Winter Wants

I'm sure it's lovely orange leafy and casual scarfy in other parts of the U.S., but here in Chicago and much of the midwest we've had a shit go of "autumn" so far. With all the rain and 40-50 degree temperatures it's pretty much winter lite over here. This turn makes me act like a squirrel, only with winter clothes and accessories instead of acorns. However, cold and crummy it may be I still like to retain my personal style and am picking out pieces that I feel are stylish, versatile, and most of all: warm.

Turtleneck Dress



Dress huntress I am, I am now only looking at long-sleeve dresses this season. It's always difficult because I see so many more 3/4 sleeve dresses instead. (Like your wrists don't get cold? And don't get me started on how hard it is putting a layer over those sleeves...) I'm not usually a turtleneck girl what with my short neck, and will probably never own any top that creeps past a cowl, but for some reason on a solid coloured dress the turtleneck looks downright sassy. I'd wear it with my hair pulled back and some dramatic earrings. Above: Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater Dress from Target, BDG Turtleneck Sweater Dress from Urban Outfitters.


Prairie Boots



I have wanted a pair of Victorian/Western heeled lace-up boots for years and years but can never bring myself to spend the money. I would in a heartbeat if I knew they'd be practical enough to wear every day. If you have a job where you can/have to wear heels every day, please dear god get these boots. The ones above are Oak Tree Farms 'Vow' Old Western Frontier Boots from Boot Barn, and that site also has tons and tons of different cowboy boots, frontier boots, wedding boots, and so forth.


Wool Tights



I cannot stress these enough. I was lucky enough to find an oatmeal-coloured pair of wool tights at TJMaxx for a mere $10 (after checking vigourously at most department and outlet stores), but might have to purchase some more in black and grey. Get them in a neutral pair like these Levante tights in Camel or spruce up the winter drabs with a bright pair like Trasperenze Ginnifer Merino tights in Rubino

a hot beverage



Okay, so this isn't clothing, but I find a lot of comfort in a hot drink when it's chilly outside. My two drinks of choice? A mug of Earl Grey Creme tea from Argo Tea (non-Chicagoans, you can order a bag of loose tea on their website) and a Soy Mocha Latte. Mmm.

Picture from baristahands on etsy.

Things I Love Thursday - 09.10.09

• Renegade Craft Fair - Saturday and Sunday in Chicago is the Renegade Craft Fair! It's pretty much like walking through Etsy if it was more selective and in Wicker Park. A lot of things I do not buy, but it's great for getting ideas and picking up cards for possible holiday purchases. I realized a week ago that this will be my fourth year going to Renegade. In 2006 I didn't purchase anything, in 2007 I bought this ring from Lucky Loo Loo, and last year Michael bought both of us some cute stationary from 16 Sparrows. Check out the official website here.

• The Violet Hour - I hate promoting this place even though it's the best bar in Chicago because I like how tucked away it is (or was). This place is perfect- expertly crafted cocktails in a classy and divine setting, very dim, perfect for groups or an intimate date. Just look at the menu! Yum. If that doesn't persuade you, check out the inside:







• fashism.com - Fashism is my new guilty pleasure; it's like Hot Or Not but with clothing. I love voting on good or bad outfits, and offering up advice. The only problem I have with it is it isn't updated too often (but I guess that's a good thing cos I'd waste too much time on there otherwise).



• the little black vest - It's not exactly the same as the dress, seeing as how it's almost more accessory than apparel, but the plain black fitted vest looks perfect, on any body type and with any outfit.

• Melissa Shoes - These Brazilian-made plastic/vinyl sustainable shoes are conceived by a variety of famous footwear designers including Vivienne Westwood, Zaha Hadid, and J. Maskrey. They are unfortunately out of my price range, but just barely so I may invest in a pair on sale. They look like they would be uncomfortable but they are surprisingly very, very comfortable, based on the flats and heels I have tried on. When I can find an excuse to I will definitely be getting a pair of These Vivienne Westwood designed t-straps:

Things I Love Thursday - 08.27.09

• mochas - This cold weather has me craving these bad. I suppose since it's basically a hot chocolate with more caffeine, and god is it perfect with soy milk and no whip. Makes me tempted to get an espresso machine.

• erica-knit's chunky knit cowl - Pattern available here. What an easy knit, and fun to be using giant needles (pattern calls for 17s but I am using 15s) and thick and quick in a nice Chartreuse.

• getting a haircut - Oh man, I need one so badly. Especially cos your hair grows faster in the summer. Where do you look for ideas on cuts to bring to the stylist?



• modern beehive - Speaking of hair, shown above are persephassa and hannah karina from flickr, sporting their modern beehives. It's not as cartoony as a 60s one (or Amy Winehouse) but adds a nice lift to the crown. I tried it myself last night; do I look stupid or can I pull it off?



• weekends off - What to do, what to do! I never know what to do with myself when I have two days in a row off work. I'm such a busy bee I feel I should make the most of it.

Wardrobe Remix for 08.22.09

green half-rims - zenni optical (yes they are prescription!)
grey cardigan - f21
black bibbed babydoll dress - target
grey lace-patterned stockings - target
green leather shoes - tj maxx

Goodness, it's cold today. It felt like the first day of autumn, and as I often do on those sunny yet chilly days I am compelled to get a hot mocha for my morning libation. I gotta tell ya, it tasted like fall. Maybe this fall, since I am no longer in school, I will not have my usual September anxiety attacks and identity issues. Time will tell.

But I would like one or two more trips to the beach first, Mother Nature.

Things I Love Thursday

Sorry blogiverse, I know it has been a while (a week is eons on these Intertubes). I was in Lawrence visiting my gent until Tuesday night (so the only thing I was hating Tuesday was leaving...and my wicked caffeine headache, but I digress). In general, though, I have a bunch of ideas for articles for this thing, and I'm going to try to be more diligent about writing them up. I often think of these things while in my hair/makeup zone-out time or riding the train/walking around zone-out time and then once I get to a computer it's all gone.



• EZ Combs - I saw a woman on the train wearing one of these about a month ago and thought: Oh my god, how neat! It's like a comb and a snood combined! I debated asking her where she got it but didn't; luckily it turned up on a google search for "double combs" (which is also the name of a similar product. Basically you put one comb in your hair and stretch the other side around your loose/bunned/twisted hair, and ta-da. I have a glamourous hairdo in seconds, and thank god for these because my hair looks like shit down lately cos I need a haircut!

• summer drinks - On the alcoholic side I have my constant companion- Vodka tonic, the sweet Tom Collins, and the delightful $3.99 Trader Joe's Vinho Verde Espiral. It's a Portuguese green wine- a white wine with immature ("green") grapes that give it a light yet dry taste, but sweeter than other dry whites. Normally I'm a sweet Reisling fan, but I am liking the taste of this with and without food. And at that price, why not? As for non-alcoholic, if you can get thineself to a Sonic, please drink a Cherry Limeade for me.

• my shows, my precious shows - Now that I am finally all caught up with Weeds, and it seems it should be ending its 5th season in a few weeks, I am running out of things to watch...and just in time! August 16 is the premiere of Mad Men's third season, the 20th is the premiere of Project Runway's sixth season, and a hop, skip and a jump away on September 17th is the premiere of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia's fifth season. Good thing I renewed my Rapidshare account!

• assembling furniture - While in Lawrence I talked my guy into getting a desk, and then I promptly (well over the course of two days, but not my fault) put the entire thing together. And, as far as I know, it has not collapsed so I think I did a pretty good job IIMSSM. Also, since I am in a tiny tiny bedroom I have wall shelves all over, and I put them all up myself- and again, no collapsing, whoopie. I recently bought myself an electric drill/screwdriver and am itching for more things to put together. Know anyone in need of a handybird? By the way if you share my love, or at least a passing fancy, in furniture construction you must read one of my fave blogs, ikea hacker, hours of entertainment and good ideas.

• free stuff - Who doesn't love free stuff? I've been haunting Allure because of their month of free giveaways, and just poked the head in at Bionic Beauty for the first time today and got some coupons for freebies. Also my Seattle's Best Coffee coupon for a free cookie is burning a hole in my bag. Man, I'm hungry.