Red Denim

As I've posted before, colored denim is in.  Lately, now that it's fall, I've seen a lot more darker, richer hues.  While at H&M the other day, shades of mustard yellow, hunter green, dark blue and red were beckoning to me.  I ended up taking home a new pair of red ones and can't wait to make them a staple in my fall wardrobe.  Here are some of my recommendations for red denim.

1. Red Denim Pants | H&M

2. Denim Shirt | Madewell

3. Leopard Print Loafers | Christian Louboutin

4. Kelly Green Bubble Necklace | J.Crew

5. Gray Sweater | NA

6. Blue Chevron Ring | Bauble Bar

7. Camel Schoolboy Jacket | J.Crew

Easy Like Saturday Morning

 
Each day when my alarm goes off to wake up for work, my first thought is how many more days do I have to do this until it’s Saturday and I can sleep in.  Unfortunately, my real world version of sleeping in is only until about 9am, completely different than when it was rare if I woke up before noon on the weekend while I was still in college.  The days I can wake up leisurely and not have to be somewhere are few and far between. 

If I have the chance, I love to spend a few hours lounging in my bed Saturday morning.  It becomes my home office.  For some reason, this is when I feel the most creative and productive.  Maybe because I don’t feel pressed to be doing something else.  I get up, make some coffee, open the windows to let the breeze in and break out the iPad to read my favorite blogs, send emails, plan out projects, find new recipes, shop online, make grocery lists, upload pictures, pay bills, listen to new music and anything else I don’t normally have the chance to do in the morning.  And my little furry snuggle buddy loves it too.

Bicycles

I sold my car when I moved to Chicago and now I rely mainly on public transportation and walking to get anywhere I need to go. My boyfriend talked me into buying a bike last summer, and it has really been one of the best investments I have made. You can get places so much faster AND you get exercise. Win-win.

Although my bike is just a cheap Target road bike, there are so many great bike shops and companies out there. A personal favorite of mine is PUBLIC, who make super hip, European-style city bikes in awesome colors. 

1. Handlebar Bag | Etsy | $95

2. Vintage Bicycle Notecard | Etsy | $3

3. Surfside Basket | Nantucket Bike Basket Co. | $59

4. Recycled Bicycle Tote Bag | Etsy | $20

5. USB Headlight | Axsiom | $25

6. PUBLIC C7 | PUBLIC | $595

Summer So Far

Not all of summer has been filled with work and moving; I have had some fun weekends leading up until now. Here are a few things I've been doing while away from Marylebone.

Cubs game

Coachella in Indio, California

Coachella

Downtown Sound

Millenium Park

Wine tasting in New Buffalo, Michigan

 Camping & tubing in the Wisconsin Dells

Pride Parade

I vow to post the rest of my summer adventures on this blog.

Hiatus

I'm sorry, friends, for that unannounced hiatus that I took from Marylebone. One thing lead to another with moving, getting very busy at work and everything else, but I'm glad to say I'm back and committed to posting regularly. And what better time to come up with posts than in summertime in Chicago?!

PS - Please forgive me.  I love you all for reading my frivolous blog. xo.

Colorful Jeans

Bright denim is everywhere this spring and I love it. Adding some pastel or bright jeans is an easy way to spice up any outfit. Gap has a fantastic selection (including lemon yellow) and I've discovered a brand that I've never heard of, Else Jeans, a division of Joe's Jeans. I have a pair in turquoise and love the fit. And they're all so damn cute with a striped shirt or statement necklace!

Images via Pinterest.

Open House

I've made the decision to move into another apartment earlier than when my current lease is up. There are a number of reasons for moving, but I happened to come across this condo with everything I wanted so I couldn't pass it up. Unfortunately, it's a little smaller than I would like, but I'm determined to make it work. More on that later. Anyways, I'm in a subleasing situation and need to find someone to move into my apartment a month and a half before my lease is up. The management company that owns my apartment building arranged some showings of my unit today so I'm having people in and out all day. By gauging their reactions to the unit, I've come up with a few tips for a successful showing.

1. CLEAN UP. This seems like the obvious step, but you'd be surprised. People have a hard time imagining themselves living in a space if it is a mess. Put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher, put your clothes away and make your bed. If I even see a posting on Craigslist for an apartment and the bed is unmade, it immediately turns me off of the place. Move your dirty laundry somewhere where it's out of sight - no one wants to see your dirty underwear. It also wouldn't kill you to vacuum and use a Lysol wipe on your counters.

2. Open the windows and turn on some lamps. This immediately makes the space feel bright, cheery and bigger.

3. De-clutter. If you have a bunch of crap on your nightstand or sink area, stash some of it away in a drawer. Put some of your smaller appliances up in a cabinet to make it look like you have more counter space.

4. Take the trash out. There's nothing worse than walking into a stinky apartment.

5. Light a candle. Something fresh and not overwhelming.

Then sit back and enjoy all of the compliments you'll get! It really does make a difference to your perspective of an apartment when you see a bright, clean apartment compared to a messy one. Even the leasing agents said they'd rather bring people to my apartment than one of the other units of the same size and floorplan because it shows so well. I'll take that compliment any day, especially if it gets someone to sublease!

My Crazy Obsession

If you ever need a self-esteem boost, watch the nutty people on My Crazy Obsession on TLC. Obsessions with mannequins, Mickey Mouse, carrots, adult babies and capybaras, to name a few. You will feel much more normal and sane after watching these crazies. Wednesdays @ 10/9c.
Image via TLC

Top 5 Philadelphia

As promised, here are some pics from my weekend in Philly, as a Top 5 List of things to do should you find yourself in the City of Brotherly Love.

1. See the LOVE sculpture in JFK Plaza

2. Have some Greek beer and mini gyros at Opa!

3. Browse the food vendors at Reading Terminal Market

4. Try an authentic Philly Cheesesteak at Pat's or Geno's (or both)

 

 5. Take a stroll around Rittenhouse Square

I guess we did a lot of eating on this trip. Don't judge.

Yo Quiero (Healthy) Taco Bell

Who doesn't like an establishment where you can order a Mexican pizza, chalupa, taco, gordita, Meximelt, Fiesta Potatoes, Nachos Supreme and cinnamon twists all for under $5.00?!?! No one - that's who. And don't even get me started on the Doritos Locos Tacos.

It's no shocker that The Bell isn't healthy for you, which is probably the main reason why it is so delicious. While I love a good Crunchwrap Supreme, I hate to think about what I'm putting into my body. Well, that plus the fact that the only Taco Bell near me is far away. Because of this, I decided to make my own healthy version of the Crunchwrap Supreme for under 300 calories.

I came across this homemade CWS recipe on Full Bellies Make Happy Kids which I used as my guideline. With some crafty swapping, I also made my version vegetarian as well as low fat and low calorie. You could definitely add in some ground beef or turkey if you want it a little meatier like the real version, but that will up the fat and calories. Here are the instructions (sorry, I didn't take pictures but will the next time I make it!):

Ingredients:

- 1 large flour tortilla (this is where you're going to save a lot of calories if you find a low calorie brand; I used Tumaro's Gourmet Tortillas - Low Carb Garden Vegetable)
- 1/4 cup fat-free refried beans
- 1/4 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- handful of tortilla chips
- lettuce
- tomato

Put the tortilla flat on a plate and spread on the refried beans into the middle of the tortilla. Evenly sprinkle all of the cheese on top of the beans. Add the tortilla chips in a layer to cover the beans and cheese. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and taco seasoning, then dollop the mixture evenly on top of the chips. Finally, sprinkle on some lettuce and tomatoes.

Microwave the topped tortilla for a few seconds to make it soft and easy to fold. Start folding the outsides of the tortilla to cover as much as you can towards the center. Once the sides of the tortilla are folded like the Taco Bell version, cover the plate with a skillet and flip the crunch wrap open-side down onto the skillet. Heat for a few minutes while pressing down with a spatula until brown. Flip and brown the other side.

To get that authentic taste of Mexico and extra kick that is usually added by either mild, medium or hot sauce, I tossed on some Tapatio sauce on top of the cheese before the chips.

Ole! A yummy vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme for approximately 280 calories!

Capes... ?

 (image via Wetpaint)

 (image via Pop Crunch)

That's exactly what I thought too.

Airport Attire

I'm all for comfort but people, let's get real. The airport is a public place, not your couch. Enough of the Sponge Bob Squarepants flannel pajama pants and VS Pink hoodies. Trust me, there are plenty of alternative ways to be comfortable that don't involve matching Juicy sweatsuits and Ugg boots. Now, I'm not saying you need to wear Alexander McQueen boots and torn fishnets a la Lady Gaga, but there are other options.

How did she get through security?

Anyways, I love this article from Teen Vogue about classy vs trashy airport attire, which recommends jeans or nice leggings, a comfortable shirt, tailored blazer and minimal jewelry. I also am a huge fan of this Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag for traveling, which is perfect for carrying on.

Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag | Bloomingdales.com | $235

And remember, always wear a bra when you go to the airport. Your fellow air travelers will appreciate it.

(Image via UK Daily Mail)

Happy Weekend

This weekend I'm off to Philadelphia to visit my boyfriend for a quick 48 hour trip. I've never been there but I've managed to get enough recommendations from friends that I've put together a rough itinerary for us. Maybe I should be a travel agent...

 

A few must-dos on our list include Reading Terminal Market, PARC for brunch, Independence Park and the Liberty Bell (duh.) The weather is supposed to be pleasantly in the 50 - 60 degree range and I couldn't be more excited. Hopefully I can break out my new seafoam green skinny jeans and leopard print Sperrys. More photos to come.

Have a fabulous weekend!

• Gap has everything 30% off today
• Check out my friends' band, Well-next-the-Sea. 
• My new favorite snack
• The Field Museum has a new mummies exhibit I want to see
• An awesomely cute and cheap spring purse

(Photo via Pinterest)

Purple Rain

Although the drama that unleashed on The Women Tell All episode of The Bachelor last night might have been enough to keep you entranced for two hours, I peeled my attention away from the cat fighting to realize the overflow of purple worn by the ladies. Casey B., Emily, Blakeley, the quasi-lesbian as well as Miss "Winning" herself, Courtney, were all donning the hue. Christ, even the drapes and flowers were purple. I must say all of their dresses looked great on camera.  Is purple the hot new trend?

Yes it is.  Thanks, Kate, for reaffirming my suspicions.

Also, can Emily 2.0 please be the next Bachelorette?

Rosebud Salve

I purchased Rosebud Salve at Sephora yesterday and let me tell you, it has rocked my world.  Before bed I put it on my lips, dry cheeks, hands and cuticles and when I woke up... voila!  Soft skin.  Lately my index fingers have been super dry and everything I've tried just doesn't cut it.  I think I found the magic trick.  Plus it smells great and is small enough to keep in your purse.

Smith's Rosebud Salve | Sephora.com | $7

Spring

Although we’ve had a very mild winter here in Chicago, I’m still really ready for spring.  Warmer weather, longer days, bike rides, picnics, outdoor cafes, cute dresses... ahh right around the corner.  Let’s just hope Mother Nature isn’t a bitch and it snows in April.

Let Them Eat Cake

Whenever I have to bake for a special occasion, I find myself making cupcakes 99% of the time.  I came across this yummy looking layered cake idea a few days ago and can’t wait to try it out.  How cute are those flags?  

Also, did you know you can make smaller versions of this using just an aluminum can?  How crazy is that?  Here are the instructions from Oh Happy Day!

Cat Lady

I’ll admit it.  I’m a cat lady.  All of my friends know it and I embrace it.  Sometimes I’m asked if I’ve always loved cats or if I recently started, as if it’s some kind of inherent trait like freckles or the ability to play the violin.  It all began one cold November afternoon when I decided I wanted a little furry roommate.  I knew I didn’t want the responsibility of a dog and any type of hamster or guinea pig is just weird when you’re over the age of 15.  I decided to check out the Indianapolis Humane Society one evening after work and while I was intent on finding a precious little kitten to call my own, none of the ones I met seemed like the right fit.  I went home empty handed.  Then, a few days later, I was looking at their website and saw that a litter of the most darling fluffy bundles of love had made their way to the humane society.  In an attempt to still be able to get one, I left work early and had my friend who loves cats meet me, as if I was shopping for a car and needed a second opinion.  I opened their cage up and a tiny gray furball named Chiclet climbed out of the cage and right into my lap.  I knew we were meant to be, the way I assume adoptive parents feel when they first meet their adoptive child. 

Over a year later, I am so happy that I made the decision to go to the humane society to adopt Twiggy (because she’s a British Shorthair and I felt she needed an equally as British name, even though she's a little chunky).  The adoption fee included micro-chipping and her first vet visit.  She has been the best, most well-behaved and social cat that I’ve ever met.  If you are considering a new pet, please adopt!  There are so many loving cats and dogs who need good homes and they will love you so much in return.  Just watch one of those commercials with Sarah MacLaughlin singing in the background.

Oscar Night

I liked the way Jimmy Kimmel described Oscar night - "the night where we all sit around in our sweatpants and critique the clothing worn by famous women".  That is exactly what I did.  Here are my favorites.

Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel

Viola Davis in Vera Wang

Bun Maker

I’ve always been a fan of the topknot bun, especially when I don’t want to wash my hair, which happens more often than not.  A few months ago I came across a genius idea to give yourself a Kim Kardashian-esque bun, called the sock bun.  You literally use a sock to make your bun bigger and fuller.  I tried it and it worked, but the sock was a little heavy and rather hard to pin in.  Plus I felt a little awkward with a sock in my hair.  Alas, the geniuses at Conair came up with their own ready to use bun maker.  I picked this little gem up at Walgreens the other day for $4.99 and it has changed my world.  The material is light and easy to pin in place and matches my hair color perfectly.  And it looks like a chocolate donut.  To see the how-to video, click here.

Vapiano

A new Italian restaurant opened down the street from me a few months ago, and I must say, I’m a fan.   The concept is a little different that most restaurants, in that it’s basically serve yourself.  When you arrive, the hostess gives you a card when you walk in, you pick your own table from long wooden tables with barstools or comfy chairs around a coffee table.  Once you’ve had a look at the menu, you go to order at counter, where you get a pager.  The menu includes all of the 3 P’s of Italian food: pizza, pasta, paninis.  I’ve liked everything I’ve had there before, especially the Chicken Pesto Pizza.  The best part?  Wine and beer (Peroni!  On tap!) for $3.95.  I love it.  Love the concept. AND they give you gummy bears on the way out.  How did they know everything that I love and package it so nicely into one little spot on Clark Street?

Vapiano | 2577 N Clark Street | Chicago, IL | 60614

Get Your Ne-on

I've noticed lately that the neon colors of the 90s are making their way back into style for this spring.  It looks like a box of highlighters exploded when you walk into Gap right now.  Everywhere from Gap to Kate Spade to Target to Marc Jacobs has bright pops of color in their spring lines.  I love the look of black or tan with a subtle neon accessory to make things interesting.

1. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Hobo Shoulder Bag | Nordstrom | $248
2. Italian Leather Skinny Belt | J. Crew | $40
3. Deborah Marquit Giardino di Fiore Italian Lace Bra | Net-a-Porter | $195
4. Brian Atwood Alima Neon Pumps | Net-a-Porter | $795
5. Rhinestone Neon Thread Bangles | Top Shop | $35
6. Neon Nail Polish | American Apparel | $6
7. MARC BY MAC JACOBS Nylon Cosmetic Pouch | Nordstrom | $62
8. Yellow Cap Toed Ballet Flats | Old Navy | $22

Hudson's Bay Blankets

If you only had one blanket, this sucker would be all you need.  History tidbit for the day: The Hudson's Bay Company produced these blankets and settlers traded them with Native Americans for pelts back in the 18th and 19th centuries.  I mean, if French settlers used them in the frigid Canadian winters, I think one could keep me warm in my radiator-heated apartment. 

The authentic green, red, yellow, and blue print is available from Woolrich's.  Not only can you get the print on blankets, but designers have teamed up with HBC to create anything from mugs to bags to canoes to pillows.  My personal favorite?  This Smythe HBC Swing Coat.  Love.  I saw a woman at Trader Joe's tonight wearing a vintage design very similar.  I considered distracting her with some Two Buck Chuck while nabbing her coat.

          via The Canadian School           

  via Styling w/ Children

Even if I'm not lucky enough to snag one on Ebay, I still think the classic blanket has the right mix of rustic/retro/eclectic.  My parents' have one at their cabin but it works just as well in a minimalist bedroom.