Design Ideas: New Year's Eve Party!

Today, instead of my usual interior design find, I thought I'd share some cute New Year's Eve party ideas! Whether you'll be a guest or the host, it's always fun to get in the holiday mood! (Can you tell I'm excited for the New Year?) These DIY New Year's Eve party ideas are quick, easy, and adorable. You might even be able to get one or two of them in before the big party! A little glitter spray paint fixes everything.

Photo Friday: Self Examination

You guys, 2013 is almost over. How did that happen? It's so weird how time just seems to go by faster and faster as you get older. No one really warns you about that when you're growing up. Soon I'll blink and a year will pass me by. Actually, I think that just happened.

With the year ending, I though this was a perfect time to share this photography series by a very talented young photographer and his collection of self-portraits. To combat his social anxieties, Kyle Thompson started experimenting with photography and used the only subject he had around - himself. The result is something fantastic that shows his tremendous talent.

Photo Friday: Secret Paper Adventures

I don't think it's a secret that I'm a daydreamer. And an introvert. (But I guess all creative people are? Amirite?) Often times, I'll be out with friends and get quiet - not because I have nothing to add to the conversation, but because someone said something that sent my brain spiraling down some secret, imaginary adventure that no one else can see. It's a blessing and a cruse. Mostly, I find it to be a curse. It means I can't focus on a damn thing for longer than 20 minutes.

This awesome photography piece by Japanese photographer Kouichi Chiba is the best way that I could have ever found to explain to someone how my brain works.

What I Wore: The Winter Coats Edition

The weather outside being frightful is an understatement. It's a nightmare out here in the big, windy city right now. If it wasn't so bitterly cold, I could have maybe enjoyed the first snow over this past weekend. I did, however, try to make the most of it for today outfit shoot!

Interior Design: Vacation Lodge in Wyoming

Anyone who knows me IRL, knows that I went on a road trip in April of this year and took a stop in Laramie, Wyoming that made me completely obsessed with the city and the state. I've told everyone that I plan on moving to Wyoming and marrying a cowboy. I'm only half joking. Seriously though, it was the best evening of the whole road trip and we ended up in California. The only draw back of Wyoming is the gorgeous mountain landscapes brings with it a 6-month winter and freaking hate the cold more than the KKK hates things that aren't white I don't do well in the cold. However, if I could spend all the winters in this luxurious, rustic lodge, I would move in a heartbeat. Boom. There.

What I Wore: The Vintage Holiday Sweater Edition

Well, shit. It's December already, huh? Here I am, once again, not prepared for any sort of holiday season. I thought that I would get the apartment decorated this week, have started my holiday shopping by now, and have ideas for what I was getting everyone on my list. Planning is so much easier than executing. #amirite If you're ahead of me at the point, you go guuurrrl! You deserve some sort of expert-holiday-wrangler award or something.

The only thing I have been able to get on top of is planning holiday party outfits - never mind that I have no holiday parties to attend yet.

Interior Design: Rustic and Modern Swedish Apartment

If anyone knows how to style a living space, it's the Swedes. It's not a secret, I'm sure, but when it come to interior design the Swedish always have their finger right on the pulse There is a reason that people flock to IKEA every weekend, right? This apartment in Gothenburg is no exception, but usually when I think of Swedish design I think of a very modern look. This apartment has a beautiful combination of modern and rustic, just like I love!

What I Wore: The Galaxy Never Dies Edition

I can't give it up, you guys. No matter how hard I try, I just can't do it. The galaxy trend can never die! I will take it to the grave with me! Am I obsessed with galaxy print? Yes, obviously. But can you blame me, really? Space is just cool. Period.

Anyway, I got this party dress on Modcloth recently and I haven't worn it much because part of me thinks it's too young looking for me and another part just thinks it's too much. Now that the holiday season is creeping up on us, my goal is to turn it into a perfect party dress.

Interior Design: A European Style, New York Castle

Holy opulence, Batman. This triplex in the meat packing district of New York is mind blowing. It's a picture of antique grandeur. The building was originally built in 1847 as a townhouse and converted into a general store in the late 1800s. From there it became a sausage factory until 1992, then a mother and daughter fell in love with the abandoned space and bought it to turn into their dream home. They tried to preserve the original, vintage elements wherever possible. Old floorboards were cleaned, treated, and reused and they even rubbed coloring into the re-done fireplace to make it look time-worn. And what a project of love, huh?

What I Wore: The Lady in Red Edition

Let me tell you, there is nothing better for the confidence than a little rouge. I am dead serious about this. Feeling blah and don't want to put any effort into your outfit today? Throw on jeans, a sweater, and some red lipstick and you'll see. It really is that easy. I know the color on this 40s style vintage dress is one of the reasons it's totally an instant confidence booster!

Interior Design: Modern Luxury in Glass and Cement

As is evidenced by most of the interior design posts on this blog, I am not a big fan of modern or simple or clean. Generally, the more cluttered...er...cozy, the better. I just always seem to gravitate towards bay windows and decorative crown molding. I can't help it. It's a disease. This home in São Paulo, however, may have just converted me.

What I Wore: The Date Night Edition

Ah, date night. Doesn't matter if it's a night out with someone new, someone old, or just the girls, it's an excuse to get dressed up and who doesn't like that? Now, as much as I love layering for fall, I always have a much harder time picking out clothes to wear out as the weather cools down. I don't know about you, but for me, you throw a jacket into the mix and I no longer have any clue what I'm doing. This makes going out at night mostly one big panic attack. SO, when I do find an outfit that works and I like, I wear the crap out of it. You too?

Interior Design: Living in a Library

How is it November already? I think I blinked and missed all of summer this year. It's strange how much faster time flies the older you get. With every immaculately designed house I find, I think about the bits and pieces I'd like to incorporate into my own home one day and with every day that goes by, that becomes more of a reality. How weird is that? To think that one day I could own a living space that's not the size of a shoebox is crazy. 

Anyway, the point of all that babble was this home design. Ever since I was little and I saw my first high shelves with a rolling ladder, I decided that one day I was going to have the same thing in my house. Mostly because it reminded me of that magical library in Beauty in the Beast and that's what every little girl who reads wants to see (amirite?). The dream has not died for me and when I saw this home design it screamed my name.

What I Wore: The Holding Onto Summer Edition

Fall is here. Like really, officially here. Thankfully, it only feels that way in the mornings and evenings and the daytime is still sunny and relatively warm! Not that I want global warming to be happening, but if it is going to happen, I am okay with Chicago becoming a tropical destination. #justsayin

Until that happens, I'm going to take advantage of the warmer weather and keep wearing my lighter, summer pieces into fall. I find that sticking with the pieces that are longer, but still light are perfect for those days that go from 80 degrees to 65 degrees in a few short hours. This outfit in particular is one of my favorites because of the brightly colored skirt. Ain't nothing better for fixing a gloomy day or a gloomy mood than some bright colors. It's the little things, you know?

Monday Design: Holy Skylights, Batman!

I've been kicking myself for not writing more lately and nothing keeps me motivated like a challenge, so thank you to everyone that's doubted me. This post is for you. Without further ado, I bring you this week's edition of Monday Design: Holy Skylights, Batman!

Let's talk about how much I love light for a little bit, shall we? I LOVE light. Like, a LOT. I lived in a basement for about 4 years, so nothing is more precious to me now than daylight. It's the main reason I have a tough time deciding to leave my current apartment because I have windows in every room and a skylight in the bathroom! Can I just tell you that going to pee with the morning sun filtering in through the ceiling is a magical experience. It's really brought on a new love of skylights, which is why this property caught my eye.

Monday Design: Barn Renovation

Phew. It's been a long time since I've been sitting here typing on this blog. Life likes to take your plans and spin them out of control, huh? I'm settling into a new job and summer is winding down, so I think now is a good time to come back to blogging.

With life spinning faster and faster, I often want to take the time to step back for a little bit and enjoy the simple things. Not that I actually get to do that often, but thinking about it is nice. That's why I think this renovated barn house caught my eye.

Death to the Samuri Bun! 10 Easy Ready for Work Hair Tutorials

Samurai bun, top bun, whatever you want to call it, I am declaring war on you! I say enough! This ridiculous hairstyle has been a trend for too long and I'm tired of seeing it. 

Let me say first and foremost that it is not a good look for anyone. It makes your forehead look huge and your ears stick out. Think about this. Are these the parts of your face that you want to accentuate? I say enough! There are too many cute hairstyles out there for this to still be a popular one. In the same vein, men do not think this is an attractive look. Did your boyfriend say he liked it? He's a liar. Sorry. #ImNotSorry

Image Source

Monday Design: The Classical Space

It's been a very long time since I've blogged here and it feels good to be back. In the midst of a rabid job hunt I had to put blogging on the back burner. But I've now found a new job (go me!) and here I am! So let's get right back to it, shall we?

Now this is an apartment in Barcelona and I'm having a love/hate relationship with. Obviously, the rounded living room is a huge draw, but really it's those windows! The stained glass window details throughout the apartment really make this place feel opulent and unique.

Monday Design: Geometric and Modern

I am normally not a fan of modern or geometric architecture. I like my buildings classic and curvy with a rustic touch. However, this Spanish home made by architect Daniel Isern pulls so much from nature and blends so easily into the surrounding areas that I can't help but admire. The structure itself looks like stacked wood blocks, but it's made entirely out of concrete.

What I Wore: The Twiggy Edition

Nothing makes me less happy like an amazing vintage dress that almost fits. I mean, come on fashion gods! Do me a solid? This vintage 60s shift dress is the most adorable thing I've come across in a while and my boobs are just not cooperating. Frustration! 

Monday Design: The Makers

I love studio tours. Seeing how creative people have crafted the space that they work in give me odd amounts of joy. I think mostly because it give me the opportunity to dream up what my ideal work space will look like one day. That's why I was so happy to discover The Makers. I really can't believe in all my internet hunting I didn't discover this site before, but it's sole purpose is to showcase (beautifully) the work spaces of creative people! There is so much studio envy happening in me right now.

Monday Design: Lovely Sunshine

I love sunshine. Like most people, that vitamin D makes me feel so much better so I try to soak up as much of it as possible. When you work in an office with terrible florescent lighting 45 hours a week sunlight becomes very important. I'm lucky to have a bright, sunny apartment with a back deck so I've definitely been taking advantage of that as much as I can. What I don't have is an amazing sun room in my backyard like this home.

What I Wore: The Pastels Edition

I got my identity thefted (yes, it's not a word, but I like the way it sounds) a few weeks ago so my obvious solution when I had no money was shop my woes away. Don't even act like you don't know what I'm talking about here. Anyway, I hopped onto one of my favorite sites and picked up a couple things because I hadn't bought anything from them in a quite a while and I thought it meant I was being good. One of those things were these fabulous polka dot pants! Now I had been thinking about making my own DIY polka dot pants for a while, but there were already made AND teal. Could I say no? I mean really?

Monday Design: Interior Design in Chicago

I've been a little preoccupied lately because I've been job hunting (hard) and it's been taking up most of my time. Today, however, my job hunting and my blog inspiration crossed paths! So I thought I would share.

It's not secret that I love interior design. I do and we all know it. Today I had the bright idea of looking up some interior design firms in Chicago to see if they would on some far off chance be hiring for a social media manager - they were not. BUT, I did find some awesome interior design eye candy in my search! I mean you can't win them all right? Now I can share a couple with you here.

Thursday Tutorial: The Tiny Flowers Bracelet

I have to be honest with you guys, I have been sitting on this one for a long time. In fact, one of the outtakes from this tutorial is a shot of a severe snowstorm happening outside my window. Yea, that long. So I apologize for being a crafty but lazy blogger. Anyway, since summer is coming I thought it was still a good time to share this tutorial for my tiny flowers bracelet!

What I Wore: The Hi Low Edition

Anyone else watch the new season of Arrested Development? I obviously have based on my title. Anyway, it did feel appropriate here in today's outfit post. I have issues with office wear. Mostly because my office is super casual. Like so casual some people come to work in yoga pants and as I've mentioned on here before, I don't even leave the house in yoga pants unless I'm heading straight to the gym. So I struggle because I often feel over dressed or under dressed but never....dressed?

Monday Design: OMG That Courtyard!

I adore spaces that have were once created from something else turned into homes like church renovations and warehouse renovations, so this home would have caught my eye either way. BUT, what totally stood out to me was that courtyard. I mean holy entrance!

What I Wore: The Hot Dots Edition

I've been on a buying kick lately. I know. I know. I'm supposed to be re-purposing and reusing and buying less, but with all the spring stuff going on sale I just couldn't help myself. Of course, I picked up the cutest spring jacket at H&M and now it's 90 degrees in Chicago. I'm being punished for my shopping spree, but I did get in a about a week of jacket time. Anyway, I also managed to pick up bright orange polka dot dress which is a total winner and perfect for spring nights.

Monday Design: Breakfast Nook Designs

All my life I've wanted a breakfast nook in the kitchen. Yes, you read that right - all my life. I was a weird kid. I have always been interested by home design and breakfast nooks are one of those interior design elements I remember begging my mom for. Yes, begging. Especially once we actually had the space. You see, my mom owns her own cleaning service and has some pretty fancy houses on her client list. When I was younger, we couldn't afford day car in the summers so I would go to work with my mom. Ok so mostly I would play while she worked, but I got to go inside these crazy huge houses - most of which had breakfast nooks. I'm assuming this is where my obsession began considering it was before internet (Right?! I know. When was that?).

Despite my darnedest efforts, we never did end up getting the breakfast nook of my dreams, but you better believe that when this little lady owns a house it will have a big squishy, sunny place designated for breakfast and tea. In the meantime, let's get inspired.

Monday Design: Escape By The Water

This pretty little home is such a gem if you're looking for a space that's quiet or just a getaway location. Even though this home is obviously surrounded by other homes and docks, something about the space still seems serene.

Photo Friday: Intimate

I love Elle magazine. I don't know if I've mentioned that before, but I feel it's worth mentioning now. Unlike some of the other women's fashion magazine out there, Elle has never struck me as trivial. Even though there are articles about life, beauty, and sex (of course!) they never seem trashy or unwelcome. Mostly what I'm always excited to see first are the fashion editorials (of course!). Elle magazine always seems to have their finger on the pulse of fashion and knows how to artfully display it. The editorials always seem to focus on the photography first and the fashion second. Something a photography loving gal like myself really appreciates.

What I Wore: The Long Skirts Edition

So I have to apologize, mostly to myself but some to anyone who's noticed. I've been in a blogging slump these last few months and I just haven't been able to shake off these blogging blues (cue the acoustic guitar and raspy voice). I've been ignoring my Etsy stores too even though I have been collecting cute vintage clothes and making jewelry again. Still, I somehow could not get myself motivated. But now that warm weather is here and the trees have finally started to bloom, I feel refreshed! 

So here's to getting my lazy butt back in gear and not being a disappointment of a blogger anymore! 

Monday Design: Grand Simplicity

Rose Uniacke's home is a dream. That's all I can really say about it. Although, I guess if I worked as an established interior designer, I'd make sure my home was a dream too.

What I Wore: The Prep School Edition

It's freaking spring in Chicago and I'm busting out the florals. You better believe it was an amazing feeling to finally wear this dress that I picked up from Target months ago. What I fool I was then, thinking the warm weather was coming soon. But it's finally here and that means that I am taking a stance against leg coverings!

Monday Design: Chic New York

If you love style and design and live on the internet like I do, you've probably already seen Athena Calderon's absolutely gorgeous New York apartment. And I do not feel bad about sharing it even though it's already been all over the internet because it really is an amazing work of interior design so seeing it again is a treat.

Photo Friday: Where Word Nerds and Design Nerds Meet

Word nerds and design nerds rejoice! I think I found the point where you two meet. I stumbled across this amazing collection on Brain Pickings today of unusual and rarely used words turned into bold graphics and the literature major in me swooned. Obscure words and pretty graphics make up most of my life.

What I Wore: California Livin'

Take me back to the west. The sun is finally starting to show a little today after days of stormy weather and it's making me wonder why I ever flew back from California in the first place. Anyway, my little road trip out there was amazing and I finally got around to uploading the photos from the trip to my desktop. Meaning I'll hopefully get to share those memories on here soon!

Moving on to the more important question: what does a Chicago girl, used to frigid weather, wear in California? Something that makes her look very confused as to what season we're in.

Monday Design: Best Use of Space Award

I've actually been meaning to post this video for a while and it kind of got lost in my back logs. My apologies if you've already seen it a million times, but I thought it was worth the share.

And the award for best use of space in a tiny apartment goes to.....

GIZMODO - The Tiny Transforming Apartment That Packs Eight Rooms into 350 Square Feet from Gizmodo on Vimeo.

Photo Friday: California Dreamin

I've been a little M.I.A. this last week because I was on a cross country road trip to California with a friend of mine. I, of course, took a zillion pictures while we were making the drive, but Chicago decided to give me a big F-U on my trip back. Needless to say, I haven't even gotten to moving my photos from my camera to my computer yet. Hopefully I can have some pretty shots to share next week!

In the meantime, I found some gorgeous California shots on Flickr for us to enjoy today. And yes, I've only been back to the great city of Chicago for two days and I'm already missing Cali. Who wants to move there with me?

What I Wore: The Concert Edition

My high school career consisted of going to class (yes, I went to all of them) and going to concerts. That was pretty much it until I started working. There was not a whole lot in between. But, of course, I thought I was so punk rock then so my outfits consisted of a lot of mini skirts and fishnets. Maybe the occasional Dr. Marten. And that's all I've ever known or understood to be concert wear. How girls show up at 4 hour long concerts in heels is beyond me.

Because of this, I now struggle to know what to wear to concerts, because my brain is still telling me to pop on some chucks and concert tee and call it a day. Disregarding the fact that I no longer own any chucks or concert tees. So I still end up trying to look cute, but maybe a little too young? Or, in this case, a little too grunge?

Monday Design: Country Home

I think I might secretly be a small town girl at heart. Although I wouldn't really know since I've only ever lived in big cities. I probably would get bored if I moved out to some town where the downtown consisted of 6 city blocks. Unless of course I could live in a little country home like this one.

What to Wear: Spring Inspiration

I'm so ready for spring and yet I'm so stuck in winter! It's not quite warm enough to get rid of the jackets or leg coverings just yet, but it is warm enough to ditch the heavy sweaters and thick boots. So what's a girl to do? Since I was feeling so utterly outfit un-inspired, I thought I would use the internet time to find and share inspiration! That is what the internet is for right?

I actually don't love any of the spring trends this year. I do love that the fashion designers had tried to steer away from the average flowers, nautical, and pastels. However, you still can find plenty of those on the runways. There are a few things circling that I wouldn't mind adding to my closet:

Black and White

Monday Design: Gorgeous Garden Designs

Seriously? Spring is still not here yet? I made the huge mistake of putting all my winter coats into hiding when I was over at my parents' on Easter. And, naturally, the temperature dropped to the 30s the next day. That's what I get for not having the foresight to check the weather. Anyway, enough bitching (although a good bitching is always necessary). Instead, I'll daydream. Thank you.

What I Wore: The Wishing for Spring Edition

Spring, oh spring, where art thou? It's time right? The weather gods are just messing with us? I would love to me able to walk outside in a light jacket again (or no jacket, but I'm asking for baby steps here). It's going to warm up to a sunny 50 degrees this weekend and in an effort to break away from winter, I'm busting out the light sweaters and floral prints!

Monday Design: Mid Century in Chicago

A friend of mine just announced that she scored an awesome apartment in Chicago with mid century touches, which, of course, sent me on a hunt for mid century interiors. Naturally, I found an amazing 50s era apartment design that is actually in Chicago.

Photo Friday: It's Spring, Right?

I'm writing this today on the third official day of spring under three blankets. Why? Because it is 30 degrees in Chicago. Happy Spring! I feel like I don't even remember what it's like to be warm anymore.  Although I'm tired of the winter and the snow and the cold, these amazing cinemagraphs capture Lake Michigan beautifully.

What I Wore: The Patterned Tights Edition

I love patterned tights. Always have and probably always will, unfortunately. The problem is that after years of buying leopard print, floral, and geometric print tights, I still have no idea how to wear them. Especially now as an adult.

Monday Design: Cozy and Chic Guest Cottage

New interior designer obsession: Angela Free. I have already been through the whole website and now I can't wait until it's updated with the latest projects. Creepy, yes I know. But I can't help it! Free's decorating skills are so soft and feminine, but fun and playful at the same time. Particularly I fell in love with this guest cottage she designed. Doesn't it make you feel like you're in a dream?

Monday Design: Downton Abbey Style

The design details in this home immediately made me think of Downton Abbey and I didn't realize why, at first. The design in the interior of the home is classic, but modern. It wasn't until I realized that the home itself is a Victorian era home in Scotland that it made sense. And it is gorgeous.

What I Wore: The Leather Vest Edition

Am I cool enough to rocka leather vest? No. Just by asking myself that question it's obvious I'm not. But, damnit, I'm going to try! So I went with my go-to outfit option when trying a trend that I think is too "tough" for me, I mixed it in with something sweet. Balance  as always, is important in any outfit or else you start looking like you're wearing a costume if you're too "biker chic" or too sweet or too rocker, etc.

Monday Design: Castle Living

Be still my beating heart. As you should know by now, I have an odd obsession with France. Especially the southern parts. And it's no secret that I love rustic and rural interior designs. Mash those two things together into a castle and what do you get? Le Château Marteret and a mini heart attack on my end.