Silver Screen Style // Romeo + Juliet

I wanted to make my last Teen Dream Silver Screen Style a good one — and what better to end it on that Baz Luhrmann's 1996 version of Romeo + Juliet. I've always been a big fan of this movie. The visuals are so different, the soundtrack is great, and it's a perfect modern (well, 90s) take on a classic. Not the mention that the fashion is out-there, but still pretty obtainable.

WomanCrush Wednesday // Melanie Brown

I can say with full confidence that Melanie Brown, aka Scary Spice, was my very first woman crush. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I loved the Spice Girls growing up (and still do) — but there was something that drew me to Scary.

Candyland

Back in October, I gave you a preview of my Chicago apartment, aptly dubbed "Candyland" thanks to its purple walls. While my preview had some pretty vignettes, it by no means gave any indication of space. Today I'm finally excited to share my lilac-tinted third-story vintage flat with you!

You've Got Nail 27

These nails were inspired after seeing The Dainty Squid and The Sweet Beast. Both of those ladies had amazing, colorful and bubbly nails— beautiful! I wanted to echo similar shapes and patterns but do it with muted colors.

❖ Bellatrix Nail Polish in Blue [similar]
❖ Cult Cosmetics in Boneyard [similar]
❖ UO Nail Polish in Chrome [similar]
❖ Essie Nail Polish in First Timer
❖ Julep Nail Polish in Hannah [similar or Subscribe to Julep Maven]
❖ Forever21 Studs
❖ Dotting Tool
❖ Seche Vite Top Coat

Weekstagram // Jan 26

Morning routine with blog reading, a dirty chai, and some Lucky Charms. // Evening routine in comfy clothes and selfies. // Coffee on the fire escape. // A snap of the stairwell from my visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art. // I picked up this great print from Drug Factory Press and Popular Pays. // And a little morning Tina Belcher patching'.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

Obsessed // Winter Pink

Pink coats and jackets are one of my favorite trends of this winter. They're coveted across the blogosphere and I've loved seeing some of my favorite bloggers sporting them. Here are a couple of pink coat stylings and my favorite picks from around the web.

You've Got Nail 26

After lots of time lusting after nail art stamping, I finally decided to buy a stamper and some plates. I opted for an XL squishy stamper from Winstonia and plates from BundleMonster. Honestly (and I've read this on many beauty blogs), the squishy stamper was a nightmare to get going. I have ordered a Pueen stamper that is a big tougher, so I'm waiting on that to come in the post before I do a full review and compare of the two. But for now, enjoy my first set of stamped nails!

Silver Screen Style // Empire Records

I had some requests for Empire Records — and Minis will be pleased to know that it was definitely on my list of 90s films. Here's a very short and sweet little outfitting inspiration from Liv Tyler and Renée Zellweger!

Houndstooth

For whatever reason, I couldn't stand to stay indoors yesterday. It was freezing outside (of course, why wouldn't it be? eye roll), but I dragged Brock down to the Museum of Contemporary Art for their free day!

You've Got Nail 25

This set is a throwback to 90s television show intros and roller rink carpet. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. I used to love it when my friends would have their birthday parties at the local skating rink.

Short(er) Hair Products

Just a couple months ago, I posted about what products I used to maintain my short bob. Well, now that I've gone even, um, shorter, the care process has gotten event easier. Check out my favorite short(er) hair products after the jump!

Weekstagram // January 19

Visited the Art Institute and played Cameron Frye // I got a fun care package from Philly — some great stickers from MVH Philadelphia! // Also got a few of the Cat Shoes Style Guides from the project I did with them this past fall // And these boots! I'm still swooning'.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

You've Got Nail 24 // Itchy & Scratchy

For this set, I wanted to pay a bit of homage to a cartoon that was in its height in the 90s — The Simpsons. I've feel like I've had a lot of Simpsons posts lately, but maybe that's just me.

Flashback Friday // 90s Edition

There's nothing quite like looking back on old photos from the 90s. I was... a nerd. And it sort of shows — plus is pretty funny.

Snowfall and The Undercut

It was exactly three months ago that I came home crying from an appointment at the hair salon. I had chopped my hair into a bob — removing seven inches. I was devastated. Granted, I got used to the cut and ended up loving it, but the initial shock of the drastic change bummed me out majorly.

You've Got Nail 23 // Julep Maven January Boho Glam + Free Box Promo Code

Another month, another great Julep Maven box! I had a tough time picking which of the boxes I wanted this month. They were all great. After receiving a grey polish in my most recent Cult Blackbox, I decided to go for the January Boho Glam box.

The Art Institute

A couple of things: First of all, I went radiant orchid with the hair. It's a tad bit pinker than I wanted, but I'm adjusting to it. I've actually been contemplating getting a men's haircut (uh huh), so we'll see if I actually follow through on that. Secondly, just a heads up that the Art Institute of Chicago is free for Illinois residents every weekday from now until the middle of February! Brock had never been, so yesterday we decided to head downtown — it's a really fantastic museum that holds one of my favorite paintings of all time: Edward Hopper's Nighthawks.

January Shop My Closet Sale

It's here! Over twenty items have been added to the Shop My Closet site — shoes, sweaters, Nasty Gal, Urban Outfitters, MINKPINK, and more! Head over and scoop 'em. Remember — free shipping on all US orders! Shop my Closet now. All sold out! Check for next month!

Looking for vintage? Check out Mini Penny on Etsy! 

Weekstagram // January 12

I have officially changed my social handles to @MINIPENNYBLOG on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Oh yeah, and I made this jacket from an old tattered Woody Allen shirt I had. I didn't want to throw it out, so I decided to make it into a back patch. // Latergram of Brock and brunch. I posted this during Chicago's deep freeze last week while Brock and I were cuddling under about ten blankets. Seriously, that jawline.

A couple of updates about this post.
Thanks to everyone's suggestions about contacting various animal services. The dog has barely been outside at all since I reported them, so I'm guessing that someone stopped by their home! YAY!
I'm currently working it out with the company on the whole image-stealing deal.

And today I booked some bus tickets. I love your suggestions on cool places (photo spots), thrifting, vintage shopping, food, and people!

March 8 — Nashville
One day only. I haven't been to Nashville in a very long time.

March 13-17 — Detroit
And old, dear friend of mine recently took a job in Detroit and moved away from Chicago. I've never been to Detroit and will have a day or two to explore on my own. I'm very open to suggestions (including cool abandoned building)!

March 27-April 1 — Columbus
I haven't been back home to Ohio since I moved away in 2011. I had a trip planned ages ago, but it fell through when I got offered the job in Philly. I have a lot of friends there and some old familiar haunts I'll be checking out. I seriously cannot wait for Ohio thrifting!

I'm also contemplating a trip to NYC During the week of February 10th to see Woody Allen at the Carlyle and explore a bit. This is something I'd want to do on the cheap, so I'm looking for someone to possibly stay with from 2/10-2/13 or 14!

You've Got Nail 22

Tell me what you want, what you really, really want! In honor of teen dream month, I decided to make myself a Spice Girls-themed mani.

Winter Essentials

I get lots of questions about dressing for winter — and with Chicago hitting a record of a 'feels like' temperature of nearly -40° this past week, I figure that this is as good of a time as any.

Silver Screen Style // Can't Hardly Wait

This movie totally set the standard for me as to what parties are "supposed" to be like. Granted, I never went to any parties when I was in high school and didn't even have my first taste of alcohol until I was well into my 20s — but still. Nothing like a bunch of non-teenager actors playing high schoolers who get locked in bathrooms. Right?

Win The Day // Try Clearasil for Free!

The new year has been good so far — I've felt motivated, healthy, and creative. Recently, I teamed up with Clearasil and Refinery 29 to share how I "Win the Day" — and how Clearasil Daily Clear products help me keep my skin clear and healthy in the new year! A key part in me winning my days? An effortless skincare routine that is so easy and hassle free — it gives me time to focus on all of the other busy parts of my life!

Pantone Color of the Year // Radiant Orchid

Gus Was a Friendly Ghost, Vintage // Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ticket Stub, 2005 // Arts in the Alley Youth Art Show Ribbon, 2004 // Moo Mini Card, Moo.com // Staedtler Triplus Color Marker // Binder Clip, Target // Thread // Amethyst stone // Measuring Tape // Milani Nail Polish in Violet Dash // Maybelline ColorSensational in 905 Brazen Berry

January Wishlist

2014 Nirvana Tee, GoodKids // Greyhound Dog Figurine, Ruelala // Mercury Lace Up Cut Out Boots, Topshop // Premium Skinny Jean, AEO // Precious Metal Nail Art Kit, NastyGal

Teen Dream

Delia*s catalogues. Tell me you did it, too.

So this month I'm paying homage to all that is the is 90s. Each week's installment of Silver Screen Style will feature a movie from my early teens — I already started this last week with Spice World. You'll see some throwback nail art. We'll talk about some teen heart throbs.

What's your favorite memory of the 90s?

Weekstagram // January 4

My girl Adina and me raiding the Photo Booth at 90s night. It's always a good time when she's in town! // New Year's Eve Polaroid with Brock // New Etsy listing for the new year, including this amazing Pendleton wool blazer. The matching skirt already sold! // And I had to replace my mantel tinsel with the holidays being gone and all. I decided to go with "FAMILY LOVE MICHAEL."

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

You've Got Nail 21 // Snow Day

There are so many snow photos on my Instagram feed that I had to break out these Scratch snowy nail wraps from my December Scratchbox! The full set had a fair isle-esque vibe, so I just used the snowflake wraps and made my own accent nail with a dotting tool!

Obsessed // Ginger Beers

I'm not a big soda fan, but I do love root beers and, especially, ginger beers. The cool thing about both of these beverages is that you can easily find lots of awesome, small-batched flavors and variations from all over the globe.

Silver Screen Style // Spice World

Amazing that over the span of doing this Silver Screen Style feature that I have never covered one of the movies that shaped me so much as a child. As a pre-teen, the Spice Girls were my idols — namely Mel B (aka Scary Spice). My mom took me and my group of Spice Girls friends to see Spice World for my 11th birthday in 1997. And the rest is history.

2014 // New Year, New Resolutions

New Year Resolutions are pretty much made to be broken, right? I've never been one to make them, but last year decide to start. I did okay, I think, in terms of resolutions. Three out of five. Pat on the back, me. Well, in a time span that in no way feels like an entire year has passed, it's time to make goals for 2014. Here we go, world.