East and West

Two sunny days in a row and I'm resisting pulling out the shorts. I'm anxious but I'm not ready to be that person yet. However, I did score these vintage boots I've been eyeballing from Lost Girls Vintage. They were doing a pop-up shop nearby and I wanted to be outside, so I hopped on the train and went to say hello. I might be obsessed with these little suede beauties.

Limeade

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

I was going to write about this yesterday, but I was still a bit emotional over the whole thing, so I figured I'd give myself an extra day to chill out.

You've Got Nail 34

I got these weird nail decals in a Nike water bottle — they're the kind that are almost to thick to even apply to nails. I suppose "stickers" would be a better way to describe them. Instead of applying them to the whole nail, I opted to cut them into a few different shapes and mix them with some gold embellishments for a fun and dark mani.

❖ Essie Nail Polish in Licorice
❖ Nike nail stickers, cut
❖ Gold Embellishments, Forever 21
❖ Seche Vite Top Coat

Queen of my Castle

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Today I was walking downtown (rather quickly since it was misty and a little brisk) and a cop pulled over his cruiser next to me and said, "you do know your hair is purple, right?"

Thank you. I almost forgot. *smile and wave*

A Little Wednesday Inspiration

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Instead of 2011's "Outfit I Wish I Had" post, I decided to switch this up and instead focus on a few of my recent inspirations. I spend a lot of time reading a variety of different blogs and gathering all types of inspiration. While aspiring for specific clothes is fine, I like seeing what others are doing and adding my own twist. (above image by The Golden Monkey)

Intergalactic

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Goodness, I wanted today's post about hats to be springy and wide-brimmed. But the winter is never ending and we were well below freezing and windy today, so I had to keep my bald head warm. Speaking of bald head — I bleached out my undercut. I'm still indifferent on it – but my hair grows super fast, so it'll probably be back to brown on my next cut. :)

Bootleg Bart

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Oh boy! I've spent the past two days hanging out with my good, good friends and seeing some new sights and getting new perspectives. This morning Brock and I went to brunch before he had to head into work and I meandered around the neighborhood. There are some really fun things coming up soon and I'm pretty stoked all-around about spring. All about that PMA right now!

Greasy Spoon

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

More layers, less layers. This weather has been all over the board and I guess is about to get crazier. I took advantage of today's warmer temperatures by taking a nice morning walk to the diner for some potatoes and eggs and bad coffee. Not a horrible way to spend a Friday, in my opinion.

March Shop My Closet Sale

This month's Shop My Closet is ready for spring. I'm unloading some warm-weather gear — lightweight sweaters, skirts, shorts, sunglasses and more. Free shipping on all apparel orders within the US. Fresh markdowns on February's items. Go scoop 'em up. All items have sold.

30DFC Day 20 // Lazy Day Outfit

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

I'm actually altering this post a bit. This Lazy Day Outfit is going to be my equivalent to the previous "Biggest Faux Pas." Why? Because, well,  why dwell? Also, how amazingly awesome is it that I considered my previously shaved head a faux pas and ... here I am doing it again? Hah! Actual quote: "Will I shave my head again? No." Oops. Never say never.

WomanCrush Wednesday // Tilda Swinton

It wasn't very long ago when I was speaking of Tilda's impact of my hair choices. It's no secret that I admire this woman. When she's not acting or modeling and being all-around amazing, she's waving flags for equality.

The White Jacket

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Today's 30DFC post is a combination of two previous about shoes I love and shoes that I love but hardly wear. It's no secret that shoes are my thing. And this winter has supplied me with lots of beautiful shoes that I haven't had the chance to wear yet (but more on those when the weather warms up...).

30DFC Day 18 // Summer-Only Items

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

This time my answer is the same as it was three years ago. Most items in my closet make an almost year-round rotation (with the exception of shoes, of course). The only pieces that actually get put into storage during the winter? Swimsuits. I have a bunch of them, so they take up an entire plastic bin that goes on the top shelf of my closet.

You've Got Nail 33

I absolutely love this purple I got in the March Julep Maven box. After making some fun custom nails for a reader this weekend, I decided to make a similar set for myself but with this lavender shade.

30DFC Day 17 // My Favorite Brand

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Three years ago I wrote that Vans was my favorite brand. I still love my Lo Pros for kickin' around or taking a quick bike ride. However, in the past three years (actually, more so in the past year or two), I've accumulated quite a few pieces from my favorite label: Fred Perry.

30DFC Day 16 // Jewelry I Made + DIY Bootchain

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

I used to make a lot of jewelry. Lately, I haven't been as doing it as often with the exception of little bracelets and the occasionally knick knack on a chain. But something that I touched on back in January were boot chains!

30DFC Day 15 // A Dress

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Up until recently, I haven't owned many dresses. I'm normally more comfortable with separates. However, as I'm beginning to learn (derp), layering dresses is an easy way to double my wardrobe. For now I'm sticking to basics and maxis (and I went a little crazy the other day and bought one with a bunny print on it... more on that later) and slowly incorporating them into my closet.

30DFC Day 14 // Hairspiration

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

I think it's safe to say that over my 27 years or so, I've had a pretty wide variety of hairstyles. With that being said, pinning new looks and colors to my Hairspiration Pinterest board always keeps my mind racing with new ideas and lusting over cool color and cut updates. My current undercut came from my love of men's hairstyles — plus a little Tilda Swinton and Miley Cyrus mixed in. Below are some of my favorite looks. (The above image is by the very lovely @TinyTeef on Instagram! So rad!)

30DFC Day 13 // Favorite Pattern

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

I don't think it's any secret that leopard print is one of my favorite patterns. Every season it feels like the fashion world announces that animal prints are great on accessories and beyond. Well, according to me and my admiration of Scary Spice, leopard print is a continual part of my wardrobe.

You've Got Nail 32 // Julep March Boho Glam Box + Free Box Promo Code

Last month's Julep Maven box left me pretty unimpressed. However, when I saw their spring colors for March, I decided to continue with my subscription. I've found that their cosmetics are very hit or miss, but overall I am liking their polishes.

30DFC Day 10 + 12 // Nail Polish Collection + Biggest Splurge

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Well, I sort of dropped the ball this week on doing this every day. Yesterday's post was my hidden entry for an outfit I wear on special occasions, but I got so wrapped up in Monday's Nashville recap that I totally missed the mark on sharing my nail polish collection. So today I'm combining numbers ten and twelve: nails and splurges.

A Mini Penny Birthday

Today is officially Mini Penny's third birthday. [insert party emojis here ]

Nashville

This Saturday I decided to take a little bus trip to Nashville. I had never been there before and scored a roundtrip Megabus ticket for $2, so I figured... why not? A lot of you gave me some pretty solid suggestions on things to do and see.

30DFC Day 9 // Jewelry Box

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

After all this time, I'm still using the same jewelry box that I had three years ago. In fact, I've owned this box for nearly ten years (whoa!). An ex gave it to me. I have no idea what its origins are, but it's a great size and has a mirror built into the lid.

30DFC Day 8 // Newest Purchase

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

I've been pretty good this winter. Any purchases I made have been relatively small. Case in point, these earrings. Since I've cut my hair short, I've developed a mild obsession over "ugly" earrings. It's been a little harder than I imagined to find ones that I really like, which is probably really good for my wallet.

30DFC Day 7 // March Wishlist

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Three years ago I touted that I really wanted a pair Jeffrey Campbells. Like, I really wanted Jeffreys. Those days have come and gone — and my Litas were worn a hundred times and then passed onto a new owner via a Shop My Closet sale — and I still love my Jeffreys. However, my focus has been towards more unique items when it comes to wish lists. Shoes are always in the line up, of course. They've just gotten a little "uglier."

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, Sephora // Milani Nail Laquer in Sugar High, Walgreens // Endless Summer Dress and Get Social Earrings, NastyGal // Subtlety Stated Ear Cuff, Forever21 // Velvet Lip in Raven, Topshop // Wide Glider Bangle, Madewell // Sterling Derby Flat, Matt Bernson // Outsider Pants in Black, NeedSupply

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Be sure to compare the 30DFC // Wishlist post from 2011!

Birthday Sale!

As mentioned, mid-March will mark Mini Penny's third blog birthday. To celebrate, I'm having a birthday sale for my Vintage and Shop My Closet stores! You can get 25% off everything on everything in the stores when you use the code BIRTHDAY3 at checkout! And I mean everything — even the Dusty Rose Vintage Capsule Collection (wink).

The sale lasts now through 3/15! Free shipping on all US apparel orders.

Please go to the Mini Penny Shop to see current items for sale!

Items are shipped out the Wednesday after the order is placed.

March Color Palette

Truth time: I'm not a fan of kelly green. Ya know, that Crayola grassy green color that you see making retail rotations around this time of year. I think a lot of it has to do with my proximity to college campuses during my adult years — the closer it gets to St. Patrick's Day, the more dudes you see walking around in harshly saturated green tees.

30DFC Day 6 // Favorite Movie Wardrobe

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Almost every week I share some of my favorite movie fashion through my Silver Screen Style feature. It's tough for me to pick a favorite. But the other day I was watching a great movie and decided that the main character's look was going to by my spring 2014 inspiration — Johnny Depp in Cry Baby. Serious babe status.

30DFC Day 5 // Favorite Glasses

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

I decided to change this one a bit also. Instead of posting about my favorite accessories, I am choosing to focus on my favorite glasses! I have a lot of glasses, but my last two acquisitions are easily my favorites. The first are a pair of Radio glasses by Cheap Monday. I picked these up at the Nasty Gal sample sale for five dollars. And my second favorite are these crazy gold Leeloo Cat Eye Glasses from Urban Outfitters.

A Frozen Lake on Film

Yesterday was a pretty great [almost] free day. I think the only thing we spent money on was the film and developing we did. We started the day with some amazing Fat Tuesday Banana Cream Pie at Bang Bang thanks to Popular Pays. We had already planned a museum free day and for me to give him some tips on shooting film — I let him borrow one of my Minolta SLRs and I packed up my Holga 135 and we hit the road.

30DFC Day 4 // My Makeup

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

It's pretty crazy how much my makeup collection has grown over the past three years. I blame subscription boxes and eDivv! ;) I still have an affinity for lipsticks and liquid eyeliner though, as you saw on my Daily Face post a last week.

30DFC Day 3 // Top Fashion Tip

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Three years ago I noted that my biggest fashion tip was confidence. And three years later, I stand by this.

30DFC Day 2 // Favorite Pair of Jeans

As a part of Mini Penny's blog birthday, I'm taking a look back at one of my first series — The 30 Day Fashion Challenge. Check back every day for a look at how big of a difference three years can make!

Three years ago I picked a pair of Urban Outfitters high rise floral pants as my favorite pair of jeans. I also noted that I didn't own many pairs of pants — which was very true. Nowadays, though, I own a lot of pants. But I have still have yet to commit to a pair of normal blue denim. I want some. But I find myself being extremely picky in my denim shopping (I'm lusting after a pair from Madewell... any insights?).

30DFC Day 1 // My Closet

Three years ago, around the time I first started Mini Penny, one of my earliest features was a Tumblr-list-esque feature called 30 Day Fashion Challenge. I had found this list and decided to use it to start getting my content off the ground — getting used to my writing, sharing my closet, and more — as I started figuring out how I wanted to do outfit posts and thrift roundups.