Chicago Nature Museum

My daughter loves Chicago Nature Museum. We went there every week in July. 

She played with the water, looked at the butterflies, spent hours in the playroom, and we watched animal feeding, and tried to cast at the pond. So much fun!

After the museum we'd go to the Zoo, or the nearby playground. Great memories. 

I really loved the architecture of the building, and had to take a couple of pictures :-).

P.S. the dress I'm wearing is old HM from maternity section.

Just a pretty dress

 

This summer I decided to wear more dresses, and I think I've done a pretty good job! 

A dress is the quickest way for me to get ready in the morning. I also put on some sunscreen, a lip balm, and a pair of sunglasses, and I'm good to go. 

Every time I wear a dress, someone compliments me on the street. I'm wearing Faithfull the Brand Luda dress.

We had to leave Chicago, and I miss it so much! I loved the city beaches, the lake is wonderful, and it's perfect to stay cool in the breeze at the beach during heat waves. And of course, I miss the parks and all the beautiful views. I hope to come back soon.

Flutter sleeve midi dress

This summer midi dress is my ideal hot weather attire  for the days when I am up to wear something feminine yet feel like myself and perform my mom duties. 

I bought it last year from Gap with a good discount, but these types of dresses are a good old classic. 

It was lined but I felt like it added extra bulk so I got rid of the lining myself, and now the dress is perfect! 

Champion obsession

Last year I've become a little bit Champion obsessed. I've got three pairs of their boyfriend sweatpants, a sweatshirt dress, couple of hoodies, running shoes I'm wearing here, and, finally, this red sweatshirt is my latest addition. 

There's something about this brand I liked. As it turned out, for a good reason. 

I've read about the history of the brand, it's popularity in the 80s, and their downfall in the 90s, and their comeback in 2019. I had no idea that this company invented the hoodie we know now in the 1930s. Moreover, Champion started their reverse weave (anti-shrink, durable) technology in the 1940s, and it's being used today by most of the athletic clothing brands.

My sweatpants are reverse weave, and I've worn them non-stop for the last couple of years, and nothing really happens to them! 

With vintage and athleisure still being top trends now, Champion fits in perfectly.

Speaking of vintage, the chunky link necklace I'm wearing here is Anne Klein with her iconic lion head medallion. I won this on eBay last summer.

An outfit formula: oversized blazer, white tee, high wasted flare jeans and pointed toe boots

 

My longest post title so far! This outfit formula has worked for years. I like that it's casual and the blazer makes it put together. 

Speaking of the blazer, it's vintage. I found it on eBay for $15. It's soft wool and multicolored, perfect for all sorts of outfit combinations and comfortable enough to play with my child. 

The jeans are ribcage Levi's. Flare jeans are back, and I've always liked the style.

 

Transitional

So, I'm going to write something a little bit different about my outfit here. 

As much as I like it - the leopard print, the headband with the oversized cat-eye sunglasses, and the wide ripped jeans - I think, I'm ready for different looks. 

I'm feeling fatigue from menswear inspired looks, everything oversized and relaxed. 

Currently, I'm craving elegant, feminine outfits. I haven't worn a dress in, what seems like, million years. 

I'm thinking of the outfits I've worn on the blog; and if you've got a minute, check out this vintage red dress look, or the maxi skirt with open shoulders top, or even this green blazer dress look.

P.S. Happy International Women's Day! (check out this post too!).

Best buys

I am wearing all of my favorite things here. 

The chunky beanie from Madewell is cute but not too childish, been wearing it non-stop lately.

The must-have cable-knit turtleneck (sold out) from HM is warm, cozy and stylish, and it fits under my Uniqlo parka just great (I find it difficult to find appropriate outwear to fit the modern loose and chunky sweaters underneath). Oh, and I've worn this parka at freezing temps, and it kept me really warm. I'm impressed.

Lastly, my favorite lug sole Converse boots! 

P.S. the skinnies are from Levis :-)

Toy Story jeans

It was earlier this winter, before we got all this snow. I'm not going to lie, it's my favorite winter in Chicago. We've got so much snow, and the temperatures are low enough for the snow to stay. 

This look was very warm and all oversized - big sweater and coat, loose jeans. Speaking of these Toy Story HM jeans... I just had to have them for the days when I don't feel like dressing into a basic denim outfit. The fabric is soft and easy to move in. 

Usually, I don't wear a lot of things from the same brand, however everything I am wearing here, except for the Converse boots, is from HM. I especially love their knits with a lot of wool content, they keep me warm as I spend so much time outside with my daughter.

Cool jeans from HM:

Warm knits:

2020 Outfit

I called this a 2020 outfit because I wore it last year. But I'm definitely going to wear these faux leather shorts in 2021. I didn't feel it was necessary "investing" into expensive shorts, just got these at H&M. They're perfect for walking with my daughter or just run errands. 

I'm still loving this coat I've worn plenty on this blog already. I like it more as it sort of looks like a shirt jacket (shacket) that everyone in the fashion world is wearing.

I don't usually write lengthy blog posts, so I'll remain true to myself, and wish you all a happy and healthy 2021!

Beanie with a twist

Nowadays, if I want to wear a skirt with a pair of lacy tights, I just go for it. It hasn't happened often but it has some mood boosting powers for me. 

We had such a beautiful end of October, and early November with lots of sun and warmth. We went out for picnics a lot. That's exactly what we did on this day. Now, with the cooler temps and lockdown, I'm not sure if it's going to be possible to relax outdoors just like we did, and I'm back to wearing sweats for the most part. 

I have to write a few words about this beanie with a twist (got it last year from h&m). I love it, it's so feminine, and puts an elegant touch to any outfit. I had to adjust a bit to the look though, it was just a total departure from my usual cuffed beanies.
 

I like pairing the beanie with the cat-eye sunglasses to achieve this retro inspired look. Anyway, I am not afraid to experiment with different hats, it's fun and an affordable way to add something new to a winter wardrobe.

Some of the best beanies with a twist I found were from Anthropology, look at this one!