cheers.

As the countdown to 2013 draws near, I'm beginning to reflect on the many happenings of this past year. 2012 was a whirlwind.... a whirlwind of many wins. I accepted my first post-grad job offer, just after a mere three weeks of interning. Wound up on the Executive Board of my sorority's local alumnae chapter. Made new friends and enjoyed countless nights out on the town. Spent cinco de mayo day drinking at Poquitos with my closest friends and grubbed on delicious ceviche at my favorite tequila bar, Barrio. Celebrated my 22nd Birthday with pink mini-cupcakes and gerbera daisies - courtesy of my sweet, wonderful team. Walked hand in hand with my best friend, Robert (@JustRobs) and my sorority sisters on Commencement Day across a big' ole stage and grabbed my diploma  - evidence of four years earned of hard work. And when summer came around, I wished my bestie a bittersweet farewell as he embarked on a new journey to NYC. As the days of sunshine, long runs in the park and endless happy hours passed - I discovered a new person in my life - my main squeeze. After many awkward dates later - I'm happy to say that summer ended on a good note. Embraced fall with open arms - including a trip to the pumpkin patch and the beautiful, picturesque Leavenworth. Met up with a fellow fashion blogger - Linnie at Large! Then, even went shooting for the first time... and may have enjoyed it. Kicked off the holidays with my favorite macarones, cupcakes and a surprise visit to the Nutcracker. Last but not least, enjoyed Christmas with Mama Nguyen and the family... and now we're back to where we started.. well sort of, right? Counting down the days and soon to be seconds until another year... another year of firsts, adventures, new friends and wins. 

Reveling in the many accomplishments and exciting new "firsts" that have happened in my life this past year, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for 2013. I sense big things coming up. The Accessory's getting a new makeover for starters, and I may save up for some fun traveling this summer... who knows... maybe I'll pay NYC a little visit.

Cheers to you my friends. I hoped you had a wonderful year, and I look forward to celebrating 2013 with you!

OOTD: Graduation Style #2 - navy, cream and collegiate

Saturday was the big day.. UW Commencement! So of course, I had to wear a different dress... here is graduation outfit #2! 

Just like my first outfit, I wanted to keep this one simple and classy. With a gold-buttoned, navy blazer, nude heels and pearls, this had collegiate all over it. I'm in love with this dress. It's one of my favorites.. why? POCKETS. perfect for storing lip gloss if you want to go hands-free for the afternoon. I brought my little LV clutch for this occasion though, since I had too much to take with me, which included my umbrella. I didn't want to endure another Noah's Ark downpour like Thursday. 

Thanks to my dearest mother for taking these pictures. They were taken by the Olympic Sculpture and Myrtle Edwards Park. Mama and I stopped by for a quick photo shoot before heading to Century Link Field. Hope you enjoy!!

OUTFIT

Dress: Ella dress in 'Rambling Rose' - classic navy, floral vine print; Blazer: Ralph by Ralph Lauren; Necklace: Nordstrom Bracelets: Banana Republic and J.Crew; Rings: Michael Kors, Alpha Delta Pi sorority and vintage crystal; Earrings: Kate Spade "Putting on The Ritz" studs (wore them with outfit #1, too!) Shoes: Patent, criss-cross nude from Austique (boutique in London); Purse: Louis Vuitton

*Also.. as I'm awaiting for photos from Friday's graduation photo session, I will be delaying my graduation recap until I receive them. Thought it would be best to keep it all in one post. :)

Mama told me to look into the distance? haha

Hope you enjoyed the outfit! xoxo