Fashion Does Not Have to Die Once Offspring Arrive

I know that it is hard to keep up with fashion trends whilst busy cleaning baby vomit from the sweatpants you haven't changed in three days, so that is where I come in.  Call it a hobby of mine or maybe just a waste of time, but I like to troll the fashion magazines for cute, wearable, and yes, fashionable ensembles.  I cut out what I like and head to say Marshalls or Nordstrom Rack (insert your favorite discount store) to copy the look.  Don't think for yourselves, ladies!!!  Just copy copy copy - at affordable prices!  Here are a few of my latest finds (I can't figure out how to crop yet so forgive the messy edges).


            I love everything about this outfit, especially the color blocking of the shoes and the bright pink bag.  The jeans hit just where they should on the ankle, and when matched with a cool toned sweater and what looks like a moto jacket (?), the look is chic and hip at the same time.  The sunglasses and necklace add an edge of femininity and class (i.e. items you should NOT scrimp on). 



            I love everything about Zoe Saldana's style.  She always looks both put together and fun - like a girl you want to hang with.  This dress is totally NOW in color and style (hits just below knee).  The black jacket/blazer brings the outfit from day- to night-wear and the shoes add an urban flair.  I normally don't like matchy matchy bags, but Zoe pulls the bright pink off without a hitch. 

               Miranda Kerr also has excellent fashion sense.  Not to mention that rockin' Victoria Secret body.  Not jealous at all......nope.  Anyways, what I love about this outfit is the pairing of the oversized pink and black scarf with the edgy black moto jacket.  Dark fitted jeans are a must as are a pair of black ANKLE booties.  Yes, ankle ladies. Ankle is where it is at this Fall.  The only thing I don't like about the ensemble is the bag - and I really don't like it.



              This is some random person who has a great casual day look goin' on.  Animal faces are everywhere this season but to me they can sometimes look, well, juvenile.  This lady layers a chambray shirt underneath and a tailored khaki jacket overtop, pairs it with very hip leopard print heels and voila (accent over the "a") - a classy yet casual take on several of this season's hippest trends.

            Zoe Saldana, again.  I know, I have a little bit of a girl crush going on.  It's harmless - I think.  Although I don't much care for her look labeled "glam," I can appreciate it for good style (just not my taste).  Kinda like when my husband tells me that Metallica is a really good band and I wince at the sound of one of their songs - I trust his taste, but it's just not my own.  The other two looks are great.  Love the black leather pants (leather is also a MUST this Fall) and the hair pulled back with bright red lipstick gives her a girl gone bad vibe.  Ladies, boys love this vibe.  You will get laid if you correctly execute this vibe.  The "polished" look is sweet and sophisticated. The belt calms down the somewhat busy dress and the cap sleeves are adorable. 



Enough for now.  Have fun shopping!  Until next time, SAHM.

Bulgogi, Kal(r)bi, and Other Korean Delicacies From a White Girl's Perspective

I am White, oh - and female, in case you can't tell by the photo on the title page.  And my hubby is Korean, which you should be able to tell by the photo because his Korean buddies say that if you looked up the phrase "Korean dude" in some non-existant dictionary, up would pop a picture of my husband - THAT is how Korean he looks.  So, one of my favorite things my husband introduced me to is Korean food.  It is an acquired taste, I must say - especially the ultra sour and very stinky cabbage known as kimchi.  Sure clears out your system, though.  So, if you are looking for hearty, authentic, affordable Korean food, look no further than The Chicago Food Corp.  ( www.joongboomarket.com ).  There are several locations.  I frequent the one at 3333 N. Kimball.  First of all, let's talk about the market.  Produce is fresh and cheap, ramen noodles of sooooooo many varieties, crazy selection of seafood (fresh and frozen), udon noodles, rice cakes, potstickers, kimchi, premarinated meat (both bulgogi and kalbi), and every kind of green tea you can imagine.  Second, let's chat about the tiny café inside of the market.  Shhhhhhh......it's a hidden gem.........don't let word get out or you will have to wait hours for their fantastic bim bim bap, the piping hot soon doon boo, and the spicy yu gae jang.  Those are just three of the twenty-two dishes offered.  Let your mouth begin to water with this preview.

Bim bim bap (egg, rice, and vegetables - before mixing)

Yu gae jang (spicy beef soup)



Don't forget to purchase from the café some to-go chop chae or kim bop (pictured below).

 

My goal is to try EVERY SINGLE item on the menu and write a quick review.  We shall see how the oxtail and blood sausage soup goes down......errrr...... stays down.  Until next time, SAHM (I like this sign off because, if you don't know what SAHM means, it kind of sounds like "Namaste," which is a way over-and-improperly-used yoga thing.  But it still sounds cool  - even if people have no idea what they are talking about).

The Offspring

So, here they are.  This is the one and only time I will post a photo of my lovely children, Joshua and Juliet.  I think the world of them, but sometimes Mommies need a break from the constant demand (I mean reward....) of parenting. And this blog is just that for me -- time to do and see and think and write about anything and everything that has NOTHING to do with being a SAHM (that is a stay-at-home mom). So, off we go to see movies, eat food, talk fashion, travel, read books, and traverse the great city of Chicago!