It is officially my favorite time of year! I know every basic girl in the country loves fall for the cute sweaters, pumpkin spice coffee drinks, and plethora of holidays, but I have always favored spring. There’s just something about the weather and sunshine that puts me in an unusually good mood. In college, spring quarter was always when my grades were at their best too! Spring is usually synonymous with Easter, picnics, and a budding optimism for the coming summer months, and every girl needs the perfect spring dress in their closet for all social outings, especially now that the pandemic is (finally) wrapping up. While I am under the personal belief that you simply cannot have too many sundresses, this white linen midi is perfect for all your spring get togethers.
I bought this dress off Shopbop last spring while I was at my parents’ house in Texas at the beginning of the pandemic. At the time, I thought I would have a busier summer ahead of me…oh how wrong I was. I was determined to find some white dresses, for I feel that they are relatively timeless and easily transition between casual and dressy. For this shoot, I chose to wear my white sneakers because that is how I usually find myself wearing this dress. The easy linen fabric and comfy sneakers make this the perfect warm weather errand outfit if you want to look a little more pulled together than yoga pants. I could very easily swap the sneakers out for my favorite Soludo wedges and go to drinks with the girls, a baby shower, or even Easter brunch. I have worn this dress literally everywhere. From breakfast at Joan’s on Third, to the farmer’s market, to LSAT studying at the Beverly Hills library, and even jazz at LACMA on Friday nights, this dress is so versatile it has been all over town.
I really have become the midi dress convert. I used to think they were frumpy and a length for older women, but I changed my tune after I picked up that midi skirt a while back (link here). It is seriously next level comfy and much more classic than matronly. You don’t have to keep pulling down your hemline or worry if you are unknowingly flashing someone. An added bonus for midis is that I feel like I should be frolicking barefoot through the French countryside or strolling up and down the beach as the waves crash at my ankles.
Another great part about spring is my birthday! As per tradition at this point, I’ll include some things I learned from this lap around the sun. Between quarantine and my gap year, I feel like this year has somewhat disappeared. Didn’t I just turn 22 yesterday? Am I even qualified to turn 23? I mean seriously! Where did this year go? It’s no secret that I’m bitter about this year. I never got a college graduation, I have hardly seen my friends, and I miss so much of the pre-pandemic life. However, knowing where I will be attending law school in the fall has definitely helped with that, and I’m sure that mostly has to do with settling the nerves in the back of my mind. It helps too that California is opening up, and LA is getting busier. I am starting to see bits and pieces of normal life coming back. 23 is going to be big! After all, I will be moving to a new city and starting law school. These are big steps in adulting!
In keeping with tradition, let me get to the five things I learned from 22.
- Rest is extremely important. When I first began my gap year, I was embarrassed to tell people that I wasn’t working. In fact, I was doing quite literally nothing, but it is the best gift I could have had this year. It gave me the space to decompress from undergrad, mentally prepare for law school, take care of my health, and be a little selfish. Being selfish has such a negative connotation to it, but it can be healthy in many ways because you discover how to prioritize yourself and learn what you really need to feel your best.
- I am way more extroverted than I thought. I used to think of myself as a social introvert, but after spending a year with minimal social engagements, all I want is a busy calendar and people all over town that need me. I really do love people and socializing, and I cannot wait to do it all in a new city.
- What can I say? I’m a California girl. In many ways I never considered myself a quintessential California girl, but something about being born and raised here impacts you and puts a bit of California in your soul. I have never lived anywhere else, and I don’t plan on it. Giving serious thought to living in New York made me realize just how much of a California girl I really am. It’s the best place to live after all!
- There is something to be said for transparency. You don’t need to burden people with things they don’t need to know, but a bit of excessive honesty can sometimes do wonders. Letting people in behind the scenes on your own frustrations and experiences can help destigmatize some of the toxic perfection were are led to believe we need to embody. Authenticity is a highly valued quality.
- You will only be truly happy when you live your life for yourself. Don’t waste your mental and physical energy trying to show up that ex or to prove something to the world.
I spent my actual birthday in Texas, celebrating with my parents, and I just got home from a belated celebration in San Diego with my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. It’s been great to spend some extra time with family, especially since I’m moving to San Francisco soon…but before I make the big move, I’m going for a visit in May! I’ll be sure to share my trip on the blog, but I promise to post in the mean time.
xx
Emily
