The Best $11 I've Ever Spent and My 29th Birthday

I recently tried on this fringe tank top from Banana Republic when Mike was doing some after-Christmas shopping for himself (LOL, of course I went rogue, trying on my own things, haha!). I did not buy it that day, as it was still about $50.  I actually walked away from B-Rep without purchasing anything for myself, and I was having some major not-buying remorse (#BloggerProbs). I had also tried on this ruffle front tee (it was $20 at that time) and again talked myself out of purchasing it.

Fast forward a few days after our original Banana Republic shopping trip, and I was feeling like I needed something to wear for my birthday party at Penrose Brewery. I decided one day after work I would pop into Banana Republic and pick up the ruffle front tee. It was a practical purchase because I could also dress it up for work (I typically only buy clothes that can double for my work wardrobe, too).

I walked to the back wall to simply *admire* the fringe tunic, and I saw that everything on sale was an additional 60% off! I couldn't believe it! I crunched some numbers and realized the fringe tunic would be well under $20. I was sold.  The cashier rang me up; the tunic was $11!  I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! And the ruffle front tee? $8! I picked up 3 more as gifts!  It was the CUTEST shirt!

On me: Skinny jeans

On Mandy: Express silk top  

Sisters Molly and Mandy were nice enough to come over before to help me primp. Molly is so talented at curling hair-- I seriously want her to move into our spare bedroom and curl my hair on the daily. Haha! Hair By Mols! Thank you so much, girl! I loved my curls!

Pensive, haha! 

Molly hard at work. She curls my hair with a straightener, and I absolutely ADORE the result!

Straightener: Old Chi, similar floral design here.

The beautiful Molly! Thanks for making my hair so pretty!

On Molly: Eileen Fisher silk tunic, similar here in black. 

Our sweet neighbor, Kelly, came over, too!

Shoes on me: Glitter Darron Pump, BCBGeneration. Sold out in rose gold, but linked here in black and silver! 

Bundling up for the trip over to Penrose in the snowy weather! 

Molly works in downtown Chicago, and she says the Aritzia coat is the ABSOLUTE best option for her commute on the El and for her walk. 

Coats: On Mandy and me, pinks

On Molly, far left: Aritzia 

On Kelly, gray: Similar, here

Sissies! Molly and Mandy 

Black suede booties: similar here and here.  

My neighbor, Kel, and my Hair By Mols! LOL! I adore these two!

My lovely FFC! 

From left: Sarah, me, Jenny, Kelly, Andrea and Mandy 

My girls are so wonderful! Even though we aren't working together anymore, I know our friendships will always last. 

My beautiful Chicago besties

From left: Leah, Alison, Julie, myself, Jackie (due in April!), Libby, and Anna (my sis, also due in April!).

These city gals (and Shawn, Mikey and Andrew) braved the snowstorm to take the Metra out west to my birthday party. I am so blessed to have them just 40 miles East! 

I know I mentioned this in my (actual BIRTH DATE) previous post, but my 29th birthday was the best I've ever had. I was showered with love and support from friends all over the country (even the world! My friend Danielle lives in Geneva, Switzerland!), from high school and college and grad school and my various jobs and beyond.  Friends and family made me soooo happy and enveloped me in so much love. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you, friends and family for being so kind to me and making my 29th birthday the best of my lifetime.

xxoo

Mary