from Loft. It's muted color palette keeps it from being too loud, but is still a step up from a solid black.

Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Cotton Trench Coat. One problem I sometimes have with trench coats is that they're cut too wide or too long for my frame. I'm tempted to try the slimmer lines of this trench and add this more tailored classic khaki one to my closet.

Rachel Zoe's Christopher Tweed Trench Coat. This coat is probably my favorite of the ones I've seen for this fall season. The tweed and leather combination could carry me all the way through to March when the temperature (finally!) comes back up. I wish they hadn't sold out of my size or I'd have this on with my black Frye boots and tights!

Does anyone else love trench coats as much as I do? I think they're the perfect transition piece for those awkward summer to fall temperatures and, in the right material, carry right on through winter!

Wish List Wednesday: Fall Booties

Sorry I haven't posted in a while- I just got moved to my new apartment and with all the other students moving in, it took a while for the cable company to come install my internet. Regardless, now I'm all settled in, have wifi, and can go back to thinking about my back-to-school wardrobe. It's only in the 60s here today, which makes me start thinking about putting up my shorts and getting ready for fall. I'm obsessed with the high-heeled ankle booties that are popping up all over the place and can't wait to wear them with everything from dark skinnies and oversized sweaters to my chambray shirtdress and leggings. Here are some of the styles I've been looking at:

Kate Spade's Lanise Boots. Love at first sight. Who couldn't love ankle booties with a bow on the back? Especially someone like me, with a weakness for Kate Spade shoes.

Banana Republic Meelia Chelsea Boot:These pretty babies have memory foam inside, ensuring that even the 3 3/4 inch heel won't be hurting you at the end of the day.

Cole Haan's Cassidy Buckle in Sequoia: I almost bought these last year (didn't have a buckle) and they were the most comfortable boots I tried on during the fall season. I regretted not buying them when I had the chance (only one pair left! They were my size!) but looks like I have a second chance this year.

Livvy bootie by French Connection from Sole Society. I like the slightly Western look of these booties and that the heel is covered in the same suede as the boot itself. I also love that they have loops at the top to help pull them on and off- there's nothing worse than booties that you have to struggle with.

Tory Burch Margaux Brushed Bootie: I bought last year's version of these at Nordstrom Rack (for $50!) and love them. It's been so hot this summer there hasn't been an opportunity to try to work them with a sundress or anything, but I cannot wait to wear them in a few weeks to football tailgates. Tory shoes are always well made and I love the elastic panels that keep these from slipping.

Are you loving the high heeled ankle booties as much as I am? 

My Own Two Feet

One thing I've been focusing on in my life lately is learning that I can do it all, have it all, and be it all - all on my own. As Jane Fonda says, "standing tall on my own two feet." On Tuesday, I received a formal offer for the internship level of my dream job. Not only was I so excited to get the offer, I felt even more empowered because I had sought out and landed the job on my own. 

I had heard from a friend of mine who moved home after college that the company he works for had a legal intern this summer, who would be returning to school out of state soon. So I asked for the head legal counsel's email. I didn't tell my friend why  I was asking for it or what I wanted to email him about; I wanted to sink or swim on my own. So I attached my resume and writing sample to an email bragging on myself. That last part has always been something I've struggled with. While I know that walking into an interview or writing a cover letter detailing personal accomplishments is easy for some people, I was raised not to brag, so it's against my nature to say those sorts of things. But I did it. I told him that I've always been interested in this company, that I want to stay local, but do international work, and that I saw their company and my interests as being aligned. That I thought I was the perfect person for this job. Within an hour I'd gotten an email back from him saying that Recruitment would be in touch to schedule me for an interview. In two days. While it was hard for me to put it all out there, I realized that no one would know if I failed but me and the guy I emailed. 

I gave it my all- the full pitch - and I got it. 

When I went to tell my friend that I had been offered the job during the interview, he was surprised but oh so excited for me. He explained that he'd been so busy with work he hadn't thought twice about why I was asking for the legal counsel's email, but that it made sense. He told me that he would have been more than happy to go ask for a job for me, but that he was proud of my for doing it on my own. As someone who's known me since the eight grade (forever!) he knows that I'm not always the boldest, most assertive person. So it made me feel so good to have dinner with him over the weekend and hear him say that he had so much respect for the way I had handled myself. And that's such a great feeling. 

Putting it all out there is hard. Rejection is the absolute worst, especially when it's for a job you really want or something you're really invested in. But when you work hard, lay it all on the line, and it pays off-- it feels so so good. I could have asked my friend to help me get the job. I could have used his name in my email and tried to get the job based on knowing him- but I know that I wouldn't feel as good as I do now, knowing that I did it all by myself. Even though I haven't always been great at it, I'm learning that I can, in fact, stand tall on my own two feet.

Wish List Wednesday: Work Tote

This past week I got offered an internship for this fall semester (more on that coming soon!) and realized that my current work bag just isn't going to cut it any more. I've gotten by the past few years using my favorite Longchamp Le Pliage tote that I've carried since high school- but eight years down the road it's starting to look a little too well loved. And as I get closer to graduating and having a real job, I've realized that it's time to invest in a nicer, more adult work tote that will help elevate me from intern to associate. I generally choose black for my suits, so most of these totes stick to that color, but are available in others if black isn't your thing!

Kate Spade's Cedar Street Medium Harmony. At 13.3 inches wide, this tote is just wide enough to fit my laptop. I love that the bag is super basic and unassuming but very well made- I know with KS I don't have to worry that my bag is going to tear up before my internship is over.

Loeffler Randall's Walker Tote from Piperlime.  I love the interesting but still neutral print on the front of this bag. It amps up an otherwise plain work tote, but doesn't cross the line into being so distracting that it's not work appropriate. It's also slightly larger than the KS bag above (so I can stuff even more into it!)

GiGiNewYork's Gates Satchel. I love love love the color blocking on this bag (which also comes in four other color options!) At 13 3/4 inches wide, it's just wide enough for my laptop and since it's five inches deep, I can stuff all my files into the remaining space. It also has an interior zip pocket as well as slip pockets, ensuring my cell phone won't be lost and crushed on the bottom. And it's monogrammable! Am I waxing poetic yet? This bag may be the winner!

Coach's The Borough Bag in Colorblock Boarskin Leather. A simple bag done real really well. I love the color blocking here as well - no need to worry that it won't go with whatever suit-heels combo I'm sporting that day. Coach describes it as having an "accordion-like interior" which means pockets!

Fossil's Vintage Re-Issue Tote. I love the woven leather and that Fossil says it will fit laptops up to 15 inches- I think this bag may be perfect for my sister in her new job. I would probably put this tote away later in the fall since I feel like the woven style makes it look more summery, but it would make a great bag for summer months and look perfect with the tan Tory Burch Reva flats I live in.

Michael Kors Fulton - Large Quilted Leather Tote. I included this tote for another brown option, but I just don't think that I'd invest in a tan one first (just personal taste- I wear so much black.) But it's a gorgeous bag- I love the quilting and the dainty chain straps.

Tory Burch's Robinson Double-Zop Tote. I love that this tote has both top handles and a longer optional strap for those moments when I need another hand free (for that oh-so-essential cup of coffee). It has plenty of pockets and is 14 inches wide, so it will easily fit all the essentials - laptop, files, and thermos!

Where do you shop for work totes? I feel like by the time I stuff my laptop and files in mine, I need a huge bag- but I still want it to be pretty in additional to functional!

Apartment Shopping: Pops of Pink

One of the updates I'm making to the apartment items I already own is to finally, finally chose an accent color for my living room. I bought a great khaki and black greek key patterned rug last year from Home Goods as well as a set of black pillows with coordinating khaki greek key embroidery from Target. I loved all of the pieces, but after a while I got tired of, well, how boring it was. Black and khaki are classic, neutral choices but I needed something more exciting with it. I decided that as a single girl in my twenties I'm going to embrace my propensity to choose girly accents and use hot pink to jazz up my otherwise boring living room. I've been hunting around on Pinterest lately for inspiration and here are some of the pictures I'm hoping to pull from:

There seems to be a lot of pink out there, but not so much pink and black together. Guess I'll have to keep on Pinterest-ing. Follow along with MOTS on Pinterest!

Wish List Wednesday: Workout Wear

This summer, one of the things I'm doing for myself is training to run a half-marathon. I've always been a runner, but mostly just ran track for school and for leisure when I get stressed. But I've always wanted to run a half-marathon. I downloaded an app on my phone called Log My Run and then chose a beginner/moderate half training program. It's great to keep me on track and motivated. Another way I've been keeping myself excited is by treating myself to some new workout clothes. It's hard to be thrilled with throwing on the same black Nike shorts and college tee day after day, so I've been in the market for some new fun things to wear. Here's some of the items that have caught my eye:

I just bought a pair of these Lululemon Wunder Under pants a few weeks ago. I always said I wouldn't buy lulu- but I went with a friend, found a pair on sale, and figured I would try them. Best. Leggings. Ever. I seriously couldn't tell if I'd lost weight from the running I've been doing or if the pants are just that good (I think it's the pants!) I've been wearing them non-stop. The lion fabric is super stretchy and thick but breathable. I'll be buying them all next time I see them on sale.

For a more affordable option, I also like these skinny yoga pants from Aerie. They come in a variety of lengths, which is perfect for shorties like me whose leggings are usually bunched around the ankle (as well as you lucky tall girls who need extra length!)

I love the fun pattern on the Ditsy Stripe Balance Capri from Athleta. The parade of sold black leggings, capris, and shorts gets a little old sometimes - why not try a fun pair of blue floral capris?

This fun tank is Old Navy Active's goDRY Graphic Tank. For something I'm going to sweat in, I love how affordable these are (various quotes range from $8-$17!) For that price, I can get one for every day of the week.

I'm loving this Colorblock Chi Tank, also from Athleta. It will layer well with my floral sports bra in those colors, but is super breathable and made with breathable, "Unstinkable" technology - perfect for running in the currently 90 degree weather!

This draped cross back tank from Trina Turk is probably my favorite item I found. I love the cross bank and the cheery pattern. I'm not quite bold enough to go for the matching leggings, but I think the tank would be the perfect accompaniment to my collection of black leggings.


How do you keep yourself motivated to work out? Would these fun prints and colors help you get in the mood to do a few miles? I know they help me!