Overall, there were a lot of great looks last night (I had a hard time narrowing them down!) but in many cases, an overuse of fabric (cough, Sarah Michelle Gellar).

So let’s take a look.

Favorite Looks

Julianne Moore – Simple, age-appropriate and nicely styled

Frieda Pinto – Dress was better on TV but the color and her necklace were divine

Michelle Williams – A little matronly but love the detail and headband

Shailene Woodley – Bad posture but the dress was really delicate and feminine. Gorgeous.

Charlize Theron – Wasn’t a huge fan at first but the way she accessorized it won me over

Claire Danes – The webbed detail on the back was fab and it matched perfectly with the red lip

Needs Improvement (aka the “see me” note you dread from the teacher)

Lea Michele – It’s like a bad Cher/Bob Mackie revival. No thank you

Jessica Biel – Based on this, I’m now worried about what she’ll wear to her wedding.

Kelly Osborne – Dowdy dress + gray hair = not flattering

Rooney Mara – She is so gorgeous but this dress isn’t the good kind of edgy

Natalie Portman -The random “sail” hanging off her hip is not flattering

Piper Perabo – This isn’t a bad picture but the pale color plus full skirt just did not work. At all

For the men, I can never go wrong with a man in a tux. And of course, George, Jake and even orange Rob Lowe looked so handsome. I’ll even give Matt LeBlanc a nod for wearing a midnight blue suit. Very dashing.

And way for photobombing to become very mainstream. Let’s just say, I’d love to sit at the Modern Family or Fey/Poehler table any day. Those look like fun tables to spend an evening at (with champagne).

Did you watch last night? What looks did you love?

But then there are those ruts where it all goes to hell and you barely put forth the effort to shower.

Recently, after some personal life stuff, I found myself in this rut. I could barely get myself out of bed, let alone think about how I looked. I went to work for two days barely showered, hair a mess, glasses on and outfits that looked like I was either a) color blind or b) dressed myself in the dark.

And I felt awful too, for multiple reasons.

Then, on day three, when I still wanted to hide, I forced myself to try.

And it was as simple as putting/forcing my contacts in, putting on a dress and slapping some make up on my face.

And when I looked in the mirror, I saw a spark of the old me and felt like part of the cardigan of sadness was coming off.

So for NYE, when I was going to be just with the girls, I decided to put some effort in to it, just for me.

That included: date bra, scented lotion (I only wear this on dates too), freshly shaved legs, mani/pedi done and full face, eye and lip make up.

Only my friends saw this but I didn’t care. I felt great and thought I looked great.

So that’s my plan now, keep myself from backsliding in to this wardrobe rut and keep trying because if you’re looking good, you’re feeling good. And even if you’re not feeling 100% great, do the best you can.

Do you get dressed up sometimes just for you?

I consider myself to be a pretty optimistic lady. I’m “glass half full” all the time, but lately I’ve been a bit more of a Debbie Downer.

Okay, maybe not THAT bad, but maybe a little bit of a Wallowing Winnie.

Here’s what’s brought this on:

• Pink eye. Woke up Thursday morning with it and have never had it before. Now I can’t wear eye makeup or contacts for a week. I’m really not digging for sympathy here, but this has taken a blow to my self esteem. I know I need to be au natural in the eyes but I feel embarrassed to have people see me. It’s tough
• Elevator. My building elevator has been out for more than five weeks and no one is telling us when it will be fixed. I hope my legs are like steel when it is fixed

But, I’m working through this little turn of bad karma and balancing out the negative with positives, such as:

• Working out. Even after a long day, I’m forcing myself to go and feeling better after. Great stress reliever
• Costume planning. Over the next two weekends, I have theme parties that I’m attending and I’ve been really scouring for some fun stuff for my costumes. I love a project :)
• Red lipstick. I never wear it but in prep for these parties, I treated myself to some, since that’s some of the only makeup I can wear right now. After sampling a few on Saturday, I found one that suits me and seeing my red lips in the store mirrors did make me smile

So that’s why I’ve been a little slow in posting lately. Once I get over this Debbie Downer/Wallowing Winnie hump, I will be back to being me, and being a little more regular in posts.

How is everyone else??

Let’s take a look at some stuff I’m loving this fall, non-weather wise.

Truffle honey butter – Was served this at a new Chicago restaurant, Morso, in Lincoln Park as part of my meal and nearly licked the mason jar it came in clean. Sadly, service at the restaurant wasn’t great that night so to make up for it, my waitress gave me a hunk of it to take home. It’s delicious, I would eat it with a spoon. I want more right now.

Suri’s Burn Book – A coworker shared this Tumblr and Twitter feed with me and I’m 100% obsessed. I literally check it daily for Suri’s new bitchy, mean girl commentary of celeb children and it has made me cry laughing several times. Let’s just say, she’s not a huge fan of the Jolie-Pitts and Garner-Affleck kids. She also has a huge ego, I love it.

The Real Milania G – As a Real Housewives of New Jersey fan, this is pretty much the best Twitter feed ever. The faux Twitter profile, written from the point of Teresa’s devil child Milania is really damn funny, especially during the RHONJ airings. I highly recommend it.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery – I’m pretty much a Kiehl’s addict already but I finally started using my samples of this product at night and my face feels like butter. I have really dry/oily/sensitive skin and this feels really soothing and hydrating on it. Literally, I love the way my skin feels with this. It’s a little pricey so I’ll stick to samples for now but LOVE.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment – Friends have been using Fresh products for a while and preaching about their awesomeness but after my regular lip balm ran out (goodbye Burt’s Bees!), I picked this up at Sephora and cannot imagine living without it. Yes, it’s a little pricey too but I love how soft it makes my lips and gives them a little tint too (without being tarty). I will have to see if others agree they’re kissably soft one day.

Riding Boots - Two years ago I got my first pair of flat riding boots from  Banana Republic and have almost destroyed them from use. They’re super comfortable and perfect for wearing in snow and winter weather. Now I’m on the hunt for a new pair and finally found some similar ones at Nordstrom. They’re a little pricier than I wanted to pay but since I know I’ll wear them out, I’m okay with it. It’s almost boot season!!

What are you loving right now? Big weekend plans?

And no I’m not saying that as I have a full closet full of fall clothes that are sitting there with the tags on. My tendency to keep and wear things until they, well wear out, is coming full circle again and I literally don’t have much to wear.

Especially things that fit.

So Saturday, I put my iPod on, went dead inside and went shopping in downtown Chicago. I worked Michigan Avenue like it was a pole, getting in/out of stores and in/out of clothes as quickly as possible.

As always, I was prepared, wearing no jewelry and very thin tops so I could try on things over my clothes whenever possible. I hate waiting for dressing rooms.

If you know Chicago, this will make sense, and if not, well hopefully you’ll still see how productive I was. I went from H&M (north end of Michigan Avenue) to Banana Republic, Express, Forever 21, Nordstrom, Ann Taylor Loft and Gap (ending at the south end). I only took a 15 minute rest at Nordstrom to enjoy coffee too (and rest my arms).

And (un)fortunately, the shopping venture was pretty successful too.

Deals of the day:

• $24 fedora at Gap (so fabulous) for $8
• $138 dress at Banana Republic for $45

In the end, I came away with several pieces I’m anxious to try on again and hopefully keep. And I have more that I will need to add, but this will definitely help.

The one thing I did try on (and tweet/Facebook) that I didn’t get was this

I have a history of trying on sequin dresses but this time, is was a Banana Republic Monogram dress that made me look like sparkle Barbie or Elle Woods dipped in sequins. It was itchy, loud and PINK. But part of me loved it. But at $200 and so much more to buy. I couldn’t justify it. Also, I don’t even know WHERE I would wear something like this.

How was your weekend?

And the first award show of the season is the Emmys. Due to my RL and time constraints, let’s take a look at an abbreviated list of some of my favorite and least favorite dresses of the night.

Favorites!

Evan Rachel Wood – Loving the hair and the fit of this dress. Flawless

Sofia Vergara – As a fellow big boobed woman, I love that she was able to show her curves without too much boobage. Plus, the color is stunning

Martha Plimpton – I love the color and cut of this dress. Tasteful and sexy

Kate Winslet – I mean, stop it, color and hair together, shutting it down

Claire Danes – You can’t see the pressure her boobs are under in this picture (but could on TV) but as a fan of the color blue, I approve of this

Anna Torv – Not the best picture but her makeup, hair and earrings with the detail on this dress were gorgeous!

See Me – AKA Least Favorites

Dianna Aragon – I love the color and her hair/makeup, really, but this looks like it doesn’t fit or flatter her at all

Gwyneth Paltrow – You’re in such good shape but the midrif is not flattering on you. Cover it up and you’re set

Emily Blunt – I already hate you because you’re married to my celeb dream man but you get another strike for wearing a dress that looks like a dust ruffle and is forcing the boobs apart. Also, brush your hair

Show highlights!

• Jane Lynch – Already a fan but her dry humor (despite some bad jokes) really made it entertaining to watch
• Opening number – Mad Men and Friday Night Lights within the first 10 minutes of the show? You’re killing me Emmys!
• FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – I’m beyond obsessed with this show so seeing it win for writing and for Kyle Chandler, seriously, I teared up. FINALLY this show got some love. Clear eyes, full hearts…can’t lose!
• Song montage – Seriously, the bit of the Emmy-nominated songs cracked me up. And Bill Macy took the dry humping like a champ. That’s an actor

What did you think? Did you have any celeb outfits that you loved or hated?

Brace yourself, it’s that time again.

This weekend, I will be attending a retirement party, so I thought a new, fancy dress he/she hasn’t seen me in would be appropriate. But my usual places (Nordstrom, Banana) were coming up a bit dry and I didn’t have a ton of funds to donate toward this, so I decided to look for something simple that I could complete by shopping my closet.

And to my sincere shock, Express, provided me with two options that are affordable, comfortable, pretty flattering and, well, age appropriate (aka not what you would necessarily find on a tall, thin model). Tickle me surprised! I also shopped my closet a bit too.

Anyhow, I need your help to decide what to wear!

Background: The party will be held at a home in mid-afternoon. Attendees will likely be dressed in a mix of “dressy” casual and more business casual wear. Also, apologies ahead of time of the poor quality pictures at top.

Option 1: Express

Will be paired with pink Tory Burch flats, gold necklace and charcoal cardigan (in case it’s cool)

Option 2: Express cotton LBD with ruffles

Will be paired with gold shoes and earrings

Option 3: Closet shop

Previously considered as Mexico wedding outfit option

Will be paired with silver shoes and necklace

Option 4: Closet shop

Previously considered as Mexico wedding outfit option

Will be paired with gold silver shoes and necklace

What one should I wear? I literally cannot decide.

So now that I’m helping Chicago’s economy by doing a little spending, I’m making a little list of things I’m loving right now.

Target’s Grocery - Okay this is a little lame but I’m obsessed with the grocery section of Target. City grocery stores (even chains) are expensive but this is SO NOT. I love it.

Chobani Blueberry Yogurt – I was not a Greek yogurt fan at first, but now I’m loving this. It’s a little pricey but a nice treat

Nordstrom-brand necklaces – I bought one about a year ago and I wear it all the time. Affordable and the metal doesn’t fade after multiple wears. I just picked up the Etched Link one this weekend. LIKE!

Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment – My pale skin shows scars pretty well but this has helped soften the scars I do have on my face and neck. LIKE!

Truffle Salt - I brought a LOT of this back with me from Italy and it’s so tasty. Adds so much to regular pasta dishes, popcorn, etc. LIKE!

Sequin enamel bracelets (Brights and Ikat) – Found them at Nordstrom and fell in love! Stackable and bright, two things I love in bracelets

Moleskine notebooks – My stationary-savvy friend introduced me to Moleskine and I picked up an adorable red journal for Italy. A) I never lose it and b) the bookmark and elastic closure keeps it from getting damaged

Summer nail polish colors! – My go-to colors are OPI’s Feelin’ Hot Hot Hot for my toes and Essie’s Guchi Muchi Puchi for my fingernails. Time to get back in the mani/pedi routine!

What are some of the products or foods you love right now?

And in order to offset a lot of the trip costs, I’ve been diligent at saving, which means little going out and shopping. Yes, it sucks bigtime. I’m literally going crazy. But, even though I’m saving, I did have to make a few pre-trip purchases.

Yes, it’s a mix of being practical and feeding the urge for doing a little spending.

First Italy-intended purchase:

New spring jacket. I have an Eddie Bauer fleece that is looking pretty rough after six years, so a new spring-like jacket for Italian evenings is necessary. So I went to North Face to scope it out and I walked out with this.

I like the fitted shape and that it will keep the wind off me.

Upgraded camera. Until now, I’ve been shooting photos with a Canon Point & Shoot 7 Megapixel camera. On clear days, it’s amazing but in any kind of low light, it’s very unreliable and therefore very frustrating. So in prep for Italy, I decided to finally bite the bullet and invest in something amazing: an SLR.  Behold this beauty.

I’m still learning how to use it but so far, I’m really enjoying it. The picture quality is SO much better. And with an 18-135 lens, let’s just say, I can get really close. I cannot wait to be more comfortable with this for my trip.

Yes, there has also been a little non-Italy spending too….new wallet and spring clothes but still, I will pack those clothes and carry that wallet in Italy so yes, it’s a justified spending. Plus, almost all of my clothes don’t fit right now and I’m tired of feeling frumpy in everything I wear.

Despite this, I’m still trying to keep pre-Italy-necessary purchases to a minimum but if I use it when I’m there, that counts right?

Do you shop for your vacations?

I’m still scared to go in my closet and weed out what doesn’t fit or I haven’t worn in a bit, so while I’m playing the avoidance game there, I’m looking ahead to what I do want to be buying this spring (in moderation.) I feel like my taste in clothes and style changes yearly or evolves so I try to manage what I WANT and what I NEED to replace.

I’ve scoured online and my fashion magazines and below is my list what what I have my eye on to be welcomed in to my home, and closet this spring.

Stripes! Tough for me to wear (thanks to my bosom and hips) but I love this look because it’s casual but put together. Okay, I’d probably replace the khakis with jeans but that’s just me

Sparkly shoes (I must have these TOMS)

Big, bold rings (fab! And I love turquoise)

Messenger bags (difficult with big boobs but still functional)

Bright colors! (I cannot wear orange but I love the bold print and I got this Hot Pop Pink color from Shellac on my nails at the Beauty Show over the weekend. Obsessed)

Wedges! Perfect for the petite girl that is awkward in heels

Yes, all of these are on my shopping list. What about you? What are you shopping for this spring? Any big weekend plans?

Update 3/17: Review of Revlon’s CustomEye eyeshadows on the review blog!

She said I was a DD, I said I was a D. We bickered, passive aggressively snapped at each other and in the end, she was right.

I am now a DD. DAMNIT. I have Jessica Simpson-like boobs. DAMNIT AGAIN!

Even though my new bra fits much better than my old ones, I fought her on that size right down to the end. Why? Because I didn’t want to give in and be a DD.

I hear so many times on fashion shows that it’s not about size, it’s about fit. Well let me tell you something sir or madam, that is easier said than done.

Size and age may only be a number but it in some situations, that number is important to people. After years of hovering between a size 13 or 14, I’m very proud and possessive of my size 12 body. At my thinnest, being between a 10 and 12 was huge and I would prance around in my size 10 skirt like I was the sexiest thing alive. But, if I tried on a skirt that looked fab but was a size 14, I probably wouldn’t buy it…because it’s a 14. Mentally, that’s taking me back to my heavier days and I refuse to feel that way again.

I know the logic on this is backward but mentally, I can’t get over that hump. I would rather squeeze myself into something a little smaller, with a number and size I can live with rather than go up a size.

Others won’t know but I will and if I can’t pull it off, why force it? Of course, I won’t be prancing around in something ridiculously small or bad looking, but I’ll just have to search harder to find an outfit or top I love that will fit me as me and in a way I can feel comfortable with.

What about you? Do you believe fit is better than size?

But, before I pass out in a snoring haze, I need to talk about something very, very important….OSCAR FASHION.

That’s right, last night was the movie and fashion Super Bowl extravaganza known as…the Oscars. I was ready to party, celebrate and prove how hyper critical I can be.

So let’s put my soul-crushing critical skills to the test!

Best Dressed

Mila Kunis – I hate it at first but now I’m loving this look. LOVE the color, feminine details and hair. Flawless

Hailee Steinfeld – Adorable, age/event appropriate and the length of this dress is perfect! I just want to give her a hug she’s so cute

Amy Adams – The navy is perfect with her red hair and I love the sparkles/cap sleeves. Just lose the necklace

Michelle Williams – After a Globes misstep, this Chanel gown is simple and elegant. And I wish I could pull off that pixie cut

Cate Blanchett – Much like Zoe Saldana’s gown last year, this was love/hate and I loved it. Matches Cate’s style perfectly and only she could pull this off. I love the detail, color and shoulders

Dear Natalie Portman – I hated your Globes dress (a lot) but this entire look is FABULOUS. Tasteful cleavage, stunning color and cut. Let’s hug it out

Mandy Moore – Thank you for showing us pale-skin girls how to wear nude. The sparkles and neckline plus coral lipstick is a winner

It was tough to pick my final female “best dressed” pick. Jennifer Lawrence’s va va va voom look, Gwyenth’s Star Trek-like look (despite orange skin) and ScarJo’s body hugging berry lace number were all worthy, but my final selection is….

Camila Alves – Tasteful boobage, classic color and perfect jewelry, L-O-V-E, now tell your man to wear a shirt

Not So Best Dressed

Jennifer Hudson – From one Chicago girl to another, you look amazing but the unflattering saggy boobs here distract me, and not in a good way

Marisa Tomei – that dust ruffle needs to be nipped closer to the heels and you need a bigger chest to pull off that full coverage sweetheart neckline. Fact

Nicole Kidman – This is an easy shot but the flaps on your hips are not flattering, even for someone as skinny as you

Dear Reese Witherspoon – I love your everyday sense of style but this 1950s Barbie look takes vintage too seriously. Still love you!

Halle Berry – If you could have tripped this frothy toilet paper off the dress, you would be in the above category. Sorry

Annette Bening is a classy lady but I’m just not loving this. I wish I could explain more but I just don’t like it

I love that Michelle Williams’ BFF Busy Phillips was her date last night but that front satin flap needs to go. Dawson would not approve

Phew, okay, that is my Oscar fashion recap for this year. I’m thinking of writing a bit more about fashion on this blog too, so if you feel strongly yay or nay on that, let me know!

Now, for tonight’s question, did you watch the Oscars? Who were your best/worst dressed?

Let’s break it down.

My Best Dressed List

January Jones – Yes, the dress does look like a doily but I love the color and details. And is that a smile?

Mariska Hargitay – LOVE the color of that dress with her earrings. Fab

Julia Styles – Not a great picture but the color and fading is gorgeous. Very heavenly

Mila Kunis – Girl can do no wrong. This dress cut and pattern is gorgeous

Natalie Portman – This more than makes up for the Golden Globe dress. GORGEOUS!

Dianna Aragon – Very prim and proper in Chanel. You go girl

Julianna Margulies – I don’t wear much red but I would absolutely wear this. Looks comfy too

Julie Bowen – Pantsuit at a night function? And she had twins? I’m want to look that good

Cory Monieth – Yeah he’s hot no matter what :)

John Krasinski – Speaking of hot, fully navy blue suit? Goodness, I’m ready to be Mrs. Krasinski #2

Not-S0-Best-Dressed List

Nicole Kidman – Lace, bows and cut outs? Hot mess

Angie Harmon – I love the idea of this fluffy, airy dress, but the corset isn’t working for me

Jennifer Lawrence – I love Oscar De La Renta and hot pink but the neckline of this reminds me of Nicole Kidman’s Gaultier Oscar dress years ago. Not a fan

Hailee Steinfeld – Love the color but not the length. This would be better as a mini

Jenna Fischer – Hot hair but this dress is so matronly on her. Pam, come on!

Amber Riley – I love her shape but the bottom of the dress looks like spraypainted toilet paper was balled up and sewn on

Jane Lynch – So unflattering on her. Disappointed

Naya Rivera – The color washes her out but she fills it out well

Kim Kardashian – Another case of gorgeous color, bad fit. What is up with the sequined boob?

What about you? Did you watch the SAGs? If so, who were your best/not-so-best picks?

This year, I was even more vocal on Twitter about what I liked and didn’t like and let me say, overall, I was a little underwhelmed. I won’t even pick on Helena Bonham Carter or Tilda Swinton because it’s just too easy :)

My Best Dressed List

The skirt is huge but I LOVE the sparkle and color. Girl just needs to fluff that hair!

Megan! I’m shocked, this dress is simple gorgeous and looks amazing on you without being slutty. Way to go!

Gorgeous color, cut and it’s age appropriate. Stay classy Jane

I’m mixed on Emma Stone being a blonde but her dress color is really soft, pretty and classic. Now just tone down the spray tan

For me, Mila represented “green” best last night. The texture on this is fab

Arielle and Lacey weren’t fans of this, but I liked it. If only my pasty skin would let me wear white

The skirt is too long but the cut and hair together is fabulous. And the belt? LOVE

Brittany from Glee wore something similar to this year’s Emmys but this looks so flattering on Amber. Way to go.

My Not Best Dressed List

I love Natalie Portman. I do, but this dress is a Valentine’s Day nightmare. I would like it more in black/white or better yet, with that damn rose torn off

Halle, we get it. you have a banging body and boobs of a 15 year old girl. You can do better

I love this color with her red hair but the crease marks plus that tragic bubble shoulder is a big no

Love her hair and makeup but hate the dress color and the daisies. Washes her out and she has gorgeous skin!

Again, love the hair and makeup but hate the dress color and flowers all over. Nude/beige is a tough color to wear and this just isn’t doing her any favors

This photographs much better than it looked on screen. It was ill-fitting and the random broach on the shoulder doesn’t work. And now that she admitted she uses Botox, should she even be smiling?

Love the color, love her hair but the cutouts aren’t working for me. And from this angle, it makes her midsection look unflattering

Favorite moments from the show:

• Christian Bale, Best Supporting Actor – He was amazing in The Fighter and absolutely deserved it
• Ricky Gervais – His stuff was a little flat but I love how balls-out he is in skewering celebs
• Colin Firth, Best Actor – I have a massive crush on him and am glad he’s finally getting recognition for the great work he does in every film
• The Social Network – Yes, people were salty that it won Best Picture but it was a great movie with great dialogue, direction and acting. I have to admit, I don’t think The King’s Speech will beat it at the Oscars

What about you? Did you watch last night? What were some of your favorite moments and fashions from the show? Any least favorites?

]]> http://www.myeverydayadventures.com/2011/01/17/golden-globes-fashion-recap-2/feed/ 19 http://www.myeverydayadventures.com/2011/01/13/big-love-to-my-uggs/ http://www.myeverydayadventures.com/2011/01/13/big-love-to-my-uggs/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 03:21:38 +0000 Jessica B. http://www.myeverydayadventures.com/?p=5088 I love Uggs. People can mock them (they’re ugly!) tease me for wearing them (cankles!) and say how unfashionable they are (hello, Oprah featured them again on her Favorite Things show so suck it), but I love them.

When you live in a big city and rely heavily on walking or public transportation, you need to stay warm, which means fashion goes out the window and warmth is in season. And Uggs keep your feet WARM, even if they aren’t made for snow and bad winter weather.

This year, I held off as long as I could to bring them out and then finally, not too long before Thanksgiving I said it. Bring out…..THE UGGS!

And then I realized, the bright pink Uggs I bought three years ago, needed to be retired. But before I welcomed in my new Ugg b*tches, I paid a little respect to my pink Uggs.

Sporty!

Pink Uggs, tonight, I pour out a $6 bottle of Cook’s champagne on my tile kitchen floors to honor you and listen to some sweet Boyz II Men jams to remember all the good times we had together.

Now, the pink Uggs sit lovingly in my closet, in case I need them for a dire emergency but the new PURPLE Uggs are out in force and kickin’ it Midwest style. And last week, they were the belle of the ball at work. Multiple people came up to tell me how cute they were and remark on the color. Cankles are SO IN…as long as they’re purple.

Here is a picture of my haut new Uggs.

So mock me, tease me, berate me but these b*tches get compliments and when you’re a girl like me, you take it where you can get it.

Be on the watchout for these babies in Chicago, You can definitely find me in a crowd :)

What about you? Are you an Uggs lover or hater?

Usually, I’m not as productive on New Years Day thanks to the champagne, but this year was low-key and perfect.

In Chicago, you have two options for New Years: house party or bar party. The latter can cost $75-$250 (depending on location and scope) and you barely make your money back. One year, I estimated each of my martinis was $10 (Chicago prices) so I had to drink 7.5 of them to make my money back. I made it to 6 before I blacked out. I’ve also had champagne poured on my satin top which almost lead to a girl fight. No kidding. I have good memories going out to bars with friends for New Years, but this year, my Halloween Bear Pack group and I decided to keep it quiet and celebrate at someone’s house. We could get all the bar benefits of dancing, drinking and food in a quieter setting.

So that leads to selecting the perfect NYE outfit. My selection (which I couldn’t post last night because my internet is being a total b*tch) was a lovely sequined meets Wednesday Adams-inspired outfit that was flashy and comfortable at the same time.

Here it is!

TC has been begging me to buy a sparkly shirt for a while so at a great deal, I surprised her with this top, which was super comfortable and boob-minimizing. Win! Normally, I don’t wear all black so I said I was channeling my “inner Black Swan.” Makes sense if you’ve seen the movie.

Thanks to the Chicago weather turning cold and windy on New Years Day, I became a hermit, cleaning out my freezer, throwing out old boxes/bags and making my place look more like a normal apartment again. And I took down my tree and holiday decorations. Always bittersweet.

I also brought out the crock pot to begin cooking and oh my gosh my kitchen smelled amazing. Tis the season!

How did you celebrate New Years? Am I the only one who is productive over this long weekend?

*Posted edited 1/4/11 at 5 p.m. to include outfit photo.

Because (depending where they’re coming from) they should be afraid.

No sh*t.

The east coast may have 32 inches of snow but Midwest winters are nothing to f*ck around with. If you’re not ready, it will cut you down like a tree and the winds will slap your face like you’re a red-headed stepchild. WHAP!

So, to help my fellow non-Midwesteners or Chicagoans, I’ve made a list of how to survive winter:

• Invest in a good coat. Yes, it’s expensive and you feel ridiculous (aka Stay Puft Marshmallow Man,) but when it’s zero degrees outside with a wind chill, you will be glad you have it
• Get a good pair of boots (Uggs or otherwise). It snows in Chicago, sometimes a lot, and you will have to go to work no matter what because snow days don’t exist (sad but true). So get boots that will keep you warm
• Don’t worry about looking cute. The phrase around here is, “it’s better to be warm than look cute.” Trust me, no one is judging
• Embrace it. It’s okay to complain about the cold but go with it because a) it’s not getting better right away and b) everyone else is cold right along with you
• Get outside! It’s easy to hibernate and never go outside but make yourself do it. The fresh air (while cold) still feels good
• Find fun stuff to do in winter. Holiday time in Chicago is one of my favorites because there is great things going on. This will help you achieve the previous bullet of getting the h*ll out of the house

So those are my tips, what about you? How do you survive winter?

That’s right, MORE SNOW. Fortunately, it wasn’t as bad as Minneapolis, but still, it’s getting bitter cold here and I am literally afraid.

Despite the bad weather, I was a woman on a mission: get in the holiday spirit come h*ll or high water. The tree is up, new holiday music is downloaded, now came the next stage: buying Christmas gifts. With a water bottle and my friend Liz in tow, we hit Chicago’s seventh circle of hell: Michigan Avenue on the weekend.

I know, I tease about tourists sometimes but seriously, downtown on the weekend is a nightmare. But we embraced it (in the rain) and worked our way from one end to the other, with a list of people to shop for. And after a full day outdoors and a quick Amazon order, I am 90% done with my shopping. I just have one more trip to make this week and I’ll be in good shape.

It’s such a good feeling because now I get to WRAP gifts.

Tonight, I’m also indulging in another one of favorite holiday traditions: Watching Love Actually while writing out my Christmas cards. GAME ON!

Before all of this insane holiday activity, it was the annual work holiday party, where I agonize over what to wear for easily 24 hours. I have no idea why I constantly fail at finding a cute but appropriate outfit. But this year, I found a dress from Forever 21 that I was peer pressured into buying and it turned out pretty perfect:

Now I have another year before I’m faced with this awful decision.

Oh and once my holiday shopping is done, I can focus on this next weekend. WIN!

How was your weekend? Are you done holiday shopping?

But I wanted to share some pictures from the long weekend because some are too cute for words. Literally.

While I was back in Wisconsin for Thanksgiving, I stayed with my brother and SIL and got to meet my fur nephew (aka their dog), Steve. He’s a daschund and (in my opinion), the most adorable, sweet and loving fur nephew a girl could ask for. I was fully prepared to cash all the love checks he was writing.

And write them he did!

Auntie Jess and Steve

Steve sitting on my lap (LOOK AT THAT FACE! How could you NOT love him?)

Butt shot (he was camera shy)

During my three days with him, he licked my eye (right on the contact too), nose, lips, boobs, hands and fingers. Yes, it grossed me out for a minute but then I gave in to it.

The best part? Thursday morning, he scurried out of my bro/SIL’s bedroom and ran right over to my closed guest room door before going downstairs. And when I gave the okay for him to come in, he came BOUNDING in the room, beyond excited to see me. Okay, he may have been excited for anyone but I think I made an impression.

I literally cannot wait to go back for Christmas to cash some more love checks and snuggle with him. I LOVE HIM.

And after my fur nephew morning snugglefest, it was time to get ready for the meal. In the past, I’ve worn dress pants or even jeans to Thanksgiving and honestly, after that meal, I feel like those pants could pop off themselves. So, I’m all about comfort now.

Here is this year’s Thanksgiving outfit:

(Flannel top: Ralph Lauren outlet, T-shirt: Banana Republic, Leggings: Hue, Boots: Banana Republic, Necklace: Nordstrom)

It was comfy and fashionable. Win, win.

How was everyone else’s long weekend?

This week is a big (and short) week for me. MEXICO is imminent! After months of waiting and planning, it’s almost time.

And now my anxiety about travel has been replaced with anxiety over what to wear to a destination, beachy wedding.

Normally, I go to Midwest weddings, where I have three dresses that I rotate wearing, but now I’m thrown totally off my game and digging through my closet asking out loud, “what do I wear???”

So that’s where I need your help!

I have four options of what I can wear to the wedding, some are casual fun and formal so I’m opening it up to you to help me narrow it down to two dresses.

Yeah, I’m trying not to overpack again. The likelihood of this happening is slim, but I’m trying :)

Here we go!

Option 1: Banana Republic (with pockets!!)

Option 2: Floral dress (unnamed brand)

Option 3: New York & Company

Option 4: JCrew and white cami

A few notes:

• Right now, it will be in the low- to mid-80s and partially sunny in Mexico on wedding day
• I asked the bride how formal the wedding is supposed to be and got no response (she’s been busy!)
• I can breathe in all dresses right now (leaving room for food and alcohol!)
• Also, none of these are fully styled to include jewelry or final shoes. This was an impromptu fashion show
• Yes, these photos are awkward. I’m awkward in photos.

So what dress(es) should I wear or eliminate?

Thank you everyone for your help! My indecisiveness is coming out bigtime as I prepare to leave.