goods.

I posted a photo of this exciting purchase a few weeks ago and was recently able to put it to serious use at the Green City Farmer's Market, also know as a magical place to do local food shopping. One thing that should be apparent by now is that I excel at shopping on all levels. 

'Geeking out over lettuce' at Growing Power's stand. Little does Brian know that that is a total compliment as an intense discussion over the various subtleties of lettuces with the farmer who brought them to life them basically constitutes my best conversation ever .

Photos © Brian Sorg

Admiring my goods while soaking up the sun over a bowl of lentil soup & garlicky fava beans at Old Jerusalem...now this constitutes my best day ever.

sunglasses x celine, backpack x FleaBags + VPL via p45

FleaBags + VPL

Seeing as how my social media was blowing up in smoke yesterday in honor of 420, today I decided to do my part to stimulate the economy & celebrate Earth Day a day early at p.45.  Truth be told...I fell for this backpack the moment I put it on, finding out it's made of eco-friendly materials & vegan leather was an added & thrilling bonus. 

This picture doesn't do the bag justice, it's slouchy & hangs in a unique way, perfect for trips to the farmer's market (which went outdoors yesterday...amid snow) in addition to everything else a backpack is useful for, saving disposable bags left & right. I will do a post wearing it soon, but my photographer is on a shoot today & that takes precedence over his pro bono blog work. I suppose it's only fair. 

Backpack x FleaBags + VPL via p45

wallflower

When I first pulled this skirt out of the bag, Brian took one look at it and asked if I was channeling my inner-grandma. I rolled my eyes and told him he'd be singing a different tune by the end of the wedding we were attending. 

I adore this skirt by Rachel Comey because it's sophisticated, classy, sexy and unexpected. Things I aim to be and hopefully succeed at every once in a while. Open bar not withstanding... 

Photos © Brian Sorg

By the end of the night I had Brian apologizing for teasing me, commenting that 

'it's all in how you wear it, and you wear it well'. I couldn't have said it better myself. Fashion is about taking that risk and putting yourself out there, and I know my (very stylish) grandma would agree. 

skirt x Rachel Comey via p.45, top x Diane von Furstenburg, pumps x Jimmy Choo, necklace x hoovershank, earrings x zoe oliver c/o p45

cut on a bias

I have been told I'm slightly biased on more than a few occasions...for example, I believe with all of my heart that my dog is the cutest, my mom is the best cook, the japanese have the coolest style, chicago is the greatest city, my dad is the smartest, my boyfriend has the most unique eye & on...

After all, isn't everyone a little biased towards what they love?

Photos © Brian Sorg

Therefore, whatever your (political) bias may be...step it on over to the polls & put it out there!

bias-cut top c/o love, zooey via p45, skirt x t by alexander wang, heels x michael kors

a hot plate on a cold day

I've been hearing about the deluxe grill for a while now...located off mannheim & lake on a trucker route steps from the local strip club, this diner opens at 4am & has seen more than its fair share of characters. 

More specifically, I've been told of their 'hot mix', a specialty consisting of tomatoes, jalapenos, onions & peppers, griddled to perfection & made to accompany anything on the menu (2 eggs over easy in this case). 

We popped in there just before they stopped serving and were greeted by Lynn, who by all accounts is the heart & soul of the place. She proceeded to keep us entertained with stories of past photo & commercial shoots that have taken place in the diner, as well as inform us on the happenings of the area (more strip joint than strip mall). 

Photos © Brian Sorg

The deluxe grill is for sale so I recommend making the trek sooner than later; first & foremost, this is diner fare done right, but more than that, Lynn's warmth makes it a place you want to return to. One gets the sense she never forgets a face or an order & she'll keep your mug full of hot coffee, all while regaling you with tales & stories.

jeans x jbrand, lace top c/o mason by michelle mason via p45

a tale of oxford smarts

Last weekend I had every intention of replacing my phone with something that, at the very least has a working 'A' key, is able to answer a call & can access the internet. My blackberry has been 2 steps from the grave for at least a year & whenever someone asks how I live without a smart phone, I remark that I'd rather spend my money on shoes. 

Hilarity always ensues but little do they know that I'm not kidding. Phones are lovely and all, but they're a dime a dozen; my feet however, are a different story. Somehow they found themselves stepping on over to p45 for their 15th birthday bash. 

Photos © Brian Sorg

The tale they're telling here is that I am one smart cookie who chose wisely to partake in the celebrations. In the meantime, if you need to reach me, I can be found on the roof (the reception is much better up here).

oxfords x mm6 via p45, sunglasses x karen walker, blazer x splendid, tee x zara, shorts x jcrew

secret garden

Two incredibly extraordinary souls committed their lives to one another this weekend in the most magical place. Impossible to understand if you don't know these two, but I am certain the skies opened up to shine their blessing. I am not being dramatic...it literally poured for days, letting up only for the few hours surrounding the ceremony. 

The wedding was held at a stunning old barn and the invitation requested one dress for a square dance, encouraging jeans & cowboy boots.

 I had every intention of following the rules, until I decided that it couldn't hurt to just pop in and see if p45 had anything interesting to pair with a denim shirt. If you've never been to p45, you should know that they carry a wide range from internationally recognized to relatively unknown designers, all unique with gorgeous cuts & lines. No surprise how this fairy tale ended...and now this skirt is forever tied to warm memories & stories of love. Win-win.

skirt x mason by michelle, boots x rag & bone

Photos © Brian Sorg