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.