Across the Pond

Apologies for the delay in posting but I returned last night from spending Thanksgiving with my family in London.  Fortunately and unfortunately, my brother, his wife and my adorable 7 month old nephew live there so I made the most of my time with them while I was visiting.  We didn't get out as much as we normally do when in town but it is always exhilarating to be in Europe, sipping a latte at a cafe, drinking wine at lunch and taking in the charming views. It's definitely more difficult to go shopping on Kings Road or stroll through the Portobello Market with a baby in tow so I managed to only take a few pictures of the neighborhood where my brother lives.  It is an area called Primrose Hill, clad with pastel homes and a quaint main road lined with miniature versions of every shop imaginable...the local butcher, grocer, baker and pub.  I already miss it!

Manic-cured Monday

Nothing makes me feel more polished (pun-intended) than a freshly manicured set of nails.  Today was a breakthrough in my world of nail-painting as I tried Shellac for the very first time.  It is painted on just like a normal polish but has the staying power of 2 weeks.  It is not the same as the No-Chip manicure and is better for your nails than a "pink and white". They currently have around 8 colors to try, but I am sure with a gain in popularity will be an increase in the color wheel. Here is a picture of my painted ladies!

Here are my nails after a week! Still no chips!

Ready for the Weekend

TGIF!  It's been a crazy week at work and I am looking forward to a low-key weekend...going to a movie (Harry Potter because I'm a kid/nerd at heart) and packing for my upcoming trip to London next week.  Packing for a 5-day trip overseas can be a bit overwhelming but they key is to stay within the same color scheme (black is usually easiest) and pack lots of layers.  I'll let you know how it goes once I've finished!  One item I bought today but WISH I had gotten earlier to bring with me is this amazingly cozy sweater from Lands End Canvas.  It's a great piece to wear on the airplane since it's basically a blanket.  I actually already have it in beige and it was one of my better online purchases.  Check them out below:

Give 'em the Boot

Chicagoans, BEWARE.  The dreaded Winter months are upon us which means trudging through the slush, snow and wetness to work.  Fortunately, (or unfortunately for those Global Warming advocates), this Winter has delayed a bit giving me more time to prep for the blistery winds and below zero days.  I prefer to shop online because I feel that you are able to find a coupon code or compare prices more easily to nab a deal.  I have always wanted a pair of Sorel's and today I bit the bullet and went with the Joan of Arctic pair in Shale.  Piperlime is offering 25% of ALL BOOTS today so hurry and stock up!

Joan of Arctic in Shale

Joan of Arctic in Hawk Brown...I was debating on getting this color!

 Joan of Arctic in Dark Beige for the Adventurous

All boots can be bought at http://www.sorel.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Sorel_US-Site/default/Home-Show

A Hairy Issue

I have to admit that I get lazy during the work week when it comes to washing, blow drying and curling my hair.  First, it's actually better to NOT wash your hair everyday because it strips the natural oils from your hair making it brittle and damaged.  Second, I discovered the product that changed my life and I can't say enough good things about it. Klorane is a dry shampoo with oat milk that literally makes the greasiest of locks look like a freshly quaffed 'do.  Being a brunette makes it a little more difficult to use this white spray but the trick is to spray it on, let it sit for a minute and then firmly massage into your head.  I've made it a staple in my morning (and sometimes evening) routine but the problem is it is hard to find in stores.  Your best bet is to buy it from drugstore.com.  Happy Friday!

Gilt-y Pleasure

I have a serious shopping addiction.  It's a little out of control but I consider it to be a hobby.  Because my salary does not allow for frequent trips to Barney's, Neiman Marcus or Saks, I make due with all of the amazing discounted sites that are available now.  At 10AM, my co-worker Juliann and I (we sit 5 feet apart and share a passion for fashion), click refresh to 3 of our favorites: Hautelook, Ruelala and One Kings Lane.  The first two are mainly clothing and accessory related and the latter is a home goods site.  I have found some of my favorite and nicest wardrobe pieces from those sites.  At 11AM, round two begins.  Gilt goes on sale and they tend to have the best variety of upscale clothing, home goods and even vacation deals.  If you know your general size then these sites allow you to get all the steals and deals with the click of a mouse!  A caveat...you must be quick to click!

Who am I? (zoolander)

The reason for creating this blog is part self-discovery and part boredom at work. I am in my late twenties, currently reside in the beautiful city of Chicago, and work as an Associate at a Private Equity Real Estate Company. I live with my boyfriend and our dog, Dakota, in a loft where we spend most nights making dinner and watching House Hunters. Weekends are spent with friends at local bars or at the occasional movie theater along with a spattering of grocery store runs and a visit to the dry cleaners. While I would love to be jet setting to Napa, Aspen or South Beach, our current lifestyle is that of "paycheck to paycheck". I'm not complaining because things could be a lot worse (we are both employed and in good health). I am trying to take what I have been given and run with it...but at the end of the day I still wonder who I am supposed to be and if this is the path I was destined to be on. That said, I leave you with this Zoolander clip and his path to self-discovery: