pleasantville

Just a few snaps Ive taken over the past few days here in Chicago. This is such an amazingly beautiful city. I like to sit in the park and imagine times gone by. I think about the stories, the people, the conversations long forgotten about. How the architecture has stayed the same, but the inhabitants have grown older, changed over time. One generation dies only for a new to be ushered in, with its own story to write. I realize that my time here, my chapter, is so minuet, so small in comparison to this ever changing, ever growing book called life. 

columbia launch 2013

had the chance to walk in Columbia College's Fashion show 'Launch 13.' I can't believe the amount of talent coming out of that place. I met so many cool people and I hope to get the chance to work with them again!

in greener grass

                   

Julio, Ink and I went and sprawled out on a  blanket for 2 hours in middle of nowhere Georgia. Its good to be home for a few days. Living in Chicago has made me realize how much of a southern girl I really am at heart. I grew up in a teeny town outside of Atlanta, but always longed for the hustle of a huge metropolis. Now that Im in Chicago, all I long for is fields of green and trees for as far as I can see. I suppose thats why they say the grass is always greener on the other side. Felt lazy so I threw on this black maxi dress I picked up at Goodwill for $4.94. 

yellow & gold

 Julio graduated from college this saturday!! Yay!! After years of working so hard, the day finally came! Im already plotting in my head all of the amazing trips we can take with all his new freedom. Ugghhh, cant wait. 

Saturday morning, I literally scrambled to put this outfit together...Ive been living out of a suitcase these past few days, and I had already worn everything, so I took a little of this and a little of that. I picked up the top at JCPenny for 10 bucks and the jumper from Goodwill for $4.94. Im lovin this sequin clutch from Goodwill...they only charged me the wallet price, $2.92...i win. :) Im so used to carrying huge bags, im trying to change it up and go smaller. 

Floral Arrangements

               

 Alexa and I decided to go to the thrift store last minute the other night in leu of having nothing else on the books, and I really wasnt looking for anything in particular, and you really cant  when thrifting. You will only set yourself up for disappointment. I had a few things in my cart, but nothing was really begging me to take it home. She had found several adorable pieces, but it didnt look like that was gonna be my night. Luck sometimes finds but only one. I tried on a few items, and wound up putting it all back. I said to Alexa, "weellllll I think today is a bust for me." I was ready to give in and start mentioning going home when I reluctantly paroosed thru one last rack. And there, hanging there like she was waiting for me all along, was this unbelievable floral dress. I love anything floral and girly and whimsical, but hardly find it in my size, as you would typically only find a five year dressed like that. Whatever. I still like to play dress up... I know you do too, admit it. Ok, dont. But I know the truth. Back to the story. It really didnt look like it was going to fit, and I almost didnt want to try it on. I hate getting my hopes up only to know Im going to be let down. There really is nothing worse about thrifting than finding that one amazing piece that just doesnt fit, try and scheme as you might. "I can add a panel to the side! I can let it out! I can hem it! Ill go on a diet! I can just buy it and look at it!" The later is usually what it boils down to, cuz aint nobody gonna have my baby. Well, I did try it on, and the moment of truth came to be...the zipper. Up...up...up! It went all the way up! TA DAAAAAAA!!!!!!!! I couldnt believe my waistline! I literally twirled in the middle of the store. Like 10 times. I didnt care, it freaking fit!!! Did I mention that it was only $2.40????? Yeah, be jealous. I almost am. So there you have it folks, how the amazing,  whimsical, floral, did I say amazing dress and I came to be. My inner five year old is happier than a fat girl with a  tiny dress on. 

Blue Camel

100% thrifted. Im wearing this shirt backwards, but sometimes things just look better that way! Adds a little unexpectedness to your wardrobe. Options too. Every girl needs options. Tons of options. Options options options. Maybe thats why I cant stop thrifting. So many options for next to nothing. I swear, I justify spending too much money thrifting by saying, "It was 99 cents!" Thank you, Macklemore.  I wind up with some of the most amazing, one of a kind pieces, like this blouse. When worn the right (or wrong) way, it has a very bozo the clown feel, so I turned it around and it magically became a very chic, modern statement piece. I love it so much. I also like to pair it with a high waisted black skirt and some pumps. These camel colored pants are also thrifted, if my memory serves me correctly, for less than 5 bucks at Value Village. I grabbed these adorable navy pumps at The Brown Elephant here in Chicago for $6. This city has thrift shops literally on every corner. I have to learn to control my habit or Im gonna wind up broke. Broke, and fabulous ;)