Best of 2014

I can't believe it's already time to say goodbye to 2014. This year was so fantastic and I'm really stoked to move onto 2015 and take on new adventures. But first, it typical form, let's look back at the year and see some of my favorite Mini Penny moments!

December Shop My Closet Sale

It has been such a long time since I've done a Shop My Closet sale. Needless to say, I've been gathering a bunch of stuff and it's time to start passing it onto new homes! In the past, I've used BigCartel, but I'm going to go back to the way I did it when we first started — email + PayPal! If you see something you want, send me an email with your PayPal address plus the item(s) you want and I'll shoot you the invoice. US Shipping is included with all of the prices — let me know if you're international and we'll figure out the shipping fee. As items sell, this post will be updated to reflect which items are no longer available. If it's here, it's for sale! Click through for the full listing and hurry — things go fast! All items are gone! Check back soon for new sales.

Little Red

Per usual, I spent my Xmas day in Chinatown. It's something I've been doing for quite some time and is becoming a tradition of mine and my friends.

DIY Felt Pennants

I had a fun time making these pennants for friends this year. They're simple and the possibilities are endless. Here's how you can make your own custom felt pennant.

#PartyPersona

Yesterday Larz and Teen Vogue hosted a #PartyPersona party at Goldplaited in Lakeview. Larz has been traveling all over Europe for the past few months, so it was awesome to spend some time getting pampered by the Goldplaited staff and catching up with her and some of my other favorite Chicago ladies. And since I don't typically attend many Xmas parties, it was fun to do a little holiday dress up for the season.

You've Got Nail 46

I love subtly holiday-themed nails — glitter, retro patterns, that sort of thing. It's hard for me to get down with reindeer nail art or christmas trees, although I have seen some very talented versions of these all over the internet. This year, I decided to go minimal with a baby blue, white and gold glitter combo. Here's what I used:

Formula X New Neutrals in Powder Blue
Zoya Nial Laquer in Purity [similar]
UO Gold Glitter polish [similar]
Seche Vite Top Coat

Did you do your nails (or have them done) for the holidays?

DIY Leather Camera Strap

The branded FujiFilm strap that came with my new camera is just fine — but I wanted something a little more simple and small to use when carrying it around. Yesterday I stopped by the Pendleton store in the suburbs and found a fantastic cosmetics case that fits the body perfectly. And in my search for a simple camera strap, I realized that I could easily make one myself using just a few simple tools.

Weekstagram // Dec 21

I'm feeling super excited and inspired. I picked up a new camera — one that I've been lusting over for a little while and finally found in stock online — the Fujifilm X100T.

WomanCrush Wednesday // Artoria Gibbons

I'm always fascinated by vintage tattoo photos — they're great, right? Specifically Artoria (Anne) Gibbons. Artoria (such a great name!) was a circus "tattooed lady" in the 1920s and beyond. She grew up in Wisconsin and ended up marring Charles (Red) Gibbons.

Ways to Wear It // Plush

This past weekend in Chicago was warm and wonderful. With that being said, we're inevitably going to drop back down to chilly temperatures — and I'm happy to invite plenty of plush and teddy and faux-shearling goodness into my wardrobe.

Holiday Wishlist

It's that time of year — for giving gifts and making your wishlists. This year, my list is short and sweet. What are you looking for this season?


Fujifilm X100T Camera // Ultimate Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Madewell // Classic Sheffield Lady Watch, Daniel Wellington // Jeffrey Campbell Belanger, NeedSupply // Glacier National Park Throw, Pendleton

Ways To Wear It // Septum Piercing

As some of you may have noticed on Instagram, I decided to get my septum pierced for my birthday this year! I had been admiring some gold jewelry for quite a while and finally took the plunge. I love this look paired with both simple and dramatic makeup. Here are some of my picks.

The Big Sale

It's here! The biggest sale of the year. Take 40% off of everything in the Mini Penny Shop all weekend to celebrate Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday! All prices are adjusted, so there's no code required. Always free shipping in the US. Shop till you drop!

Cloud City

Can I just make my winter goal to be as cozy as possible? I think I'm well on my way there. I added this sweater to my closet and know I'm going to wear it out fast. Faux shearling is my new love. See more photos and outfit details.

Inspiration // Grey Walls

I've been in my apartment for over a year at the this point, and am starting to get the urge to switch things up. When I looked at the apartment prior to renting, I was in love with the purple walls. I mean, I still am. It's fun and unique and cheery. But over the past few days, I've been swooning over cozy grey interiors.

Long Lines

I tried breaking out of my normal all-black for just a change. I found these pants at the thrift store and despite my "hatred" of cargo pants, I gave them a try — because they sort of reminded me of these. Okay, so it took me a bit to get used to the low-rise and the ankle length. But all-in-all, I think they were a good find and nice change to my closet.

Silver Screen Style // Cannibal the Musical

Sometimes when I start writing my Silver Screen Style posts, I begin to realize that I like really weird movies. Have you all seen Cannibal! The Musical? It's a pre-South Park Trey Parker movie that is totally bonkers. It's about a group of guys who are traveling through the mountains in search for gold and get lost.

You've Got Nail 45 // Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Review

A few months ago I noticed my local drugstore carrying the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish. I've been wanting to give it a try and finally decided to pick up one shade and the top coat last week and give it a spin.

Roses are Red

Yesterday was basically our last autumn day in Chicago. I decided to take advantage of it by layering this floral dress with an oversized blazer. I'm loving how my new hair color pairs with reds. I sort of feel like Gozer from Ghostbusters. All I need is that skin-tight catsuit.

Out With the Old, In With the Bold

Goodbye purple! I felt like I needed a change — after nearly two years of purple, I wanted something new. And since I'm borderline thinking about seeing if I can grow my hair out a little longer on the sides (helloooo fade), it seemed like a healthier option for me to ditch the bleach and hit something a little closer to my natural color. And here you have it — a deep red-brown.

I can't get over how much I love my new hair!

Oh and I realize there was an issue with the discount code over the weekend in the shop! It has been fixed — now you can use the MINIMAJOR code for 15% off + free US shipping! 

Mazda Results + Mini Penny Major Appreciation Sale

This year has been beyond exciting. Earlier this spring, I was honored to be nominated and selected as a Mazda Power of 3 Innovator. During the course of the summer, the Power of 3 Tour visited many cities in the US, where so many of you went out and voted for Mini Penny to win money to help further the business. It was an awesome experience working with the Mazda team, Jason and Kawehi, and seeing how you all interacted with the booths as they came to your towns.

Today Mazda has announced the Power of 3 Tour winner over on their blog. A big congrats is in store for Jason! And while I would have loved to take home that $20k, I'm still very honored and excited to be a runner-up in the voting — meaning Mini Penny still received some funding that I'll  be using for tech upgrades, more product, and more content for you! This whole ride has been amazing and I can't thank the folks at Mazda and their marketing team enough for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Still, every day, I'm stoked that I have lots of amazing people reading Mini Penny. If it weren't for you guys commenting and reading and following on social media, I wouldn't get nearly as much pleasure out of this project as I do. I love all your emails and encouragement — the blogging (both writing and reading) community is one of the most uplifting and supporting groups of people I have known. To show my ongoing appreciation, I'm offering 15% off everything + free shipping in the Mini Penny Shop when you use the code MINIMAJOR at checkout.

Mini Penny was an unexpected project for me to start over three years ago. I've had a lot of fun with it so far and I look forward to continuing it with you!

Sale is ends 11/14 at midnight CST. Includes free shipping for all US orders.

And It's Too Near the Bone

This year has gone by "too fast." We're quickly approaching a slew of best-of lists and articles about how to keep your upcoming resolutions. The Xmas decorations have been in stores for weeks already and you party people had better start making plans for your New Year's Eve activities.

Ways To Wear It // Cold Weather

Here we go. November means it's time for beanies, scarves and gloves. These items could simply just be functional pieces to keep you warm — but at the end of the day, why not snag some cold weather pieces that you love to wear, too? Here are my picks (plus what to outfit them with) for the upcoming chill.

Blue Suede Shoes

Windy and warm days at the zoo: I'm into them. Click through for more photos of how I spent the weekend in my favorite oversized tee.

Happy Halloween!

It's here, Minis! My favorite time of year! I had so much fun putting together my Halloween costume this year and it was so hard to not share it early. Most of the pieces were already in my closet, plus a little DIY for the ears — and wha-la! Miss Piggy! I can't wait to go out in the city and share my costume. I even made this hoodie for Brock to wear with eyes made from ping pong balls and a neckline of felt!

The Lakefront

We had some unseasonably warm weather this past weekend. Brock and I rode the motorcycle out to Diversey Harbor and enjoyed some sunshine on the lakefront. Click through for more photos!

You've Got Nail 44

I've been neglecting my manicures a bit lately. I have either been wearing no nails at all or just solid black. I figured today that I'd get back into the swing of it with this design that seems to be pretty popular this season. I've seen quite a few blogs refer to it as "cat claws" for Halloween with nude as the background and black triangles. I switched it up with two tones of green for a less spooky feel.

Flowers for Dreams Housewarming Party

Last week I was invited to check out the opening of Flower For Dreams's new space in Chicago. As some of you may remember, I ran a little giveaway with them a few months back. They're a really great local flower delivery service. Their bouquets are beautiful and they donate to charity with each order!

Grim Reaper

I'm in the mood to get spooky. Who's ready for Halloween? Click through for more photos of this amazing hooded maxi dress.

Silver Screen Style // Vampire's Kiss

Enter one of the worst movies. Seriously, this movie is borderline unwatchable for most. However, it's pretty hilarious if you find humor in nonsense story lines and Nic Cage's bad acting. With that being said, I love this movie. I know it's awful, but it cracks me up. It's full of really awful 80s fashion and interior design. Oh, and fake vampire teeth.

Bundled

I bought this ruana years ago and, since then, have left it folded on a chair in my apartment. It wasn't until this week that I decided to actually wear it. See more photos and details after the jump.

Ways To Wear It // Halloween

I don't care what you are for Halloween— whether it be a creepy zombie or a "slutty" something-or-other — homemade always trump those bought in a bag. The best part is, there are so many costumes you can make using vintage pieces and things from your own closet! Click through for a few of my favorite ideas after  the jump.

The Pumpkin Show

Last week I took a trip home to Ohio for the first time in three years. Part of it was visiting friends and family, part of it was a buying trip, and part was to enjoy this kitschy carnival in my hometown called the Circleville Pumpkin Show. See more photos (and goats!) after the jump.

Fresh Etsy Listings

I'm so excited to share with y'all that I have added thirty new vintage items to the Mini Penny Shop — coats, sweaters, boots, and more! As always, I offer free shipping on all apparel within the US. Be sure to stock your closet for fall and winter! Heck, there are even some good options for your Halloween costumes. Shop now.

Tuxedo Stripes

These chilly fall days have been great for motorcycle rides. The faux leather jacket that I've been wearing for years (I got it at a thrift store) has started falling apart — so I got this replacement just in time. See more photos after the jump.