MINI PENNY: September 2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Weekstagram // Sept 29


Makin' Mini Pennys for An Honest Tote // I finally got the chance to see Har Mar Superstar in person. I danced my butt off. // Morning walks for coffee and a repaired bike wheel. // After an entire year of not riding my bicycle (gasp) I finally got a new axle, new tubes, and new lights. I ran errands on the bike and it felt so good.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram @Chaplinnn

Saturday, September 28, 2013

3rd Annual Randolph Street Market for Charity


I was honored to be selected as an editor for the 3rd Annual Randolph Street Market Editor's Choice for Charity. Randolph is always a great time — and since Todd flew into the city last night, I was super excited to take him.

As an editor, I was able to pick five items from the entire market (and it's huge, so it was a bit tricky!). When and if those items sell, a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of my choice. I selected the RVA (Rape Victim's Advocates), which is a Illinois-based non-profit focused on the very serious issue of how rape victims are treated and how to legal system and medical institutions address cases regarding rape.

So, if you're in Chicago this weekend, be sure to check out Randolph Street Market and my picks below! It's open today and tomorrow until 5pm. They have really amazing stuff and lots of great editors and charities!

See my picks after the jump.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Obsessed // Plants


I'm Jessie and I'm a serial plant killer.

Okay, I'm not really that bad, but I do have couple plant friends that I've lost horribly along the way. For whatever reason in my last house, I neglected to get many plants — the ones I did have were air plants and my veggie and herb garden out back. But now that I'm in my new home, I've been going a bit, er, plant crazy.

I'm a sucker for succulents and cacti. One of my coolest plants (my personal opinion) is a devil's backbone. And, despite my mother's protest, I adopted a Mother-in-Law's Tongue. I do have a nice amount of room fire escape where I'll be able to plant some herbs come spring!

How about you? What are your favorite plant friends?

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Silver Screen Style // 101 Dalmations


Okay, let's be real for a second. Roger and Anita are some pretty damn stylish cartoons. Plus, hey. For a long time, I constantly got the "your hair looks like Cruella De Vil." It seems only fitting that I finally add One Hundred and One Dalmatians to my list of Silver Screen Style lusts.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Sweet Home


I don't know if you guys noticed or not...

But I am so damn happy.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Introducing An Honest Tote // Now Online!




I'm so excited to present An Honest Tote, a really fun project I've been working on as of late. I'm proud to make these bags available to you!

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Weekstagram // Sept 22


Well (finally) I have internet at my place. That was far more trouble than it needed to be. Either way, I kept busy this past week — every day I'm reminded how much I love Chicago!

  • Morning coffee on my fire escape looking over Logan Square.
  • I noticed on Instagram that one of my favorite bands, STRFKR, was in town, and was able to make it over to catch their set at the Metro. Seriously one of the funnest sets I've ever been witness to. Gumby was there. Gumby.
  • After Riot Fest last week, I had some pretty bad sniffles. I dumped Emergen-C in everything and got better real quick.
  • Laundromat hangs.
  • I ventured down an alley behind my place and found these booked strewn about my neighbors building. They were pretty ruined from the storms we've been having. It was a huge bummer.
  • Midwest sunsets are unreal.
  • Oh yeah, I went to wedding. I was someone's date and didn't know anyone there. But here's me with champagne and the bouquet, so I'd say I made out pretty well.
  • And wedding hangs. Dress by Evil Twin.
  • And finally! I'm so stoked on these — I've been making some great totes entirely out of recycled and repurposed leather. They will be in the Mini Penny Shop soon!

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram @Chaplinnn

Friday, September 20, 2013

Obsessed // Chicago


I guess this one's a no brainer, right? It's been a minute since I've added to my (normally) weekly Obsessed posts, but this feels fitting. What a better way to bring it back than highlight how stoked I am to be here. I fall in love with this place every day. Living in Philly for the past 11 months really amplified how much I appreciate the people, architecture, food, and vibe of this city. Every day I wake up here, I'm so thankful that I decided to branch out on my own, leave Urban Outfitters, and follow the road the fits me.

I'm all for adventures, and I have so much to explore in my new home.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

September in Chicago


Okay, okay. So when I first got to Chicago, it was boiling hot. In a matter of days, it dropped to the 60s and 70s and I couldn't be more excited. Autumn in my absolute favorite. Layers and layers and layers!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

You've Got Nail 8 // Marchesa Review


This is the first You've Got Nail post I've done in nearly a month! Because of the move and unpacking, I relaxed a bit on my nail art and length. Now that things are getting in order, I decided to try a new kind of nail decal.

Most of you know that I love nail decals — the Sally Hansen kind is my favorite. They're thin, flexible, and easy to work with. I was excited to try the Revlon by Marchesa nail wraps (because, well, DUH, Marchesa!) that were recently released and picked up two styles here in Chicago. Boy, was I disappointed. At over $10 a pop, one would think that these would be pretty good. Instead, they're thick and make creases over the nail.  In order to get them smooth, I had to file the creases down, touch them up with black nail polish and then follow up with a clear coat. But there's more — as soon as I applied a clear coat, the black portion of the wrap became bubbled and swollen, so I lost most of the detail in the wrap's original design. Bogus.

I fancy myself pretty darn good at doing my nails and haven't really had this bubbling stuff with any other nail wrap or decal I've tried. Anyone else have this issue? Finally, after letting the bubbling settle, I applied about four more coats of clear polish to finally get a smooth surface. I'm really hoping that the second set I bought isn't like this! But the thickness and overall difficulty to work with reminded me more of the cheap decals you can get through various fast fashion retailers — not what I was expecting for the Marchesa line.

Have you tried this collection?


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Riot Fest Day 3


So Riot Fest Chicago had a pretty sweet line up this year. Thing is, the bands were pretty nostalgic, but most I had seen during my high school/college years. With this being the case, I didn't want to spend the money and time at Riot Fest to re-see some of these acts — because at the end of the day, I'm not a festival type of person. At all. SXSW is rad, but beyond that, I don't give a damn about scurrying from stage to stage while getting bumped into by drunk teens (face it, they're there. And it's no bueno).

Monday, September 16, 2013

Weekstagram // Sept 16


So, Comcast managed to botch my internet hookup for a second time (blargh, seriously?!), so I'm a day late on my weekstagram. Here are a few highlights from the week.

  • New goodies in the Mini Penny Shop (and more coming soon!)
  • Selfies. Purple apartment. Love.
  • Went on an amazing photo walk with @Swopes and @Stoli! Met lots of rad people and photographers that I admire. Photo credit: @SuperDanger
  • Lime Jarritos. Yes.
  • The view from Big Brother Matt's rooftop is amazing.
  • And finally, powerclashing. Extreme.

Follow me on Instagram @Chaplinnn.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

DIY // Credenza Upgrade


I've been toying with the idea of doing something with this credenza that I picked up from Jinxed Philly back in March. I was stuck between painting it, wholly or partially, or something something totally different.

See the inspiration and how-to after the jump.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

It's Back! The Mini Penny Shop


Guess what? The Mini Penny Shop is back! Head on over for first dibs on some amazing flannels, plaids, and kimonos.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Popular Pays

Img via Popular Pays
Back in May, I stumbled upon Popular Pays. I've been watching them develop over the past few months and I'm am really excited to share them with all of you. Read more after the jump.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Storm King Motorcycle Trip


I spent my last could days in Philly, well, not in Philly. Todd and I took a motorcycle trip up to Storm King Art Center in New York — taking side roads, it was nearly six hours getting there!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Review and Offer // BA STAR Stardust


I recently was sent some goodies by BA*STAR for review — granted that I'm not in the dance/cheerleading glitter-clad world anymore, I still like sparkly things and couldn't help by get my hands on this. They sent me the Diamond Star Dust Mineral Shadow Sample (perfect, since I prefer neutrals!) along with the Body Shimmer Base. Check the review after the jump.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Weekstagram // September 8


Whoa, I didn't mean to go absent for an entire week — moving took up a lot more time than I expected, and even though I had some great post ideas, I don't have internet at my place yet to share! So, for now, I'm coffee shoppin' it (no complaints,  really). I should be getting it hooked up this week!

  • This amazing wall at Todd's place!
  • Lots of motorcycle rides happened before I left Philly...
  • And some swimming pool/hot tub action. Yes!
  • I had a really tough time saying goodbye to my pal Lou. Oh yeah, and I dyed my hair dark purple!
  • Goodbye Philly house!
  • Hello Chicago!
  • My new apartment is purple.
  • Flowers at the Farmer's Market.
  • I got lots of yummy food at the Farmer's Market, too! Hooray!

Follow me on Instagram at @Chaplinnn.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

En Route // Be Back Soon!


Hey everyone! This morning, mom and I packed up the UHaul and are currently en route to Chicago, but as long as everything goes smoothly, will be returning to the blog Tuesday or Wednesday!

I've waited a very long time for this day and am so excited for my future. Goodbye, Philly!

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