Break Shenanigans: A day of shopping and food

Saturday November 22nd, 2014

Today was my first full day back home for Thanksgiving break. For a few days my lovely friends from Iowa State will be staying with me in my hometown. I love when people come to visit me because I can show them around to see all the sights the Chicago area has to offer. Although my hometown is boring to me it's super exciting to people who don't live there. So, I always get a kick out of their reactions to things. 

For our first day we basically ate and shopped all day. I went my favorite restaurants, stopped at the outlet mall, as well as drove around. The outlet mall trip was a huge success so be on the look out for an upcoming blog haul! I haven't done one in a long time so I think its time to show off a recent shopping trip! 

For lunch we ate at a really great pizza place Lou Malnati's. Of course its deep dish which is the only way to go when in Chicago. Then for dinner we went to the Melting Pot which is a fabulous fondue restaurant. Also earlier in the day we had breakfast we a few friends. So essentially we ate our little hearts out! 

Since my two friends who came to visit me are also fashion bloggers we had a mini photo shoot in my town's downtown area. 

Be sure to check out their blogs: 

Cassidy: The Yellow Window (post about the same day)

Mariah: Chambery and Champagne (post about the same day)

For my outfit of the day I wore a fun layered look. I wore my favorite denim short sleeve button down under a sweater my mom picked up for me. The sweater is cropped and has a fun leather zipper detail in the back. Then I paired the layered tops with my favorite army green utility pants. I would describe this look as preppy with an edge. This look isn't edgy for most people, but it is a little different then what I usually wear. 

I recently purchased this monogram tassel necklace and I am IN LOVE! The package came the day I left to go home so that was extremely lucky. This necklace was around $16 when I purchased it from Marley Lilly during a flash sale. Just wearing it today I have gotten multiple compliments! I think this is going to be a great layering piece for all year round. In this look I layered it with a favorite statement necklace from J Crew. Then I also wore my go-to watch, pearl studs, and bracelet stack. 

The zipper detail in the back of this sweater is so fun! I love tiny details in clothes. Maybe it is the apparel merchandizing and design major in me but tiny details make all the difference for me when I am shopping for clothes. 

What I'm wearing: 

Denim shirt: J Crew 

Sweater: Banana Republic 

Pants: J Crew 

Boots: Michael Kors 

Statement necklace: J Crew 

Monogram tassel necklace: Marley Lilly 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani & Nordstrom 

Watch: Henri Bendel 

Bag: Kate Spade 

Surprisingly it was relatively warm outside during the day. So I slipped on my houndstooth coat (a personal favorite). For my bag I carried my favorite Kate Spade bag. I had gotten this bag over the summer but I still love carrying it now despite the cold weather. 

The holiday display at the Kate Spade outlet was adorable. Who doesn't love a champagne themed store? 

XOXO 

Miranda