Sunday, February 28, 2010

Untitled

I apologize for my horrible blogging ability lately.  The world has just gotten so busy.  I sound like a broken record, I know.  However, I seem to have found time to shop because I have  bought so many wonderful pieces over the last few days.  Including this beautiful navy and ivory scalloped skirt from Anthropologie.  Usually I just walk into that store and try everything on but, never buy anything because it is too expensive.  But this skirt was amazingly 40% off!  I was so excited I wore it the next day to work!

 
Blouse: Forever 21
Skirt: Anthropologie
Leggings: Hue
Shoes: Target

Because the outfit was so dark, I went with classic makeup: neutral eyes, red lips.  The red lipstick is more of a berry but., it went well with the floral top without looking too spring (it is still 35 degrees here in Chicago).




Today was slightly different.  I spent the day with my best friend at the IKC Dog Show in Chicago.  Now, disclaimer: I don't like dogs.  I am a cat person.  BUT some of these dogs we just adorable!  My favorite was this little guy!

 


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Deep Depths

Today I got home from work and just looked horrible.  For the last few days I haven't been feeling very well, clearly fighting off a cold.  So instead of attempting to take pictures of the pathetic outfit I wore to work, I started digging through my closet.  As a result I came across a skirt I have had for nearly 10 years.  I bought it a long time ago when I first became a manager at the local movie theater.  It was probably the first classic black skirt I ever owned at full retail.  In those days, it barely fit my tiny frame and laid pretty low on my hips but now, it fits much better!  (Can you believe I am actually complimenting my curves?)

Blouse: H&M
Hair bow: Forever 21
Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Leggings: DKNY
Heels: Target
Necklace: Dominique Cohen for Target
 

I also wanted to point out my fantastic eyeshadow job today.  I typically wear neutrals but I own a palette by Three Custom Colo Specialists called Smokey Mountain and everytime I wear it, I get complimented so I just wanted to share!  (You can click to enlarge)  This picture also showcases the great fringe trim I gave myself this morning!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Distracted

 
Blouse: Mint by Jodi Arnold
Cardigan: Forever 21
Brooch: Vintage
Skirt:Express
Leggings: Hue
Oxfords: Rampage 

I can not believe that I haven't made a post since Monday.  It has been such a busy week.  My plan originally was to post on Thursday night but we had a guy come over to give us a bid on new windows (including replacing our front window with a bay window that has a ledge!).  I have also been distracted by watching the Olympics.  Specifically but watching Apolo Ohno, whom I have a crush on.  He is just so cute!  My husband clearly doesn't think so. 

 Aside from being crazy busy, I have been contemplating starting some sister blogs: One on beauty and one of Home but, I am not sure if anything is even interested.  Maybe I should really just infiltrate this blog with those types of posts.  I haven't really figured it out yet.

And I also wanted to update you on ballet!  It has been fantastic.  Although slightly painful to attempt to dance again at 27, it has really bee a good challenge.  

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Auto Show

Saturday I was fairly depressed for one major reason:  I was here and not in New York for the Chictopia10 Conference.  As a result my husband decided that going to the Auto Show would somehow solve this.  (Read: I don't actually LIKE the auto show but it makes him happy so I went with it).  The most exciting part about going to the Auto Show was the fact that I got to wear the new blouse I bought the other day!

Blouse: Forever 21
Belt: Target
Skirt: thrifted
Leggings: DKNY
Boots: Target

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Trolley Cars and Sketches

Yesterday for work I was actually involved in a photoshoot for an email my marketing manager wants to launch about what beauty brands and products some of the office girls love.  As a result I went shopping and found this beautiful beaded blouse.  (Please ignore the horrible photo.  Camera is dying).  And I had a chance to wear the little trolly car pendant I found while antiquing a while back.  I sort of forgot about it until yesterday when I found it on my dresser.  I bought it to remind me of our honeymoon which we spent in the Bay area back in October.

 
Blouse: Forever 21
Jeans: Forever 21
Heels: Target
Necklace: Junked

And of course, like many, I spent last night in awe while watching the opening ceremony for the winter olympics in Vancouver.  I have never been to Vancouver but  I would love to go one day.  When I was young, we traveled to Calgary to see the 1989 Olympic village and it made me fall in love with the winter games.  The most fantastic part of  last night's show in my opinion was all of the Native culture and pictographs represented.  It reminds me when when I used to draw similar characters as a teen and in college.  I have lost many of the ink drawings I used to enjoy doing but, I did manage to scrounge a few of them up that I kept when we moved...(My favorite is the bear.  I have always loved drawing bears)

 
 
 
  
 drawings all originals by me

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Earthquakes

Although the title of this should refer to the Tori Amos song, it doesn't.  No, in fact, I was woken up this morning at 4am by an Earthquake.  In Illinois...

Oddly, this is the second one we have had in the last few years.

I know, many of you are from California and you probably think we are all nuts out here for making a big deal out of a little tremble that barely surpassed a 4.0 on the Richter scale but, it was weird!

Anyways, with that said, I want to move on to something I am really proud of:  Ulta.com's Get The Look: Before and After Video!


I don't generally mix work with my hobby of blogging but, I am just so proud of my team for creating something that is so fun and beautiful!  So, check it out!

Aside from that, I also am super excited because I finally received the 1.1 mm lead for my antique secretary pencil I bought during my meet up with Leilani from Thriftaholic!  It had to be specially ordered online.  So I wore it today (and it came in handy at work!)


Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Dress: Thrifted
Scarf: H&M
Necklace: Antiqued
Leggings: DKNY
Boots: Target

Saturday, February 6, 2010

To be on Pointe

Recently, I picked up the March issue of Marie Claire and while reading, I got caught up in story written by Ning Chao called "So You Think You Can Dance?" about seeking out adult ballet classes in order to get the "dancer's body".  I wasn't so much enthralled by the cardio/workout aspect of the but, by my sudden sadness.  I won't lie.  I feel this way every time I read, watch, hear or even think about ballet.  Being a ballerina had always been a dream of mine.  Not to much to perform for Joffery or some other famous company but, to just dance.  As a kid, I was in love with dance however, it isn't exactly the cheapest hobby out there and my parents could never afford the semester fees, clothing, shoes and even the schedule (in order to take the requested minimum of 6 or so classes a week, it takes a lot of logistics).  In reaction, I took classes here and there, joined the school's dance company in high school (NOT to be mixed up with Poms...I was NOT a Pom-girl) and taught myself via video and the internet.

Anyways, my point is...I am fed up!  I am taking ballet.  And doing it the right way.  Just like Ning Chao, I am going to enroll in an adult ballet class at the American Dance Center here in Illinois and just do it for ME.  In reaction to this decision, I went eShopping...

 

 

 

 

Other than my epiphany for ballet classes, my day was fairly boring.  Chris and I painted our upstairs bathroom and hallway and actually managed to replace the toliet!  Ah, the joys of homeownership...  So here is my outfit from Friday instead (much better than my tee and jeans for painting).

 
Cardigan: UO
Tee: Thrifted
Necklace: Grandmother's from Morocco
Skirt: Thrifted
Leggings: Hue
Boots: Target
Belt: Target 

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Spring Colors

Recently, I have become a fanatic with nail polish.  To the point where my poor husband has to give up half a bathroom drawer just for my Essie, OPI and China Glaze polish can reside happily.  Typically, my obsession with polishes sticks to the darker hues of blues, purples, greys and even greens.  However, I couldn't help but fall in love with the spring collections for 2010.  Full of beautiful candy hues and vibrant colors...they fit the spring trends perfectly.

China Glaze Up and Away Collection
 
  


Essie The Art of Spring Collection
  
  


OPI Hong Kong Collection