{champagne + (borrowed) Chanel while getting ready for a mid-week date night}

This was a big week for me. After 5 amazing years, I decided to leave my job at the theatre and take the next step in my career. It’s been a complete roller-coaster of emotions, but I’m so excited for what’s to come.  I grew up at Studio – I’ve been in a relationship with them almost as long as I’ve been in a relationship with my husband – and the decision to leave is truly the end of a huge chapter in my life. The transition from your first job out of college to the second is a pretty big one. When Studio first offered me this job, I couldn’t have accepted it faster. It paid close to nothing, and at the time meant 2 hours of commuting a day, but I had a job. And, like, health insurance. I went from answering the phones to hiring the person who answers the phones, and it grew into an absolutely incredible opportunity. The second time around, I was much more contemplative. I found myself asking questions about their 401(k) plan (who am I?) and making long lists of pros and cons. After really thinking through every possible factor, I feel ready. It’s impossible to know what the future holds, but I know it’s time for a big change and I really think this is the right one. I plan to spend my long weekend with family – I took Thursday and Friday off as a little breather – shopping, eating, and letting myself be nervous and excited all at the same time. And yes, I have every intention of laying out my clothes on Sunday night, elementary school style.

 {j crew inspiration while shopping for new work clothes}

 {celebratory lunch with my mom at Bandolero in Georgetown}

 {The Hanami Hibiscus Cherry Martini at The Jefferson, garnished with Vanilla Cotton Candy and fresh cherry blossoms in honor of the festival}

 {this inspirational article from styleactivist.com on how to feel awesome 96% of the time. I’ve re-read it at least four times and get more motivated with every word}