weekend in chicago

me IRL:

coat- H&M, fur collar- vintage, sweater+top+pleather leggings- Forever 21, shoes- Vans Atwood, sunglasses- Urban Outfitters Catwalk sunglasses, backpack-Aldo

I spent the past weekend in Chicago with my boyfriend, my sister, and her boyfriend. Since one of my other sisters and a few of my friends live there we usually visit a couple times a year. We spent three days shopping, walking around Lincoln Park, visiting friends, going to a concert, and of course, eating, because that's the most fun thing to do anywhere.

I have been bookmarking patterns and fabrics to make an oversized peacoat for fall and winter but when I went into H&M a couple weeks ago, I found this $30 coat that was the shape and color I was looking for. It's not really high-quality, just an inexpensive coat to hold me over, so I will probably make and/or buy a couple more coats this year. I gave it a little ~*sass*~ with a furry collar from a vintage coat that I never wear.

Lately the collared shirt and cropped sweater have been my go-to combination. It's obviously not a groundbreaking look, but I've always been into that Catholic school uniform vibe for some reason. Since I have a bit of a one-track mind when it comes to clothing, that look will probably continue to be my go-to for the entire fall and winter.

SHOP THE LOOK:

fall shopping

Now that September is halfway over, I've started shopping around for fall and winter clothing and accessories. Though pastels are usually more of a spring thing, I've been thinking a lot about pale pinks, peach, lavender, and baby blue. I've also been bookmarking lots of white shoes, clothing, and fabrics to use for sweatshirts and skirts this fall. While some of these items will never make it into my closet, (like that gorgeous $950 pale pink backpack), here's what I've been coveting for my fall and winter wardrobe:

1. jeffrey campbell mulder platform bootie
2. unif velvet snapback
3. j. crew boy shirt in triangle dot
4. mansur gavriel backpack in rosa 
5. topshop longline duster coat in lilac
6. nasty gal moto zip crop jacket
7. j. crew cropped surf sweatshirt
8. asos minty fresh leather flat shoes in blush
9. jeffrey campbell muskrat leather boot in blush
10. asos pick me up high heels
11. topshop graphic print duster coat
12. lulu*s switch it up reversible tan and black tote

tomboy style

t-shirt- Target, bra- Forever 21, plaid shirt- secondhand, shorts- H&M, shoes- Vans Atwood

walk at night

 hat- dimepiece la, dress- h&m, backpack- street level

This week I've been on vacation with my family and boyfriend. We've been spending our days lying on the beach sipping beer and enjoying a week free from work and obligations. My boyfriend and I have been taking walks every night on the beach and around the island to take in as much of the ocean sounds and view of the stars as possible before we have to go. As much as I miss my chinchilla and my own bed, I'm dreading leaving this beautiful beach and going back to work.

flash

shirt- by my friend Garrett Smith, skirt- H&M

fresh cut

wearing- Nasty Gal Fresh Cut dress
photographed in Farmington Historic Home gardens

lapis lazuli

For the past few weeks I've been finding myself very drawn to cobalt blue. I'm not exactly sure what brought it on, but it's fitting right in with my unintentional dress code of black, white, and grey. A little touch on my eyelids and nails keeps things interesting and I'm really liking the way it looks with my hair. These BCBG pumps are my new favorite shoes. I've been looking for a simple, modern, black heel and these get the job done (and look hella sassy doing it). I was a little concerned about a vinyl shoe in the summer (does anyone remember wearing Jelly sandals on a hot afternoon?) but I was happy to discover that they are comfortable and the open front keeps your feet free 'n' fresh.

bodysuit- Karmaloop, skirt- Nasty Gal Nothing But Net Skirt, shoes- BCBG Cynthia vinyl pumps, jacket- Unif Neo Mesh Crop Moto, sunglasses- Quay Eyeware Kitti