Open House Sunday

I've been obsessed with HGTV for the past few years, and now we have started househunting ourselves. Most Sundays are spent cruising the open houses in the South Loop neighborhood. I thought I would start posting my thoughts on the places we see to remind myself of the units, and perhaps give tips to whoever else out there looking.

Today we saw 1169 S Plymouth #510. It was a bit 1980s fabulous. Nice sized closet, but the bathrooms need updating and the mirror walls in the living room would have to go. The building hallways could stand to be more welcoming and the assessments were not cheap. The kitchen is tiny but the living area is well-sized.

We also checked out another unit in the complex, but in a different building. This is a two story unit with a good size living space. They have done a good job updating the kitchen, but again the paint colors would need changing. This unit has an oversized master closet that wraps around behind the upstairs bathroom. Downsides: No laundry in the unit, parking isn't for sale and isn't available immediately, small outdoor space and despite being two-stories lacks the townhouse feel and definitely feels like a condo.

Fashion Friday: Suede Oxfords

I bought these shoes in the fall. Here's how I would style them for work in a business casual office.

Working Woman by bcandy featuring cashmere tops

Theory dress, 204 GBP
Duffy cashmere top, $175
J Crew blouse, $78
American Eagle Outfitters tunic, $20
Red blazer, $342
L Agence wool blazer, $339
Alexander Wang cropped blazer, $403
Balenciaga layered skirt, 420 GBP
Marc by Marc Jacobs slim pants, $139
Sam Edelman leather oxford, $110
Jvin faux leather handbag, $1
Salvatore Ferragamo pocket tote, 851 EUR
Camilla and Marc Camilla and Marc Whitewash ruched mini dress, 450 GBP
Charcoal Navy Check Cropped Wool Blazer D&G, 326 EUR

Home: Beach Splash for Modern City Living

Home: Beach Splash for Modern City Living by bcandy featuring copper pendants

Home: Pet Crate in Credenza

I recently read this New York Times piece about the lengths people go to design their homes around their pets. I know its old but we are just getting a dog today!For me its not so much that I want to pamper our pet, although I do want him to have a place of his own. Its just that pet equipment is just so ugly!

Our new dog is crate trained already. I've been thinking about how we can incorporate his crate into our living. I would love to fit it into a credenza like This IKEA one, which has doors he could open himself with pressure.

dog dreams by bcandy on Polyvore.com

There has to be something out there like this right?!! Where could it be?

Bridesmaids by Asos

Went to another wedding this weekend. Even though I am so far away from getting hitched, I can't help but think what I would do for mine. Being a bridesmaid is honor, but it sucks having to buy an expensive dress that you would never pick out yourself. So I've looked for affordable options, I have never ordered from Asos but they have an abundance of dresses under $100 and right now have free shipping. I'll definitely have to keep it in mind when I do get engaged.

Bridesmaids by Asos by bcandy featuring a sleeveless dress

Fashion Fridays: Loving It!

With the weather finally turning nice I'm craving graphic pieces. As always there's a little high end mixed with some cheap finds from Forever 21.

3/18 by bcandy featuring knit tops

Forever21 knit top
$18 - forever21.com

Forever21
$18 - forever21.com

Sasha Ruched Side Dress :: Wren :: Women's Stores :: Boutiques ::...
$226 - boutiques.refinery29.com

Stock Photograph of Deserted White Sand Beach Awaits At Bottom Bay...
$49 - worldofstock.com

Beginning French

I love to take classes and sign up for activities. It's how I meet people. It's how I keep myself from wasting hours watching HGTV and Real Housewives. It ensures that I get out of my bathrobe on snow days. Well, I signed up for a beginning French course at Alliance Francaise. So you'll be seeing what French tools help me most as I try to recall those years of high school French.

So far, I have found Imagiers's videos to be very good, so check out his youtube channel

Last week we worked on countries of the world. My pronunciation has always been poor so I wanted to practice those words again. Here are some good youtube videos to practice with.