Allergies and Alleys

So I went on and on about how amazing fall is yesterday but there is actually one major downside. Allergies. How cow, they pretty much knocked me on my pleather clad bum today. I've never really had them before this season and I just want them gone. Any suggestions or meds that work? I may or may not scratch my eyeballs out before winter. Ugh.

On a lighter, not congested note...look at this alley! Doesn't it rule? This might be my new favorite picture taking place. It's called Couch Place Alley named after a couple of brothers that owned an adjacent hotel in the mid 1800's. Apparently, there was a huge fire that destroyed the neighboring Iroquois Theater in 1903. This fire killed 600 people and there are suspicions the alley is now haunted. I definitely did not get a creepy feeling while I was there and now I'm even more excited to go back! 

Fashion blog turned Chicago history lesson, sorry! Back to the real subject. I just got these shoes and I'm in love. They might give me blisters now but that's nothing a couple of band-aids and my high pain tolerance can't deal with! Also, pleather and denim is one of the best combos. Bonus points for leopard print and stripes!

Shirt: H&M 

Skirt: H&M 

Jacket: H&M 

Shoes: Forever 21 

Purse: Aldo (Similar here) 

Necklace: Presence (Similar here)

Watch: Michael Kors

Chambray and Ioway

Hi friends! I'm back from a lovely weekend in Iowa. I got to meet baby Ivory, see my friend Megan and get my hair done! The weather was not pleasant but that's about the only thing that wasn't. Here are some highlights!

Baby Ivory and I being twins, the Passages, Loki really comfortable now that I'm home

So yesterday I was sick. And I think it might have been from exhaustion. One too many late nights in a row and then waking up at 3:30AM to catch a plane will really catch up with you. After plenty of naps and good nights rest I am back to normal. SO normal in fact, I busted out my pleather leggings today! I was a little cautious getting these but now I think they are going to be a wardrobe staple. They are like regular leggings but like WAY cooler. The selling point, they are extremely comfy! Who knew? Speaking of comfy, this boyfriend chambray shirt is so soft. If you are in the market for a good chambray shirt look no further then Madewell. They come in all shapes and colors. I have my eye one this one too. One can never have too many chambray shirts.

If you look close you can see a Chrissy Bru in her natural habitat 

Shirt: Madewell 
Leggings: Zara 
Scarf: Zara- Similar here 
Shoes: Zara- Similar here 
Bracelet: Forever 21 
Watch: Michael Kors

Steel Magnolias & Pleather

Happy hump day! This week seems to be flying by and let's just say, I'm not mad about it. 

Last night I went out for drinks for my friend Annie's birthday. Happy Birthday  Banana!!! Then I came home and watched an episode of Downton Abbey. If you aren't already watching this show you should be. That's also coming from an English history nerd who watches public television frequently. But still, give it a shot. 

Nick (husband) is in North Carolina on business so that means GIRL DATES! Tonight my friend Greta is coming over to watch Steel Magnolias. Cause the girl has NEVER seen it! I found this out last night and after I got over my initial state of shock I told her she can't be my friend until she sees it. So our friendship is on the line until this evening. We will laugh, we will cry, and I will be saying "pink is my signature color" for the next two weeks. Pink is not my signature color. If I had a signature color it might be gray. Depressing I know. It just goes with/complements everything ok?!

Today's outfit is one of my favs. The skirt was a complete impulse buy and it was totally worth it. I wear it all the time! You may be thinking "Really Katie, a pleather skirt?" But really, it just adds the right amount of girly badassness I try to achieve on a daily basis. Yup, girly badass. I'm sticking with it.

Sweater: Old Navy-Similar here

Skirt: H&M-Similar here and here

Tights: H&M-Similar here

Boots: Express-Similar here

Necklace: Presence-Similar here

Watch: Michael Kors

Photos taken by ChrissyBru. Check out her blog Bru About Town! This girl gets around (the town, duh!) and shows you all those hidden gems in Chicago.