Case in point, I spent an afternoon earlier this month looking for apartments. One bedroom. For Wendy and I. Alone. While that is another post for another day, I will simply say that what money I had saved for apartment shopping is now spent. On bills and doggie daycare and, yes, shoes.

[Pause for forehead-slapping moment of shame in which I acknowledge that I have a problem with money and saving and being a Responsible Grown-Up and everything else that a 31 year old woman should be capable of doing with ease; i.e., I pretty much fail at Life. Hi. Aren't I a catch?]

In lieu of what could easily derail at this point and become a “sad, woe is me” post in which I enumerate upon how incredibly fucking AWKWARD and lung-squeezingly TENSE cohabitating has become…to the point that I am not even living at “home” currently, I give you instead the symptoms of my illness. A menagerie of my picks for fall boots and booties (each priced at under $150) in all their empty, instant-gratification glory (click on the “i” in the upper right corner of the gallery for the brand and style information, as well as price and where to buy).

I’d surely patronize each and every one, except- as it turns out- a girl can’t actually- let alone happily- live IN her shoes no matter what the nursery rhyme says.

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Wendy, modeling the versatility of Samsonite’s comfy, padded interior.

I’ve been commuting to my job for six years next month (umm, wow…really? Where have the years GONE?!), during which time I’ve put a number of bags to the test. I’ve tried the two-fer: the purse and work bag double whammy (too much to carry). I’ve given the messenger bag a go (not enough room for a change of shoes, lunch, and everything else without looking like I’m hauling a small child). Eventually though, I found a happy medium with the now ubiquitous Longchamp Le Pliage large zip-top tote bag (in Billberry and with the As Seen on TV Kangaroo Keeper to organize the gigantressness of the bag itself- can NEVER find my keys!).

But then a couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to try out a backpack from Samsonite’s new line- although I have one of their pieces of luggage, which I love and would recommend, I wasn’t aware they had backpacks too. But oh do they ever (and FYI, they’re on sale here until August 31)!

When I began carrying the Samsonite Tectonic backpack during my daily commute, the first thing I immediately noticed was how freely I was able to get around, even running after the bus and hopping on an earlier train! Can you imagine?

Even though I’d loaded every inner and side pocket and zip-close pouch with my nomadic accoutrements, I found that the weight of the bag was more evenly distributed compared to my over the shoulder and messenger bags. In fact, I actually felt lighter and promptly demonstrated said lightness by evoking various “superstar” poses à la Mary Katherine Gallagher to the dude also known as my boyfriend. Over the top perhaps, but this bag single-handedly has made my 3 hour round trip daily commute easier and much less of a strain.

Aesthetically, I think this backpack fits within my lifestyle remarkably well. I find that the backpack is sporty while also maintaining a professional appearance. Some of the other backpacks I’ve seen people carrying around look like they’re part of an outer space program! Seriously, what is that all about anyway? Still other backpacks are a bit “much”- I’m only going to work, so why do I need to look like I’m heading out on a 12 day expedition to the Arctic Circle?  

This is certainly not one of those bags! It’s compact and sleek in black with grey padding and mesh fabric accents on the straps (it is available in three colors however). I particularly like that they chose orange for the thread, zipper pull, and logo accents. A small but nice touch that someone like me appreciates.

Overall, the zippers themselves are sturdy- especially the closure for the laptop pocket, the straps have a thoughtful rounded opening at the end to cinch the backpack to your shoulders and can be used to rest your thumbs in while walking, there’s an extra padded top handle, and durable utilitarian fabric (that withstood an accidental soaking after toppling under one of the automatic faucets in the work bathroom- long story).

Since I’ve completely made the switch to this backpack, I decided to “jazz it up” and make it my own with a few little buttons… one from CHIRP Radio (which I’ve become a bit of a groupie of thanks to the dude’s extensive involvement with them), a foursquare “swarm” badge because I’m completely addicted to checking in, and an ampersand that I picked up at Longman & Eagle during @bayjb’s birthday dinner last August because I liked it’s simplicity- though the food I decidely did not care for (Jess, can you believe it’s been a year already?). Of course, my most favoritest must-have accessory of all is Wendy. She loves the new bag too, and promptly fell asleep shortly after our photo shoot commenced.

Beyond using the backpack for work, I intend to put it to good use during upcoming bike rides (the new bike- I went with red- is here at last!), trips to the dog beach with Wendy (girl can’t go to the beach without her towel!), and maybe even to the @20SB Summit next week (I have no idea what to bring so why not everything?).

So tell me, do you commute to work? Take public transportation regularly? What bags do you like/ recommend?

**Please note that while Samsonite provided me with this backpack free of charge, my review and all of the subsequent opinions and recommendations contained therein are my own and given without compensation. I just like a good product when I see one! 

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I have to admit, my going is a bit out of character for me. I’m not a “go out drinking every weekend” kind of girl and have no interest in gambling. I’m more the drink some wine at home while yelling at the TV in your jammies sort. That said, I can’t think of a better reason to spend three days in Las Vegas than to meet so many of the bloggers I’ve been reading, commenting on, and emailing for so many years. 

Best of all, my roommate is so fancy and nice and funny that I honest to goodness feel like the coolest kid in school right now. I’m so excited to finally have the opportunity to meet her and so many other funny, interesting, and relatable bloggers all in one place for a weekend of bloggy debauchery. (If you want to join us, there’s still time and no you don’t have to know anyone because we’re all friendly and welcoming and if you don’t believe me I promise that we will hang out and have a lovely time as long as you don’t mind my swearing and/or running jaded commentary!)

Of course, ever since I decided to sign up, I’ve been augmenting my closet. Living in Chicago and working in the suburbs, I’ve been passing my days in jeans, snow boots, wellies, heavy winter coats, and many a shapeless sweater. It’s a wardrobe of convenience and true laziness and none of it says VEGAS. With jazz hands. 

But, I’ve been a busy girl and am at last prepared to share with you the fruits of my online shopping; including but not limited to some key purchases of my own with some additional finds for those of you who are also looking to add a little “Vegas” to your own wardrobes. For where to buy, click on the “i” in the upper right-hand corner of the gallery below. Cheers!

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Now that the little girl has grown up and now that we know who the next Princess of Wales will be, let The Dress speculation begin! Without a paper doll handy, I’ve turned to the Internet to find ideas for Kate. Because, you know, she needs my help. Because, obviously, she isn’t going to have anyone else in the whole wide world telling her what kinds of dresses she should wear. Obviously.  

As for The Dress, I’m guessing there are some strict generally advisable rules as to the citizenship (a British designer or fashion house to be sure), silhouette, and neckline in particular. A royal bride probably has to cover her shoulders in some manner and must have, if not a full ballgown, at the very least an a-line skirt to create some sense of “majesty.” And a veil…sigh. A veil and tiara. Beautiful and sparkly, yes, but perhaps also a bit too expected, even a bit cliché.

By all indications, Kate’s style seems much more minimalistic. Clean lines, solid colors, small jewelry, and modern yet perfectly ladylike hats and heels. But, with the abbey and the 18 carat ring already decided upon, she’ll surely have to wear a dress to match. I suppose she ought to get used to having limitations placed upon her choices hereafter.

And yet, wouldn’t it be lovely if, instead of the talented designers whose names have already been thrown in the hat (Stewart Parvin, Phillipa Lepley, Amanda Wakeley, Daniella “Issa” Helayel, Bruce Oldfield, and even Vivienne Westwood), she chose a designer and dress that’s altogether unexpected?

I say, wear what you like Kate! Strapless! Shocking! A hat rather than a veil! Distinctive! A curtailed train! Aerodynamic! Minimal embellishment! Socio-economically sensitive! A non-British designer! A tip of the crown to foreign relations!

Case in point, I’ve scoured the bridal collections of the last few years (thanks to the archive on The New York Magazine’s    fashion slideshows) and have created a montage of gowns- from demurely traditional to downright fantastical (plus one joke design just to make you laugh, see if you can guess which one!)- that I think would suit Kate’s hair and features, personal style, and of course the wedding locale. Speculation aside, one thing’s for certain: whatever dress Kate wears will be custom, couture, then copied as best they might!

Click on the “fs” in the lower right corner for full screen and the “i” on the upper right to see the designer!

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One of the really memorable parts of the trip out to CA last month, beyond the beautiful hills and vineyards and the wines and people, was the locally-sourced food we ate at two of the wine region’s restaurants. But first, the dresses. That’s right, unlike other Dressing for Dinner posts in the series, this one has two: one for me and one for Fancy.

Fancy's Dress for the girl + the fig in Sonoma.

The dress(s): Fancy’s dress was a light and flowing navy and cream patterned fabric with ruffles along the v-neckline and a slim belt. She picked it up on Modcloth especially for the trip and it was the inaugural wearing. Costing around $50-75, it proved to be a comfortable and breezy dress that she was happy to have purchased and brought along.

My dress for the girl + the fig dinner goodness.

She paired her dress with a set of silver bangle bracelets and a woven Banana Republic bracelet with tassle detail, a burnt sienna Hobo clutch, and some seriously kickass metallic pewter Steve Madden heels (she’s already tall and these are the epitome of”tall girl shoes,” thus making her Model Tall).

The dress I chose was a recent Nordstrom find (in July- no longer available online) that arrived marked down from $98 to $45. A surprise and brief irritation as I was charged full price, but the downtown Michigan Avenue store honored the discount and refunded the money over the phone. Thank you, Nordstrom!

The dress is from Halogen and is exactly what it looks like: spaghetti strapped, ruched and empire-waisted, A-line with…POCKETS! A bonus dress feature I didn’t realize I was getting until it arrived. I, like many of you, adore a dress with pockets. They never actually hold anything, but oh the pockets! Perfect for the “nonchalant, relaxed gal about town” look even though you’re all dressed up.

I loved this dress because of the linear pattern (reminded me of Prada’s linear patterns for their fall 2010 collection) and the colors- a mustardy yellow and cream with greyish brown accents. I paired my dress with a (janky looking in the pic) long bronze beaded necklace looped three times from Forever 21, a white faux snake-skinned Banana Republic clutch I picked up in Philadelphia once upon  a time, and metallic bronze strappy BCBGirls slingbacks with toe detail.

The dinner(s): Our first night in Wine Country, we headed over to the quaint downtown Sonoma restaurant, the girl + the fig, where they have their own garden in the back. Although the food we ate was both lovely and perfectly prepared, after a long day and an ill-advised late afternoon Domaine Chandon cheese platter, we could hardly eat more than a few bites of each dish and mostly wound up gazing lovingly upon them and talking of stomach bloat (hooray for A-line skirts!) instead. Definitely click on the restaurant’s link to see what the inside and outside space looks like, as well as to see more (and much better) food pictures.

For dinner, Fancy had a grilled fig (she raved about these figs not only during the meal but for the duration of the trip- they were really that good) and arugula salad (a whole pile of it!) sprinkled with chèvre, pancetta, and toasted pecans in a port vinaigrette. For her entree, she chose the grilled flat iron steak served with truffled mac & goat cheese (I wish I could have had this too) and garden summer beans in an herb olive oil. All food pics included below (click on the “i” in the upper right corner of the gallery and you’ll get the description for each picture).

I, on the other hand, chose an heirloom tomato (I am now effectively addicted to heirloom tomatoes and would eat them everyday if I could) and watermelon salad covered with marinated feta in a yellow tomato vinaigrette and dusted with oregano. I can’t tell you how eclectic the flavors in this salad were…but it completely worked! This is one of those things you eat and always remember. For my entree, I ordered the white wine braised pork shank (something I had never actually tried before) served with polenta, brocolini, and a horseradish gremolata (or, at least that’s what the web site told me- I know it as “oh my god this is so tasty whatever it is”). Again, food pics are in the fancy photo album below.

I, or we (by that point I was too far-gone in a food coma to know for sure), had the lavender crème brûlée (of which there is no photographic proof of, although it did manage to be eaten in its entirety by some feat of last minute stomach prowess). In the pictures below I’ve also included a few to illustrate the creativity of the restaurant: Barbie and Ken dolls on the bathroom doors to denote which is which, a pretty little ramekin of olives, and our to-go boxes.

Our second dinner (sorry, no dress pics here- we chose to be more relaxed on our last night), was at Mustard’s Grill in Napa Valley, at where the Kellaher’s are once again at the helm. I’ve included our dinner pics below as well (if the portion sizes look ridiculously huge, it’s because they were!), of which there’s:

• The ahi tuna crackers appetizer with wasabi crème fraiche and soy vinaigrette
• Fancy’s dinner of smoked Sonoma duck with grilled sweet potatoes and green beans
• My dinner of roasted lemon and garlic chicken (so “lemony” I can taste it again on the tip of my tongue just writing that!) with mashed potatoes and grilled zucchini
• Dessert, once again unphotographed, a growing trend with my Dressing for Dinner posts! We chose “The Daily Freeze” (it looked like an old timey milkshake): a housemade ice cream made with summer fruit (ours was made with peaches), which was swiftly inhaled.
• The cover of Mustards Grill’s wine list, which is- if you can believe this- a serious understatement for the wealth of riches to be found inside.

The verdict: Sonoma and Napa have a plethora of stellar restaurants to choose from, but the two we chose were such that I would perhaps forgo trying a new one on a return visit to eat again at either of them. Especially the girl + the fig.

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I knew it was silly bothering to wear them as I rushed to shut the windows and turn on the air conditioning; knew it was sillier to continue wearing them while putting food in the fridge, pouring a glass of lemonade, then a glass of chardonnay, sifting through the mail and magazines, even removing my nail polish.

Task for task, I watched the minutes tick past and the temperature finally achieve a more apathetic attitude. I wasn’t “in” for the night; not yet. I was waiting to meet you.

I’ve known you for nearly a year and a half and yet I still want you to want me. I want to be the girl in the heels to you, the girl you look up and down, the girl you want to touch and smell and taste.

But I’ve already shown myself to be the girl without enough make-up on, the girl who swears at washing machines and double-wide strollers, the girl who is perhaps too “down-to-earth” in her more-often-than-not-these-days sensible flats.

Just five minutes together at most; that’s what we cobbled together today. Less a complaint than an opportunity seized, I met you on the sidewalk as planned; a logistical exchange of a file requiring printing. I kissed you under downcast eyelashes, kicked wood-chips, and generally played it “cool.” Sometimes I can’t help approaching time spent with you with the same anticipation of a bright-eyed girl in a burgeoning relationship. I hope he likes me. Still.

Straight away you teased, “Where are you headed all gussied up with your heels on and everything?” You noticed, despite my feigned laziness: what, these old things? You leaned in and kissed my neck, told me that I smelled pretty. You lingered.

I’ve always loved talking to you; loved your wit and humor and insight, even those old-man curmudgeonly capacities. I grasp at even small moments like these with you because you’re my best friend and confidante, my champion and boyfriend. You’re the first and last person I want to talk to each and every day.

But these are all the things I didn’t tell you. Instead, merely perhaps and much later, I texted a confession.

I kept my heels on…for you.

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Pockets!

The Dress: A Gap sale rack find! The dress is a recent purchase so it may look familiar to some of you, and may even still be available in stores. It’s white linen and a bit more girly than I typically go for in a “Holy floral print and oh crap there’s an actual butterfly on this too? Great. What am I, five years old?” kind of way.

Nevertheless, the dress won me over with its light-weight fabric, empire waist, and beautiful criss-crossing back. I’ve worn it twice now and it’s proven to be the perfect casual but ladylike dress for Ravinia, a day at work (with a cardigan of course), and now dinner. The first time I wore it I instinctively reached for the sides and wouldn’t you know…POCKETS! Don’t you just love that? Finding pockets in a dress you already loved? Jackpot.

A Thing with Feathers

I kept the accessories simple this time: just a small charm necklace and comfy sandals. My boyfriend got me the sterling silver charm from a local designer at the Chicago Folk and Roots Festival last month (where we sat in 95 degree heat eating funnel cake and watching America’s Future assualt the man behind the magic that is Puppet Bike).

The shoes are Born Alcala II in tan linen print and are what I have dubbed my “comfy old lady shoes.” Born doesn’t fuck around when it comes to making a good quality comfortable shoe, and while many of their shoes seem pretty fugly to me, I kind of thought these weren’t.

I featured this pair in my “Shoe of the Moment” widget a while back and am tempted to get them in “nero” or “mogano” leather too. They’re that comfortable (though not that cheap: $125 on Zappos). You can’t really tell in the picture (unless you zoom in on my feet and WHY would anyone want to do that because, like, FEET), but my nail polish color this time is “Re-fresh Mint” from China Glaze, which you can get at Ulta but not on their site because apparently they hate you.

The Dinner: Girl and the Goat. From the moment we walked in the door, everyone was friendly and everything SMELLED amazing in that smoked BBQ kind of way. The space is dark with exposed wooden beams, many of which are burned to a blackened sheen, and the back wall of the restaurant is open to the kitchen where you might catch a glimpse of Ms. Izard checking each and every dish. Once at our table (with a “chopping block” looking tabletop) we settled in for a parade of “small” plates…

The Eponymous "Goat"

Chickpeas Three Ways (My Favorite)

Crisp Soft Shell Crab with Sweet Corn, Lime & Chili Aioli

A Pretty Little Salad- Girl and the Goat Style

Smoked Goat Pizza with Tart Cherry Soffrito, Black Kale & Ricotta

Grilled Baby Octopus in a Lemon-pistachio Vinaigrette

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The Verdict: We’ve already made reservations for November!

Like I told Stephanie, (that’s right! I got to meet her and tell her how awesome she is and then I even hugged her and got a picture with her because I’m a big weirdo I guess) the food is just really, really good. You don’t sit there wondering “Am I eating this correctly?” You just dig in and stuff your face because everything is so damn tasty.

In fact, some of what we ordered didn’t even make it to being photographed: the “fat” bread (which I didn’t care for personally- the butter is more like a liver mousse- but the boy quite enjoyed it) and our dessert. We ordered the “fudgecicle” dessert and I immediately started in on it, completely forgetting that you would be wanting to see the pretty little bowl of olive oil gelato, chocolate, and “dragon’s milk.”

I’ve already found four additional items I’d order on a return visit (black olive mezzelune, seared scallops, seared summer flounder, and ham frites) but I know the menu will have already changed by then. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with!

If you’re interested in trying Girl and the Goat, make reservations now. I made ours using OpenTable within a week of the restaurant opening and got the day and time I wanted (three weeks out). They’re definitely busier now, but it’s worth the wait and the price is reasonable (estimate $130-150 for two people inclusive of drinks, dessert, and gratuity).  And, like the food, you’ll find the dress to be laid back too…jeans, mandals, and of course, sundresses were in abundance- don’t forget to wear yours!

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