Dads Fantastic News!

Gals,
Ive been so excited this weekend with news of a more personal nature. My dad recently embraced his passion for photography and has been honing his craft this year with some pretty intensive practicing sessions. Well the news broke this week that Dad has his first exhibition booked and will be aiming to showcase his body of work before christmas in a local venue.

This is awesome news guys as Dad spent his whole life working in a different job and denying his creative streak only to revisit it after life took a new path. I'm probably his most biased biggest fan and his work really inspires me everyday so I wanted to share one of his portrait studies with you as they are so sweet.

Sophie is my only niece and my Godchild and Dad managed to capture his granddaughter in what can only be described as a really special Rembrandt-esque piece. I love the mood of both shots and the elegant line of Sophie's neck in the pic, her dance training is already evident in her posture and I love how photography captures her little mannerisms.

Well done Dad and here's to a fabulous exhibition.

We will be sure to share pictures from the night.

I Like Your Face, Tail, Scale, Walk, and Talk

Outfit details:
Olive tank: Old Navy, remixed
Gray cardigan: Forever 21
Jeans: C&A in Buenos Aires, remixed
Shoes: Toms, remixed
Beret: Old Navy

Where:
Target, Michael's, home for craft-a-bonanza

I think it's safe to say I went crazy with crafting today. I've been wanting to go out to Michael's to get some heavier thread for hemming pants (literally every pair of pants I buy has to be hemmed at least three inches), ribbon for headbands and necklaces, and other jewelry-making accoutrements. What resulted was a full day of jewelry-making and general craftiness, with a final product of something like 8 necklaces, a bracelet, a beaded ring, and a gazillion more ideas. I didn't have the energy to snap pictures of the final necklaces this evening, but I promise to premiere them in tomorrow's post. For now you can appreciate the simple coziness of my crafting outfit.

Title song: Bright Eyes, " A Spindle, a Darkness, a Fever, and a Necklace"

The First Bent Objects Promo Video

Our cat makes a cameo appearance, and is sure to be the most memorable part of this.

If you like it, please fee free to share it with a friend. Or even a friendly looking stranger.

Shoot the Moon Right Between the Eyes

Outfit details:
Plaid shirt: Marshall Fields
Jeans: Gap, 1969 "Always Skinny"
Oxfords: Trotters, via ShoeTrader
Ring: gift
Wood earrings: craft market

Where:
Clean-up day at work

Today was clean-up day at work. This meant a major overhaul of the organization of the office, plus crazy shredding of documents, sweeping, unearthing holiday decorations, and tons of other none-too-exciting tasks. It was actually also a really good informal bonding experience with some of my other coworkers. Plus, check out the awesome clock that I rescued from the "donate" pile!! It is now proudly displayed on our bookshelf. Yay!

The clean-up day also meant I was allowed to wear jeans to work, which was a big win in my book. I just don't feel like myself without my denim, so I was pretty happy to get to throw on my plaid shirt and darkwash skinnies this morning. Plus, I loved the opportunity to break out my new leather oxfords, which I got way on sale just before ShoeTrader closed its doors. I'm still breaking them in, but I adore their woven texture in the toe area and their distinct old-man vibe.

Title song: John Prine, "Clocks and Spoons"

Walking Down the Same Street Together on the Very Same Day

Outfit details:
Dress: Angie, via Nordstrom Rack
Skirt: thrifted, remixed
Socks: Target
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden
Belt: thrifted, remixed

Where:
Work

So this post be a bit of a photo dump. I just truly loved today's photoshoot with Joe, and had a hard time picking just one or two.

It's been feeling more and more like fall lately. The weather has been perfect, in my opinion. Sunny skies, mid-70s, light evening breeze, and a few colorful leaves drifting down. What Chicago loses in winter it more than makes up for during autumn. This week has been absolutely flying by. I had meetings all day yesterday, which were very interesting but totally draining, and I spent most of today trying to catch up. It's just going to get busier from here, too, so I definitely need to utilize my down time to rejuvenate. Joe and I are hemming pants, eating Indian food, and watching The Graduate tonight, so it's a pretty good start.

I am loving my new dress and its major potential for remixing. I think it looks adorable like this, worn with boots and socks but mostly layer-free, but I'm also intrigued with the idea of chunky cable-knit tights and a turtleneck layered underneath, creating an interesting texture palette. And, of course, it will be delightful next summer with casual sandals and canvas belts (yes, I'm planning for next summer, but with a dress like this, wouldn't you?). I just love its full skirt, ruffle detailing, and saturated color. Oh, and these Steven by Steve Madden boots are my absolute FAVE. Subtly pointed toe, stovepipe shaft, adjustable calf width, leather upper, 1" wedge heel. My perfect black boots.

Title song: Paul Simon, "Gumboots"

A quick capture!

Gals,

During our recent filming debut the photographer managed to capture a couple of snaps of the action on the day. I love the pic with the blurred TV cameraman in the background. It reminds me of the surrealism of the whole day. We all had a blast and we are looking forward to sharing the feature with you all when it hits the box!

In style....

bonzie & ger

Coming to Town with the Briefcase Blues

Outfit details:
Navy tank top: H&M
Pants: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
Cardigan: Anne Klein
Pumps: Indigo by Clarks
Black pearl necklace: gift

Where:
Work, haircut, beer-brewing

Today was haircut day!! I freaking love haircut day! One of the absolute best things in the world, as far as I'm concerned. Especially on a Wednesday in the middle of an incredibly busy work week. It was lovely to get my free brew, therapeutic shampoo, and delightfully perfect trim. I love my salon.

Today's outfit is also the debut of some of my new work clothes. My mom and I did some awesome bargain-shopping this weekend. Some of my favorite finds were these great Michael Kors skinny-leg slacks, on sale for $24.99 at Nordstrom Rack. Yes. Y.E.S. They fit like a dream, and I'm loving the skinny silhouette, which seems to be very hard to find with dress slacks. I also got this lovely Anne Klein cardigan at Marshall Fields (that's right, Marshall Fields. I'll never get used to calling it Macy's). I've been majorly lusting after the drape-front cardigans that seem to be showing up everywhere, and I really love the 3/4-length sleeves and angled hem of this one.

p.s. Sorry about the crazy eyes in these pics. Taking my pictures at night with the flash created some major red eye that didn't seem to be solvable in iPhoto.

Title song: Beck, "Devil's Haircut"