Impromptu

So, last week I was having a meltdown of sorts. I was so stressed out from work, my apartment, Chicago in general and I was losing my mind. I had Saturday, Sunday and Monday off, and my boyfriend had a free roundtrip Southwest flight saved up, and so off I went to Lawrence! My last visit there, a mere two weeks before Michael moves here! I was so happy. I got to get out of town, see the love of my life, and just hang out.



sailor print sundress - F21
vintage "S" necklace - Epoch Beads on Etsy
sunnies - Target
Rocketdog Lisbon sandals - Altrec.com



Saturday we strolled down Mass Street, and I practically bolted to the Antique Mall. I felt kinda bad because Michael was there last week, but he still pored over things. I'm so lucky to have a man so entranced my the past as I am. He loves looking for barware, typewriters, ties, and tie tacks, so that kept him busy.








I wanted this clock so badly:











I found a couple of dresses for me (one might work its way into the shop soon) and a few other things for the shop. We hit a few more shops, got Mexican food, and then went to the Salvation Army (his idea!). It was great, they had all the vintage stuff separated from the rest and it didn't cost any more. Easy peasy. So yes, got a few more things there, too. Didn't expect to "work" while I was gone so flying back with all this crap was a wee bit of an ordeal, but I managed.

That night we went for drinks with his friends and Sunday we went to the lake. Oh man the humidity the entire time was awful. I felt like I was walking through the rainforest. Seriously, I was a sticky bun. Anyway we went out for dinner and saw Inception, which we both liked! Leonardo DiCaprio loves playing characters with insane wives.







invisible purse - thrifted
mixed metals bib necklace - Target
sunnies in my hand - Target
yellow cardigan - Target
chambray sundress - Target
Rocketdog Lisbon sandals - Altrec.com

...Target!



Monday we dicked around a bit (I wore this same outfit Sunday night and Monday) before I had to go to the airport. Next time I see him we will be in the midst of moving him in! Thanks again, Michael, for the mini vaycay!

Also, last chance to enter my Happy 100s Giveaway! Go! Do! Free stuff!

Returning from Larryville

If you were wondering where I was the past week or so, I was in Lawrence, Kansas visiting my boyfriend. It was a much needed vacation from my oft-stressful life in Chicago and it was nice, as always, to spend time with Michael. The weather there was lovely in the 60s and 70s the entirety of the trip. So nice to enjoy soft wind, plenty of sun, and bare limbs.

I was particularly naughty this trip and bought a lot of things. None of which were particularly expensive, thankfully, but it was still a trial getting my suitcase shut yesterday! Friday, my first full day, we hit Mass Street, the main drag. First we went to the Antique Mall, one of my fave places where we can both wander for hours (and always do). I got the prettiest silvery gray straw hat with fake leaves and flowers that fits my head perfectly, a variety of golden buttons for a project, and a cute cotton 50s dress for the shop. We then hit up Wild Man Vintage, which is really affordable and I've gotten a sailor dress I love there last summer. The boy got a couple of shirts and a pair of 50s khakis that fit him wonderfully and were in amazing condition. I (finally) got a 50s ivory cardigan with white wheat beadwork and a floral cotton shift dress. I went back the next day to get a pair of red cork wedge sandals I was eyeing. We ended the evening with Mexican food, bowling, and drinking at a couple of local bars.

Saturday outfit:



lace earrings - coming soon to Branchbound
sunnies - Target
brown shirtdress - estate sale
nude crocheted stockings - Marshall's
tan t-strap wedges - DSW





Saturday Michael and I got breakfast at Mirth. We sat outside and it was delicious food. Since this was also on Mass St we decided to continue our sauntering from the day before (we had to stop as it got chilly and we were starving). That's when I bought the aforementioned shoes and another hat at another antique shop we'd never been in. It's a lovely dusty rose colour that matches my hair with a little feather in the front! I'm so lucky I can find these hats on my trips, since I don't like buying hats online and I can never find the kind I like in Chicago.









We got some ice cream and walked to the park, where we watched animals and high school kids take their prom pictures. That night his friends BBQed for us and we chatted and watched tv/played Wii Golf. I love Wii Golf; I really want a Wii but can't justify buying one so in the meantime will just have to mooch! Michael also got this great drawing of him done by his friend Ramon:





He did one of me, too, but I wasn't able to pick it up before I left. I can't wait to get it! Sunday we just hung out, ate more Mexican food, and I watched the first two episodes of Twin Peaks! Yes, I've been under a rock and I had never seen it before. It's too early for me to have a solid opinion on it, but I enjoyed what I've watched so far.

Monday we went to Kansas City! It was really warm so I donned my new hat and dress:



straw topper - Lawrence Antique Mall
cotton 50s floral dress - Wild Man Vintage
tan t-strap wedges - DSW



Getting up was kind of a pain in the ass, as Google gave us the wrong names for the exits, but we got there eventually. We went to a few vintage shops in Westport, but the only one of note was Donna's Dress Shop. It was perfect, I wish I could live there! I got a pair of 70s denim shorts that look like pin-up shorts and fit like a dream. Our last stop was in the downtown area; we visited the giant Antique Mall there. It's 4 stories! Michael got a mustard shirt and I *finally* got a mirrored vanity tray. I...haven't unpacked it yet, but they wrapped it well so I will assume it's still intact. I almost bought this PERFECT black straw boater hat with an "under bow" but it was $22.50...and I could not fathom spending more than $20 on a hat. Though I kind of wish I did. Dang.

Yesterday was more hanging out at Michael's place until I had to leave. I was so sad to go; this was my last visit to Lawrence! Michael moves here in a few short months finally. Still, saying goodbye to his apartment was hard, so many memories there. But I had some pretty dresses and a cute cat waiting for me when I got home, which softens to the blow.

Phew! What a long entry. What have I missed? How was your weekend?

New Year, New Post

Sorry for the length delay, everyone. I was in Lawrence visiting my man from the 30th to the 3rd, so I wasn't able to post until today. I have three outfit pictures! First is from New Year's Eve:





black and white feathered hair comb - made by me
black slip dress - Rodarte for Target
black vertical striped stockings - Christmas present from dad's gf
black oxford heels - gift from Michael


These look a little janky cos of the flash and these were taken at the end of the evening so I wasn't very fresh. We didn't have time to snap a pic before because we were still cooking! Michael made penne with vodka sauce, and I made a salad, sauteed green beans and mushrooms in butter and dill, bruschetta, and a caramel pecan pie. Mmm.

I was at Target in Lawrence and they had the blue eyelet Rodarte dress I was eyeing! I was forlorn- I shouldn't buy two $40 dresses right? But I tried it on, anyway...luckily it didn't look as good as this one did. If it goes on sale (not holding my breath) I may pick it up. At least I know my size already.





paper earrings - made by my friend Erin at Never Contented Things
floral shirt dress - H&M
black wool stockings - warmlegwear.com
grey military boots - Target

I wore this outfit Saturday, and Friday I actually wore the same dress but in the other colour. Yes, I bought both. I looove this dress, it's perfect. H&M has actually been really on point with their shirt dresses, there is another I saw the other day that I may have to return for. Also with this outfit I am wearing a gorgeous pair of wire and paper earrings made by my friend Erin at Never Contented Things - no store yet but soon! They are so delicate yet strong, and I love having the white leaves against my red hair.





50s plaid junior dress - Arizona Trading Company
black wool stockings - warmlegwear.com
grey military boots - Target

I got this dress Saturday at Arizona Trading Company (I think it's the same as Crossroads) in Lawrence for a song and couldn't resist wearing it Sunday. It has pockets, too! Wowowow. I love the colour and the plaid and the Peter Pan collar...I could go on and on. It reminds me of this dress from Whitney, but the winterized version.

Overall the trip was good, as is every time I see my boyfriend. Lawrence is nice to visit cos it's a college town- all the amenities of the suburbs (Super Target, getting a ride everywhere, fast food row) and also that of a college town (quirky shops, vegetarian cuisine). Half the trip was spend cuddling inside and watching MST3K and Simpsons and the other half was shopping (mostly for party things), dining out, and seeing Up In The Air (highly recommended). Here is a pic of me and my gent (blurry but cute):



D'aw.

Resolutions and Goals for 2010

• Get up 15 minutes earlier every day (outfit photo + get together lunch + not have to run to the bus)
• Take outfit photos way more often (see previous)
• Update blog at least every other day
• Get a lot more stock for both my etsy stores
• Save money so I can go to L.A. in March and Boston/Salem in September or October with Michael
• Make solid, fashionable attempt to wear pants more often
• Only buy shoes that are durable, comfortable, and stylish
• Get rid of even more stuff
• Buy a better sewing machine and learn how to sew (this is not likely, but I'm still putting it on here)

I think that's it! What are your goals/resolutions, if you haven't blogged about it already? I'm hoping 2010 will be a great year!