By 
I hope you all had a relaxing and safe weekend! Believe it or not, it’s already time for another monthly recap post, and I decided to switch up the format a little. I love how Lizzie from Lizzie in Lace does her month in review blog posts, so I wanted to test out her layout in an attempt to write less… You all know I can be so wordy. Be sure to let me know how you like this format in the comments at the end of this post! Now without further ado, here is October’s lil’ recap.
What’s New?
- I’m finally in the process of officially declaring Geography as my second major (Criminology is my primary major).
- I finally reapplied to the ShopStyle affiliate marketing program and was accepted this time! So now I can start making a small commission off all my links.
- I spent yesterday afternoon taking blog photos on campus, and the sweetest girl approached me to ask why I was taking pictures. I told her about my blog and she became SO excited! She told me she loves fashion and started asking about my blog and the school (she was a prospective student). It completely made my night!
- The internet came back on Saturday night (you can read about the debacle here), just in time to watch a scary movie for Halloween.
- I’ve decided to rock the middle part these last few days. Usually I’m all for the side part, but I’ve been feeling mighty sassy with my 70s chic middle part. Do you ever like to switch up your hair??
Favorite Outfits from October
- This purple and black “mask fashion” outfit gave me all the cool-girl vibes. I mean, how can lace-up pants not be cool??
- I was obsessed with how this edgy camo outfit turned out with the studded leather jacket. Admittedly, I haven’t worn this look outside of the blog yet, but I can’t wait to!
- I also love how today’s outfit turned out. I can’t believe I never thought to pair this tee and skirt together before, but I love the pattern mixing.
What I Bought
- High-waisted black straight-leg jeans from Express. I don’t have any high-waisted pants but I do have a lot of crop tops… so I’ll be excited to actually wear those crop tops now (and not show mid-drift).
- I also got these cropped flared high-waisted jeans from Express while on sale. Both of these jeans are very out of my comfort zone, so hopefully I like them! They’re supposed to arrive today.
What I Watched + Read
- I’ve been binging “Jane the Virgin” all month long on Netflix. I’m really close to finishing now, but it’s a light-hearted, romantic show. I’ve been loving it, and the fashion is good too!
- My boyfriend and I started watching “The Crown” during our Tuesday night dinners. We’re only a few episodes in, but it’s really interesting so far.
- I watched It with my roommate on Halloween, and it was terrifying! (I’m a huge scaredy-cat.) We’re planning on watching the second one at some point, too.
- I’m currently reading the book Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats for a project in my Sustainability class. I’m very interested in the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, so this book has been fascinating so far (albeit gross at times).
Quote of the Month
- Last Month’s Quote: “It doesn’t take a lot of strength to hang on… It takes a lot of strength to let go.”
- November’s Quote: “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” -Angela Duckworth
Goals
- Last Month’s Goals: I had two big goals last month—to make an all-encompassing game plan for my blog (what are my long-term goals and due dates?) and to have my best blog month ever in terms of views/visitors… I didn’t accomplish either. As some of you may have noticed, I took October off from all social media, and I was very interested to see what kind of negative consequences that decision would have on my blog traffic. I’m pleasantly surprised to say that while I didn’t beat my best month ever, I tied for the number of visitors and was only about 300 views short! Even though I didn’t reach my goal, I’m still proud and excited to have gotten so close.
- November’s Goals: For the month of November, I want to finish making the blogging plan I started last month, which should be a lot more manageable considering the school quarter is coming to an end soon. Heck, I also want to have my best blogging month ever in November—for real this time!
Most Popular Posts from October
- What Sewing Has Taught Me About Fashion
- The Best and Worst Fall Fashion Trends
- The Thrifty Six: ‘Check’ Out Our Preloved Style
This Month in 2019: 8 Ways to Style Animal Print This Fall | El Camino de Santiago: The Untold Stories | Billy the Puppet Halloween Costume | El Camino de Santiago: The People
This Month in 2018: Worthy of a Talk Show | So Far Away: Tips for Coping with Homesickness | Maybe She’s Born with It, Maybe It’s Confidence
This Month in 2017: My Road Trip Essentials | Work Wear or the Weekend? | Retro Vibes: The Head Scarf | Take Me to the Masquerade
This Month in 2016: Not-So-Green Pants | A Fashionista’s Halloween Costume | Formal Attire | Back At It
What I’m Looking Forward to in November
- My birthday!!!
- Going home and seeing my parents.
- Finishing up this tough quarter of classes.
- My mom’s cooking (and not having to cook myself!).
Did anything exciting or interesting happen to you in October? And what are you looking forward to in November? Usually I’m a strict “No Christmas until after Thanksgiving” kind of person, but this year, I’m soooo ready for the holiday season.
Let me know what you think of this new format for monthly recap posts, and have a wonderful start to your week!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
Green Stripe Tee: Down East Style, $18, last worn here | Green Military Jacket: Nordstrom Rack, $30, last worn here | Plaid Skirt: Cabi, $89, last worn here | Brown Booties: DSW, $35, last worn here | Maroon Circle Purse: Nordstrom Rack, $50, last worn here
I really enjoyed this post, Grace! Great format! (My monthly wrap up posts are also inspired by Lizzie in Lace.) And I had such a busy month, I know I missed some of your posts. I’ve noticed my traffic lagging a bit, and I think this has to do with the nice October weather that has people out and about, and the approach of the holidays making people busier. So don’t feel bad if you don’t hit your blog traffic goal – but I hope you do!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thank you, Michelle!! Yes, Lizzie’s format is a really great template. And that’s a good point! People definitely do get busier this time of year.
You look so chic in this outfit. Have a happy Birthday month!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you Lovely!! I sure will!
So cute! Love your outfit.
I am living in this skirt at the moment: https://www.saintgenies.co.uk/beca-black-faux-leather-ruched-diamante-buckle-frill-hem-mini-skirt/
Perfect for autumn xx
Thanks Mia!
November is my birthday month too! Congrats on declaring Geography as your 2nd major! Love your hair parted in the middle!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks Jill! And yay, happy birthday! So many November b-days it seems.
Sounds like you had a very productive month, Grace and I’m glad to hear you can now earn a small commission for all your links, that’s so exciting.
November is my Birthday month, too! What date is yours? Thanks for sharing and have a good day. I love the new layout 😊 Aiva
Thank you Aiva!! And my birthday was the 9th! What about you?? Happy b-day!
Happy belated Birthday, Grace! I hope you had a lovely day filled with love and lots of surprises. My Birthday is on the 16th 😊
I like the middle part on you! I wish I could switch it up, but I have a cowlick in the middle of my forehead so that is a big no-no (along with bangs-haha)! That skirt is so cute on you! Super exciting your bday is soon!
Thank you Laura! And haha I feel that, when I part mine in the middle some of it kind of sticks up sometimes too.
I too like this format. Congratulations on being selected for ShopStyle, the affiliate program. I admire that you didn’t get discouraged from applying again.
Great choice with Geography as a second major, both majors can and will give you more options for your career.
Finally,I love your outfit, that bag with pom poms, chic!
Thank you Eugenia! I’m very excited to be apart of ShopStyle finally.
Cute outfit: great print mix! I do like this format but i pretty much always read everything you write (good writer you are 😁). Looking forward to the holidays too. I have done most of my shopping apart from stocking stuffers and my hubby’s. I picked up some matching Christmas pjs today foe the kids and I!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you Mireille! That means so much to me. 🙂 And wow, you’re so ahead of the game! I haven’t even though about holiday shopping yet, haha. Gotta get on that!
I agree that this format works really well and is easy to read! I say keep using it. 🙂 This outfit is one of my favorites of yours, Grace, and I think this skirt and top look fabulous together. I can’t say that October was too eventful, but I am looking forward to this month and a small family gathering for Thanksgiving!
I hope you are having a great week!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin
Thanks so much, Amber! I’ll definitely keep using this format in the future. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving gathering!
That is a great print mixing outfit! 🙂
I love Jane the Virgin too – and all the Rebecca Minkoff bags in that show, haha! I tried to get hubby into the show but he gave up – I binge watched a lot of it when my youngest was a baby, it frequently made me cry enough to wake up the kids and worry my hubby – such a good show!
Good luck with your goals for next month too!
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! Hope that you are having a nice weekend 🙂
Thanks so much, Mica! And yes, it’s sooo good! It definitely made me tear up a lot… I finally finished it the other day. I can’t believe I didn’t notice the Rebecca Minkoff bags!
I love the plaid and stripe mix, your skirt looks so fun. Your hair looks so lovely down! I always wished i could do a middle part. I think its great you are going for Criminology! If I could do it over it would be that or something to do with dogs. I am an Discovery ID addict and love crime shows.
thanks for linking
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks so much, Jess! Yes, Criminology is super interesting. And I don’t often wear the middle part, but it’s fun to try sometimes!
Lovely fall outfit! The check skirt looks great with the ankle boots. The bag is really cute – I love the pom pom details on the strap. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks so much for stopping by, Emma!