In the Jeans

As mentioned before I will always be a girl that loves the classic. I think because in my own head I believe I’m trotting around the Champs Elyse wearing the perfect gamine outfit of skinny jeans and a boyfriend shirt to meet some friends for coffee. Versus my IRL life of wanting to be comfortable and some what cool, as I go to the bodega for some ramen and sriracha (I’m so glamorous…)

Comfort will always be a priority with my clothing choices, not because I dream of looking like a soccer mom in yoga pants, but I between my active lifestyle of video gaming and biking on the lakeshore, to having some lower back issues - I need my pants to be COMFORTABLE, but cute! I refuse, REFUSE (regardless of how comfortable the lure of lululemon is) to look like I should be married to some yuppie pushing around his spawn in a Cadillac sized stroller. But some days I do dream of having some pants that don’t press SO HARD on my lower back and abdomen that I’m making bee lines for the restroom every hour on the hour. So when I discovered NYDJ I got excited about the possibility of a jean to be both cute and comfortable.

I know you’re like “how are jeans NOT comfortable”?! Well my friend, if you’re small in the waist, have no hips, BUT HAVE TONS OF JUNK IN THE TRUNK, jeans can be nothing but a nightmare. Gapping, too tight here, too loose here, it’s like jeans are better fit for tree trunks than an actual human body (sorry Groot).  So I flipped through the jeans for women at NYDJ and discovered their NYDJ Fit jeans. Claiming to make you one size smaller (I’m actually happy at my mysterious size of a 10-14) they promise to prevent those aggravating dressing room tear-causing issues of gapping, pulling, and WHY. Plus the color and styles have me already planning my next lunch date.

I like these Alina Leggings and Linda Leggings for my vampire weekends. The Ami super skinny are cute enough to sneak into work and pretend you’re wearing dress pants before you jet off to drink at your scuzziest dive bar. (Plus these bad boys are high in the mid waist! I hate low waist jeans, curses to you and your coin slot! I’m not a Pac-Man machine!!) I’m definitely going to have to give these guys a TRY! Which ones do you think I’d look super cute in? Which ones do you like? I will try them and report back, but so far ladies, so so good.

No time like the Holidays

As I mentioned before, the holidays are right around the corner and even though I always have a ton to do, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect gift. Something that is thoughtful and can serve as a reminder of our friendship. I don't want to give someone something that will easily be disregarded, nor something that doesn't suit the person I'm buying it for. For Halloween, Dave and I were astronauts, and as fun as it was to dress up in our space aged costume, Dave spent have his night obsessing over the details. Truth be told, he was bummed out that we didn't have matching watches the felt true to our characters. True to something astronauts would wear!  Something streamlined, yet efficient. It was his one night to change careers and be something totally different, and I was a little sad that his costume didn't measure up to what he truly wanted. Watching his eyes light up as he looked at watches he wished we had in time for our costumes, made me realize that a I.N.O.X watch would be a perfect gift for him this Christmas. I love it when gifts show how you pay attention to those you love, and I'm looking forward to surprising Dave with a watch this year. Now it's down to which watch would be the best fit for him. I really like the Chrono Classic, all the features and details are as complex as Dave, plus it feels like a wonderful statement piece that he can wear from work meetings to even formal events.

 At the same time (haha) I also really like the Night Vision watch. 

I appreciate the simplicity that I know Dave will like as well. He's a no fuss guy, wears button up nearly every day and likes all his outfit pieces to be simple in a uniform kind of way. One thing I adore about both watches is that the will be able to endure Dave, I.N.O.X prides themselves in being designed by Swiss Army so the are durable and can stand the test of time. This is no throw away gift, these watches are something that I'll be able to give Dave and he'll love for years. Something he can treasure and perhaps even pass it along to the next generation. And when I ask him what the time is, he won't just tell me to check my phone! Which watch do you prefer? Or maybe there's one that I didn't mention that you also think is awesome! Let me know in the comments below, happy holiday shopping!

I partnered with the brand to write this article but every word is mine

What time is it? Time to 'Swiss' it up

Did I mention that the weather has dropped down to a freezing 43 degrees? It's only September but in my mind we've skipped over Halloween and are crashing right into Christmas. And even though my loving boyfriend did not completely appreciate my need to belt out Mariah Carey's holiday hits on the expressway last night, I can't help but feel the holiday buzz rushing through the back of my mind. They other day I picked up some beef jerky flavored chocolates for all the men in my life, but I'm sure just a $1 package of dangerously flavored sweets won't be enough of a gift to truly show the appreciation for all the boys I call family. So I've been on the hunt for the perfect gift, and I recently discovered Swiss Army's new Victorinox watch. Every year I usually get my brothers a Swiss Army knife, something sleek and useful for both the engineer and the artist. But this I.N.O.X watch has me thinking it's time to switch it up. Having something they can look down out and think of their darling sisters, daughter, and even girlfriend has me giddy with joy. There's so many different styles to choose from, it was actually pretty easy to find a watch to match each of their personalities.

My oldest brother (the engineer) will want something that will easily go from day to night. Plus something that he can take to swim pratice either on his own or with his daughter. That's why I totally adore the Dive Master for him

My younger brother will want something that will travel well, for his constant need for seeing the world, but something that will have cool hardware to impress all of his techie friends, so the Alpnach is the PERFECT MATCH.

My dad is a little more tricky, he's a doctor, so he'll want something classic. This watch totally screams great gatsby which is totally him, so for daddio it's the Alliance.

As for the love of my life, well he's definitely a guy who would love to call cape cod home, but he's also more clumsy than a cartoon character. Did I mention that he steps on my foot almost every day (lovingly I'm sure) so he needs something that's inbetween classic but can without the beatings. Fortunately these watches are meant for a beating being temperature, water, pressure, fall, and concrete resistant So for lover boy it's an Airboss.

I'll be honest it feels pretty good to already have the present situation all figured out and we haven't even put a pumpkin out! Now I can spend my days enjoying the seasons as they change than fighting the holiday rush as it comes through. Maybe I might even pick out an I.N.O.X watch for myself. This Victoria is looking pretty neat-o!

I partnered with the brand to write this article but every word is mine

creature of habit

I’ll admit I’m a creature of habit I think. Because when I wake up each day I’m not sure where my day will lead me, I have these same old same old moments that help me feel grounded. One thing that really has not changed over the past possibly 4 years (jeez!)  is my make-up. Bold brow, lashes, contoured cheeks, and a bold lip. And Volia! That’s my look. I usually stick to a light foundation base, such as a simple concealer and keep it moving. Some things may change like the type of mascara (dolly to dramatic) or I might be feeling a little demure and add a bit of color to my lids, but usually I make that classique French girl statement by having a bold lip. My mom wore red lips throughout my childhood and I waited years until I was able to pull off this look myself. It always looked silly on me, and I personally hated red lipstick for a while until I learned that less everywhere else it more when you want to pull of bold lips.

I this week tried Tarte’s glamazon pure performance 12 hr lipstick (in fierce!) and yes I was skeptical. I’ve tried other brands long wear lip and it either dried me out or would not come off FOR DAYS. Well let me tell you, this red lippy got me through a Indian lunch buffet, nearly 10 glasses of water, miles of bike riding, a few hours of drinks and game playing at the arcade, and sweat, sweat, and more sweat on one of the hottest days in Chicago. And dude, it was like soft and supple, my mouth felt like I put slapped the color on all day. And when I was ready to call it a night, the color wiped right off with NO STRUGGLE what so ever! I’m super stoked right now, I think I would love to try different colors maybe some darker shades as fall draws near. Plus since it’s Tarte you know it’s all natural and perfect if you have uber sensitivo skin like moi. Bring on the shades!

*this is a sponsored posts, but all the words and beliefs are my own

Taste That Last Bit Of Summer

Summer is quickly fading, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to say goodbye. Before I wave adieu to Chicago and say "peace out" to summer, my friends and I are planning a quick day trip to the Indiana dunes. I have fond memories of the dunes going with my friends. In fact they are the first people to take me there when I was in high school. Normally my family and I would just go the city beaches, I had no idea Lake Michigan could be so clean. As I gear up for my trip I'm already planning what I need for a beach day trip of eats and treats. Of course I'm bringing my custom made Curlee Bikini, but I'm also debating footwear. Usually I'm a loafers gal but my friends at Reef offer sandals that aren't only practical but they are cute. They scream summer in Biarritz versus generic flip flops you buy at the mall. Plus they are made for comfort which helps when standing on water rocks all day, and burning your feet in the sand. It’s awesome to see sandals that are both practical and cute, and yes, don't look like they are made for your grandmother. Now where can I find some soy free veggie dogsss?

*this is a sponsored posts, but all the words and beliefs are my own

Bad Hair Days SOLVED *sponsored*

I'll admit it, I think almost everyone woman does it every once and a while. You may not know it, but we all thought about it. What am I talking about? I'm talking about wearing a WIG! And with wigsu you're bad hair day problems are solved. Sometimes there's controversy around wearing a wig, if it's about denying who you really are, or if it's about being ashamed of your natural hair texture. Truth be told wigs can be fun! They can give you a chance to experiment with hairstyle you may have been too afraid to try. Or they can give you the chance to be someone new for a night! For me I worry about dry hair, especially as winter approaches I worry about the heaters and blow drying and a constant state of bad dry hair. Wigs can be great for protective styling and with Wigsu I don't have to worry! Plus you don't have to worry about your edges being pulled back with style such as boxed braids that can often pull your hair out. (oh no!) I can just pick out the hairstyle I want (which right now they are offering 20% OFF!) And TADA, bad hair days are over!!  Personally I like wearing a style that matches my own look! There's nothing wrong with trying out that curl pattern of your dreams, even though I do love my hair. But some days I want to live out my dream of being a pixie!! I couldn't dare chop off all of my hair! People would be so upset (including myself) so instead I wear a wig! Giving me a chance to live out my manic pixie dreams without the commitment. Protect that hair and get the look from Wigsu! And be whoever you want to be! Don't forget to wear a protective wig cap and keep those edges looking great!

sponsored post: glasses usa

I have to admit, I'M ADDICTED TO GLASSES! Who says boys don't make passes at girls with eyeglasses?? NOT TRUE, with each pair of glasses that I own, I assume new characters, some sassy others sweet, but always a bit off beat.

Now that the holidays are nearly through, its time to get a gift for yourself. I'm sure we all appreciate aunt mary's gift set of porcelain cats, but how about something a bit more useful?

GlassesUSA.com contacted me and told me about their amazing site with wicked cool eyeglasses online. You can order glasses on their site, with just a few clicks! They offer a 110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which sounds good to me as a price conscious student. You can stay up to date with all the happenings of GlassesUsa.com on twitter (@GlassesUSA) and on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/glassesusa)!

I might have to snag myself a few more pairs because honestly, who can own too many pairs of eyeglasses, clearly not me!

AND I'm offer a these coupon codes just for you guys! So you really have no excuse!

Take 30% off any pair of glasses and get FREE US shipping with the code Holiday2011. Basic single vision lenses included and upgrades are available for an additional cost. Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

but hurry sale ends at the end of the year! start the new year with a new you & happy shopping! ♥

"Treading Lightly": How To Prevent Wear & Tear to Your Favorite Pair of Shoes

We all have that special pair of shoes that we love for one reason or another and we choose to continue wearing it even after its best years are behind it. Whether this refers to a rundown pair of sneakers or maybe that  www.soleprovisions.com. You will be able to browse at your leisure through a large collection of quality products.

1. Prevent the heels from wearing down
As you walk in your shoes, the heels will begin to wear down, as well as the soles. This process is unavoidable, but you can fix it. You should never let the heels wear down by more than a quarter inch as this will not only cause the shoes to lose the support they would normally provide, but it also causes them to bend out of shape. This problem can be corrected with a liquid urethane substance which is readily available, is cheap and will behave just like the regular material.

2. Maintain their shape
In shops, you will notice that the shoes have crumpled up paper inside of them in order to maintain their original shape. This is something that you can do at home, as well. It is a simple and effective method of making sure that your favorite shoes maintain the shape they had when you first bought them.



3. Use shoe trees
If you want something more advanced, you can use shoe trees which fulfill the same function as the crumpled up paper, but it does it much better. It works great, especially for leather shoes and can extend their life span considerably.



Eventually, when you are in need of new shoes, visit www.soleprovisions.com. You will be able to browse at your leisure through a large collection of quality products.