The Hideout

I promise beyond all my being that I am not out to ignore my blog.  I know, one wouldn't think this considering I haven't posted in nearly a week but, I honestly have just been busy.

Yesterday, I fully intended on posting some spring outfit photos I had planned but, last minute, my good friend Andrea texted me the following: "What are you up to, grl?  Wanna go to a dance party???" 


...I mean really, how can you ignore that text.



So, in good friendship, I chucked out to Chicago to meet my friend and to, in fact, go dancing at none other than The Hideout. 

Located literally in the middle of an industrial area during the day, The Hideout is located in an old, tiny building hidden (hence the name) behind a cosmetic chemical laboratory and next to a seafood distributor. And is possibly the diveiest (is that a word?) bar I know of (and therefore love).   However, if you strike luck on a Saturday, it is Dance Party night where the best disco, 70s and 80s dance tunes are played and all around dance.  Not just dance, but dance not caring how incredibly silly you look.  Of course we joined. 

So, I suggest if ever in Chicago, visit The Hideout!

To be inspired...

I have to admit that I am often taken back by the many mundane and unrelated things that inspire my everyday fashion.  Birds chirping in the morning can inspire me to wear a bird necklace as a statement, gloomy skies can help me pick out shades of grey layers, and watching a TV program about the oceans can inspire me to wear shell jewelry and linen sun dresses.  But there is nothing more constant in my inspiration than dance.  I get really, extremely excited when I find pictures in fashion magazines or online of models in ballet-inspired outfits or, heck, even in ballet shoes!

[source unknown]

[Vogue]

I found these pictures on my computer; a post from a while ago that I never wrote.  But finding them again inspired me to take some pictures as I practiced in my basement.  My husband is installing a mirror and barre for me so I can do some barre work but these are just of some floor work.  Pretty much just me pretending I am a real ballerina!  I only managed to get one good one en pointe...

Giveaway Winner

And the winner was.... Kir from Oh etra dans l'amour!  Congrats!!

Its made from bamboo? (A makeup post)

I have to admit.  I often get a tad bit jaded when it comes to makeup because I work with it.  I think I probably own more dollars in beauty products than my car (and my husband's car) is worth.  It has sort of always been my vice.  Some women collect handbags; some shoes.  Me?  I collect makeup.  As a result, most of my makeup is pretty high end.  In past I used to follow makeup trends pretty keenly.  As I have grown older, my beauty product buys have turned into what works and what fits whatever need I have.  Don't get me wrong, I still buy way too much makeup but at least it is generally targeted.

I have run aside from the point of my post... 

Most recently I was pa-rousing the aisles of one of our stores when BAM!  I was stopped by the pretty pattern on this compact (it is sort of like shiny object syndrome).  Physician's Formula Bamboo Wear Refillable Compact...

 (both are found at Ulta.com)

I have a soft spot for anything natural, vegan, sustainable, etc etc so THIS fit right in!  I have been using it for about 2 weeks now and amazingly, it is that best powder I have ever used and I have used it all.  Trust me.  The compact is refillable and the powder refills are...MADE WITH BAMBOO SILK!


I just thought I would share.  I get a lot of questions about what products I like since I see so many fly past my desk at work (not because I am a product junkie, of course...).


Today was fairly tiring.  I think the time change had an affect on me.  I don't typically feel it but, for some reason this year I did.  However, I did manage to get out of bed on time, work out, and look somewhat decent!  (and the hair was a big hit at work!)

Sparrow Necklace: ModCloth

Blouse: F21

Cardigan: Target

Skirt: Target

Leggings: DKNY

Heels: Steve Madden

New Hair and a Giveaway

So, I have been super busy and I completely apologize for not posting regularly.  My job sent me on a brief trip to NYC this week and I have been struggling to catch up ever since. 

However, today I got a haircut.  It is pretty edgy for me.  I haven't had an edgy haircut since I was probably in highschool.  I have a tendancy to be pretty extreme with my haircuts (that is when I do get my hair cut).  When I was 17, I went from having long hair that ended somewhere in the middle of back to a pixie cut with long front bangs.  When I was 20, I dyed my hair pitch black and parted it down the middle ala Jap-anime character-style.  Most recently, I chopped off my hair into fringe...myself.  So I suppose cutting my hair into the below style isn't that out of character. 

Cardigan: F21

Necklace: ModCloth

Dress: from Mel's online store!

Leggings: DKNY

Boots: Target

 

(Ignore the creppy no-makeup look)

Ok, ok!  Giveaway!  So I know I mentioned it.  This dress is my giveaway!  I bought it at an antique store called The General Store on Union in Orland Park, IL.  I actually love it but it is a bit too snug.  I would say it is a true size 4... so it is a bit small and I had to fix the zipper which was coming unsewn from the fabric.  So if you want it.... comment!

Ah The Weekend...

My weekend wasn't crazy or anything.  Which, to be honest, it how I typically like it.  Saturday my husband was out taking an architecture exam so I spent a good hour just trying on various pieces I have been gathering for spring.  Specifically, Easter dresses.  I am a fan of old fashioned dress-me-up-for-church Easters with baskets of chocolate, formal dinner and spring motif everywhere.  So for lack of better posting options, here are all the pictures I took!

 

Fedora: UO

Dress: Etsy purchase from Homerunballerina

Belt: off a thrifted sweater

Tie heels: Payless Shoe Source!

 

Fedora: UO

Tank: Target

Vest: ModCloth

Skirt: I heart Ronson

Flats: Target

  

Dress: thrifted JCrew

Belt: Vintage

Sandals: Nine West

Dress: Thrifted

Heels: Jessica Simpson

 

Blazer: Olsenboye

Eyelet Tank: Target

Ankle Jeans: F21

Necklace: from the Palace of Versailles

Flats: Target

Dress: Thrifted (and up for a giveaway this week....)

Belt: Vintage

Heels: Jessica Simpson

Jacket: UO

Brooch: Antique

Sweater Blouse: Etsy buy from Sally Jane Vintage 

Skirt: Thrifted

Heels: Jessica Simpson

 (my best bet for Easter is this outfit!)

Polka Dot Dress: Thrifted

Jacket: Thrifted

Peep Toe Heels: Aldo

It was five years ago...

If you follow my blog regularly, you know that I often create outfits from my jewelry.  I shop this way has well.  I think it is because most of the jewelry I own is very special to me.  I styled this outfit around my necklace which is a piece that my husband bought for me at the Palace of Versailles.  It was five years ago almost to the day that I hopped on a plane by myself to travel to Paris to visit his during his study program for Architecture.

 

Shirt: Michael Stars

Skirt: Express

Necklace: Tourist gift from the Palace of Versailles

Leggings: Hue

Oxfords: Rampage

  

A close up of the necklace

 

Me 5 years ago wearing the necklace while lounging next to Le Grand Canal

 

Me at Le Cafe des Deux Moulins where Amelie was filmed

 

My husband I on my last day next to the Eiffel Tower