Fall Fashion: Currently Craving

You guys. It's officially fall in Chicago. It isn't getting above 60 today, and I couldn't be happier.

Other than pumpkin spice (yes I'm basic, according to Buzzfeed) there is nothing I get more excited about for fall than fall fashion. Now that I live in a place where the seasons actually change, I am a firm believer in investing in outerwear that is as warm as it is chic. 

The above is a dream list; what I would purchase if I had unlimited funds. 

jacket / hat / lipstick / cuff / vegan leather leggings / booties

 Because that is not the case, mama shops the bargains. 

Below are the links to the pieces I plan to purchase that are still on trend, and on budget.

jacket / hat / lipstick / cuff / vegan leather leggings / booties

I'm loving the jewel tones coming out this season- emerald and burgundy... garnet if you went to FSU. 

Happy fall shopping!

Getting Touristy on Navy Pier

I am on a roll with this summer bucket list thing lately. 

Below is the original. Although I didn't finish it off, I think I can roll a couple over into fall. Yes? 

Yes.

1. do an outdoor zumba class in millenium park
2. save up for the DSLR camera I've been wanting, so each moment I capture is just a little clearer :)
3. take a photo class
4. go kayaking on the chicago river
5. go on a spontaneous weekend trip- camping? Maybe combine with the next?
6. do at least 3 festivals outside: music, food, drink
7. get my fitness routine down
8. go to a cubs game
9. have a crazy night on a rooftop
10. learn how to craft my own cocktails, preferably with my constantly stocked bar cart
11. go on a hot air balloon ride
12. build a sand couch
13. visit my best friend in northern michigan, an annual trip I look forward to each year 

>>does it count if she came here?
14. have my FL girlies visit again, maybe the summers will convince some of them to move here :)
15. volunteer
16. keep this thing up to date. I think the most impt. part of blogging is not only doing it genuinely, but consistently.

Another item that should have been on here is to go on the Ferris Wheel of Navy Pier. 

I love the water and I love Ferris Wheels, so how this didn't make the cut, I'm not sure. 

My gal Chelsea and I bought Groupons a while back to go on a boat tour, and we decided to make a day of it. The weather could not have been better. Mid 70s, and not a cloud in the sky.

We obviously started with brunch, at D4.

We got to the tour a little early, so to the bar we went for drinks and a FireBall shot, obviously. 

Then off on the tour we went!

We both agreed with the imminent fall weather, we should take advantage of the pier. 

Originally we had plans for only the Ferris Wheel.

...but when we saw the swings... we had to. Literally those are the epitome of my childhood. I am obsessed. I can't.

If only these summer nights would last just a little longer. It's in the 40s this week.

Here's to fall fashion, pumpkin spice and burgundy lipstick.

#LollaLivin'

So, I went my first music festival. ever.

After moving to Chicago, it was like the infamous L word, that warranted a gasp when I mentioned I'd never been (and didn't know much about it.) It was is a magical concert I had to go to if I've never been.

I know this post is a month overdue- my life is overdue. Get over it.

Lollapalooza. 

There was so much happening. From the seriously life changing decisions of whether to see Kings of Leon or Calvin Harris, to should I just buy this wine by the glass, or by the water bottle (I'll explain later.)

I loved Lolla, because there were bands I like a lot, but never would've thought to see them in concert- and now would jump at the chance. And.. there was also the opportunity to go stage hopping, from one side of Grant Park to the other - and see two completely different, yet equally huge artists in one place- back to back. From big acts to small, there was something for everyone. There were also way too many teenagers on drugs.

I'm the kind of gal who would rather be drinking on an uncrowded beach than waiting in a line of people at Disney to get on a ride (unless that ride is "It's a Small World"- then all bets are off.) 

So, you'd think when it comes to something like Lolla, it would just not be my gig. Well, I am surprised I actually had a pretty epic time, for a few reasons:

>> I was able to buy wine by the bottle (you can see it pictured in the pic. below)

>> I got to see Betty Who - if you do not know who she is, I suggest you get your act together.

>> I was with some pretty amazing people.

>> I had a dance party in the rain / mud with said amazing people.

>> I got to dress like a flower child for 3 days.

I'll let the pictures take it from here...

>>shenanigans



>>pre-gaming



>>the gals



>>and again



>>almost again

>>lolla lights

>>a little rain didn't hurt anyone



>> my boo, Betty Who




>>wet hair don't care. or do i?



>>tom's fav. face of lolla



>>we spent almost as much time here as the shows



>>beer garden.



>>that bottle of wine i was talking about.

>>the picture doesn't do this sky justice.

Another item crossed off the summer bucket list. Music Fest, check!

Oh Happy (Birth) Day: Part 2

So. It's come to my attention that my friends think I'm an alcoholic based on the gifts I received this year.

I'm not offended. 

 In all seriousness, I never expect a thing- fortunately for me, I've got people who disregard my expectations.

>>it took me a month to open this present. I couldn't bring myself to. It's too cute<<

Necessities from Nostalgia

This post brought to you by Brita. All opinions are 100% mine.

This time of year is always a bit nostalgic for me- it marks the start of college football, the end of summer and rush week always happened to fall on Labor Day weekend. Since I still refuse to believe I'm no longer a lost 18 year old, I also still refuse to believe I'm an adult. 

Oh Happy (Birth) Day!

So, here's what I've decided. Since I can't seem to post on this damn thing often enough, I'm first of all going to stop making false written promises to do so on the blog.

I've also come up with an editorial calendar (hahahaha. we'll see if it helps) On the docket:

Back to Basics. Back to Beachin'

So back to me posting on this on a regular basis... 

Let's try it again :)

You may have noticed the blog got a facelift- and I absolutely love it. I wanted to simplify the template while still keeping it as girlie as ever. I love clean lines, white space and light grey. So, I was pretty much sold on it the moment I spotted it.

Let's rewind say to mid July. Yes I realize that was a month ago, but there are some amazing memories and hilarious moments too good to leave out. I'm gonna try to squeeze a bit in through the next few posts.. so bear with me. Pour a glass of wine, coffee or tequila shot...

{the time of day shouldn't affect your choice of beverage. I don't judge.}

>>nail polish is blu via Zoya (my absolute fav. brand)<<