So this year I decided to tell my boyfriend exactly what I want for Christmas because he's pretty much oblivious to "hints". (Still love you boo boo!) The biggest reason for telling him months in advance is because I had finally found the bag of my dreams! Oak NYC's private label A.OK came out with six limited edition bags all in the $200 range. Unfortunately, my beautiful bag is currently sold out and since it's limited edition... well, it's sold out forever. I'm kicking myself for not just buying it, but that's life.
Upon my quest to find yet another perfect black leather replacement bag, I found six marvelous wants on Zara's website.
I mean, are you kidding me Zara? Way to make every doctor bag style I've ever wanted (HELLO bottom right hand corner, you have been haunting my dreams for years). The three bags at the bottom happen to be my favorite, but they're not black! Oh, but that suitcase. I can't even believe I'm saying this, but it's shockingly only $109. Actually, they're all $110 or less. They're all so perfect, and yet all so not what I'm looking for. What's a girl to do?
I can't believe it's been over a month since I've posted! It feels like October came and left faster than I could control and for that, I've neglected my blog. Instead of whining about not getting a chance to breathe with my busy schedule, I'll make this short and sweet for anyone that is reading.
As I said in my last post, I got some lovely things from Renegade Craft Fair held in Chicago in September. I'm already saving my dollars for the holiday sale held next month! Until then, these lovely things will suffice.
I can't remember the designers of these, unfortunately. As much as I'd been wanting a bullet necklace, I realized how stupid it was to buy this once I got home. Don't you hate that feeling? I'd been thinking about buying something like this because I thought it would represent my father having been shot in Chicago in the 70's, but then I realized how stupid it was to think a bullet, of all things, would best represent him. Anyway - I haven't worn it because it makes me feel bad! The knot necklace was another impulse buy, but I've at least worn it a few times. I'm not used to shorter, more delicate necklaces but it's nice to have a couple to fall back on.
"Flying Machine" print - I can't remember/figure out who this artist is for the life of me. :( Owl print - Craft Svcs. I love this little guy!
Yellowlion. This photo does this print no justice as I have terrible lighting in my apartment. It's the prettiest seafoam green color and all the slight imperfections add character to such a humble piece.
Hero and Sound. This was made specifically for Renegade Craft Fair Chicago and it's based on the six corners in Wicker Park. The detail is so gorgeous (hence the angled picture)! They make a killer Brooklyn poster, too, for those of you interested. They also have a 40% off sale on their website that ends today!
I am home. So in love! The smaller blocks on the ends are 3"x3" and the center block is 4"x4". They're meant to be hung on the wall, but for now they're hanging out on the "windowsill" of my apartment (basement apartments + small glazed windows = crappy lighting and lack of plants). Isn't this such a clever idea?
This has nothing to do with this post, but because I'm a cheeseball at heart, here's a clip from Xanadu, one of my favorite movies (it's a childhood favorite, okay!) with music by Electric Light Orchestra:
Top: Anthropologie Jeggings: ASOS Shoes: Evans Necklace: Free People Cuff: Nakamol Bag: Thomas Paul, from Fred Flare
Just a quick outfit post before I go to school where I'll be slammed in textbooks and graphic memoirs about women studies and LGBT history. Ryan's family was in town for the past 5 days which explains the lack of posts last week. Sorry about that! I really only had one entire day off to spend with them and we all had so much fun together! It was Sunday and we had brunch at Melrose diner in my neighborhood, went hat shopping at Goorin Bros that opened about three months ago (I got two hats! I will definitely have to make a post about them soon). From there, we went on a boat ride for an Architecture tour which was so amazing and informative! Then, the Grand Lux Cafe which was so delicious I can't even tell you guys.
But before I get to my Goorin Bros post, I have to share all my finds from Renegade Craft Fair later in the week. IT WAS SO GOOD, Y'ALL. I wish I could have gone both days. It's just one of those things that you need experience twice - the first time you should go alone because you want to look at everything and not bother other people that may not be as into it as you are. The second time should be with friends that have also experienced it once so you can chitchat along the way. I get too into the hunt of it all to be any fun the first time... which I think was the case for me this year, but hey? Who cares! I got some lovely, lovely things and I'm really excited to share them with you guys.
Dress: Ruche Shorts, Bag: Thrift Necklace: Renegade Craft Fair Cuff: Nakamol, from Art Effect Shoes: Ebay
This is one of those outfits that you put together one day and something just clicks. I've worn it to work, on my birthday, out with friends, to the bar, to a concert. Surprisingly enough, I haven't gotten tired of it! I've also been wearing this cuff like crazy lately. It's actually more sparkly in person, but in a really cool and rustic way. I love how easy it is to dress up and down, and it goes with so many things without being matchy-matchy. It's always a little unexpected, but in a good way.
I hope you guys have a lovely weekend! I can't even tell you how excited I am for Renegade Craft Fair this weekend (I'll be going on Sunday) and season 3 finale of True Blood! Ahh. Sunday is so close, and yet so far away!
Jacket: Buffalo Exchange Top: Urban Outfitters Scarf: Madewell Necklace: Free People Shorts: Faith 21 Bag: Thrift Sunglasses: H&M Tights: Courtesy of We Love Colors Shoes: Evans
I am so happy to say that I had the loveliest weekend. We had the most beautiful cool weather and I definitely took the opportunity to try out some new fall clothes. I received these splash metallic tights from We Love Colors a few weeks ago. I always feel like I don't have enough unique pieces in my wardrobe, so this was my chance to break out of my shell a little. Because of how unique these tights are, I also found that they're difficult to style but I think this outfit works. And for anyone interested to know - these aren't super stretchy in the thigh area, but with a lot of pulling and adjusting, I was able to get them on and they held up ALL DAY. And boy do I love a pair of tights that I don't have to adjust.
And now, back to 80 degree weather. Have a happy labor day everyone!
I am absolutely obsessed with this Delfina Delettrez cuff from Opening Ceremony (shown on left). I could get upset about its $2890 price tag, but I consider myself lucky to own its vintage counterpart (on the right). I found this beautiful belt last year at my favorite thrift store for a measly 50 cents. You can't beat that!
Blouse: Courtesy of City Chic Shorts: Bag, Ring: Thrift Cuff: Erica Weiner Necklace: Free People Shoes: Urban Outfitters
You guys! It's been forever since I've posted! I've been lacking serious energy lately since I'm constantly on my feet with work. The more I get used to it, the more I miss blogging in my spare time so I definitely want to make a better effort at posting for all my wonderful readers. I appreciate you all!
The outfit I'm wearing is such an easy day off look. When I'm not working, I am definitely living in these cut off shorts that I thrifted at the beginning of summer. I love pairing them with feminine tops. I'm especially crazy about the bed jacket feel of this City Chic blouse, and I love that I can get the same look without the excess fabric that bed jackets tend to have.
Finally, I have to talk about my fake Fendi! I was stalking this bag a month or so ago at my favorite thrift store but waited to buy it when it was half off. I don't care that it's a fake Fendi, because it's the style, shape and colors that I fell in love with before I saw the label. I just can't help but feel like I'm channeling the infamous Samantha Jones. You know what I'm talking about!
As I'm currently in the process of re-evaluating my closet (as well as my life!), I've realized that I need to add more dimension in my daily get up. I have a solution, but I also have a problem. Long story short, I need some cute rings to fit my seriously fat size 10 finger. I scoured Etsy for handmade and vintage rings, and I found a few that stuck out.
{Clockwise from top left hand corner - LINKS upon request... I have my eyes on a few of these obviously} Vintage Gold Tone and Faux Diamond Nugget ring Smoke Swarovski Crystal and Macrame Wire Wrapped ring Large Green Glass Filigree ring Nugget Style ring Arhceological Dig ring Vintage Smoky Quart Marcasite Sterling ring
{Clockwise from top left hand corner} Moonstone Sterling Silver ring Rose Quartz Sterling Silver ring Labradorite Oval Sterling Silver ring Ocean Jasper ring Vintage Long Mother of Pearl Sterling ring Silver tone black faux stone ring
I know I'm a rare case, but it's annoying how difficult it's been to find new styles in modern designs in my size. All I want is a hand full of rings but instead I'm stuck with the 4 or 5 rings that I wear quite sparingly. If you guys have any idea where to find current styles in my size, let me know in the comments!
I've been obsessed with this doctor bag by a European brand called Pieces for a few months now. I love how expensive it looks without actually being expensive at $57. The color isn't exactly what I've been looking for, but it's such a great, clean design that I can't seem to get it out of my head.
I have a black vintage doctor bag that I use in the fall, so I don't really have a need for another. But can you blame a girl for wanting more? J. Crew had a similar style called Marquee being sold for $248 last year, and Louis Vuitton has the Sophia Coppola for LV bag at $4580 (sported below by Ms. Garance Dore). I can't even fathom spending that much on a bag, but ugh! They are absolutely gorgeous.
Dress: H&M Sandals: Urban Outfitters Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
About 4 or 5 months ago I was having one of those days where you just find yourself in H&M because you're forced to go downtown and you figure it'll make your trip worthwhile. I was lucky enough to go on a day where they were restocking this dress that immediately caught my eye. I am the kind of girl that will stalk a single item until it's mine, so needless to say I snatched the last one in my size. The best part about this story is that the dress wound up being $10 full price. Can't beat that! Plus, I love fuss-free dresses and this is definitely one I can always rely on. It can literally be laying in a ball in the corner of my bedroom for weeks and it will never wrinkle, and will always look and make me feel like a million bucks.
On another note - I am starting to realize that my shopping habits are getting a bit ridiculous. I've bought so many things this summer and I'm feeling kind of guilty. I have literally bought 5 jackets this summer! I guess I just feel bad because I wrote down all the things I really wanted to buy this fall but so far I've only been buying pieces that I've found around town that are really good deals, and not necessarily things that I've been dreaming about. I feel like I'm guilty of this every season, so I can't be the only person that does this! I'm starting to think that seasonal wishlists will never work for me. Thoughts?
Summer calls for the most basic of clothes, but this skirt is kind of special. I bought it at Anthropologie a while back on sale for $20. It's definitely not the most versatile piece, but I knew I had to have it. The picture really doesn't do the poppy print justice, but I assure you, it's charming! And the fabric is so wonderfully silky, I wish you guys could feel it through your computer screens. I have to say, I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but this skirt sat in my closet for two years until I finally wore it out! I've been on the look out for the perfect white t-shirt (a mixture of a crew neck and a scoop neck and the right fabric), and I finally found it on sale at H&M. The easiest equation for a perfect little summer outfit!
P.S. Thank you to everyone that answered my bazillion questions about their recent ASOS orders! I just made mine a few days ago and I can't wait to get my package!! I'm getting a pair of jeggings, a green military parka, three dresses, and a slouchy tee. I'm excited!
First of all - I'd like to thank everyone who entered the Shabby Chic giveaway! The lucky winner was Emily of All Things Emily. So congrats to her!
In other news, I've had a bit of a whirlwind couple of weeks. Like I said in my last post, (which was over a week ago... yikes! I'm sorry!) I got a full time job at the loveliest boutique in Lincoln Park called Art Effect. It amazes me how our buyer is able to mix pieces from $2 to $1200 in one shop. I can't even explain how lucky I am to have this opportunity. Selling can sometimes be a challenge for me, and I think it's mostly because I'm the kind of gal that likes to shop quietly. It's been tough to really open up and find my voice on the floor. This job is too perfect for me to let it slip through my fingers, so if you guys have any tips on selling in retail, let me know!
It's crazy to sit back and realize that work has basically been consuming my life all summer, as I've been working 35-42 hours since I've been out of school. It's hard to find time to document my life! I did manage to have a great 3 day weekend spent with friends that I've not seen in months. I also had the pleasure of going to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to see Caribou and eat dinner in the park with Ryan. It's been a wonderful few days!
Shirt, Shorts: Thrift Necklace: Renegade Craft Fair Sandals: Urban Outfitters Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
And of course, the boyfriend. :) I figure he should make a cameo every once in a while on the ole blog! And excuse the weird quality photos. I'm still trying to figure out all the settings for my new camera.
And now I'll leave you with one of my new favorite songs by Caribou called Odessa,
I apologize for the lack of posts last week! After a year working in the food industry, I finally got a full time retail/boutique job and I couldn't be happier about the new transition. I have to admit - it is kind of intimidating to SELL product. After a full week, I'm still not really used to it, but I think I'm getting better day by day. I hope I can keep it up!
In other news, last week I was contacted by Shabby Apple, an adorable online retailer that specializes in classic dresses in a range of colors and sizes. In the blogging world, you sort of hear about the same online retailers over and over, so I'm thrilled that Shabby Apple contacted me because I'd actually never heard of them before (which, hello, is the whole idea)! So, without further a do, here are the following dresses on their website that you have to choose from:
24K {PLUS SIZE OPTION} I specifically asked for at least one plus size option, and this is the dress they are letting me give away! It comes in a 16-18, (the 20-22 seems to be sold out) and 24-26!
Here's how to enter! Visit shabbyapple.com and pick out your favorite dress. Leave me a comment with the link attached and you'll be entered in the giveaway! Only 1-3 entries per person and this is limited to US residents. (I'm sorry international readers! You'll have a chance at getting something I'm planning on giving away in the coming weeks, I promise!) Winner will be picked with a random number generator a week from today. Good luck!
I've never been a big Polyvore person. Sure, I've made a set or two - I just never learned how to get clever using images of both clothes and other various pictures. I used to love making collages as a kid, but there is something about doing it online that gives me the biggest question mark over my head. While randomly searching for items in "Leopard", I was suggested that 'Linalove was where I should go to find inspiration. Polyvore couldn't have been more right. I found 450 brilliant collages from a true fashion, photo and poetry junkie. This girl somehow turned every outfit I've ever wanted to wear into little works of art. There's no way I could look at all 450 sets, so I somehow narrowed down my 16 ultimate favorite sets of the hundred or so that I clicked on. Please take a look at her other collages here.
P.S. I bought a camera a few days ago and it should arrive on Monday. Expect some outfit posts in the near future!
As some of you may know, I have wide feet and it's been a constant struggle since I was a young girl to find shoes that fit properly. On one of my many quests to find both fashionable and wide shoes on the web, I came across this lovely brand Naya. Not only do they carry shoes in wide width, they also carry regular and narrow width sizes. How awesome is that? Here are a few of their current styles for their Spring/Summer 2010 collection:
The best part about Naya is that they are environmentally friendly. Here is a list of the eco-friendly materials they use in their footwear:
Chrome-free or vegetable-tanned leathers
Natural, organic or sustainable fabrics
Heels made from sustainable bamboo
Biodegradable latex foam cushioning
Natural cork and rubber footbeds
Outsoles made with recycled materials
Nickel free metal buckles
Recycled paper boxes
Water soluble glues and cements
I don't know about you, but I am sold! A lot of the shoes that are pictured above are up to 50% off at the Naturalizer website. I kind of want to hold off on summer shoes right now as I have plenty of cold winter days ahead of me in the Midwest. I am anxiously waiting to see what Naya has in store for their Fall/Winter collection!
And lastly, I'll leave you with this quick video I found on their website. I really, really, want those white floral heels! My self control really needs to kick in before I do some major damage to my bank account.
This always happens. I fall in love with fall lookbooks in the summer and all I can think about are future fall outfits. Never satisfied with the now. Always looking forward for what's to come.
Mental wishlist: The perfect cape, the perfect easy breezy trousers, a detachable bowtie, small heels to wear with small socks, leopard, and sequins. I want it all.
Have you ever had one of those moments where you randomly think of someone in your head, google news search them, and find out they've actually been doing some awesome things lately? Well that just happened to me with Miranda July! If you're not familiar with Miss July, you're 1. living under a rock! and 2. about to get schooled. She's a director. A writer. A-dorable (I went there). And an artist.
Right now she has an installation piece called "Eleven Heavy Things" in New York City's Union Square. It was originally created for the 53rd International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, but she brought it this summer to the states. In typical July style, she creates a simple base for her extraordinary, yet ordinary thoughts and ideas. Some of the sculptures, though they have no text, allow the viewer (and performer, in some cases I'd assume) to have the opportunity of creating their own text through visual movement, expressions, and what have you. I hope I can make it to NYC before October 3, 2010, when the installation comes to a close. I'd love nothing more than to play around in an unfamiliar place all while eating Miranda July's brain for a day. Yeah. I'm a creep.
And a quote, "Look at the sky: that is for you. Look at each person's face as you pass on the street: those faces are for you. And the street itself, and the ground under the street, and the ball of fire underneath the ground: all these things are for you. They are as much for you as they are for other people. Remember this when you wake up in the morning and think you have nothing." — Miranda July (No One Belongs Here More Than You)
I always aspire to wear a lot of different styles, but this is the kind of thing I end up wearing the most and it's the style I feel the most confident in. It's cutesy, girly, comfortable, and always vintage inspired.
First off, I had an interview with the lovely Nay of Fashion in Pictures for her blog, which you can read here. Thanks for featuring me Nay!
{NOTE: If I had a working camera, I'd be all over the outfit posts from the weekend, but until then, I'll just talk music if you don't mind.}
This past weekend was the Do-Division street festival. I always love summers in Chicago because there are so many great things to do for free. I was so excited to see Warpaint live, and they did not disappoint. There's actually been a lot of buzz this year about Warpaint. Shannyn Sossamon used to be their drummer and her sister is still currently in the band. Needless to say, these ladies have the LA connections to get the media attention they've been receiving. But they deserve it! I didn't hear about them until my friend's ex-roommate posted their music video "Elephants" on her Facebook page. It's a pretty rad song. If you haven't heard it, definitely take a minute to listen!
Yesterday was the first free Downtown Music Monday concert in Millenium Park that I've been to this summer. She & Him were the headliners and I admit, I wasn't super impressed with their music before, but after hearing Zooey's voice live, I am no longer skeptical of her talent. She is incredible live! I left before their encore in an effort to beat the INSANE crowd that surrounded us, but I still got a chance to witness the genius-ness of She & Him's cover of I Put a Spell on You. You have to listen to this song. I can assure you, it's beautifully haunting and all kinds of wonderful.
First of all - I'd like to apologize for the banner photo and its less than stellar quality. Something happened with my camera and it toppled over in the middle of snapping pictures and now it barely turns on. I literally had to take this photo with my camera phone and tweak it in Photoshop! Anyway - It's just a little banner I made from Anthropologie textile swatches that I received in the mail a couple years ago. I wore this outfit the day I made the banner. The dress is usually something I'd wear with full length leggings but I opted for cycle shorts from Faith 21 instead (though you can't tell in the photo).
The magpie necklace is definitely one of my favorites from Talonalia. Obviously, it's a Pamela Love knockoff, but for $40, I can deal! I'm sorry I didn't get a detailed shot of it - there are more photos on their website along with other fabulous necklaces in several price ranges. The headscarf was something I wanted to play with, but I think it ended up looking more like Monique in Precious and less like one of those cute girls at Coachella. Haha, well, at least I can say that I tried!
Cardigan: Target Dress: F21 Bag: Thomas Paul, from Fred Flare Necklace: Free People (gift) Sunglasses: Buffalo Exchange Ring, Shoes: Thrift
I wore this to pick up a few things at the the grocery store the day before Memorial Day. I try to not use plastic bags whenever I can, so I decided to use my Thomas Paul tote instead of one of my everyday bags. I try not to be that girl that uses a shoulder bag and a tote, but sometimes you can't help it!
I recently bought this dress and I love how simple and perfect it is! Every girl needs a go-to summer dress and this is definitely going to be mine this year. It's easy to wear, fits perfectly, and the colors are everything I love. What is your go-to item for the summer?
I rediscovered this video in an unpublished post of mine from a few months ago. This is Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman for Opening Ceremony SS10. The video is silent for the first minute and then it gets really adorable. WATCH IT! (btw, I have serious hair envy at the 2:04 mark in the video.)
Adorable, right? If Jason Schwartzman and Kirsten Dunst aren't the perfect pair, then I don't know who is.
One of the first Nylon's I ever bought was the one with Jason and Kirsten on the cover, and I still have that issue in my magazine stash (who says I'm not nostalgic?). Their chemistry is something to be admired. Regardless of who they are, you can tell they've been friends for a really long time. I haven't always been a huge fan of Dunst, but once I saw the Virgin Suicides (I still have my original copy on VHS!), and especially Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I became a believer. Now Jason, he can do no wrong in my eyes. From being 14 and blasting Phantom Planet in the car, to being 22 and watching hours of Bored to Death on HBO, I just can't get enough. Don't even get me started on what these two have done for Band of Outsiders and Opening Ceremony. It's as simple as this: They inspire me constantly. Individually, sure, but their bond is what inspires me the most. They are a habit I plan on keeping.
So I probably should have posted this before my last OOTD, but oh well. My goal this past Saturday was to find a cropped denim jacket to wear with skirts and dresses on warm windy days. I started my adventure with a trip to my neighborhood Gap and tried on this Cropped Motorcycle denim jacket, but the Large was too snug in the waist.
It was really lovely, and on sale, but since they were out of the next size I decided to keep it in the back of my mind. After that, I stopped by the Land of the Lost vintage store around the corner for a quick browse. Then I found it! The perfect little cropped worn-in denim jacket.
It's a Levi's jacket and was only $17. The fit is great - I always have a hard time finding jackets with boxier cuts. I'm usually in-between Large and XL for this very reason. I guess you could say that there aren't any bells and whistles except for the beautiful seaming and the worn-in distressed details that the previous owner had to have done through everyday use. I could have gotten the Gap jacket at another location but I enjoy supporting small businesses, especially when I find one of a kind pieces like this jacket.
Later on in the day I went to the Brown Elephant in Wrigleyville where I found yet another denim jacket by J. Crew in a Large for $7! No pics, though. Sorry! I tried to make it work for me, but I can't compromise fit when something is too small. Which brings me to this little guy...
I bought this earlier in the year at my go-to thrift store for about $6. It actually doesn't look so bad in this photo, but it's about a size too big and overall, isn't what I've been looking for. I've been compromising for a while with this jacket, which gives me a semi-guilty fashion conscience! I'm feeling like I'm a little too guilty of this and I want to stop, but it's such a hard habit to get rid of. Are you guys guilty of this too?
