What I Wore // Striped Shift Dress

I love this irregular take on black and white stripes.

12 Lists // Numbers 6 + 7 + 8

Whoa, whoops! I got a little behind on this list project! When the subject was posted for May (party essentials), I wasn't feeling terribly inspired to write about it. Why? Because I rarely throw parties! I love parties, but I have had enough experience planning parties and events for work, that I don't do much of that in my free time. Either way, check out my picks for Party Essentials (I'm trying!), My Favorite Apps, and Trials I Have Overcome.

The Wisconsin Trip Part 3 // Harley-Davidson Museum

Since Sunday's trip home had a little hiccup, we decided to detour on Monday to Milwaukee. The main reason was so that we wouldn't hit Chicago at rush hour (if you have ever been it, then you understand why we went out of our way to avoid it!). And in the meantime, we figured we could stop and check out the Harley-Davidson Museum.

The Wisconsin Trip Part 2 // I Wore Black To the Wedding

Packing for a motorcycle trip can be minimal enough — but considering doing so and having to try to squeeze in some formal-esque attire in for a wedding! I love this dress and I am always excited to wear it. With some careful planning, I was able to pack it without damage in the saddle bag! Sure, there's an old (dumb) rule about "not wearing black to weddings," but it's 2015 and it seems as though that archaic fashion idea has gone by the wayside.

The Wisconsin Trip Part 1 // The Journey

This road trip to Wisconsin is easily one of the best vacations I've taken in many, many years. I took a ton of photos, so I'm splitting these posts up into three! Today's is going to be the largest of them all, so be prepared for a lot of images after the jump.

Last Wednesday, my boyfriend and two of our friends left Chicago on Harleys and headed towards Northern Wisconsin. We had a few hiccups along the way, but overall it was hilariously fun and I would do it a million times over (except preferably with my own bike... wink). Click through for more of our adventures!

You've Got Nail 50 // Scratch Mini Mani Box August

Just like July's Scratch Mini Mani Box, I was able to get three manicures out of the Desert Dreams set of wraps I selected! Click through for photos of the three very different sets of nails I was able to do this month!

What I Wore // Rose Gold Loafers

It's funny looking back and seeing that I was so anti-gold when it came to my jewelry. Nowadays, it's my preference! And since I started working with body jewelry, I learned all about rose gold and have totally fallen for it.  These rose gold loafers are a prime example of how I've let this warm metallic enter my wardrobe for summer and fall.

Headed to Wisconsin

After months of aching for a road trip or vacation, it's finally happening! Tomorrow we're heading out on the Harley to northern Wisconsin for a wedding. I'm really excited, because I've never spent any time in Wisconsin — we're going to be going through lots of interesting areas. I love Chicago, but can't wait to get out of the city for a few days!

In the past I've shared different ways I pack for travel. But motorcycle traveling is a lot difference because we have such a minimal amount of space! Click through to see how I'm packing for our five-day excursion.

August Shop My Closet Sale

Happy Monday, Minis! I have been working on a huge purge over the past few weeks and decided to do an August Shop My Closet sale! I added thirty items to the list, including these Jeffrey Campbell boots and this striped shift dress.

I have also started shop.minipennyblog.com, where you can buy these items with an easy click (no emailing required) and pay with either Paypal or credit card. You can also shop Mini Penny Vintage from the same page. Anything ordered today will be shipped out tomorrow — anything ordered beyond that will go out the following Monday, as I will be out of town.

Don't miss out on these goodies. US Shipping is included in the price. Shop now.

What I Wore // Palm Print Blouse

Over and over again, I come back to the palm print! When I saw this top, I had to have it! It combines my favorite pattern and my favorite color palette: black and white.

Thursdays

Chicago is in the middle of a heat wave, which means it's finally time for beach days, poolside, and short shorts!

My Home Studio Lighting Setup

A little while ago, I posted an article about my beloved FujiFilm X100T. Over the past few months of owning it, I've been really getting into the full capabilities of this little toy. I've had so much fun playing with lighting setups — more so than I ever did with my 5DMii!

It took a while for me to get the hang of it. I found a couple of posts that helped me along with the right gear, but didn't find much in the way of fashion-oriented shooting with it. I get inquiries about this camera, so I figure I'd share how I use it in my studio-style setups like flat lays and Etsy shop images!

But My Dreams Aren't Like Yours

As if I couldn't get enough of bell sleeves and lace-ups, right? I suppose I could just wear them all at the same time and really get my fix.

See more photos of this lovely dress after the jump!

Filling My Home with Plants

Happy weekend! We're rounding out the end of summer and soon all the leaves will be changing as we head into autumn. I've really made a point to fill my home with plants this year in order to save myself from that mid-winter funk. Plants make a home feel more alive and fresh.

I have all types of plants — from succulents to leafy hangers. Do you keep plants in your home? Which ones are your favorites?

Trend // Layering Necklaces

I love the layered necklace look! It's great with high- or low-neck lines and is the perfect opportunity to mix and match all of my favorite small simple necklaces. My collection is slowly growing and I'm constantly on the search for more body chains!

Casual Days

Last week I spent my day off exploring neighborhoods I'd never been to before: Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Manor! It was great and felt a bit like I was in another city — I always love a change of scenery and this was perfect!

Lollapalooza Weekend

It's Lollapalooza weekend — which means there will be armies of people in Chicago with their wrist bands and short-shorts and (hopefully not) ponchos. I, for one, don't mind the funky tan lines that are inevitable with recent strappy bra and harness trends.

Are you in town for the festivities? If so, what are you wearing?

Borrowed Boyfriend Henley, Free People
Harness Bra, c/o DressIn
Leopard Shorts, UO Surplus [similar]
Fringe bag, thrift [similar]
Lift Sandals, c/o Alterre [similar]