Thursday, May 8, 2014

One Small Change

Ever since moving in with Keith, I've slowly packed on the pounds. It's not a lot, a grand total of about 8 lbs, but as someone who used to take their health and fitness pretty seriously, it's enough to get me to do something. When I had a lifestyle change and lost 30 lbs, I did it by making just one small change a week. I'm talking one week cutting mayo out of sandwiches and next week adding tomatoes onto them. These small changes add up and now if you see me ordering at Subway, I get a huge pile of veggies on my sandwich.

The change I made this week is drinking only water and tea during the work week. I had this habit before moving in with Keith, but then when we would get home from work, he would offer me a beer or a glass of wine--and sure, why not! Combined with eating more sweets, I've slowly packed on the lbs. I am specifying water and tea though, so I don't resort to some other sweet beverage. 

At first I craved a sweet beverage--hot chocolate, frappuccino, anything!--but I pushed through since it is just a small change and the rest of my diet is still the same for now. I no longer have to use willpower to drink only water at night but I still crave those sugary beverages (not really beer though...). My addiction to sugar is pretty intense and those cravings are going to take a little longer to go away, but nothing I can't handle. For now, with drinking just water and tea, my body is well hydrated and I've cut out an easy 100 calories. It's small but it's a start.

xoxo

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The American Flag in Fashion

Working in research has allowed me to interact with a multitude of people from various countries. One thing that seems to shock my coworkers from other countries (except the UK) is our natural patriotic display of our flag. Apparently, it's a big no-no in other countries to display the flag except in sporting events. So when they see my Union Jack mug or a Stars and Stripes t-shirt, I sometimes get a shake of the head and an odd look.

I think it is better to be patriotic though. It is something that binds everyone together and I love that our flag can be displayed in so many ways, especially through fashion. Our flag can be used in stylish items and when viewed by a fellow American, I'm not seeing an overly patriotic, arrogant American, but the flag is a natural part of our identity. Displaying the flag through whatever means seems as natural as Football Sundays and Thanksgiving in November.



Top 1: here at Chica Nova for $15
Shorts: here at Charlotte Russe for $25
Scarf: here at Wet Seal for $10

While I want them all, I am especially loving the shorts, though the scarf does provide more subtlety. Go get your 'Merica on!

xoxo

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Cinco de Mayo

Truth be told, I had totally forgotten that it was Cindo de Mayo yesterday. I had coincidentally planned getting margaritia's with my friend and was quickly reminded of the date when they offered a free tequila shot on arrival. One large strawberry margarita (they're the best!) later, and Ruby and I were talking all about life's deep conundrums. Seriously though, it's such a shame that when I finally find a good friend who I share a great repetoire with, they move. I swear this has happened to 3 of my new friends in the last year.


We shared some wonderful guacamole, chips, and salsa. It was nice to have one last gab session before she leaves me.

xoxo

Monday, May 5, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Idea's

Mother's Day is this Sunday but so if you haven't started thinking about what to get your mom, now is the time! Below are a few options I know my mom would enjoy--in fact one of these is the present I got for her! 



Bird teapot: World Market, on sale now for $15
Sunny Life Beach Radio: Anthropologie, $50
Customized Photo Tile Coasters: OakValleyCrafts via Etsy, $25 for 4

I purchased the coasters for my mom using photo's of my siblings and me from when we were little kids. At the very least, I recommend getting a nice bouquet of flowers and a card, but I believe in spoiling your mother (I hope my future kids will as well).

xoxo

Friday, May 2, 2014

Here comes the sun...


Cardigan: Van Huessen (similar here)
Shirt: Charlotte Russe (similar here)
Skirt: Van Huessen (similar here)


It's brighter in the morning now so I'm having issues with a glaringly bright sun. It's the only downside though, as it also means it's warming up (slightly) and I get to run again in the mornings, although maybe that's not such a positive.

Thursday, May 1, 2014


Cardigan: Forever21 (similar here)
Shirt: Jcrew (here)
Jeans: Banana Republic (here)
Boots: Nordstrom Rack (similar here)

Friday, March 21, 2014

Simplicity


Cardigan: Loft (similar here)
Blouse: Old Navy (similar here)
Jeans: Forever21 (similar here)
Boots: TJMaxx (similar here)

Don't you just love it when you are able to quickly grab a few items and pull together a nice outfit? A blouse and a cardigan seem to be key elements in those kind of outfits. The simplicity of it all just makes the outfits all the cuter.

xoxo

Thursday, March 20, 2014


Dress: TJMaxx (similar here)
Cardigan; Target (here)
Belt: Forever21 (similar here)
Boots: TJMaxx (similar here)

xoxo

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Blazer: Loft (similar here)
Dress: Thrift store (similar here)
Boots: TJMaxx (similar here)

When the weather warms up, the skirts and dresses come out to play! At least, for those two days it was warm. Now we're back to snow again. As I'm sure everyone in the Midwest is currently feeling, I could sure use a break from all this cold weather...Good thing I'm going to Florida! So excited! I leave in a week and a half and right now all my thoughts are revolving around want to bring for 5 glorious days at the beach. 

I have actually been to Florida quite a few times recently due to my parents buying their "future retirement home" down there (my youngest brother is still in high school so they're just waiting to push him out of the nest). Aside from the beaches, warmth, and wildlife, I love the shopping in Florida, or more specifically, I love all the outlet malls. This is why I'm able to wear items from Banana Republic, JCrew, and have sooo many items from Loft (it's my soul mate store. We were meant for each other). I'm planning on doing some major shopping while down there. Other than these once a year sprees, I'm generally pretty frugal with my spending money, typically hitting up thrift stores, TJMaxx, Old Navy, Forever21, etc. 

xoxo

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

A Little Librarian




















Skirt: Loft (similar here)
Top: Loft (similar here)
Cardigan: Target (similar here)
Boots: Nordstrom Rack (similar here)

Seriously, this outfit does make me feel like I'm a librarian. My large amount of books doesn't help. When the weather warms up, the skirts come out to play!

xoxo

Sunday, March 9, 2014





















Tunic: Francesca's Collections
Cardigan: Target (similar here)
Pants: BCBG (similar here)
Boots: TJMaxx (similar here)

Friday, March 7, 2014

Sweater Blazer



Blazer: Thrift store (similar here)
Pants: BCBG (similar here)
Boots: TJMaxx (similar here)

This blazer is made out of sweater material so it's super soft and amazing. It's not super formal but I definitely recommend one!

xoxo

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Winter Brights





















Sweater: Charlotte Russe (similar here and here)
Shirt: Thrift store (similar here)
Jeans: Banana Republic (here)
Boots: Nordstrom Rack (similar here)

This sweater is another one of those unexpected finds. It didn't cost much money and it is just lasting me forever! It feels great and looks great, years later. Also, the shirt is a maternity shirt (and I've never been pregnant). The fit is just so flattering though and in one day I might wear it for its intended use--covering a baby bump!

Anyway, I find that in winter I definitely dress in darker colors while the majority of my summer clothes are full of brights. Wearing these darker clothes, on top of it just being darker outside in general, starts to get you feeling down. I find that just throwing in a few bright pieces really helps with that. Another thing that would help if Spring finally came but nooo. Instead it snowed a few inches last night.

xoxo

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Winter Warmth



Jeans: BCBG (similar here)
Brown sweater: TJMaxx (similar here)
Sweater Dress: Gift (similar here and here)
Blue Cardigan: Charlotte Russe (similar here)
Boots: Hunter

These outfits are from when it's in the negatives outside. I sacrifice a little but for style but warmth is the name of the game. Everyone at work is of the same mind so we're all dressed down a bit. I'm fortunate enough to work at a place that doesn't have a strict dress code so I can this.

xoxo

Monday, March 3, 2014

The Secret to Fur Vests






















Black Turtleneck: Forever21 (similar here)
Fur vest: Francessca's Collections (similar here)
Jeans:  Banana Republic (here)

I love my fur vest, especially it's warmth and puffiness. What I didn't like though, was how the fur around the neck itched me like crazy the first few times I wore it. In order to amend this situation, I now only wear it with a turtle neck. This is a bit restricting, but comfort is key with me. When I wore this vest with a turtle neck, I was very comfortable and itch-free. So not a big secret, but it's how I am able to wear it.

On a side note, this is faux fur (of course!) and the reason there's so many pictures of my feet cut off it's because I'm just wearing my ridiculous winter socks and not cute boots. Essentially, it's too cold and snowy so I need to travel in my tough winter gear.

xoxo

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Pink and Polka Dots



Pink button up: TJMaxx (similar here)
Polka dot cardigan: Thrift store (not very similar but here's a cute one!)
Jeans: Banana Republic (similar here)
Watch: Marc Jacobs (here)

xoxo

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Lunch Date




Houndstooth Dress: Francesca's Collections (similar here)
Cardigan: Charlotte Russe (similar here)
Boots: TJMaxx (similar here and here)
Belt: Forever21

During Chicago's restaurant week, some coworkers and I took a long lunch at Blackbird, which was delicious. I wish I could eat like that all the time! We got a three course meal and wine for $30.

xoxo

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Messy babies

 


Jeans: Charlotte Russe (similar here)
Sweater: TJMaxx (similar here
Boots: (similar here and here)
Button up: (similar here)

So the lack of posting has to do with my sister visiting with my little niece and nephew. Since I don't see them too often, I took some time off work to thoroughly enjoy their adorableness...and their messiness. When I go see them though, I make sure to wear some clothes that I don't mind getting covered in spit-up and bits of food. Their ability to get messy is staggering, but I love them.

xoxo

Tuesday, January 28, 2014



Vest: Plato's Closet (similar here)
Sweater: Plato's Closet (similar here)
Jeans: Forever 21 (similar here)
Boots: Nordstrom Rack (similar here and here)
Watch: Marc Jacobs (here)

Monday, January 27, 2014

Unexpected Finds






 Grey Blazer: H&M (similar here)
Jeans: Forever21 (similar here)
Sweater: Express (I can't find any similar at the moment but I'll keep looking!)
Watch: Kate Spade (here)
Boots: Charlotte Russe (here)

I am a bargain hunter. I love to shop sales and deals, but quality clothing proves to be most cost effective in cost-per-wear. Of course I still shop at Forever21, Charlotte Russe, etc. for some cheap finds but when these items last longer than I expect them to (a season), I'm always genuinely surprised. I got these jeans at Forever21 five years ago. Until very recently, when I got thos eamazing Banana Republic pair, these had been my go-to skinnies. In addition, I got these black boots at Charlotte Russe four years ago, again expecting them to last a season like most of my boots from there. But I'm still able to wear them now!

On that note, I made this outfit for warmth. Chicago Public Schools are all closed today and tomorrow due to the cold but for some reason, the University I work for decided to inform everyone that we will have to come in. So, that being said, I layered a pretty warm sweater under my blazer. Layers are so key when it comes to keeping warm in Chicago. Sometimes work is too hot so then I can remove the blazer as well. While actually commuting, I'm going to throw some thick sweats over my jeans (hey, it's -20F out there!). 

Sparkles and Peplum







Burgudy peplum blazere: Loft (similar here)
Jeans: Banana Republic (here)
Boots: TJMaxx (similar here and here)
Sparkle sweater: Loft (similar here)


I may have moved out of downtown Chicago but I still spend a quite a few Friday nights in the city, going out with friends. This outfit I wore one such night, when I went out for drinks after a very long day at work. I think the blazer did make it work appropriate but it was still fun for nighttime!

xoxo