Never Fear!

Hello Readers,

Never Fear! Eclectic Elegance is here!

It's been a while since my last blog post. Some of you may have forgotten about me, others may have feared the status of this blog and/or my life. Everything is OK- but life has been too busy lately for blogging. The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions, loss, gain, and change. Taking care of these things has taken presidence over this blog, but I hope to be back at full speed this weekend.

Until then. . . here are a few fun photos to enjoy!

A galloping zebra at the Peoria Zoo

Vanilla-Honey Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Icing

Summer Daisies

Marigolds

A Fading End-of-Summer Rose

Mompos Monday: Here's to You

Good Evening Readers!

When I woke up this morning, one of the first thoughts that ran through my mind (after "what time is it?") was that I wanted to wear a dress today. This thought coursed through the sort of determination that was more than simply wanting to wear a dress- I decided that I MUST wear a dress. As a declaration of the beautiful weather, in celebration of the delightful days spent with family, and in anticipation of the upcoming season and my new job. As I prepared myself for the day I thought "yes, self, I really must wear a dress."

Which dress did I choose? With the fresh breeze and lower temperatures (than previous days this summer), I decided that my Mompos Dress would be perfect. I didn't even try on any other dress or outfit. That was it. Perfect for the day ahead of me and perfect for the weather.

Retail Details:
Light Grey Headband: J. Crew
Shades: Coach (Rx)
Blue and White Mompos Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie (here)
Silver Locket: American Eagle Outfitters (modified by moi)
Off White and Tan Pumps: Seychelles

Later today I made my way out to my grandparents' house for a send off dinner in honor of my aunt, uncle, and cousins before their flight back home (after a very eventful and fun-filled visit, I must say!) I wish that their time in Central Illinois was longer, but I am thankful for the time that I and all of my family were able to spend with them.

We celebrated our time together with Beef Wellington (prepared by my Uncle Mike), Grilled Cheese (prepared by Grandma for me and others who don't eat Beef Wellington), Cheesy Potatoes, Ginger Sesame Salad, Watermelon, and Oreo Dirt Dessert (courtesy of Aunt Shelly), as well as a few other goodies here and there. The send off dinner was an occasion of no great formality, but the dress felt right for the time and the moment that, in many ways, represents the end of summer and the beginning of the annual ascent into Autumn.

My camera's battery died so my cousin Katie took this picture from my mobile! Thanks Katie!!!

Before I close tonight's post, I want to share a song with you all about lasting friendships from an artist I began listening to earlier this year. My family and extended family are a blessing to me in so many ways and this summer, especially the past two weeks, have brought a newfound awareness of the blessing of friendship that I find with my family.

So, without further adieu, I am dedicating this song (by the very talented Brooke Fraser) to my family, extended family, and friends I count as dear and near as family! Enjoy!

The End of Summer and the Beginning of Fall (Semester)

While the summer season persists (with high temperatures and humidity), summer ended for me and many this week. Yes, summer is over and the school year is here. I've looked forward to the first week of school almost every year of my academic career, but this year I looked forward to this week for a new reason because this year I am teaching! This summer, I was able to work as a swim instructor (the best summer job!)- but this is my first time as an instructor at the college level. I am (only) a TA, but I get to teach 2 sections of Public Speaking this year. So far, I've had two sessions, and each of those sessions have gone really well! I'm sure that I'll talk about this more in the future, but I mention this change/opportunity as an explanation in some changes that you will see in my blog. In addition to the casual outfits I usually post, I will also post outfits that are more professional and work-appropriate. So. . . something new to look forward to!!!

In other news, I recently moved into a new apartment! This is another change that you may notice in my future posts. I feel much safer in my new apartment, and it is so much quieter- I love it!

More about this outfit that you see above and below. . . I believe that I took this picture when I first began packing. I should explain that the inner tubes (from Target) are used because I was deflating them, and I realized that they went well with my shirt; and the goggles (in the photo below, by Speedo) were in the same closet as the inner tubes. Because staying hydrated is an important summer priority, I also threw in a bottle of sparking raspberry-lime water from Trader Joe's. Everything else is fairly normal, but I thought explanations of the unusual items were needed- just in case any of you were concerned that I "lost my marbles" so to speak. Anyways, the first photo reflects my new favorite outfit. As August cools down, my jeans are marking more and more appearances with lightweight summer shirts that have been staple items of this summer. I could wear this outfit to dinner with friends, shopping, or even at a family get-together. Here's the run-down of this outfit:

Fake pearl earrings- Target

Rhinestone bib necklace- American Eagle Outfitters (currently on clearance for 7 dollars)

Pale blue, pleated, knit top- C. Keer (from Anthropologie)

White lace tank top- Aerie (Summer 2009)

Dark rinse skinny jeans- Abercrombie & Fitch ("Erin" fit)

Purple and blue flip flops- Ipanema (very, very comfortable!)

For those of you starting new semesters, preparing to start new semesters, and for anyone getting ready for the upcoming change in season- I wish you all fresh beginnings and renewed enthusiasm! And, as always, remember to stay hydrated!