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)

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

Winter warmth

Cardigan: Charlotte Russe (Similar here and here)

Plaid button up: Forever21 (similar here)

Jeans: Banana Republic (here)

Boots: Hunter

A few of you might have heard how cold it is in the Midwest...something about it being warmer on Mars? Living in Chicago means I need to balance style with warmth. On this particular day, I just couldn't stand being cold anymore. So I threw on my trusted knit cardigan, added layers, and my new Hunter boots with their Union Jack lining. And let me just say, it is fabulous walking to the train and not feeling like a human popsicle. 

xoxo

Scallops and Dots

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft (kind of similar here)

Boots: TJMaxx (similar here and here)

White and black polka dot cardigan: TJMaxx (Similar here)

Short sleeve turtleneck: Forever21 (Similar here and here)

I loved this pairing. I recently realized that I have quite a thing for polka dots but the pairing with a scalloped skirt just seems so feminine to me. Then again, a cardigan and a pencil skirt seems to be a basic equation for a feminine outfit. I bought quite a few pencil skirts this summer and fall in an effort to build my "big girl wardrobe" (essentially work clothes, not sweats) and I shall have to make sure I incorporate them into my usual wardrobe more.

xoxo

Black and Blue All Over

Black pencil skirt: TJMaxx (similar here)

Black button up blouse: Old Navy (here)

Studded black flats: Forever21 (similar here)

Watch: Marc Jacobs

Jacket: J Crew (similar here)

So the lighting is terrible on these pictures. Normally, when I'm getting dressed it is still dark out. I'll get the hang of taking these pictures and how to correctly edit them though. One day I will look back on the quality of these pictures and laugh, or at least I hope I will!

Polka dot shirt: Van Huesen (similar here)

Grey blazer: H&M (similar here)
Skinny jeans: Forever21 (similar here)
Black equestrian boots: TJMaxx (similar here and here)

Blue sheath dress: Loft (similar here and here)

Black cardigan: Target (similar here)

White button down: Charlotte Russe (similar here)

Flats: Old Navy (here)

Goodbye 2013

In all honesty, I am glad 2013 is over. I am a person that enjoys fresh starts, hopes, and setting goals. So thinking things through, I have thought of my goals for 2014. I like to go specific with these so how I accomplish these goals is more specific (i.e. I'm not going to "work out more" I'm going to run a total of 10 miles a week and weight train 3x a week).

1. Run 5 5k's

This sounds pretty intense but I have run a 5k before and I can do it again. I got sloppy this past summer with my running. I want to start training in March/April, depending on Chicago weather, followed by a race once a month. I have a few friends I know would like to run with me but it's something I can say I did. I am hoping these 5 5k's will be the stepping stone to something bigger, in terms of longer races and a healthier life.

2. Stop being so angry

So I don't think I have anger issues or anything but earlier today, a guy almost hit me while backing up in Jewel. Totally not a big deal, I ran out of the way, rolled my eyes, and kept moving. I got mad and assumed this guy was just didn't care I was there. And then he came driving up to me deeply apologizing and wishing me a happy new year. I shouldn't have jumped straight to anger and accusations. Sometimes mistakes happen and I should just forgive. Or earlier this month when our water was shut off for 3 or 4 hours while they did some roadwork. I got really mad--it was during dinner time! Le BF was totally not fazed. He just shrugged, say they had to do their jobs, and there was nothing we could do about it. I need to realize that things are a mistake, and not get angry when there isn't anything I can do to change the situation anyway. Also, I am totally an angry driver. Not dangerous, but I will honk and yell at you.

3. Read 50 Books

Okay, this is another big one but I figure I read about 25 or so books a year anyway. Now I need to up my game and not only read on the train but also at home. I will post lists of books I plan to read and reviews of some of my favorites. This is probably the resolution I am most excited about. Yay books!

4. Make better use of my time

I am looking at pinterest, reddit, and netflix right now. With pinterest I want to actually do some of the crafts, otherwise just limit my usage, the same with reddit. At the moment, I am saying that I am limiting my fun internet to an hour, which really isn't that much but should also be plenty. I would rather use this time to read, cook, play with my cat, clean house...

5. Spend my money better

I think I am actually pretty good with money. I am managing to save quite a bit and I don't put myself in any risky financial situations. However, I need to stop buying frivolous little things and prioritize my spending money. I plan on buying a new computer in 2014 and going on a European vacation in the fall so I'm going to be putting aside more money for that. I want to spend my money on more experiences and less on items.

So these are my specific resolutions for 2014 that I can mark my progress with. I am excited to embark on this new time in my life!