The Break to End All Breaks


Whether it's on the blog or in my every day conversation, I talk a lot about my dread when it comes to growing up. Graduation is right around the corner, so I'm (understandably, I hope) slightly freaking out about all of the changes that are about to happen in my life. Amid the freak outs, though, I got to cling to one last shred of childhood last week: my very last spring break, or rather, my very last break ever. So even though I'm still going crazy about the fact that I don't know what the future has in store for me past May (I like to have things planned, yo), I took this as an opportunity to just enjoy my time and embrace my California roots. Well, for the most part. But more on that later.

As I mentioned before, my friend Katie came home with me for the week. She's always wanted to visit California, and I love playing tour guide to my home town, so it was a jam-packed week. We didn't get to go to Disneyland like I had hoped since it's crazy expensive, but we did eat a ton of good California food and whatnot. I took her to a few of my favorite places in Orange County like Balboa, South Coast Plaza, and the Orange Circle, and we made a trip to LA one day for some shopping on Melrose. The best part, though? I finally got to meet Ashley and Erica in person there. Ashley shopped around a bit with us for a while, and Erica met us all for lunch. It was so easy to talk with them since it felt like I had known them forever, and they were just as sweet and funny in person. Want proof? Check out my Instagram or the Flock Together Facebook page


As you can probably tell, I was pretty pumped to be out of the snow and was in sleeveless dresses and bare legs all week. I ended up picking up this dress at H&M and fell in love with the cut. I was all about the minimalism this week, so it needed nothing more than some coral oxfords and a pair of sunglasses. 

As for those other things I did during break other than relax and adventuring? The job hunt is in full force, so I ended up using a couple of afternoons on cool opportunities. I have a really great family friend who has connections with the LA Times, so I was fortunate enough to set up a casual meeting in old town Pasadena with the international editor. Before you get too excited, it wasn't anything that's leading to a job, but it was still a great experience. We chatted over coffee and tea, and he told me about his experience in journalism and where the industry is heading. It was both extremely scary/depressing and helpful. I got some great insight into the industry and was able to make a very nice connection. 

Strangely enough, the day after I heard about the horrors of finding a job in journalism, I got a call asking me to come in for an interview for a paid internship with a very cool website. I ended up going in that day, and while it seemed like the perfect fit, they were looking to fill the position right away when I wouldn't be available to start until May. The good news is that they said they'd keep my resume and be in touch in May, and most importantly, it's good to know that there are companies out there that are looking to hire people like me. 

(I apologize for how long this post is. I don't expect anyone to care about my spring break as much as I do, but I like to ramble, so I regret nothing.)

Dress: H&M
Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

12 comments

  1. Your shoes are so cute and I love the little polka
    dots on your dress. (:

    dearmisscoco.blogspot.de

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  2. I love your dress. It's adorable on you!

    xx Courtney
    chaseallyourdreams.blogspot.com

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  3. Sounds like an absolutely amazing time. A little jealous (but very thrilled for you all) that you got to meet up in person!

    Job hunting is absolutely scary, especially as you leave college, but you will be such an amazing asset to anyone that hires you and clearly that website could tell! Hope it continues to go well!

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  4. Great news on the job leads! Even when they don't turn into anything right away, it's always great to make those connections (and rack up interview experience!). We sound a lot alike with the whole planning thing... Sounds like a perfect final break! Oh, super cool you ladies got to meet up and for some reason I didn't realize there was a public FB page until right now- haha :)

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  5. It sure sounds like you had a really nice break. I've been working for a few years now and believe me, I really do miss having those breaks.

    I also dread any major changes in my life...even when they're good, so I totally understand how you feel.

    Cute dress and shoes. I always love H&M for summer dresses!

    xo Jackie
    Something About That

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  6. Those shoes are so cute and that dress is amazing on you. Just wonderful, and you are such a beauty! Great post :)

    http://downwithpants1969.blogspot.com/

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  7. You've had quite a break Elana! So glad you got to enjoy your time at home though, although sorry to hear about the horrors of employment in journalism. It's encouraging to have gotten a call like that though, just proves there are still potential job prospects coming your way! Hopefully you'll hear back from them in May, that'd be awesome!
    Anyway, I am loving this summery outfit you're rocking. Those peach oxfords always look so adorable <3

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  8. I know how you feel about school ending and feeling like you're sort of being shoved into being a grown up. When I graduated, I had a full time job that I had been at since I was 18. It wasn't in my field at all, it was just an office job. I'm still at it, actually, as I attend grad school for something completely different than what I got my undergrad degree in. But now I have a job in my graduate field, and that's super exciting! You will find your way and sometimes, it may take a while, but it'll happen! :) I am in no position to say this since I always do it, but try not to stress out too much. ;)

    By the way, I'm super jealous that you went to California and I love your dress! :)

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  9. You found such a cool place to take outfit pics for that dress ! I'm so happy we finally got to meet too. I hope you and your friends had a great time. I should've ditched work to go shopping with you guys haha. Sounds like you had productive meetings and I'm sure you'll find more job opportunities soon!

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  10. These pictures are so pretty and I love this dress on you, like a lot. And I too, am always reading even when I don't comment. Sup, bloglovin' ruining my life. haha. I miss you! And you are making me anxious for the future and I probably won't graduate until the end of summer -- cause I have two painful classes to finish. I haven't thought TOO much about post-grad jobs mostly because I recently got a job for a company that pays well and I am going to be doing their social media. It's not a traditional style job, but it DEF will grow and be more and give me an in with other companies. Boring talk, eh? But yeah, the future. At least you have roots in cool places. I can't even say that. You have now stressed me out, you lovely girl you.

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  11. oh girl- I was right there not long ago! So cool that you've already gotten some opportunities to meet with folks (and even a job offer?? go girl!). I am confident that you will find the right fit for you, at the right time! And in the meantime- endless interview outfits :) it's kinda fun! Especially for someone who lives in dresses, you may finally feel like you are dressed appropriately for the occasion.

    My advice is (and I apologize if I already commented this somewhere on your blog): don't rush to take a job just because it's a job and you need it. In my case, I passed on a job that wouldn't have really paid enough, freaked out about it after, but landed a job at my dreammmm company less than a month after. So thank goodness I didn't take the first one.

    lastlyyyy- perfect dress! You're right on with the simple pairing of the colored oxfords. Hope you and Katie had an absolute blast! And that you showed her all our great state has to offer :)

    ♥ perfectly Priya

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  12. i actually really love hearing about people's job search & what they work in and such. maybe that dates me as def not being a recent college grad anymore! but anyway, that is super awesome you have the friend who put you in contact for the "informational interview!" i always know i should be trying to set those things up but get so nervous/shy and dont. anyway, totally remember the job hunt right from undergrad & that stress, but sounds like you're right on track & doing great! oh, and this dress, so pretty!! & totally jealous you got to meet Erica & Ashley!

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