First Snow

I feel like it has been a year since I posted. With the end of the quarter looming and the Thanksgiving holiday, all the time I've spent at my computer recently has been spent chipping away at word counts and page number requirements for class assignments. Now that it's reading week, though, I have a little more time for myself. I've got a backlog of outfit snaps that have been patiently waiting to be posted, so I'm going to start in on those and intersperse some winter wishlist things.

From over two weeks ago:

Jacket: Urban Outfitters, Sweater: H&M, Dress: Jack Wills, Tights: Target, Boots: Frye

On one of our first real cold days of the season, I decided that it was time to finally break out the wool sweaters. It was a good choice, since it snowed that day. This H&M sweater that I bought on a post-Christmas shopping trip this past January is slightly cropped, which made it the perfect length to layer over my striped Jack Wills dress. Now, since the weather has turned, it's basically all sweaters all the time.

Change in the Weather

It hasn't gotten too cold out yet, but I'm bracing for the frigid temperatures this winter is sure to bring. Since it looks like we're finally settling into November weather (a.k.a. holding steady in the 40s for the high temperature) I thought it was time to talk wintry accessories. While I'm usually more of a gloves girl, I couldn't help but be smitten with these mittens.

From left: Asos Oui Non Mitten, Tommy Hilfiger Chunky Knit Fairisle Mittens, 

Kate Spade Air Quote Mittens

For the Francophile, the Asos mittens are the perfect way to express your amour. And if it gets so cold your lips freeze together, you can answer questions by raising your hands.
This fall I've been crazy over everything fair isle and these mittens are no exception. Plus, I'm pretty sure fair isle just looks warmer.
I try not to use air quotes too much, but I have a feeling I would amend that rule for these mittens. Sure, it might get annoying, but they're just so cute.

Boot Point

Winter is coming. I knew it was inevitable, but the snowstorms we had here last Thursday reaffirmed that in a very real way. Unless you live in a climate where winter doesn't bring nasty weather (lucky you), one of your chief concerns is keeping warm and dry as you battle the elements. It's one of my main concerns every year, since I know I'll be battling the elements as I walk to class every day. With winter on my mind, I've been spying on a few pairs of boots

From left to right: Sperry Top-Sider Albatross Boot, Sperry Top-Sider Trinity Boot Lug, 

LL Bean Rubber Moc, LL Bean Signature Shearling-Lined Boot

All of these would be perfect for a Chicago winter. One thing I can't stand in the depths of January or February is that the sidewalks are inevitably covered by a sheet of ice. All of these boots (even the heeled Sperrys, thank you lug sole) look like they would grip the ice instead of sending me sliding. And of course all of them would keep my feet dry (essential when walking to class through blowing snow) and the two knee-high pairs are lined with some cozy looking shearling. It might be more fun to dream about tropical beaches for winter, but I'm going to be more practical and dream of these boots.

Plaid World

In a few minutes, I'll break into "...baby one more time"

Shirt: Old Navy, Jumper: Lands' End, Tights: Kohl's, Boots: Frye

There's something very appealing to me about uniform jumpers. Maybe it's the plaid. Or it could be the pleats. Whatever it is, I've a love for school uniforms and luckily am small enough that one made for a 12-year-old is the perfect size for me. I altered the jumper a little when I wore it Wednesday, taking in the sides with safety pins because I wanted a more defined waist for the day. Next time, I'll show off its true shape.

A Touch of Pink

On Monday, I introduced my new shoes to the blog. Coincidentally, I also wore them to class that same day.

Sweater: Forever 21, Skirt: H&M, Tights: Target, Shoes: Aldo

I'm pretty sure I will forever be pairing this sweater with bright colors. Last time I accented with blue, but this time, my bright pink skirt seemed like the perfect complement. I know that the point of neutral tones is to pair well with a variety of hues, but it still amazes me how well this camel color goes with any bright thing I throw at it. I'm thinking the next pairing may be with one of my Zara skirts, but I haven't decided whether it should be the red one or the green one...

The Pants Party

You know how in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the pants are magical and somehow fit everyone? I feel like I've found my magical pants - except I have no idea if they fit other people and don't really care, because they are mine.

A few weeks ago, I posted on my search for a good slim-fit pair of black pants. I tried on a pair at the Gap, but they were both a little lengthy and a little expensive. I planned on buying the pair from Forever 21, but when I got around to trying to buy them, they were sold out. Luckily, when I went online to look at the Gap pair, there was a 30% off promotion. Plus, free shipping and an in-store return policy that I couldn't say no to. And I'm glad I didn't say no, because these pants are seriously amazing. Sure, they're long (and I'm going to look into changing that) but they're comfortable, warm and they look nicer than, say, a pair of leggings. You can't tell from the pictures, but they have a zipper fly and functional pockets on both the front and back, putting them safely into pants territory, even though now Gap is calling them leggings. Expect to see these a lot in the upcoming winter months.
(Gap pants worn with Gap sweater and Topshop flats)

The Replacements

Remember when my leopard flats got ruined by the rain and I cried for about a week all while cursing the weather gods for sacrificing my perfectly worn in go-to flats? It's okay if you don't. I understand that trauma isn't contagious via blog post. Regardless, my period of mourning is no more. Because I have a new pair of leopard flats.

Okay, so these aren't a super-new purchase. I actually bought them back in October when a trip downtown caught me wandering into Aldo and the pain of losing the other pair was still fresh in my mind (yeah, I was really serious about those shoes). But I made the mistake of trying to break these babies in on a 15-minute walk to class that left me limping with gigantic blisters on my toes and heels. I had to slow down the process and wore them around my apartment with big fluffy socks for a while. But now they're perfect. I wore them to go talk to my adviser on Friday. I wore them to the grocery store today. I'm wearing them right now while wearing my pajamas around my apartment. And I'll be wearing them many, many more times, so don't be surprised if you see them here a whole lot.

The Search for Delicious

After spending close to six months in New York, when I got back to McLean and then Evanston I became like one of those horrible people who goes on study abroad and then talks about how awesome the other country is all the time when they get back. I'm admitting to it: I'm one of those horrible people. But yesterday I made a conscious decision to combat it.
One of the things that I've been missing New York is the ability to go out on a weekend morning, walk less than four blocks and find some delicious breakfast food and coffee. I was dreaming about the crepes from Crepeaway on the edge of Washington Square Park, the wonderful buttery chocolate croissant I had from Patisserie Claude and the coffee from Joe on Waverly Place. But I'm not living Washington Square West anymore. I live in Evanston. Luckily, by taking the shuttle downtown, I was able to see that my weekend breakfast dreams could be achieved.
So yesterday morning afternoon (I got up late, sue me) I headed a few blocks away from my apartment to Coffee Lab and Fraiche.

Just look at the size of that chocolate croissant. Coffee Lab, as you may have guessed, is a coffee shop, but it's not like any coffee shop I've been in before. First off, they're a sustainability-minded nonprofit business. Secondly, they brew each cup of coffee as it's ordered - nothing sitting around in a canister. I got a large latte, which I sipped as I headed up the street to Fraiche.
Fraiche is both a bakery and cafe and though I didn't stay for brunch, the options looked pretty tasty. Instead, I focused on the bakery case. I picked up that gigantic chocolate croissant for my breakfast and a pecan pie bar for dessert later. I can honestly say that the croissant was the best I've ever had. It wasn't a traditional chocolate croissant - clearly it was a matter of taking a whole croissant, slicing it horizontally and spreading chocolate inside - but it was amazing. And so big that I couldn't finish it.
I might not be in New York anymore, but maybe that doesn't have to mean that I've sacrificed something.

It's That Time Again

Now that it's November, it's time to get into the swing of the holiday season. Now I haven't started blasting Christmas carols (I'm not that hardcore) but I have started thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas and, of course, wishlists. But before I get ahead of myself, here's an ad campaign that I spotted a few days ago that helped put me in the holiday spirit

This Christmas ad campaign by Blanco (a Spanish retailer) makes me wish for snow, brightly colored winter wear and a flight home for the holidays. Sure, there's still over a month until Christmas, and a few weeks until Thanksgiving, but it's never too early to catch some holly jolly spirit.

Images via Fashion Gone Rogue

Oh So Faux

I'm having a faux-fur moment. As in, I really want some in either vest or coat form. And Zara, specifically the kids' section, is fueling those dreams.

All three of these faux beauties is available in the Zara girls' section and they're all under $60. Add in the fact that Zara has free shipping and in-store returns and I'm basically sold. What could be more glam for my last quarter as a college student when I'm strolling into my (crossing my fingers here) no-earlier-than-10-a.m. classes? Expect to see at least one of these in my closet by the end of 2011.

Cheap Thrills

I try not to be too much of an impulse shopper, but sometimes it's hard to resist something pretty. Luckily, my most recent snap-decision purchase didn't put a huge dent in my wallet.

 

While downtown last week, I happened upon a farmers' market outside of the Museum of Contemporary Art. I just happened to be hosting a couple of friends for dinner and they were the perfect centerpiece for my table. At $2 a bundle, they were perfect for my budget too. Plus, who can deny the charms of pink and orange gladiolas greeting you every time you walk in the room? Not me, that's for sure. And when I turned my dining table into a work area, it felt about a hundred times classier and more professional than usual. When I have a disposable income, fresh flowers will be a staple of my living space.

Once Upon a Daytime Dreary

I may hate chilly, rainy days, but they are the perfect excuse to dress up in comfy 90s-esque outfits.

Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt, Sweater & Boots: Forever 21, Tights & Hat: Target, Jacket: Urban Outfitters

An oversized sweater, neutral tones plus a little bit of floral is really the most I can ask of an outfit on a dreary day. While they're not exactly the most popular item in my wardrobe, a thermal tee is truly a staple. I wear them primarily as pajama tops, but on days when I know that post-class all I'll want to do is sleep, they really can't be beat. Just as comfy as PJs, without looking like you just rolled out of bed. 

Clickety-Clack

I am not an extraordinarily tech-savvy person. In fact, I would probably never use that phrase to describe myself. As such, I find myself amazed by technological items quite easily. That said, this is probably the coolest thing I've seen in a while:

It's a typewriter! But it also plugs into an iPad! And it blows. my. mind. It's a fully functional paper-and-ribbon typewriter, but if you plug the USB into an iPad or a computer, you can click-clack away digitally. At $798, I won't be bringing it home any time soon, but as someone who secretly loves the loud clacking of keys I think it's pretty sweet that this exists.
One question though: Can you still make it chime if you reach the end of a line in Word? 
via Anthropologie