I know that most of you don’t have dachshunds, but I’m astounded by how many e-mails I get about crate training them. Because it’s hard. Crate training any dog is hard–and I certainly remember my black Lab puppies crying their little eyes out in their new crates when I was growing up. But dachshunds are relentless in their barking, crying and howling… and two or three months of sleeplessness is bound to drive any new dog owner into utter sadness or flat-out insanity.
Poplin Dresses and Unproductive Days
L.L.Bean Signature Poplin Dress, Somerset Bucket Bag (See the rest of the Somerset collection here) and Wedges (c/o) / Kate Spade Sunglasses (Old, newer styles here) and Bangle (Old, but love this sailor’s knot bangle or this bow bangle!) / J.Crew Earrings (Have you seen the new arrivals?!)
I am having an unproductive day. I mean, I’ve tried with all my might to be productive, but some higher power is preventing it, haha. I’ve had a slew of technology problems, Noodle is a basket case today, and it seems that whenever I take one step forward, I’m forced to take two steps back. I was so overwhelmed at one point that I actually cursed at my computer. Like, addressed it as “Computer,” and everything.
It’s a Shore Thing
One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six // Seven // Eight // Nine
Guys. Have you seen the new arrivals from Kate Spade?! One of the themes is “Shore Thing,” which makes me so happy. Is it too early to start my countdown to the Jersey Shore? Mitch and I will be there at the end of June… so that’s… what? Only 86 days away. Nothin’!
Shop my favorites “Shore Thing” products above. (And yes. I realize the keychain isn’t beach-themed, but isn’t it adorable?)
Business Super Casual
Sheinside Navy Tweed Blazer (c/o) / Madewell Transport Tote / Brooks Brothers Navy Bow Pumps (Similar here) / C.Wonder Silk Shirt (Old, but I love these silky tees–perfect for spring!) / Hudson Jeans (Old, newer styles here) / Kate Spade Pearl Necklace (Old, newer style here) and Tortoise Sunglasses (Old, newer styles here) / Alex & Ani New York City, New Jersey and Nantucket Bracelets (c/o) / Daniel Wellington Watch (c/o — Last day to take 15 percent off your order with code “kellyinthecity15”!) / J.Crew Pearl Earrings
There was a time back in September and October, during my first couple of months in the freelance game, when I didn’t shower until noon. (#darkdays) I’ve since cleaned up my act, and now get ready before sitting down to the computer, as A) that was gross, and B) I’m happier and far more productive when I feel put-together. But I keep things casual, as–let’s be serious–I’m more often than not sitting at my desk or working from local coffee shops. Jeans and button-down shirts are my staples, and I simply change around 4 p.m. or so for whatever I have going on in the evening.
Shopular
As I post about my “new finds” pretty frequently, it’s probably no secret that I’m an app fanatic. At any given moment, I have at least 60 of them loaded on my phone, and I’m constantly deleting the unused and adding the new. I can’t help myself. I think it’s absolutely amazing how significantly a little app can impact my day, whether it’s improving my productivity, helping me stay in touch with friends and family, or helping me save time and money.
Well, new find, guys!
Barbour Trevose Raincoat
Barbour Raincoat, Tote, Jeans, Sweater and Dog Coat (c/o Barbour Lincoln Park — Visit 2042 North Halsted Street in Chicago or call 773-360-7926 to order!) / Sperrys (c/o) /Hazel & Marie Pearl Earrings / Daniel Wellington Watch (c/o — Only a few days left to take 15 percent off your order! Use code “kellyinthecity15.”) / Kate Spade Tortoise Sunglasses (Old, newer styles here)
Spring has finally arrived in Chicago. We’re not dealing with 70-degree temps like we did on that freak day a couple of a weeks ago, but the 50s are sittin’ pretty fine with me. Eeee! I really can’t get over that I’m wearing only a light coat in these photos. Happiness.
Spring Must-Haves
One (Also available at Bloomingdales–25 percent off with code “FRIENDS,” Tuckernuck–in navy, too–and Nordstrom) // Two // Three (Similar here) // Four // Five (Also available at Nordstrom) // Six // Seven // Eight // Nine (Also obsessed with the kids’ seafoam green and hot pink versions! A Big Kids’ size 5M is equivalent to a women’s size 7, and they’re only $75!) // Ten
1. Barbour Trevose Jacket: I’ll actually be featuring this jacket on the blog tomorrow! I adore it. I love the cheery color, striped interior lining, and how flattering it is. It’s just a rain coat, but I’m constantly surprised as to how warm it is. It’s been great for Noodle walks on rainy days! The Barbour Trevose Jacket is also available at Bloomingdales–25 percent off with code “FRIENDS,” Tuckernuck (in navy, too) and Nordstrom.
Summer House Santa Monica, Chicago
I’m wearing: L.L. Bean Signature Striped Shirt, but I also love this striped pullover, this gingham dress, and this striped dress; Leather Mocs; Bucket Bag, and see other bags from the “Somerset Collection” here! (c/o) / J.Crew Toothpick Jeans and Pearl Earrings / Daniel Wellington Watch (c/o — Use code “kellyinthecity15” to take 15 percent off your order until March 31st) / Kate Spade Bangle (Old, but LOVE this sailor’s knot bangle!) and Sunnies (Old, newer styles here)
Mitch is wearing: L.L.Bean Signature Gingham Shirt, Sold out, but he also loves this chambray shirt, this navy shirt in check, and this gingham shirt (c/o) / J.Crew Factory Khakis / Sperrys (Do we think we need a new pair?) / Daniel Wellington Watch (c/o — Use code “kellyinthecity15” to take 15 percent off your order until March 31st!)
I haven’t been the best blogger over the past few days. There was the drive from the East Coast back to Chicago, of course, and then we had one of our very best friends from New York come to stay. (So much fun to see Jeremy! We went to the iO Theater to see improv. I was in stitches!) I was out of the apartment working on projects for most of Thursday, and last night was date night, as Mitch and I hadn’t really seen each other since last week. (We went to Tarantino’s in Lincoln Park for appetizers, and afterwards, Mitch sang karaoke–Bruce Springsteen’s “Blinded by the Light”–at Shoe’s Pub. Loved it, hehe.)
Windy Days in the Windy City
Shokay Sweater (c/o) / Vera Bradley Leather Clutch and Bracelet (c/o) / J.Crew Toothpick Jeans and Pearl Earrings / Franco Sarto Pumps (An old TJMaxx find! Similar here, here and here) /Hazel & Marie Pearl Necklace (c/o — Clearly on repeat! I’m obsessed!) /Kate Spade Tortoise Sunglasses (Old, newer styles here) / Daniel Wellington Watch (c/o — Use code “kellyinthecity15” to take 15 percent off your order! Offer ends on March 31st!)
Crazy hair.
Do you guys know that the origin of Chicago’s “Windy City” nickname has three other possible explanations besides the weather? The World’s Fair, the city’s rivalry with Cincinnati, and its politics. The weather thing is the real deal, though. I can’t even tell you how many photos Blair and I had to take in order to get these pics! ;)
Bachelorette in South Beach
(The bride-to-be. Isn’t she gorgeous?! She’s wearing a dress from LuLu’s; similar little white dresses here.)
A couple of weeks ago, I flew to South Beach (for the second time in two months!) for my future sister-in-law’s bachelorette party. I had no problem getting there from Chicago, but everyone coming from the northeast? Quite the different story. Poor Kim had her flight flat-out cancelled, and so many of the other girls dealt with major delays from the snowstorm. (Remember the flight that skidded off the runway at La Guardia? Yeah. That occurred on the day Kim tried to fly out.) I spent the first night alone, but eventually–after much fighting with the airlines–everyone made it!