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.

Photo Friday: Glass Oceans

Quick post today because I'm super distracted by the Gaslight Anthem show I'm going to tonight here in Chicago (can you say squeeeeeeeeee?!?!?!), but I saw this and wanted to share some good waves - pun totally and nerdily intended. Mario Ceroli created huge ocean waves out of glass and wood.