So, What's New?


I have so many exciting things to talk about today that I almost don't know where to start. I suppose it makes sense to begin with the most obvious. As I'm sure you've noticed by now, I have a brand new blog design, and I'm smitten with it to say the least. I loved the banner that my sister-in-law, Elyse, made for me and the layout that Joyce designed, but I had used them both for a while and they felt like they very much represented "college Elana" through blogging. They were both perfect for that part of my life, but as I gear up for the real world, I really wanted something that felt like "post-grad Elana." I couldn't afford most custom-made ones, so I brought it up to Jessica of Midwest Muse to see if she was interested in helping me. Jessica is one of my very best blogging friends (though let's be real, we're definitely friends beyond blogging at this point), and we email each other all the time. I've always loved her blog designs, and the clean, minimalist look her blog has is exactly what I had in mind. Because she's the best, she agreed and created this gorgeous layout in what felt like no time. It's perfect, and Jessica is seriously the nicest person for making it and installing it for me. I'm trying to convince her that she should turn this into a side business because she's so talented, so if you like what you see, head over to her blog and contact her. She's incredible. 

Speaking of incredible, I am still in awe over how great my friends are. Yesterday was a bittersweet day for me as it was my last official day as editor-in-chief of my university's newspaper before the new staff takes over for the next issue. I'll still check in on them next week, but it was still hard to leave yesterday. It's kind of difficult to put into words how much of an impact the Courier and the people in it have made on my life. Words escape me when trying to describe how fortunate I am to have gotten this experience and to have gotten to work with all of my best friends. I started working as a writer my freshman year, became entertainment editor a year later, and became editor-in-chief a year after that. I couldn't begin to count the amount of hours I've spent there, and it truly shaped my college experience. 

Knowing that, you can imagine how touched I was when my friends/co-workers planned just the simplest of surprises for me yesterday. Every work day, Mary and I have a routine of stepping out of the office for a little bit to take outfit pictures and then grab food to bring back. This time, she made up something about how we should take pictures after getting food, and when we came back to the office, everyone was standing outside waiting for us. I had mentioned recently that I wanted to make sure I got pictures with everyone before I left, so Mary had gotten all of them to dress up and had planned a photo shoot. We took a bunch of group shots, and then they all took individual pictures with me. So if you're friends with me on Facebook, I apologize for possibly blowing up your news feed with pictures of me yesterday. It was just ridiculously sweet and perfect way to spend my last day.




Of course, we did end up actually taking outfit pictures after everyone went back into the office. This was a pretty laid-back outfit, but I could not have planned it better had I known where we would take the pictures. Strangely enough, it was raining when we left the office, and this wasn't even where Mary had originally planned the pictures. It worked out perfectly though since it stopped raining by the time we got back and this spot outside our office is just beautiful right now. 

For all of the sadness I've been feeling over leaving, it's nice to be reminded that I have more to celebrate than be depressed about. Oh, man. I am going to be a wreck that last week. Tears everywhere. I know it.


Skirt: Target (Thrifted)
Top: TJ Maxx
Jacket: H&M
Shoes, watch: UO

11 comments

  1. despite your sadness, you still have on you massive smile - which I bloody love. <3

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  2. love the new blog look! I agree, it's nice to have a fresh slate when you're transitioning in life!

    this sounds like an awesome surprise- and I love how the photos turned out! it'll be a great memory for sure. it was a year ago that I was doing all of this, things are gonna change so much so fast!! I hope you're enjoying your last little bit :,(

    also- perfect little outfit. the top is lovely!

    ♥ perfectly Priya

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  3. So gorgeous Elana! You look amazing and I love all the flower petals on the floor :)
    Hope you're having a lovely Friday!xx

    ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ Creme de la Chic ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡

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  4. These pictures are so cute! LOVE the flowers and your outfit!

    Come visit me soon! I miss you!

    instantmilk.blogspot.com

    xx

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  5. I love your new blog design!! The colors are really nice! Your skirt is so flowy and pretty! I need to find a knee-length pleated skirt like this!
    ~Sara

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  6. i love that today's outfit perfectly matches your new layout!

    xo nicole
    writeslikeagirlblog.com

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  7. SO many cool things. Love the new head and general look of your blog. Ready to life after college!

    And, your friends are ridiculously sweet. What a great surprise (and, my, everyone is so fashionable!)

    Lastly, this outfit is adorable and even more perfect when paired with those pink-flowering trees.

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  8. I love that pleated skirt! I also recently graduated and I know how tough leaving behind things that were important during college can be, but just wait for post grad life thats a whole different whirlwind ;)

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  9. Aww, that is so awesome of your friends and colleagues to do for you! That really is such an amazing experience to get to have, and I'm glad you got to have such a close knit group through it :)
    And yes, I'm still ooohing and ahhhing over your blog design. I need to send an e-mail to Jessica...aha, it's so much more grown up!
    Anyway, cute outfit, pleats are such a great detail.

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  10. That was so sweet of your friends and coworkers to do for you! It sounds like it was the perfect way to say goodbye. By the way, you look absolutely lovely today!

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  11. Wow, your friends sound lovely. The backdrop of that beautiful tree is perfection as is your pleated skirt.

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