Sarah's Real Life

Did you notice my earrings? They’re very subtle. Just wanted to make sure.

You didn’t think I was done talking about my birthday, did you? Because I’m totally not. But I will be in just a minute, I swear.

A weekday birthday just means you get to extend the celebration through the weekend, when you can actually get your friends together to spoil you with attention and presents and drinks. I was lucky to have lots of cool people go out of their way to hang out with me in two different shifts on Saturday. In the afternoon I went to New Day, which is a bar that just serves craft meads and ciders. I usually don’t like super sweet drinks, but I was pleasantly surprised that I liked all 6 of the samples in my flight! These weren’t like syrupy honey wines I’ve had before (yuck); they were all light and yummy. After a nap (#thisis30), I went back out with more friends for Mediterranean food (one of my favorites) at Canal Bistro. One of my friends told the waiter it was my 21st birthday and he believed her, bless his heart. Best birthday gift I could have asked for. So basically, lots of fun and deliciousness was enjoyed by all. Great birthday week.

And one of the best parts of any birthday is having an excuse to dress fancier than everyone else, and sometimes fancier than is really acceptable for what you’re doing. YES, I WILL WEAR GINORMOUS EARRINGS FOR DAY DRINKING. IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY 2 DAYS AGO.

Dress (on sale) // similar Shoes (on sale) // Earrings (other colors too!) // similar Clutch // similar Sunglasses

Two birthday gifts, both yellow, are featured in this outfit: the dress (from Kristin) and the sunglasses (from myself). I was excited about both of them, so I figured why not wear them together? And then I went really nuts and threw in some more yellow with the shoes. Was this going over the yellow line? I knew whom to ask: my sister. She loves yellow, and she can pull off wearing it better than I can because she inexplicably has this natural olive skin tone even though we (allegedly) have the same parents.

Here’s how our text conversation went:

Me: I thought you’d be a good person to ask: am I wearing too much yellow today? [attached outfit selfie]

Kathryn: There is no such thing as “too much yellow.”

Kathryn again: Even on a bad day big bird looks fabulous.

Me: This is why I asked you. Because I already left the house.

So there you have it. The Harrell sisters are unanimous: I look amazing.

Seriously, though. I love this dress, and it’s perfect for this time of year because it’s comfortable for hot August weather, but the shade of yellow kind of says “psst…it’s almost fall…and I’m ready.” Picture this dress with a cardigan and boots. Totally works, right? If I were still a student, this would be the perfect back-to-school-shopping purchase.

And speaking of back to school shopping, for those of you in the Indianapolis area, join me in trying to fit in with the cool kids at the Macy’s at Castleton Square Mall this Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2pm for the Back to School Shopping party! Not that we need an excuse to go shopping, but there will be snacks, a DJ, mini manicures, and free gifts with purchase. The event is free, and you can find details here (there are BTS shopping parties at other locations this month too). Hope to see you there! I’ll be the one without any kids in tow, looking totally out of place. Take pity on me and come say hello. [Disclosure: I am being compensated for sharing information about the Macy’s Back to School Shopping Party.]

Dress // Shoes // Necklace // similar Bracelet // Sunglasses // similar Bag // similar Earrings