an overdue update

all photos: my personal shots

An update seems to be much overdue, but alas life has been terribly busy as of late. But busy is good, as I have loads of new things to report on. 

I still cannot seem to shake this cold. 

I finally found an apartment sublet! hallelujah. 

I'm moving back to NYC in just about a week & a half.

Making this past Tuesday [the 26th] my last day at work.

It's been an absolute crazy week, which shall lead into an equally crazy week and a half before I end up back in NYC. I'm excited, anxious, nervous, exhilarated, etc. etc. I cannot wait to be back living in NYC, this time for good! It's been a long few weeks of emails upon emails attempting to find a place, and such a relief it is now to finally have one. I'm sure the stress of the past couple of weeks has brought on my current state of being sick, so hopefully now that I've mentally calmed down I can get back to normal. Which is urgently needed, as I have to pack my life up into two suitcases once again!

I'm excited though, daunting as the task is... I love to pack. I'm a big nerd about it. I plan on one day doing a series on here about the art of packing- so expect that eventually. Hopefully I can shake this cold within the next day and get to jump head first into it all- as I need to get working. I think, more so than anything, I am most concern to which books and FRIENDS seasons to bring at first. It's irrational for me to bring all of my things to start, as I am flying and far to cheap to pay to ship box upon box. Plus, I always love the idea of a 'fresh' start, not being weighed down by things. Regardless, I have hundreds of books, and need to bring more clothing in my luggage than them. I feel as though the coming years will be full of christmas/birthday presents consisting of a box of books shipped. 

Naturally with moving, I had to quit my job. Which was terribly sad, as I loved it very much. It's so odd to think, as I had been working there five days a week [usually] for five months, but it had very much become a routine. I was used to seeing the same group of people, my co-workers, so frequently. It has begun to become comfortable, which was very much a reason to make my big move- to better my career. With that being said, I will miss most of them so much, I knew I was well liked among my co-workers, but I never realized how much the lot of them cared for me until I handed in my two-weeks notice. The protest I was met with two weeks ago took me aback; their kind words and wishes for my success touched me more than I could express to them; the concerns and worries from the stylish mums I work with made me smile; and the number of genuine hugs I received on last shifts with various co-workers stunned me. You know the kind of hug I mean, the real "I'm-so-happy-for-you-good-luck-I-am-going-to-miss-you" kind. You can feel a genuine hug, and that is what I got- multiple times. Which took me aback; I don't want to say I am hesitate of hugs, but I really only give hugs to people who are large parts of my life or I have known, well, for a long time. But man did I get some great hugs, unexpected were a few. I got a great "mum hug" from one of my fellow associates, and older mom. A hug that is almost too tight, almost too long and includes a back rub. It makes me smile just thinking about it! I am genuinely going to miss them all- I wish I could pick-up the store and bring most of them with me.

Madewell perfect chambray ex-boyfriend shirt || Madewell tailored blazer in stripe 

J.Crew Factory boatneck 3/4 sleeve chambray top || J.Crew tipped boy shirt

Madewell skinny skinny jeans || Madewell v-neck pocket tee

In lu of my last day of work, also came the last chance to use my employee discount. Which makes me sound a bit ridiculous... but I had much enjoyed the fact that I had a discount to my favorite brand [J.Crew and Madewell] the past five months! I had become very used to it. Ha. The downfall, there wasn't much that I needed. There was very little I could think of that I need at the moment in my wardrobe. I am still trying to formulate things that I need to add to my wardrobe for spring/summer so I didn't want to rush into that and end up regretting a purchase. I managed to pick up a few things over those two week.  Most of which came from Madewell, I went to visit and say goodbye to an old manager; I got a few more things than expected due to extra great employee deals. In all, I am very happy with the pieces I picked up the last two week. While I never pick up that many pieces in a short period of time, they all fit nicely into my wardrobe and will be beneficial when the time comes that I have a proper design job [let's hope that time is soon]. Plus, I never make many purchases during the spring/summer months. I don't see myself doing too much clothing shopping after moving back to NYC either. A sort of early birthday gift to myself you could say! Ha.

I simply love the Paris Verses New York blog, and I was thrilled to see the author's graphics had been made into a book. I picked this up for one of my best friends as an 'I'm going away' gift. Which I know is a bit opposite, but I feel it is warranted! The whole Paris Verses New York is a bit of a joke between us and with the inscription I wrote inside, I know it will be perfect. I'd like a copy of the book for myself, but now is not the time to acquire more books! I still need to find a gift for my other best friend- which will prove to be a bit tricky as I never really know what to get her. I have an idea, but I can't decide if it would be good or not. While I was at Uni we often corresponded with letters- weekly [who doesn't love mail!]. Especially so when I was living in NYC the first time around. We haven't been doing so the last six months since I've been living closer to her for the first time since HS. I always loved receiving her letters, even as they were just a few paragraphs. [I have a bundled stack of ALL my hand written letters I have received- one of the things I would grab in a fire!] I've thought of purchasing her nice stationary in the style she likes to use and a booklet of stamps- so we can start back up once I move. I'm warming up to the idea, but haven't decided just yet. We'll see I suppose, I am warming up to the idea of it all.

Coat: Urban Outfitters || Chambray: Madewell [from above] || Denim: Old Navy || Ankle Boots: Urban Outfitters || Handbag: J.Crew || Fedora: H&M Men's [not shown]

So tell me, what have you been up to lately?

xx.