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!