Over the last few months, I’ve received a bunch of emails about what Mitch and I do to save money while living in the city. Life is expensive, and urban life is especially pricey.
How to Save Money While Living in the City
No Sick Days
I don’t really get sick days. I mean, I suppose I get ’em, but I’m not salaried, and therefore taking days really hurts. Taking time off from my first job as an editor was super challenging, too. I’d often feel that taking sick days weren’t worth it, simply because of the prep/catch up work they required. And as a teacher, fear of the administration usually prevented me from staying home when it was truly necessary–both for me and the kids. No bueno.
But who doesn’t feel like this? Is there anyone out there whose workload doesn’t multiply when she’s out of the office for a few days, or whose boss high fives her when she suddenly comes down with a bad cold or the flu?
Didn’t think so.
How to Wear a Blanket Scarf with a Dress
Asos Blanket Scarf c/o (Old, similar here, here, here and here) / Adrianna Papell Dress c/o (AP also available at Nordstrom!) / Kate Spade Sunglasses (Old, similar here and here) / J.Crew Bracelet (Old, similar here. Also love this one and this one!) / Henri Bendel Tote c/o / Moon & Lola Earrings c/o / Hazel & Marie Pearl Necklace c/o / Seychelles Booties c/o (Old, similar here, here, here, here and here)
Okay. I lied. I’m not going to be sharing photos from the weekend today, as I didn’t even come close to accomplishing my work-related goals yesterday, and I’ve been a little under the weather lately. (Boo!)
So for now, this little blog needs to take the back burner–as much as I wish it didn’t have to. But I’ll leave you with this: I’m so glad the blanket scarf has made its return this year, because there’s nothing else I want to pair my fall dresses with. I mean, it’s now socially acceptable to wear blankets in public?! I’ll take it. ;)
Striped Turtlenecks Go with Everything
Adrianna Papell Coat c/o (AP also available at Nordstrom) / Sole Society Bow Pumps c/o (Old, similar here) / Louis Vuitton Tote / J.Crew Turtleneck (Also love this one in navy!) and Necklace (Old, similar here and here) / Kate Spade Sunglasses (Old, similar here and here) / Hudson Jeans c/o / Kendra Scott Earrings c/o
This past week and weekend were jam-packed with fun, and as a result, I’m beat. ;) I’m spending today playing the catch up game, completing some (late) projects, running errands, and meeting with contractors. And I’m hopefully spending the evening on the couch watching Netflix and passing out early in the guest room, haha. Anyone else need a solid day–or more–to bounce back from ultra-fun periods of time?!
Leota Dress Giveaway
Leota Dress c/o / Moon & Lola Earrings c/o / Julie Brown Designs Bow Coat c/o / Kate Spade Pumps (My wedding shoes! Old, similar here and here) and Clutch (My wedding clutch! Old, similar here, here and here)
Happy weekend, everyone! Mitch and I are spending the day with my aunt, uncle and cousins at the Northwestern – Penn State football game. (So exciting!) But while I’m gone, I’m giving away the gorgeous Leota dress I featured in this recent post. :)
Vineyard Vines: His and Hers (And Ask Mitch Anything!)
I’m wearing: Vineyard Vines Ponte Pants, Plaid Cape, Canvas Carryall and Cashmere Sweater c/o / Kate Spade Sunglasses (Old, similar here and here) / J.Crew Bracelet / Kendra Scott Necklace and Earrings c/o / Lands’ End Booties c/o (Do we think I wear these enough?!) / C.Wonder Bracelet (Old, similar here, here and here)
Mitch is wearing: Vineyard Vines Shirt c/o / J.Crew Factory Khakis / J.McLaughlin Tie (Old, similar here) / Sebago Loafers c/o
A few things to address today:
#DogThanking with Purina
Wearing: Lands’ End Booties and Striped Top (Also love this one and this one!) c/o / Vineyard Vines Scarf c/o / Hudson Jeans c/o
Last night, Mandi and I took Noodle and Harriett to Trebes Park for some exercise and to snap some photos. Trebes, ironically enough, is my favorite green space in Lincoln Park. It’s smack-dab in the middle of our neighborhood, it’s always bustling, and visiting has been a great way to meet new people. Everyone is so friendly there. There’s just something about the park that draws people (and dogs!) together.
I mean, how cute is Noodle’s little fan club in these pics? Hysterical.
The Perfect Wrap Dress
Leota Dress c/o / C.Wonder Pumps (Old, similar here, here, here, here, and here) / Kate Spade Bag (Old, similar here, here, here and here) / J.Crew Bracelet (Also LOVE this one, this one, and this one. Haha!) / Hazel & Marie Pearl Necklace c/o / Moon & Lola Earrings c/o
Having always been on the smaller size on top (ahem), wrap dresses never seemed to work for me. They’d either fall down, move, or hang loosely without my noticing. Eek! A couple of weeks ago, though, the New York-based designer Leota sent me one of the brand’s fabulous “Perfect Wrap Dresses,” and–oh my goodness–I’m wearing my first wrap dress! :)
The Vest Trend
White House Black Market Vest c/o / J.Crew Striped Turtleneck / Kendra Scott Necklace and Earrings c/o / Hudson Jeans c/o / Louis Vuitton Tote (Available here, here and here) / Kate Spade Sunglasses (Old, similar here and here) / J.Crew Bracelet (Also love this one and this one!) / Lands’ End Booties c/o
How do we feel about the long vest craze, guys? It’s funny: I typically steer clear of trends, as I worry about investing money in pieces that’ll go out of style quickly. (Lesson learned from colored jeans, haha.) But I can’t get enough of this year’s vest thing. Maybe it’s because Maya has been wearing a ton of them lately, and I adore her style. Or maybe it’s because this is the warmest fall I can remember, and vests are perfect for those in-between, transitional days.
Navy Sweater Dress
Sale to Sable Sweater Dress c/o (Scroll down to get a 25-percent-off STS coupon code!) / Dudley Stephens Fleece Cape c/o / Ted & Muffy Custom Riding Boots c/o / Kate Spade Bag (Old, similar here) / J.Crew Bracelet (Also LOVE this one, this one, and this one. Haha!) / Moon and Lola Earrings c/o / C.Wonder Bracelet (Old, similar here)
Happy Monday, guys! I hope you had an absolutely wonderful weekend. The Larkins had a pretty crazy couple of days: an amazing birthday brunch for Kit at Rural Society, and an impromptu (out-of-control?) Halloween party at the house. More on all of that later, because I’m still recovering. (#old) But you can see Noodle’s Halloween costume here! And Noodle rocking out to Taylor Swift with Jess here, haha.
Anyway. This is what I wore on Friday night, which was low-key and spent (completely characteristically) in Lincoln Park. Mitch and I try out best to reserve Fridays for date nights, and I’m so glad. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy catching up about the week over pizza and wine! :)
As for what I wore: