On TimeHop this week I was getting images of right before I moved to Chicago and couldn't believe a year has gone by! As I write this I think back about all the amazing experiences Kollin and I have had since moving here.

I wanted to take some time and write about what I've learned in this incredible year! With a new apartment and neighborhood (post to come when decorating is finished) and working full time for both Kollin and I, this has been a year of change, exciting memories and endless laughs. 

1. Long Distance is Still Hard

If you've been reading The Creative Brief for a while, you know that my boyfriend and I dealt with being long distance for three years of college. While Kollin and I are now together in Chicago, other people in my life are now in the distant role. Best friends and family members are now back in Kentucky. No matter where you go in life, you can't always take everyone you want to with you and it has definitely been an adjustment to not have everyone I love in one place.

2. It Still Doesn't Feel Real

Even though I have now lived in the city for a year, there are still mornings on the way to work where I can't help, but admire the beauty and awesomeness that is Chicago. Growing up in a town where skyscrapers weren't the norm and lakes that looked like oceans were far and few between, it definitely takes some getting used to.

3. The Restaurants Beat Everything

I have never been to a place that had so much to offer solely in restaurants. We often joke with people we meet about how we could never eat through this city even if we lived here our entire lives. With restaurants like RPM Italian, Au Cheval, Grace, Velvet Taco, Lillies Q, and many more, it's hard to think of a type of cuisine that you couldn't try here. 

4. Champagne Tastes Better on a Rooftop

Tall skyscrapers means elevated bars. Real estate is hard to come by in the city and your best bet is to look up for the best spots around town to grab a drink. One of my favorites, Cindy's, was the first rooftop patio I went to and I loved every second of it. There is something so fabulous about sipping rosé 25 floors up overlooking Millennium Park feeling like Carrie Bradshaw (I need some Manolos! 🤗)

5. Expect the Unexpected

If you told me two years ago that I would be living in Chicago with my boyfriend in an apartment in the loop, I would tell you you're crazy and wish I was living that life. The thing I have loved most about moving to a new city is realizing that I could have made these decisions and achieved what I wanted at any point and so can anyone else. Being in a new city and meeting new people everyday, I now feel I can truly be myself, live the life I've always wanted and really come into the young woman I've always wanted to be. 

6. Michigan Ave is Dangerous

Living three blocks from Michigan Ave is amazing and completely bonkers. Each morning I pass designer stores like Burberry, Cartier, Stuart Weitzman and Alice and Olivia, and totally think about blowing my entire paycheck. The amazing culture of this city is prevalent everywhere - in the fashion, musicians who perform on the streets, the countless museums and cultural festivals. In a one block radius I've heard four different languages and walked past seven different types of cuisine. The best part? With such a melting pot of culture, I feel completely myself and feel a sense of belonging more than ever before.

If you live in city or are familiar with it I would love your recommendations for yummy eats and cool experiences! 

I can't believe it is already June and Chicago is finally having some gorgeous weather! We had that weird-April-rain-for-8-days-40-degree thing happening for a while so this girl definitely needs some sun!

When the weather started warming up I was able to bring out some of the things I had bought earlier in the year, but weren't in season yet. 

1. Trench Coats

I've been on the lookout for a trench coat for about 6 months and could never find one that was the style and coloring I liked and was within my budget (dreaming about the new Burberry colored trenches! 😍) This trench from the Banana Republic Factory outlet is perfect! I ordered a size small and it is a little oversized so I would recommend going down a size! It is warm enough to keep me warm when that Chicago wind hits, but light enough so you aren't burning up.

2. Sam Edelman Yardley Sandal

 

These could possibly be my most favorite purchase ever. like ever. 

I searched and searched for these shoes only to be let down time and time again with them being sold out EVERYWHERE. Then, my precious little, Emma, texted me at work one day and said a store in Kentucky had a size 7 left and I should call. Bless her heart and these shoes! I will admit, the first time I wore them I got a little blister on my small toe, but after that they became the shoes I wear most often!  

With the cooler temperatures here I was stuck between wanting a fun spring color, but still looking appropriate for the cooler temperatures. Nothing says the wrong season like a bright pink lip when it's 38 degrees out. So I dropped in CVS and found this fun color! Lust for Blush is the perfect blend of pink and mauve that creates a natural looking lip, but still adds something different to your look. Its subtle enough for work and can be applied for a night out! 

I bought this bag a few months ago after all my favorite bloggers started sporting the Chloe Drew Bag and I saw the price tag (holy macaron 🙈). I did some searching and found pretty much a complete look alike online at SheIn. I know there has been instances where many of their customers are unhappy with their products and service. The only negative experience I've had with SheIn is that their products take about two weeks to get to me. Clearly, this bag is not of the quality of a Chloe, but hey, for $22 I'll take it! The purse is small enough for a great crossbody, but is perfect for holding a full size wallet, phone, keys and lipstick! If you're wanting to purchase a Chloe Drew Bag, but aren't sure of the commitment or style, try one of these out first to see if you like it! They are linked above in the pictures!

I hope y'all are having a fabulous Friday and enjoy your weekend! Thanks so much for reading! 

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Happy Derby Week y'all! I'm sad to say that this will be my first year being outside Kentucky during Derby season, but I'm still living vicariously through my besties and their bright dresses - and perhaps going to the Kentucky bar here in CHI for mint juleps 🐎 

Derby is one of my favorite fashion moments of the year because I bring out the color from my mostly-neutral wardrobe. The pastels and prints are alive and well at Derby each year and make such fun compliments to the dramatic hats.  

One thing I always think about during Derby time is how to best balance my budget between the dress and the hat. Seeing as the hat you really want is pricey, there's always a dress under $100 (some of these are closer to $30!!) that can work nicely with a more expensive hat. 

I've pulled together some of my favorite more affordable looks from ASOS above and hope that it can give you a little inspiration this year. Lord knows if I was at Churchill this year I'd be wearing that cutie little number in the middle! 💃🏽 

I hope y'all have a fabulous Derby week and celebration! Go Baby Go! xx  

Tula Purifying Face Cleanser | Tula Day and Night Cream 

When you move in with someone you obviously find out about small things they like to do a certain way and funny characteristics. For example, Kollin prefers to drink Coke out of glass with ice instead of the can and is VERY particular about how rice is made (as he claims every Spanish person should be). For me, it's more OCD than preferences. My bracelet stack is in the same order everyday and I can't go to sleep unless the duvet is folded neatly across the bed (weirdo I know 🙈). 

It's safe to say that people stick to certain things because it works for them. But, one thing that wasn't working for me - my skincare. 

It would be aggressive to say that I have an acne problem, when many people really suffer with acne. I get breakouts and have acne prone skin, but I just thought it was something that everyone dealt with, until I saw all my favorite bloggers posting about their makeup routines with pre-makeup pictures showcasing their amazing skin. 

The secret to their gorgeous skin? Tula, a skincare line made from probiotics that work with any skin type and create a natural balance for what your skin needs. 

Robe (Etsy - similar) | Tula | Flowers and Tray (Homegoods)

My favorite blogger as most of you know, Katey McFarlan of Chronicles of Frivolity, has been using and talking about Tula for months and I never looked into because it's pricey. 

But, as Katey does, she came in with a praise-Jesus-moment 🙌🏻  and held a discounted sale for a bundle. Unfortunately, that discounted sale is no longer available, but with code "classicandgray25" you can get 25% off & free shipping thanks to the lovely blogger of Classic and Gray. 

Because of my not-so-great breakout situation, I am sometimes hesitant to try new products, especially when I could be having a better skin day. But, as so many people swear by it, I gave it a shot. And it Did. Not. Disappoint! 

Overnight, my skin was softer, smoother and I could definitely see that change was happening. Of course, there were still blemishes and red marks that I previously had, but I could see them diminishing.  

It's been about a week and a half since I've been using the cleanser and hydrating day and night cream (morning and night before bed) and my skin has never been better.  

Like any skin care line, it takes time to see dramatic results, but I haven't had a new breakout since and couldn't be happier about the changes Tula has done for my skin.  

If you don't suffer from acne prone skin like I do, Tula works with tone, wrinkles, aging, sun damage and any skin conditions you may have like eczema and rosecea.  

Please let me know if you have any questions about Tula and thanks so much for reading! xx

Growing up in the South, it wasn't uncommon to have the feeling that a village raised you. Your best friend's family basically becomes family, your cheerleading coach knows your cousins, your neighbors have grown up with you for 10 years and you've been babysat by your third grade teacher. 

When thinking about life lessons I was finding myself learning from all the amazing women around me, regardless of blood relation. I wanted to share some wisdom from the multiple women in my life who inspire me.

1) Never show up to someone's home without something to offer.

We all know the "hostess gift" rule for parties or get togethers, but as my momma always taught me, this includes any time that you are a guest in someone's home. It is a thoughtful gesture in any setting and the host or hostess will be delighted.

2) Nails should always be painted

My best friend's grandmother instilled this into us at a very young age as we were running around barefoot at the lake. Chipped nails are unacceptable, no excuses!

3) A man may be the head of the household, but a woman is the neck

Words to live by! My grandmother was speaking about my grandfather when she told me this, but I think it is such an interesting outlook to have on relationships. Neither can work without each other and while decisions can be made, the direction of those decisions are usually decided by the ladies ;) 

4) Handwritten Notes

These days, most people are content with a follow-up email or thank you email. That's the standard. So, why not exceed those standards to what was the standard a few decades ago? Handwritten notes are such thoughtful and personal touches. And nothing is more satisfying to my type-A personality thank well-designed, monogramed thank you notes!

5) Treat the bus driver as you would the President

Regardless of who the person is, treat them as you would want to be treated. Treat the bus driver, Uber driver, waitress, Governor, homeless man on the corner, doorman, your boss, mother the same. Having this characteristic will take you far and you never know how much a smile can make someone's day, no matter who they are.

6) Vulgarity is no substitute for wit

While this quote is not technically from a woman in my life, I think every woman should remember it. Julian Fellowes is the mind behind the words and I try to remember it daily. 

7) Never let someone leave your home hungry

I'm not sure if this is a Southern thing or a mom thing, but growing up many of my friend's moms would make it a point to never let anyone go hungry... even if they just ate! I always want anyone who comes into our home (ok 490 sq. ft!) to feel welcomed and not wishing for anything. 

8) You won't be your best if your outfit makes you uncomfortable

My step-mom was such a huge help to me during the interviewing process looking for jobs and this statement stuck out to me because it is so true! I, of course, raided her amazing closet before a big interview and had on an outfit that looked fantastic, but I didn't feel like myself. When she said those words to me I was so relieved. I was trying to "look the part" and looking back it would have completely changed how the interview went. 

As simple as it may sound, there is no point in putting yourself in a situation where you can't be the best version of yourself - even if that means turning down a St. John blazer!

Clearly there are so many women in my life that aren't pictured above or have a personal shoutout, but thank you to all the incredible women in my life who shape me into who I am. I hope the inspiring women in my life connected with you on some level! Thank you so much for reading my corner of the internet! 

Long time no see! 

February has been the craziest month at work thus far and to say I haven't had any time to blog would be an understatement. As much as I love TCB, it has to take a back burner to the big girl job. However, when I saw that today was International Happiness Day I knew I needed to write a post because blogging is one of the many things that make me happy. My favorite blogger, Katey McFarlan, of Chronicles of Frivolity, posted about today and made a Happiness list. I thought this was a great idea to remember the little things in life and I wanted to share with y'all! 

One thing that will forever make me happy are when my favorite designers have awesome sales! March 21st is the last day of the Tory Burch Private Sale and there are items up to 70% off! You can check it out here!

I think it is so important to really remember what makes you happy even if that means making a list to remind yourself. We all get so caught up in our work, school, kids or our mile long to-do list, but what is really important is how we define our happiness and doing the things that make us happy. For most of my senior year in college I was so caught up in defining myself in what job I would be offered after I graduated or what grades I got on my last final exams. The more people I meet in Chicago, the more times I hear about their jobs and careers rather than their personal life when I ask them about themselves. Why are we so dedicated to defining ourselves by what we do instead of who we are?

Things That Makes Me Happy:

1) Sunday mornings

2) Laughing with Kollin

3) Bookstores

4) Shoe sales

5) Phone calls with my dad 

6) Random dance parties with my best friend [Yes, Grey's Anatomy style - looking at you Linds!]

7) Fresh flowers

8) Candles burning

9) The Monet Room at The Art Institute

10) Long talks with Kollin over a glass of wine

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Valentine's Day has been kind of a weird holiday for Kollin and I because for four years of college we were only able to celebrate together once. So, until now we haven't really had the chance to celebrate anything more than sending a care package of baked goods to Colorado or a love letter in the mail. This year we are spending the whole day celebrating by seeing an amazing Van Gogh exhibit at the Art Institute followed by dinner. What are your V-Day plans?!

I love to think about Valentine's Day as a time to give something to your guy that they normally wouldn't spend money on themselves. A nice shaving kit or a weekend bag is simple, but thoughtful and shares that you are giving something they need.

Valentine's Day is also a day to celebrate the gals in your life! A delicious smelling candle or these cute tassel earrings are perfect for a best friend, sister or cousin! Or if you're anything like me, you use any holiday as an excuse to buy yourself a little something!

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Every 6 months I try and go through my clothes and clean out what I don't wear anymore or needs to be thrown out because I've had it for a while. This usually ends up with me cleaning out about three shirts and then rationalizing the things in the maybe pile back into my closet. But, this year I really committed and got rid of a big chunk of things that were just taking up space. I stuck to these three rules:

1) If I hadn't worn it in the past 6 months

2) If I wouldn't buy it in the store today

3) If it was damaged or ratty looking

When I had finished cleaning everything out, I realized there were now some places in my wardrobe that needed a pick-me-up. Business wear was definitely a need. You can save quite a bit of money if you splurge on the basics (a nice blazer, black pencil skirt, black pumps, etc.) and buy colorful blouses and accessories. This allows you to get more for your money and more variety in your wardrobe. One of my favorite places to go for blouses and colorful shirts is H&M. At reasonable prices and unique styles you get everything you need in one place, including the basics!

H&M is currently having a sale with discounts as high as 80% off! Check it out here!