birthday weekend

polyvore set here


I am turning 24 on Monday, and this weekend is jam packed with activity. Tonight I'll be eating delicious noodles at Slurping Turtle with my coworkers and then seeing Skyfall with my boyfriend. On Saturday, I'll be heading home to spend a day with my parents and sister, and once James arrives from work, we'll all go out to eat. To round out the weekend, on our way back to Chicago, we'll be stopping off to do some leisurely shopping and checking out holiday displays, and then to a just-the-two-of-us birthday dinner. Bonus: the Bears are on Sunday Night Football!

I've been incredibly lucky and blessed with a good job, good health, a great boyfriend, a wonderful apartment, and lots of loving family and friends. The wish list above would just be icing on an already delicious cake. 

I would also be remiss if I didn't take the time to thank our friend Jesse for cooking a wonderful pre-birthday dinner last night. Any dinner that I didn't have to make would have been great as yesterday was a long day, but he hit it out of the park: asparagus risotto with some fennel and leek (so creamy!), blackened scallops, and shredded brussels sprouts with bacon and shallots. Topped off with several glasses of dry Riesling, I was in culinary heaven.

Have a great weekend!
 

seeing red

polyvore set here

one: NARS nail polish in Jungle Red 
two: OPI nail polish in Red Lights Ahead...Where?
three: J.Crew Tippi Sweater in Heather Burgundy
four: MAC lipstick in Russian Red
five: NARS lipstick in Autumn Leaves // six: Madewell Suede Sidewalk Skimmer
seven: Zara Basic pumps // eight: Topshop Alvin boots
nine: Dannijo cameo-crystal drop earrings // ten: J. Crew Biennial Satchel 
 eleven: Coach Legacy Crossbody // twelve: Current/Elliot Rider legging jean



I am loving the slew of red for fall. Whether siren red or deep burgundy, it's such a rich, versatile color that's a perfect match for fall's cooler temperatures. On nails, go with moody crimson (1) or watch-me red (2). For the perfect fall sweater, pick a saturated hue in a simple cut (3) and pair it with an equally saturated pair of jeans with a little equestrian twist (12). Lips can be coppery (5) or showstopper (6) red. Pick an attention grabbing bag, either large (10) or small (11). Zara makes a great red pump (7), but if boots are more your thing, Topshop has these buckled boots (8) in a deeper oxblood. Meanwhile, Madewell has some suede flats in a rich red (6). Lastly, I think the most glamorous way to wear red this fall is through a pair of statement earrings, perhaps like this Dannijo pair (9).


Are you seeing red and loving it?

recent buys

clockwise from top left: Old Navy polka dot shirt, OPI got the blues for red,  
Sinful Colors snow me white,  New Balance w690 sneakers (multiple colors),  
Banana Republic pleated skirt, Pour La Victoire isadora wedges (in black & tan)


In an effort to keep track of how much I'm spending and on what, I'm going to start making detailed "recent buys" posts. "Currently eyeing" posts refer to things I have on my wish list/want list but haven't yet bought. They're a way to indulge without hurting my wallet. I want to be fashionable without breaking the bank too much, save for an investment piece here and there that I've saved up and budgeted for. Here's to keeping me honest.

OPI nail polish: $8.50 from Target, gift from KC
Sinful Colors nail polish: $1.99 from Target
New Balance sneakers in grey/blue (different color from above): $39.99 from TJ Maxx
Banana Republic skirt: $44.99 on sale + discount from BR online
Pour La Victoire tan wedges: $25 from MYHABIT  returned

Total: $111.97 $86.97+ tax