Recap // Lookbook x The Frye Company Event

Photo by Brandon Farrington, courtesy of Lookbook

I had such a great time at the Lookbook x The Frye Company Spring 2014 event two weeks ago. I'm a little late sharing all of the fun — but better late than never! :)

Outdoor Market

It felt great to finally be outside for the Randolph Street Market. In fact, I got a little bit of sun, because apparently I'm a dingus who totally forgot how summer works. But I did pick up a couple of really great things.

May Wishlist

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect denim — because truth be told, I don't actually own any "regular" blue jeans. I think I'm getting closer and closer, and in the process found more goodies to add to my spring wishlist.

Weekstagram // May 25

I love where I live. Life is too short to simply exist somewhere that you aren't inspired. I wish for all of you to find what makes you happy and for you to achieve it — remember, most of the time, baby steps are key. Enjoy the long weekend and official kick-off to summer!

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

Don't forget — through Monday you can get 40% off EVERYTHING at the Mini Penny shops when you use the code MEMDAY14 at checkout. Free shipping in the US! minivintage.co and minicloset.co.

New Gym, New Gym Clothes

Back in January, I made sure to add the standard item to my list of New Years resolutions: get healthier. A big part of that for me is simply joining a gym. I bike around Chicago quite a bit — and it keeps my legs in great shape and keeps me moving. Something I've really wanted to focus on is my back and arm strength (and working on that butt, of course) — in hopes to improve my posture and feel in better health overall.

Memorial Day Sale

Hope you all have a great weekend! My past couple of weeks have been crazy-busy (and my schedule for the next few coming up at in the same vein). Busy is good. I'm happy when I'm busy. To celebrate all things good, I wanted to have a big sale for you! From now through Monday at midnight, you can pick up anything in the Mini Penny shops for 40% off when you use the code MEMDAY14 at checkout. There's always free shipping in the US — and with so many good deals right now, you definitely don't want to miss this! Shop Vintage

5 Days of AOS // Mini Penny

Ah, yesterday was perfect. The weather was amazing, we hit up the lake early in the morning, and I spent a good amount of time talking to the lovely ladies of the Free People district meeting about Instagram. It was a good time. The rest of the day was filled with snacks and shopping and grape soda and finally finding my favorite fragrance at a local store. Pretty solid.

Mini Penny x #TheMazdaWay

Remember that quick trip I took to Los Angeles a couple weeks ago? Well, the project is here! I'm so proud and excited to share with you all the great opportunity I had to work with the fine folks at Mazda and the Power of 3 Tour.

SAIC The Walk

As I mentioned the other week, I had the privilege of attending the SAIC The Walk dress rehearsal on Friday morning. It was lovely. As promised, here are some of my favorite shots.

You've Got Nail 39

I originally wasn't planning on doing a post for these nails, but I have had so many inquiries about them, I figured it'd share! These sparkly pastel nails aren't by me — they're by Kiss. I was in a pinch and needed some fun nails very last minute and picked these up at Walgreens. And I love them! Here's what I used:

❖ Kiss Gel Fantasy RTW Nails in Charmed Life
❖ Seche Vite Top Coat

Weekstagram // May 18

Way back when I first moved to Chicago, there was this amazing bar called Bonny's. Everyone who knows me knows that Bonny's was my jam. Like, seriously. I went there a lot. I made a lot friends there, drank, danced, the whole deal. It was the perfect dive bar with no-reservation dance parties that attracted all sorts of people. And it was stupidly fun.

Recipe // Hummus-Crusted Chicken and Mini Penny Shandy with Instacart + Coupon Code

A few weeks ago, you all may have noticed that I mentioned Instacart a few times on my Twitter and Instagram — it's basically the service that I have been waiting to come along. It perfectly takes advantage of our smart phone technology to make meal planning and grocery shopping easier than ever.

Silver Screen Style // Catch Me If You Can

Ah, Catch Me If You Can happens to be one of my favorite DiCaprio flicks. It's really in that 50s/60s sweet spot and the styling of the movie is so fun.

Suddenly Summer

I'm not sure when it happened, but this weekend turned into summer real quick. It was pretty wonderful to spend my days on patios with friends (and dogs) and enjoying the hot and humid air.

New at the Mini Penny Vintage Shop!

It feels so good to add summer and spring items to the Mini Penny Vintage Shop. Be sure to check out my Etsy for brand new additions (plus fresh discounts on the Mini Penny x Dusty Rose Vintage Collection — now starting at $6.99!). And as always, free shipping in the US! Visit the Mini Penny Vintage Shop. All items have sold. Please go to the Mini Penny Shop to see current items for sale!

Mini Penny x The Frye Company

Have you ever tried on a pair of shoes and knew that they were perfect for you? I'm a shoe person, through and through. I have a fairly large collection — heels, flats, sneakers, boots — but somehow had no brown boots. None. I don't know how that happened. I've been looking for the right pair for ages, but nothing really clicked until I stepped into these Courtney Lace Ups by The Frye Company.

Weekstagram // May 11

This week I started (and finished) a book that I've been wanting to read for a long while — Life After Death by Damien Echols. I could not put it down.

May Color Palette

More often than not, I find myself dreaming for a black and white closet. I love hints of color, but a simple black and white palette is where I get started. It's clean and easy and modern.

Giveaway // Bouquet from Flowers for Dreams

Minis! This weekend is Mother's Day! Flowers for Dreams is a great concept here in Chicago that delivers gorgeous bouquets and gives back to local charities. This month's charity is Supplies for Dreams, which benefits children in the Chicago Public School system.

Event // The Frye Company Spring Style

Click to Enlarge

Chicago, don't miss this! Next week, be sure to come celebrate spring style with The Frye Company, Lookbook, and me! I'll be joined in hosting this event with the ever lovely Jag Lever, If You Seek Style, and Vintage Mavens.

It's happening on May 15th from 7-9pm at The Frye Company's flagship store at 1007 North Rush Street. You must be 21 or older. RSVP by sending your name to [email protected]. Can't wait to see you there!

True Blue

I bought this skirt while I lived in Philadelphia at some store called Love Culture. I think it may just be an East Coast mall store and basically is the same/slightly lesser quality and price of Forever 21. Anyway, this thing has been chillin' in a drawer forever and I forgot that I owned it. It was folded in a way that made me think it was a similar horizontal-striped cotton mini skirt that I own. Duh-moments.

You've Got Nail 38

I've been really into stamping lately. This week, I wanted to try a geometric pattern — but doing it quick and 'uneven.' Each one is slightly different, with the slight imperfections that you would find in something like a woodblock print. I love these!

Wallflower

I had a fantastic time at the Beehive in Bloom fashion show this past Saturday at Beehive Chicago. It's always so great to see the ladies at Lost Girls Vintage — and to drool over some of the great vintage looks they put together for the show. It was my first time at the Beehive space in East Garfield Park and I can't wait to go back and visit (it's going to be a must-shop-spot if I ever get into another large living space! So much great furniture!).

Weekstagram // May 4

When Phil and I first met each other, it was through friends-of-friends on Facebook. I remember being wary of the first email exchange (this was 2007 or 2008, mind you. I still had on my making-friends-via-the-internet training wheels) and being curious as to why this man was asking me about photo equipment. See, he was abroad in Afghanistan. Quickly, I let my guard down after seeing his kind nature shine through his messages — and we've been great friends ever since.

What I Wore // SAIC Fashion Show

This morning I went to the SAIC 80th annual The Walk dress rehearsal. It was absolutely beautiful! I wish I would have been able to make it to the main event tonight, but had other prior engagements. Congratulations to all of the students on their work.

You've Got Nail 37

I threw together some simple brown and gold patterned nails this week. I wanted to keep it simple with an reverse pinky nail and slightly pointed shape. Also, check out this adorable kitty ring from The Rogue and The Wolf. I won it on a giveaway from Kitty and Buck... and it's adorable!