You know this, I love free stuff.  As a blogger, anytime I can get anything to make me feel glam & happy, I go for it.  I kept seeing photos of Influenster boxes popping up on my blog feeds and on Twitter, I saw a few other bloggers were getting boxes of free stuff… really good free stuff  and I wanted in.

Influenster is a pretty cool review service site.  If you’re a blogger who uses social media, they send you products based on your lifestyle for review.  I filled a quick survey with my interests and stats, got a few badges and forgot about it for a few weeks..until they said they were sending me goodies.  Oh, and goodies they sent!

The Spring Beauty VoxBox included:

• Sheer Cover Duo Concealer (sample):  Full size $29.95
• AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Body Wash (sample):  Full size $6.99
• ChapStick Lip Shield 365 (full): Retail $1.89
• Sally Hansen Salon Effects (full): Retail $9.99
• Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Twilight Woods (full):  Retail $14.99
• SOYJOY Bar:  $1.29 each
• Dr. Scholl’s For Her- Ball of Foot Cushions:  $5.99

So what’d I think?  The concealer from Sheer Cover was a bit too cakey for me- I have under eye circles and am very picky on what product works and what doesn’t..it was fun to try, but not a win.

The AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Body Wash brought back memories of being at the beach as a kid-  great, light smell that didn’t clash with my perfume and lathered well.  I also used it for shaving and it didn’t dry out my legs.  The ChapStick was good, as it always is.  I survive on Chapstick in the winter, but for  the sun exposure I get in the summer at the lakeside, I need one with an SPF- this had SPF 50 and moisturization so no sun chapping for me!

If you haven’t tried SOYJOY, I can recommend them-  if you’re looking for something that tastes sorta-biscotti without the crunch and more of the health, this might be a good fit for you.  The flavors are generally good- especially paired with tea or juice.  This Strawberry Bar from SOYJOY was nom noms.

By far, the two favorite products in the box were the Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles, Sally Hansen Nail Effects and Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods Spray.  These are all brands I’ve enjoyed in the past but haven’t been evangelized.  Dr. Scholl’s has saved my life several times with their gel insoles…  As a sorority girl in undergrad, I spent many recruitment days in black stilettos, without these gellies I’d have died.  If you wear high heels- YOU NEED THESE..for $6 you can swap these out in any pair (no adhesive) so it’s worth it.

Sally Hansen has knocked my socks off with their Nail Effects nail polish strips.  I haven’t put on the pink tigers strips yet, but for Christmas I tried their print in Candy Cane…  If you wondering if Sally Hansen Nail Effects are worth it, I’d say yes.  For $10 your “polish” lasts twice as long (mine looked nice for 6 days) and no annoying dry time.  I am not a pro and they apply like a dream!

Finally, there was the Twilight Woods Spray from BBW how could this not be a winner?  This fine fragrance mistis a mix of floral and berry with a smidge of silk powder.  Not too fruity, not too “grandma” either- just a good smell that’s universal. I’d never tried it before, but the bottle is gorgeous and it smells fab!  I don’t think it can replace my fave fragrance by Kate Spade, but it was fun to try.

(Disclaimer: I received the products reviewed above as part of the InfluensterVoxBox testing program. The products were provided free in exchange for my reviews and opinions of said products. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed in said reviews are truthful and entirely my own.)

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 Dress Effie’s Heart / Striped Cardigan- Target  / Jewelry- thrifted /  Shoes- ModCloth

My personal style has been developing over time but the common thread is a love for vintage notions- a mix of old and new.

I adore the romantic notions of vintage finds – the classy coverage and sensibility with a bit of playful flair.  I have also loved playing with mixing old and new pieces, which is exactly what I did with this look.

I just received this gorgeous Jackie dress from Effie’s Heart and played up the vintage feel of the dress with my classic mary janes.

Beyond new and old- mixing a bit of vintage romance, a little school teacher class and a bit of punky flair is a playful but totally comfy look.

I’m in love with this mix…integrating all the aspects of style I love which is also why I’m in love with the styles at Effie’s Heart.  They also have adorable shoes, but the dresses are to die for!  I adore the ruching on the pink dress in the middle and the soft, flowy feel of all the dresses!

Effie’s Heart is going to be gifting one lucky reader a $50 gift card to snag a dress of their own!

Leave a comment first (it’s an entry!) then click through to BeautifulGiveaways.com to enter (ends 5/23)!

I recently bought a pair of Christian Louboutin nude pumps for over $600.

 As I admit I own a pair, I feel a sense of elation:  I finally bought the shoes I’ve been swooning over for nearly two years.

Simultaneously, I feel a sense of embarrassment:  I’m a frugality blogger and recent graduate and seriously spent over $600 on a pair of SHOES. WHAT?

Here’s the deal…the shame comes from the fact that I spent nearly 2 months’ rent on a pair of designer shoes.

Two months’ rent? Yep- that’s right, I live with two roomies in a less than ideal neighborhood in Chicago.  My room has a curtain (no door),  and I have to walk 4 blocks to do my laundry.  I also have to walk several blocks to get groceries without a car.   I got my school books from the library and when I started blogging, my “fun” budget was $80 a month.  I worked my arse off for the past two years and still sometimes barely scraped by.

I do NOT live a glamorous lifestyle-  how in the world could I justify such a rockstar purchase? 

One of the biggest mistakes newbie frugal people make is being cheap.  To be a truly frugal and savvy person is to pick and choose where you put your money- where to be “cheap,” and where to spend like a rockstar.

When I signed my lease last year, living cheap was a priority- the easiest way to cut costs was to have a low rent, no cable t.v. and lowered utility bills.   I knew that if I stayed put in this less than ideal location, I could save at least $250 a month.     That money would bring more joy and be better spent on beer, cute dresses, gifts for loved ones, and yes- to save up for shoes.

For the past two years, I chose to take out as little as possible in student loans, to work my butt off with side hustles & to put money aside for a frivolous pair of shoes.  Those were my choices, based on my priorities, I have no regrets.  If someone makes fun of my small apartment or mocks that I don’t have an elevator, I know that I designed my life around priorities and the situation is temporary.

I waffled on this purchase for months-  I knew the shoes would be over $600.  As a frugality blogger who also loved fashion, I felt like a fraud, a phony.  But again, I made choices that resonated with my values and propelled my goals and dreams.  I saved in certain areas to splurge in others.  I didn’t know when the opportunity to get the shoes would present itself, but I knew I wanted to be ready when it did.  

In April, I was invited to NYC for a book launch party and with some free time, I walked myself to the Christian Louboutin boutique in New York City, got buzzed in (yes, they have to buzz you in!)  and had made my decision within minutes after trying on several heel heights.  While the decision was quick, the process was more deliberate and steady minded- I was ready.

I had pictured wearing a pair of Christian Louboutins for graduation for months and months.  I imagined walking to receive my diploma, with the red heels peeking out with every step towards my acceptance handshake.

Let me reiterate- this fantasy of mine also involved the reality that I would just have finished my degree, meaning- I’d still probably be tight on money and preparing to pay off student loans.  I knew I’d have to make it happen since the money wouldn’t magically appear.  Even though I saved up for the shoes-  I thought of the times I’d felt the sting of embarrassment when people saw my less than glamourous digs or I had to lug groceries home in the snow.  

I transformed that shame, guilt and worry into hope for the future…Not only had I saved for these shoes- I know if I could achieve this goal (even with really hard work) I could achieve anything that mattered this much to me without fearing judgement or what  should matter to me.  I only will focus on what does matter to me.

 The shoes were not only a culmination of hard work and saving-  they were proof that if I could afford a pair of exorbitant designer shoes that were bought and paid for be ME (not a sugar daddy, magic windfall or Lottery Ticket)  I had the grit to do this again and scale it.  

Where To Get The Money:

• Examine any packages you’ve signed up for to see what you can opt-out of.  I saved $1200 a semester by opting out of a student health package most of us didn’t know was tacked on to our tuition.  See if any “bundles,” come with hidden costs- this applies to phone, cable, or housing packages.

• Be honest about your goal.  Whether you keep it quiet and save on your own, or simply tell family/friends about your  crazy purchase and ask for donations in lieu of gifts, your tactic is up to you.  If this purchase is what your heart yearns for, funnel all extra cash towards it.

• Go on a diet.  Challenge yourself one month to cut just one recurring expense- restaurants, movies, or trips to the salon.  This isn’t about deprivation, but challenge yourself to prove yourself that this major purchase is worth it, and if you have to drop $1500 on it, you won’t feel like a jackass and the guilt won’t matter.

• Sell or side hustle.  I sold what I could on Amazon to make money and free up the space for these shoes.  If you’re going to buy something amazing, make room for in your life.

How To Justify Your Rockstar Purchase:

• You’ve planned for this big purchase by recreating equilibrium in your spending-  to purchase a vacation package for next summer you’ve cancelled your cable or gym membership to curb the cost.

• You’ve put away 10-20% of each paycheck to make the silly purchase.

• Though it’s expensive, this item has been your obsession for more than 6 months & would make you insanely giddy for more than 5 minutes after purchasing it.

• You’re planning to maximize this purchase for everything it’s worth.  Either it will make you money, alleviate a problem, satisfy a long time yearning or you’re planning on caring for it like a heirloom piece.

• Do you want quality or quantity?  Are you willing to give up your nickle-and-dime impulse purchases for one big spend?  To buy a designer jacket it may mean no more impulse buys at Target, but is that worth it to you?

Rockstar purchases don’t have to be designer shoes-  but it really is anything we feel we’re not “worthy” of spending… saving up for your dream wedding when you’re feeling pressured to save for something else you’re not thrilled about,  new glasses that flatter when the ones you have “work just fine,” or a fancy dinner for date night when you know it’s cheaper to cook yourself.  

Being happily frugal  is your unique special sauce, make frugality work for you.  

Have you ever had a rockstar purchase?
How did you make it happen?

I <3 Chicago when the weather gets nice.  The neighborhoods just call to be explored, the cupcakes practically beg to be eaten, and retailers quietly call you inside to check out their colorful new springtime wares and dazzle you with their delicious new shoe designs- it’s a good time to be alive!

I’ve been experimenting with new restaurants, new walking paths and trying new styles and brands of clothes to mix things up a bit…here are some of my adventures and musings!

Just discovered the best wonton soup in Chicago & the fortune cookies are a win!  /  Margarita cupcakes on Cinco De Mayo? YES PLEASE!!  /  My dream is to own my own scooter…perhaps with a pug friendly sidecar? Or not.

You are the apple of my eye @ Urban Outfitters  /  Just discovered John Fluevog Shoes and am in love. These heels look like those faux granite composite countertops, gorgeous in person!  / Celebrating graduation with a cold one  /  Some of the sweet cards I got for graduation, thanks everyone, it meant so much!

Divinity is close by in Chicago / Trying on shades @ Urban w/ Carolina / My new Christian LouBoutins that I saved up for for practically eons to buy… I love them and yes, want to marry them.  haha!

My Outfit- Blazer & Top c/o ellelauri  / Dark Wash Trouser Jeans- Target  /  Taupe Flats & Wide Belt- Urban Outfitters

I was so excited to wear out my new outfit from ellelauri-  I got to try their awesome Whitney Blazer {$202}  &  Madeline Top {$62}.   I’ve had a hard time finding blazers that fit in the past, they’re either too bulky or look odd on busty figures- but this blazer fit like a dream!  The blazer is NOT lined and is made of a windbreaker-esque material, it’s your best bet if you want to wear a blazer on a humid summer day without feeling stuffy.

The Madeline Top also comes in a ton of colors-  coral, cobalt, cranberry, plum, buttercup.  It looked great under the blazer and is the perfect neutral piece.  I felt like a million bucks in this outfit that was classy enough for a day out, but not too dressy for a shopping break at our favorite pizza place!

You are going to LOVE the Whitney Blazer from ellelauri-  they’re graciously giving one lucky winner their very own!  

Click through to BeautifulGiveaways.com to enter!

I’m a new graduate and my one objective over the summer is to get some sun.  My goal is to take lots of photos, catch up on my reading, and accomplish both at the lakeside all summer!   The weather is just warming up here in Chicago and the lake isn’t too far- I’m already unpacking my sandals and getting ready for sunshine.

I’ve also done some shopping…I’ve been in desperate need of brand new beach apparel and accessories since it’s been several summers since I’ve actually had time off.  Oh, the life of a graduate!

Getting Ready For The Sun:

I have been using my favorite sunless tanner on my legs for several weeks now- I use the Subtle Tanning Lotion from MK because the smell doesn’t annoy me and it’s never given me orange streaks, I love this stuff!   As I get more sun exposure, I use SPF 30 sunblock on my body, and MK’s Day Solution SPF 25 for my face, back of my hands, and chest area.

Shoes: Colin Stewart from Viccy’s Secret  Sunglasses:  Coach  Jewelry:  Dondalee’s  Suncare: Mary Kay

The Swimsuit That Stole My Heart:

Swimsuit:  Betsey Johnson c/o The Orchid Boutique

As a diehard Betsey Johnson fan, I was in love with this State Fair One Piece and had to have it!   What’s great about this piece is that it comes in both a one piece or as a bikini and it has a removable strap.   The suit gives full coverage without frumpiness, I adore the flirty frills and fanciful print.

I was planning on hitting the beach with this on, but we’re expecting rain in Chicago throughout the weekend and I could not wait to share it with you…seriously, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve been this obsessed over a swimsuit  (I think the last time I loved a suit this much was a Sesame Street one piece I wore when I was 4.)   I usually am pretty darn self conscious, especially in swimsuits, but I am stocked to hit the beach in this one piece!

My Tips For Finding A Swimsuit That Suits You

• If you’re not comfortable in a particular cut, don’t wear it!

• You may not be able to find the right fit at a local discount store-  if you have a hard time finding bra/undies, you may encounter the same sizing issues with a swimsuit, invest in a piece that fits.

• Play up your assets, play down what makes you feel unsexy.  This is why I’m proud to wear a one piece that does exactly that!  Patterns w/ a structured top are great for curvy girls, embellishments & metallics are great for slender types.  See more tips here.

• Find a classy coordinating cover-up  that can make transition from lounging to partying a seamless step.  The shop I got my suit at also offer some great cover-ups.

Do you do anything to prep for swimsuit season?

What are your fave summer accessories or swim fashion tips?

Going to graduate school was one of the biggest mistakes of my life.  I though, try not to regret my mistakes.  Making mistakes means you lived, discovered, got your hands dirty and crossed things off my list.  Answers can only be found when questions are posed and being able to say with sturdy conviction that you’re not cut out for something can only be done when you’ve actually tried your hand at a new and shaky venture.

Academic life is not for me- I thought it was.  I take this failure as a gift that though I failed, I failed quickly.  I will not be resigning myself to an entire life of quiet desperation- rather, I got that suffering out of the way within two years.  Granted, it did cost me a large chunk of money- but it forged my character.  I have a better idea of who I am and where my convictions rest.

These last two years of exploration and failure have not killed my curiosity, but made me hunger for more.  It makes me think of being a child learning to ride a bike-  I used to fear falling so greatly that I refused to get on a bike without training wheels.  The first time I finally did fall, the failure, bruises and embarrassment didn’t sting as bad as I had predicted- from then on, the fear didn’t hold me back.

If I had advice for anyone who is wondering if they should pack up their stuff into a hatchback Toyota, drive across country and start anew in the hopes they’ll find their calling- I’d say, do it.  Don’t be afraid of being wrong. I’ve learned that anyone who balks “I told you so,” at your results if you fail are usually the ones who cling the most strongly to their fears.  They will never understand you, it’s best to leave those people in the dust where they belong!

So, a few days ago, I asked you- my fab readers what dress I should wear (see here)…here’s the fashion update: 

Dress- Darling from HauteLook  Shoes- Christian Louboutin

Thank you to everyone helped me decide what to wear for graduation!  I ended up going with the beige dress since the cap and gown was just so much black.  I wanted something flirty and fun because that’s how I felt-  I was ready to throw my cap in the air, have a martini and celebrate!  I’ve kept both dresses and you better believe I’m going to find excuses to wear both!   The shoes were not cheap- how unfrugal of me…but I have been swooning over, and saving up for a pair of LouBou’s for well over a year.   I feel like a million bucks in these nude Christian Louboutin pumps and my frilly dress.

Shoes- Callista Flats from OKA B   Jewelry:  Topaz necklace & drop earrings from Lucid New York  Sunglasses: TOMS (use a coupon!)

These nude Callista flats from OKA B were perfect for the long walk to the ceremony-  they’re classy and compact. I wore them before changing into my pumps and love to wear them on Target runs and to brunch.   The bows actually change color a bit in the light-  they have the comfort of Crocs without the faux paux!  Plus, they come in a variety of colors & flirty styles in both flats and flip flops!

My jewelry is from Lucid New York- I loved how the topaz crystals caught the light. I love glitz and glimmer, but there is a time for understated elegance which I thought was perfectly captured by this set.  Lucid New York also carries an array of adorable charm necklaces and rhinestone cocktail rings which I adore!    I’m thrilled with how these looked on!

The day was delightful- my family couldn’t attend, but my roomie (who graduated with her M.A. last year as well) and I attended the ceremony, had fun taking pictures, grabbed delish organic food & cocktails afterwards.  After checking on Ralph, we then proceeded to do laundry (I know..I know!) and finished the day with a trip to a new Mexican food place to grab enchiladas and margaritas!  It was an awesome day filled with gratitude and the simple pleasures of life- how I’ve changed!

My life is filled with blessings as I spend more and more time focusing on what matters- genuine relationships, good food,  exploring challenging new hobbies (fashion & photography) and being able to have the time to enjoy it all!  I truly am one lucky woman.

Graduate school did not pan out the way I intended- I will not be continuing on to my Ph.D. or teaching at a university as planned, but I have no regrets.  The process of relocating, juggling work and school in a new city & doing so on a very, very strict budget has forged a new me…a “me” who has never been happier or more fulfilled.  I’m hungry for the next adventure.

Congratulations to the class of 2012- as Steve Jobs famously said: “Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.”

Being frugal doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself of the fabulous essentials.  I just wrapped up graduate school so it meant my life was measured by three things:  Low on time, low on money and high on stress.   In my two years as a struggling student I perfected the art of the spa staycation- you can too!

The Tennants of a Successful Spa Staycation:

• You’re saving money already, splurge a little on pretty nail colors & good products.
• You need to unplug for a day and rent your favorite, most cheesy movies.
• Stock up on good food or order in delivery.
• Champagne (even the cheap kind) for mimosas is suggested but not required.
• Enter a cool giveaway from Frugalbeautiful.com

Unless you’re a good cook or someone chips in to take kitchen duty- I’ve avoided food prep during my staycation spa days.  Today is the day to treat yo’self and get yourself some frivolous foods that are easy to prep- quiche, chips and guac,  cheesecake,  veggies and dip…anything that’s easy to make or pop in the oven that also makes your mouth water is a win.

Before you take your spa staycation also pick out a special nail polish color for the occasion unless you’re totally in love with a shade you have.  Remember, you’ve already been smart by DIYing your spa day-  stock up on the nail polish colors you crave,  the right mani and pedi tools and all the scrubs,  lotions and bubble bath you need.  If you don’t know how to give yourself a spa treatment, I did a mani/pedi tutorial.

Oh, and you’ll need candles and good music.  Can’t forget that!  Before you hit the bathroom for pampering,  put some of your snacks in the oven or get them prepped.

After you soak to good tunes and bask in the candle light, bundle up,  snack a bit and work your way to the t.v. and put your movie of choice on… you need to give yourself at least 4 solid hours of personal time onyour spa staycation!

Enjoy your fave movies while your nails dry, and at this juncture, order some takeout- or if you have an amazing partner, bat your eyelashes and make kissy noises until food appears (I hear that works too!)  

If you want your spa staycations to be a regular feature,  invest in a good footsoaking tub,  a plush robe and some fab slippers!  Again, you’re already saving money on the staycation- so get yourself something fancy to wear around, no tattered robes with your dairy air hanging to the wind!

Here are some of my favorite products for at home spa days:

Barista Bath + Body makes really great products for both men and women- best of all, their fragrances are rather gender neutral so your body scrub can be used by your male counterparts as well!
I use the One Lump Or Two Coffee Body Scrub to soften up my skin on my hands, heels and body- but another thing I love it for is to clean up my manicures!  I am notoriously bad at getting the finger paint ON MY NAILS so I usually have a excess paint on my cuticles and around my nail bed- I use a bit of scrub after painting my nails to get off any excess polish.

The Barista Leave Room for Cream is super thick and it smells great for men or women- really just a pleasant cream with almost a small hint of citrus.   The coffee scrub does make a bit of a mess in the shower, but a quick rinse down and it’s clean.  I love it to exfoliate all over, but it does wonders on rough heels without being too greasy!

Bathing Suit Prep Tip:  exfoliate before applying sunless tanner!  Also, the coffee grounds in this scrub are great for combating cellulite!

Onto The Polish:

I recently got to try some of the products from CND:  Their polish in Tutu and Rose Water ($8)  and their awesome Effects Nail Polish in Raspberry Sparkle ($9).  I also used their Scentsations lotion in Black Currant & Fig ($10) though they have a ton of other scents I must try like Vanilla Shimmer,  Tangerine & Lemongrass and Birch & Mint…yum!

While I’m all for crazy, bright colors, I love the clean look of a pale pink  with white tips.  When I do at home manicures- I use french tip guides to get a clean line for a french maicure.  I also use a four sided nail buffer to shape, smooth and prep nails before adding polish- it usually helps my work last longer!    CND has a bunch of colors, and their Nail Effects Polish is a great top coat!

Are you ready for a spa staycation?

CND is going to hook you up!  One lucky reader will get to choose a Scentsations Lotion & two nail polishes!

How to enter…do the following & leave a comment for each:

• Like CND on Facebook
• Follow CND on Twitter
• Follow FrugalBeautiful on Bloglovin’

Good luck!  Contest ends 5/18/2012 …see disclosure policy here.

Like my silly little list?  I seriously cannot make up my mind if I should relocate to NYC or stay in Chicago for another year.  I’m doing better financially now that I’m done with graduate school, but am I doing so well I should take a gamble on a move to New York City?

I’m finally getting to a point where I have money to go out and explore, do some shopping and not feel guilty and be able to sock some money away for a rainy day.  When I first moved to Chicago, it was rough- I lived paycheck to paycheck in a dirt cheap apartment (not bad, but still no amenities  whatsoever – no AC,  no door on my room, elevator or laundry in house..and in an interesting neighborhood).  I made about $800 a month while going to school full time and after expenses any splurge put knots in my tummy.

My worry is that I could save up if my business keeps doing well, but for now I would blow any progress I’ve made financially on relocation and higher rents.  

Along that line, I could get all the way to NYC and have no money to enjoy it unless business progressively and steadily grows….do I want to take that gamble?  I would like to actually be able to afford to go out, explore and be able to afford life’s little luxuries when available.

Conversely, perhaps it’s worth the risk?  What if being in NYC is just the ticket I need to grow my blog and my social media consulting business…  New York has it’s own unique chemistry that could be good juju for the kind of work I do.

As any rational human- my mind goes to the doomsday scenarios:  ending up in NYC back eating rice and beans & debating selling my biology for rent money.  But what if I do really well?  What if I take the risk and it pays off- what if I’m happier, healthier and more prosperous than I can picture now?  

Of course- I can always stay in Chicago for another year and save up..but no matter where I go I’d like to live in a nicer area in a cozier apartment…so how much money would I be saving by staying here?  My rent now is rock-bottom, if I stay in Chicago for a year with more expensive rent (you know, so I can do my laundry in under 3 hours) will I end up ahead?    Will I still be dedicated to sock away money for a move or will I spoil it away on the other things Chicago has to offer (Ask Anthony Bourdain, Chicago’s food scene rivals NYC!)  I honestly have no idea if living in a nicer area will tempt me to spend more instead of saving and if I’ll end up breaking even.

Over the last month or two, I’ve made more money than before (which isn’t hard to do since I was making beans before) and I’ve been spending more…after two years of scrimping, saving and literally eating rice and beans to pay my way through school it’s like I can afford to have a little fun.  I’m not sure if I’m ready to give that up if business isn’t consistent or if I can’t find an apartment priced within my comfort zone in NY.

Staying in Chicago would not be the worst thing in the world. In my two years being here, I’ve been dead broke and haven’t really had the money to try the fancy restaurants or attend seminars and events I wanted to be at.  Additionally, being a grad student left me little time to go out and have fun…being in the area I’m at also has made transportation an ordeal.  Relocating in-city could be fun and redeem a city that was so hard to enjoy  as a stressed-out grad student making $800 a month and working her arse off in school.

Either way, I feel as if I’d be starting over.  Being done with school and starting my own business means I can work from anywhere.  Many of the friends I’ve made here in Chicago are either done with school and are moving away or are still in school and are occupied like I was.  In either city, I’d have to forge a new path, start fresh and make new friends.

My heart already leapt to NYC- but is it unrealistic?   My lease is up at the end of August.  I have about 2 months to make a better assessment and build my business….but I’m afraid it’s not enough time. 

I keep going back and forth…any advice on how you made big decisions when money was tight and the risk and reward where quite substantial?

Okay, so pugs technically aren’t considered a fashion trend for summer, but when the weather heats up Ralphie and I do love to roam to the beach and really there is nothing that gets you noticed quicker than an adorable, chubby pug…it really doesn’t matter what you wear!

Summer is hot and so is the fashion!  The biggest trends I’m picking up on are touches of neon, feisty feline prints and not-the-normal-thong flippy floppy sandals that are adorned with funky, off cut straps, unique textures and glitzy embellishments.

What I’m sporting:

Sunglasses-  I picked up these Mosley Tribes Patterson Sunglasses in Black and Fuchsia from Sunglasses-Shop.  I love the neon trim…not too too much so you could wear these into fall, but just enough to pop and be on-trend! These sunglasses come with a soft case + cleaning cloth  {$94}

Top-  I layered two Cantina womens t-shirts in Neon Hot Tropic and Meadow from Fresh Produce.  The shirts breathe really well on hot summer days and are perfect for hiking, trips to the beach or backyard BBQs. I love layering tees- it adds texture without being too hot on sticky, humid days  {$34 each}

Sandals-  Animal prints never seem to get old. I picked these leopard Luichiny sandals because of their unique texture and style.  They have a wood base but are surprisingly comfortable.  I have a bikini to pair these with but honestly, they’re going to be fab with black shorts or a white maxi dress!  {$89.95}

Pug-  This is Ralph.  Technically not for sale, but feel free to donate noms for his treat jar.  If you’re in the area, feel free to borrow him for a walk, he’s the ultimate fashion statement, you’ll be sure to turn heads!

Jewelry- When I put together my first real “summer” outfit I realized the one thing I lack is jewelry (explains why I’m wearing none in the picture.)  Going through my stash turned up plenty of fancy picks for fall and winter, but everything I own is too formal or heavy for the hot summer months. I’m going to start looking for some summer pieces over at Fresh Trends but will probably opt for simple, understated pieces.

Luichiny is giving away a $25 gift card to get a pair of sandals for yourself!  

To enter, simply {visit their shop} and tell me in the comments below which pair you’d want to get if you won!

Contest ends at on May 11th, 2012.   Please see my disclosure & disclaimer statement here.