Although it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long, today is The Windy Mile’s 1st Birthday! Exactly 365 days ago, I posted my very first blog post (and boy, was I excited!). You’d think that after that many days, I would feel a lot more accomplished than I do, but you know what.. It’s okay. It’s okay that my life hasn’t been the “fashion shows” you see on other girls’ blogs, or that I don’t turn every day into a “photo shoot day” like everyone else. I’m a real-life girl, with real-life problems – and I definitely have a life. When I started this blog a year ago, I had every intention to post as frequently as possible and to share all of my fun, Chicago moments with the world – but then, life got busy. Between work, paying off loans, dieting and taking care of myself, I just haven’t been able to focus on/take the time to worry about this little guy — and I’m sorry. I’m sorry to WordPress for leaving it lonesome for days weeks at a time. I’m sorry to any regular readers (if I still have any at this point) who continually see the same damn post on the home page. And I’m sorry to anyone who feels they deserve one. After a semi-disappointing year of blogging, I can honestly say that I’m ready (yet, still nervous) for year two. So let’s get ready for another year of blogging! Hopefully a much better year of blogging…
By now, I’m sure you guys have seen the Jeffrey Campbell wedges that are a “Shy-Town” exclusive, but I seriously had to post them on my blog because they’re so cute! I’m a huge fan of Jeffrey Campbell, but haven’t gotten a pair yet because 1) they’re a little out of my current budget and 2) I’ve always been a little intimidated by the big, chunky designs (not quite sure if I could pull them off). But these cute, little babies that can be found exclusively at Lori’s Boutique are ones that I wouldn’t mind picking up as my first pair of JC’s.
*I’m also really loving these cute wedges and these espadrille-inspired flats for summer, too!
Over the weekend, I got to spend some quality time with my mom and sisters. Since it was Mother’s Day weekend, we decided to have a little ‘girls day out’ – and ended up spending our entire Saturday out at Woodfield Mall. My main goal was to get a few new things to wear to work, but I was constantly drawn to all the super cute dresses I was seeing. Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I’m usually not a dress person, but the bright colors and patterns are really pulling me in. I also like that the ‘all-over-the-place’ patterns make them easy to throw on without much work (when the weather finally decides to warm up).
1) Abstract-Print Ruffle Dress, $39.50
2) Nautical Stripe Knit Dress, $34.50
3) Abstract-Print Tube Dress, $39.50
4) Chevron Stripe Dress, $24.50
All featured items are available at Delias.com
Today is May 4th. That means I’m exactly one week away from an entire month of not blogging. When I read fellow Chicago blogger, Lisa from Archives Vintage, mention how she felt guilty about not blogging after only a few days, I decided that not blogging for a month is a bit ridiculous. I mean, it’s not that I don’t have random stuff to blog about (because I definitely do), but mainly because my personal life has taken most of my mind and energy. I still love my merchandising job, but I haven’t been able to fully get my sleep schedule on track (thanks to all these late night Blackhawks & Bulls playoff games lately). So after getting up before sunrise for work, there’s about a 90% chance you can find me napping when I get home. Not exactly a full-time blogger type of thing; nor does it leave much time for hobbies.
I also put myself on a spending freeze last month in order to help pay off my student loans and hopefully start saving more. Due to this unfortunate cut, I haven’t exactly been interested in shopping/fashion (nor have the bf and I gone out much). And well, since fashion and going out in Chicago are the 2 most relevant topics to my blog, I haven’t really had much to say. But since I do work in fashion merchandising, I really have no choice but to see things I want (#1, #2) and things I thought I needed (#3).
1) Jessica Simpson Floating Poppies Bikini, $48.
2) Calvin Klein Bayou Straw Satchel, $248.
3) Coach Poppy Eau de Parfum, $80.
April 11, 2011 – 10:00 am
Chicago was absolutely beautiful this weekend; I can’t even describe how nice it was to finally not wear a jacket. But when I saw thunderstorms in the forecast for this week, it came to my attention that I have never owned rainboots. Since my UGG boots will soon be retired for the year, I’ve decided that I should probably invest in a pair of wet-weather boots. I’ve been thinking about a black pair so I can wear them to work, a pale neutral color to stay in trend or a pair of bright patterned ones just for fun. I don’t really think they’ll get too much use before summer is in full force, so whichever pair I get, I’m hoping to not spend too much on them. {Although, these Coach ones are really cute.}
1) Dirty Laundry Round Up Rain Boots, $59.00 – Macy’s
2) NYLA Clioo Rain Boots, $49.99 – Kohl’s
3) GOLKA Rain Boots, $45.00 – AldoShoes.com
4) Rampage Reena Pink Plaid Rain Boots, $39.95 – DSW.com
Being a busy and organized girl, I’m always open to extra zippers, pockets and pouches. I’ve always liked things being in a certain spot, so they’re easier to find when I need them. That’s why I’m really excited that the utility pocket is in style again. It not only adds functionality, but it gives any item a little bit more detail. I also really like that most of my favorite utility items are in pale neutral colors, making them more than perfect for spring. I’m serious when I say warmer weather really couldn’t get here fast enough..
1) Sunny Delight Utility Tote, $78.00 – Olivia & Joy
2) Bluciana Utility Pocket Satchel, $108.00 – Steve Madden
3) Utility Pocket Stretch Belt, $19.98 – Style & Co.
4) Ella Crinkled Cropped Utility Pocket Jacket, $128.00 – GUESS
5) Long Sleeve Utility Pocket Anorak, $159.00 – Irina Shabayeva for INC
6) Camouflage Mini Utility Bag, $55.00 – Fossil
Because I’m composed of my wonderful father’s DNA, I unwillingly inherited the “family sweet tooth.” Ever since I was little, my dad has always had his (almost nightly) bowl of ice cream – or some other sort of sugary snack – and I was always around to share the goodness. While he never really gained any weight, I wasn’t exactly so lucky (thanks to my mom’s curvy genes). All these years later, there’s still a 98% chance that I’ll like anything with sugar in the ingredients – and well, that’s a problem. It’s actually my sweet tooth that got my into this diet situation in the first place, so I’ve been trying really hard to stay away from anything with lots of sugar – and that’s where Russell Stover becomes my hero.
I actually found their Net Carb & Sugar Free candies back in high school – and they’ve been a “diet dessert” ever since. They have lots of different candies that work great with a low carb diet & they actually taste the same as normal, sugary candies (I actually think I’m starting to like them more). The one thing that I’m not so fond about is that they’re made with Splenda. While I haven’t heard anything seriously bad about Splenda, I would really prefer them to be made with Stevia (or another natural sugar substitute) – but since I usually only eat them during my diets, it shouldn’t be a huge deal. Regardless, I’m still secretly hoping my mom (oops, I mean the Easter Bunny) brings me this basket next month. Check out RussellStover.com for more information – where you can get FREE SHIPPING when you spend $25 or more.
*Disclaimer: I was not contacted, paid or endorsed by Russell Stover to write this post. I really just love these products - and think they’re great alternatives to traditional sweets when dieting. The opinions are solely mine based on personal experience. Please consult a doctor or professional before consuming.
Every time I head to the mall, Zara is usually the first store I hit up – and it’s slowly (but surely) becoming one of my favorite places to shop. I love that they have a wide selection – and that the prices perfectly match the quality. When I was doing some online retail therapy this weekend, I realized that their current offerings are perfect for our mildly-cold transition to spring here in Chicago. I’ve been seeing lots of shorts & tank top outfits on girls’ blogs (and yes, I’m seriously jealous), but here in Chicago it’s not yet possible. This week’s high is finally going to be in the 60′s (only on Friday), so I’m still in the blazer/light jacket mode. Spring seriously needs to hurry up!
1) Leather Jacket, $249 | 2) Buttoned Blazer, $79.90
3) Jacket w/ Mao Collar, $129 | 4) Jacket w/ Topstitching, $79.90
Ever since I started my new job, I feel like I’ve been in a rut (both mentally and creatively). It’s not that my job is the problem (I actually love my job), but more or less my new “life after college” schedule, lifestyle and never-ending list of to-do’s. Since I now work full-time in retail merchandising, I have to be at work extra early. My days usually start around 4am nowadays, so it’s kind of been throwing me off. I don’t think I ever woke up before 8am during college – and it’s definitely been as difficult as I thought it would be to adjust to my new schedule. I want to apologize for the lack of posts these last couple weeks – and I also want to announce a possible semi-hiatus. I plan on posting a few times a week, but it may prove difficult until I get my schedule (and blogging mindset) back on track. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, like my page on Facebook or follow my blog via BlogLovin’ for updates.
Yesterday was my first day at my new job – and I have to admit that I’m really excited about the departments I’ll be running, since they’re some of my favorite things: accessories & handbags, women’s shoes, jewelry & watches, intimates, coats & swimwear. Since there’s so many, the most challenging thing I encountered was keeping track of time. All day, I kept reaching for my phone – and realized that it’s seriously about time I get a watch. I’ve never been much of a watch person - but it seems to be inevitable. After looking around, I decided I want something chunky, sleek and maybe a little “blingy.” The first one that caught my attention was this Michael Kors Stainless Steel Acrylic Watch. The chunky, gold plated front is sleek and stylish – and I love the subtle use of crystals. This one’s also nice because it’s a mix of brown and black, making it easier to wear with different looks. Available at Macy’s.com, $250.
Another one that I really fell in love with is this A|X Armani Exchange Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch. Since I’ve never really been a “watch” type of girl, I think I prefer watches that feel a little bit more like jewelry (it’s a mental thing). Plus, I love this simple, classy design that could literally go with everything in my closet. I mean, I can never say no to lots of bling – or feel bad about being caught wearing Armani, so this one is definitely in the running for being my first “real” watch. Available at Macy’s.com, $160.
The last one that I thought about is this Black Fossil Watch. Since my work wardrobe will now be a sea of black, I sort of felt like my new watch should possibly match. I really like this one because it’s perfectly sleek, yet also different than all of the silver and gold watches that I usually see. Since it also has a nice amount of bling, it could definitely be the pick. Not to mention that it’s less than $100 – and has an 11-year warranty! Seems like that warranty might come in handy since it’s a “work” watch – and you never know what might happen. Available at Macy’s.com, $95.
