Happiness Through Striped Dresses


If I've learned one thing recently, it's that a cute outfit is an easy cure for feeling down and dealing with change. While I'm freaking out about my childhood home being sold and moving to a new place while I struggle with starting my career and whatnot, at the very least I can put on a striped dress, a collar, and a cardigan, and I can feel like myself. I suppose that's the beauty of fashion, isn't it? I'm sure everyone is tired of me moping (and trust me, I appreciate the kind comments of encouragement I've gotten), but I can't lie, things have pretty rough for me lately. I think I may write an honest post soon to give you some more insight into what I've been feeling, more for myself than for anyone reading it. The point that I'm trying to make today, though, is that I'm more appreciative now more than ever to put on clothes that make me feel good. It's hard to be in a mad mood in a fun dress and fun colors, and this outfit in particular makes me happier than most. I'm a sucker for a good striped dress, and I just adore how this collared top looks layered under pieces.

Nothing helps more than having a group of fiercely loyal friends, though. As 22-24 year olds, we've all been struggling with adulthood and post-grad life in different ways, and we've all been there to distract each other, support each other, and to make each other laugh. This week has mostly been filled with us all doing our part to be there for each other, whether it be driving to LA on a moment's notice to offer comfort, going shopping for retail therapy, or watching funny TV shows and eating ice cream as a distraction. This outfit makes me really happy, but nothing compares to making an impromptu trip to the grocery store at 9 p.m. to get Ben & Jerry's with three guys. If it's sickening to hear me talk about how in love I am with the people in my life, well, deal with it. 


By the way, I finally started watching Broad City. I am in love. I always knew I would love it, so it's about time I got around to watching it.

Dress: Forever 21
Top (used for collar), flats: Modcloth
Cardigan, ring: Thrifted

7 comments

  1. Elana, it makes me sad to hear how down you're feeling. After graduation is a tough time. I still don't feel completely content, even two plus years later! Pretty outfits do make us feel better though huh? Nothing like putting on a pretty dress! Good friends are lifesaves. You sound like you have a great support system.

    Wishing you positive thoughts from chilly Denver!

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  2. Such an adorable look on you! Such a good idea to jazz up the dress with the shiert's pretty collar! Love it! <3

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  3. Aw no Elana, I hope things start looking up for you soon. It's true though, having a cute outfit on that you love really helps perk up the spirits! This one is truly adorable too - that dress is always lovely, and I love the extra touch of color with the collar and cardigan <3

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  4. Post-graduation is tough (I only got my first "real" I-actually-needed-the-degree-to-get-this-job this year after several years out. I think yours will be a shorter wait than that!) ; so glad you got people to lean on. And yes! A good outfit is always a mood booster!

    This outfit just radiates happiness and you look darling. What a daring back :)

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  5. Adorable outfit, m'dear!! Wearing something cute is definitely a mood lifter!! Yes! I'm so glad you're watching Broad City! Love that show! Something kind of similar is Man Seeking Woman. Have you seen it?
    ~Sara

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  6. I love the outfit, of course. You're right - stripes, a cardigan and a cute collar? You can't go wrong there.

    Ughhhh those first couple of years post-grad are not easy. They say the teenage years are the toughest and most "awkward," but I think your early to mid twenties are worse. Virtual hugs!!

    Jackie

    Something About That

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  7. I feel you. Post grad life can be crappy. I'm hoping it's just until things get going in the career department. I think we're probably feeling a lot of the same things right now! I have a lot of days where I sit in my pajamas and job hunt and getting dressed in something that's cute and feels like me can make such a difference.

    Your striped dress is super cute. I love the top layered underneath! It's a great way to remix your dress. Those flats are awesome too!

    Jamie | PetitePanoply.com

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