The Latest Chapter

sparkle.

2011-07-06T12:46:00.003-05:00

top: Charlotte Russe; jeans: Gap (on sale for $20!); shoes: Target

All day yesterday (due to backlog, this means 6/28), my room mate and I streamed Say Yes to the Dress from Netflix. All. Day. It's beyond obsession at this point I think, but I was working on some design stuff and she was doing some work for her internship so it just seemed logical to keep it on in the background. MAN is it fun seeing all the gorgeous dresses and judging them, and maybe the families too a little bit (Admit it! You do it too!).

My pet peeve though was brides who requested "sparkle" in that little girl voice. Saying you want shimmer or beading or even bling in an adult voice is all great, but "ssssparkle" just screams to me immature and not ready to be getting married. Then again, who am I to judge? Let's face it: it was probably a little jealously that they get to try on all those ah-mazing gowns.

So it seemed fitting that I'd wear a little sparkle myself today!

lofted.

2011-07-05T11:29:00.002-05:00

top: H&M; pants: F21; belt: Target; shoes: DSW; bracelets: Banana Republic(chain and thread) and gift (brown cuff); rings: Banana Republic; nail polish: Essie's Sand Tropez

I wore this to my interview for a new LOFT store that's opening up right near me last Tuesday. And, yes, not a single thing I'm wearing is LOFT. Trust me, I tried. I had 3 other potential outfits. This one just felt the most appropriate though and the manager who interviewed me seemed to approve soooo, success?? Keep your fingers crossed for me. It'd be a great weekend/after school job.

a summer project.

2011-07-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

To keep myself fresh this summer, I've decided to try my hand at making patterns inspired by sights in the city...

Check out the first one:

forced creativity.

2011-07-01T12:04:00.001-05:00

sweater: Nordstrom Rack; pants: American Eagle; belt: Target; shoes: H&M; earrings: Claire's

Whenever I go home on the weekends, I have a dilemma getting dressed. The only clothes I bring with me are dirty ones because doing laundry at home = free (i.e. no need to covet quarters like my precious and no need to beat and bang on the darn machines that I'm pretty sure are older than me to get them to work). Then, the only clean clothes I have at home are the ones I rarely if ever wear, which is why I don't have them at school with me. It's frustrating (see pile of discarded clothes surrounding my feet), definitely, but also a nice push to experiment a little with my style.

For example, I've had these pants for 6 or so years now and have worn them MAYBE half a dozen times. These shoes? Impulse buy because they were $5. Then they sat in my closet only coming out a couple times in the past 3 years. And this top is surprisingly hard to style. But now I have a new shnazzy outfit for running errands and such!

check it out.

2011-06-30T23:37:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of The Sartorialist? Of course you have. BUT, have you heard of Sartorialtwist? It the fashionable version of a kid's book. You can mix and match the head, torsos and legs of all the sartorialist's shots. Too fun.

Most of the combos made by the random generator are just absolutely ridiculous looking, but every once in awhile, there's something that pops up that makes an actually interesting look. So go play. Great time killer.

found via Miss Moss

Pardon the expression.

2011-06-29T12:06:00.001-05:00

top: LOFT; sweater: Nordstrom; belt: stolen off a F21 top; jeans: F21; shoes: Aldo

I look pretty miserable in these pictures, don't I? I assure you, that is not the case. I think I was just tired? Who knows. I wore this ensemble last friday when I went home for the weekend and did some babysitting for my baby cousins who I'd been missing to pieces so I couldn't possibly be sad.

We're going to a chapel and...

2011-06-28T12:15:00.006-05:00

top and skirt: The Limited; necklace: can't remember; bracelet: gift (from Jamaica); shoes: Payless

Last weekend, I went to a wedding with the boy and wore this. It was a lot of fun. The band was great! They got people out on the dance floor and moving without playing any club type/ hip-hop music, which really isn't my thing, so that was well-appreciated.

The bride works at an apothecary in Lincoln Square and is apparently obsessed with bitters.

I had never heard of them before but they're little tiny bottles of this alcoholic herbal drink that was supposed to aid in digestion. There was literally maybe a third of a shot worth of liquid, but it felt really cool and powerful going down. Plus the bottles were adorable. They acted as favors and escort cards. Love little personal touches like that!

I've been a very bad blogger...

2011-06-27T12:11:00.001-05:00

I know, I know. I've hardly been posting at all and it's very sporadic but I promise I now have posts lined up ALLLL week! Horray! So, getting to it...

top: Gap; sweater: Target; pants: Gap; shoes: Target; necklace: my mum's collection

I wore this to an interview a week or so ago. I got the pants rather last minute upon discovering my old pants no longer fit me so these obviously need some hemming but I think they did the job. The interview itself was kind of a flop though because the guy who was supposed to interview me's wife had a baby the night before so he wasn't there. Instead, I was interviewed by the CEO (it's a very small company) and mainly just chatted with him about the company itself and why they're looking for a graphic design intern when they've never had one before. The company is called Situ8 Marketing and they focus primarily on eco-friendly and healthy products. It sounds really promising and like a lot of fun. So keep your fingers crossed for me!

wingin' it.

2011-06-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

(The belt moved too much and it was clearly becoming one of those outfits that you

need to constantly adjust sooooo that didn't last. Tucking in is much less hassle.)

shirt: Limited; jeans: Wet Seal; necklace and earrings: F21; belt: No clue...

Spending today looking at potential apartments (I was promised one had a spiral staircase!) and then having a good ol' fashioned boys vs girls competition. When I hang out with the boy, we most often are with a guy friend and a girl friend of his from his graduate program. Every Wednesday, the boys go gaga over 25¢ buffalo wings at our favorite hangout while the girls roll their eyes. We finally decided to see what all the fuss is about. Tonight, the girls will try to out eat the boys. We don't really think we'll succeed, but it's funny seeing how offended the boys get at the thought. Pretty sure they'll be telling us we have cooties next.

2011-06-15T17:34:00.000-05:00

Bit by the spring, hurt by the thing, plagued by the memories that it brings...

- Horse Feathers

ADDICTED

101 ways...

2011-06-15T11:13:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like this blog would be more aptly named 101 Ways to Wear Your Jeans, but at least I can honestly say it is in keeping true with me. Ask anyone: I live in my jeans. In fact, planning going shopping for some (and maybe a pair of shorts or two) this week. :-)

Anyway, I have an interview for an internship on tomorrow morning so I'll capture that outfit for you so we can have a little shake up!

Best!
Jess

das boot

2011-06-14T13:16:00.000-05:00

Ah! Hello! How I've missed you! But now I'm back and have somehow maintained my sanity (I think so, anyway). I've made it through the most brutal finals season I've had to date and now I can officially enjoy summer which hopefully will bring more outfits like this (i.e. sans jeans) and lots of photos of other fun summer time activities.

I wore this Memorial Day weekend to Maifest up in Lincoln Square. Beer boots galore. I wanted one just to have, but they were astronomically expensive so I passed. Oh! and I saw some awesome hats with huge long plumage trailing a good three feet behind the wearer. Opening day at Ascot ain't got nothin' on these fellas. And, of course we saw some lederhosen. And probably an inappropriate number of small children given the amount of alcohol consumption going on all around me. Besides the questionable judgement of my fellow Chicagoans, we all had a blast and it was a great way to unwind right before the real grind of finals began.

2011-05-19T20:44:00.000-05:00

You've still got time to wake and be fine.
-Okkervil River

quick and dirty.

2011-05-19T17:04:00.000-05:00

No time to post today but I just had to share how adorable my fat one is. I get home and hop on the computer to check e-mail, etc and he just curls up against me and wheezes/purrs (I call it kitty asthma, or his darth vader impression).

Now off to the new TRADER JOES!!! so the bff can get supplies for cooking with her new beau (!) and I can photograph a "supermarket" for my project about things that are "super." It's a design project meets a photo project meets a rhetorical/lingual nut project. And there you have me in a nutshell.

Then packing for the big weekend in Delaware. Meeting the parents. scary.

Bon Weekend!!

pretty in pink.

2011-05-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

top and pants: Target; tank: F21; shoes: DSW; scarf: mom's closet...I think it was a gift from somewhere in Asia??

No real commentary today. Kinda time crunched because finals are rapidly approaching and I'm flying to Delaware this weekend so trying to get things in order for that. Busy, busy, busy. Hence no color correcting on the photos. Pretty scarf though, no? I've been using it for bedroom decor back home for years now but I finally decided to actually wear it. It's about the most pink you'll ever see me wear!

master burrower.

2011-05-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

sweater: Converse via Target; skirt: Target, too; tights: Target, as well??; scarf: gift; earrings: JC Penny's

So I had on a cute outfit this weekend when I was home, but, alas I was sans camera! So I give you...phone pictures! And consequently a peek at my room from high school. Please note the signed picture of Robbie Gould (my future husband and kicker for the Bears), Linus the cat, and the moving boxes we never unpack. Revealing, no? This is all you get today because my outfit today is quite boring. Mainly because I'm angry at the weather. (The Walgreens across the street says 44. You'd be angry too.)

Now I'm going to go burrow under lots of blankets and read about the US Congress. Jealous? I know

sneak peek.

2011-05-14T14:54:00.000-05:00

Here's a look at my portfolio website I've been working on designing. It's obviously still in the development stages, but it should be up and running within a month!

it comes at a price.

2011-05-11T15:19:00.000-05:00

tank: Old Navy; scarf and jeans: F21; belt: Buckle; shoes: LOFT; earrings: Claire's

The warm weather continues here in the Windy City! Alas, we have to pay a price for it. It's certainly warm, and even the called for thunderstorms seem to be holding off, but the humidity is such that I feel like I'm wading through the air instead of just walking. It's brutal. Don't get me wrong, I'd gladly take it over snow. And I find it a perfect excuse to eat ice cream/frappacinos/popsicles/other cold foods.

PS please excuse the atrocious nail polish in that last picture. Home manicure is on my list. Just apparently not very close to the top of it...

what do you mean 'I don't need a coat?'

2011-05-10T17:15:00.001-05:00

shirt and shoes: Target; dress: F21; necklace: Mum's collection; watch: inherited from grandmother

It was warm today, people. Warm, warm. Not just, 'oh hey, at least it's not snowing' warm. 80 degrees warm. So I brought out my pale, bruised legs. It was like all the women in the city were just waiting for today to bring out their cute newest spring outfit. If only I was quicker (and stealthier) with my camera phone. Chicago was lookin' fiiiine today.

Of course, it's supposed to thunderstorm the next two days... Oh well, off to work on my web design and drink margaritas with the bff and another friend. :-)

2011-05-05T21:34:00.001-05:00

You want to. You wanted to. But never dared to.
-The Radio Dept.

maverick-y.

2011-05-05T17:43:00.003-05:00

top: Crossroads; necklace: Old Navy; jeans: Roxy via TJ Maxx; boots: Madden Girl; elephant earrings that you can't really see: gift (Target)

Channelling a little MonkeyFace. Though she probably looks a little less confused by the camera behind her mask...

Who? Me?

Yes, I have a Toy Story 3 door hanger. No, I am not ashamed. Okay, maybe a little.

I got this top a while ago and just broke it out. I thought it was finally warm enough. The breeze blowing up the from the flare-y bottom told me otherwise. Note to self: next time wear a tank underneath. Sometimes I forget that I am always cold.

Also, the boy left his Ray Ban aviators over here yesterday. I became a badass today. Tom Cruise ain't got nothin' on this.

I prefer to call it porcelain

2011-05-03T21:26:00.000-05:00

shirt: LOFT; cami(not that you can see it...): Wet Seal; belt: Target; jeans: F21; shoes: Katie and Kelly via DSW; bracelet: Lia Sophia

So, I keep trying this spot on my apartment for some reason. I was hoping that this time, since it was in the afternoon and our apartment faces east that it might not wash me out as much. No such luck. Don't know what it is. Maybe I should just set everything on auto and let the camera handle my pale skin's reflective qualities. (P.S. I passed a tanning salon that was hiring today. Pretty sure they would have laughed me out of the place if I tried applying.)

ANYWAY, this is shnazzy new shirt and it's so breezy and comfortable. I love it. It also looks good belted around the waist so I'll show you that styling next time. Horray, versatility!

(enjoying some Easter candy. My mouth literally started watering while I waited for the camera to go off and I just held the candy in my mouth. I hope you appreciate this shot.)

transitional.

2011-05-02T16:18:00.002-05:00

Overly dramatic shot!

top: The Limited; necklace: Claire's; jeans: F21; shoes: Target; bracelets: no clue...Old Navy?

This weekend was a big one! My brother was home on leave since he deploys May 12 (He's in the army) so my mom, brother and I spent the weekend doing all sorts of fun stuff. Plus, this was the first time the boy met any of the family (the fat, fluffy one excluded).

Thursday, the 4 of us did dinner at Harry Caray's (yum). Then Friday (on which I wore this outfit), the boy presented a paper at a history conference and got inducted into the history honor society (so proud). This outfit took me from those festivities to work on homework in the lab then to see Blue Man Group with the fam (soooooo funny!) Then Saturday we went to the Museum of Science and Industry then went to a White Sox game (23rd row right behind home plate! but sadly, we lost 6-2). Then we went home and my brother and I stayed up until about 2am watching Eagle Eye since I had never seen it before. Sunday was spent relaxing at home until his flight back to Ft Bragg in the afternoon.

So apologies if I've been a bit absent. All that fun stuff is coming back to bite me in the bum as I'm catching up on all my homework. In fact, I'm off to do some shooting for my photo class tonight. Toodles!

blinded by the light.

2011-04-27T15:26:00.000-05:00

dress: American Eagle; leggings: Unknown (via mum's closet); scarf: Gifted (from Ireland); belt: F21; boots: Nine West

So I actually finished getting ready in the morning for once so I thought I'd set up a quick shot. And since it was sunny, I thought I'd set up in the hall where you get light from the windows of our "dining room" (remember, this is a college apartment...). 'How nice!' I thought. 'Natural light and a change of scenery!' Yeah. Now if only I wasn't so pale so as to just reflect all of the light.. Ack. Oh well. At least I actually stepped into the hall and out of the light for a couple of the shots. And I still think the first picture is pretty bamf.

2011-04-26T21:13:00.002-05:00

Kiss me with your cherry lipstick. Never wash you off my face. Hit me, I can take your cheap shots. Leave you with the love we made.
-Jimmy Eat World

2011-04-26T18:08:00.001-05:00

Check these cuties out! Don't they just make you smile?

refreshed.

2011-04-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

Jacket: Rampage Clothing Co via Nordstrom Rack; Scarf, jeans, and belt: F21; Sweater: LOFT; Boots: Madden Girl via Endless.com; Earrings: Target

Happy Monday after Easter everyone! Hope you had a lovely weekend! The weather actually cooperated with us for Saturday and Sunday so we got to see some sun. I got some great pictures of my little cousins egg hunting I can't wait to show you. (Hopefully they'll be up tomorrow!)

In other news, this is a new top! It is among the haul I got over the weekend. Well...haul might be over stating it but I was pretty excited. Especially since it was mi madre picking up the tab (Thanks, mum!) since I can afford about 1 item per month. Max. Darn college budget. So I have some springy things to trounce about in if the weather would only just stay nice! I also upgraded my phone from the paper weight I had before. AND a replacement ipod shuffle to get me through hours of staring at book spines. This should be a good week.

2011-04-20T15:47:00.001-05:00

I'm having a bit of a day today so I'm currently trying to ease my ills with nutella and club crackers.

I also need to go grocery shopping.

2011-04-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

This is my Olsen twin expression impression. Must purse lips even more next time.

Sweater: Gap; Belt: Target; Necklace: Mum's closet; Pants: F21; Shoes: Steve Madden; Umbrella: H&M

Today was one heck of a day. Woke up and it was still cold and bonus! rainy. I thought it was only overcast, of course, so I tried straightening my hair. You see how well that turned out. I walked into work at the library looking a bit like a drowned rat. This was heightened by the fact that the El wasn't running this morning (apparently a train derailed near the Belmont stop --scary!) so I walked the 6 or so blocks to campus at full speed.

No, I was not wearing these shoes throughout all that, luckily. I just needed a bit of pretty at the end of a dreary day.

2011-04-18T21:41:00.001-05:00

The band plays some song about forgetting yourself for awhile, and the piano's this melancholy soundtrack to her smile...You know that she'll break you in two.
-Airborne Toxic Event

THE song.

soooooort of breaking the rules. but not really.

2011-04-18T16:04:00.000-05:00

Shirt: H&M; Tank: Old Navy; Belt: F21; Leggings and necklace: No clue...

Okay, first thing first: I know I said just last week that leggings are not pants, but I swear my tush was covered in this outfit, so I think that's legit. And I did get kind of uncomfortable (and cold) halfway through the day and throw on jeans instead of the leggings.

This was my go from hanging out watching soccer games all day to a club to see a band at night outfit this weekend. The band was pretty awesome. The boy has known the lead singer since they were 5. We saw them a couple months ago and she remembered me this time when we met up after the show. I felt so special. Then again, we did bond over our shared experience of working in our college's library, so of course she remembered me!

I'll be back later with some videos of them on stage and stuff because you should ALL check them out and become fans.

rain rain go away.

2011-04-15T20:19:00.002-05:00

Sweater: Old Navy; Plaid shirt and Jeans: F21; Flats: Kenneth Cole Reaction via DSW; Hat: H&M

This morning I got to go to the SAIC and check out the Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection. There's some really cool stuff there. People's creativity blows me away sometimes. Plus, I got to see some pieces from my prof's thesis project which is always fun. Good to know they had to go through the stuff they put us through too, ha!

By the time I got home I was starving so made some lunch. By the time I was done, it was raining and miserable here so I threw on the hat to try to protect my hair from becoming a poofy fro while I headed to the lab. It kinda worked. But not really.

That's me pointing out my humidity-induced curly curly hair. Not that you can see it all that well...

2011-04-14T16:54:00.002-05:00

It's hard to stay cool, oh, when you smile at me, and I can notice every time you speak.

-Ra Ra Riot

Innit strange how just the sound of the voice of your crush can make you blush?

have you seen it?

2011-04-13T16:49:00.001-05:00

Way, way back around New Year's Day, the bff and I made a list. Ok, mostly she made a list, but it was for me. You see, she's a film major. She's obsessed with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn and the like. Me? I always seem to have other things to do. I think it stems from her always watching tv/movies while doing other things and I always listen to music. It's not that I don't enjoy movies and when I see a good one I know it's good and can appreciate it for all it's goodness, I just haven't seen them. We're trying to remedy that. So I give to you... The Wall.

It started out as strictly MUST SEE movies (because of the title: Movies You Must See Before You Die!!!), but has kind of grown into a list of movies just worth your time. Any time someone comes over, they always have to put in their two cents and are more than welcome to add (we keep post-its and a pen on the coffee table). It's gotten to where for every movie I see, we add two more.

Someday we'll get through them all. Swear.

Do you have any movies you just looooooove that we should add?

2011-04-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

A picture of you holding a picture of me in the pocket of my blue jeans. Still don't know what love means.
-Ray LaMontagne

I don't really do BRIGHT

2011-04-13T15:57:00.001-05:00

Shirt: Old Navy; Cardigan: H&M; Belt: Target; Jeans: Gap; Flats: Mudd via DSW; Necklace: via my mum's closet

I'm really ready for the genuinely nice weather. The cold is starting to get to me (if you couldn't tell from pictures 3 and 5). I need nice weather to motivate me to get through the crazy busy next few weeks I have. Can one of you arrange that? Pretty please?

Okay, I'm off to do my poly sci reading then head to night class. Toodles!

read between the lines.

2011-04-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

Top: Gap; Jeans: F21; Necklace: J. Jill via my mum's collection (permanent acquisition); Boots: Nine West (aka the most comfortable footwear I've bought to date)

You know those nights where you go to bed and spring was on its way, and you're looking forward to lower bills since you've had the heat off for TWO WHOLE DAYS. Those are good nights. Then you know those mornings where when you wake up, you feel like your bed was relocated to a meat locker, made worse because you were dumb enough to pull out the summer PJs? Yeah. That's Chicago in a nutshell.

On the plus side, I finally got a new straightener! My old one kind made this hissing, snapping noise when I tried to turn it on about a weak ago...so I've been rocking the natural waves until I finally got around to stopping at Walgreens for a shiny new straightener. Not that you can tell because I constantly play with my hair so it's always wavy again by the end of the day.

These brought to you by a shoot soundtrack of Adele's Rumor Has It, Free Energy's Something in Common, and Joss Stone's cover of Fell in Love With A Boy

leggings are not pants.

2011-04-11T14:03:00.001-05:00

Sweater: H&M; Skirt: Vigoss Studio via Nordstrom Rack (I think); Leggings: Target; Boots: Sketchers (were gifted to mi madre, but she didn't want them, so...yay for me!); Earrings (not that you can really see them...): Claire's

This weekend, the boy had an old undergrad friend who was in town for business. We met up at this lounge/bar in Old Town called Benchmark. One of the boy's friends from his grad program was there and his roommate showed up eventually, both of whom I really like. It was good times all around.

The boy thoroughly enjoyed this outfit though that's most likely because he has a thing for leggings. He doesn't understand my assertion that leggings DO NOT equal pants. The tushy needs some coverage in my opinion, no?

2011-04-10T23:50:00.002-05:00

Another night in court: the same old trial, the same old questions asked, the same denial.
-Sting

I could play this song over and over and over and over. In fact, I have. Many times.

yes please.

2011-04-10T18:20:00.004-05:00

Shirt: Dave Matthews Band concert; Shorts: Old Navy; Belt: American Eagle; Sandals: LOFT; Earrings: hand-me-downs from my mum (she doesn't like turquoise–go figure); Nail Polish: Essie in Sand Tropez

It was supposed to be dark and gloomy and thunderstorm-y today. And in the 70s. I woke up this morning and made a cup of tea and poked around on the internet for awhile. Then, it occurred to me: there was no booming thunder. There were no flashes of lightening. I pulled back my curtain to look outside. What was this? People were wearing shorts. And dresses. And other such summer-y clothing. I quickly looked up the temp. 78ºF!!! I sprinted through the apartment like I was on fire and ran out to our balcony. It was glorious.

I banged on my dear bff's window which faces said balcony to alert her. She apparently thought this level of energy from me could only mean disaster. After I assured her all my limbs were still attached, we had popsicles (her) and tortilla chips (me) and people watched while wearing shorts for the next hour. Then she went to work and I started my reading homework. Ahhh, summer's so close I can taste it....

PS Do you like the new layout design?? It allows for bigger pictures to allow for my new photo taking obsession. :-) It's a bit standard at the moment. Do you like it plain? Or should I spice it up a bit? Let me know!

spring in your step.

2011-04-08T23:10:00.002-05:00

T-shirt: Threads for Thought via Nordstrom Rack; Sweater/vest/cardigan/thing: Urban Outfitters; Jeans: Wet Seal; Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW; Earrings: gift (Lia Sophia); Necklace: gift (no clue where from)

So I tried to lighten my outfit a little bit, maybe convince myself that spring really is here. A nice spring-y blue shirt and some light flats. Most of the day went well. I had to go to the Art Institute for my photo class after I finished school for the day (free from 5-8 on Thursdays, babyyyyy). Then I got invited out for a few drinks on my way back.

Turns out it started raining while I was inside the pub. By the time I got home, my feet were very wet and very frozen. Sigh. Spring has to come eventually, right?

2011-04-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

I gotta desert you, quietly slide out your back door. The vertigo is nice, but it makes it hard to dance.
-Broken Bells

york.

2011-04-08T12:15:00.002-05:00

I've decided to start what I'm going to call Found Text Fridays! It's a way to force me to get out with my camera more because, after all, practice makes perfect, or at the very least improvements. PLUS it'll help my designiness {Yes, I can make up words. Deal with it.} by forcing me to notice different fonts/typefaces and how they're used and how well they work in that setting. Wow. That sounds dorky. Awesome.

ANYWAY, here's the first round:

Found: courtyard of my apartment building. What: a...radiator...type thing... perhaps an AC unit?
Eval: I like the stencil style of this because it is functional {ventilation} and pretty. It also seems to be a sturdy, industrial type font, which is very appropriate for an appliance company. The repetition on every corner {see middle shot} is also a nice touch.

2011-04-06T22:33:00.000-05:00

And oh how good it felt to be young and loved and feel it in our bones

-Jukebox the Ghost

skirt day.

2011-04-06T15:59:00.002-05:00

Top: Gap; Scarf: gift (from Ireland); Skirt: thrifted (Miley Cyrus for Max Azaria); Tights: Walgreens?; Boots: Madden Girl via endless.com; Earrings: F21

I went through a bunch of outfit renditions last night before finding this one. The boy was no help. He just nodded at everything and told me he'd just tell me if he thought I looked ridiculous. Ha! At least he won't let me go out wearing a clown outfit, I suppose.

PS: Have you checked out How to steal like an artist? The fake it until you make it idea made me feel so much better. It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels like a big faker!

in real life.

2011-04-05T18:53:00.002-05:00

Sweater+scarf+jeans: F21; T-shirt: Wet Seal; Boots: Nine West

There are a few different editing versions here in the first 3 pictures. Still deciding what kind of effect (if any) I like.

ANYWAY, this is the real life version of an outfit I made a polyvore for ages ago. I was sleepy this morning so a ready-made outfit sounded really nice. I added the green t-shirt this time though! And changed what boots I wore! That's gotta count for something, right?

2011-04-04T03:03:00.000-05:00

Stars' cover of This Charming Man

love and lust.

2011-04-03T17:43:00.000-05:00

Soooo, in Wicker Park there is a Steve Madden store. I pass by this store on a somewhat regular basis for various reasons. Recently, every time I pass the store front, my eyes hone in one these bad boys:

I'm not a big fan of the oxford trend, I'll admit, but these are just so darn cute! Ballet flats meet sandals meet oxfords. I'm in love. Or lust.

They also come in white (and black, but I don't like those as much).

2011-04-03T15:27:00.001-05:00

And if all was well and your heart could find the words, would we be for better babe? Would we be for worse?
-The Gaslight Anthem

plaid is rad.

2011-04-02T23:31:00.001-05:00

A much more successful outfit shoot!

Plaid shirt: F21; Cardigan: Target; Jeans: F21; Shoes: Target; Belt: My mama's closet (circa 1990s)

The bff and I are having a chill night in drinking out of our new WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE cups! Yeah. Be jealous. They're pretty awesome.

melinda and melinda.

2011-04-02T15:49:00.003-05:00

Are you a Woody Allen fan? Of course you are.

I discovered this randomly during one of the times we had HBO. {We tended to get it for x months after each time we moved thanks to promotional things.} Pretty sure it was the summer before junior year that they were playing this. I loved and now own it. Plus Rahda Mitchell is just gorgeous.

It's a comedy and a tragedy all rolled into one. Check out more info at imdb.

got the blues.

2011-04-01T22:52:00.011-05:00

I did it. Finally asked bff to take pictures of my outfit. It was a little awkward and she seemed a little confused. I think I'll send her some style blog links so she kinda gets what I want to do. Plus, I forgot to turn back on the autofocus so the full body shots she got of me were hopelessly blurry. Still: My first real, official outfit post!

Shirt: {the boy's bc he's in Delaware/NY this weekend} J. Crew; Scarf: Gifted {from Ireland}; Belt: Forever 21; Hat: H&M; Jeans: Roxy via TJ Maxx (distressing is self-made via my clumsiness); Boots: Madden Girl via Endless.com; Watch: inherited from grandmother

sprawl of glass.

2011-04-01T19:12:00.000-05:00

Mash-up of Arcade Fire and Blondie. Swoon.

breaky-fast.

2011-04-01T14:21:00.000-05:00

I love fridays. For now anyway. The plan is to get a second job. And get involved in another project {possibly, if all goes well. keep your fingers crossed the proposal is well received. Then I shall share.}

This is how I enjoy my friday "mornings." {Read noon-1pm}

I messed around with some filters on the last one. Do you like that or just the straight shots better?

all business.

2011-04-01T11:21:00.001-05:00

Over break, my dear bff asked me to design her business card for her to hand out to various contacts she makes at her job and internship. (She got a job working back stage at the Blue Man Group! Can we all do a collective HORRAH!! for that?)

She hasn't chosen one yet, but these are the finalists.

2011-03-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

You'll never notice how much I loved you. Lovin's for fools. Love is for fools.

-Bon Iver and Anaïs Mitchell

for all you book worms.

2011-03-29T21:06:00.003-05:00

Here's a set of marketing/promotional materials I created for the final in my InDesign class. It was for a Chicago non-profit called Book Worm Angels. What they do is collect books from all over the area and donate them to schools where the children are reading below grade level. They create in-classroom libraries without any consequences (so they children don't need to worry about losing the books or damaging them, etc). It's meant to foster a view of reading as fun and not a chore. Check them out here.

front of the postcard

back of postcard

outside of the pamphlet

inside of pamphlet

Poster!

and baby makes 3.

2011-03-28T20:43:00.002-05:00

I'd like you to welcome the newest addition to my family. It's a boy. His name is Scott.

The fat, fluffy one seems to approve, too! We're a happy little family now.

I'm taking an advanced digital photo class this quarter and so we picked up this puppy. It's a T1 so it's an older model but it was $200 off PLUS we got the floor model so that was another 30% off. Love saving money.

SO, expect no more photobooth photos on here (unless I'm just feeling goofy). And lots of high res pretty pictures because I suspect I'm about to become a photo taking FIEND. I might even finally get up the courage to start having my dear bff do outfit shots instead of just polyvore-ing it when I like something I put together! {gasp}

Also, I'm taking a Web Design class this quarter as well so I'm hoping by this summer, this page will be all revamped and dazzling.

Stay tuned!

shopping regret.

2011-03-27T15:16:00.001-05:00

Blue stripes by jweeden08 featuring long sleeve tops

Found a shirt like this at H&M. Didn't get it. Kind of regretting it...

Update: Definitely went to the store about an hour after I posted this and got it. *squeeeeee*

2011-03-26T23:49:00.001-05:00

And leave the rest at arm's length.
-Frightened Rabbit

Incidental life philosophy?

I'd heard of these guys awhile ago, but friends of the boy's recommended them again so I finally looked them up. GOOD DECISION. Enjoy.

B Dubs

2011-03-23T18:23:00.002-05:00

B Dubs by jweeden08 featuring cut out flats

This past Saturday, I randomly felt like getting somewhat dressy. Turns out the most exciting thing I did this day was get invited to Buffalo Wild Wings with the boy and his friends...and once I was there found out it was for a UFC event. Groan. Oh well. The company was good at least.

local's guide.

2011-03-21T21:36:00.004-05:00

After work today, my dear bff and I went shopping at a bunch of resale/thrift/vintage shops.

First stop: Vintage Underground
Nothing to die for, but tons of great costume jewelry if that's your thaaang. Even though I know I'll probably end up wearing a necklace/pair of earrings/bracelet way more times than a shirt, I never seem to be willing to part with my money for these things.

Quick foray into Quimby's {and discuss how we should start a zine (Will never happen.)}

Next stop: Crossroads
More TJ Maxx/Marshall's-esque than true vintage but no less love for it on my part. This was wear I made my only purchase of the day (the second picture – hence the enthusiasm):

Then we moved on to, of course, Buffalo Exchange.
Again, nothing I HAD to have, but LOTS I wish I could afford if it weren't for bills and such.

ok, maybe not this one. This would require some serious spanx. too clingy in all the wrong places.

Look close! You can see my belly button!

Lastly, we hit up Lenny and Me Home

Less clothes and more home goods. With a functioning Atari. Ya. My dear bff probably would have bought half a dozen different mugs and glasses if I weren't there reminding her she has no room for food in her cabinets as it is without more things taking up the space. Ha! Really good stuff though.

And because my dear bff knows me so well and knew that my feet were angry with me at this point which meant I was getting dangerously close to being grumpy, we hopped over to Earwax for a HAZELNUT milkshake. {I didn't know those existed, but they do and they're glorious.} And she tried to convince me we need to move to Wicker Park when our lease is up. Hmm...maybe...

accomplished.

2011-03-20T22:58:00.003-05:00

Notice: I just finished the book! High Fidelity.

And I feel properly ashamed of my appreciation for bad 80s pop music.

It was really good. And the movie literally took about 75% of the script directly from the book. Good stuff and definitely recommended for anyone who likes non-idealized love type stuff. And bitterness. Get-used-to-disappointment-because-life-is-one-big-disappointment-but-at-least-we-can-make-some-dark-humored-jokes-along-the-way kind of things.

And it's not even Monday of spring break yet. Next on the docket? Everything is Illuminated by Johnathan Safran Foer.

Full Frontal.

2011-03-20T18:24:00.002-05:00

Watched this for the first time yesterday. SO fucking weird. In a good way. I think. Still not sure how I really feel about it, but it's another movie crossed off the list.

It's definitely got some hilarious moments. And an all-star cast. And some thought-provoking/pause-and-say-"wait..." plot...things. All in all, worth the watch.

And Brad-fucking-Pitt. It seemed to give me permission to hate him. And in doing so, love him all over again.

stills via

cover up.

2011-03-19T10:54:00.001-05:00

Jackets by jweeden08 featuring a biker jacket

I'm in the market for a spring jacket.

2011-03-16T07:33:00.002-05:00

[I'd] rather live out a lie than live wondering how the fire feels while burning.

-Lykke Li

topless and barefoot.

2011-03-15T22:09:00.003-05:00

I'm almost done with finalsssssssssssss!

This means spring break.

This means spring.

This means...spring wardrobe.

The boy's said he's hoping for something "short and revealing." {Insert eye roll here.} (Also, he said this while we were having a dual conversation via text and I thought this was in response to something I said about figuring out the citations in my paper. It seemed like SUCH bizarre advice. Then it clicked.)

Here's {some of} what I'm hoping for:

necklace.
cardigan.
sunnies.
bangles.
shorts.

And of course loving the Essie Spring collection. This is Topless and Barefoot.

here.

breezy.

2011-03-14T20:27:00.003-05:00

This makes me want spring/summer so bad.

found here

2011-03-13T23:18:00.002-05:00

You had some change to spare. So, you said you wanna spend it on me and shook the blues out of your hair.

-Beck

Say cheese.

2011-03-13T23:03:00.001-05:00

Picturessssssssss.

Here are several from a re-creation project my dear bff had to do where I was the model:

This one's a Mona Hatoum re-creation. It's actually on display at the Chicago Cultural Center, for those in the area who want to go check it out.

The boy is beyond obsessed with this one. He showed it to his friend this weekend and the friend didn't believe it was me. I was even sitting right there for a side-by-side comparison.

I kind of thoroughly enjoy this one and I'm not sure why. I just really enjoy the coloring I think.

And here's normal me! On our way up to Minneapolis a couple months ago. This was for a basic principles of photography project (you know, texture, rule of thirds, vanishing point, abstraction, etc). I have no idea which principle this was supposed to illustrate anymore though. Maybe at this point she was just messing around and photographing me for fun because I couldn't stop her without crashing.

And here's just an iphone snapshot of the boy and I from yesterday. Note the green! Plus, here's the green river:

Professional Critic.

2011-03-11T15:31:00.002-06:00

I'm really not sure how many times I've seen this movie. One thing is clear: It's definitely in my top five. SO over Spring Break, I'm going to read the actual book by Nick Hornby.

Favorite Line(s):

Rob:I'm tired of the fantasy, because it doesn't really exist. And there are never really any surprises, and it never really...
Laura: Delivers?
Rob: Delivers. And I'm tired of it. And I'm tired of everything else for that matter. But I never seem to get tired of you.

Fortified.

2011-03-10T18:29:00.000-06:00

Tonight, I am getting some work done on my design project and such until my dear bff gets home from work. Then we are having a relaxing night of Meet Me in St. Louis and wine to revive before heading into finals week.

It promises to be a good time.

AND I might be back tomorrow with some cool pictures that the bff took of me for her photo re-creation project. I've spent a portion of the last three nights looking like a vampire hooker so it'll be awesome. Get excited.

J.Crew and the country club and yeah.

2011-03-08T13:03:00.000-06:00

prep by jweeden08 on Polyvore.com

Funny story. This was actually inspired by an outfit I had to don to help my dear bff with a photo project. The photo was kinda creepy. The outfit is kinda cute. Go figure

2011-03-08T00:50:00.000-06:00

Must you make me laugh so much? It's bad enough we get along so well.

-Imogen Heap

I'm hoping you won't find a new love 'cause I know that baby you're mine.
-Fitz and the Tantrums

Man, those sound emo. It was depressing when I realized how stalker-ish "Goodnight and Go" actually is. That's why it's included. And Fitz is just a good jam.

A day in the life.

2011-03-03T18:03:00.000-06:00

My day in class:

Poly Sci Teacher: talking about reality TV being a form of narcissicism, the whole 15 minutes of fame thing, the spectacle of anyone being able to be a celebrity for doing absolutely nothing (except being ridiculous) and how viewing them can make us potentially feel better about ourselves...

Kid in front of me: I try to avoid watching those shows and things.

Me: *...and saying that doesn't make you feel better about yourself? You're not trying to prove you're better than most people right now? You narcissistic bastard.*

Josef Müller via

Doodles.

2011-02-28T19:27:00.001-06:00

Focus was not my forte today...

Brainstorming for a new project...I'm thinking the detailing on the worm is a bit too much, huh?

Then I came home and the fat one demanded attention. Pretty sure he's jealous of my laptop.

2011-02-28T11:46:00.002-06:00

For better or worse, we compromise.

-Barenaked Ladies

Link is to a different song by them. Couldn't find "Home"

2011-02-27T23:46:00.003-06:00

Working Girl by jweeden08 on Polyvore.com

This is what I want my work wardrobe to look like in a few years.

Your grace.

2011-02-27T17:09:00.001-06:00

Night with the Tudors by jweeden08 on Polyvore.com

The boy and I curled up on the couch to watch some Tudors and split a bottle of wine I was gifted for my 21st. He and his friends quote it constantly. And by quote I mean always saying "indeed" instead of yes and calling each other "your grace." He tried to name himself a lord but I told him there was no way in hell I'm calling him my lord.

modular.

2011-02-27T16:45:00.004-06:00

Of course I find inspiration for a project RIGHT AFTER its due:

I found him via Miss Moss yesterday and his work is amazing. And exactly what I needed so drive me to make my work better. Granted, the lack of texture and too much detail was purposeful on my part but the use of gradients and shadows would have taken my images that one step farther. When I'm reworking them for my portfolio, I'll definitely have to come back to his work to give me that push. Here's my some of my images as they stand:

A sampling of my many, many bedrooms over the years. I feel like they were getting there...just aren't done yet. Maybe when I'm working on my portfolio I'll scan in some textures (like for the carpets) and add a bit more detail to things (like the folds in the curtains). And that armoire (actually a china cabinet) in the last one bothers me that it's right on the border. It should go off the edge. Ah well. More things for the to-do list.

Map of Cap.

2011-02-26T16:44:00.001-06:00

Here's the result of the project I mentioned awhile back.

Click on it to make it full size and read the text. I think it turned out pretty okay.

2011-02-26T14:55:00.003-06:00

On a clear day, I can read your mind.
-Rilo Kiley

In somewhat, not really, related news, do you know the story of Max Ernst and Leonora Carrington? Beautifully tragic.

Let's do lunch.

2011-02-26T10:04:00.001-06:00

Panera + Dirty Jokes by jweeden08 on Polyvore.com

Yesterday, I grabbed lunch with an old high school friend who will be shipping off to boot camp in two weeks! Craziness, but he's super excited. Lunches with him always seem to go from a quick bite together to...two hours later, freaking out because we have stuff we needed to do that day. Yesterday was no exception. I'm gonna miss him.

In other news, the stuff I had to get done? Renew my driver's license so it's now horizontal. I'm adult now. It's official.

Can you tell I'm procrastinating doing my homework?

2011-02-20T17:15:00.000-06:00

Rainy but warm.

2011-02-20T12:36:00.001-06:00

Warm Rain by jweeden08 featuring sterling silver jewelry

This past week, we had unseasonably warm weather. To the point where it was raining instead of snowing. Plus the high temps meant melting snow. So it was wet. Very wet. Yet warm. So this was my solution for a Thursday day to night transition outfit. Turns out the boy really likes leggings. We're talking cartoon bug-out eyes. For leggings. Boys befuddle me.

V-dayyyy

2011-02-14T19:16:00.001-06:00

V-dayyyy by jweeden08 featuring ballet flats

aka the day after my birthday

2011-02-14T18:45:00.002-06:00

From a night time stroll back in the 808

My perfect Valentine's Day would be spent buried in bed together. Clothing optional. Junk food required. With a TV and DVD player, watching mutually enjoyed movies...and probably a couple mutual guilty pleasures.

Plus, a small piece of unsolicited advice: if you must get a girl flowers, make sure they're something different, fitting her personality or are specifically her favorite flower. While I'll always appreciate the thought and gesture, something a little more personal is just that much better.

As my friend said last night while bemoaning the horrors of Valentine's Day, "Romantic is unique and Valentine's day is not remotely unique." Romantic is unique. I couldn't have put it better myself.

Put a little money into travellin'

2011-02-13T17:24:00.000-06:00

Also, woke up with this song stuck in my head for some unknown reason. It's a good song though so I didn't mind so much.

Twenty-One.

2011-02-13T17:09:00.001-06:00

Thirteenth by jweeden08 featuring rosebud earrings

I'm 21!! Vingt-et-un. Oui. So grown up. When the boy and I finally managed to roll out of bed for more than just water or sustenance, we went for a walk down to the lake and back since it's actually "warm" out (read 45*F). Mother nature's birthday gift to me. This is what I wore/am wearing. Only my dress is less oddly fitting. And my earrings are elephants not roses. :-)

Inkkkkk

2011-02-08T21:36:00.001-06:00

I want a tattoo. So bad. I just can never decide what to get, or more importantly, where I want it. For the longest time, I wanted to get a four-leaf clover because, yes, I'm part Irish, but mainly because I've always been so damn lucky. Little and big things. But I feel like it's just so...played out? Everyone is like "oh hey! yeah, I'm part Irish. Clover!! yayy!!" Mmm...maybe not. So, still contemplating. I do, however, love the positioning of these two:

Tattoos of words are my favorite. Words can be so powerful and so revealing.

Just cute.

I also toyed with (and still am toying with) the idea of an infinity symbol. Though, not in the same way most people get it. Mine's more nerdy than that. Since I don't believe in the afterlife, I don't think I am infinite as an individual, BUT I do believe in Newton. aka, matter can not be created or destroyed so even when I am all decomposed and what not, the atoms that make up the ink that makes the tattoo? Still exist! They are infinite. I am not. Not sure I want to have to explain that a bazillion times though...

And here's what I think is a cute shot of the boy and me the day after the snowpocalypse that came through here. Photo courtesy the boy's best friend's girlfriend (commonly referred to as Emily).

Tattoo pictures came from here.

2011-02-07T21:09:00.003-06:00

I wanna hurry home to you. Put on a slow, dumb show for you and crack you up.

-The National

I've been getting into the National more and more lately. Not sure why. This and Start a War have kind of been on repeat.

In other news: If a guy asks you to keep a stock of the tea you drink at his place so you have some when you spend the night, that makes you official right? I don't need to be obnoxious and be like, "Soooooo, are we boyfriend/girlfriend now?" Right?? I'm going to go with yes. In that case...

We're official! :-)

Library Work Day

2011-02-05T13:29:00.002-06:00

Library Work Day by jweeden08 featuring radley handbags

I survived the Snowpocalypse 2011. Complete with THUNDERSNOW (say in Thundercats voice). And spent my snow days doing anything that wasn't productive, such as lazing in bed until 1, drinking, traipsing about in the snow to take pictures (and seeing people cross country skiing down the streets...), getting Thai food, etc. Unfortunately, it's time to get back to reality as Midterms: Take Two begins Monday.

Ah, Paris.

2011-02-04T00:50:00.004-06:00

Je veux etre une parisienne. Aussi, Je veux l'été. C'est tout.

ici via ici.

2011-02-01T11:42:00.001-06:00

I just realized I have three different songs named Jolene in my itunes, none of them covers of the others. Weird, huh? I think I'll name my daughter Jolene and tell her I named her after a song but not tell her which one. Just keep her guessing.

Jolene

Jolene

Aaaaaand...

Jolene

And I guess this version is worth noting as well, even though I didn't really like them. (RIP White Stripes?)

2011-01-31T19:51:00.000-06:00

New Fleet Foxes. Das good.

I hate hands.

2011-01-29T15:40:00.001-06:00

If I ruled the world, everyone would wear mittens all the time so that it would be fine to just put lumps at the end of arms and call it a day. It's date night tonight so my goal was to have my poster finished and ready for printing by 4. It is now 3:25 and I'm writing this. And the hand is still in that state. (Be kind. I know the perspective is all off and it kind of looks like he has super bad arthritis. I'll work out the kinks. Eventually.)

So clearly, this is not going to be printed until tomorrow. Which means the paper's probably going to run out in the lab so I'll have to pay to have it printed at Kinko's. Blech. I need to stop leaking money, but at the moment I'm so tired I don't have the energy to care. I'm starting to get cranky and the fact that I still can't really do much without getting this bad stabbing pain in my ribs isn't helping matters.

ANYWAY, enough bitching. Now for an amusing anecdote:
I was babysitting for my little cousins on Friday. The 3-yr-old girl is just getting into Barbies and such since she got a HUGE dollhouse for Christmas. She was playing nicely by herself while I made sure her little brother didn't color on the walls (just the floor the second my back was turned). Just so I don't feel like I'm neglecting her, I ask what her barbies are doing. At this point, they are all (8 of them or so) dog piled on the floor, face-down. Her response: "They're sad because their dad died." Okaaayy.... Then she turns back to them and the Snow White doll starts doing the Cha-cha. Seriously. She's moving the dolls legs like she's dancing all over the place saying "cha chA cha cha cha CHA Cha.." I would double check dear old dad's cause of death if I were the other barbies...

Saving.

2011-01-26T18:10:00.001-06:00

Anyone ever go a museum for a class and wonder what the lone security guard who's trying to be all surreptitious and discrete is thinking as you discuss the properties/characteristics/qualities of a piece? We went to the tapestry room in the AIC today to look at a show of June Wayne's work. Then we wandered to the other rooms of the tapestry wing. It was all but deserted (something worthy of note given our discussion on feminist art and valuing of art forms). However, there was the one guard standing in the doorway as we discussed "fiber art." I almost wanted to ask him his opinion.

Anyway, my eyelids felt sewn shut this morning so my outfit is nothing noteworthy. Instead, you should go listen to this. And I'll ponder this: Am I sorry there's nothing to save? Is there something to save?

photo cred.

Bon Voyage

2011-01-25T20:32:00.002-06:00

here.

Right now I'm working on project proposal for a travel guide project. It can be abstract or literal so...abstract it is. So far I've come up with a travel guide through my itunes/ a journey through my musical taste evolution. From Debbie Gibson to Tool to Beach House. Ooooor, a traveler's guide to navigating estate sales. Less excited about the idea, but the visuals I have in mind could be really cute. Think yawning sun to remind you to wake up early and a glowing rare book behind an ugly lamp to remind you to take your time and look everywhere. Not completely sold on either so I'm off to brainstorm a third.

Hope you're having a good Tuesday. I get to go to the Art Institute tomorrow. So stoked.

Tuesday 2

2011-01-25T19:31:00.001-06:00

Tuesday 2 by jweeden08 featuring cotton tank tops

Heard and Re(a)d

2011-01-24T21:44:00.001-06:00

here.

Random girl on the L today: I hate when people don't smell like they should.

I feel like there was something I should have heard before this...

Story on Bears' loss {ARGH!}: A teammate says Cutler is 'limping around and feels bad that we loss.'

Well. If he feels bad, that makes it all better...