July Playlist

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Change

The past two weeks have been a complete and total whirlwind. I started working in mid june as a waitress and left after about a month. Although I did enjoy the actual act of waitressing and getting to interact with my tables and coworkers, it was frankly just a negative environment in which I felt little appreciation and or support. After sticking it out and hoping for things to get better, I saw no improvement and thus decided that I needed a change.

I would consider myself to be a pretty tough person and can handle a lot, but there comes a point where you need to put yourself and your wellbeing first. Making quick and rash choices is not really my thing, so before I left I went out and looked for a new job. I think that it was all meant to be as I was able to get an interview and then get hired at a new retail store in town that really excited me in less than a week.

Working at the restaurant was a learning experience and helped to to understand the cultures of different workplaces and how to stick up for myself in difficult situations. But in the end, it was a  summer job, it was not career defining, and I was miserable, so I made the decision to leave. By absolutely no means am I condoning quitting your job, but I also don't think anyone should be subject to poor treatment or work somewhere where they dread going back to. I was hesitant to write about my recent experience here on the blog, however I know that I am not the only one who has been in a situation like this before and maybe by sharing my story I can help someone else struggling with the same employment dilemma. Leaving your job is a daunting idea, but sometimes you just need to go with your gut and seek a change. I am roughly a week into my new job and I am so much happier, the environment is fun, everyone works as a team, and there is a sense of support and passion amongst everyone there. Now that I am adjusted to my new job, I am set on moving forward and enjoying my last month of summer (ahhh) before heading off to college.

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

bell sleeve sweater | nars palette | jeans | booties | bracelet | suede jacket | vanity mirror | wallet | slip ons

It's officially that time of year again... the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I'm sure you have been reading about this left and right on other blogs, but I just wanted to share a few of my personal favorite picks from the sale. With college just around the corner, I am trying to limit my spending so I am not planning on doing a total shopping spree. However, I really need a new pair of jeans so I think I am going to take advantage of the awesome price tags and snag a pair before the sale opens to everyone. This sale is the best time to purchase designer investment pieces so if you are in the market for new boots or a nice bag make sure to check out the sale before everything goes back to being full priced. 

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea 

On My Radar

I am currently...

Reading: Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
I saw this book on a bunch of blogs and it got good reviews so I decided to order it as my next beach read. To be quite honest, I am halfway through the book and I'm just not loving it. The plot itself is lackluster and coupled with the insane amount of shallow characters I am finding it very difficult to enjoy

Watching: Sex And The City
Honestly, I am not sure how I made it this long without watching this iconic series. After finishing so many Netflix series, I decided to switch over to the Amazon Prime TV shows and start Sex And The City. This is the perfect light and funny show for the summer, both to watch for the first time or to rewatch!

Listening to: When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs & Rollin by Calvin Harris
During the summer I tend to listen to more country music and or fun upbeat songs like Calvin Harris' Rollin. Although you can always count on me to fall back on John Mayer or Taylor Swift I like to mix it up and make fun be achy playlists for this time of year!

Wearing: Birkenstocks & Lululemon Tracker Shorts
Most days during the summer I am at work and by the time I get home I just want to shower and get in comfortable clothes. You can always find me in a big t-shirt and my favorite lulu shorts, but this week I have added something new to my closet.... a pair of Birkenstocks. Frankly, I cannot believe I actually purchased these shoes as I still think they are amongst the ugliest footwear to surface the shoe market. Although they are far from attractive, Birkenstocks are so comfortable and they offer great support after a long day or work- plus I think they will be a good shoe to have for walking around campus in the fall!

Following: Kelly & The City Instagram Stories
If you know me then you know I am not high kid person. However, I am absolutely obsessed with Kelly's baby, Emma and her adorable little family. I love watching her Instagram stories everyday and seeing her fun videos and photos of their day to day life in Chicago with Emma. If you are not following along, you are missing some seriously cute stuff :)

Planning: a trip to Maine with friends
Every summer my best friends from when I went to camp and I plan a trip to see each other. Because the three of us are from all different parts of the country it is always difficult to plan something that works for everyone, so I am beyond excited to spend a few days in Maine with the two of them before we all head off to our respective colleges for freshman year at the end of the summer!

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

Dorm Wishlist

nespresso machine | navy & white pillow | mirror | pineapple lamp | rug | laundry basket

With college just a month and a half away, I have officially started to accumulate things for my dorm.  To be quite honest, trying to figure out everything that I need to bring with me is making me a little anxious but at the same time I am so excited to decorate a new room! As of right now, I am planning on having navy, gray, and white being the main colors, so most things on my wish list fall into that color scheme. I ordered this tassel duvet cover and want to get some fun patterned sheets and throw pillows to make the otherwise simple bedding more fun. My roommate and I are having dinner next week, so I think I will have a much better idea of what I need to buy once we talk and decide who is going to bring what! Do you have any advice for incoming college freshman? 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

July Fourth

shirt | skort- zara (sold out) similar | shoes | bracelet 

Happy July! After Christmas, Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. I love seeing a sea of red, white, and blue, going to the parade, cookouts, and of course ending them day with a firework show over the ocean. Typically I end up wearing a few different outfits though out the day, but I think this one would be perfect to wear to a BBQ. I purchased this white skort at the beginning of spring and can't get enough of it. Unfortunately, it is no longer available online, however I highly suggest adding a white skirt/skort to your summer wardrobe as they are so versatile and look great once you start to build up your tan :) I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth!

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea