April Ludgate Inspired


Happy we're-losing-one-of-the-greatest-shows-of-all-time day! As you can imagine from the amount of times I've written about Parks and Rec on here (and all of my social media accounts), I am devastated that the show is ending tonight. I started the show during its second or third season, and it's been one of my absolute favorites since. The show means so much to me, as it's been a constant in my life and the my go-to thing to watch when I'm feeling down. It's not only hilarious and smart, but it also has some of the greatest characters on television. I often see Parks and Rec referred to as "friend porn," and I've never seen a description more accurate. It features well-defined characters who genuinely love each other, couples that support each other in everything they do, and strong, healthy friendships. You'd also be hard pressed to find a more feminist show on television (although if you're looking for another one, I like to tell everyone I know to watch Battlestar Galactica for great female characters). I'm honestly glad that it's ending, because seven seasons is enough for any show, but I am not prepared for tonight at all. As I've mentioned, my friends have been doing character theme dinners while we watch, and we've saved the best for last: Ben & Leslie, which will consist of calzones for dinner and waffles with whipped cream for dessert.

To celebrate the end of an era, I'm dubbing this week "Parks and Rec Week" on the blog. Today, I'm wearing an outfit inspired by April Ludgate, who has killer style. April has a love for cardigans, trendy but professional separates, flats, and of course, dogs. I loosely based this outfit on one of hers that you can find below, but I included a couple of accessories that she might not wear. Whitney got me this Cones of Dunshire pin and Ron Swanson tote bag for my birthday last year, and even though April would never admit to liking a Ben Wyatt board game, I couldn't resist. Side note: I cannot do deadpan for pictures to save my life. Instead, I just tried to look annoyed for a few pictures to capture her spirit. I failed. 


Stay tuned for a Leslie Knope outfit and some Parks and Rec accessories in the next couple of days. I know you can't wait.


Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack
Top: J. Crew Factory
Skirt: Buffalo Exchange
Flats: Urban Outfitters
Tote bag, pin: Gifts 

12 comments

  1. I plan on binging the entire show now that it's over. I could never get into it, so I missed out on a lot of pop culture over the past 7 years. After reading "Yes, Please" I have a new appreciation for Amy Poehler that I didn't have before and I think it will help me "get" the show more. I tried with the first season back in the day and just couldn't do it. I probably could now. What I did get was April's outfits though. Her outfits have always been everywhere and are easily appreciated. Your interpretation is spot on. I love it!

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  2. You totally nailed the inspiration photo- but with your own spin! I'm so, so sad it's ending, but trying to look at the bright side of them choosing to end it so everything is wrapped up perfectly. The show is so clever and funny but has so much heart. I've never cried so many times during a sitcom's lifespan. Also so sad about Harris, which I have to bring up because I know you're such an alt comedy fan. Really sad. Anyway, enjoy the finale tonight! I have to wait until tomorrow to see it because we are going to see Tig Notaro tonight! Wheeee!

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  3. This is so great! You're too adorable. And your bag and pin are so perfect. I'm not prepared for tonight either. I'm expecting to run from the room sobbing when it's over. I stocked up on tissues, but probably I need some snakejuice to propely deal with this.

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  4. I love this! One of the greatest posts I've seen in a while - especially because I'm also a huge Parks and Rec fan. I only recently started watching it but I've got through the first few seasons super quickly. I'm terrified of nearing the end because I've become weirdly attached to the characters haha. As I work from home, I often watch the show if I'm having a coffee break and the friendship dialogue is so great that I feel part of it in a creepy way hahah!

    You did a great job at emulating April. I adore that outfit!

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  5. I love April and this cozy outfit!! I missed a season or two of Parks and Rec, so I have to watch it on Netflix! So sad that it's ending!
    ~Sara

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  6. Aaaaw, sorry to hear the show is ending! The Parcs and Rec week idea is awesome, can't wait to see what other outfits you've got prepared for us! ^_^
    I love the yellow cardi, it gives such a pop to everything!

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  7. This outfit is pretty spot on to April's in that photo! That's a pretty neat pin and bag too - very jealous! I've loved Parks and Rec ever since it began and I am so sad that it is over. I know that the cast will go on to do great things (I mean Chris Pratt wasn't even supposed to be a recurring character and now he's going to star in Jurassic World!). It's a wonderful show that you summed up perfectly - about healthy relationships, feminism, friends, waffles and work. Great post!

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  8. I'm impressed by how closely the two outfits align!

    PS I've been loving hearing about the Parks and Rec themed dinners!

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  9. Yay I definitely see the April inspiration in this outfit. I'm sad Parks and Rec is over too but at least it's on Netflix for plenty of binge watching goodness. You mentioned Battlestar Galactica and I'm so upset they took it off Netflix because I never got to finish it! Someday...

    Jamie | PetitePanoply.com

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  10. So I finally, recently started watching Parks & Rec! After almost finishing Breaking Bad. Are you proud of me or what?? It's fantastic, I mean, I knew I would love it. I also knew Aziz would be my favorite and he is. This is such a fun "challenge" for an outfit, and omg, completely spot-on!

    ♥ perfectly Priya

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  11. Holy crap! a cones of dunshire badge? ron swanson typewriter bag? april ludgate outfit?? I think I just chocked on my calzone this is the best blog post I have ever read ^_- x

    ratherstrangeblog.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. I love this! I feel like I know you so much more now,thanks for shearing this amazing articles

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