Lakeside, December 18th

Just out for a run & photos by Lake Michigan, Chicago.  On December 18, 2011.

 Last week, the rocks were iced over and there were icicles hanging from that barrier.  Not anymore.

Rumor has it this is the winter to beat all winters in Chicago but I really wouldn't mind it staying just like this.

(*Although I was looking forward to bragging after the fact that I survived*)

to soften black boots...

 Photo by Tamu McPherson of ALL THE PRETTY BIRDS

Now I want a red dress.

When Italian leather comes into your life.

How can you resist? I have been volunteering at Encore Resale in Hyde Park, Chicago.

Today, someone donated Prada shoes and the above Moschino boots. I don't think the brand ever intended for cheap and chic to be quite so cheap.  $15 cheap.  I'm guessing these are mid-90's? Anyone have any ideas?  The jacket is Woolrich, also an Encore find.

I feel quite Sea of Shoes & American Saloon gal in these.  A look outside of my normal zone but I am excited for this new expansion.

The belt, also Encore, $1.

This outfit may soon reappear.

Hope you are all gearing up for a lovely holiday season. I am taking advantage of treating myself.

Bisous,
Catherine

A New Home

 It's been awhile, but here I am, still alive. 

Did you miss me?? Cause I missed you.

Above: my "I'm sorry for being away so long"-face.

So I ran away, off to vacation, away from the computer.  Then, I came home, had to face the reality of being back at work, and then was sick.  After a hiatus, here I am again.  I hope that your summer has been lovely.

While in Chicago, I picked up this vintage Dana Buchman blouse and have been wearing it every chance I get:

The dress is from 7th grade... I was shopping in Buffalo Exchange, and it reminded me of Julia Roberts' cocktail dress in Pretty Woman:

Image from You Deserve Pretty Things

I wasn't going to buy it but my friend thought I should.  So he bought it:

I have vacation photos to share eventually... it's a wonder to me that not everyone who goes to Chicago immediately becomes an architect.  The skyline is phenomenal.  I just have to sort and pick my favorites.  Until the next time.

Bisous.

On Vacation

Dear Readers,
I apologize for my absence, I am on vacation and enjoying the Minnesota heat!  A quick post to say hello:

Tomorrow, we are off to Chicago to apartment-hunt and so I will see you in a week. 

With love,  Catherine

Breakdown

A look at some of my staple pieces, after a hard day's work of decoration.  When I wear jewelry, each piece has a story and means something to me.  I often see things I like, but rarely buy.  The trend of piling things on allows me to mix and match and make something new of each piece by setting it against others.  What are your feelings on jewelry?  Bisous.

Waiting Waiting Waiting Waiting Waiting By The Phone

Want to make sense of the post title?  Press play!

 

An ode to my shoes, that have sat in my closet since my gnarly ankle bid them adieu in April.  I spied the clutch in my closet on my way out to see Harry Potter and realized, "Hey, these match.  YES!"  One of my first vintage purchases, I think I paid $12 for the clutch in 6th grade at Mars on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley (before it was bought out as a member of the same vintage chain that sold me my red leather skirt).  I used to walk past after school on my way  to the bus stop.  Also, it is a coincidence that my yellow nail polish has faded to match the purse.  I promise.

Do you have a story about your first vintage purchase?  Please tell me about it in a comment!  Bisous. 

*Full-length photo by Tim - Thank you, Tim!*

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Jeans: Levi's (Boyfriend's - authentic tears)

Camisole: Dior - maman

Sweater: Comptoir des Cotonniers

Necklaces: Ethiopian Hinged Cross - gift from my French host mother, vintage silver beads, mom's black & pearl, blood coral from vendor on Telegraph Ave.