April Favorites

Considering it is halfway through May, I can definitely say the past month has been a whirlwind. I feel like I say that every month, but in this case it's really true! I had a trip home for last-minute interviews, enjoyed my last few weekends in Bloomington, had fun at Little 500 and wrapped up senior year. Man, did it fly by! As always, check out some of the things that were particularly special in the month of April.

Casual // This isn't the actual dress I was in love with this month. I got the real thing a few summers ago when I worked for J.Crew. I've worn it so many times since then because it's such a classic shape. Plus, you can't go wrong with the neutral navy hue. I love to dress it up with a bright statement necklace or make it more casual by tying a chambray over top. // J.Crew Maxi Tank Dress

Professional // Let me start by saying: I am not a heels girl. I'm already 5'11" so I don't really need the height, plus I'm not that great at walking in them. But these heels are the heels that are unlike any other pair of heels. They are super comfortable and easy to walk in, plus they are in a oh-so classic shape. I wore these for graduation (read: on my feet for an hour and then up and down and walking around for another two hours) and had no blisters. Woop! // Cole Haan Chelsea Pump

Book // This is a really geeky admission, but I am in love, love, love with this book! I watched the movie while I was home for an interview and knew that I had to read the original. I am probably so obsessed with it because of my recent love affair with Rome but the book is just so well written. It is intellectual, (tons of art references!) yet easy to read. Plus, it really makes you think about the relationship between science and religion. A definite page-turner! // Angels & Demons

Fun // I got this color last year and the shade began my love affair with Essie nail polish. I used to be a strictly OPI girl but I absolutely love the pastel shades from Essie's collection. This one is a good mix between a mint and turquoise but is neither too bright nor too dull. Perfection. // Essie Turquoise & Caicos 

Wildcard // My mom bought this necklace to go with the outfit she was planning on wearing for my graduation. But it turns out, I liked it a little bit more than she did so I stole it! I have gotten so many compliments on it and have worn it so much lately! It's a good basic but yet is dramatic at the same time. The dean of the School of Journalism even said she liked it while I shook her hand on stage at the Honors Convocation. It's a keeper! // kate spade new york 'capri garden' oval frontal necklace

Beauty // I heard about highlighting powders from my favorite YouTubers but never knew which ones to try or if it is something I even needed to use. But after a trip to Ulta, I fell in love with the concept as well as this illuminizer. It gives you the perfect glow in pictures while also brightening your face without appearing greasy. The only downside is that it often leaves my hands covered in glittery specs. You can't see them on your face, but somehow they always miraculously end up on my hands. // It Cosmetics Hello Light Powder Illuminizer

PR Advice // Anyone in PR knows that appearance is everything. As sad as it may be, we are often judged on our first impressions and these include having the perfect manicure and well-coiffed hair. This doesn't mean that you have to dish out tons of money to look good, but appearing clean and put-together is a must. These 15 basic tips will keep you looking (and feeling) your best. // 15 beauty tips every PR pro must know

The Lasts

A couple hours ago I just got back from my last day of classes...ever! I've already experienced some of my lasts this year - last Little 500, last PRSSA meeting, last class presentation - but this last has got to be the strangest. The past 17-ish years of my life have revolved around sitting in classes for five (but lately, two) days of the week, taking notes and preparing for exams. And all of a sudden, that is over now.

I thought I would be more sad at this fact. After class I just walked out the door like any other day, grabbed lunch and went home to watch an episode of Parenthood like a typical Thursday afternoon. It didn't feel any different. I didn't break down into tears when I left Ernie Pyle Hall. Vitamin C didn't play the Graduation song. It was just a normal day - and I kept on going.

Graduation always seemed like such a far off occasion when I started at IU four short years ago. But with the date looming - the countdown is in the single digits, people - it's becoming a lot more real. I can't imagine what it's going to feel like in August when I'm not preparing for another semester or getting excited to be reunited with my friends again.

Probably the weirdest part of all of this is the fact that I don't know when I will see a lot of my friends again. For instance, I know I will regularly stay in touch and eventually see my roommate, Carmen, but I have no idea if it will be in a couple months or a couple years. It was so much easier with friends from high school because even though we all went to different schools, we would all come home for holidays and be instantly reunited then. But with college, all of my friends came from different places and are all going in different directions after graduation. Just a very scary thought.

But at the same time, all these lasts pave the way for a whole lot of amazing firsts. My first apartment. My first real paycheck. My first day back at FleishmanHillard with the health and wellness team. Meeting new friends and keeping up with the old. I guess what I'm trying to say is that although this is a slightly scary (and mildly depressing) time, there is so much ahead that is incredibly exciting. And for now, I'm trying to focus on all the new things ahead of me instead of dwelling on all of my "lasts."

How are you coping with graduation? What are your most memorable lasts?