Outside the Box

Despite the fact that all my furniture has arrived, I think it will take me awhile to actually realize that I no longer live in New York.

new-york-fucking-city-t-shirt

Do you know what I mean?

Like, it feels like a vacation or something. (But then I look at my inbox and realize very quickly that this is not, in fact, a time for R&R…)

cynthia-rowley-shirt

Now, let me clarify: When I say “all my furniture,” I’m referring to three items: A desk (which looks similar to this), office chair and my bed. That’s it… So from a working and sleeping standpoint, I’m set.

That’s really all you need, though. Right?

The rest of my things (kitchen items and clothes, mainly) are still in boxes, so I’ll be living in a state of pseudo-organized chaos until I have pieces to store them in. I’ve been checking out a handful of cute storage options on One Kings Lane, West Elm and the like, but there’s just too many options to choose from. Where the hell do you begin?

I really like this white dresser console, but I’m at somewhat of a stand-still until I figure out how I want to decorate my apartment. I’m really feeling West Elm’s whole “modern neutral” vibe, though… You like? Might have to be #basic and go with the catalogue life.

express-jeans

Anywho, the transition back into life in the Windy City has been a breeze (ahem) so far.

I’ve started to miss bits and pieces of New York — like the convenience of juice bars and the endless array of dinner option on Seamless. I’m sure more will emerge over time, but for now, I’m really happy re-acclimating to Chicago.

A huge part of that sentiment is our new SoulCycle studio, where I spend a lot of my time — whether it’s teaching classes, taking classes, or just generally loitering and chatting with people who drop in. (To those of you who have come taken a class already in the last week, you rock! Can’t wait for round two.)

cynthia-rowley-t-shirt t-shirt-and-jeans

Beyond that, the upgraded living amenities are something a girl get used to.

Living in New York, you actually forget that things like garbage disposals exist. (THEY DO EXIST AND THEY ARE GOD’S GIFT!) Having an in-unit washer/dryer is a game-changer, too; especially for someone who brings home a few sets of sweaty workout clothes every day.

From a wardrobe perspective, there’s a few items I’ve had on rotation the past few weeks:

Mid-rise jeans — in the most perfect, classic wash — and a good graphic tee will take you far, I’ve learned (and below, you’ll notice that I’ve rounded up a few affordable options from my favorite t-shirt brands, including Private Party, Sincerely Jules, Style Stalker and more.)

Of course, there’s that striped dress and vest combo for dressier occasions — and you can never go wrong with a pair of red pumps.

new-york-f'ing-city

… Or in my case, many days — an equally cute pair of kicks.

nike-dunks

*In this post:

Graphic tee: Cynthia Rowley (love this one, similar styles here)
Jeans: Express mid-rise denim (many more styles here)
Shoes: Alice + Olivia (similar pair here, also love this style)
Friendship bracelet: c/o Monica Vinader
Sneaker wedges: Nike

*Click to shop: Graphic t-shirts | Express jeans
Alice & Olivia shoes | this post (below)

nyc-shirt

*Shop the trend: Graphic T-shirts

Where to buy: Carbon38 | Nordstrom | Shopbop
Brands to browse: Laundry Room | Private Party | Sincerely Jules |
Style Stalker | Ten Sixty Sherman | Wildfox

*Hallie’s picks: Making Magic Happen, $49; FIT (Fuck I’m Tired), $56; Don’t Drake & Drive, $48; Turning Up is my Cardio, $52; Champagne Campaign, $52; Chic Happens, $88 (… Truly, I can’t get enough!)

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Lydia Hudgens Photography

31 comments

  1. I am loving the mid-rise jean trend as well (can we call this a trend? - I hope not!). Love your decor plans, can’t wait to see the finished product!

  2. We’re not going to talk about my level of jealousy for a garbage disposal and an in-unit W/D. I tell you - leave NYC, get spoiled! Glad to hear your transition back has been “a breeze!” Don’t be a stranger to NYC and I’m sure we’ll PR chat soon!

  3. I’ve lived in without a garbage disposal in my KC apartment for 3+ years now and sometimes I contemplate moving simply so I can have that luxury again! p/s I’ll be seeing you next Friday….on the bike :)`

  4. Ok: 1. So happy you’re adjusting well to Chicago! New York definitely misses your presence though!

    2. Giiiiiiiiiiiiiirl you’re shorter than me, how in the world do you look like a 5’10 model with legs for days? 😉

    3. That shirt has been my favorite ever since you first featured it a long time ago.

    That’s all - Happy Wednesday, lady!

    Pink Champagne Problems

  5. Welcome back to Chicago!!! LUHV that fucking tee shirt! Would love to meet you if you’re ever in the mood for donuts or pizza or champagne or coffee or wine! xx

  6. 1. I got majorly scolded when I lived in DC and was 22 for drunkenly throwing an avocado pit down my garbage disposal. Oops. Wish I had one now that I can sort of handle it as a sort of adult.
    2. LOVE that white WE furniture. I have the older, dark versions of that but white would look so awesome in my apartment without looking COMPLETELY beachy.

  7. Yay! Welcome back to Chitown!! And so fun meeting you at SS on July 4th… I was the creeper who told you my dad also went to Ohio U (#bobkittens) after you took a post-class pic of my friend and I! Can’t wait to take one of your classes!

What do you think?