Done


So, that's it. I am officially back in California and officially a college graduate. Well, almost. I do still need to fulfill an internship credit, but I'm done with classes and tests forever, and I walked at my graduation ceremony on Saturday. Last week was a whirlwind of finals and goodbyes, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't an emotional wreck all week. I'd also be lying if I said I wasn't still an emotional wreck right now. It's incredibly strange to end not just four years of my life in one place, but to end my entire educational career as well. I really hated college my freshman year (which I'm sure I've mentioned before), but sometime between then and now, I found some of the greatest people I've ever met and, more importantly, a home. I'll be sharing some pictures of graduation soon — since I obviously need to share my outfit. I'm sure everyone's wondering what life has in store for me now, but I honestly couldn't tell you yet. I've had some offers that I've yet to accept, but I have a couple more interviews next week and other job leads, so at least the future looks fairly bright. Until then, I'm looking forward to a short trip to Arizona this week for my brother's graduation and hopefully a solid week break. I need to catch up on four years of sleep, after all.

Fortunately, I still have a few sets of outfit photos from Illinois to hold me over. I wore this a couple weeks ago to class, and I'm happy to have this dress in my life again. I had lent it out to a few of the Flock Together girls (who probably do it better justice than I do), and I honestly didn't realize how much I would miss it until it was gone. Oh, sweet umbrella dress. Never leave my closet again. You're too darling than I can even put into words. 



I should mention that as sad I as am to leave everyone in Illinois, I'm pumped to be returning to everyone at home. It's nice that I won't have to cram in seeing everyone into a short amount of time. Plus, California. I have such a new appreciation for it now, so I plan on exploring it a bit more than I ever did when I was growing up. If any LA/Orange County bloggers want to plan a meetup, we should definitely make that happen.

Dress: Modcloth (from a swap)
Cardigan, shoes: Thrifted
Belt: c/o Born Pretty

24 comments

  1. This is such a darling outfit! I love a good whimsical print (: Also, congratulations on graduating!

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  2. Congrats on graduating, its so great you have prospects lined up! You definitely have a bright future ahead. Also I love that you paired that dress with those shoes just perfect! http://theredlipchronicles.blogspot.com

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  3. Congratulations on graduating Elana! I love this dress, it looks so great on you. Have fun in Arizona!
    Nic
    www.salvageandstoneblog.com

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  4. This might be one of my favorite ensembles of yours, Elana! I looove the spectators with this dress. You look adorable. And yayyy congrats again on graduating! It's totally okay to not know what's next. I graduated 3 years ago and I *still* don't know what my plan is, haha. Not that I'm saying you should be like me, BUT it's totally okay to not have an exact idea -- it just means you're open to whatever comes your way. Meanwhile, I'm making it a goal to come visit you California girls. It will happen. <3

    xox Sammi

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  5. The print on that dress is the absolute cutest! You look lovely and congrats on the graduation.
    Absolutely adore your style, I'm a new follower :) xx

    Adventures of an Anglophile

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  6. Oh my god, the print on that dress, YES. Congratulations on graduating!!! I feel like the end for me is so far away.

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  7. Congratulations on your graduation! You have so much ahead of you. I can't wait to see where you're headed!

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  8. Yay! Congrats! That's so awesome!! Good luck with the next phase of your life! You don't have to know what you want to do right now. I think it's scary but great not knowing because the whole world is open to you! You'll find the right thing for you!
    ~Sara

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  9. Elana, you look amazing! Congrats on graduating. I totally feel you, I am simultaneously happy, sad, excited, relieved, and terrified at this point!

    Rachel

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  10. You look darling in this Graduated Girl, with the matching cardi and those shoes!

    Life directly post-graudating is strange, but things will work out and so, good luck on these upcoming interviews!

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  11. GOOD LUCK ON THOSE INTERVIEWS/PROSPECTIVE JOBS!!!!! YOU'LL DO GREATT!!! :D :D :D p.s. this dress?!! SO CUTE.

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  12. aw, so cute! and congratulations, lady! :) good luck with your interviews!! :)

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  13. This is such a darling dress! And CONGRATS! I still remember exactly how I felt when I graduated from college...three years ago lol My masters graduation was totally different because I didn't have that "home" feeling, but man, college was amazing. Cherish those memories! And best of luck on picking your next step!

    -Chelsea
    chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

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  14. Ahhh, "darling" is right! This dress is just so adorable Elana, and I love the matching red cardigan you paired with it.
    Congrats on graduating (albeit with just an internship left, but pfff, that doesn't count :b) How exciting/emotional/amazing!

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  15. That dress fits you so well and the color is fantastic.Also congrats on graduation, I'm also graduating this summer.!!

    Avi

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  16. Happy you finally graduated! I know it must feel kind of sad and nostalgic, but you're opening a new page in your life and this is always good! ^_^
    Oh I love this cutesy dress! The print is so romantic!

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  17. Congratulations!! That is so exciting and a great accomplishment. :) I love this outfit, those shoes are adorable.

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  18. Congratulation girl! California just in time for summer sounds pretty perfect! I love the red cardigan and spectators with this dress, they all look like they were made to go with eachother :) Have a great day!
    xo Hannah

    http://thebraidedbandit.blogspot.com
    http://thebraidedbandit.etsy.com

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  19. Congrats on graduating! Good luck on your interviews!
    xo Annie
    New England Romance

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  20. That's such a great outfit! I can see why you were happy to get the dress back.

    This is a crazy, scary time in life, but the fact that you have interviews and leads already (even if you're not sure what to do with them) is exciting!

    xo Jackie
    Something About That

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  21. Congrats on graduating! I adore the print on this dress, so prefect for summer :-)
    xo jac
    thesunshinedistrict.blogspot.com

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  22. Such a cute dress Elana! I love the cardi you paired with it. So cute.

    Congrats on graduating!! I can't believe how many offers and interviews you've landed right out of college. I'm so jealous!

    Welcome back to Cali! It's quite insanely hot in Long Beach and I'm sure it is where you are too. Try to stay cool my friend!
    Lauren
    Exploring My Style

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  23. I'm so excited and happy for you! Now you're moving and starting a new life.... doors are gonna open for you soon!
    xoxo
    Taylor
    http://www.nothingbutapigeon.com/

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  24. I think some belated congratulations are in order, CONGRATS! I'm so glad we're FB friends so I could creep on all your graduation photos :) I can't say I can entirely relate to you, since I spent a bit of time at home and then came back to Nashville after graduating. But I can imagine leaving your life for the last 4 years would be pretty hard! I'm excited to see what you'll be doing next.

    this combo is absolutely adorable! what a great dress.

    ♥ perfectly Priya

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