New Kicks and New Tricks

Rarely do I get excited about footwear, mostly because my shoe purchases are few and far between.  Being in a larger city where style can play a big part of daily life, I felt the need to revitalize my closet and treat my feet.  Of course, this means doing so within a budget as a poor graduate student. I made my way to Nordstrom Rack the other day.

I saw these and was instantly smitten.

The brand Miz Mooz is a new favorite of mine since they are designed to be comfy while chic.  I have visions of pairing these small platform sandals with some longer skirts and maxi dresses:

{Courtesy ForeverXXI}

I have been a fan of the gladiator style since it first caught on again a couple years ago.  I have worn down my previous pair from Aldo.  Luckily, I found these BC sandals on sale:

They should be able to effectively add some style to my more casual summer outfits.  It’s been cold in Chi-town the last week so they’ve both been waiting patiently in my closet for their first romp.  Did I mention I’m excited about summer?

Cool in Chi-town

The summer weather made an early appearance, bringing multiple 80 degree days.  I decided to take advantage of the warmer temperatures with a trip to the beach

It’s nice to be able to ride my bike to the beach, and I only had to fight a strong headwind in order to spend a couple hours with friends watching groups of volleyball players.  I’m glad that spring has sprung much earlier and it has afforded the opportunity to unpack my summer clothes a little earlier.  Here is what I managed to put together today before the rainy weather swooped in.

 

{Blouse: H&M; Belt: Forever21; Jeans: Forever21; Necklace: Macy's}

 

Oh, and side note to self– I need a full length mirror to show off my kicks.

Have a good first Spring weekend!

Spendthrift

I’ve always been a casual thrifter.  Buying used clothes in Kansas was far from thrilling though.  Hop skip and a jump to Chicago and I’m newly inspired.  I’ve noticed that thrift stores here are a little prouder of their clothes and that’s reflected in the price tag.  But I’ve also come to appreciate the value of a label, and the rush of excitement that comes from unearthing that designer label and knowing that fate has led you to that discovery.

The last couple weeks have yielded pleasant surprises and it can’t hurt to share them.  The following thrift finds are from two different places in my neighborhood.  My first trip to the Salvation Army required a little resourcefulness on my part.  But with a little cunning, I scored this Armani blazer for $10!

Moving onto today when I had the day off to do whatever caught my fancy.  I was actually on my way to CVS when I realized the local “White Elephant” thrift store was just around the corner.  Since the weather turned cold, I have been lazy when it comes to going those extra steps outside.  But I couldn’t think of a real excuse today, and I’m glad I didn’t.  The White Elephant focuses more on housewares, but I got pretty lucky with the small selection of clothing they do have.

I ended up getting two shirts, both of silky cloth and vibrant colors.  The first short sleeve shirt by “Misuse” is just begging to be worn out on a Friday night.

The second shirt is a pretty mustard yellow by J. Crew. It has some great detail on the back, and could use a good ironing before my first wear.  This has the potential to be a very cute professional look.

My final find at White Elephant was a belt that I found by rummaging through the belt bin.  Never be too proud to rummage I say!  This belt by Yves Saint-Laurent requires a slim figure, and really accents the waist.  I can see myself wearing it with a plain black or white shirt.  I can’t wait to experiment with it!

See you next time!!

Starting Over Again

I’m sure that everyone has envisioned themselves writing a book at some point in their life.  Those who write books either have talent with words or a talent with unique living.  I’m not sure I fit into either of those categories but I started writing my first book when I was in middle school.  It began in a small notebook, and I filled all of its pages with this young adult adventure.  In my high school years I decided to transcribe this onto my computer.  Three computers later, it’s still a work in progress.

I thought that moving to France would afford ample time to finally slay this literary monkey on my back. It isn’t that I feel this book has become a burden.  Instead, I yearn to feel that sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing something I started.  So what if it’s been years in the making?  I know darn well that it isn’t Hemingway or even Danielle Steele.  So, I’m renewing my crusade to finish my book and I’ll keep entries on my blog as motivation and as a reminder of my promise to myself.

So I’ll start off with my current word count: 61,021

I’d say that I’m two-thirds of the way done.  Next time I write an entry, the word count will hopefully be higher.

Here’s hoping.

Edible Complex

Last night I arrived at my friend’s welcome back party with a bottle of wine and was greeted with a lavish spread of foods, all homemade.  This group of people are particularly inspired by everything homegrown and made in their kitchen- with vibrant and scrumptious results.  The main food spectacle last night was the cupcakes made by my bff which were garnished with edible flowers.  Here is a glimpse:

the flower cupcakes

Another delectable offering

I love the idea of adding flowers to desserts.  Each type of edible flower has its own taste and they are eye-catching.  It makes me want to start my own edible flower garden in my backyard and incorporate them into salads and fruit plates and desserts.
Of course, not all flowers can be eaten.  Even if it is an edible flower, you have to be certain it hasn’t been in contact with any pesticides or other harmful effects.  I found a good site for determining which types can be eaten and how they should be used in cuisine.

It’s great to be inspired by what is growing around you! Of course, if you just like using flowers that are premade and guaranteed to be edible, here are some eye pleasing ideas for using flowers to decorate this spring!

 

This is Scary

Empty Bookshelves.  Well almost empty, with the remaining books scattered chaotically on the shelves like debris after a good ransacking.  I had stopped into the closing Borders bookstore in my city to scour the remains like a literary vulture.   I couldn’t help but feel a sinking feeling looking at the death of this bookstore.

I once entertained thoughts of being an author.  I couldn’t help but wonder if I had published a book and I were to visit Borders at this point in their closure and to find multiple copies of my book still waiting on the shelf like an old sick puppy at the pound, how I might feel.   Would the fact that I was overlooked be particularly distressing to my confidence as an author?  What do people search for when buying a book?  An interesting title and cover?  Or maybe a quote from a reputable newspaper on the cover calling this book the “most exciting literature of the modern generation of writers”?  It is not an easy living to sell one book in a store that was once filled with thousands of choices.  However, as people began buying the last of the books before closing day, someone would take a chance on that last remaining novel without the fancy cover and rave reviews and it might be cheap and I might not make any money from their purchase, but at least it was being read.  That’s the most important thing to an author.

Today I bought, “The Duel” by Anton Chekhov and “On Chesil Beach” by Ian McEwan.  McEwan is a particularly gifted writer and Chekhov is one of those writers I should probably try to like at some point.

Right now I’m reading “Dry” by Augusten Burroughs.  I know vaguely of his eccentric personality and  unique personal history and I am now getting my first taste of his writing.  So far, it is entertaining.

Empty Justice

With all of the media uproar about the death of Osama Bin Laden, I feel a lack of enthusiasm for such a grim accomplishment.  I was struck by a particular quote I came across today and wanted to post it here as a reminder and to let it resonate.  A death is equally as hollow as justice through death.

“I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that” ~ Martin Luther King Jr

Here’s hoping that his demise does not forebode ill for others.