{ It's About Time! }

Oh dear. How do I even begin?

So a while ago I kept receiving these emails from Google that were all "you need to renew your blog URL." And I was all "yeahyeahyeah I'll do it tomorrow."

Fast forward to a few weeks later. My poor little blog URL was officially lost thanks to my negligence (doh!) and the process of reclaiming the URL through GoDaddy and moving all the posts over seemed reeeeally overwhelming considering my new job was just starting up and I was still trying to wrap up a few freelance projects. And for some reason the idea of blogging on a url that no one knew of was really unappealing. And so there my little blog sat.  For over two months. Neglected.

I'm sorry, blog.

But finally I got the overwhelming urge to post and I thought to myself "Caitlin! Put on your big girl britches and just freaking do it already."

So, hi. How are you? If you're even still reading this, you're extremely kind and I really appreciate it.

Needless to say, the last couple of months have been prettttty crazy. I started a new job, moved to a different apartment, and have generally been trying to adjust to my new life and schedule. And of course, I try as hard as I can to plan visits and dates with this guy:

his & hers

In the past year, so many of my "reveries" really have become reality. Sometimes it's hard to even grasp, but I just wanted to say thank you for coming along on the ride and encouraging me each step of the way.

I missed you, little blog. I  promise I'll be back again soon.

lovelovelove.

-C

{ when I have a few pennies to spare... }

{ blouse, jacket, trousers, heels }

 

I haven't been clothes shopping in quite some time, and I must say, I miss that rush of trekking home with a bag full of new goodies! It's not a huge priority for the moment, as I have many other things to take care of first (like getting an apartment), but when I dooo have a few pennies to spare, I definitely plan to hit up Miss Dorothy Perkins. I always find such great deals on this site, though I've never actually purchased from them before. Does anyone have any first hand experience with the quality of their items? I'll admit, $57 for a blouse sounds a little steep for me, personally, because I typically buy that kind of thang from H&M or the Nordstrom Rack where you can usually find decent deals around $30. But! Who knows. Sometimes ya just have to shine your shoes.

 

Just in case you were a wonderin', there is a reason that I've been spending some time window shopping online lately...I'll be filling all of you in tomorrow, so be sure to check back :).

 

Thanks for stopping in guys. I hope you have a marvelous Monday. lovelovelove.

 

-C

 



{ rise and shine }

image via

Oh, heavens.

The cold weather and my soft sheets and cushy pillows are all urging me to crawl back into bed for a few more hours with a good movie and my cup of coffee.

What I would give.

Unfortunately, I'm getting dressed to grab the bus downtown for a day at the (leasing) office where I work a couple of days a week for some steady income.

My boy came in over the weekend to celebrate some amazing news with me. I cannot wait to share with you guys the details of how my life is about to get all kinds of crazy and different. Stay tuned later this week. I have so much to catch you up on!

Hope you all are having a more energetic Monday than I am. If you can, stay huddled under those blankets just a little longer and relish the morning for me. I'm already officially jealous.

lovelovelove.

-C

{ wanna know a secret? }

I got lots of sweet compliments on this little ensemble that I wore to The Everygirl Contributors party at The Bedford the other night, and I just thought I had to share the little secret.

I'm dressed head to toe in Target, y'all.

The only part of that that embarrasses me is that I hate wearing head to toe of any store. I always feel like such a dork walking into H&M because half the time I look like the mannequin. #needtogetoutmore.

Anyway, this stuff is awesome. The leather panel leggings were $30, as was the top, and the shoes were actually on sale for $20, I believe. I did, however, mix things up by throwing in my Blair Ritchey Mini Lulu in pale pink. I really love all of Blair's pieces (I mean, who doesn't?). 

Shop the look here:

{leather panel leggings, white blouse, snakeskin pumps, blair ritchey mini lulu}

Something neato is happening today that I don't want to share with you just yet...but fingers crossed I can soon! Just send good vibes, please :).

I'm heading to Cincinnati this weekend which I am so.excited.for. 

I think a little weekend away from work, the hustle and bustle, a few brewskis and glasses of wine with old friends, and quality time with Trevor is just what the doctor ordered.

Have an awesome weekend guys. Thanks so much for stopping in. lovelovelove.

-C

{ black & white. oh, and I need coffee }

I'm not sure there's any other color palette quite as timeless and striking as black and white. Thanks to a couple of recent client projects, my love for this classic color combo has been reignited in full force. I'm still deciding whether I plan to go more neutral in my (imaginary) Chicago apartment, or if I'll embrace a mass of colors, playing up the feminine because I have a distinct feeling it will be my last apartment where I don't have to live with a stinkin' boy. 

It's chilly and crisp out here, and maaan I'd love to stay tucked under my covers with a good book and a cuppa tea. Alas, I will be working downtown from 9-6 followed directly by a meeting at a clients house. We are installing their design next week and let's just stay we still have loootsa work to do. But we will do it. Because we're baller.

Either way, it's gonna be a long day folks. Fill up my coffee cup.

Thanks so much for stopping in. lovelovelove.

-C

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

{ when all else fails... }

I went to bed late late night with a migraine while trying to finish up a client project, and groggily woke up at 6:45 to get little Taylor off to school (the daughter of the family that I've been staying with since June). I was wishing my alarm clock would let me sleep a little longer. I went to bed the night before feeling defeated, worried, stressed, and plum sad, and all I really wanted to do today was stay in bed, despite the fact that my to-do list heavily disagrees with that sentiment.

But, up I got. I poured a cup of coffee, made breakfast and then headed out to walk Tay off to school. As soon as we stepped outside, I was glad that Diana had asked me to take Taylor this morning. The fresh air felt good, and the blue sky revived my spirits a bit.

I don't mean to be overly wordy with these posts lately, but the truth is, its hard to blog about cute products and pretty things when life is kicking you in the rear. That being said, I recognize that I am so fortunate in so many ways, and I am working to dwell more in that than in what I am lacking and have yet to resolve. I only wish I know how to make everything simple again.

Thank goodness for all of the people I have in my life who encourage me, push me forward, and bring me light and positivity. Thank you for all of your kind words.

lovelovelove.

-C

{ like a chicken with its head cut off }

One of these days I'm going to stop apologizing for disappearing for days at a time. One of these days I'm going to be one of those girls who wakes up at 5am and gets a work out in and starts her productive day promptly at 8 and eats by 5 or 6. 

'Til then, I'm one of those girls who runs around like a chicken with her head cut off. 

I've been working on a mix of client projects. Like this one:

Bless my little clients hearts for being so sweet about this heinous photoshop job. The project has a super quick turn-around (3-4 weeks from start to finish) so I couldn't take my time making the storyboard ultra beautiful because we've got to get to making decisions and placing orders (it's kind of a hybrid of an e-design and local interior decorating project).  And obviously the plant would have a planter. Luckily, they got the idea. It's very urban, no? They live in an awesome lofty space in downtown Chicago with beautiful views. We're actually going to be going in a different direction than this, but I'm still a little obsessed with the kelly green. I'll have to find somewhere in my next home to utilize a little taste of it.

I'm also working downtown as a leasing agent a couple days a week to provide some steady income. On Sunday, I worked with Anne Book on her adorable son's room. All we did was rearrange the furniture, declutter, and reorganize and it feels like a completely room. All it cost was labor. Such an amazing testament to what a little elbow grease can do for ya! I wish I had before and after photos, but there will be plenty of those to come.

I'm still working on my website, y'all. Almost there. ALLLMOST.

I need to find something to wear to The Everygirl Contributors Party that is happening this Thursday. Must do laundry. Shoot.

See how scattered this post is? This is what my brain looks like these days. But in the end, you've just gotta keep going. So I shall. Off I go to shower and run like a bunny to try to catch the bus downtown!

Hope you all have the most wonderful day. Thanks so much for stopping in. lovelovelove

-C