Color Stories

Cardigan: Anthropologie // Top: Old Navy // Belt, Clutch: Vintage // Skirt: Gap // Shoes: Style 369 // Sunglasses: H&M // Watch: Art Effect

So, Monday was my birthday. I am now 24 years old! It amazes me how fast time flies, especially after your 21st and 22nd birthday. I'm getting up there man! I'm really hoping for a better year... the past couple have been bringing me down. I won't get too into detail but I'm super hopeful that the next year will be better. If I manage to save some money for November through January, I'd love to take a trip that isn't in Texas. I'm only mentioning this because a friend of mine found $116 round trip tickets from Chicago to New York! I've never been and the idea obviously really excites me.

Anyway, on to my outfit! It's like night and day from my last outfit post which is funny because the majority of my clothes sort of work together, but I end up going from one extreme to the other sometimes. Regardless - I love this outfit. It's a little corporate but I try to have fun with color every once in a while. I'm a sucker for kind of muted, earthy fall colors so when I saw this Anthro cardigan, I knew it would work with everything I own. Think about it - it's the perfect pop of color against forest green, burgundy, navy, camel, and a dark goldenrod. I love it even more because it also works for cooler summer days and the length is just perfect with any high waisted look. Not to pat myself on the back or anything, but this tortoise, gold, white, blue-green, and an orangey red color story is making me long for another month of summer fun.



P.S. If you didn't notice, I got a haircut! It was shockingly only $24 at Floyd's Barbershop in Wicker Park. I think Mandi did a fabulous job. Also, Chicago was not allowing me to go without a cowlick in this post. Forever windy in the Windy City.

American snapshot

It's been nearly 2 months since my last outfit post and my hair has probably grown about 2 inches since my last haircut. As I've said in previous posts, life has been nonstop crazytown since I came back from my trip and I've been putting things like getting a haircut on the back burner. Plus, haircuts cost money and that's something I've also been lacking these days.


Top: Acne, from Crossroads // Shorts: Forever 21 // Sandals: Evans // Bag: Thrift // Necklace: Renegade Craft Fair // Watch: Art Effect // Bracelet: La Mariposa // Sunglasses: Free People

All stress aside - I'm happy to be making outfit posts again! The backdrop in these photos are from a garbage truck that was parked in front of the alley to my apartment. Pretty stoked to see that before a day of errands and clearly kept it in mind for an end-of-the-day photo op. The top I'm wearing was a fabulous find from Crossroads. The retail price on that tee has to be like 9 times what I paid for it. It's a size small, which begs me to question how designers size oversized garments. Anyway- the fabric is so yummy and easy, I want to wear it everyday. Not the greatest shape in photos, but I don't mind. It's comfy and so are my favorite $15 Forever 21 shorts that seem to go with everything. It's pretty clear to me that I'm all about staying comfortable for the remainder of SU11, haha.

Before I end this post, I have to mention this woman that nearly put herself in incoming traffic only to ask where I got my bucket bag pictured in these photos. It's funny and also kind of scary what we will do for fashion!

$41,000

Top: Anthropologie // Pants: H&M // Necklace: Talonalia // Bracelets, Cuff: Art Effect, and Erica Weiner // Shoes: Bass, from Zappos // Sunglasses: Buffalo Exchange // Bag: Borders & Frontiers, from ASOS

...is how much I owe in student loans. But more on that later. There are a lot of outfit things going on in this post that I'm excited about! I'll start with the top. I bought it on a whim at Anthropologie and it's become one of those tops that everyone I see tells me they love. It has a great weight to it and I can play with the sides of it to manipulate the shape. The pants are easy breezy and another on the whim purchase from H&M. I've only worn them a few times in the past couple of months but they really are perfect for this weird in-between hot and cool weather we've been having in Chicago. And the shoes. The shoes have a funny story, but honestly I'll spare you guys the details because it's kind of ridiculous. Basically, I returned like 4 different pairs of shoes through Zappos in order to get to these and the customer service girl told me that I was banned from any more exchanges. I'm really pleased with these shoes though, so I guess in the end everything worked out.



All excitement about my sort-of recent purchases aside, I have put myself on a serious spending ban due to student loan repayment plans starting next month. Such a bummer, I know. I'm actually in the works of putting around 25 or so things online to sell if anyone is interested! I have some SUPER cute things to sell and a lot of them I've never worn more than a handful of times. So please be on the lookout for that within a week or so.

My favorite daydream

Blazer: Gap // Tunic, Shorts: Forever 21 // Boots: Evans // Sunglasses: Buffalo Exchange // Cuff: Nakamol, from Art Effect // Necklace: Free People // Bag: Thrift

I've been looking high and low for an ankle boot perfect for the summer. Boots are kind of essential for me since I'm on my feet for long periods of time as a full time sales girl. Even if it's just one day a week, my feet feel much better by the end of my fifth day if I wear my boots or my white sneakers. It's funny because I have this image in my head of what I want but I cannot stress enough how difficult it is as a wide-footed gal to find cool and comfortable shoes. Does anyone out there know of any websites that have a nice selection of wide shoes? I have a lot that I know of and check daily (Torrid, Evans, One Stop Plus, New Look, Zappos) but I'd love to know if there's something I'm missing!

Blue Valentine

Dress: H&M
Shoes: Evans
Necklace: Talonalia
Bracelet: Species by the Thousands, from Renegade Handmade
Bag: Aldo
Tote: Borders & Frontiers, from ASOS

The sun is officially on our side in Chicago and I was finally able to debut this dress that I bought back in February. As creepy as it sounds, when I saw this dress on the rack I instantly thought of Michelle Williams. It was around the time when Blue Valentine came out and I could not shake every second of that movie out of my soul. I would literally wake up with that Penny & the Quarters song in my head every morning for about two weeks! In fact, thinking about that movie still makes me sad. It damaged me! Anyway - all sad feelings aside, I LOVE Michelle Williams. She's always seemed like my kinda gal, even during the Dawson's Creek days. I saw these press photos for Blue Valentine with her wearing this lovely blue dotted vintage inspired dress. Aren't our dresses so similar?

Stripe Season

Blazer: We The Free, from Crossroads
Top: Gap
Shorts, Necklace: Thrift
Shoes: H&M
Bracelets: Verameat, and Species by the Thousands

Today's outfit is definitely inspired by one of my favorite brands, J. Crew. I've been a fan for years because of their incredible ability to make prepster clothes not preppy, and instead, cool, fresh, and relevant. In a way I'm glad that they don't carry my size because I know I'd be in trouble! Their brilliant styling continues to make me look at my own wardrobe in different ways. So really, I blame them for giving me the idea to pair my blazers with ripped up jeans and silk blouses paired with sneakers. None of it really makes sense but in the end I'm happy I took an unpopular idea and made it my own.

The latest is the greatest

Blazer: Gap
Blouse, Sunglasses: Buffalo Exchange
Jeans: Target
Flats: Art Effect
Bag: Aldo
Necklace: Renegade Craft Fair
Bracelet: Verameat

Sooo... I got my hair cut! I've been waiting for this change for months and I'm so happy it finally happened. It's been almost a week and I never want to go back! I'm a low maintenance kind of girl, and this new do is so easy to do before work. I love it! The bag is also a new addition to my wardrobe. I hadn't bought a new bag in forever! All of my bags are vintage, with exception of a few totes, my MBMJ bag that I bought in 2006, and my Fossil bag that I got last Christmas. Everything else is thrifted/bought through consignment. I should make a post about my purses because they all say a little something different about me. This new one was a perfect new addition. Perfect color, perfect shape, and perfect for spring!

Wild as the wind

Jacket, skirt: Gap
Top: Forever 21
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Thrift
Bag: MBMJ
Sunglasses: Future Garb
Necklace: Renegade Craft Fair
Bracelet: Verameat

Just a quick outfit post to start the week off right! We had gorgeous weather this Sunday, despite wind and clouds (you have to pick your battles in the Midwest). My hair literally goes everywhere when it's windy and honestly, I can't take it anymore! So I'm getting a much needed haircut this Tuesday. I can't even explain how excited I am, and normally I'd be a bit nervous but I trust that the girl I'm going to will do a great job. Wish me luck you guys!

Here comes the sun

Dress, Belt: H&M
Scarf: Art Effect
Tights: Nordstrom Rack
Bag, Shoes: Thrift
Bracelet: Verameat

As much as I hate losing an hour of sleep for daylight savings time, I love that it means we are getting closer to spring! Most of my wardrobe is transitional, which means I get really bored of my clothes since I'm constantly making them work for all seasons. In the photo I'm wearing a somewhat thicker cotton dress that's essentially a shapeless sack and looks terrible on its own. I knew I could make it work, and at $15, I figured why not give it a go. I wore this last summer with sandals and flats and when it turned into fall, I wore it with boots, and now that it's winter transitioning into spring, I'm wearing it with tights and ankle boots that I thrifted. I'm kind of over it, but it works, and everyday is a new day... so here's to giving an old piece in your closet some new light!

A sparkle a day

As this product review comes to a close, it seems as though today's Sejour item is sold out! It's definitely a highly coveted blazer as I've only worn it once and got a ton of compliments on it. I really can't wait to wear this with white skinny jeans in the summer and heels (baby heels, since I'm a wimp in anything higher than 2")!



Blazer: Sejour
Tee: Crossroads
Shorts, Bag: Thrift
Necklace: Free People
Shoes: Seychelles

Lady bird

This lovely beaded tunic is made of the softest fabric. It seriously feels so good, I never want to take it off. I've paired this with a black blazer with my hair tousled up in a ponytail and I've worn it just like this, plain and simple and off the shoulder with my Sejour leggings (that are the-best-leggings).



Tunic, leggings: Sejour
Cuff: Nakamol, from Art Effect
Bag: Thrift
Boots: Evans

The modern age

Today's outfit consists of two of the most amazing pieces that I own! I've worn the faux suede shawl collar jacket many times in so many different ways. It's hard to find a blazer that's great with jeans, pants, dresses, and skirts. I find that it's usually one or other other. It's definitely one of the most versatile pieces in my closet.

The pants may seem like just an average pair of wide leg pants, but it's the fit that really blows me away. So many plus size retailers only design for the "curvy" plus size woman, but I've always had a hard time finding "straight" plus size pants for my short legs. Not every plus size woman has a defined waist, so these straight petite trousers will be my go-to pants when the occasion arrives.



Blazer, Pants: Sejour
Blouse: Anthropologie
Clutch: Vintage
Shoes: Seychelles

Sejour

A few months ago I was approached by Nordstrom to do a product review for their new plus size line Sejour. Sejour was created to meet the needs of the modern customer while still offering the core styles that their typical Nordstrom customers love. I feel like I embody that statement so well, and I'm beyond pleased to have worked with the Sejour team. The quality of their pieces have a finesse that was lacking in my wardrobe, and they all have a timeless quality that can easily be interpreted and styled in a younger, hipper way. In the effort to take photos of these pieces, I decided that I'd post four outfits this week using my favorite Sejour items.

First up is this silky boyfriend blazer that looks best when worn with the sleeves rolled up. I've also worn this blazer with flowy floral dresses with a belt to define my shape. The fabric is so soft and silky and the construction is truly top notch!


Blazer: Sejour
Tunic: Gap
Shorts and Boots: Thrift
Tights: Nordstrom brand

Ruffle me up

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.

Until then!

Sundaze

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!

Cold hearted

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!

Me and Mrs. Jones

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!

Shopping sentiments

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?

The little skirt that could.

Shirt: H&M
Skirt: Anthropologie
Belt, Shoes, Bag: Thrift

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!

It's gonna take a lot of love

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,