Sun Beams by ShopCholla

One of my favorite internet shopping pastimes is discovering new Etsy shops. And it's double exciting when a new one pops up by someone you know! ShopCholla's founder Hallie and I went to the same high school. Like many, her style has evolved over the years but there is one thing that has always stayed with me...her colored hair. No joke, Hallie seriously had different hued locks just about every week. My favorite? Her blue hair with straight bangs. So cool. Funny how certain things stick with you. You'll have to ask her for a picture.

So am I surprised that she's created such a cute/cool/chic/hip jewelry line? Nope! Give your adblocker pause 😉and check out my favorites below!

(photo from __modus on Instagram)

My office doesn't have the strictest dress code. If I want to wear jeans on a Wednesday, I can get away with it. Although, I always try to pair with fancier pieces and I wouldn't dare to wear my Stan Smiths. Okay I did it once but it was a half day! Not too long ago I had to speak in front of a fair amount of people, and you bet I took it as the perfect excuse to buy a suit. Which is probably a floodgate I shouldn't have opened. 

My first purchase was a set from Target. A plaid blazer with matching pant. I can 100% recommend it, it's darn soft and looks very polished. No, it doesn't pass as a $5,000 suit (and hopefully I won't ever turn into Gob) but you'll feel pretty spiffy.

I won't lie, suits seem like a daunting project. Lots of fabric and precise sewing skills. I've been eyeing Closet Case's Jasika Blazer and Sasha Trousers. Heather even has a whole tailoring supplies kit available for purchase to make you feel less overwhelmed.

In the meantime, here's what I've been window shopping around the web to get inspired:

Not much to say here that I haven't covered yet. This is my 7th version of Orange Lingerie's Marlborough bra. It's my favorite! The pink tulle with black dots is from an old Madalynne kit and extra findings from Tailor Made Shoppe. 

Not much to say about the Ogden Cami by True Bias that hasn't already been said. I love it, and honestly you will too if you don't already own this sewing pattern. I plan on making a thousand of them. 

I try to not recycle Instagram shots too much but this is the only picture of the new jumpsuit I made. My sewing productivity is abysmal compared to 2018, which is why I haven't posted since May. Anywho, this is Buttericks B6691. This pattern calls for a challis, rayon, crepe, or silk...so of course I used this beautiful burgundy stretch ponte knit. You know what the kids say, yolo, or something. It paid off though, because this fabric is so soft that when I wear it to work I feel like I'm in pjs. 

Now, if you are looking to go a similar route, just know that using such fabric will bulk up your waistline, and is a bit heavy to be kept up with 3/8th elastic (what the pattern calls for). If you decide to use a thicker elastic, you would need to make some adjustments to the length of the bodice and the top of the pants create a properly sized casing. Well, that's what I would do...but I'm no pro.

Don't worry, I don't have too many vacation photos to spam you with. I actually didn't take too many photos this trip. When I begin to look for every great photo opportunity while traveling, it begins to feel like I'm there for Instagram and not myself. I think I'm overthinking things.

Anyways, we spent a lot of time walking around Mexico City, specifically the Roma/Condesa area. Definitely a hip area to explore! 💖