So long, Summer

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Happy Friday! Even though I'm sure it will stay fairly hot outside for a few more weeks, it definitely feels like the end of summer. No more half-day Friday's for me.. sad. As much as I love fall (and fall clothes) I could use about 3 more months of 90 degrees because as soon as it's Fall here in Chicago.. well, it might as well snow. 

This weekend I'm watching my little brother and sister while my parents are in Sonoma, CA drinking wine and enjoying many delicious looking cheese trays. They've already sent me about 500 photos to make me jealous. I'm totally expecting a case of wine when they return. 

But besides babysitting, I'll be: 

- Checking out Toby Keith's new bar outside of Chicago with the boy and a few friends. 

- Continuing my 15K training with a 2 mile run (this may seem like a short distance but with a slight hangover from tonight I'm sure it will feel like 10 miles). 

-Watching my first Badger game of the season- with a bloody mary in hand. 

- Attending a baby shower for my cousin and spending QT with the fam. 

- Sneaking a few minutes by the pool to enjoy some end of summer sunshine.

What are you up to this weekend?

Zara Moment

There is something about Fall clothing that I absolutely love. I find it much easier to shop than Spring or Summer clothing. I promised myself I wouldn't post about Fall until after Labor Day but I lack decision making skills and need your help. I am in love with everything at Zara currently - like every other month. And I've narrowed it down to 2 pieces that can be worn now so I feel a little better. Do I go with the Striped Peplum Jacket or Leather Top with Lace Sleeves? And also, if you had to choose a smoking flat which would you choose? I am leaning towards the Studded Slipper but can't decide on a color. Help! 

Pick a Pair

I have had my eyes on the Irina Pump for several months now after I saw my boyfriend's sister wearing a pair. They were the perfect neutral shoe (without being boring black or nude). I found them on endless and saw that they were on major sale (perfect!) but then came my dilemma: I also saw these Kelsi Dagger Pumps that were very similar and only $50. I knew that my budget could afford either, but did I really want to spend $150 on a pair of shoes right now? With both pairs having great reviews, I ultimately chose the cheaper of the two. And to top my good luck off, endless is offering 20% off with the code FASHION1. At the end of the day I got those bad boys for $39 and they are on their way to my house already (with free express shipping). Talk about a style steal. 

Get The Look

I came across this image and it instantly reminded me of the street style I'd see in Paris. It's a combination of closet staples thrown together effortlessly. I love the neutral palette with a pop of red in the lips (and I added a little more with the red smoking flat). I'll take one of everything please. 

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SHOP THE LOOK:

Weekend Wardobe

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but I am more than ready for the weekend. I have a lot going on at work and have spent many 12 hour days trying to get it done. I have until next Friday to finish everything- but that just means next week will be just as busy. Needless to say- I will be enjoying every second of my weekend break. Tonight I'm celebrating one of my best friend's birthdays at The Cedar Hotel and meeting up with some college girlfriends. Tomorrow I'll be heading to the suburbs to work on my suntan (with plenty of SPF on) and hopefully I'll make it up to Lake Geneva Sunday for some time on the boat. Do you have anything fun planned?

I put together 2 outfits that I wish I was wearing this weekend out with my girlfriends. I'd wear the daytime outfit shopping/brunching and the nighttime outfit for dinner and drinks.My favorite aspects have to be those J.Crew shorts and those J.Crew pumps. It's safe to say I have the J.Crew fever for fall. I also have that F21 necklace on today at work with my striped Stylemint Tee and I'm officially in love with it- and you cannot beat the $10 price tag. What's your ideal outfit for the weekend?

GET THE LOOK:

Honesty.

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Honestly, I've been feeling very discouraged as of late- which is why there have been very few blog posts these last few weeks. I can't really put my finger on a specific reason for it, but I definitely need to start making some changes. I'm only 23 and have had a full time job since graduating from college last May so I am lucky in that sense. However, the position I'm currently in makes me miserable and is not at all what I'd like to be doing (I didn't know this before taking the position). 

I studied merchandising/retailing/business in college and I truly enjoyed all of my classes and internships- but somehow I feel like I chose the wrong path. Mainly because I loathe my job and I don't want to leave Chicago. I feel as if I would realistically need to move to the east or west coast to  pursue a career I actually enjoy in the retail industry. There just aren't enough companies here and a lot of them only offer the position I currently work in. I grew up in Chicago; My whole family is here, my friends are here, and my boyfriend is here. I already spent 4 years doing long distance and that is just not in the cards for me anymore (my sanity thanks me for that decision). 

I have some semblance of a savings account, but I also have a car payment, tons of student loans, and a whole lot of other bills. So realistically taking an unpaid internship in something I do enjoy or taking off to Europe for a few months is just not feasible. I enjoy marketing but have much more experience in retail and  am not sure I'm even qualified for any positions I've seen. I use this blog as a way to be creative and focus on things that truly make me happy. But even here, I'm feeling uninspired.

This post is not meant as one big complaint and I apologize if it comes across as that, but I need a new direction and could use a little help. Which door do I choose? Stick it out and hope it gets better or move on to something new? What do you do when you're feeling discouraged? I'm in a serious funk and any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. 

Wallet Friendly Polka Dots

I was hesitant to write this post because I am currently feeling very overwhelmed by polka dots. They are taking over the fashion world/life in general. Don't get me wrong, I love them. But they are definitely overexposed. I love the idea of a polka dot blazer (especially in black) it's versatile and looks great with pretty much anything. I saw Emily post an outfit with the Madewell version today and loved the look- but could not justify spending $138 on a polka dot blazer. I won't even spend that much on a regular blazer. This Forever 21 find is the perfect solution- while its shape is a little less flattering, at $113 less I'll take it.