just what i need.

madewell, j.crew's cool little sister, has finally launched their e-commerce site. i have dieing to try on madewell's pieces (c'mon, how are there no locations in chicago but there's one in charlotte, nc? no offense, north carolina, but really?)
anyways, now we can shop online!
but i really don't need temptations like these lurking around.

on that note.

here are a few swimsuits i love love love, but just aren't right for my body (and my budget). i can't fit a top that doesn't tie in the back. so sad, because these really knock my socks off.

lover via frances may.



these three lovelies via anthropologie.

diane von furstenberg, via net-a-porter.

splish splash.

the scorching heat the past few days has reminded me that i desperately need a new swimsuit. this is embarrassing but true - i have had the same swimsuit since my senior year of high school! 7 years and only one swimsuit option? craziness. the upside is that it still fits, but let's be honest, i still an upgrade. i love retro one-pieces, but i find it hard to get the right fit for my body with that style. i think simple is best for me.
these have caught my eye...

top one from anthropologie
bottom two from j.crew

gorge.

i am loving this big, bold, stunning necklace from TheGlamourai. my jewelry taste can be all over the map. i love long, delicate necklaces just as much as chunky ones, but the colors of this one, made from vintage treasures, really grab me. i also love how adjustable it is...i am often guilty of adding a raggedy piece of string or ribbon to my necklaces to give them extra length.
classy, i know.

no. 6

steven alan is carrying some incredibly charming no. 6 dresses right now. they both have buttons up the back as well. now that it is actually hot and sunny i am more than ready to transition in to my summertime dress collection. bring on the warm breezes!

see you in another life, brother.

last night marked the end of something pretty big in my life. it almost sounds silly to get so dramatic over a tv show, but lost really was something special. i am so happy with the finale and the way everything ended. for me, it was the ultimate story of redemption and forgiveness, and a reminder that we all have good and bad in us. a reminder that we need one another so that we can be the best versions of ourselves possible, and that there is real love in the world.
it is crazy to think of the group of people we started watching lost with in bloomington, and the friends we watch it with now in chicago. our lives have changed a lot in the past four years, but i feel so lucky that i have formed some real, true friendships that started with a shared love of a kooky show.
bravo, lost. it's been real.

missed it.

so sad that all of wikstenmade's s/s collection sold out so quickly. i am falling hard for this beautiful blue top. the cut-outs are bold but still allow you to wear a bra (yessss). and the fabric? pitch perfect. i can see wearing this lovely little number all summer with black capris or a little khaki skirt.
crossing my fingers for a restock.

i can't handle it.

first, i heard they were making a movie together. and now possible real life love? i want to be in that sandwich!! too perfect.

image via perez hilton (i know, i know).

get low.

i would love to be the kind of girl who can walk around in heels all day, but that's just not going to happen. these lower heels, however, are walkable but would still give me a little lift.
and wouldn't the blue ones be awesome in the fall with some black or maroon tights?
both available here.

food inc.

a few days ago paul and i watched food inc. it was so eye-opening. a lot of what they talked about i feel like we already know in the back of our heads, but it was still kind of crazy to see. it just reminded me how important it is to eat consciously! it also made me really excited for farmer's markets to start up again.

just a few days.

i will be home in dc for a few days and then my mom will be here in chicago. i probably won't be posting for a few days.
have a wonderful weekend!

best train stops ever.

have you heard about this? for a new marketing campaign, ikea set up their furniture and accessories inside a number of paris metro stations. it lets people interact with their products without ever going in to a store. i think it's pretty ingenious. i would be so happy if i could sit on a comfy couch while waiting for the blue line (although i image they would get pretty nasty pretty quickly).

yes please.

if there is one thing i absolutely love about chicago (other than riding my bike everywhere) it's the restaurants. they are amazing! these are some of the ones that have been on my list to check out.

the publican. pork, mussels, and beer.


kith & kin. famous for crocks of deliciousness.


dmk burger bar. i love me a good burger.


urban belly. a bowl full of yummy noodles and dumplings.


great lake pizza. once voted the best pizza in the country.

images via esquire, the chicago tribune, the chicago sun times, garrett's table, and time out chicago.

another option.

slightly less expensive than the other leather jacket i just posted, but still not within my price range.
super cute though.
available at net-a-poter.

pitch perfect.

to me, the opening sequence of parks and recreation is one of the best i've seen in a long time. i just love it! i smile every time i see it. i feel like this video is slightly off in terms of timing,
but you get the overall awesomeness.

a constant search.

i am always keeping my eyes open for the perfect brown leather jacket that won't make me go in to debt. i like everything about this one, except for the price. alas, the search continues.
available at shopbop.
found via whowhatwear.

the gentlewoman.

i finally got my hands on a copy of the gentlewoman, and it is supremely entertaining and interesting. it is not as in you face feminist as say, bitch magazine or even venus zine (although i do enjoy both those publications on occasion)...it is really just a celebration of some really cool ladies doing some really cool things. and the layout/design of the magazine is so beautiful. the cover is a thick semi-gloss with an amazing texture, the article layout is unique and fresh, and the fashion spreads really grab your attention. highly recommended.

colorways.

i know i just recently posted about nail polish, but i could't resist sharing these pitch perfect shades from resuce beauty.
so fun, fresh, and modern.

dc bound.

we are headed to my hometown, washington dc, in about a week for a quick weekend trip. a friend of mine is having a med school graduation party, so it is the perfect excuse to be home for few days. the thing i am most excited about (aside from seeing my family and friends) is digging in to some maryland crabs. sooo delicious! they are without a doubt my all time favorite food. i have so many wonderful memories of sitting at home with my dad, with a huge pile of crabs in front of us, picking away for hours. it is one thing i really miss from the east coast.

dear paul,

happy birthday! After almost 6 years, i seriously cannot imagine my life without you. here are just a few of the reasons why i love you so.

+ you make me, and everyone around you,
laugh till our sides hurt.
+ you love to ride our matching bikes around, and you always ride behind me because you want to be able to help if anything happens to me.
+ you tell me i'm a great cook, even if all i make is pasta.
+ you people watch with me, and we always seem to notice the same types of folks.
+ you lovingly pick up the half empty glasses of water i leave all over the apartment.
+ you have cute glasses.
+ you love your family so, so much. and you love being an uncle to your adorable nieces and nephews.
+ you love decorating, interior design, antiques, and furniture.
+ you have great, in-depth knowledge of government and american history.
+ you make me feel beautiful, especially when i'm wearing sweats and sneakers.
+ you love to snuggle.

i could go on and on, but the one thing i guess i'm really trying to get across is just how much i love you, pauly.
you're my best friend and you mean the world to me.