Let the Decorating Begin

So, I was a little bit of a mess yesterday. So much that I had to call Anne and Alaina for a pep talk before and during the lease signing. Change scares the hell out of me. So many readers have said how strong I am for moving to Chicago. Yes -- it was a bold move, but it wasn't easy. And now I am starting over in a new area in Chicago. New neighborhood. New home. Bigger space. Painting. Money. Possibly having to find a new CrossFit place (I really like RNC). Redecorating. Lots of change.

And then I snapped out of it. Because things are great and I have found the good in all of this. Here's a list of everything good that will come from this move:

1. I will be saving ~ $400 each month and am gaining 200 square feet. These two factors are the reasons that I am making a move in the first place.
2. I'll be in an older/more charming place. Lots of pretty detail. Very me.
3. I can fit 1-2 shelving units (more storage!) and a chair in my living room!
4. I can also finally buy a (small) dining table. Hooray for dinner parties!
5. Great neighborhood.
6. I get to do a little redecorating. And to say I live for interior design would probably not be an understatement. I am getting excited.
7. w/d in the unit! Hooray!

And then there's the redecorating. I took forever to furnish my current place. Fortunately, I already have furniture and just need to get a few pieces/accessories.

So here's what's on the list:

1. New headboard (ordered 2 days ago)!
2. Dining table and chairs
3. 1-2 shelving units
4. New throw pillows for sofa
5. Chair for living room
6. Shower curtain and bathroom rug
7. New coffee table or second Durham Bunching Table 

Change terrifies me, but I figured that if I can handle moving from LA to Chicago, moving 3 miles away from my current location in Chicago should be a piece of cake. So, let the decorating commence!

Let's start with a few favorite shelving units. I am losing some kitchen cabinets and plan on stacking all of my white dishware, kitchenaid mixer, mixing bowls, ceramic canisters etc. on a shelf. And yes -- everything I own is white. I already know which one I'm going with but I wanted to share my top 3 with you. And I may end up purchasing a second unit for my bedroom.

1. Wisteria  2. Knobs and Hardware  3. West Elm

Which one would you choose?

Holy Crap. I'm MOVING.

I signed my lease today! I love my little apartment and the experience of signing a lease was a lot more emotional than I thought it would be. Thank you to Anne, Alaina, and my mom for their support today. My new place is on a pretty street in a great area and I am excited about gaining ~ 200 square feet. Can't wait to do a little redecorating. Ordered a new headboard last night! It's all happening.

Oh. And I move in 2 weeks.

Here we go.

photography via stoffer photography for rue magazine. see the rest of my home here.

Weekend Recap + New Wallet

What an amazing weekend!

Saturday:
Randolph Street Market with Alaina. We arrived early for a media breakfast and were asked to choose our editor's picks. We had lots of fun, did a little shopping, and had a delicious lunch at Antique Taco. My friend Ashley and her husband just opened this amazing restaurant in Wicker Park! Their food is amazing! Looked at another apartment with Alaina (for me) and I really liked it. If I get it, I'll be moving in just a few weeks! Girls night at Feast in Bucktown with Alaina, Taylor, and Shari. Such a fun night!

Antique Taco

Sunday:

Relaxed, edited photos, and walked the pup. Headed over to Oak Street Beach to meet my friend Brandon and two of his friends for drinks. And then we all headed to Big Star for 4-5 hours of margarita drinking. 

Monday:
Lots of relaxing and photo editing. Buddy and I met Gina and her pup for a little walk. A few hours later, Brandon and Marley came over so the pups could play. I wish I had taken a video. Those two are ridiculous together. One of Brandon's latest videos (he's so talented) starring Buddy's BFF Marley. More work, made zucchini "pasta" stir fry with my spiralizer. It doesn't taste like pasta, but it was pretty good!

Misc:
I've been on the hunt for a new wallet and it looks like I'll be going with Kate Spade. KS wallets are pretty, well made, and I think they're priced very well when compared to other designer wallets.

I am also (finally) updating my drivers license. You'll just need to trust me when I say that my current photo is worse than yours. And now that I find myself two months away from my two year Chicago anniversary, it's time to take the plunge and finally get my Illinois drivers license. And then there's the fact that I lost my CA drivers license and don't really have a choice. Idiot. 

This is where you come in. Do I want an envelope wallet? Snap or zipper? And would you buy something fun (really loving no. 3), go gold (hello, no. 4) or stick with something classic (no. 1 + 5)? What are your thoughts on these larger wallets? I've never had one but think it will be the best option for me.

1 + 2. tudor city lacy  3. cobble hill stacy  4. mikas pond stacy  5. cobble hill stacy

And today on The Everygirl...

Author Melanie Gideon

Coffee Talk: The Best Advice You've Ever Received

Happy Friday

It's a holiday weekend and it will be in the 80s and 90s (With a few thunderstorms.This is Chicago, after all). I can't wait to get out and have some fun. It's basically summer, and I am loving every moment.

Randolph Street Market
Alaina and I were asked to get to Randolph Street Market early tomorrow morning to select our editor's picks at the market and we're being given Polaroid cameras to snap photos of our favorite items. Fun! The whole being an editor thing is still a little weird to me.  I love it but can't believe how much my life has changed.

CrossFit Update
I finished my two week intro at River North CrossFit and have signed up for my first month. I would have committed to a year but am not sure what area of Chicago I'll be in, so I need to wait on that one. I have done yoga, barre, boxing, spinning, running, rowing etc and nothing has compared to CrossFit. I am hooked. This video will give you a basic idea of what CrossFit is. It looks so much more terrifying than it actually is, although those damn box jumps still freak me out. I am convinced that I'll miss the box and break my face, leg, or something else that I need.

Let's remember that I finished that first workout last in my group two weeks ago. 500 meters of rowing, 40 squats, 10 pull ups, 20 sit ups, 10 push ups, and 5 burpees. Just five workouts later and I took over a minute off of my time. And I didn't finish last. Winning!

The Everygirl + BHLDN

Here's a little peek at today's feature on our BHLDN event. Guess who wrote the copy for today's feature? Thank you to Alaina for pushing me to step outside of my comfort zone. I may be a blogger but I do not fancy myself a writer. Makes me all kinds of nervous. 

And speaking of The Everygirl, I am loving today's This or That: East v. West Coast.

...And we have a shoot with Shari today!

I look like a giant next to Alex, Liz, and Jess (who all wore flats). This is the first time I've been the "tall girl" in a photo. I'm only 5'5''. Love these girls and my new Parker dress. 

  Treated myself to some peonies this week.

And I just love this little face so much.

What are your plans this weekend? Whatever you do, I hope you have some fun!

Shopbop SALE!

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things from the big Shopbop sale! I have been shopping at this store for years. They have almost every brand under the sun, great customer service, and both free three day shipping & free return shipping! The sale ends tonight, so you've still got some time. Get on it.

My favorite Tory Burch Eddie Flats are on sale!

Soft Joie Maxi Dress // Soft Joie Brixton Dress // Theory Dress // MJ Bag

My favorite Gorjana necklace. I really want one.

Splendid Dress // C&C California Dress

 Soludos

Happy Shopping!

What to buy a baby girl

I want to thank you for your sweet comments on yesterday's post. I was pretty miserable for a few hours and then snapped out of it. That nightmare of a woman could have been my landlord! On to better things. I did not love the place I saw this morning, so that's out.

I am seeing a less expensive place with a w/d in the unit on Saturday morning. It looks really charming (hello, crown molding) and is in one of my favorite areas so please think good thoughts for me.

One of my best friends had a baby girl earlier this year, and as "Aunt Danielle" I took it upon my self to send Harper a few very important necessities from some darling little Etsy shops. I love this little peanut! It kills me that I have yet to meet her, but I haven't had a chance to get back to CA since December. My work load has doubled and now that I am slowly finding some balance, I am apartment hunting. Story of my life. I don't think I have ever gone six months without a trip to LA.

First - how cute is baby Harper? I want to squeeze her face. Look at the makings of her wrist fat. This is the one time in life where wrist fat is looked at as a positive. And the belly. it kills me.

The grey mary janes from Bitsy Blossom are so. ridiculously. sweet. I have instructed Jess to save them and let me "borrow" them (this is code for: I want them) when I have a little girl of my own someday. She should really do that with all of Harper's accessories. Obviously.

Zuzii is a sweet little shop with tiny little headbands and shoes. I mean -- how cute are these?! Zuzii is launching a new collection soon, so if you have a little one or need to buy a baby gift, be sure to check back for the new line.

The adorable "Harper" print is from Metro Line 6 Photography. Jessica has some gorgeous prints available (including a few Paris photographs). I love her work.

I love the little bird print from Points Art! Isn't it precious? Jess loves birds, so this was a must. 

I also sent Harper a little Splendid outfit. I shared a photo on instagram.

She also scored by receiving all the presents I bought for Kate. Who is Kate, you ask? Well, Jess was told that her first was a girl, but she had a boy. And yes. It's rare -- but it does happen.

So. I lost my dream apartment.

The "big news" I wrote about yesterday: I was supposed to see and put a deposit on what I thought was my dream apartment this morning and my mom is going to come visit/help me move. I was told that the place was mine. The awful woman buying this investment property assured me I'd be the first to see it on Monday. Then she moved it to Tuesday. And then she gave it to someone else. I know this is not the end of the world and that I'll find a place, but I had my heart set on this apartment. It had a dining room, fireplace, and subway tile in the bathroom. But it's time to move on. 

My friend Anne reminded me of something:
It's easier to find a killer flat than it is amazing & true friends, a great idea! (The Everygirl), and someone fabulous to share the work and joy with (Alaina). You have lots to be thankful for. :) 
- My wonderful friend Anne.

And she's right. I do have a lot to be thankful for. I also live in a city that I love, work with some really amazing clients, have the greatest dog on the planet, and a family that loves and supports me. So there you have it. I am looking for a new place in Chicago. I'll keep you all posted and can't wait to do a little redecorating! 

This chair from Serena and Lily is at the top of my wish list. Isn't is gorgeous? I have a thing for arms (on men & chairs) and the English roll arm is no exception. It may be one of my favorite things in the whole world. I wrote about them here and here. I also have a thing for tufting. Irresistible.

What's at the top of your wish list & what are you thankful for?

PS. You won't want to miss IFB's first fashion feature on The Everygirl today!