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

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

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

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