Uneven

I've been a little under the weather since I caught a cold from my 8 month old nephew.  Even though I knew he had a cold, I still just had to kiss and snuggle him.  But I think I managed to mask my sickness in these photos.

I've had this skirt for years and it was one of my first purchases from Forever 21 and I still love it in all of it's unevenness.

Blouse & Belt - Filene's Basement

Skirt - Forever 21

Vince Camuto Boots - Macy's

Sidenote:  You see that leopard print beauty on the coat rack?  My friend wasn't getting much wear from it and she knew my passion for vintage and gave it to me.  Score!  I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I can't wait until it's cold enough to wear.

Weird Science

I was tagged by Pretty All The Time to do a 15 Weird Facts post.  So here it is.  Enjoy!

1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?

My dad calls me Shorty (I’m not short). The term was popular in the early 90’s and he just never stopped.

2. What's a weird habit of yours?
I mentally trace furniture, floors, just about anything in a room when I’m bored.

3. Do you have any weird phobias?
I’m afraid of cats. One scratched me when I was a kid and I’ve been distrustful of them ever since, sneaky lil creatures.


4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast and belt out when you're alone?
Ironic – By Alanis Morissette. "It's like raiiiiiinnnnnnn..."

5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
People that don’t say please, excuse me, and thank you. Where have the manners gone?

6. What's one of your nervous habits?
Hmm, I’m not sure I have one. I just start to sweat when I’m super nervous.

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
The right side.

8. What was your first stuffed animal and what was its name?
Uh Teddy.
 9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at Starbucks?
I gave up those super fattening Fraps, so now it’s a Chai Tea Latte

10. What's the beauty rule you preach... but never ACTUALLY practice?
Nada

11. Which way do you face in the shower?
I turn all around to spread the love.

12. Do you have any weird body skills?
My shoulder blades kind of pop out which allows me to fold my arms behind my back comfortably (not even sure I’m explaining this right.) lol


13. What's your favorite comfort food that's bad but you love to eat it anyways?
Oh my goodness. I am a sweets person. But I love baking cookies and have to give away most of them to avoid eating so many.


14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?
"You know what I’m saying." It’s how I end every phrase when I’m explaining something.


15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

Nightgown or an oversized t-shirt

Nautical

Old Navy is a store I sometimes forget about. They are really on point for affordable staples, like jeans, button down shirts and cotton tees. 

Blouse - Old Navy

Skirt - Forever 21

Jessica Simpson Shoes, Belt, Fedora - Filene's Basement

Awesome Autumn

Believe it or not and ready or not we only have one month until Summer is officially over.  I'm so ready for the crisp cool air that Autumn brings that calls for chic layers and stylish footwear.  Here are a few things I'm craving this fall.

A flat leather boot for walking around and shopping.

Nine West

A leopard print boot to wear with skinny jeans.

Topshop

A classic staple that will work with much of my office attire.

Vince Camuto

And something just fun and bold on those dreary days.

I'm also looking for colorful cardigans to brighten up and layer with some of my darker pieces.

What is on your must have list for Fall this year?

Classic

A classic white button down shirt is a true staple in any girls closet.  I wore this out to dinner on Saturday with some friends and wanted to be comfortable but stylish of course.  So I paired this classic shirt (leopard tank peeking underneath) with jeans, heels and my signature hat.

Shirt & Fedora - Filene's Basement

Jeans - Old Navy

Animal Print Heels - Nine West

Leopard Tank - Thrift

And I must say, I am quite refreshed after this weekend.  I saw The Help yesterday and cried way too much, but it was a really good film.

A Couple Favorite Things

Two of my favorite things:

• I love the Trader Joe's Chai Tea Latte mix in a can.  I make mine with heated 2% milk and it just soothes my senses.
• Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novel series always makes for a great and funny read.  Check out what it's all about here.

Blue Jean Friday

So ready to unwind after a long week. I have a lot on my mind and just need to rejuvenate somehow.

Tunic - Forever 21

Jeans - Old Navy

Wedges - Marshall's

Belt - Filene's Basement

Have a great weekend everyone!

Standing Out

Sometimes I have to laugh at myself at just how much I'm drawn to the bold factor.  I felt like a flashing neon light walking down the street with my hot pink lips, green shirt and neon orange toes.  But that's me, always selecting things that stand out and wanting to make a statement.

Harem Pants - Gap

Blouse - Marshall's

Vince Camuto Boots - Macy's

Earrings - Anthropologie

Do you like to stand out or blend in when it comes to fashion?

Black Sunday

Hello everyone.  I've been having a relaxing weekend with a wide open schedule of nothing and I'm loving it. 

 Dress - Thrifted

Necklace - Vintage

Shoes - Nine West

Save Room for Dessert

Margie's Candies is more than just ice cream and candy, it is a true delectable experience. Located in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago (corner of Armitage & Western), this shop has been around since 1921. It still has all of it's vintage charm inside and you can always expect a busy bustling crowd waiting outside for a decadent treat.

 

 Picture taking isn't allowed for some reason, but I took these without a flash before I saw the sign. ;  )

A satisfied customer. 

I had the Butterscotch Sundae with Butter Pecan and Cheesecake ice cream.  Uh-mazing! 

Yes I ate every bit! 

Save room for dessert because Margie's Candies is must do if you are in Chicago or ever come to visit. 

Scrapbook Paper Art

I have previously discussed using fabric as art and originally that was my plan for my Moroccan style bathroom.  But after searching every aisle and not finding just the right fabric, I decided to browse the unique collection of scrapbook paper.  Below are the six sheets I selected, all for $10.45 at JoAnn's!

First I laid out a design to use as my back drop in the frame.  

I then taped the back of them together. 

Next I used the entire taped backdrop and traced and cut out the exact dimensions I needed to fit inside the frame. 

Next was the lace sheets to be placed on top of the backdrop. 

Once I had the design I wanted, I traced and cut off the extra paper hanging off for a perfect fit to the backdrop. 

I then glued the back of the lace sheets together so they wouldn't shift when I placed them in the frame. 

Once that was done, I placed the entire lace insert layer in the frame first.

Added the backdrop layer on top of that.

And here is what it looks like hanging on the wall.  

I am a firm believer that you can turn just about anything into art.  And when you are on a tight budget, thinking outside the box for the normal use of things is a great way to have inexpensive custom art. 

Sidenote:  Here is what the frame was previously used for in my old Spa themed bathroom.

My bathroom is still a work in progress as I'm still looking for a couple more pieces, but please stay tuned for the complete tour.