Style Trends: Cheap dresses for a Fall Formal Event

Hello loves!
Happy Friday! I am sooo glad it is basically the weekend! This week seemed to drag by. I finally got back into the groove of things (it only took me a month! oops!) but I guess everyone needs time to relax and destress!
I really can't believe it is September! Fall is basically here (or so it seems, in LA it is still just hot), so I am excited for the new trends that I'm feeling -- I would love for the weather to cool down a bit so I can wear boots and sweaters, but I can still incorporate some pieces into my wardrobe!
In addition, there are lots of events going on in fall, including fall weddings or other formal events to attend, whether it be anniversary dinners, birthday dinners, baby showers, weddings, etc., and here are my picks!
I love maroon/purple/dark blue for fall - perfect shades for the day getting shorter (sigh! I don't like shorter days...), and the impending cold (we wish, in LA!). I really like these flattering darker formal dresses from Promtimes.co.uk, cut right above the knee! Perfect length, and they are all under $50! Super affordable even for a poor grad student on a budget!  I love the different cut necklines, from one shoulder to sweetheart strapless to regular straps, they all seem to be flattering! and can be worn for many different occasions! Accessorized with the perfect statement necklace (I'm feeling silver accent pieces this Fall) and the right heeled pumps (nude or black?), perfect outfit for a night out or wedding/event!

September Fitness Challenge - Getting back on the workout grind!

Hello loves! happy September!
I really can't believe it is already September and the summer is basically over!
Today marks my 4 year anniversary of living in Los Angeles! Woo woo! How fast time is flying, it is a little scary!
Today I am bringing out a style board with some fitness outfits to give you some inspiration! I am putting in some more effort to work out 4-5 times a week, mainly to help deal with stress and anxiety with work, and to get back into shape! I used to work out 5 times a week and I was so fit! and then I fell off track the last year or so, and I miss it! I also realized I have to make time for myself, which is something I have been neglecting to do -- leading to more stress, so it is a vicious cycle!
I have been looking for new workout gear to wear, even though I already have a bunch, new workout clothes always inspire me and make me want to work out!
Here are some styles I have my eye on lately:

September Fitness Challenge - Getting back on the workout grind! 

Green and Floral - don't let summer end!

Hello loves!

Hope your week is off to a great start!
I am still struggling with this tooth/head pain, hopefully it goes away soon! I am tired all the time, can't focus, have some headaches... but even in pain, I can pull off some cute outfits with a smile! I am particularly loving this floral green shift dress I bought while I was in Cyprus, and wore out to dinner the other night with my boyfriend, dad and brother! I fell in love with this print, and I have a similar blouse from the same brand, Oasis, and when I saw the dress in Debenham's, I had to get it! It is perfect since it is not so tight, a little looser so even though in some shots it isn't as flattering, I still like the way it looks! Paired with some nude heels to lengthen my legs, I think the outfit was a hit!

Yellow Blazer and Back to work!

Hello loves!

I am finally over my jet lag, but I found out my wisdom tooth is infected, which isn't making me feel too great... Got some meds and hopefully I'll be back to 100% soon! I am also back at work, and slowly easing back into the daily routine, it has been a struggle getting back into it after relaxing and being out of the country!

I have my committee meeting next week (after fourth year we meet with our dissertation committee to update them on our progress and future plans/timeline to graduation), and this is an outfit that I am planning on wearing! It is a rather casual meeting, but I still want to look presentable, so I opted for simple solid colors that definitely make a pop!

Everything that I am wearing I bought while I was abroad (with the exception of the shoes)! I fell in love with Zara and Mango stores, found throughout Europe, and the prices are really affordable compared to their counterpart stores here in the USA! I had a previous pair of jeans from Zara that were super comfortable, so of course I tried on a few pairs and ended up buying this pair, dark stretchy jeggings from Zara! I also loved Zara's blazers! They had a few styles on sale, and I almost bought a white blazer (so close!) but decided against it because I don't have the best luck with not spilling on white things... I ended up finding this even more flattering yellow blazer that was more expensive but definitely worth it! It is made of quality material and I fell in love with the cut! 

PhD Fashionista turns Three! Birthday Giveaway

Hello loves!

PhD Fashionista turns three this weekend! To celebrate,  I am hosting another giveway, this time a bunch of beauty samples/minis in a cute little makeup bag! This giveaway is not sponsored by anyone or any company, just my own makeup bag because I want to thank you all for your continued support!

I have grown so much with this blog in the last three years, and I originally started it not thinking anything serious about it! I wasn't posting regularly, didn't have any dedication, and slowly throughout the years I have grown in the blogger community and have greatly upped my quality of posts, photos, and am posting more quality content in a regular fashion. This blog has also opened many doors for me and I have met some great people, some of whom have become close friends! Who knew, that a side hobby would link me with so many great people! And it offers a nice place to release stress when I don't want to think about work/science! I actually look forward to preparing my post the night before when I get home, even if I am exhausted from a long day at work!

Only within the last year has my blog really taken off, when I started taking it more seriously, started going to blogger events in LA, and bought a new camera and lens. Putting a little effort really goes a long way, and it's really nice to have something to provide a work/life balance! I am all about work/life balance recently, after coming back from my trip!

I have accumulated several really pretty makeup bags due to my Ipsy glambag subscription, but I figured I would gift one of my favorites, this pretty pink white and gray patterned makeup bag!