New Leaf

I am a woman obsessed! Just a last week ago I posted about how much I love tropical print — specifically banana leaves. I'm living in this romper. And I got the shorts that match. I've been noticing this design every where. It's pretty great for pretending it's summer in Chicago even though it doesn't really feel like it.

Growing out an Undercut

It's been well over a year since I posted about the many ways that you can wear an undercut. I loved my short, short hair — but I had this creeping feeling that growing it out would be a pain. To my surprise, the undercut has been one of the easiest short-hair-grow-outs I've ever done. Once I made the decision to not shave my sides anymore, I just let the top grow until I could achieve a reasonable center part. And from there, the more time that goes by, the more styles I can get with this length.  See more for my favorite four styles to wear and the products I use on a daily basis.

You've Got Nail 48 // Emoticon Nail Wraps

It's been a long while since I've posted anything about my nails. Mostly, I've sort of fallen out of it — I don't have the time right now and my subscription boxes haven't been terribly exciting. I've skipped every Julep Maven box for months (actually, I just opted in for the July one, so expect that review in a few weeks!).

When I got an email from Scratch a few weeks back announcing their mini monthly box, I wanted to hop on board. I loved my old Scratch subscription, but when I changed bank accounts and got a new card, I never updated my info and let the subscription get cancelled. And in reality, getting three sets of nail decals per month was more than I needed. In the new Mini boxes, you get to choose one set a month. The kicker was that for my first month, I could choose the emoji wraps.

Trend // Tropical

My favorite trend for summer is tropical — most specifically vintage-inspired palm leaf prints! I love banana leaves and I am feeling this print on everything.

My recognition of the banana leaf print comes from the famous Beverly Hills Hotel Martinique wallpaper. Don Loper created this design in 1942 specifically for the hotel and it has been beloved by designers the world over since. See my favorite tropical picks after the jump. // (Above) Leaf Cami Romper, Old Navy

My Favorite Hand Lettering Tools

In the past few months, I've really gotten into hand lettering with brush pens and nibs. On Instagram, a few of you have asked me what I use to achieve these looks, so I figured I'd round up a few of my favorite tools for lettering.

Mostly, for ease, I use brush pens. They're (mostly) inexpensive and low-mess and very transportable, making them my go to option for script lettering. The ink and nib gives me my favorite look, but that can sometimes take a little more practice and time to really get it right. Click through for all of my favorite pens.

Ways To Wear It // Flares

I am totally obsessed with flares and bell bottoms lately. I've picked up a few pairs but have been on the hunt for some great denim ones as well (like these from Madewell. Ah!). Styling bell bottoms and flares can be really fun — and for someone who is dedicated to my skinny jeans, it's a nice change every now and again!

Silver Screen Style // Girl, Interrupted

I saw this movie one time. It was when I was in middle school. Last week, I noticed it was on Netflix and decided to give it a go. I didn't really remember much about it — and in fact was totally engulfed in the styling of the movie. I was pretty surprised to also see some familiar faces (George Senior from 'Arrested Development' and Peggy from 'Mad Men'!) on the cast.

Petal Pushing

Sometimes all I need in life is to take a walk around the conservatory and enjoy some fresh flowers. And not even the conservatory — the farmers market, my local flower shop, or even picking some up at my local Whole Foods can really put a smile on my face.

Review // June Pixi Box

Time for more Pixi Beauty products! Last month I shared some great brow and eye products with you — and this month I have a few new goodies to review.

Get Your Kicks

After a weekend of feeling sick, it felt so good to get outside. I'm not sure what bug I caught — but a few of my friends had it, too. Some sort of heavy cold. Anyway, I spent a few days drowning myself in carrot juice, orange juice, and echinacea tea while binge-watching Bill Nye the Science Guy on Netflix. That seemed to be a pretty good cure.

Silver Screen Style // The Big Lebowski

The Big Lebowski is another one of those movies that I can't believe I haven't done a Silver Screen Style about! It has such a particular ~vibe~ and is absolutely hilarious.

12 Lists // Number 5

Oooookay, so I was going to put this one off because I don't really "work out." It was one of my goals in 2014 and I really couldn't get into it. Going on a run or bike ride is fun here or there, but I'm not one to pop headphones in my ears when I should be paying attention to the world around me. So, this is hypothetical. If I were to go back to working out in the gym, these would be on my playlist.

The entire Robyn Body Talk album
Jungle — Busy Earnin'
Bikini Kill — Rebel Girl
Alt J — Tessallate
Ben Khan — Youth
M.I.A. — Bad Girls
Jungle — The Heat
DESCENDENTS — I'm The One
Har Mar Superstar — Restless Leg
YACHT — Summer Song
Simian Mobile Disco — Audacity of Huge

Oh, plus a ton of 90s pop songs because I am perpetually stuck in my adolescence.

The 12 Lists series is run by Clear the Way and Chez Gillian. Join in!

Taco Tuesdays

One of the things I missed most when I moved away from Chicago was the food. My neighborhood has a diverse population — and my favorite part are all of the tasty Mexican and taco restaurants. Really, there are no shortages of good food in Logan Square and in Chicago. And Tuesdays call for Taco Tuesdays!

2015 Resolution // Six Months

At the beginning of the year, I unveiled that my resolution for 2015 wasn't going to be a physical one, but instead working on my art. I made a goal for myself — 50 paintings — to finish by the end of the year. Well, we're six months in and I'm very far behind. Granted, I have a lot of paintings started, but my list of completed pieces is not as far along as I'd like. Here are the ones I have finished so far.