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 :)