Dress: April Marin (c/o) / Bag: Kate Spade (Old), similar here and here (bigger) / Bracelets: Capwell + Co. (c/o) and Armed & Readi (c/o) / Sandals: Jack Rogers / Earrings: J.Crew / Sunnies: Kate Spade (Old), newer styles here / Watch: Marc Jacobs, and love it in brown and black!
Well, it’s day five in Chicago, and things are good. :) Our days have been packed with exploring, catching up with Mitch’s high school and college friends, and turning our new apartment into a home.
My last apartment wasn’t the best. It was a studio, and had very little storage space–so it was a complete mess more often than not. It was located on the top floor of an old school where the gymnasium had once been, and didn’t even have windows–just skylights, which were impossible to open. (Making the place a zillion degrees during the warmer months!) I suppose I could have tried harder to make it homey, but I knew it was a temporary place, so I just kind of gave up.
The Chicago apartment, though, is so different. It’s still located on the top floor–but it’s in an old townhouse, and it has walls and windows. (Huzzah!) There’s a great cross breeze, and it has beautiful wide-plank hardwood floors, a big backyard, and a back porch. (Outside spaces are pretty much unheard of in New York, unless you’re more established… or living in your grandmother’s old rent-controlled apartment.) I’m in love. Of course, every room is a project, but the possibilities are endless.
Moving–especially from one major city to another–is super expensive, so we’re trying our best to outfit the new apartment on the cheap. Think lots of DIY projects, thrifted items, and sale stalking. Our biggest project, and the one we’re most dedicated to right now, is the back porch. We’ve never had an outside space before (and the weather is gorgeous), so we really, really want to make it nice. After weeks of research and combing the internet, we found the perfect outdoor furniture set for a steal. Today, we’re attempting to put it together.
Cross your fingers for us! I’ll check back in tomorrow to share our progress!
Such fun! Can’t wait to see your porch project! I have a little patio, but it overlooks the parking lot, so I never use it!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Can’t wait to see pics of your new place! Love your dress with the coral and dark cobalt!
Liz @ http://www.shoppingmycloset.com
Style Me Wednesday fashion link-up
Love your dress and can’t wait to see pictures of your new place it sounds great!
http://www.thepolishedpearls.com
Congrats on finally finding an apartment you love and deserve! Looking forward to a tour.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Such an adorable dress! Sounds like your move went well. Although decorating on the cheap isn’t always easy, I love a good DIY project! Sounds like your new apartment is going to be fab! Can’t wait to see pictures!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
What a cute dress! Looking forward to seeing your new place! Sounds like a great place :)
Country Girl’s Daybook
Country Girl’s Daybook
Good luck setting up your apartment! Both of the places I’ve lived in in Chicago have had a little outdoor space, which is so nice. I’m sure your porch will turn out great!
Kristina does the Internets
Having a new space to decorate is always so much fun! Can’t wait to see pictures!
Thanks so much, Caroline. :) xoxo!
A back porch is like the holy grail for rentals. I have a balcony directly over the busiest highway in North America…a backyard oasis in the city is my fantasy, lol! Enjoy.
L,
http://www.fatfreefashion.com
Love the orange/navy combo and that Kate Spade purse is too cute!
http://www.taffetaandtulips.com
Your new place sounds AMAZING, cannot wait to get some glimpses of it! We’re moving next month, so I’m especially in need of some design inspo :) And just love that dress– navy + orange are the most unexpectedly brilliant color combo!
xx, Emily
shell chic’d
LOVE this dress! and congrats on more space; sounds amazing and good luck with all your diy projects!