5 Days of AOS

Oxblood pants: c/o Articles of Society
Everything else: VINTAGE BABY, EVEN THESE SWEET SHOES AND RAY BAN, I KNO RITE?!!!

I don't know what came over me when I put together this look (for AOS 5 days of AOS collaboration) when I was home last weekend. Perhaps its because I'm ready to get spooktacular for Halloween! As a kid I wasn't allowed to celebrate, but as an adult, I take in the festivities as a casual celebrator. I think its fun to have a day to act like a child, eat candy, and dress like cartoons. Its like a free day to give our mind a rest

I was CLEARLY feelin lost boys this day. Maybe because moving to NYC has made me feel a little lost? I had such a clear plan of what I wanted and now that I've come here, that all seems so unsure. I don't really feel like going back to Chicago, but I don't know if I want to stay here either. In fact the only thing that sounds alluring these days is packing my bags and leaving for Paris...

I guess all these things just take time, right? Patience is a virtue...

Le déjeuner sur l'herbe

shirt: vintage
pants: bershka
jacket: thrifted
shoes: f21

And we're back in the swing...for now at least. Last week was a very strange week for me indeed, I put on high waist pants (that haven't fit since 2 years ago mind you, and even then..) threw on a button up shirt, and looked in the mirror and said "hey...classic Bianca" I forgot how good my old uniform felt, of trousers and shirts. I think I really missed dressing this way and since Chicago stopped pretending to give us a summer and went back to high of 68 I was happy to dress in my classic manner. Plus cool weather means outdoor activities of biking and picnics. We picked up falafels and hummus at Sultan's Market (my favorite place for falafels I MEAN THE BEST, at 3.75 for a falafel the size OF YOUR HEAD) biked over to our local park and talked politics. I wish I was there again now. I'm trying to enjoy every moment I have left with my friends before I move miles away. Makes everyday especially magical, and even more bittersweet. These photos did remind me of when I was hipsterizing classic art. Maybe I need to start doing that again....

just another manic monday

 

silk blouse: vintage 
blazer: vintage 
trousers: french connection
loafers: f21 
belt: h&m 
briefcase: mother's LV (vintage) 

When the Urbaness approached me to be apart of a story to be featured on their site, I couldn't wait to be apart! I love news media, and I love showing that Chicago can be just as fashion forward as any other city. So we collaborated and came up with concept of taking the "ho-hum" out of everyday office wear. I decided to challenge myself by centering a new look for everyday of the week around the classic silk blouse. I also thought it would allow the reader to feel she can easily achieve similar looks at home, because fashion is more than just brands, its about style!

Here's an excerpt of my "Monday" look...

"I know what they say, ‘just another manic Monday,” but I feel like Monday is the best day to put on your shiny suit. No need to break the bank either. The blazer is thrifted to complement the French Connection trousers I already had, and it keeps the look from being too matchy-matchy." 

 Follow me journey throughout this week here and read the rest of the story on the Urbaness!

hey there, pink suit

floral blouse + pink blazer: vintage
high waist crop pants: topshop
loafers: f21


Nothing quiet says happy monday like a pink suit. I've been rather thrilled that recently its been cool enough for me to wear long pants and sleeves. Everyone else is still happy to be in shorty shorts and tanks, but I am most happiest (yes....most happiest) in fall clothing. I know its hard to tell but the collar on this shirt is actually a triple fold. Plus who else is diggin' these shoulder pads? I know I am...I kinda like the vulture look it gives me...kind of like a scary mean old lady in a children's book who actually isn't mean at all but just lonely....but she still turns into a cat...because cats are awesome.

I know I usually try to write something more witty and insightful but I hit my head a few times this past week and knocked out all my wit and all that remains is dry british humor. Oh and if my hair looks only 70% awesome and not at max HP it's because it's still wet. Gotta stay clean.

I need a nap.

soy loca por ti

 

top & shoes: vintage 
shorts & belt: topshop 
cat totebag: paul and joe 
lentes: target 

I can't afford to travel across the world at the moment. So what's the next best thing? Discovering new parts of your own town. Chicago always has these little bits of Mexico that take me back there. Though on the other hand it does feel like MX on these unrelenting summer days. I recently just discovered this gem of a building across the street from Taqueria Traspasada. When I'm chowing down on tacos and sipping on Topo Chico (sparkling water) I like to stare out the window and imagine a world where this place was a popular spot for all the big hair and cat eye wearing Prima Donnas in the late 60s early 70s. I fantasize about everyone being serenaded by Elizabeth as she sings "Soy Loca Por Ti" while young couples dance cheek to cheek. I wonder what happened to this place, it's so big a grand....Its sad to see such a beautiful building go to waste, but I also find myself attracted to the hollowness of this dead building. It really is beautiful. As for me, you can see that I'm still channeling the 90s, and though I'm not cray about midriffs (I'm also not cray for the word "cray") I think they can still be playful, when it's just a taste and not a three course meal ;(

gypsies, tramps, and thieves

sweater: thrifted
ruby chaffon skirt: thrifted
DIY shirt: Bershka (see DIY here)
boots: vintage
scarf: vintage
socks: jcpennys

I finally found the perfect look to accentuate my DIY. I love love love the way this one turned out. I got to wear my favorite colors, rubies and reds. I also been wearing skirts more. If you noticed, I've been a bit MIA, I got really sick and needed to change some habits, one being tight skinny jeans, say bye bye for now, my kidneys will thank me later.

On another note, what weather we've been having recently, talk about heat waves. I am MAJORLY nervous, this has been by far the MILDEST winter of my life. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting to take snow up the rear as repercussion for such nice weather. Not that I don't enjoy sunshine, but in JANUARY, in the upper midwest....fishy fishy.

regardless, what better time to enjoy nature. Dave and I took a walk through the forest preserve dressed like a gang of gypsies. We had fun running (and falling) through what was left of the snow, making hard pressed faces like a group of vagabonds walking to warmer weather. Its also a great time to making small talk with the locals. Since its been so nice people have been keeping up with their resolutions, running in the park, getting fresh air. It's nice also long as you stay active, but it IS still winter, so after a while, you do get frozen! Plus the fresh air did me a bit of good. I was getting depressed laying in bed for the past two weeks, so I put on the make up, dressed myself and got out. Mental health always makes you feel better physically. And so does vitamin D, thanks Mr. Sun.

abandoned

amazing early 90s gold chain silk shirt: thrifted vintage
shorts: charlotte russe
elaine blazer: vintage (halloween)
plum tights: gift from mummy
booties: vintage


Chicago has some lovely little nuggets of architecture around its vast landscape. It almost bittersweet to be in love with the places that chicago can no longer afford--the places chicago has looong forgot. I mean, who doesn't love hanging out in front of an abandoned hospital on the west siiiiiiide. Well actually Dave and I stopped here on the way to the upper west side for tacos (aka wicker park) but I literally made him pull over because

A) this place is badass
B) when inspiration strikes...

I was thoroughly pleased with this shoot. (It was really hard picking out the best pics!) It was right before dusk so the lighting was just superb, and it was before rush hour so there was enough people at work for me not to feel like I was going to die and be dragged until this abandoned monster.

I mean its cool, but hella scary.