Stripes, Lace Ups + #H54F / My Monochromatic Life

Happy Friday! This was a short week but it felt long for some reason. It was a pretty busy work week with only the three days but lots to do. I promised a big review so here goes:

1. FOURTH OF JULY

So every year for the holiday we go to my cousin's in the Chicagoland area. They throw a big holiday bash complete with too much Italian food, a band and a big fireworks display. With the exception of weddings etc, it's basically the one time of year I see them all. It's always fun to get together with them. We are a big, loud Italian family and three people are as loud as 20. There is constant laughter but you have to be on your toes because we always give other a hard time. This year there seemed to be more kids. 2017 is the year of babies so it was a bit like being at a mommy and me class. I did get to meet my cousin's new little boy is too cute and has the craziest, longest hair ever. I also got introduce Reese to everyone and she did so great. She actually started giggling, like in hysterics and it was awesome.

Isn't her outfit great? Look at those shoes!

2. CHICAGO

Those of you who have followed me know I lived in Chicago for two years while I went to grad school. Every year when we go back we take advantage to go back in the city and hit up some of our favorite places. Our ultimate favorite place is Michael's on Broadway. They have the best pizza in Chicago hands down. Don't be fooled by Giordano's because they get all the press. More Chicagoans will tell you it's Lou Malnati's that's the best and it is good but Michael's is better. It is just one location and happened to be a couple of blocks from where we lived. We went there an embarrassing amount. So much so, that the owner still recognizes us, congratulated us on our baby and gave D a free drink. They are awesome.

I also went to see my cousin's apartment who moved back there in October. She lives in a neighborhood in Lakeview and has a way nicer apartment than we ever did. It was so good to see her place and I am only slightly jealous of her life in the city....slightly.

This year I also wanted to hit up Alice & Wonder, which was an online boutique until a few months ago when they opened a storefront. I demanded I go there. I bought a few things that I will post on the blog soon! I also can't wait for Reese to get older so we can take her around and show her the city.

3. WORK

Work was completely nuts this week. I only worked three days but they were a packed three days. Lots is changing in terms that I won't bore you with, but know that is why I have been absent. I appreciate our patience.

4. BABY UPDATE

Ok she did really well with the fam over the weekend but clearly had a bit of an adjustment back this week. Daycare said she was a bit fussier on Wednesday and just wanted to be held more. She woke up in the middle of the night on Thursday and got up early demanding food. Her schedule got all screwed up. Lesson learned: keep.a.schedule.

5. RED STRIPES

At the end of June on of the locations of Apricot Lane was closing so I went to check it out to get some deals. I saw this dress and knew I had to have it. I did recently get a red striped dress from Stitch Fix but this style was different, or so I justified for myself. Once I realized it was a Jack by BB Dakota I knew why I loved it so. I really like the lace up front and I don't have anything like it right now. It also is fitted enough to create a great silhouette for me, but not so form fitting that you see every bump. Still working out that post-baby bod stuff. This is a great compromise. It is also long enough to wear to work, or I could wear it out for a weekend activities. I think this is going to become a go-to and is a great fit for most body types!