30 Before 30

Tomorrow I turn thirty. There, I said it.

Though I love the idea of a 30 before 30 post, I've got to do lists arm-lengths long and the idea of creating yet another one seemed dreadful. So I thought I'd go the opposite way and compile some favorite things I've experienced in my three decades. As bittersweet as it is to reach the big three-oh I can't complain about my years thus far. Without further adieu (and in no particular order):

1. Graduate college (I wasn't even sure I wanted to go, boy am I glad I did!)
2. Bungee jump at age 13
3. Cry at the sight of the Eiffel Tower in Paris at 18
4. Celebrate the Millennium in London - Y2K y'all!
5. Have LASIK surgery - a majorly scary decision but a good one
6. Sell half my life and move to the big city
7. Travel to Asia for work 
8. Win a beauty pageant
9. Hold the hands of two grandparents as they passed away
10. Start a blog
11. Serve on a fashion board
12. Marry young
13. Marry a foreigner
14. Use eye cream since I was a teenager
15. Live far away from my family
16. Work in corporate retail
17. Host a 1980's themed trolley party
18. Participate in a flash mob
19. Drink red wine
20. Pierce my belly button (so '90's!)
21. Cook a little more each year
22. Sing in public - as backup for a friend and at our wedding
23. Take a cruise
24. Try acupuncture and hot yoga. And like them.
25. Renew my vows in Vegas (with Elvis!)
26. Enjoy photography
27. Survive a Snowmaggedon. (Or Chicago winters in general.)
28. Still cry when I leave my family
29. Learn to celebrate the little things
30. Turn 30 (in Vegas. Booyah.)

And thank you self, for never getting that butterfly tattoo in your early twenties. You would sooo hate that now.

Cheers to the next 30! More laughs, more love, more life.

Travel Update!

In a denim production factory in China

Hiya from Hong Kong! How’s everyone doing? I’ve been all over it seems - planes, trains & automobiles… China was incredible. Shanghai is such a beautiful, alive city. Didn’t have much time there but what I saw, I loved. And visiting apparel production factories near Nanjing was an amazing experience. So eye-opening to the production process (and humbling). In all my years of retail I’ve never seen anything like it. Though I’m here on business, I’ve managed to sneak in a few sightseeing activities. So far I’ve visited Victoria Harbor, walked the Avenue of the Stars (think Hollywood's Walk of Fame - Asian version) and witnessed the Symphony of Lights – a laser light show between the buildings from HK to Kowloon that takes place each evening. I’ve also scoped out a Market (how do we feel about knock-offs? I know, I know. But soooo cheap here…) and tried Moutai, a Chinese wine that you drink in shots. Strong and warm, but oh so entertaining.

Denim being hand sanded. The worn-in look has gotta get on there somehow :)

Moutai - Chinese Wine. How cute is the mini wine glass? 

Catching up on my local events.

Hotel rooms are iffy with internet access so I’ll check in again when possible. Hope you all are well!

Have you ever been to Hong Kong? Any recommendations for me?

Farwell

via

I'm leeeeaving, on a jetplane (for a long a$$ time!)

I'm excited (and overwhelmed) to report that next week I'm saying sayonara to Chicago for one month. You read that right, an entire.month.

I'll be traveling to Shanghai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego and New York and hopefully sharing my adventures along the way. This weekend will most likely be dedicated to trying to figure out how to pack five weeks of clothing into 2 suitcases all while selecting the appropriate work/vacation/birthday/work apparel. My excel based packing list resembles more of a physics formula than a recipe for a well organized suitcase. Any packing/planning tips you could offer a girl? Mucho appreciated!

P.S. I'm still reading your blogs, have just been unable to comment lately - thanks a lot Blogger... In the meantime I've been trying Tweeting, Facebook-ing and emailing you. Hope things return to normal soon, miss you guys!

P.P.S.S. Confession: I'm really unprepared for leaving this blog for a month (i.e. I have no scheduled posts in the cue...) Here's hoping to checking in along the way with updates, photo's and more!

To Dye For

via the beauty department

 Dye-ing over LC's latest locks.
You?

Update: did it.

White Out: Summer Edition

I sure do love the difference a few months makes it what it mean to experience a White Out. In January, it's snow and rule breaking, in July it means white parties on a rooftop deck!

Picked up this gem on consignment (my go to these days - budget... holla!) Her black mesh and chain shoulders felt all rock star so I shellacked this faux hawk  pony up and lo and behold if it didn't last for 2 days straight. Max Hold hairspray to the max!

Although, white nail polish is awesome for a few days, after a while it starts feeling like you had a little too much fun with real White Out.

White Party in action!

Dress - Consignment  //  Shoes - Aldo  //  Bracelet - Forever 21  //  Earrings - H&M

Happy Independence Day

This Fourth of July, I'm expressing my thanks for the freedoms and opportunities that it means to be an American. Living in the land of the free, home of the brave is not something to be taken for granted. By simply being born here, we're privileged a lifestyle that many will never experience. Amidst the celebrations and fireworks, I hope you'll take a moment and remember those that have sacrificed for our freedoms, fought for our rights and protected our land and homes, from sea to shining sea. Whether you were born here, or trying to make a life, if you love this country that's enough for me.

Happy Independence Day

-May God Bless the USA-

A Royal Wedding

Monaco's Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene exit the Palace following their religious ceremony on July 2, 2011.

{Félicitations.}

A Festive Fourth!

dress  //  clutch //  espadrilles  // earrings

Wishing you and yours a fun and festive Fourth!