LBD

   I can never get enough of a Little Black Dress. It's fail-safe - appropriate for work, a nice night out, parties... The only time I can think of that you shouldn't wear a black dress is a wedding, but more on that later. The fact remains, I love black dresses - perhaps a little too much?   I have more little black dresses than I need, I've been told. In my defense, I do wear all of them at least once a year, and I've had many for several years. I tell myself it's not wasteful that way, but I'm not about to go out and get another LBD. But if I were, these would be on my shortlist.

Leona Tunic Dress, Anthropologie, $148

Criss Cross Pleated Dress, An$128

Gwendolyn Dress, Kate Spade, $378

Geometric Jewel Diana Dress, Kate Spade, $428

 Alme Dress, Kate Spade, $385

   I like dresses with some structure, especially around the waist. Baggy clothes, to me, are for lounging around. What do you look for in a LBD? 

Bauble Bar

   Recently I've registered Bauble Bar (it's free, just give your email) - an online jewelry store. According to the site, they cut out any middle men, and thus bring down the price of their jewelry. No matter how they do it, they have some great values! I think it would be nice for not-too-expensive, trendy jewelry that you only expect to wear for a year, and a lot of them are look-a-likes for other, pricier name brands. Here are a few of my favorites:

$22

Compare to this, $725

Available in more colors, $38

Compare to this, $150

$24

Compare to this, $57, and this, $70

$32

Compare to this, for $200

$28

$50

Monday dog shaming, 2.0

   As promised, another round of dog shaming. With this dog (Sadie), it was tough to know how to shame her! And although she looks remorseful, don't be fooled.

   She is not sorry. She runs away at least once a week, but at least she always comes back. For shame, Sadie.

A few fashion faves

   I've never been one to pour over fashion magazines religiously, and my own style only changes a little from year to year. And on an intern's salary, there's really not a lot of room to have much fun with your wardrobe - on a budget, it's best to freshen up the classic pieces you already have with updated accessories. Looking forward to fall, here are a few accessories that will be on my radar:

Compass ring, Etsy, $75

Cluster stud earring, Piperlime, $20

Brick stud earring, Trina Turk, $50

Peyton watch, Michael Kors, $225

Runway watch, Michael Kors, $250

   The watches (and really, the ring too) are more on my wish list than my radar, but a girl can dream! I'm a huge fan of gold and tortoise shell together. What's on your fall radar?

Work Wear Wednesday Returns!

   Now that I am back to work, I am back to wearing work clothes. Here is an outfit from last week:

Please excuse my dressing room mirror pic!

Dress (only available in stores, sold out online)

Necklace

Belt (in mint, now on sale!)

Worn with black patent heels

Dog Shaming Monday

   Inspired by the fabulous Tumble blog, Dog Shaming, I've decided to bring you a few Monday's of dog shaming from my house. Meet Molly (right) and Sadie (left). Usually they are good girls, but sometimes they could use a little shame.
   This week, I present Molly's worst habit:

  I just do not understand this one. Mulch is decaying plant matter and dirt - and that's a delicacy? Every time we let her outside, she heads straight for the flower beds. Tsk tsk. For shame, Molly.

How to Cope with Accutane Side Effects

   I have had a lot of (not so wonderful) adventures with my skin, culminating in trying Accutane this summer (seriously, I thought I'd be done with this after I left my teenage years behind... I'm not so lucky). Usually, a dermatologist prescribes Accutane for certain kinds of acne that do not respond to topical or gentler oral treatments, and you take Accutane for 4-6 months. Because of two moves and a very sloppy, careless paperwork error by one of my dermatologists (which caused me to stop taking the medication for a month), I have had the rare "gift" of having started this high-powered prescription twice.
   Accutane basically blasts your body with isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, with the goal of stopping acne forever. Along the way, it subjects your body to some pretty serious side effects, depending on how you react. Thanks to my experience starting Accutane not once, but twice, I've figured out a few ways to help alleviate the side effects.

1. Get ahead! Start preparing for the side effects as soon as you start taking the medication, even before you start feeling the effects.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I originally thought my naturally (moderately) oily skin would protect me - no luck. I suggest a gentle soap on your face and body, and lotion at least once a day (I use St. Ives Oatmeal lotion)
3. Lips: everyone has their favorite brand of lip balm, but I swear by Bag Balm. It healed my chapped lips (which took weeks to heal the first time) in one weekend!
4. Scalp: this one surprised me! Again, like my face, my scalp has always been a bit oily. 24 hours, and I needed to wash my hair. Not so with Accutane. I suggest trying a dandruff shampoo to help with dryness and flaking. Not sure about buying a whole new shampoo and conditioner? Head & Shoulders makes a travel size! It should last for almost a week, so you can see if it's working.
5. Sun sensitivity: I didn't notice this so much, except when I went to the beach. Just use general good sun protection a little more vigilantly - reapply often, sun hat, etc.
6. Headaches: I have yet to find a great cure to this side effect, but Tylenol usually helps, and it is easier for your Accutane-blasted body to handle (unlike Advil).
7. Queasiness: even if you don't usually eat breakfast, you really should start! Even just a granola bar or a banana helps - you don't want to take Accutane on an empty stomach. My favorite breakfast is a banana and peanut butter - healthy fruit and protein to keep you full until lunch.
8. Moodiness/depression: I was always very careful about this side effect, since my family has a long history of depression. I did experience a little moodiness the first time, but it passed. My best advice is to ask a trusted friend, parent, or significant other to keep an eye on your moods. They have to be someone that you trust to tell you difficult news, even if you don't want to hear it. If your moods seem to change or worsen without reason, they can tell you. If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor about stopping Accutane and trying another treatment. 
9. If you fall behind and don't treat side effects until they show up, don't worry. With persistent care, you can catch up and get back to something close to your normal self.

This is not an exhaustive list, and it's not meant to replace a doctor's opinion. There are just a few, hopefully helpful, tips from someone who's been there before - twice! I hope this advice can help make your transition easier than mine. Good luck!