Astoria's Finast

I just got back from a really amazing trip to New York, where I stayed with friends in Astoria, Queens. Almost 6 months out of the city and I already feel like a tourist upon return. I walked around with my camera snapping photos of things I would never have thought to look at back when I lived out there.

Stuff on My Cat: Nerms

I haven't posted in a long time and feel sort of silly posting this after my absence. But I sent in a picture of Nerms over the summer to StuffonMyCat.com and she was finally posted on the 17th. Not design-related, but a fun site to check out if you're a crazy cat lady like myself.

Tuesday Strifry

This has got to be the easiest and most satisfying meal I can make. All it takes is garlic, onion, 3 different colored peppers and chicken. Mix it up with some teriyaki, soy sauce, and sesame seed oil and it's a meal (for 3 days or 4 people, depending on if you're eating solo or not). I usually start off with the onion and garlic solo, then add the chicken until it's halfway cooked, and then throw in the peppers until they're soft and voila!

Target Scarf and JCrew Sweater

I don't know when I turned this into a fashion blog, but lately I am more excited about clothing, and dressing warm for winter than decorating and design. Target has some cute scarves for super cheap ($4-$9) and I bought myself one. Paired with this new sweater from my parents for Hannukah (on sale at Jcrew) I think I've got a semi-PunkyB look, no? I hate to be a copycat but I had to try it out...On a sidenote, these cheap scarf/headbands from Target would make a smart gift for co-workers or that female relative you can't figure out what to get for!

Shawls

I am starting to think I need one of these, or at least need to figure out how to wear it in such a way that it isn't "grandma". Shiny Squirrel posted on these bright and patterned shawls from Styleserver.And new-to-me French Blogger Punky B is always wearing shawls in her photos, and I have fallen in love with her style (and maybe kinda wanna be her a little...)

Untitled Clothing, Coffeeshop and Ballys (all in a day's work)

I had the greatest free day today. I bargained the local gym manager to give me a $19 month-long membership, found the coolest store, and discovered a new clothing brand I'd never heard of before. Phew!!

Untitled is a really awesome store on Clark St. and Diversey in Chicago's Lincoln Park. They have some of the coolest brands, and some great sale items right now. While there I tried on a few jackets and coats. They were from Coffeeshop which I later found on Overstock.com. How cute are these coats? They are about 20% cheaper on Overstock than they were at Untitled.
Top: Coffee Shop Tweed coat $88.99
Bottom: Coffee Shop Plaid Tweed coat $84.99

"Vintage" Lingerie

I've always thought it was funny how many thrift stores sell lingerie items, slips, and vintage bras. They are of course very pretty things, slinky, made of silk or the lightest cotton. But who wants to buy used underthings? Reading Nylon today I saw Sophie Simmons collection on dessousnyc.com. Vintage inspired lingerie, but brand new! I think these would make a great gift, not overly suggestive or cheap-looking.

Finals Done!

Yesterday I took my last final of the quarter. I'm now on a holiday for the entire month and couldn't be happier. I can't wait to do some blog-catching up and channeling my old self with a functioning right-brain! Here is a photo of where I've been spending most of my time, on campus. Pretty huh? See you all tomorrow.

Return to Bridesmaid Dressing

Round 2 of bridesmaid dress shopping was MUCH better than the first time. My sister is now thinking of offering everyone these 3 options below, all in the taupe/gray color. Won't that color look good with orange flowers? I'm feeling guilty because I've been kind of dictating the color palette, so I'm looking for some outside approval!I'm going to pick the dress on the far right :)

Shiny Black Boots

I bought these the other week for $40 at a thrift store called Yellow Jacket in Lincoln Park, Chicago. So they're not exactly my size (1.5 too big), what are ya gonna do...can't really beat that price!

Quick Hello

Hello blogworld. It's been awhile. I just wanted to say hello and apologize for being mia these past few weeks. Laissezfaire was kind of enough to add me to her "blogs to watch" section, and I really wish I had some new stuff to post about. In case you're wondering, my life has been fairly routine. So routine in fact, here is my latest meal, just about as boring as they come.I'd like to be back in to the blogging shortly. After my finals are over I will return!! I really do miss you all!
-Laura

Better Wall

This is cool. Limited edition museum posters available at Better Wall. They are pricey, but how fun would it be to hang one of these say, in your dining room, or above the bed?

Tartan

I haven't picked up a new Domino yet, but blogger Frolic! posted about a spread they have on Tartan. I think Tartan is just a name for this kind of fabric/design also known as plaid (but I could be wrong). Either way I'm loving this trend for fall and trying hard to find the right ways to incorporate it into my wardrobe. Never thought to incorporate it in the home as well.
Top image from Domino, bottom images from Frolic!

Econ Schmeecon

I'm feeling sad lately because my entire life has been taken over my economics, statistics and game theory. Interesting as it may be, I'm losing touch with my artsy side. I just flickr-googled the word "econ", how lame. Someone had taken a picture of their econ homework. They were probably in a similar state of mind to where I'm at right now.

Would you believe it if I told you I understand what's written on this page? This could make a cute pillow case I think...
Back after mid-terms. In the meantime I'm enjoying All Things Ordinary, Abstract the Day, and Found now Home.

All of These Things...

are on sale at Anthropologie for under $100 and the blue heals and grey flats are actually under $50. Nice! The size selection is limited, but I would recommend perusing if you're in the market for some cute out-of-season shoes for cheap!

Maxzilla

My Mom and I collaborated on a Halloween costume. I designed the outline and started laying down the Sears Tower. She really pulled through and added all of the little touches. Oh, and made the actual costume that Maxine wore. Too cute. "Maxzilla!"

Equilibrium

It took a looong time for the cat fights to settle down. Here was Nerms before:And now everyone has found a heating vent to call their own. Life is good. And my visitor leaves tomorrow. Goodbye Cassidy. It's too bad you and Nerms didn't become better friends...

Trendy or Silly?

I keep seeing these plaid jackets and thinking how cute they are in a refined punk/grunge kind of way. Is this just a trend, or is this a coat I will be able to wear for a few years?From U.O.

Vintage Globes

I feel like I've posted on globes a lot in my 7 months of blogging (wow, that seems like a long time actually!). Here are some cute and really inexpensive ones from White Elephant Vintage whom I heard about from Shelterrific. They range from only $10 to $45. What pretty blues.

Yellow Mustard Comfy

This chair was listed under "Yellow mustard comfy" on Craigslist. I was doing a search for mid-century bedside tables, and came across this little guy. I saw it and it made me go "awww..." for some reason. The title made it sound like a cute little chair waiting to be adopted. Too bad it's so ugly. If you're in Chi-town and ready to adopt though, it's only $65!

Ok, back to studying...

Weekend Fun: Barely

I am peaking my head out for a moment after holing myself up in my apartment for a few days to study for my mid-terms. UGH. That, and I have a visitor who Nerms is not too fond of, so I've been interrupted quite frequently by hissing fights and surprise attacks. Can't we all just get along?

Ditte Isager Photographer

Found this via This is Glamorous. I feel like these are dark and light versions of each other, and I can't figure out which one I like more. I love the placement of the three mirrors in the top image. From photographer Ditte Isager.

Jess Gonacha Pinecone Print

I just bought this print from Jess Gonacha (aka Treasuring). I've been eying her artwork for awhile now, and this one just seemed special to me :).Some of her new favorites of mine...

Money Can't Buy You Love

But it can buy you warmth, and I would love to have enough money to buy this! I can't wait to not be a student anymore, can you tell?From soia&kyo via Shiny Squirrel.

Domino Living Rooms

I can't believe that some people actually have living rooms that look like this from Domino. These look like show rooms for furniture stores or something. One day I will have a living room this colorful!