(french toast with mixed berry quick-compote)

Truthfully, a few might be from February; my bad.

(Intelligentsia Coffee, Cappuccino)

(Wine at the bar)

(David Lebovitz book signing; dessert)

(Another cappuccino)

(Mixed berry cheesecake at brunch)

Another rainy day in Chicago. I’m currently hiding away in Kickstand Coffee in Lakeview… enjoying the balmy temperature and the Talking Heads on the stereo. Latte is finished and doing some people watching… what a great start to a Friday Evening. I hope the rain finishes up for some fun running around tonight!

I apologize for the lack of updates, I have been super busy! I broke my  ”shopping ban” with a few new pieces for spring! I hope the weather warms up here soon, so I can wear more skirts & shorts with no tights.

I know this shirt is a little over the top, but I’m thinking thats why I love it. I’ve been wanting a shirt with a peter pan collar, and finally found this at Forever 21. Its super light, breezy, and the floral print adds to the  retro flair.

I’m a little crazy with the florals! I fell in love with this at Akira; it is so incredbly soft and I love the almost abstract flowers. The black details along the cut-outs help keep it from being too “sweet,” and a bit more modern. I love where the cut outs are located on my sides.

I apologize for this photo, it is a little hard to see. My new favorite top from H&M. Soft, sheer, lace cropped top that is insanely versatile! I have to stop myself from wearing it everyday; it comes in black as well….

While recently vegging-out to some glorious T.V. I happened to hear a familiar song… I couldn’t believe it! Blonde Redhead’s, “23,” is currently featured in a Victorias Secret commercial. What? Although shocked, it fits well with the sexy and dreamy quality of the song.

I tried using their “official” video for the song (won’t work embedded), so check it out if you have the time.

So while everyone is on spring break… I’m in beautiful Chicago! Ha! It’s not a biggie, but if I were to go anywhere in the U.S it’d be New York or Arizona. My family for a while would visit every year during the late fall. I love New York but Arizona wins in the “Spring Break” category!

Phoenix zoo… proof I wear COLORS! The zoo was very beautiful, sprawling, and a perfect afternoon with the family. Theres so many different places in Arizona to visit. I have a few favorite places in Phoenix (near where we stay) that I love!

Frances Vintage. Sells vintage and vintage-inspired items. I bought some really cute, vintage, mercury-like tiny Christmas ornaments… while my mom bought a hand-made necklace! So adorable!

La Grande Orange Grocery My favorite place in the Phoenix area!! This is a really special place for foodies like me. A little hectic inside; both a grocery store, specialty item shop, and a place to eat delicious “home-made” food. We stopped by for brunch and I had a strawberry crepe, while my parents had the “Commuter” sandwich… or bacon-breakfast sandwich. Of course, we had some freshly squeezed O-J! Connected to the grocery is also a pizzeria and gelateria. Yes! I missed out on this part but check out a review at The Girl Who Ate Everything.

Being the “coffee geek” that I am… I forced my family to go get MOAR COFFEE. Ahem. We ventured over to LUX Coffee Bar, being situated next to the yummy Pane Bianco. This place was pretty rad; minimal & modern interior, choice pottery (Jonathan Adler tip jar?), and of course awesome coffee! They roast their own coffee beans, so of course I had to chat them up for a while… Owned by a couple, they were all so nice. Great collection of art as well!

And more at my Flickr if you are so inclined.

So, the other night was the “super moon,” or the largest the moon will appear in 18 years or so. Well, not so surprisingly I couldn’t see it… due to the weather. So heres another pretty picture of Lakeshore Dr, featuring my favorite sign of The Drake.

And my outfit. I felt kind of rock and roll that night, so I went with skinny jeans, chain earrings, and messy hair! I wish I had photos of my makeup; dark eyelashes, dark liner. Slinky Rachel by Rachel Roy top, that ties into a bow on the back. Also here are my new Louboutins! The same as my tan ones but in black, I love these simple pumps… so comfortable.

I’ve also been wearing my new vintage fur coat. It keeps me so warm and is more versatile than I was expecting it to be.

Stopped by Sarah’s Pastries and Candies to get  an iced coffee and macarons (my favorite)! The window displays are popping with more color; a welcome reminder that spring will be here soon. While I know the spring collections are out, I don’t feel like spring is here yet. Still wearing my winter coat, tights, greys, and cold cold hands.

Dig it man.

I have a pretty minimal approach to dressing, and need to feel comfortable. Its no surprise black takes up most of my wardrobe, but one of my staple pieces is a surprise even to me; a leotard.

Finally joined bloglovin’ ;
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Yesterday I was welcomed at the door with a large orchid, which brought on an even larger smile. I have been wishing for one for awhile now, especially seeing the one in the lobby of our building. Much to my surprise, the BF brought one home to me. Its very large and beautiful; I hope it stays healthy under my thumb!

I can’t wait for spring. I buy a bouquet of flowers every week, and can’t wait to wear my favorite floral dress. Its  amazing how something so small can help brighten up a grey day.

Things I’m craving for spring. Even in multiples!
Burberry classic trench, lots of ballet flats (Repetto are my favorite), I love those Lanvin Pop purses (any color), full skirts, and sweet candy shades of Essie polish. Girly but in my favorite subdued colors.