New Year's Eve

2013 has been great, but today has been a total piece of work. I might need some Minis' advice for the first part...

New Vintage Items + Sale Ends Tonight!

There are lots of new items in the Vintage Shop! This floral duffle bag is just the beginning. And of course, you can get 30% off everything during the After Holiday sale when you use the code X2013 at checkout! The sale ends tonight at midnight, so hurry! All items below have sold. Please go to the Mini Penny Shop to see current items for sale!

Recipe // Bart Simpson Sugar Cookies

bam. I whipped him up some totally amazing Bart Simpsons cookies using my mom's Xmas cookie recipe. The result? ¡Ay, caramba!

I bought this cookie cutter on Etsy from a shop called CookiePrints. They have some really amazing cutters than can be used for a variety of different projects. The cookie baking instructions and ingredients are waiting for you after the jump!

Sick Day

I've been battling a pretty gross cold since Xmas day, but on Friday I had to head out into the world for some grocery shopping. I somehow managed to look like I wasn't a sniffly, snotty mess — Let's chalk that up as a win.

You've Got Nail 20 // December Cult Blackbox

Edit 2/17 // Please read my story about how Cult continues to steal from bloggers and nail artists.
Edit 12/31 // While I've been pretty stoked on Cult, I am disappointed to find out that they've been stealing my images for their paid advertising on Facebook. Ugh. Canceling my membership ASAP. Such a bummer. 

Chicago is so strange. I'm not sure if it has to do with USPS cutbacks or the holidays or what, but I've been receiving my mail anywhere between 9-10pm. And this past weekend, my Cult Blackbox subscription showed up to be on Sunday. Regardless of whatever the hell Chicago has going on with its mail system, it was a nice pre-Xmas surprise.

Best of 2013

What a year, am I right? Between leaving my job, killer tunes, moving across the country, being a jet-setter, meeting Lil Bub (yes), and the always-interesting antics of Miley Cyrus, it's been a doozie. Come check out my favorites of 2013.

All That Glitters // NYE Style

I love sequins. Don't get me wrong — fall fashion is my favorite, but in the winter I get really jazzed up about holiday sparkles. These are a few of my favorite sequin separates and accessories from around the web to help you ring in the new year.

Silver Screen Style // Home Alone

Here's a special Wednesday holiday edition of Silver Screen Style for you — my favorite Xmas movie that I watch continually throughout the year. Sure, they paired milk and pizza for dinner. And then they left a kid at home. But ya know, mistakes happen.

Merry Xmas (with GIFs)!

Good morning, Minis! I hope you're having a great holiday and that you're getting plenty of fun gifts and food today with family and friends! Enjoy these seasonal GIFs after the jump and enjoy your celebrations!

Recipe // Hot Chocolate Cookies

When I was little, my mom and I would always make tons (literally) of sugar cookies in Christmas shapes, decorate them with sprinkles and frosting, and leave them for Santa. I was pretty darn good at it, if I do say so myself. Captain Sugar Glitter.

Review // Lulu Blossom

It's crazy to think that it's been a year and a half since I first met and mentioned Lulu Blossom. I always look forward to seeing these ladies at various markets around Chicago — they're so super nice and their products rule.

Weekstagram // December 22

I picked up these little aluminum letters at Randolph Street Holiday Market last week — naturally I had to buy them make a little mantle piece featuring 🙌 BUTTS 🙌 // So excited to see one of my favorite street art themes as a window display in my neighborhood. You Are Beautiful // Big props to YACHT for getting me into their show on Friday night. It was sponsored by Redbull, but Redbull makes me really sick if I drink it (like, it messes with my lady hormones. So weird), so I didn't want to enter their contest. Smiangle saved the day. Err, night. // And of course, what's a week without pizza? I picked up a slice at Dimo's using the Popular Pays app. Dimo's is one of my favorite local pizza spots and I just found out they deliver to me.

You've Got Nail 19 // Julep Maven December Boho Box + FREE BOX PROMO CODE

Ah, yes. After last month's starter Julep Maven box, I was pretty excited to receive my December subscription. The first box I received was the It Girl Box, but when I had the option to preview and change to one of the others, I opted for the Boho Glam Box.

The Anti-Ugly Xmas Sweater

I'm so bored with the notion of Ugly Sweater Parties. Last year I made a fun Ugly Hannukah Sweater — and it was one of those things that I wore once for a photoshoot and that was about it. I think what drove me to the edge with this things is that this year there's an Ugly Sweater Pop Up across the street from my favorite coffee shop. How hip. How... ugh. (Bah humbug?)

#FBF // Xmas

Being a kid, there wasn't much I loved more than Xmastime. My mom loved decorating the house, we loved eating cookies, and there were always fun festivities to get into around out town. In the early 90s, it felt like this holiday lasted forever. Xmas break was like a summer vacation. And of course I have some goofy Polaroids with mall Santas to prove it. Check out all of the photos after the jump.

You've Got Nail 17 + 18 // Scratch Box

It was only a month ago that I shared with you guys my first set of Scratch Nail decals. After being stoked on those, I couldn't wait for my first Scratch Box to show up. It came earlier this month packed with goodies that I couldn't wait to start using.

"We Don't Have a Marketing Budget" // The Dirty Side of Blogging

Let me begin by pointing out the amazing irony that the name of my blog is Mini Penny. Yep. I started this blog many years ago to chronicle my thrift fashion. This blog and social networks have drastically changed my life in ways that I never could have expected — I've moved from city to city, gained a high-level position at a major fast-fashion corporation, and then left to follow my dream of blogging full-time.

Favorite iPad Apps

I recently (finally) bought an iPad and it has increased my productivity so much. Aside from the standard calendar, social, and photo apps, I've also found quite a few others that are totally rad. Check them out after the jump.

Holiday Market // Round 2

Last month I posted about my the Randolph Street Holiday Market — and was sorta bummed thinking I wouldn't be able to make it to the December edition. Plot twist: since the California trip was cancelled, I was in town for it! Bright side!

Weekstagram // December 15

I finally got a watch! Love this Nixon Time Teller. // Major snowfall this week in Chicago! For some odd reason, I'm sort of into it this year. // Downtown ice skating with Brock and Tori. // I did some serious Robyn dance moves at the Cultural Center // If you're in Chicago, do yourself a favor and check out the Shift exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center. It's amazing! // Tori and I got some little Friday the 13th tattoos at Metamorph! // And finally. I've been dying to see the Descendents/ALL documentary Filmage. A huge bonus to canceling my California trip was that I was in town for the one-night screening. It was amazing! // Did a three mile run with Nike Training Center in downtown Chicago. It was brutal. I am not a runner, especially in the snow. // And I figured I should treat myself with some pie! Hint: Cranberry Sage Cheesecake is the shit.

Holiday Wishlist

1. Topshop Blackwatch Check Leggings // 2. Formula X for Sephora in White Confetti // 3. Anthom Ankle Strap Cutout Boot // 4. Acne Bird Sweatshirt // 5. ASOS Big Spot Red iPad Case // 6. Fred Perry Oversized Gingham Amy Shirt

What are your top picks for this holiday season?

December Shop My Closet Sale!

Hey Minis! The December Shop My Closet sale is here! Head over and start shopping now — remember, free shipping on all US orders! All sold out! Check back later for more Shop My Closet Sales!

Obsessed // Winter Plants

A change in seasons means a change in plants. The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice pretty blooms and greenery, though. Check out some of my favorite winter plants after the jump.

Silver Screen Style // Pee Wee's Big Adventure

I was originally supposed to be in California right now (and visiting the iconic dinosaur park that is in this film),  so I figured it's be a good time to pull some style points from my favorite weirdo movie, Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

New Vintage Items Added to the Shop!

I just added some fun vintage items to the Etsy shop — just in time for Xmas! It's sort of obvious that I'm obsessed with plaid lately (oops?). Shop now! All items below have sold. Please go to the Mini Penny Shop to see current items for sale!

Introducing MANI PENNY // Nail sets by Mini Penny

I've been slightly nail-centric lately. That's okay, I think. I love doing nails, but unfortunately don't have time to other people's nails. The good news is that now you can buy Mini Penny press-on nail sets from my Etsy shop!

MANI PENNY sets are all hand painted nail sets. Sets are one-offs — so once they're gone, they're gone! I've added six styles to Mini Penny Vintage. All sold out!

You've Got Nail 16 // Full How-To

I would say that one of the most common questions I get is about my nail routine — how I paint them, how I do both hands, etc. Well, finally, I'm spilling my secrets in this post and showing you how you can have badass tips as well! Read the full tutorial after the jump.

Weekstagram // Dec 8

Instant: The Story of Polaroid by Chris Bonanos is now available in Japanese and Mandarin! And there's my leg! How rad? // Mom gave me a new (to me) sewing machine for my birthday! A Juki! I'm working on making LOTS of new bags // Tori and me at 90s night on the eve of my birthday // I had a fun little meet up at Nike earlier this week in preparation for a fun NTC event that I'm doing with them next week! And they gave me awesome purple Lunar Element shoes. Thanks Nike! // It got warm enough to bike around a lot this week. Strange, but not complaining. // My buddy Sage had an art show at Star Lounge for the awesome work he does. Check out Bombshell Skateboards! // I found some super expired Polaroid film in my fridge // And I did an awesome set of tartan nails for the Popular Pays holiday party — no worries, a full tutorial for these is going to be hitting the blog tomorrow!

Disney Villains Ursula Eyelash Set

I'm obviously all about the Disney Villains x Walgreens collection — in case you missed it, I got my hands on the ELF nail polish collection and the Ursula Nail Art Kit. In line with my apparent underwater cosmetics spree, I opted for the Ursula lashes as well (in my heart of hearts, I wanted to love the Cruella De Vil collection most... because of reasons... but I gravitated towards The Little Mermaid villain).

Come Swap with me at Swapdom!

Hey, wanna trade closets? I've been seeing a few of my favorite bloggers mention Swapdom — and after doing many Shop My Closet sales, Poshmark, and Threadflip, I wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle another marketplace. Well, good news. This one is different. Swapdom is a place where you can, get this, swap your clothing with someone else's. How great of a concept is that?! I think there are many times when I would really rather trade y'all and get some of your awesome goodies!

Review // Studio Gear Holiday Palette

I recently received the Holiday Smokey Eye Palette in the post the other day from Studio Gear Cosmetics. As I've mentioned time and time again, I normally don't wear a lot of eyeshadow. I love smokey eyes but rarely do them!

Silver Screen Style // Thrashin'

Thrashin' has it all. Skateboarding. Awesome 80s fashion. Teen angst. And Josh Brolin running around shirtless. Besides, there's a scene where Tommy is trying to get dressed and choose an earring to wear, all while delivering on of the best lines of the 80s:

"Should I wear this skull and the dagger? ...Or the hoop and the dagger?"

You've Got Nail 15 // Cult Cosmetics Blackbox

Edit 2/17 // Please read my story about how Cult continues to steal from bloggers and nail artists. 
Edit 12/31 // While I've been pretty stoked on Cult, I am disappointed to find out that they've been stealing my images for their paid advertising on Facebook. Ugh. Canceling my membership ASAP. Such a bummer. 

Subscription boxes galore! Since Cult Cosmetics offers 50% off their first box, I decided to give them a try.

December Color Palette

1.  ShoeCult Conjurer Ankle Boot, NastyGal // 2. Nat Coat, Mango // 3. Lass with Class Bag, ModCloth // 4. Moto Aubergine Leigh Jeans, Topshop

I'm totally loving this color scheme for December. Perfectly deep jewel tones with just a hint of neutral! Colors: Brunswick Green, Outer Space, Dark Scarlet, and Black Cherry Ice

ELF Haul + Giveaway

It's been a while since I placed an order from ELF Cosmetics, and this time I sorta went all out. They make one of my favorite (and affordable) eyelid primers and had some new cosmetics I wanted to try.

Cyber Monday Sale!

Happy Cyber Monday! Starting at MIDNIGHT through 11:59pm CST, you can get (yep) 40% off any order over $10 in both the Mini Penny Shop My Closet and Mini Penny Vintage stores! Just be sure to use the code CYBERSPACE at checkout. And as always — free shipping on all US orders!

27 Years

Today is my 27th birthday (yes, that's a tiny me in that photo). I'm so grateful and amazed and stoked on everything in my life and wanted to share some photos from birthdays of the past. Enjoy them after the jump.

Holiday Wishlist with Rue La La

1. Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet // 2. Saffron Candle // 3. Franchi Robie Clutch // 4. Fendi Suede Pointy Toe Pump // 5. Archipelago Tin Candles // 6. Mophie Workbook for iPad // 7. Charlotte Ronson Leather Shoulder Bag // 8. Free People Boxer Coral Cardigan // 9. Portolano Cashmere Gloves // 10. Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 5 // 11. Nixon Women's Time Teller Watch // 12. Andrew Marc Almond Leather Jacket // 13. Surell Women's Hearmuffs

There's so much over at Rue La La for this holiday season and I'm excited to partner with them to bring you my top picks for holiday gifting. Whether you're splurging on Fendi pumps for that special someone, grabbing a tech gift for the lovable nerd in your life, or wrapping up some (totally awesome) hearmuffs for your teenage cousin, they've got it. You can shop my picks on Facebook or head to Rue La La to see their entire list of gift items.  Get to it!

Black Friday Sales Roundup

It's officially holiday shopping time! If you're looking for good deals, but don't want to wander out with all the crazy people today, check after the jump for awesome Black Friday deals from my favorite online shops!

Silver Screen Style // Planes Trains & Automobiles

Okay, yes. Another John Hughes film. But Planes Trains and Automobiles is the best (and one of the few) Thanksgiving-centric films. I hope all of my American Minis are having a great holiday with your families! Hopefully ya'll can pop this movie in and have a good laugh today!

What I'm Thankful For

This year I'm so thankful for everyone who has supported me throughout my Mini Penny projects! Because of you — readers, commenters, photographers, brands, sponsors, friends, and family — I had the courage to leave UO and follow my heart to where it belongs. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of you.

Muah! I hope you all have a lovely and safe holiday!

5 Fun Hanukkah DIY Projects

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah! And while there are tons of Christmas DIYs all around the internet, I figure I would share some of my favorite DIY projects for the Festival of Lights. Check them out after the break.

Who Killed Laura Palmer?

Sorry Minis! I'm obviously on a Twin Peaks kick. Oh and this outfit is my version of channeling Audrey Horne.

You've Got Nail 14 // Twin Peaks

Thanks to my recent Netflix Twin Peaks, I decided to make some Twin Peaks-inspired nails! Basically, Agent Dale Cooper should just marry me already. See more after the jump.

Weekstagram // November 24

I went to see some gyspy jazz at the Green Mill. It was amazing! // Biscuits and gravy, plus a piece of pie from Bang Bang Pie Shop. Thanks Popular Pays! // An awesome vintage tray from the Randolph Street Market // The goodies I purchased at Randolph — Side Effects by Woody Allen and an amazing 1940 Stagebill from Abe Lincoln in Illinois.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @chaplinnn.

Randolph Street Holiday Market

Okay, first of all... brrrrr. Actual straight from the gut oh-my-god-I-can't-feel-my-hands kind of day. Shooting these photos were tough to put it nicely. It got down to single digits in Chicago. And I'm not sure I'm ready for this winter (oh why, oh why can't it be fall year-'round?).

Review // Julep Maven Box + Promo Code

I've been on a subscription box kick. Years ago, I was on Birchbox. I fell out of love with them and have been aching to try some new ones. I came across a huge list of beauty boxes and decided to try my luck with some of the nail subscriptions. The first one I have received is the Julep Maven It Girl Box.

Obsessed // Cranberries

Cold weather holidays means an abundance one of my favorite fruits (and colors): cranberries! I love that these can be prepared in a variety of ways (and yum, I have find memories of my mother using them at Thanksgiving!). See my favorite recipes after the jump.

Silver Screen Style // Pretty in Pink

I don't think it's any secret that John Hughes is one of my favorite writer/directors. Pretty in Pink came out the year I was born — 1986. In most scenes, I cringe at Ringwald's outfits. Regardless, there are lots of good individual pieces and inspiration to pull from this classic's outfitting.

Safety Orange

I wear a lot of black. A lot. Here's to stepping out of my comfort zone a bit.