Konbanwa

We were spoiled in Chicago today. It felt like spring at the end of December, so I took full advantage of the day and shed some layers.

Happy Holidays!

I hope all of you are enjoying your holiday season! I don't have any family in the Chicago area and unfortunately wasn't able to travel this year, so I enjoyed the day with a friend perusing Chinatown.

Wrapped

Who's ready for the holidays? I particularly love the egg nog and wrapped gifts and peppermint-flavored everything. Getting dressed up for parties is simply a bonus.

Bundled Up

I took a break from my fort of heated blankets to go play in the snow. It's so funny when I look back and think about all of the winters of my early twenties when I insisted that my Vans were fine for winter. These days, I don't go out in the snow without a pair of boots — mainly cause I will fall and bust my ass in anything else.

You've Got Nail 66 // Scratch December Box

It's been ages since my last manicure post, and in the meantime I've made lots of fun nail sets. My favorite wrap-makers, Scratch, have totally redone their Monthly Mani Kit. December's box included my favorite color combo (black and gold!) paired with some holiday swans-a-swimming. Click through to see the three sets I made using these wraps and laurel wreath charms.

Before It Snowed

I shot these photos in September. Ugh. I felt as though this fall was so unexpectedly heavy — things were moving along well with getting Mini Penny back on track and getting organized at work and then I sort of fell into this weird funk.  Just a few days after I took these photos, I was hit by an SUV while riding my motorcycle. It wasn't nearly as serious as it could have been, but I was in physical pain and also facing what could have been a fatal injury. It weighed on me. I took some time off and traveled to the east coat to visit some friends, and came back and cranked through work at the tattoo shop. Meanwhile, the political climate has had me stressed. I didn't know how right it felt to write here when I felt like everything was sorta of falling apart. Last month, I flew to LA and landed on the other side of the country to my worst nightmare: a horrible misogynist monster had been elected as our president.

I've spent the last month in total disbelief — there have been so many text messages and phone calls to my loved ones checking in to make sure they're okay — and reassuring that I am to. As a survival of sexual assault, it's all been a weight on my shoulders. It's hard to explain. But after some self-love and some newly focused work endeavors, I'm here. I'm so ready to shoot. I'm so ready to write. And I'm so ready to get back to the Mini Penny routine.

Mini Penny on Max Journal

I'm really excited to be featured this week on VSCO's Max Journal! Head over to their page to read my interview with them and see more photos!

Tons of New Listings!

Part of returning from hiatus is finally committing to cleaning out my closet. Well, here's the first round: thirty goodies (new, lightly used, and vintage) for your purchasing pleasure. Always free shipping in the US! Scoop 'em up.

That One Time I Took a Summer Hiatus

It's been two months since I've shared anything to Mini Penny Blog. I've spent a good chunk of this summer painting, being outside, meeting new people, and processing a few other issues big and small. I've had this itch for the past couple of weeks to put up some new content, but really have spent such a small amount of money shopping (that's a good thing!) considering that ... I bought a motorcycle on Memorial Day and have been sinking all of my money into getting her ready to ride.

You've Got Nail 65 // Scratch Thunder Wraps

When I received my email to select my wraps last month, I wasn't particularly elated by the choices. I ended up going with Thunder, and ended up being really stoked with the results! Click through to see all three sets I made with these great wraps.

Spring Whites + Cat Footwear

I love wearing white jeans with a vintage denim jacket in the spring. The look is so crisp and refreshing from my usual, especially when accessorized with great ankle boots and a simple hat.

Party in the Back

These pants are killing me. They're so flattering and the cutout on the back is sexy as hell. The rise and crop is reminiscent of some of my favorite Peg-Bundy-esque styles, but with just a little more sass.

You've Got Nail 64 // Scratch Bloom Wraps

Lately, I've been love split manicures — you know, straight lines, different halves, the whole bit. When I got my March Mini Mani Scratch Box in the mail and saw these beautiful florals, I knew I'd be able to complete three lovely spring sets with them! See all of my designs below.

Rompin' Around

Flashback to LA a few weeks ago — Roxy and I had a day off together and spent it jumping around and enjoying the sunshine. Chicago has been so rainy and grey the past couple of days, so looking back on sunny photos has me excited for brighter days. Who doesn't love running around in a comfy romper?

Prints Now Available!

I'm so excited to announce that I am now offering prints of a few of my paintings! Due to so many messages and comments over the years, I decided to make 8x10s available to you. Each print is on 100% cotton Edition Etching Rag with Ultrachrome Archival Inks. The prints are $25 each (shipped!) or you can pick up the memorial bundle (Amy, Prince, and Bowie) for $60 shipped. Head over to the Mini Penny Shop to get yours!

They're going fast and the run is very limited.

The Suede Shift Dress

Wearing this faux suede shift dress around LA was so comfortable and breezy. I love the suede trend, but I always worry about the weight of the fabric in warmer temperatures. This one by Tobi is the perfect middle ground!

You've Got Nail 63 // March Julep Maven Box

It has been ages since I've opted to take one of my Julep Maven boxes. I love nail polish, but I have so much and normally skip it. The March box had some wonderful colors, so I picked out my favorites and did a mani using all three colors.

Arriving in Los Angeles for the Morrissey Convention

Yo, so I went to a Smiths/Morrissey convention. That's weird, right? Yeah, okay, yes. It just so happened to coincide with my Los Angeles trip, during the weekend that Roxy had her training. And Moz is my all-time favorite, so... why not?

Welcome Home

Yay! Today I'm finally sharing my new apartment with you! I've been living here for nearly two months — even though I was fully unpacked in the first week, I wanted to take some time off and relax before sharing my space. I've been slowly collection more plants. This apartment might be one of my favorites so far! Click through to see all of the photos.

Pinstripe Trousers

Being back in the midwest has me returning to a palette of black and neutrals.

My Favorite Minimal Watches

I'm a big fan of watches. I had this habit for a while of always buying really cheap watches and then shrugging when they broke. So hey, I did a little minor-splurge this past month and bought myself one from Need Supply! I spent a bit of time looking for something I really loved and landed on this Rose Gold and Black watch from The Horse. But in the search of it all, I came across some real beauties. Click through for all of my favorite picks — and maybe you'll find your new favorite time piece.

America's Beauty Show

This weekend I had so much fun as a hair model for Andis at the America's Beauty Show in Chicago! I got a new cut from Jessica Zeinstra. See all of the photos after the jump.

Review // Recent Pixi Boxes

It's been a while since I shared one of my Pixi boxes, so I decided to jump in and show the goodies that I've gotten in the last three shipments. Most of them are great, others are so-so, and one I ditched out the gate. Click through for the full review and some looks I did using this makeup!

My Nail Station

One of the greatest little tidbits of my new apartment is this little space I have for manicures. Yep, that's right. I have a small desk dedicated not to my makeup, but solely to nail polish.

Stripes and Wide Legs

And here we have it! My last California post. These pants are too good for words and they make me look tall as hell (I'm 5'1", so I'll take what I can get).

Skincare from Little Tokyo

While in LA, Roxy took me to Little Tokyo to check out Daiso and a few other wonderful little beauty stores. I had heard so much about Daiso and was prepared to spend my allowance (hah!) on a bunch of crazy odds and ends — what I ended up doing was picking up some of my favorite new skincare products! See all the details after the jump and links to where you can get them for yourself.

The Split-Front Blouse

On my last day in California, Roxy and I drove around, ate burritos and I got tattooed.

Joshua Tree

On our way back from Palm Springs, we swung by Joshua Tree and Pioneer Town. The mountain views driving into the area were breathtaking and I wish we could have spent a little more time here!

Palm Springs

I was so excited to get out to the desert and check out Palm Springs. I had stayed at the Ace Hotel in DTLA, so I only found it fitting to give the Ace out there a try. It was a wonderful stay! I can't wait to get back to Palm Springs and check out more of the local happenings.

Los Angeles Swimming

All of this Chicago snow has me daydreaming back to rooftop pools in Los Angeles! Prior to my trip, I had been searching everywhere for the perfect high-cut swimsuit and finally settled on this simple piece from ASOS. I would wear this around every day if it were socially acceptable. Hah!