Girl Power

You know that flu that has been going around? Yeah, I got it last week. Ouch. For someone who rarely gets sick (I like to think that I take pretty decent care of my body), it knocked me on my butt. My joints were in so much pain that I couldn't move, let alone did I have an appetite. I missed out on three days at the office and an entire weekend.

I'm finally getting back on my feet this week (and toes, as you can see above). The good news today? I found a house that I like. I looked at it on Friday and am in the process of filling out the paperwork. Yeah, it's a rental, but I don't feel like I'm in a mental place to root down anywhere just yet. I'm super excited at the prospect of having my own space again.


This is probably one of the warmest, coziest coats I own, by the way.


Okay, I want to back up a little bit. My current roommate (who also shoots a lot of my photos for me) hates these shoes. He brings it up every time I wear them and I think a big part of it has to do with my fashion influences growing up. See, when I was a pre-teen in the mid 90s, I worshipped The Spice Girls. It's funny to look back and realize just how much influence they still have over my closet  — and I attribute my love for leopard print to my favorite Spice Girl, Scary. When Buffalo-esque trainers started popping back into style, I had to get some. Hence these gothed-out Y.R.U. Qozmo sneakers. I love them, Lou hates them.


So over the next couple weeks, it's a pretty high possibility that I'll be moving into my new home. Let's all cross our fingers!

Qozmo Platform Sneakers, Y.R.U.
Over-The-Knee Suspender Tights, UO
Striped bodycon dress, H&M
Pink oversized sweater, H&M
Teddy Bomber coat, UO
Tassel necklace, UO
Men's black beanie, URBN Sample Sale

Change

Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone. I took a tad break from posting to sit in my own thoughts for a bit. I came home to Philadelphia and wrote a small recap of my Chicago trip and felt refreshed. But, see, there's a keyword in here: home.

I have fought with myself to call Philadelphia my home. With Chicago, it was natural. I can be totally bored but walk the streets and feel safe and curious and entertained. Philadelphia has been a slow transition and a struggle to say the least. I have cried a lot and I have worried about my path.

But I feel better now.

Ohio is home and Chicago is home. And now, Philadelphia is home. I moved, yes, but it doesn't change where I came from. The Midwest is so strongly embedded in who I am and no location change will ever take that away. If anything, ripping myself out of my comfort zone has made me feel more proud of where I came from and where I'm going.

I'm on the upswing now — I'm on the brink of signing a new apartment lease (so pumped) and I'm finally making some friends and getting out in the city. I'm getting it together. And I finally feel optimistic.

Work is pulling me through everything. I am excited every day. Every time someone asks for my story, they point out how amazing it is that everything fell into place for me like this. And they're so, so right.

I think there's a common misconception about me (and probably other bloggers as well, as I've come to learn this about many people whose careers are heavily internet-based), but I am shy as can be. I'm awkward.

So this is a lesson I've had to learn for the past few months. The times are changing and I can't fight it, no matter how badly I wish I was hanging out with my old friends or getting into my old troubles. It's time to make new friends. And get mischievous here. And stop being so worried that people will think that I'm that 'weird Internet girl.' Because you know? I am. Fuck it.



And with this comes an unexpected change. For the past year and half, I've sported the same hair. On a whim, I decided to go with a nice wine and (very) faded pink.


Let's do this, Philadelphia.

Sparkle and Fade Mesh Dolman Sweater, Urban Outfitters
Second Skin Denim in Charcoal, Cheap Monday
Kimchi Blue Toe Cap Wedges, Urban Outfitters
Cat and Skull Cameo, Rudy's Roundup
Lipcolor: Oil Slick (sheer grey), Urban Decay

Weekstagram // January 12

A crazy week yet again!

• Currently obsessing over OCC Lip Tars. Review coming soon!
• The weather has been unseasonably warm and bright. No complaints coming from this Midwesterner.
• The Less Than Three art show by Todd Quarles of Wooden Heart Workshop opened this week at The Navy Yard. Really cool stuff!
• I love mail. Received my Word. Notebooks and Ryan Holiday book. Can't wait to get into these pages!
• Lou ordered me stickers of my favorite meme, You Tried.
• Pugs. I mean, really. Look at this guy.
• I dyed my hair red! After a year and a half of the same haircolor, it was time for a change.
• Coffee Chats at work with the amazing Kevin Lyons. It's so cool to find something inspiring each and every day!
• And of course, fun stuff, too. 

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram @Chaplinnn 

2013 Resolutions — Well, Sort Of

I normally don't make resolutions. I guess it's because I'm terrified of the cliché that they'll last a month and be over — and besides, I like me, so what do I want to change?

The only time I have ever "made a resolution" was last year. And by all means, it was late. In February I decided to stop eating meat. I knew it would be easy considering that I had almost entirely cut meat out of my diet for the year and a half prior to this decision. With that being said, it's been a piece of cake being vegetarian and I have no intentions of going back. It just... fits.

So this year, with my new life in Philadelphia and my new career, I wanted to pick some things that fit. Things that aren't necessarily an attempt to change, but goals. These are my five resolutions (for someone who doesn't make resolutions).

Obsessed // 5PREVIEW

It's no secret that I've sorta got a thing for European brands — Wood Wood, Acne, Cheap Monday, and my newest obsession 5PREVIEW.