Favorite Polish: Essie Ladylike

So my polish collection has grown impressive as of late.  Where I used to have a couple pinks and purples, I now have a whole apothecary jar full.  Yet despite all these options, I keep going back to Essie's Ladylike.

It's a great neutral shade with a hint of purple.  I don't know if it's come up on this blog yet, but purple is definitely my favorite color.  I didn't actually realize it until someone pointed out to me in college when I was wearing a purple sweater, carrying my purple backpack, and wearing purple nail polish.  

Ladylike is the perfect way to get a little bit of purple into my day.  

What's your favorite polish shade?  

Ensemble: Neon Stripes

Now normally I would be like, "Highlighter yellow?  No thanks!"  But something made me pick up this dress anyway.  I'm glad I did, because it makes me look like a crazy bumble bee in the best way possible.  

Sweater Dress - Old Navy / Necklace - Francesca's / Belt - Old Navy / Booties - Kelly & Katie

These photos were taken with my old camera, but don't worry, photos with the new camera are coming soon.

Looking at this photo, I now realize I fastened my belt incorrectly.  Serious struggs.  

Life Lately...

... via Instagram!

Do you ever buy something because it comes in a pretty bottle?  I mean no, I don't ever do that.  

Thai restaurant, yes please.

Ahhhmazing donuts that someone brought to work.  I'm odd, so I only like one kind of donut: the Chocolate Longjohn.  What a strange child I must have been.  

Sake bomb oh dear.

Birthday mochi (it wasn't my birthday, duhhhh)

 New arm candy!  And from Target, no less!

In other news, today is my work Christmas party, which means bowling and an open bar all afternoon.  Really, I'd take that over a fancy ballroom party any day ;)

Like what you see?  Click here to follow along with me on Instagram!

Dreaming Of: Comfort Foods

Yesterday the temperature dropped here in Chicago.  While I was a little relieved (since I've been reading a book about global warming and freaking out a tinge), I was also a little displeased since the heat coincidentally decided to go on hiatus in my apartment.  Being buried under piles of blankets made me start to crave anything warm, rich, and creamy.

French Beef Stew with Red Wine

Tuscan Bean Soup

Tartflette

Baked Potato Soup

Best Shepherd's Pie

Wanted: Pretty Little Things

For some reason I never manage to buy pretty things for my apartment.  I look at them, I lust over them, but I always feel like I should spend my hard earned dollar bills on more practical things (you know, like four million pairs of shoes).  That's why this year I'm asking for pretty little things on my Christmas list.  Oh, also, apparently white and metallic are having a major moment in my life right now.

1. Enamel Bird Dish / 2. Round Lacquer Tray / 3. Ceramic Elephant Ring Holder / 4. Turquoise Peacock / 5. Measuring Hedgies / 6. Turtle Magnifying Glass / 7. Capri Blue Giant Mercury Jar / 8. Triple Tray Catch-All Stand / 9. Rose Knob / 10. Shabby Chic Wall Clock / 11. Boudoir Vanity Tray / 12. Tabletops Gallery Square Serving Basket Set / 13. Starburst Bowl

Merry Christmas (to me!)

On Black Friday I read an article that said people are more likely this year to "self-gift" than they have in the past.  I thought, well why not?!  If you're already planning on getting a big ticket item, why wouldn't you buy it on Black Friday or Cyber Monday/Cyber The Rest of the Holiday Season when it's on super sale?

On that note, I've been eyeing a new camera for almost two years, trying to bite the bullet and make the purchase.  On Cyber Monday, the camera I've been lusting over was on super sale (yay!) so I decided to go for it.  Helloooooooo new toy/baby/love:

Once I get a chance to test it out I'll let you know what I think!  

Have you been self-gifting this year?  What are your thoughts, so good or no good? 

Ensemble: Orange Sparkle

Oh hey, I had someone else take some outfit photos for me, wowee!  My sister was snapping some pics of my new glasses, and I was like "Hey! Get the outfit too!" You know, in the nicest way possible.  

Sweater - Target / Blazer - NY&Co / Jeans - Gap / Boots - Chinese Laundry

I picked up this sweater at Target, has anyone else noticed that they've been hitting it out of the park lately?  A new Target just opened around the corner from my office, which is great for me but a problem for my wallet.  

Jumping picture, duh.

It was my first blog photoshoot, so naturally I felt a little on the awkward side.  This isn't even me trying to jump, it was just how I was standing.  

Me in the dressing room: "Is this sweater too orange?  Too sparkly?  Too reminiscent of a '50s cheerleading sweater?  Nahhhhh."