{they are back!}

What I'm wearing:
Tank top from Gap,
shorts by Levi's from Urban Outfitters,
flats by Ecoté from Urban Outfitters,
watch by Michael Kors (yes, it's a new one),
necklace from Grandma Wavering,
sunglasses from boutique in New York,
lipstick by Mirenesse from Birch Box

Absolutely no shame... I am thrilled that high-waisted shorts are back in style! A few summers ago with the help of my cousin, Olivia, I revamped a pair of 1985 Levi's from Goodwill. Despite our cutting, shredding, and their adorable fit, people still gave me a hard time. My sister commented that they were nasty mom shorts and other friends said they just don't get why anyone would wear them. Well, I'm glad I never gave up on my affinity for the 80's, because look what is popping up in Urban Outfitters stores this summer! High waisted shorts, tucked in shirts, and gold jewelry! 

With the basic elements of this outfit (a black tank & jean shorts), I tried to spice it up with a bright red lipstick and forest green shades. Often times, a bright lip stick can add too much to a look, but in this situation, I felt it was a quirky addition that helped an otherwise ordinary outfit. Finally, I am head over heels for my new Michael Kors watch that I received for my birthday. Since I have been wearing my all gold Michael Kors watch almost excessively, I really wanted to change things up a little. Aesthetically speaking, I love Michael Kors designs, so when choosing a new watch I already had an idea of the brand I wanted. After looking, I concluded that the gold face makes it easy to match with my current jewelry (I love gold ☺), yet the brown leather strap adds a classic and casual element.

{Chicagoland sweetheart}

What Heather's wearing:
Dress from Target,
sandals from DSW ,
sunglasses from Urban Outfitters,
necklace from Anthropologie,
purse from ,
bracelet from Pikes Place Market in Seattle

Even though this beauty doesn't live in Colorado anymore, we do share my hometown in common now! I love that when I come home to Chicago I get to see Heather in her new city life. She has adjusted so well into the trendy Chicago scene and looks adorable all the time. For our lunch date yesterday, she accented the white dots in her cute frock with a dramatic floral necklace from Anthro. All of the chunky necklaces from Anthropologie right now are wonderful accents for a number of styles: sweet and simple,  dramatic diva, and many other looks. Since her dress and necklace speak for themselves, Heather chose a basic sandal and a over-the-shoulder bag. Heather is the perfect example of a Chicagoland sweetheart now!

{look what i found}

What I'm wearing:
Blouse and jeans by Lucky Brand,
necklace gift from Italy,
flats by J.Crew

As I was scrolling down my list of blog posts, I found this little bugger hiding from a month back! Oops! Well I love this look, so I am posting it now. With a basic tube top like this, I love the way my fun Italian glass bead necklace adds a spark. The deep chocolate ruffles compliment the vibrant teal, orange, and sky blue. This outfit is relaxed and comfortable, something to wear out to coffee with a friend or running errands around town.

{stars & stripes}

After my annual hiatus in Michigan, 

I'm back and ready to blog. Pardon the wet hair in my pictures,

but that's the result of a day at the beach. 

I love spending the week with friends and family

celebrating my birthday and our great nation! #merica

Every year I search my closet for the perfect birthday outfit,

something patriotic and comfortable. I found both of my requirements

in this American Apparel maxi dress. To tie together the "whole flag" look,

I made a stars bow for my hair. With my wet locks, I pinned 

my bow underneath my bun for a different spin on a classic bow. 

Later on I threw a jean vest over the whole outfit, but didn't get any pictures of it.

Hopefully I'll be able to feature my cousin's pictures soon that have a

a few shots with my lovely sisters!

Hand sewn bow by me

What I'm wearing:
Striped dress from American Apparel,
belt and necklace borrowed from my mom,
flats from Urban Outfitters,
bow sewn by me (let me know if you are interested in
buying a bow ☺)

{holy cow!}

Holy Cow!! It has been so long since my last post.

I have been a busy bee despite the teaching-free summer.

Traveling, camping, and sewing non-stop! Sorry for the lack of posts, guys!

Good news though, the Blackhawks WON the Stanley Cup and

I figured that was well worth a post. Here is a sample of my hawks gear 

for the game (including the hand-painted t-shirt my sister is wearing!)

I'll try to post as much as I can while I'm in Chicago!

CONGRATS, HAWKS!

Green screen at my sister's office!

What I'm wearing:
Red jeans from Urban Outfitters,
Blackhawks shirt from Chicago street vendor,
Erika's shirt hand painted by me!

{why i write this blog}

What I'm wearing:
Dress from Target,
watch by Marc Jacobs

As a gal who enjoys a bargain, I always love it when people find out your clothes are from Goodwill or Target and they are shocked. I experienced this joy when shopping at a trendy store in town the other day. This local boutique carries Lucky jeans, Free People items, and other adorable, but often over priced brands. So, you can imagine my satisfaction when the girl in the store told me she adored my dress and asked if it was from Free People. I smiled and said, "Nope, it's from Target!" Again, as I was leaving, she repeated how much she liked it and said "I need to shop there soon!" Nothing like looking cute for less than $20. And that, my friends, is exactly why I write this blog and list where my clothes are from, to show that you can be a smart shopper and still look stylish!

I try to not let fashion fog my mind and often use Proverbs 31:30 to remind me where my worth comes from. My style doesn't define who I am, but it does express a lot about my personality, my love for life, and my creativity. I don't spend hours getting ready nor do I pick out my outfits the night before; I simply wake up and get dressed depending on how I'm feeling and the day progresses from there.

{finished it}

What I'm wearing:g
Cardigan & flats from J.Crew,
hand sewn circle skirt made by me,
sunglasses from Savvy,
earrings by Kenneth Cole

Finished my first hemline today! I have had this floral circle skirt in the  works for a bit, but I was avoiding hemming the bottom. I decided to go for it after watching a quick youtube explanation. Then when I completed it, I got to enjoy this beautiful Colorado weather. It is a perfect summer skirt (as long as it is not too windy)!

The colorful floral print stands on its own, so I paired it with a basic black tank, a cardigan, and some light jewelry. I love the simple feminine look of a full skirt and a tank top. Once I have mastered this pattern I made, I will write a how-to post with pictures.