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. 

T-shirts and Totes

Just a quick post for today since I'm writing this at 1 a.m., and I have a 9 a.m. class in the morning. My body clock is all confused, so I'm having issues sleeping, waking up in the morning, and basically functioning during the day. I left my creamer in my brother's fridge (where I stayed for a few days after I flew back), so I haven't been able to make coffee. I know, I know. Poor Elana. 

I've never been a T-shirt person, but I couldn't resist this cat print one. It was necessary. I almost wore my cat ring with it, but I decided to overload on foxes instead. I mentioned before that my brother and sister-in-law got me this tote that was on my wishlist for Christmas, and I've been using it nonstop ever since. It's pretty darn adorable, isn't it?

I still haven't finished unpacking, so my outfits this week are mostly just what's sitting on top in my suitcases. Fortunately, I have Mary back in my life to make me look good, and Katie and I have another class together this semester, which plenty more outfit shots with her (and Lexi on our coffee dates) as well. 

Giveaway: Win a Tote from Two Tickets

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you probably know two things about me — I love interesting tote bags and I love supporting Etsy shops. So when Amanda of Two Tickets, whose moon phases scarf I featured in a recent "Things That Caught My Eye This Week" post, discussed giving away her wood grain tote on Room 334, I was incredibly excited. The tote is one of the most unique ones I've seen, yet it manages to be a versatile bag that one could bring anywhere. I'm constantly amazed at how supportive my readers are, so any chance I get to give something back (especially something this wonderful) is a no-brainer for me.

I'm especially excited that this tote comes from a shop I love. Two Tickets is entirely handmade and responsibly produced in the U.S., and the craftsmanship is immediately noticeable in the products. Amanda creates such interesting bags, jewelry, scarves, and accessories that I distinctly remember taking way too long to pick an item to feature the last time I wrote about Two Tickets. I'm particularly interested to see what she'll be coming up with next, and if you are too, I highly recommend checking out her Kickstarter campaign that she's running to help raise money for her next collection. The campaign will be up shortly, but for now, you can take a look at this video to see a sneak peak.

For now though, here's your chance to win an item from her shop as one lucky winner will receive a wood grain print tote. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and closes next Thursday, 08/22 at midnight. Just enter through the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway