Shoes for Spring!

So I know we've got awhile until Spring, but I can't help but dream about open-toed heels, neutral wedges and fun, patterned flats. Here are a few I love! Which is your favorite?
shoe love 3

8. Striped flats, $32.99


Backyard Buddies

2010Dec26_0029
These photos are from last month when I visited my mom. I seem to wear this sweater every weekend because it's so comfortable and a variation of this look has become my staple weekend attire. 
Usually when I visit home, I get roped into going to the barn with my mom to see all the critters. And sometimes there's a small window when I miss the company of these furry animals. Ever since I moved away at 18 for college, I wanted nothing to do with them. I love to cuddle and squeeze any dog or cat and whenever I walk pass a horse, I go out of my way to pet their nuzzle and admire their beauty. I just know how much work they are! And me being 25 and single, I recognize and acknowledge how selfish I am. Maybe when I get older I'll be ready for a dog or cat. Right now, I'm still trying to keep my plants alive.
2010Dec26_0044
[sweater by american apparel, denim shorts by bdg, tights from target, boots c/o modcloth, socks by exhilaration]
2010Dec26_0007
2010Dec26_0001

Spring Tease

2011Feb20_0009
[romper by fifth culture, tights c/o we love colors, mary-janes c/o blowfish, necklace c/o my name necklace, blazer from urban outfitters]
We had some great weather in Michigan last week considering it's only February. Yet, the sun and 40-something degree weather was all just a tease. The day after I basked in the sun, I helplessly watched out my window as snow came pouring down. This blizzard ruined my Sunday plans. Snow, I am so over you.
Anyways..In celebration of the early, yet short-lived weather, I wore this playful romper and treated myself to a manicure. I wore the romper last year to a music festival, but this time, I wanted to downplay it with a blazer, a pair of opaque tights I was certain were grey and these new mary-janes from Blowfish.
2011Feb20_0003
2011Feb20_0011
2011Feb20_0015smal

My Lovely Friends

2011Feb08_0321
Mike and Katie never disappoint in their ability to deliver pure beautifulness when I photograph them. That's why I asked them to be my models for a lighting workshop through Luke Anthony Photography. Thanks to Luke, I learned quite a bit about artificial lighting and different techniques to use. Thank you Luke!
Katie and Mike also inspire me with their impeccable sense of style. Mike always looks sharp whether he's dressed up for work or hanging out with friends on the weekend. Katie has a great mix of pretty, colorful pieces and more edgy shirts or dresses. She always looks amazing in whatever she wears and since she's a hair stylist, she's skilled at styling her hair. She does so many cute things, it makes me jealous!
2011Feb08_0068
2011Feb08_0152
2011Feb08_0193
2011Feb08_0161
[on mike: shirt by prada, vintage vest, pants by express, shoes by giorgio brutini, belt by french connection]
[on katie: top by petticoat alley, blazer from urban outfitters, skirt by express, shoes by me too]
2011Feb08_0276
Click here to see more images!

Fanciful

DSC_7610
I saw this pretty little dress and my head said no, but my heart said yes. That's not really the case, but I feel like that's something someone might say if they dressed in pretty little frocks. And I don't mean people say cliche things, just more emotion. I consider my personality more in line with a dude's. My family jokes with my brother and I, since we're so close in age, about how he's the super sensitive one and I'm definitely the cold-hearted sibling. But looking at my cage-fighting brother with his questionable tattoos and intimidating demeanor, you wouldn't think that. 
These photos were taken along Chicago's lakeshore and while it was windy, it was worth it to take some outfit shots by the lake and coerce my friend Becky to take my photos. She used to take a ton of my outfit shots when she lived in Michigan and I took full advantage of her skills while I was in town.
DSC_7585
DSC_7596
DSC_7603
[dress and shoes by f21, ring by h&m]
DSC_7593bw
DSC_7578
DSC_7580small
DSC_7582small
Photos by Becky Johns

Weekend in Chicago

 DSC_7514small
I spent the weekend in Chicago visiting friends and thankfully, didn't suffer because of my poor packing skills (which resulted in  a lack of winter appropriate clothing and outerwear choices.) I was so proud of myself for condensing my clothes to one small luggage case, but I ended up packing a bunch of dresses I didn't wear and several pairs of shoes. The shoes took up the majority of the space, but I absolutely hate that feeling when the perfect pair of shoes aren't with me when I'm styling an outfit.  It's a hard knock life. 
It was beautiful weather over the weekend, sunshine and all. But getting to catch up with Emily of Sartoriography is what really brought sunshine into my life. That girl is so fabulous in her amazing vintage finds and sassy personality. My friend Becky and I met with her for lunch at Sweetwater Grille followed by some downtown shopping. And I wore my most comfortable outfit.
DSC_7527
 DSC_7562
DSC_7513
[tee from pitaya, jacket by bcbg, leggings c/o we love colors, cardigan borrowed from becky, boots c/o wanted, hat by bdg, sunglasses by rayban, bag by marc by marc jacobs]
DSC_7523
DSC_7535
DSC_7539small
DSC_7508small
I leave you with an image of Becky hugging a heart, a playful, overly excited version of herself. You won't see this often, so happy Valentine's Day!
(Most photos by Becky Johns)

Naomi & the Window Light

2011Jan17_0210small
My title sounds like some indie band, but I love my subject, Naomi, and the window light in these photos. If Naomi was to star in her own band it should be Naomi & the Window Light Extravaganzas. It makes perfectly no sense and i like it.
As an intern, Naomi probably felt some obligation to accept my request to photograph her last winter. She might have thought I was creepy for asking her, but I was immediately inspired by her style and height and couldn't resist sharing her with you all! I seem to get incredibly giddy when I get to see Naomi or some of my past interns, Kara and Becky. It's like I've been reunited with long lost friends when I get to see them again and it's even more fun when I get to take pictures!
2011Jan17_0305small
2011Jan17_0069
[skirt and shoes by f21, top borrowed from friend]
2011Jan17_0123
2011Jan17_0102small
2011Jan17_0183small
More photos here!

working girl jean

2011Feb05_0017
Since the skinny jean emerged, I've never so quickly abandoned an article of clothing like the bootleg or flare jean. I first started the transition with wearing the Ambercrombie or True Religion looser straight leg jeans in the beginning of college quickly followed by the stretchy, tighter versions at Guess to whatever jeggings I could find. For some reason when I started seeing the 70s style high waist flare jeans, I was determined to find myself a pair. An impromptu trip to f21 and $23 later, I had these in my possession. I might look into a more quality pair if these go well. We shall see!
2011Feb05_0018
2011Feb05_0015
[top by french connection, jeans and necklace by f21, belt by american apparel, hat by bdg, wedges by steve madden]
2011Feb05_0007
2011Feb05_0020
2011Feb05_0027
A little fashion faux pas once in a while never hurt anyone. Socks with open-toed shoes ftw!

50% off at High Gloss Fashion!

50% off everything at High Gloss Fashion using the code BEDHEAD50 until 11:59 a.m. CST on February 13!
highglosslogonewjpg

My Birthday Outfit

2011Feb05_0803
I celebrated my 25th birthday on Saturday with a large group of friends ranging from besties I've had since elementary and high school to college and post-college. They came from all over the state and even a couple came in from Chicago! Today is actually my birthday, but I had to properly celebrate and so I chose to do dinner on Saturday at Enso followed by dancing at Dublin Square.
Thanks to my gorgeous friend Katie, my hair was more polished with looser waves and I loved it! (She's great, go see her at City Salon!) I felt fabulous and fuss-free with my hair staying in place for once and with my simple mini dress and heels.
2011Feb05_0805
2011Feb05_0813
[dress by silence+noise, nylons from Macy's, heels by kelsi dagger, jacket by bcbg, bag by marc jacobs]
2011Feb05_0812
2011Feb05_0814
Erin and Haley
166679_10100490247616664_2307006_70417021_5650980_n
Crappy cell phone photo I took at dinner
Thank you to all my friends for coming out and celebrating with me. My 25th birthday celebration was the best yet and I'm so lucky to have such amazing friends!