Umbrella Love

For some reason, I have an obsession with umbrellas.  I think I have at least 5 of them and I always find myself wanting more.  There is nothing better on a gloomy and rainy day than a bright and cheerful umbrella! When I saw this heart-shaped umbrella on Infmetry's website today, I immediately started drooling.  I've never seen a shaped umbrella like this and I think I just might have to have it.

Red Jeans

Ever since I heard my girl Kate bought a pair of red jeans, I feel like everyone has started wearing them and I've been dying for a pair of my own.  Her's (and pretty much everyone else's) are J Brand, which, although they are gorgeous, they are a bit out of my desired price range.  But today I was browsing the blog Made By Girl, and she posted a photo of herself in red jeans that looked just like the J Brand ones, only they were from Hot Topic!  Who what have guessed that?!  They are an absolute steal at just $29!! Unfortunately they are down to only size 00 and 1 left on the website, but I'll be checking back periodically to see if they re-stock.  The real question is, when are we finally going to see Kate wearing them?!

Hot Topic's Tripp Red Skinny Jeans

J Brand Skinny Leg Bright Red Jeans

Road Trip!

I'm taking off tonight for the weekend.  Heading to Des Moines to visit my sister.  On the to-do list: seeing my sister's new apartment, lunch with an old friend, drinks, my sister's cooking, and most importantly - the Iowa State Fair.  The to-do list for the fair is even longer (air brushed t-shirts, foot-long corn dogs, deep fried snickers bars, take my picture in a big tractor, see the Butter Cow, prize-winning farm animals, etc. etc.).  Very much looking forward to it!  But in order to get there, I will be taking a 6 hour bus ride tonight so I'm stocked with all the necessities:

1. Trader Joe's dried mangos for a little evening snack.
2. My fully charged iPod so I can snooze in peace.
3. My infinity scarf, because I can wrap it all around me and you know those big buses get cold!  Mine is a homemade gift from a friend, but this one comes from American Apparel
4. A new read from the library.  Hope it's good!
5. The latest issue of People Magazine so I can keep up to date on all my celeb gossip while I'm away

Project Runway Night!

I don't know how they do it each season, but there's only been 3 episodes and I'm already SO into this season of Project Runway.  My favorite thing ever on the show is when they do the "unconventional" challenges where they have to make looks out of strange materials.  So obviously I was obsessed with the second challenge this season where they raided a pet store for materials for their look. So much fun to watch! I'm just amazed at the things they come up with.  Although I loved the top 3 looks, I had a few other favorites that I didn't think got enough praise.

Anya's Pet Store Look

Kimberly's Pet Store Look

Back to School

Everywhere I go lately there are back to school specials out.  It reminds me of when I was little. Shopping for school supplies in August was one of my favorite things to do.  Although I wasn't a huge fan of actually going back to school, there was something about picking out the most colorful folders and pencils and other supplies that was too much fun.  Over on the blog One Charming Party, they give the most incredible ideas for throwing a Back to School Party!  I would have been wayyy more into the idea of going back to school if I got to attend one of these!  I love the colorful pencil erasers you can scoop out of the jar, but the pencil cake has to be the coolest thing here!  Wouldn't that be the best teacher gift ever?!?

See all of her Back to School Party ideas here!

Chicago Hot Spot: Pret a Manger

I was SO excited when Pret a Manger opened in Chicago last year, but unfortunately it's not all that close to my office so I often forget about it.  I know I talk about it a lot, but I haven't actually gotten to eat it in a while.  But when I was out running errands on my lunch break today, I spotted those red and white stars from afar and ran towards them as fast as the crowded sidewalks would allow.  Their baguette sandwiches are to die for.  And although the smart side of my brain told me to get the mini baguette, I sprung for the big size complete with a side of potato chips.  Quite an indulgent lunch, but worth every calorie.

My ham and cheese baguette.  No, I don't share.

Racket Mirrors

I adore these gorgeous mirrors made out of vintage tennis rackets from Velvet Ribbon, an online boutique from the UK. I'm not much of a sports person, especially when it comes to decor, but these I could get on board with!  I think they would look perfect in an entry hallway.

Awkward...

Found via mlkshk

I came across this post on The Tangential recently about How to be an Awkward Female and it had me seriously LOL-ing in my chair. I myself can be quite awkward at times.  I think numbers 2, 3 and 5 I can immediately check off the list.  Been there, done that.  But my favorite has to be number 6: Point out obvious or socially unacceptable things at loud decibel levels.  Her example: “YOU REMIND ME OF MY UNCLE. HE HAD AN AFFAIR WITH A LADY HE MET ON THE INTERNET”...priceless!

Floppy Hats

I know summer is almost over (sad!) but I'm thinking about purchasing a big floppy beach hat.  It's one of those things I try on every time I see them in stores, but I've never actually buy one.  I've been thinking about them all summer and I think it's time I finally purchase one.  I came across this one from Alloy for only $20 that I think I might get.  It's simple, cute and just the right amount of floppy-ness. 

Want

This gorgeous maxi dress.  I see a trip for Forever 21 in my near future...