So I'm beginning to realize that posting pictures of yourself, in your non-expensive or even that interesting outfits, can get very mundane, nor is it relevant. However, I want to reemphasize something that I brought up in a previous post:

I read a lot of fashion and clothing blogs. Like, a lot. I also read a lot of fashion journalism. Like, a lot. And these reads include super hi-end stuff and really lo-end stuff. Neither of which really appeals to me. See, I'm not all about droppin' mad bills for a piece of cloth, buuuut, I also like to look fresh, contemporary, and, um, clean (aka, I never been into that dirty hipster/hippie thing). 

So, where does that leave a girl like me who wants to find inspiration and encouragement from some online reads? 

Seriously, nothing seems to fit in with me--either style or budget. And so that's why I have started to document my outfits, I guess more as proof to myself that it can be done. I hope that if others know of good sites that appeal to us middle-of-the-road folks (I do know of Uber Chic for Cheap which is a great cheapo but stylish shopping blog), please, let me in on them!!

Marc Jacobs blazer--$40 at Loehman's (so sad that the one on State St. closed)
Oversized jersey Target tee--$2 (not kidding--sale rack!)
Grey layering AA tee--$22
Grey corduroy's from Old Navy--$18
Grey flats with trinkets a la Calvin Klein--$45
Grey flower in my hair that you cannot see but that was purchased at Forever 21--$4

So easy! Can you tell I like grey?

Sprinkle of Pixie Dust

 'Tis the season for me to be itchin' for a new 'do! My hair is long long long and I am tired tired tired of it. With graduation approaching, along with some other exciting plans and tricks up my sleeve, I'm really looking to start fresh this summer. It going to be a time for me to really do away with the old way of doing, being, thinking and to move forward into the unknown. So what better way to start the journey than with a new haircut?!

Sick of the cliche bobs, I'm thinking about a pixie cut. Look at these pictures of beautiful women I found with beautiful haircuts! Some other famous pixies include Halle Berry, Mia Farrow, and Rhianna. But the ones I've included here are ones that I am thinking about for myself. And for the record, I will be donating said hair that is cut to Locks of Love. 

All pictures found on google...go find more!

Singin' in the Rain

 So, as some of you may know, for the past 5 days, I've had an unhealthy obsession with tracking down a trench coat. I located a very cute one at TJ Maxx (Jones New York) with a detachable hood and pretty tortoise details, but I just couldn't justify the $60. Sooo...as you know from reading this amazing blog, I went to Goodwill yesterday and look what I found! A J.Crew trench circa 2000 for Ten Buckaroos! Amazing!

I feel oddly grown up and old when I wear it. This is reflected in my awkward stances while taking these pix. So I'm not a model! Sue me!

Explorin'

 Today is Sunday, a really dumb day in my books. Your Saturday was either awesome or not awesome and now you've only got one day--14 hours of awake time--to either live up to your weekend or to improve it drastically. Plus, tomorrow is Monday. LAME.

Yesterday while at school, I scoped out the city's Goodwill locations and found out that there wasn't one too far from me--on West Washington Blvd in the West Loop. I've driven through the W-L a couple of times but hadn't done much exploring beyond Greek Town. Sunday was going to be prime time for me to do some thriftin' and explorin' in the ole West Loop.

Except that it was raining! Grr...but, grey skies are ideal shootin' conditions (shooting pictures, that is) so I took the rain with a grain of salt. Here's what I found:

In the top left-hand corner, you'll find the studios of HARPO, where the Oprah Winfrey Show is tape. Hai Girl!! (imagine me saying this in that guttural, maniacal Oprah holler)
In the top right-hand corner is a pizza place. I didn't stop here, but I liked the logo and the name.
In the bottom-left you'll find Girl and the Goat. I had no idea it was so close to me! Mark really wants to check this place out--maybe for his graduation?
In the bottom-right you'll find a dope mural I found. 'Nuff said.


Even though it was dreary, I was happy to be out. The West Loop reminds me a lot of Cologne, Germany. Lots of old abandoned brick with a lot of grey condos. And the rain certainly added to the ambiance I was sentimentalizing. I really like the mural picture--I think I want to make a card out of this.

So, um, Monday tomorrow? Gross. At least I have school on Friday which means it's a four day week for me.

Ranunculus

I really love these flowers. I wanted to share them with you on this beautiful Friday. Have a great weekend everyone! Talk to you soon!

Courtesy of: http://engagemental.wordpress.com/2008/04/10/favorite-flower-ranunculus/

The beautiful weather in Chicago is continuing. And I couldn't be happier to have sunny skies this February Friday. I'm at work today (every other Friday...the other Fridays being in Evanston for school). I always look forward to Friday because it's Casual Day which means that I can (a) wear jeans and (b) I can have a little more fun with my outfit than I might normally (granted, I've never been one to be "politically/office-ly correct" with clothing and I always try to have as much as possible with clothes).

So today, I opted for my 501 jeans that I got for $25 (originally $80) at the Levis store, an American Apparel black v-neck tee that I got for $20, my new Gap sweater with Art Deco detailing (hard to see in the pic) for $17 (originally $55), gold Gap socks (X-mas stocking stuffer from 9th grade), black Steve Madden oxfords for $50 that I bought Senior year, and a fun grey feathered necklace that was a gift from one of my bff-ies Kate during her time at J.Crew (she now works at Dwolla, Des Moines' very own start-up).

One side note, I am including prices of things not to boast, but simply to show that great clothes that are tailored, fresh, current, and relevant (not that I buy things that are so "relevant") can be bought/found/reused for years at reasonable prices. Ha and all photos are taken with my smarta** (not dumba**) phone. My regular camera is in a box somewhere...

So ya, point being, you don't have to be a millionaire to have fun with clothes, but you should also take pride in finding stuff that fits, looks fresh, and is appropriate to wear to the office, the grocery store, or out with friends. Multi-functionality is key!!

WuT rU up2 dIs WkND?

UGH effing finally Valentine's Day is over and Guess What?! It's 60 degrees and humid outside! No joke. Like, I actually got hot last night while sleeping. And my face wasn't all achy and dry when I got out of the shower because it's practically a stormy July day here in the Midwest. It's so awesome. Love it. Love love love. Keep it up, Momma Nature.

So last night I had to trek all the way up to North Michigan to God' inferno otherwise known as J.Crew. Love the clothes, hate the people who shop there. Suburban moms and their daughters who are way too pretty for their own good. Anyways, yes, I had to go there to return a belt that I bought for Mark because apparently J.Crew doesn't make belts big enough for MEN. Just kidding, I bought the wrong size. And they were really helpful about it. I just felt like raggin' on J.Brew.

Long story short, I walked home, passed Gap, and stopped in. FASHION SAVINGS ALERT: all their sale stuff is an additional 40% off so I picked up a blouse, cute art deco sweater in pale pink, and a nice pair of trousers. I suggest y'all sceddadle over there stat. Here's my outfit for the day:

Navy linen blouse: Gap: $12
Cream knit cluottes: St. Johns by way of Buffalo Trading: $25
Cowboy Belt: Allison in the 4th A in Paris: 12 euros
Tights: From my personal TJ Maxx shopper Audrey Baker: Free
Silver flats with accoutrements: Calvin Klein at Macys: $45
Lookin' good an feelin' good: PRICELESS!

Peace y'all!

L-O-V-E

I've been a little (ok, you caught me, a lot) MIA (missing in action) I suppose for a lot of reasons. For one, I'm moving, which takes up a lot more mental space than I care to admit and certainly makes for an easy distraction route when looking to do anything besides homework. Then there's that thing called exercise which is really quite annoying but I have been doing a lot of it lately (something about stress relief) but then I realize that this too takes up a lot of time and I once again get stressed. Then there's that whole thing about secretly being 4 years old and really confused about what I'm doing in life...But today, I felt compelled to write. Wanna know why? Because it's above freezing.

Yep, that's right people. You're reading the text of a new-born woman, one who is no longer pessimistic, angry, frustrated, or blue because Spring, I believe, is on its way. And you know what? Even if it's not, it's going to be above freezing for the next ten, count 'em TEN, days and that for me is the only validation I need to know that yes, life is gonna be ok.

Now that I can legitimately prepare for the other-worldly regeneration that is going to occur in me in approximately 4 to 6 weeks, I can take a moment to spread a little L-O-V-E this Valentine's Day. Woody Allen has a pretty complicated version of Love (see here) but here's what I'd like to say about that....well, I was gonna try to make some statement about why I love life, or this blog, or like myself, but that seems creepy, so instead, I just want to spread a little gratitude and say thanks for reading this blog and supporting everyone who contributes to it. I work hard, I swear.

Ok, and here's something that makes me feel the exact opposite of love, Gwyneth Paltrow, singing a song that I do love:

Y'all in need of some beautifying?

I am. Always. Knowing that my sweetie is heading into town always gets me in the mood for a little s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g...which, granted, isn't part of "le budget" but I don't care because...well...because I just don't.

If anyone's interested, ULTA offers some pretty decent coupons available (completely legal!) on their site (found thru a Google search). I got one today for $3.50 off of a purchase of $10--not a bad deal combined with their other in-store specials. Being a fabulous frugal isn't always easy, but mmm it sure feels nice.

Mostly, I try to avoid frivolous spending, but you know what, sometimes, it's nice to have just a smidgen of luxury in your life. And it's totally acceptable when it costs under $13.

What do you think of these shoes?

I am thinking about getting them. Thoughts?

Tat time

Hey People,

So my dad is thinking about getting a tattoo. My sis has one, I have one, and Dad feels he needs to join in on the fun. Mid-life crisis? Maybe but doubtful. Long over-due? Definitely. If anyone should have a tattoo, it's the Navy officer, world-traveled, nine life superstar that is Papa Bear Baker. Below are his options, the first one being my choice. What do you think?

(minus the water drops)

Love

Ok I forget to spread the V-Day love yesterday. But I'll make up for it today and do two posts. Here's my first one.

Looking for something to do with your sweetie this Valentine's Day? Share a strawberry malt with two red and white striped straws.

This is a chocolate malt, but you get the idea. They make lookin' old look so good. I think it would be fun to do engagement photos like this. Photo from: http://www.postcardsfromthesmokies.com

A Love Affirmation from Our President

“Sometimes, when we’re lying together, I look at her and I feel dizzy with the realization that here is another distinct person from me, who has memories, origins, thoughts, feelings that are different from my own. That tension between familiarity and mystery meshes something strong between us. Even if one builds a life together based on trust, attentiveness and mutual support, I think that it’s important that a partner continues to surprise." --Barack Obama on his wife Michelle

I want to try to give you readers a "little love" every day for the next week. I think this one is enough for like a whole month!

Valentine's Day

Ok People, that dreaded day for every man, woman, and child is upon us...in about 9 days...

But still, it's too close for me. Even though I am happily "taken" (although, ahem, I am a woman of the 21st Century and I belong to no one but myself and therefore cannot be traded between men, my father and a boyfriend, etc. etc.), I still think Valentine's Day is kinda weird. Like, can't we celebrate our love any day of the year? And besides, I'll be in the "Single's Club" on this Feb. 14th as Mr. Smith and I will not be in the same city. But, it got me thinking about some non-romantic ways to celebrate an otherwise overly-saccharin day...

When I was in high school, my sister and I got a present every Valentine's Day from our stepmom. In her family, Valentine's Day was a big deal because her father (whose middle name was Valentine and whose birthday fell on the magical day...I think that was the connection? Man, I really need a fact-checker) made sure his girls had a little cheer on the day by giving everyone presents. And so, Diane has continued the tradition. Our gifts often consisted of cute socks, chocolate, and jewelry--all necessities according to my little sister Audrey and I.

Now (not that I'm complaining), I don't have any kids. But, what are some ways that us Singletons or non-mooshy gooshy people can celebrate a well-intentioned holiday that has been taken-over by crappy companies like Russell Stover and Hallmark? A classic dinner party is always nice. Also, maybe a little self-indulgence (who says you can't be your own Valentine?) with a work-out, a blow-out, or any other kind of "out"-ing. I'm also real into retail therapy. Or a visit to a museum.

Mark and I will be going for German food on Saturday night to celebrate our almost-one year anniversary of our trip to Germany at the German Brahuas in Chicago. What are your plans?

I really want to go antique-ing to find some vintage Valentine's Day cards like the ones below to share with friends, families, and co-workers. After all, shouldn't the holiday be enjoyed by all? Thru a nifty google search, I found these two valentines that I thought very appropriate for all us Corn State folks (umm...this includes Nebraska and Illinois--you people are all in denial that you live in rural states). Fount at http://belladia.typepad.com/bella_dia/ and http://joy-bucket.blogspot.com/2009/01/v-is-for-vintage-valentines.html

Feeling "Crumb"y no more!!

A cupcake from "Crumbs" courtesy of my boss as a thank you for hard work. We split this "Half Baked" cupcake and it was wonderful. Now, to prevent further cardiac arrest from all this sugar and chocolate...

Good Reads

Hey Peeps!

So apparently we're supposed to have a mega-blizzard here in Chicago. I'm waiting greedily in anticipation (um, hello, snow day tomorrow!) but more for the fact that I cannot wait for people to shut their mouths about the weather. Weather has been happening for millenia. We've all seen it: rain, snow, heat, volcanoes, and you know what? We've survived it all. Weather is not new, not exciting, and not that important. So drive safe, stay warm, and please, shut up about weather.

While trying to drown out the voices of the snow, I recently found some awesome blogs that I suggest everyone check-out if they haven't done so already. I know I always appreciate good music, shopping, and blog leads, so I hope you find these helpful, fun, and inspiring:

http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/ (A design blog with a euro/sweden vibe)
http://poppytalkhandmade.com/table42 (PoppyTalk's shop site)
http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/ (A photo/homewares/design blog by a seemingly cool lady in SF)
http://blog.freepeople.com/ (Free People's pretty blog with an equally alluring blog roll w/ suggested reads)

Happy Perusing People!!

P.S. Is it too late to become a designer?