Happy Birthday, Blogger Style

This past weekend, I celebrated my 22nd birthday.  Oh, what a weekend it was! Stay tuned for details until the next post, but for now I'd like to concentrate on one birthday gift in particular.  I had my first ever blogger shout-out!

My dear friend, Kasia, contacted Molly Ford, who writes one of my favorite blogs: Smart Pretty and Awkward.  Kasia, in her thoughtful and creative style, asked her to write me a happy birthday shout-out.  It was quite the surprise, and possibly one of the most creative ways anyone has ever told me happy birthday.  So thank you, Molly, for helping me be smarter, prettier, and a little less awkward; and thank you, Kasia, for making me happier, wiser, and a lot more grateful.

Business Casual

Company: The Brown Shoe Company

Job Title: Intern

Job Location: Clayton, MO (St. Louis)

Start Date: May 24, 2010

Dress Code: Business Casual

...Business casual. This paradox tends to throw people for a loop. Finding the right balance between the "business" and the "casual" can be a daunting task. With a whole summer ahead of me to dress "business casual," I've been trying to search for numerous ensembles to have on hand. I find myself wondering if something is too casual, cutesy, or trendy for work. Do I look like I'm going to work, to lunch with a friend, or to a club? So while I've been at home, I figured I'd take advantage of the opportunity to ask my resident experts: Mom and Dad.

"Dad, what would you recommend wearing for a business casual dress code?"

Answer:

"Mom,  what would you recommend wearing in a business casual environment?"

Answer:

So I've got a couple options, and although the plaid and khaki combination has potential to be next season's "must-have celebrity look," I think I'll listen to Mom on this one.

A Parisian Touch

If you know me, you know that I love Paris. Today, when I was out shopping, I spotted this adorable little Parisian-themed case of lacy goodies and had to have it. I purchased it not so much for what was inside, but for the case itself. Sketches of L'Arc de Triomphe and La Tour Eiffel cover this little hat-box like container, and I love any excuse to add a touch of Paris to my life.

A little splash of charming park benches, sidewalk cafés, and beautiful monuments are sure to brighten any girl's day... especially the one who exclaims "Paris, je t'aime."

You can find your own "Allons-y à Paris!" box at Forever 21