Thursday, January 23, 2014

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

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

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

Friday, January 17, 2014

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!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014



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)

Monday, January 13, 2014





Blue sheath dress: Loft (similar here and here)
Black cardigan: Target (similar here)
White button down: Charlotte Russe (similar here)
Flats: Old Navy (here)

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

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!





Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Years Eve

New Years Eve is always a fun party for me since I'm a New Years baby. Tonight, in celebration of my last night being 23, a friend is hosting a party and allowed me to pick the theme. Previously, NYE parties involved a new dress, large heels, and being freezing cold while walking to a club. So of course I suggested a pajama party. I found out that some of my friends took this to mean they should buy cute Victoria Secret pajamas and pair them with heels. Me? I'm going to wear my super lazy.


Aw yeah, I'm going to look really good. What is the really cherry on top is that Le BF has a super lazy onesie too so we will be rocking it tonight! I hope everyone stays safe and has fun!