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Yes, we are finally back!

I am a recovering perfectionist. I say "recovering" because I am trying so hard every day to be less and less about having everything in my life be perfect. First of all, there's no such thing as perfect, so striving for it is a lost cause. And second, being a perfectionist is not a good thing. It isn't the humble brag I always thought it was.

Being a perfectionist actually holds you back from trying new things, taking risks, and growing as a human being. And I don't know about you, but I want all of those things in my life. So, instead of seeking perfection, I'm trying to be better at seeking opportunity with an unknown result.

But the past two weeks have definitely tested my perfectionist habits. As you know, we update this website with new articles two-three times each week. But last week there were no posts. That's because I went home to Minnesota for six days to help my parents as my dad recovered from his second round of chemotherapy. It was a very emotional experience and one that took all of my attention.

I had intended to work while I was at home but that didn't happen. Either I was busy helping my parents or I just didn't feel like working given all of the crap that was going on. I'll be the first to admit, my dad's diagnosis has had me feeling very depressed. That has made it hard to do the work I typically love at the regularity I usually operate.

But, I'm trying really hard to cut myself a break. I will work when I am able to work and I will stop when I need a break. The most important thing right now is being there for my parents. So, that is my primary focus.

With that being said, this week's What I Really Wore is actually a mash-up of the last two weeks. I didn't take any pictures while I was home in Minnesota, so those outfits aren't included. But I put together the looks from the beginning of the week I went to Minnesota, with those from the end of the week that I returned.

Here we go...

MONDAY 9.9

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore Frame Le Sylvie

WHAT: FRAME Denim, FatFace Tunic (sold out), Dolce Vita Sandals, Quay Sunglasses

WHERE: I worked from home and had a video meeting. I also took Oxford for his daily walk.

WHY: It was feeling a little cooler on Monday so I was happy to break out a pair of jeans. Even though I work from home and could just wear pajamas all day I try very hard to look presentable every day. You just never know when you might need to run out for a meeting!

TUESDAY 9.10

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore Need Supply Overalls

WHAT: Z Supply Overalls, J. Crew Factory T-Shirt, Missoma London Necklace, Monica Vinader Bracelet

WHERE: Worked from home.

WHY: This was an incredibly casual day! I don't think I put shoes on except to take the dog for a walk. Instead of just wearing sweats I wanted to actually put a look together that made me feel like I got dressed for work while still feeling incredibly comfortable and cozy. These knit overalls are prefect for elevating a very casual look.

WEDNESDAY 9.11

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore Sundress

WHAT: Max Studio Dress (old), Modern Picnic Bag, Missoma London Necklace, Missoma London Necklace, Monica Vinader Bracelet, Hermes Sandals, Quay Sunglasses

WHERE: Worked from home in the morning and met Marc for an appointment in the afternoon.

WHY: It was once again hot and humid in New York City so I wanted to wear something easy and simple but that looked polished. A sundress always fits that bill. I met Marc for an appointment in the late afternoon and wanted to be prepared in case we decided to grab a happy hour drink afterward. We ended up coming home for that cocktail, but it's better to be ready than not!

THURSDAY 9.12

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore Abercrombie jeans

WHAT: Abercrombie Jeans, Uniqlo Top (old), Hermes Sandals, Missoma London Necklace, Missoma London Necklace, Monica Vinader Bracelet

WHERE: I worked from home and was a podcast guest that included video.

WHY: It was another day of working from home but it also included being part of a podcast video. I was a guest on the soon-to-be-released Take Me To Coffee Podcast and they also post video from the chat. So, I needed to look professional but not stuffy from the waist up.

THURSDAY 9.19

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore J Crew Sweater Jacket

WHAT: FRAME Jeans, J. Crew Factory Sweater Jacket, & Other Stories Camisole (old), Hermes Sandals, STAUD Bag, Ann Taylor Scarf (sold out)

WHERE: Worked from home in the morning and went into Manhattan for an appointment and errands in the afternoon.

WHY: After getting back from Minnesota the night before, I was greeted with much cooler temperatures in NYC. It felt like fall and I finally got to wear this sweater blazer from J. Crew Factory which was the perfect layer for running around Manhattan in the afternoon. I also made this white STAUD bag a little more fall-like by adding a scarf.

SHOP THE ENTIRE LOOK HERE

FRIDAY 9.20

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore Zara Pants

WHAT: Zara Pants, J. Crew Factory T-Shirt, Dolce Vita Sandals, Quay Sunglasses

WHERE: Worked from home.

WHY: This was my version of casual Friday as I worked from home all day and took care of things around the apartment. Oxford, of course, was there to help. Like always. These Zara pants are supposed to have a baggy fit, but I sized down to make them a bit more fitted.

SATURDAY 9.21

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore Sundress

WHAT: Max Studio Dress (old), Janessa Leone Hat, Quay Sunglasses, Lucky Brand Sandals

WHERE: Ran around Manhattan for photoshoots and errands.

WHY: The weather started heating up again just as the weekend hit and Marc and I spent Saturday all over the Upper East Side. He had to leave for a work trip on Sunday so there were a bunch of things we needed to get done before that, including shooting three different outfits. I changed in various fitting rooms and Starbucks bathrooms, but this dress is what I wore for real. And yes, it is making a repeat appearance in this post! That means it is simple and easy, my weekend and summer go-to style.

SUNDAY 9.22

Laura Behnke The Life Actually Company What I Really Wore Striped Dress

WHAT: Joe Fresh Dress (old), Urban Outfitters Bag (sold out), Quay Sunglasses, Lucky Brand Sandals

WHERE: Hanging around the apartment and taking the dog for a walk.

WHY: This was a no-makeup Sunday where my main goal was to be comfortable as I got things done. Marc left for his work trip in the morning and I spent the rest of the day working. So, this simple and comfy jersey dress was perfect. But it doesn't have pockets, so when I took Oxford for a walk I brought along this simple crossbody bag from Urban Outfitters that I got at the beginning of the summer specifically for dog walks.

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