Layers and Vacation

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Vacation so far has been amazing. I shared with you the images from the work party and have been enjoying time with my friends here in Chicago — but best of all, on Sunday my best friend bussed in from Columbus.


Kelley and I have been friends for a while and have had so many laughs over the years. I am so excited that she got the chance to visit this week. We've spent a good amount of time going out, meeting people, shopping, and eating delicious food. We have been having an excellent time!

Images from my Instagram (@chaplinnn)

Images from Kelley's Instagram (@kelley_b)

Kelley also brought a gift — this amazing bolo tie! I totally adore it and it's probably one of the most unique pieces of jewelry I've gotten in a long time. Thank you, Kelley!


I also picked up a pair of Dr. Martens 1460 boots a few weeks ago. We've had a few snows here in Chicago and these boots have been a total game changer. They're great in this Midwest winter and I definitely recommend a pair.



I also took her down to the planetarium for [what I consider to be] the best view of the skyline! Luckily the weather hasn't been bad since she got here and we were able to pull this off without freezing to death.


This outfit is from Monday when we hit up Cloud Gate and shopping on Michigan Avenue. I bought this J. Crew coat about four years ago back in Columbus and it has been the only winter coat I've needed since!

J. Crew tulip coat, J. Crew
Fred Perry Deconstructed Messenger Bag, UO
Wood Wood Samantha 113 Cardigan, UO Surplus
Striped shirt dress, thrifted
Bolo tie, gift from Kelley
Panther ring, Rudy’s Roundup
Wolf ring, UO
Studded bracelets, XXI
Tights, H&M
Thigh high socks, Target
Dr. Martens 1460 Boots, UO
Obey jacket (layered under coat, not pictured), UO Surplus

Snowday and Free Shipping!

To kick off the lovely snow + the return of Mini Penny, domestic orders now get free shipping with the code SNOWDAY at check out. Only at the Mini Penny Shop and only until January 25th!

Rock 'n' Bowl

First things first, I am terrible at bowling. I'm the first to admit it. It's one of those things, similar to karaoke, that doesn't really matter when you're with a group of good people and having a good time.

I am officially on vacation from work for almost a week and a half, and our post-holiday and post-inventory party at work was such a killer way to kick off my freedom week.


I have been so excited about all of the people I work with — it's an entirely different world than Columbus. The men and women that I surround myself with for forty hours a week are kind and unique and great to pull inspiration from! The environment is so open here that it makes going out easy and effortless — we're all about having a good time and being friends. Love!

D'Rico and Matt

Ben, Karina, and Matt

Xtina

Jaz

After bowling we managed to cram all of us into two cabs and hit up an industrial/goth/80s bar. It was pretty amazing and we had an excellent time!

I have been getting requests for more outfits, and not to worry! I have outfit posts planned. My best friend from Columbus, Ms. Kelley B, busses into Chicago tomorrow. We will be having lots of fun little adventures. This is going to be the best staycation (despise that word!) ever!

I'm Back!

Well, well, well, Minis. It's been nearly three weeks since my last post — not intentional, of course, but I've spent the time getting some things in order and making new plans for Mini Penny.

Firstly, anyone who works in retail knows the strain of the holidays. The lines both before and after the season are a challenge in themselves. I've been coming home from work exhausted. Many of you follow me via Instagram/Tumblr and get to see how un-exciting many of my days really are. We are in the midst of our end-of-the-fiscal-year inventory and I'm pulling extra long days. Yeesh!

Aside from getting sucked into my day job, things are changing around this place. The biggest shift in my personal life has been my separation from my (now ex) boyfriend. This is something that has been causing me to keep to myself for the past couple of months — not out of sadness so much as a simple desire to sort out my feelings. I'm not one to air my personal affairs and details on the internet, so I can only say that I had to make a tough decision that ended up being best for both of us.

So what does all of this mean for Mini Penny? A few small tweaks, of course, but overall I have come to realize that I just need to keep on truckin'. Since I moved to this city I have had nothing but great friends and even greater times, and I'm not ready to let negativity stand in my way.

Thank all of you for sticking by me through the past three weeks. I promise to get this back into a consistent working order now that I have my heart in the right places.

In the mean time, please be sure to check out the new items in the Etsy shop. There are some lovely goodies!


Southwestern Printed Sweater Size S-M, $25


Striped Sweater Tunic Size L, $20


Vintage Nashville Tennessee Tee Size S, $16