Barrington Gifts Tote (c/o) / J.Crew Chambray Shirt (Softest chambray shirt I own!) / BaubleBar Necklace (c/o — Sold out, same necklace here in different colors) / C.Wonder Pumps (Sold out, original inspiration from J.Crew here) / Henri Bendel Bracelet / Marc Jacobs Watch (Also love it in brown and black) / J.Crew Jeans / Kate Spade Sunnies (Old, similar here) / J.Crew Earrings / Clinique Lipstick (“Pudgy Peony”)
These photos were snapped early Friday night before heading up to our friends’ apartment in Lakeview, which I now know is really cute, vibrant neighborhood directly north of us. (#practicallyachicagoexpert) And yes, you read that correctly. We have friends! Huzzah!
Over the last month, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges of relocating is meeting people. Truthfully, I haven’t really put myself out there yet, as I’ve been doing a considerable amount of traveling. But now that I’m back in Chicago for good and have no big trips on the horizon, I’m more aware than ever that it’s important… even if I’m out of practice and a little nervous about it. ;) The good news is that my fabulous husband–kind of unbeknownst to me–has kept in touch with an impressive number of his fraternity brothers from his days at the University of Illinois! It’s been a real blast hanging out with and getting to know Mitch’s buddy Alex as well as Myra (Alex’s super sweet girlfriend) and Dolph (their French Bulldog). Hehe. Their kindness and warmth have been such a godsend over these past few weeks! (Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to see a few of the selfies I took with Dolph on Friday night. There were 53 of them in total.)
And the bag I’m carrying? It’s from Barrington Gifts, an adorable company headquartered in Dallas. Their totes and bags–perfect for work, travel, baby or everyday use–are made of durable ballistic nylon, and feature premium Florentine leather trim, handles and bottoms. Products are fully customizable, and you can see can see all of your choices (colors, patterns and monograms) in realtime before you order. (How great is that?! I hate guesswork when designing a custom piece!) I’m featuring the Saint Anne Tote, but check out the company’s other products below. I’m smitten!
Cute outfit! Although I can’t believe you’re in jeans and a long sleeve. I am melting here in San Antonio!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
It’s COLD here!! Okay. Maybe not “cold,” but in the low 70s and in the 60s at night. Brrrr! Jealous of your heat!
Love this chic, classic look! I can’t get enough of chambray right now, and I love how you dressed this one up with white skinnies and metallic pumps. So cute!
xx
Meg
http://www.struttinginskinnies.com
I love the tote, super adorable!
Kristina does the Internets
Meeting new people can be the tough part of moving. That is so great you have Mitch’s friends. I love the last picture of you and Dolph. It is so cute!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Nicole, thank you! I agree–it’s so hard. But we’re slowly making friends. I just have to remember that moving is an adjustment, and we’re not going to have an amazing group overnight. It might take a couple of years, but that’s okay!
Beautiful bag! So happy you are starting to get your bearings on Chicago, you’ll be a pro in no time!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Kelly your outfit is flawless! Plus how adorable is that dog?! :) And meeting new people is so hard :/ Hopefully you make some new good friends :)
http://neatly-packaged.com/
OMG, I’m obsessed with Dolph. He has SUCH a great personality, too! Haha. Such a little cutie.
I love everything about this outfit – so classic and cute!
xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
Love the relaxed look of this outfit! That chambray top is perfect!
I still haven’t caved and bought white jeans yet, but I know I won’t look nearly as cute in them as you do. And that dog is so adorable! He has this look that says, “Really Kelly, another selfie?” Ahah.
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
Katherine, you NEED to get the Madewell “skinny skinny” ones. They are my favorite. I LIVE in them. But wait for a sale–I’ve gotten them for super cheap!!
And yes. Poor Dolph, hahaha. I torture him with selfies every tie I see him!
Super cute bag! Love the whole outfit really! :) Glad you are making friends, that is def the hardest part of relocating! xo
McKenna
stylewaltz.com
Thanks so much, McKenna–It means a lot! :)