Graduation: Part Cinq

The beautiful graduate!

After 4 graduations, including 3 cousins, an aunt, and my own, it was time for the final Spring/Summer commencement. This final honor goes to one of my closest cousins, Latoya. Her graduation from college was filled with just as much joy and excitement as all of the others. To say we were proud is an understatement; especially considering the fact that she did it while raising her child. The ceremony was a little hectic, but we cheered as loud as we could when she crossed that stage. Afterwards, family and friends gathered for dinner to continue the celebration. 

The Georgia weather has, of course, been extremely hot lately making it perfect dress weather. The spaghetti straps and flowy material made the weather much more bearable. I slipped on my favorite summer heels and added gold bangle bracelets to accessorize. 

Dress: Charming Charlie

Bracelets: Charming Charlie

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Graduation: Part Quatre

Me + the graduate!

So it's that time yet again: time for another graduation. This time, we traveled to Charlotte, NC to celebrate another cousin's high school commencement. The ceremony was extremely organized and well put together; definitely more so than my high school graduation lol. It wasrather lengthy, but was enjoyable none the less to see him walk across the stage. 

Because I knew I would have to ride in the car for 2.5 to 3 hours, I knew I wanted to wear something comfortable. I also took into account the fact that temperatures were to reach the mid 90s! I looked through my latest purchases and taking the ride & weather into account, chose a very comfortable, flowy dress. To finish the outfit, I chose to wear my favorite pair of summer heels that matched the skinny belt that came with the dress. 

Dress: Charming Charlie

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Graduation: Part Trois

Me + the graduate!

So I wasn't joking about the large number of 2013 graduates in my family. You've already seen my graduation from college (here) and 2 cousins' graduation from high school (here); and now we've made it to the half-way mark of so many commencements. The woman of the hour was my aunt who graduated with an Accounting degree; which is actually a common major in my family. In support, my mom, dad, sister, a few aunts, an uncle, several cousins, and myself all met up in Atlanta to attend this important event. The ceremony was held at a beautiful church (that I wish I had taken pictures of!) and included an excellent solo rendition of an inspirational song. Afterwards, the whole family went out to eat at a nearby restaurant where all the fun and celebrating continued. One positive thing I can definitely say about all these graduations is that do bring the whole family together and that's always a good time. :-)

For my outfit, I wanted to wear something bright and comfortable. The skirt I chose, a pink bodycon, was something I got last summer and never wore. I paired it with one of my favorite floral blouses . I added a skinny brown belt for a little detail and comfortable silver sandals.

Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Papaya
Belt: borrowed from my sister

Graduation: Part Deux

Me & 2 of my beautiful cousins on their graduation day!

Graduation season is in full swing. Other than my graduation, several other family members are also c/o 2013; whether it be from high school or college. The first of many of these commencements was two of my cousins graduating from my old high school. It was such a sense of nostalgia to see them walk across that stage. I mean, it's hard to believe that it was just 4 years ago that I was in their shoes. Boy does time fly!

Later that night, me and a few friends went to see The Great Gatsby. Now, I did read it in high school and remembered certain parts, but there was certainly enough gaps in my mind to enjoy the movie and watch in anticipation for what would happen next. I read reviews saying the movie was quite over the top with the huge parties & mansions; that was certainly the truth! lol. All in all, I enjoyed the movie & would definitely recommend it.

For my outfit, I chose to wear something new. Lately I've been feeling like "I hate everything I own/I have nothing to wear" so a trip to the mall seemed necessary. I found this dress and necklace from the same store. I love how comfortable and light the dress is and the orange pattern. Because I love the color gold (see here), I chose a blue/green & gold necklace to add a bit of contrast. I chose my white sandal, platform shoes to wrap up the outfit. 

Dress: Pink & Blue 

Necklace: Pink & Blue 

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

As we go on, we remember...

I am proud to say that less than a week ago, I graduated college. A moment I had patiently waited for, it was certainly a bittersweet moment. I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment walking across the stage knowing I had finally completed what I set out to do just four years prior. To commemorate this special occasion, I went in search of the perfect graduation dress. I spent an entire day going from store to store and trying on dress after dress before I stumbled across this gem. It is a white dress with a black lace overlay that I paired with black, peep-toe slingbacks. To show a little school spirit (and also add a pop of color to the black and white ensemble) I opted for bright red lipstick. 

Dress: The Limited 

Shoes: JC Penney 

Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo