Think Pink

My girlfriends and I always reach a point in the winter where we discuss how we can't wait for the snow to melt so we can break out our full shoe collections. I've picked up a few pairs of new kicks over the past few months and for fear of destroying them with salt, they've stayed in the box.

Luckily, I also have a strong collection of boots to get me through. I had been dying for these J. Crew motorcycle boots and stumbled upon them at my local Buffalo Exchange. My lucky day, right? And I'm tempted to also buy them in suede since J. Crew currently has an extra 40% off their sale (ack!).


Additionally, I'm constantly on the verge of dumping all color out of my wardrobe. But this light, dusty pink sweater from Showpo was such a good state that I had to scoop it up. I love oversized, cozy sweaters in the winter, and this one provides the perfect amount of coverage to pair it with leggings and not feeling too over-exposed.


Dove Knit sweater in Pink, c/o Showpo
Faux Leather Jacket, thrift store [similar]
Faux Leather Trim Leggings, c/o Betsey Johnson
J. Crew Biker Boots, Buffalo Exchange
Raccoon Jaw cast necklace, Renegade Craft Fair
Felt wide-brimmed hat, UO Surplus

Museum Date

Winter days in Chicago are short. It feels like we rarely have any sunlight — and even when we do, it's very short lived. We had a snowstorm at the beginning of the month and severely limits my shoe choices until it all melts. So this, yes this, is pretty much my winter go-to outfit.


Layers, boots, and black jeans. I layer up on coats and grab the biggest scarf I can find. Granted, this year we've been spoiled compared to last year's never-ending cold — so I really have no complaints as far as the weather is concerned.

Flashback to last week. The days are getting longer and the sun was out, plus many of the museums in the city are free until the end of the month. We hit up one of my favorites — The Field Museum — for a few hours after brunch.


  
And still, I'm getting to play with this camera more and more — I love it!


Faux Fur jacket, Nordstrom [similar]
Embroidered Leather Jacket, c/o Betsey Johnson [similar]
Cable Knit grey sweater, Zara [similar]
Easy Jeans, American Apparel [similar]
Oversized Black Check Square Scarf, ASOS
Chained at the heel bootie, c/o Tobi [similar]

12 Lists // Number 2

Last month I joined the Clear the Way/Chez Gillian 12 Lists project. For February, they're looking at what makes us feel confident.

Finishing a long To Do list
Compliments from friends
Teaching or helping people with things that I know — like a skill, acquired knowledge, or efficient way of doing things
Every time a photo gets selected for VSCO's Grid
Friendly Tweets and emails
A new pair of badass shoes
The perfect lip liner or eyebrow pencil
Getting flowers (ah!)

What makes you feel confident?

FujiFilm X100T

Two months ago, I picked up a new camera: the FujiFilm X100T. I had been lusting over this series for little while and decided to treat myself. After all, I feeling a bit uninspired with my DSLR. The 5D Mark ii that I normally use is huge and bulky, and I don't feel much need to carry it around with me all of the time. After being with the X100T for some weeks, I take it with me everywhere and use it a lot. Here are some of my favorite and recent shots with this powerful little camera.


What camera do you primarily shoot with?

Valentine's Day Sale

I'm so excited for Valentine's Day! To celebrate, all red items in the Mini Penny Shop are 30% off — dresses, sweaters, bags, and coats! There's no code required and always free shipping in the US. This sale will end on 2/14.

Shop Now

Flowers For Dreams + Valentine's Day Giveaway

It's that time of year! Mushy, lovely Valentine's Day. I admittedly love this darn holiday — reds and pinks and flowers and candy and all-over cuteness. This year I am so stoked to share a few things: Flowers For Dreams's new subscription program and a special Valentine's Day bouquet giveaway that will go live on the @minipennyblog Instagram later this week.


Okay, for starters, I have written about my love for Flowers for Dreams in the past. They're a great local business that has gorgeous bouquets (hand delivered!) and gives back to local charities with each purchase. Every bouquet I've gotten from Flowers for Dreams has been beautiful and totally  brings life to the room. And now with the new subscription program, you can have a bouquet delivered to you each month, biweekly, or weekly. And if you suddenly realize it's your mom's birthday this week? No worries, you can reroute your bouquet to go to her.

But, hey, why not spread the love? Personally, I think a fresh subscription like this is such a killer gift — if any friend or my significant other sent these my way, I'd be stoked. Not only would it mean beautiful flowers every few weeks, but it would also  be supporting a great Chicago small business and charities.


Want to try a Flowers for Dreams bouquet this Valentine's Day? Send it to your love, your best friend, your bae, your secret crush, or keep it for yourself (because loving yourself is important too!). Keep your eyes peeled and check the @minipennyblog Instagram this Friday for instructions on how you can get one of your very own.

Delicious box of chocolates not included... because I ate it while Netflix binging. Bouquet courtesy of Flowers for Dreams.

Star Gazing

This week I had the unique pleasure of going to see Neil DeGrasse Tyson give a lecture at the Auditorium Theatre downtown. It time warped me back to when I was a kid and was so very into science class. The speak was amazing and definitely got my gears turning on subjects of life and relationships and lateral thinking.


It was certainly encouraging to see a room full of kids and adults alike excited about education and furthering space and science exploration. If you ever get the chance, check him out. Bill Nye is the next to cross off on my list!


Lace Top, c/o Fevrie (get 25% off with the code MINIPENNYBLOG)
Turquoise Necklace, H&M (similar)
Leather skirt, Vintage (similar)
Shoecult Heels, Nasty Gal (similar)

The Basics

No matter how much shopping I can do nor how much inspiration I can take in, there's nothing quite like the jeans, t-shirt, and boot combo. I've been rocking this look more and more lately. With an ever-rotating collection of boots and black denim (and a variety of jackets on top), this is my easy solution for long days at the tattoo shop or no-fuss, out-the-door get up.

How do you rock the jeans and tee look?

White V-Neck, Forever 21
Raccoon Jawbone Necklace, Renegade craft fair
BDG Boyfriend Belt, URBN Sample Sale
Shredded denim leggings, American Eagle Outfitters
Aldo leopard booties, Buffalo Exchange [similar]

Recipe // Coconut Macaroons

Macaroons (not to be confused with macarons) are one of my favorite treats to make... and eat. They're simple, delicious, and will only take you about an hour. Check out the how-to after the jump.

You've Got Nail 47

I've been a little lax on my nail art lately — mostly going with simple and minimal designs. This manicure is really no different, but I love the grey and gold combo and felt compared to share this great base color I picked up.

I noticed the L'Oreal Dark Sides of Grey collection and Walgreens and bought Aux Chandelles and Bad Bad Grey. I was so excited to try Bad Bad Grey once I got home, so I started a manicure and was horribly disappointed. The formula was so sandy and gritty and it dried with the most undesirable texture (you can see examples of it here). It rather tarnished my hope of this collection for a couple weeks, until this past weekend when I decided to give Aux Chandelles a try.

Perfection. A previous review I had read noted that it was thin and hard to work with — mine was the opposite. It covered nicely and had a great smooth finish. I finished the manicure with a gold stamping technique and had a great looking manicure in hardly any time at all!

I totally dig this light, cool grey. What are your favorite neutral nail polishes? Have you tried anything from this particular collection?

L'Oreal Dark Sides of Grey polish in Aux Chandelles [similar]
UO Nail Polish in Admission [similar]
Zoya Nail Polish in Purity [similar]
Pueen Nail Stamper
Bundle Monster Stamping Plate #BM-404
Bundle Monster Stamping Plate #BM-315
Seche Vite Top Coat