So Never Mind the Darkness

Dress: eShakti * Cardigan: Forever 21, remixed * Tights: Hue, remixed * Boots: Ciao Bella, remixed * Belt: thrifted, remixed * Wood ring: gift, remixed

It still hasn't snowed in Chicago. I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but really I'm just perplexed. I grew up in a part of the country where we usually got our first snowfall in September, sometimes August, and where by the time Thanksgiving rolled around we had highs in the high-20s. So Chicago's mild autumns always throw me for a loop. I know that people talk a lot of big talk about Chicago's winters, and how harsh and cold and windy they are. And they are. I think that the coldest I've ever felt was in Chicago, even though temperatures where I grew up would get lower than they do here. But winter in Chicago is limited to a few months. December, January, and February are all pretty brutal, but other than that it's a lot of ups and downs. I'm more used to six months of winter and six months of temperate weather (it would be stretching it to call it "summer" when the highs only got to 80 occasionally). Anyway, I think my point is that getting rain on the second-to-last day in November seems pretty luxe to me. Take your time, snow. See you next month, hard frost. Maybe next week, icy streets. I'll take a windy February if it means 40s in November.

Anywho, enough about the weather (it's a small talk kind of post, I guess). I was pretty stoked when the delightful people at eShakti contacted me to offer some pretty deep discounts to anything on their site. I've reviewed a dress for them before, and I guess they sold me on the awesomeness of their stuff, because I couldn't help but snatch up this beautiful silk dress. Since eShakti customizes each dress for the buyer, and since they have free returns, there are always a few returned dresses that didn't fit the original buyer quite right. These are usually cheaper to begin with, and with my blogger discount I happily paid the whopping $15 for this dress. It's gorgeous, it feels incredibly dreamy, it's lined, it has pockets, and it fits beautifully. Happy early Christmas to me!

I was not compensated in any way for this post. eShakti provided the coupon code for their site, and I was asked to honestly review anything I bought with it. All opinions are my own.

Title song: Guns n' Roses, "November Rain"

Snowy Inspiration....

Bonzie Couture Embellished Collar ( inspired and photographed in the snow! )

www.bonzie.etsy.com

It's Getting Late

Dress: UO * Cardigan: Old Navy, remixed * Tights: Target, remixed * Loafers: Common Crow Vintage (15%-off Cyber Monday sale today!!) * Belt: thrifted, remixed

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Joe and I drove up to spend the holiday with his family, which was wonderful. We got to his mom's house on Wednesday afternoon, and almost literally when we turned off the car it started to snow. The biggest, prettiest, most perfect snow. The kind of snow that just feels like the holidays. I spent a good chunk of Wednesday afternoon and evening gazing out the window at the snow, and the neighborhood, all bundled up inside for the holiday. It's cheesy and ridiculous, but it was kind of awesome. It was super cold, too, so everything stayed perfectly frosted for all of Thanksgiving day, and most of Friday too. We haven't gotten snow in Chicago yet this year, so it was a kind of ideal way to feel like we were truly on vacation, and that the holiday season had really arrived.

The rest of the weekend was wonderful, too. We ate a lot, I held my own in the turkey day card games, and I got to meet more members of Joe's family, which was awesome. We spent Friday and Saturday exploring the city, hanging out at coffeeshops, and catching up with old friends. It was hard to come home yesterday, since I really felt like I was away, but it had to happen. I also took a complete break from the internet while we were gone. No email, no blogging, no commenting or tweeting or picture-taking. Joe's mom's house has neither internet nor a shower, so I spent my time taking long hot baths and reading books (I'm still working my way through Ulysses, if anyone is keeping track, but I finally finished What is the What, which I've been diligently reading since sometime this summer). It was divine.

These pictures are actually from a few weekends ago when Joe and I spent a Saturday in the city for a date. We went to Second City, with a giftcard I had gotten last Christmas, and then to Revolution Brewery for dinner (probably my favorite place in Chicago). I had actually worn this outfit to work earlier that week, minus the red lips, but thought it would segue perfectly into a casual city date night outfit, and I was right. It was comfortable and sassy, and I loved the way the red lips totally punches everything up to the next level. Plus, I'm obsessed with these loafers, so any excuse to wear them is fine by me.

I'm hoping to be back in the game this week, with picture-taking and blogging. It's going to be a very busy few weeks, and then Christmas will be upon us, which I can hardly believe. How was your Thanksgiving weekend? Did you get snow? Are you ready for it to be Christmas season yet?

Common Crow Vintage is a wonderfully cool sponsor of Between Laundry Days.

Title song: Elton John, "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)"

Here come the holidays!

It's funny- when we go on holiday, it's to get away from work, but when the holiday comes to us, it becomes all about work.  I think we're doing it wrong.

New Couture Statement Collar..

Available soon from www.bonzie.etsy.com

(Only 1 Available! Book now!)

€84 ($111)

First Snow of the Year!

Woke up to a Snowy Winter Wonderland this morning! The studio looks like a log cabin from Lapland! ;)

Bon Jovi's on the TV singing "Please come home for Christmas" and I'm eating my first bowl of porridge this year.... I guess it's official gals. Christmas is a comin!

xx

Vintage Disc Fascinators

New range of Vintage Disc Fascinators in stock soon.

40 Euro Each (53 Dollars Each) Introductory Offer!

Perfect accessory for the party season!

Some reserved to date, be sure to book in early, limited availability on these babies.

www.bonzie.etsy.com

Biting Off More Than You Can Chew

Dress: UO, remixed * Sweater: Old Navy, remixed * Tights: We Love Colors (mocha), remixed * Belt: thrifted, remixed * Heels: UO

It is a beautiful, sunny, cold morning in Chicago, and I couldn't be happier. Today is my last day of work for the week, and tonight I'm driving up to see Joe. Then tomorrow we're going to hit the road again to spend the holiday with his family. I'm all packed, with scarves and snowboots and fair isle sweaters with toggle clasps that are just waiting for some cocoa and a good book. I'm bringing a couple of loaves of my pumpkin beer bread (one for turkey day, and one to eat on all the other days!) up to Joe's mom's house, and I'm gearing up for the intense Thanksgiving Day card game that is sure to follow dinner.

I've been thinking a lot lately about where my life is going, and what I'm doing with it. It's been almost a year now that I've been in the same job, and though I love it dearly, I think I'm out of the honeymoon phase. It's a very grown-up realization, I think, to accept the fact that my life in the next few years may not be particularly groundbreaking or momentous. There won't be any graduations, since I'm not in school anymore. Of course, I may get a new job, or a promotion, but ultimately my life will still be the 9-5. And don't get me wrong, I kind of love the 9-5. But it can be hard sometimes to refocus my life in a way that doesn't involve major milestones or tangible accomplishments. It's partly why I miss school. Having something that occupies all of your time, that you can just sink your teeth into, is so satisfying and wonderful. It's very weird to me sometimes to realize that I'm not a student anymore, and that I haven't been for years now. I still identify as a student, an academic, though I'm progressively getting farther and farther away from that category in reality.

I do think about going back to school, but I just don't know what I would study. Not because I'm not interested, but because I'm too interested. I'd never be able to narrow it down to a single field to which I could devote myself. The anthropology of food. Art history in the postcolonial world. Modern American fiction. Gender in fashion. Queer theory. Brazilian cinema. (p.s. If any of you can come up with a single topic or discipline that incorporates all those things, please, please let me know. I'll apply to PhD programs post haste.)

I think part of what I need to focus on doing is learn how to devote myself to those things without being in school. Those are topics and ideas that I can still learn, and still delve into, even without a term paper or dissertation hanging in the balance. In my quest to simplify and prioritize my interests and passions, I've found myself wanting to read, explore, discuss, debate, and expand. Maybe as a pre-New Years resolution I can commit myself to do just that. I'd like to tear into a new project, bite off more than I can chew, and learn immensely fascinating things about new wonderful topics.

Title song: Alanis Morissette, "You Learn"

Work in Progress....

www.bonziedesigns.com

Gals, we have been very busy in the studio stocking up for our upcoming adventure. Coming very close to launch date so we hope to share our news with you all very soon. ;)

A Natural Noise Is Free in the Air

Ruffle-front blouse: Forever 21, remixed * Jeans: Old Navy, remixed * Cardigan: UO, remixed * Boots: Target, remixed

It's raining right now. And it's 62 degrees. In Chicago. In November. What the what is going on? I mean, don't get me wrong, I'll take it, but it's pretty effing bizarre. We had such a mild winter, then that blazingly hot summer, and now this? Makes you wonder, doesn't it, if this whole warming up thing is a global trend. Hm...what would we call it if it was? (Haha. Joe told me this joke yesterday and I thought it was delightful. I don' t know if it's communicated as well in writing, but I like it nonetheless.)

Despite the ever more confusing weather, I had a truly lovely weekend. Joe got in on Thursday night, and left yesterday evening, so we had a nice long weekend together. We went to our favorite breakfast place, found canning jars and snowboots at a thrift store, slept in, got almost nothing productive done (yay!), and had a fantastic date night on Saturday. We had gift certificates from last Christmas to go to Second City (I know, I know, it's November, and we really should have gone earlier, but we've been busy, and procrastinating, so the deck was definitely stacked against us). So on Saturday we went to the afternoon matinee of the 50 year anniversary show at Second City. It was hilarious! Way funnier than I had even expected.

I'll post pictures from Saturday a bit later, with my comedy club/dinner date outfit (spoiler alert: red lipstick!). These pictures are from yesterday, when we went out to breakfast and then on a very long walk. I've just been loving these little buckle boots lately. They are so comfortable, but feel so supremely badass. I love how they look with rolled up jeans and this varsity style cardigan. Perfect for a lazy Sunday, full of rifling through bargains at Unique and filling my belly with french toast and bacon.

During our super lovely long walk after breakfast, we came across this fantastically weird sight along the lake. A vintage Ouija board, sitting out on a concrete platform, just waiting to be played with. It was particularly perfect because of the dark, windy, cloudy day. The best part was the note inside: To whom it may concern: Use this board for the greater good of your higher self. Fantastic. The spirits told us that it was time to go home and have some hot chocolate, so we did.

Title song: Bright Eyes, "Ouija"

English Breakfast

 

I absolutely love the English, but their food is another thing entirely. (confession, I wasn't thinking about the English people's eating of beans for breakfast when I was making this. More like America's eating of "Beans and Franks", but I usually title things last moment, so here we are).

Speaking of England, an email friend from there, P K Munroe sent me his new book "You Can Stick It" (click the link for another person's description). I happen to think he's a rather clever fellow on a couple of fronts, so I want to give him a plug here.

My review- A sticker book for adults, whose publishers state- "We do not sanction any use which would deface or damage private or public property. No matter how amusing that may be."  Ha! Yeah, right. But don't worry, for those people who wouldn't want to deface public property etc., I would heartily recommend getting this book for the sheer fun of putting stickers on gifts to friends. It has subtle fake wine labels, a variety of stickers for book jackets ( "Winner of obscure prize", "Makes the film of the book look good"), DVD's ("Warning, may contain sluts"), CD's ("Difficult Second Album", "Contains Greatist Hit"), etc. Fun.

Coin Operated: Pay No Rent

Friday. WHEW.

Welcome to "Coin Operated", a new Between Laundry Days feature, where I'll round up a few of my favorite wishlist items from around the web. I don't normally do posts like this, but I've been obsessively ogling some beautiful things lately, and I thought it would be more productive to post about them than to buy them all. And by "productive" I mean "kind to my wallet". I'm focusing on some of my favorite Etsy sellers today, who have been killing it with their listings lately.

I love these accessories from Common Crow Vintage (my lovely sponsor and roommate!). They're both so fantastically vintage-ly wonderful.

Little Ocean Annie is one of my very favorite blogs and Etsy shops. She's been killing it with her latest updates. I had to include this already-sold Hudson Bay coat, since it's been haunting my dreams since she first posted it!

In addition to stunning jewelry (seriously, her shop is like one big Christmas list!), Tree and Kimball's vintage shop is superb. I love this wrap skirt and uber-cozy fisherman's sweater.

Pineapple Mint Vintage is a new obsession of mine. I can't get enough of her fab vintage shoes and the colors in that cardigan!!

Archives is another blogger favorite (and real life friend!) and world-conquering Etsy seller. My picks from her shop remind me of weekends at the cabin and lots of snuggling!

Title song: The Beatles, "You never give me your money"

She Hid Around Corners

Striped shirt: Target, remixed * Pants: Old Navy * Jacket: thrifted * Shoes: Common Crow Vintage

You guys, I had to stay so still for these pictures! I missed my daylight outdoor photo opportunity, but I'm sick to death of using the flash on my camera, since it messes with colors and makes everything look fake. I love posing in our little living room, especially with the fantastic chair that Emily thrifted, but the light is pretty awkward, so I have to be more creative. So I upped the exposure on my camera, counted to ten, and held still. Out of dozens of pictures, only a few came out non-fuzzy, but I still like them more than the flash versions. How do you deal with low light photo situations? I know some of you have fancy DSLR cameras that let you tinker with the light settings more (isn't there a low-light lens on some of them?), but for those of you with point-and-shoots, do you have any tips? We're heading into the dark months now, so there will be less daylight opportunities for awhile.

I also wanted to thank you all for your wonderful comments on my last post. Your words of wisdom, support, and kindness were exactly what I needed yesterday (which ended up being a pretty trying day). I'm definitely going to work on prioritizing myself sometimes. Last night, that meant lying on the couch and talking with the roomies, followed by a belt fashion show (this consisted of me trying on every belt in Kelli's closet) and giggling at The Florence and the Machine Baby. Plus, take-out pad thai. And a gin and tonic. And more belts. It was lovely.

I'm planning on lots more recuperating this weekend, too. I definitely have some work that needs to get done, but I'm already thinking of ways to organize my time around fun things also. I think I mentioned this already, but Joe is coming to Chicago this weekend, which is fantastic. He actually gets in tonight, which means an extra day together. I can't wait to hang out with him here, take a break from driving, and enjoy a few days off together. Also, the weather is just perfect for a relaxing weekend. It's cold, and the leaves have almost all finally fallen, so it will be perfect to just curl up with some tea and a book and a Joe and call it a day. I know it's only Thursday, but what are your weekend plans?

Common Crow Vintage is a lovely sponsor of Between Laundry Days. Interested in sponsoring? Send me an email!

Title song: Florence and the Machine, "Dog Days Are Over"

Client Corner ~ Irena

Irena looking every inch the sexy siren on her wedding day. What an incredible silhouette!

Client Corner ~ Irena

Irena and her party of bridesmaids all wearing Bonzie couture bridal boleros. Irena opted for the pure silk ruffled bridal bolero and the girls are all wearing the Bonzie Pierrot organza boleros. Irena gifted her girls their boleros each so we wrapped them all up individually and sent them across the world for her special day.

What a romantic finished look! Congrats to Irena and her hubby, wishing you both all the best in your new life together. May your journey bring lots of adventure.

xxx

Yvonne & Ger

Order your bridal boleros/wraps for the upcoming season and avoid the rush after Christmas.

www.bonzie.etsy.com

Don't You Put Me on the Back Burner

Oxford shirt: thrifted (part of a little boy's uniform!), remixed * Cardigan: UO * Jeans: Gap, remixed * Loafers: thrifted, remixed

You guys, can you believe it? I'm still sick. It has become ridiculous at this point. It's the kind of sick where I don't fill poorly enough to stay home from work, but by 2 or 3 in the afternoon I'm just about dead. And every day just seems to repeat the cycle. It's getting old, I tell ya. I'm just gonna keep on overloading my system with water and vitamins, and see what happens.

I've been leaning towards minimalism lately, not only in my fashion choices (less accessories, simple pieces that complement each other, without too many bells or whistles - I almost wrote "whistlys"), but also in my food choices, my time management, my mental well-being. I'm trying to pare things down, and get a handle (dammit! Just wrote "handly") on the various parts of my life. There are certain things that I love doing that have fallen off of my schedule, just because I've been feeling so scattered and cluttered and busy. I haven't written anything or made jewelry in months. I finally went through my Google Reader last night, and there were posts from Halloween that I still hadn't commented on (yes, those got the boot. I read and commented on the backlog from this week/weekend, but couldn't bring myself to tackle the archives. You all looked lovely, adorable, scary, or clever in your costumes - please pick the adjective that applies to you). It's not that I don't want to do those things, but in the past few months I've gotten into this daily routine that doesn't leave much time for recreation. It's job #1 all day, then dinner and job #2, followed by bed. It's not ideal, but I think I had convinced myself that it was doable. At some point, however, I think my body gave out on all that sustained busy-ness, and I've been recently inspired to re-prioritize.

This probably means that I won't comment as regularly. I read everything in my Google Reader, so just know that I'm there, even though my witty quips are not. I constantly feel inspired and renewed by each of you, and I'm so grateful for the creativity and energy that you put into my life. I hope that by acting more consciously, and letting myself prioritize things that make me happy, even if they're not "productive", I'll be able to go to bed at night fulfilled and sleepy, instead of simply exhausted.

I would love to hear some of your strategies for dealing with this. Are any of you doing the two-job-shuffle? It's hard to not let it overwhelm, and I've never really been one for sacrificing my free time, but it gets hard when the to-do list is seemingly neverending. How do you prioritize your hobbies and interests when things get stressful? What gets put on the back burner? (I think that is many people's biggest challenge. We all want to be able to do everything, but most of the time, something has to be sacrificed in order to balance it all out.) Any tips? Questions? Advice? Words of wisdom? I'll take anything.

Title song: The Killers, "All These Things That I've Done"