Time Travel

For me, this would be the ultimate travel outfit. Wearable even in different eras. One part bohemian chic, one part practical explorer.... The ultimate outfit.

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

As I begin to prepare for a rather hefty jaunt in the Land Of The Midnight Sun, the question I seem to find myself asking most is not, " What should I bring," but rather " How is this all going to fit?"

As you can see in this photo, I have begun to lay out all the necessary clothing articles I may need during 7 weeks in Oslo.

For the most part, this is all that's going with me plus or minus a few new items, but not including toiletries, electronics, reading materials, a pillow, or a towel. See how the question of fit comes to play. Somehow, whether by grace of god or sheer fate, I will manage to be able to fit it within the restrictions on checked luggage set forth by the airline. The true mystery of whether or not I can move all of it myself once I arrive in said destination is yet to be determined.

Though my family may smirk at the immense amount of stuff going with me, I am inclined to reply... "but what if I need that?" And its true, during seven weeks anything can happen, and I will be fully prepared. Whether it's a black lace dress and heels or a north face and hiking shoes, its all laid out, ready for the suitcase to carry them along on my totally exciting (next) journey.

You're not a heavy packer if you can fit it in one bag... right?

Hippie Day Dreams

This purse by Vanessa Bruno makes me think of the summer of love. Just looking cool, listening to music, and hanging out. This bag is the ultimate summer staple. For me, a summer bag, no matter the size must be able to be slung over the body. Whether to lighten the load or keep close while dancing in a crowd, in summer there's no other option. I love this season's retrospect into the lang of small cross-body purses in the most buttery leathers.

It also just makes me think of the merry pranksters and the summer of love, and very little makes me happier than hippie day dreaming.

Frontera

I went to Frontera Grill over the weekend, Rick Bayless's restaurant. The food was incredible, it was so fresh tasting and really spicy. My aunt is a caterer and worked with him last weekend on a big fancy wedding in Rhode Island, so when we went this weekend, they gave us this beautiful dessert plate. The flan was by far my favorite, but I can't say I didn't enjoy the chocolate pecan pie or the sorbet and fruit tart combo.

I really need to eat like this more often.

Picnic Triptych

I would like to point out how difficult it is to photograph animals. They really hate looking at the camera, and you end up doing goofy things like this in attempts to capture them on film.

I had no such luck. My dogs... not models.

Wearing: Anthropologie Tunic, Thrifted Cutoffs, Dolce Vita Sandals (barely visible)

It's memorial day and I have the day off! That means, picnics and sunshine for me.

Happy Memorial Day! 

Hope all of you are spending it well with your families and the summertime weather!

Summer Shapes

Wearing: Urban Outfitter Shorts, Michael Kors Sandals, Vintage Top, Necklace, and Scarf  worn as a belt

It finally feels like summer it was close to 80 degrees today and sunny. 

I had so much fun layering on top, but still managing bare shoulders and two crazy prints.

I have a small gripe with the April Vogue, I know... late. So it claims to be the "shape issue" embracing all different shapes of normal women. There's a section on short, tall, athletic, curvy, and skinny. Where's the part for the normal girls? The ones like me who are 5'6" and don't really fit into any of the above categories.

And.. on top of it, the editorials are still all featuring standard model-sized models. Its disappointing to realize that natural beauty and size is only okay when its used to sell magazines. :(

Summer in the City

This is why Chicago is the best city. It looks like this. Thank you Frank Lloyd Wright! This is for sure the only city in the world that has prairie flowers overwhelming skyscrapers.

This is a view from a reflection stream in Millenium Park. We went to the Art Institute to see the new Modern Wing, which is absolutely amazing. It's totally beautiful, very sleek and white, and houses about twice as much modern art as was in the museum previously. Best of all.. Its totally free forever. If your ever in Chicago.. you must check it out.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Shorts and Sweater, Lark and Wolf Oxford, Michael Kors Shoes, Vintage backpack

We went and sat by the lake for a bit. The sailboats looked so beautiful against the deep blue water. I felt that despite the rediculous color palette of my outfit, it looked rather east-coast country club. I haven't unpacked a thing since moving back home, so I really didn't have a whole lot of options. Despite the plain aspect of the outfit,  it was comfortable and the colors were super goofy!

And this is my boyfriend  Michael... he was my companion on my city adventure yesterday. He takes all my wonderful pictures and is just as fun as he is adorable. He also takes the crown as the best shopping buddy ever. He successfully talked me out of every single item I considered, including the perfect yellow silk ruffle tunic.. 

I dreamed about it last night, but really shouldn't be spending any money before my big trip, so I'll take it as a minor loss.

Overall.. best first summer day in the city yet!