Leopard Skirt (this one sold out, but similar options here, here and here)  // Leather Jacket (similar) // Graphic T (same but leopard letters!) // Purse // Heels

Happy Monday, friends! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve popped on the blog. Work has been busy, I was traveling a few weeks ago, and honestly – I just haven’t felt that much like blogging. I’ve been stuck in a bit of a creative rut (which definitely comes and goes) and dealing with some  personal life changes/choices that have been sucking up a lot of my mental energy. BUT, things are on the up and up – and I’m excited to share a few blog posts in the coming days after a bit of a dry spell over here. Thanks for baring with me (and for those who reached out to check in – you’re all the best!)

Okay, so a few weeks ago I shot this look with Ashlee O’Neil (one of my favorite photographers and friends in Chicago!) and it was miserably cold outside. After suffering and shooting outside, we snuck into Punch Bowl Social in the west loop to shoot a few photos in front of their iconic mashing machine wall. Turns out, we actually loved their bar set up even more (how cute are those chairs and the neon sign?)   I had been on a shopping hiatus for a little over a month, which was one of my challenges to myself this year – but now that it’s starting to actually almost be warm and springy in Chicago, I’ve been scooping up a few goodies to make my closet ready for warmer weather. I spotted this leopard skirt shopping at Anthropologie after work a few weeks ago, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite pieces for spring. It’s easy to style with a pair of boots and a t-shirt tucked in, or with a fancier top too. And because I like to wear my leather jacket with just about everything, this seemed like another good opportunity to rock it 😉

I love when you find one new piece that opens yourself up to remixing a few of your favorite staples – like this t-shirt I wear almost weekly, leather boots I picked up from Gordman’s a few months go, my favorite purse and my go-to leather jacket that has stood the test of time. I’m trying to make room in my closet for more versatile pieces, and you can never go wrong with leopard. I see why Jenna Lyons calls leopard a neutral – and I can’t disagree!Alright, I’m keeping todays post short and sweet, because I’m off to see my friend Kit before she makes her trip around the world for a few months. Kit has been one of my best friends in Chicago since I moved here 6 years ago, and she’s been there for every aspect of my life, good and bad. From breakups, to new jobs, to nights where I was too tired to cook myself dinner, she’s always been one of my ride or die friends, and I’m going to miss her for the next few months. Read about her adventure here (and why she’s making the leap!) and make sure to follow along with her new podcast too! While I’ll miss her, I’m excited I still get to hear about her adventures straight from her while she’s away 🙂