Chinatown

Last week we ventured down to Chinatown for lunch and the obvious stop at adorable candy stores.


I picked up some adorable pig-themed dishes and I'm pretty sure I'm going to head back down there soon to buy more cute swine goodies. Oh, and side note — I'm bringin' the navel piercing back. After having my jewelry out for many years, I discovered a few weeks ago that the piercing is still open. 90s revival, anyone?


Crop Top, American Apparel [similar]
Just Black High Rise Shorts, Una Mae's [similar]
Floral Kimono, Buffalo Exchange [similar]
Gold Chain Necklace, UO Surplus [similar]
Tiger Earrings, Forever 21
Suede Sandals, UO Surplus [similar]
An Honest Tote, Mini Penny

Photos by Brock Myres

Red Hot

Summer is in full force right now — life is busy and life is good. This week officially marks my one year anniversary of full-time-blogger status and I'm pretty proud of it.


How incredible is this reaper ring? I don't think I'll ever take it off.


Split tee, Marshalls [similar]
Rosie Pinup shorts, Urban Outfitters
ShoeCult Sandals, NastyGal
Reaper Ring, Shoppe815
Moon Ring, c/o 9th & Elm
Arch Necklace, UO Surplus
Hoop Earrings, The Gap
Cat Eye Matte Sunglasses, URBN Sample Sale

Photos by Brock Myres.

The Closer I Get

Have you ever watched Morrissey videos where Moz carries flowers (or sometimes, what seems to be an entire bush) in his back pocket. I also noticed that he wore a lot of necklaces around his belt loop. So, uh, I have been sort of copying his look.


I don't know about the rest of the country, but Chicago's summer has been mild and incredible so far this year.


Ecote High Neck Halter Top, Urban Outfitters
Easy Jeans, American Apparel [similar]
Everwell boots, Jeffrey Campbell
Necklace, K-Mart [similar]
Radio Sunglasses, Cheap Monday [similar]
Hoop Earrings, Gap [similar]

Photos by Brock Myres

July Wishlist // Sofas

There aren't many things on my wishlist this month — I'm feeling pretty content. Alas, there is something that I have been meaning to replace for ages: My sofa. Sofas are so tricky. I'm picky about the style and the color (sort of) and they can get expensive fast. A lot of affordable sofas aren't made worth a damn and finding a vintage one in good condition is a chore (don't get me started on the fear of bedbugs from Craigslist). The one I have currently is a new mid-century knock off from Target. It's maybe only about three years old, but its the most uncomfortable sofa I've ever owned. What can ya do?

Where are your favorite places to furniture shop? Right now I'm simply admiring and hoping to find something that really feels like a good spot to nap. (Above image from Urban Outfitters. All their sofas happen to be $100 off right now! Geoff and I used to have one of the super cheap ones back in the day and it wasn't the worst thing in the world...)


Quincy Sofa, Urban Outfitters // Bloor Sofa by Gus Modern, Burkedecor // Modway Engage Upholstered Sofa, Hayneedle // Fog Kendall Sofa, World Market

What's In My Bag // The Beach

I love the beach. It doesn't matter if it's Lake Michigan beaches here in Chicago (which, for those of you who aren't aware, are actually really awesome!) or an ocean beach. Or heck, Blue Hole in Jersey (I miss that place!) or the Dunes in Michigan. Beaches are my jam.

Packing for the beach can be a little tricky. There's always something I nearly forget. Being pale and tattooed has made me a stickler for sunscreen, but a disdain for flip flops in public leaves me to find other suitable alternatives. Here's what I pack for the beach:


An Honest Tote by Mini Penny Clear Tote
Pendleton Oversized Beach Towel
Sunscreen
Bottle of water
Dried fruit or similar melt-proof snacks (pretzels!)
Waterproof iPhone case (also great for keeping sand out your phone!)
Book
Wireless speakers (not pictured)
Zipper pouch for ID + Cash and lip balm

And as far as beach apparel?
H&M Swimsuit coverup [similar]
Swimsuit (I have many mix and match separates!)
Route 66 Sandals
Straw hat (not shown)
Sunglasses
Change of undergarments for a dry ride home :)

Silver Screen Style // The Muppets

Okay, so this edition of Silver Screen Style is a little more general than usual. The Muppets have had multiple movies over the years — so it's tough to pick just one. What it all comes down to is that I love the Muppets. I will go see any movie that they come out with. And at the end of the day, I identify more with Miss Piggy than any other character. So, hey, let's get our Muppet on.


Skinny fatigues, Madewell // Cutout Craze Geo Necklace, Forever21 // Make Up Forever Smokey Lash, Sephora // Me and Zena Rainbow Ring, DollsKill // False Eyelashes, Sephora // Lurex Applique Pencil Skirt and Top + Rated Metal Tip Sandals, Topshop


Printed Earbuds, UO // Orange Daisy Dress, Dorothy Perkins // Feeling Daisy Chain Necklace, NastyGal // Ziggy Sunglasses, Le Spec // Minx Faux Fur Moto Jacket, DollsKill

What's In My Bag // Cycling + ModCloth and Herschel Giveaway!

In a perfect world, I would carry as little as possible while on my bike. But the reality is, I normally need to take a few things with me, even if it is a little joy ride — you know, for safety's sake. For years I've been using a TimBuk2 messenger bag that I bought wayyy back when I worked for Apple. Recently, I posted about my desire to switch to a backpack — and ModCloth and Herschel sent me over this great Out In The Field backpack. The best part is that it looks like a knapsack but has the padded straps of a backpack. Best of both worlds!

Here's a peek at what's in my cycling bag.

Kryptonite U-Lock and keys
Knog Blinder 4 Cross bike lights (USB-rechargeable!)
iPhone charger
Bern bicycle helmet
Vintage Handkerchief
Sunglasses
Bike tools and extra tube
Nova External iPhone Flash
Wallet

Depending on where I'm going, I'll throw in my iPad or camera — which this bag is perfect for because it has a great laptop sleeve!

Now... onto the giveaway!

If you've been following on Instagram, you've seen me posting along with the #ModSummer Photo-A-Day Challenge. Today's the big day — post what's in your bag and you have a chance to win a $100 gift card and a Herschel bag. Header over to ModCloth's Instagram to see the details, lay your bag out neatly, and post your photo using the #modsummer and #wellpacked hashtags! Are you super stoked? I obviously love What's In My Bag posts (hence why I started doing my own series), so I'm excited to see how you all get involved in it now, too!

That's it.

Out In The Field Backpack c/o ModCloth.

Skort and Sweet

I haven't owned a skort since, ermmm, maybe the 6th grade. I remember that I had this one I loved. It was neon green and I always wore it with a yellow and white striped baby tee. Basically I looked like a tiny spokesperson for Sprite. In my head, I thought I looked like a Spice Girl.

These days, there's no lime green in my closet. But I did pick up this skort for a couple dollars at the Urban Outfitters sale store when I went to visit some of my old coworkers. Finally, "shorts" that are long enough to reasonably cover my bum!



Oh and I added a new addition to my ring collection. Check out this Moon Ring I got from 9th & Elm! I get lots of compliments on it. [insert weird full moon emoji]


Can I just point out that I might almost be willing to live through "polar vortex" winters every year if it means having summers as beautiful and cool as this one has been so far.

White eyelet bustier, URBN Sample Sale [similar]
Floral Skort, Band of Gypsies [similar]
Shoe Cult Minx Pumps, Nasty Gal [similar]
Black tote, An Honest Tote by Mini Penny
Branch Necklace, UO Surplus
Radio Sunglasses, Cheap Monday
Adjustable Space Ring, c/o 9th & Elm

Photos by Brock Myres

Sweet Treats

I have a total sweet tooth. Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows that I'm constantly craving donuts. It's a, err, problem. Recently I found out that Stan's Donuts has donut gelato. AKA the best of both worlds.

What's your favorite summer sweet treat?

Weekstagram // July 6

I'm super excited to announce that this week, I'm doing a fun project with Modcloth — something that means you can win a super cool prize while sharing your fun summer photos! All you've gotta do is follow along with Mini Penny and Modcloth on Instagram for the Seven Days of #ModSummer and join in. I'm looking forward to see what you all share for the daily prompts. Feel free to share your Instagram handle in the comments.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.