chicago

Textures + Tones

Fashion

One of my favorite things about my personal style is mixing prints, but layering textures adds another dimension to the party. Last year just before the “Paranormal” hit I was in the process of launching my clothing line “Structure + floë”. It came to a screeching halt when the entire world was put on pause. Soon after, my relationship with my production specialist turned out to not be a good fit & I was forced to outsource for another connection. Needless to say I am still in the process of getting my brand out there. Oh & believe me, it’s coming. The world id waiting on it! This Kimono is my first design.

This piece speaks to who I am as an individual! Daring yet calm! Ready to take risks yet organized. Matchy but not so much. When I say I can wear this with just about anything & it’ll still look like it’s meant to be!

I love supporting local designers from my hometown, Chicago. JFG/ Joe Fresh Goods is one of my favorites. His ability to be inclusive in streetwear is awesome. He’s worked with the lie of New Balance & Converse. This green 70’s style T-shirt is a part of his 2020 collection. The bold green is fly in itself but the message drives the fly ness home for me. Bigging up BLACKNESS will always have a special place n my heart!

I’m a sucker for menswear! It just works for me! These pants are from one of my favorite stores Urban Outfitters. The colors & print drew me in. I HAD to have em.

The Nike “Blazer” is one of my favorite sneaker silhouettes. Classic design & can be paired with just about anything. With an array of color ways to choose from, you cannot go wrong with having this sneaker at a part of your collection. It’s also a great collection starter!

“They say” (I don’t really care what anyone says but…you get my point) dont wait until a special event to dress up. One thing to always be is overdressed! These shades are just that! Takes any look completely over the top for no reason at all. But who needs a reason?

To top it all off I added one of my favorite purchases from last year! This flap saddle cow print bag from Shein! First of all…$17?!! Come on man! Ofcourse with all their constant coupons I only paid between $10-$14 for it! It’s a great piece. It’s neutral colors allow for me to wear it with so many looks. And people LOVE it!

You see how this all just works? That outfit you wanna wear but afraid it’ll be too much….WEAR IT & NEVERMIND THE PEOPLE!

Booze Booze + Mo Booze

Fashion

Hyde Park Brew Fest is a beer drinkers heaven, but for me, with all the booze to choose from I had none! No matter how hard I try my palette just won’t receive it. But I wasn’t there for the booze. I was there for the vibes! AND THE VIBES WERE THERE FOR ME! This annual beer festival held in the heart of Chicago’s Southside (Hyde Park) is full of vendors, food, booze (beer garden), music and tribe like sensations. This was my first time ever checking it out and boy had I been missing a treat! I was always under the impression that if you didn’t drink beer, you had no business being there hence me being a virgin until this year. I had so much fun I went back again for day 2! Enjoyed the fresh sounds of DJ Jazzy Jeff on the 1s + 2s which was nothing less than amazing! So glad I was able to experience that! It’s a memory I won’t soon forget. Both days I was so engulfed in the fun that I didn’t get a chance to even try the food vendors! As I said before no beer rushed my system but I did have a “lil” sumn in my cup…Let’s get to this gear! The highlight of my look this weekend was this bright mustard felt cowboy hat that I purchased from my favorite Urban Outfitters Surplus for only $19.99 paired with this crisp white hoodie by True Colors adorned with a beautiful satin floral print appliqué on the back for $24.99, hunter green capri joggers with a black stripe detail for only $9.99. My box like shades $14.99 from Akira, HATE ME LOVE ME bag from Zara (price unknown, had it forever), faux leather black slides $9.99 on sale from Target last but not least my fav lippie of the moment STUNNA by FENTY Beautyimg_4566.jpgDay 2 was playful, I saw this asymmetric skirt at Target on sale for $16.48 and had major plans for it for this summer. This was my first time wearing it and boy was I excited to play around with different looks. An old gray children’s T shirt by Old Navy that I’d thrifted for $1, a pair of perfectly dirty/distressed Nike Blazers and some oversized tassel earrings from Akira. Threw on that STUNNA again a few dainty necklaces and voila! The link to this amazing hat is below! Have fun with it…I know I am!Mustard Felt Cowboy Hat

The Shopper…(denier cri)

Fashion

image

When I shop it’s not shopping, although I most likely have the time of my life,  & the therapy, oh the therapy, however I set out on a mission to find the world’s greatest deals. For some that may seem like a task but for me, It’s a competitive pleasure & I compete with myself & sometimes even my own willpower to “not” go above what my spending goals are in total & per item. Sounds like more work than play hunh? Well not for me,  I’m particular about the stores I frequent. Thrift stores, discount stores & buy, sell, trade shops are at the top of my list then for those regular retails stores the clearance & sale sections are my muse. I go into regular stores with my eyes on the prize. I literally avoid the front of the store at all costs (no pun intended). The front of the store is the enemy. It’s ok to treat yourself from time to time but everything in front will at some point in time during that season or even within the next 3 weeks wind up in the back with all the other treasures. If you always keep that in mind you’ll win everytime. It’s safe to say that Urban Outfitters is my favorite store. But I’ll do you one better they have a Surplus store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of my hometown Chicago. The Surplus carries items from their regular store of which they are simply trying to get rid of, great for me because anytime I can find a duster originally priced at $300 for only $14 or a pair of Ecoté White Crackle Leather boots originally priced at $200 for only $39 or even a pair of black leather Dolce Vita boots originally priced at $300 for only $19 count me in!  If you ever visit this store then is when you’ll understand the love I have for this place. It embodies my free spirited hipster love for fashion, home, beauty & music. I visited the store this Wednesday to shop for my daughter but still left with a couple jewels for myself. These very pointy black SUEDE (yes suede) oxfords by Silence + Noise were only $5.00 can you believe that? & these pointy toe wing tipped silver metallic oxfords (with an all leather inner) by Miista were only $40 both a steal! Tell me about how I should be locked up for leaving that store with such amazing deals! Pace yourself when you journey out to your next shopping venture & set goals. When you stick to what you want you’ll have a successful bargain shopping adventure & before you know it you’ll be a bargain shopping maniac, just like me!

The Pasta Bowl…(vittles)

Uncategorized

So I’m a Northsider at heart, I practically do everything up there, though I reside on the Southside of Chicago & was born & raised in Englewood. Last Tuesday I was in Lincoln Park doing some trading at Crossroads. On the way there my daughter spotted The Pasta Bowl located at 2434 N. Clark, she & I are diehards for Italian food, pasta & cheese to be precise. I was working on a tight budget & I do mean TIGHT but nevertheless wouldn’t dare pass on a chance to spend time with her or check out a restaurant I’ve never been to. When I wrapped up my trading we decided to try them out. A tad bit reluctant about my funds I thought I’d review the menu posted outside before entering, to my surprise it was extremely budget friendly for Italian. We were greeted warmly at the door & had the luxury of seating ourselves. We both knew exactly what we were going to order. Our waiter was amazing, asked if we had ever dined in The Pasta Bowl establishment & offered us an appetizer on the house to get us better acquainted with them. We chose the Garlic Cheese Bread priced at only $3.75 for 5 pieces (not large but satisfying). Given that I was working with a strict budget I thought what better choice than to assure we have bread with our pasta, which we love as well. To our surprise our entries came with bread. I would’ve been exceptionally pleased had there been olive oil & parmesan crumbs at our table as I felt it was needed. I ordered the

image

Farfalle Pollo bowtie pasta and grilled chicken served with sun-dried and fresh tomatoes, cream, pecorino cheese, mushrooms, and basil.

At a mere $8.50, let me tell you how amazeballs this dish was! I absolutely LOVE sun-dried tomatoes. My dish was perfect, service was very swift and attentive. Aside from the expected parking disgruntlement you may encounter, (I actually found a spot directly in front) which is customary when being up North, the overall experience was super!!! It’s going to be a regular for me, I can guarantee that.

Crissy LaJoy