Weekend Recap: Snow and a Big Sooner Win

This weekend, after an oh so lovely fall, winter finally hit here in Chicago! Though most lifelong Chicagoans were grumbling all week about the anticipated season change, I was kind of excited. (This probably speaks to my naivety and the fact that I have no idea just how awful midwest winters can be.)  Regardless, Chicago said goodbye to fall and hello to this...

SNOW!  And with snow comes hot chocolate, fires, snowmen, scarves, boots, mittens, and more.  Woo hoo for winter!  I know I'll only be singing this tune for a few weeks before I join those grumbly natives, complaining about the snow, sludge, and constant darkness of the city.  But for now, this Texas girl is living it up and loving the season change!

I had to work Saturday afternoon, but I couldn't leave without a picture or two :)

Coat: Zara
Scarf: Ann Taylor
Gloves: Nordstrom
Boots: North Face

These boots are my new snow boots.  They kind of remind me of that song "apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, (with the fur).  Before visiting Chicago last January, I thought snow boots were a little excessive.  I just assumed all boots kept out snow, and if you were smart you just avoided big piles of now.  Lol, after that visit I learned better, and realized that snow boots are a major necessity living here.  So when I started my snow boot hunt, I really wanted to find snow boots that we're big, black, clunky and ugly.  And these did just the trick.  I made sure to ask the sales associate 945 times, "So I can traipse through the snow and sleet in these and my feet will stay warm and dry, right?"  They indulged me and nodded "yes" all 945 times.  And this weekend, I tested out their honesty and found out they work delightfully as promised.

Driving to work I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of the winter wonderland.  (Note: Though I do it occasionally when the coast is clear, I do not endorse picture taking while driving.  So Dad, please don't send me a driving safety email after you read this post.)

And in the spirit of OOTD pics, I ditched the coat for a few minutes after work for a few outfit pictures.

Silk top: vintage
Skirt: Zara
Necklace: vintage
Ring: vintage
Earrings: Matt's wedding day gift
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Anne Klein

I snagged this top on a thrifting adventure with my mom on my last visit home.  I took a bit of a chance on it, and I'm so glad I did.  It had shoulder pads that were terribly huge, but once I cut them out, I liked the fit so much better.

Saturday night we met some friends to watch OU battle Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship.  The OU Club of Chicago hosted a watch party at Joe's and it was SO fun!  There is nothing better than watching Sooner football with a room packed full of OU fans.

I got a wonderful surprise when I saw sweet Shelly, one of my sorority sisters at the watch party.  Have you even seen someone across the room and thought "Omg, that's so-and-so" and then thought "wait, that can't be them, they don't even live in this city."  But the more you look, the more you swear its so-and-so.  Lol, I totally had that experience when I saw Shelly last night. When I realized it was her and I wasn't crazy, I just about died.  So so great to see her and share a Kappa hug :)

Remember when I said there's nothing better than watching Sooner football with a room packed full of OU fans?  I lied.  There is one thing better.  Watching the Sooners WIN with a room packed full of OU fans!  It was a close game, but we eeked out a win, 23-20.  Boomer Sooner!

There's only ONE Oklahoma!  Such a fun night and SO happy OU got the win!

Today was a total lazy day.  I slept till almost 11 (amazing) and then spent the "morning" perusing blogs with hot chocolate in hand and Pandora Christmas in the background.  Then I found out Matt's Christmas present was going to take 33 days to ship (aka not in time for Christmas.)  So I was forced to join the hoards of shoppers who were out shopping for their perfect gifts.  But the trip wasn't all bad, I picked up a few things for myself and nibbled on an Aunt Annie's pretzel.  Ok, I lie, I didn't nibble, I devoured.  Those things are so good they should be illegal.  Well, not illegal, because then I'd forced to break the law, but you know what I mean.  They should come with a warning that says "Don't eat this if you want to look civilized or like you have any self control at all."  Damn you Aunt Annie's.

So that's my weekend in a nutshell; how was yours?  Do tell, I'd love to hear!

Hockey Heaven and an OOTD

Hey there, just popping in to say "hi" after what might have been the greatest weekend in fall history!  But before I get into all the fall fun that was had this weekend, can we all take a moment to celebrate Saturday's Sooner win?  Woo hoo!  Oklahoma defeated the Longhorns 28-20, and I could not be more thrilled!  I was scheduled to work during the game, so for the first quarter my dad texted me to keep me up to date (thanks Dad!)  But midday, my manager realized we had too many people scheduled and asked if anyone wanted to head home early.  I could not volunteer fast enough.  I literally grabbed my bag, clocked out, and ran down the street to the closest sports bar.  Yes, ran.  Go ahead, get that mental image...me, running down the street, in my high heel boots, for a sports bar, where I watched an entire football game alone.  Lol, yes, its probably exactly as you're envisioning.  I have no shame when it comes to my Sooners, and I will risk looking like a lonely loser to watch my team play.  Following the game, I immediately sent all my Longhorn friends a gloating text message.  I'm such a classy winner :)  BOOMER SOONER!

{soonersports.com}

In other weekend news, Friday night, Matt and I had planned to celebrate my blog's birthday with our friends Matt and Christie.  But after a week of not feeling so hot and working a lot, I decided to just have a sweatpants stay in kinda night.  But when the other assistant manager at "the store" asked me if I wanted to box seats to the Blackhawks game, I perked up.  How fast can you say, "Hell yeah!"  Though I am the world's girliest girl, I know my sports.  However, I'd never been to a professional hockey game!  (What can I say, Texas isn't exactly a hockey state.)  So, as soon as Matt and I got off work, we headed to the United Center for a night of hockey education.

Our seats were INCREDIBLE!  My friend Kathy's husband works for a fancy pants company in Chicago that happens to have a fabulous box at the United Center.  They weren't able to make the game, so at the last minute, they offered us their tickets.  How lucky are Matt and I?!  Watching the Stanley Cup champs, in awesome seats, with yummy food and alcohol, and all for free!  Eeek!  (Thanks Kathy and Mike!)

Taking in the action!

Matt snapped this pic with his iPhone.  So fun!

About halfway through the game, they bring the dessert cart around to all the suites.  Its loaded with the yummiest, most delightful desserts you can imagine.  Cakes, brownies, candies, cookies, an ice cream bar...oh how I'll dream about that cart!  And of course, you point to whatever you want and they charge it to the company's tab.  Matt and I decided on a mountain slice of carrot cake and rocky road brownie with ice cream.  They were oh-my-goodness-yummy!

Date nights are the best :)

Hooray for a Blackhawks win!  I am so happy we got a chance to see attend our first hockey game, and in our new city no less.  I have admit though, I felt like a total fish out of water with the hockey knowledge.  I pride myself on being one of those girls who knows whats going on during the football game.  I can debate BCS rankings with the best of them and surprise the heck out of most guys in the room when they realize, oh yeah, I really do know my sports stuff.  But with hockey, sheesh, I was LOST.  I felt like one of those girls I roll my eyes at when they ask at the game, "Wait, whats going on, what happened?"  Lol, not a feeling I'd like to repeat :)

And here's what I wore to the game.  (Not the best pictures, especially since you can't see my beloved tall black scrunchy boots, but you get the idea...)

Blazer: The Limited Striped tee: Ann Taylor {here} Jeans: J. Crew {similar here} Boots: an cute Austin boutique that I can't remember the name of Necklaces: from my trip to Madrid; thrifted Bracelet: Ann Taylor {here} Earrings: wedding day gift from Matt Ring: David Yurman

Such a FUN weekend, and that's not even all of it!  Today Matt and I had the ultimate fall field trip, but I'm going to save that for a separate post since we took a bazillion pictures.  Annnd because I'm super behind on my freelancing and need to get started on my late night writing session.  Woo hoo!  How was your weekend, what'd ya do?  I'd love to hear!

Kohl's: Your One Stop Shop

This weekend, Matt had an interview in Oklahoma, so we headed North for the weekend.  Given my love affair with all things OU, I jumped at the chance to go.  Our travel plans changed once we got there, which allowed us to have time to stop in Dallas on our way home to see several of my longtime friends.  It also allowed me to celebrate a reeeeally special event with my best friend Jordan.  Jordan and her mom own a dance studio, and they just moved into a fabulous new space, and in true diva style, they threw a cocktail party to celebrate the occasion.  (Reason number 526 we're friends; we think just alike.)

Now, I'm always up for a good cocktail party, but the problem was, I had NOTHING to wear.  Sure, I had packed cute stuff for Oklahoma, but nothing cocktail appropriate.  Matt tried to persuade me to wear jeans saying "no one ever dresses up these days, they'll be people there in mom jeans and sweaters, etc" but I wouldn't have it.  I REFUSE to wear jeans to cocktail party.  I don't care if their lined in diamonds, I.will.not.do.it.   If other people choose to, fine, but I simply refuse.  (Judge me if you want.)  I begged Matt to run to the mall, but even as a begged, I knew we didn't have time.  So with an hour until the party and nothing but jeans, tops, and sweaters, I headed to the one place I knew I'd be able to find everything I needed for an affordable price and where I could be in and out in under a half an hour.  What is this place I speak of?  Kohls.

Now some of you might already love Kohls, but I'm going to guess the majority of you turn up your nose at the standalone not-quite-department-store store or simply forget it's even there.  But I'm blogging today to convince/remind you of its awesomeness.  Now I'm not going to lie and say it's my first choice of shopping spots or the place I'd run if I won the lottery, but I am saying that it deserves a solid second look from people.  I tend to follow the same pattern when I shop there and stick to certain items and brands.  It's a big store, so I don't look at everything, just what I know I like.  For clothes I browse Simply Vera by Vera Wang, LC Lauren Conrad (remember how much I heart her), Elle, and sometimes Daisy Fuentes.  I always browse their accessories, home decor, dishes/glassware, and candles (they have super steals in this department.)  Once in a while I also check in on their sleepwear section.  So check out some of the things I spotted and grabbed in my fifteen minute shopping spree (yes, literally, fifteen minutes.  I grabbed what I could, and vowed to return the things I didn't end up wearing.  I'm hoping Matt forgets about that return vow.)  I've also included some of the things I just love there right now in general.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the best part about Kohl's is everything is always on SALE!

LC Lauren Conrad Asymmetrical Dress (on sale for $39.99)

You all already know about my obsession for both Lauren Conrad and for bows, so put them together and I just can't say no.  I think this dress would be fabulous for holiday parties with gigantic blinged out earrings.  (Yes, I said blinged out.  Sue me.)

Elle Boyfriend Jacket (on sale for $41.99)

I have been hunting for a cute black little blazer for what seems like 2 years, and this one is super cute.  Unfortunately, it didn't fit me the way I wanted, but since we're all built differently, I'm hoping it will work better for one of you.  It would look fab with skinny jeans and a great pair of boots or booties.

 Simply Vera Sequin Organza Top (on sale for $31.99)

Shine is oh so in this season and I think the combination of shine and feminine detailing in this top is divine.  I'd rock it with black skinny jeans and heels for going out or with a black pencil skirt and cardigan for the office.  The Kohl's in Dallas didn't have this, and you better believe I'm going to the one in my little town tonight for this top.

LC Lauren Conrad Shaker Cardigan (on sale for $41.99)

I don't think they should call this a cardigan, because it looks so much thicker than a traditional cardigan.  I love wearing creams and winter whites for some odd reason, and I'm getting warm and cozy just looking at this sweater.  I'd pair it with skinny jeans and brown riding boots.  Delightful.

LC Lauren Conrad Strapless Dress (on sale for $28.99)

Though the name of the dress is a serious snooze (really Lauren that's the best you could do?), this dress is a perfect basic in every way.  Every girl needs one, two, or seven black dresses in her closet, and this is a good one to add.  The fabric says casual and the cut is fairly neutral, so you have lots of room to play with the dress to make your look what you want.  I ended up wearing this to the cocktail party with black tights and a gray cocoon sweater that I'd packed for the weekend, along with black patent round toe heels, a cute black bow headband that I got at Kohl's, and gigantic bling earrings.  Super cute and versatile (and for less than $30), what's not to love?

Simply Vera Chiffon Top (on sale for $29.99)

I am always (and I mean always) looking for black tops to go under cardigans.  My staple work wardrobe consists of pencil skirts and cardigans, but I try to avoid just wearing a plain cami underneath, instead favoring a top with some pizazz or detail.  This top is perfect for that task! The light fabric and the detailing around the neckline make me melt with glee.  I love love love this and will be adding it to my "under cardigan collection."

I had intended to add more lovelies to this post, but after six pieces, I can see I'm getting carried away (and we didn't even get to housewares or accessories!)  I guess that means you'll just have to head over to Kohl's and see all the goodness for yourself :)  Seriously people-who-I-know-are-still-doubting-me, consider Kohl's!  You can't possibly leave that store without finding something you just have to have.  Happy shopping and let me know what you find!

I Heart OU

Norman, Oklahoma is one of the most magical places on Earth.  Home to The University of Oklahoma, it is the place I fell in the love.  Not with a guy, but with everything that OU offers.  I met some of the most incredible people in the world at OU and was encouraged to be the person I've always dreamed of being.  Although Norman was just home to me while I was in college, I literally feel like it is the place I grew up and got to know the person that I am.  So when my little brother talked about going to school at OU, I was just thrilled.  Although I truly want him to make his own decision and do what is best for him, the thought of him falling in love with OU is too much excitement to handle.  So this weekend, my family packed up our bags and headed North on I-35 for a weekend full of Sooner spirit and OU love.

Anyone who knows my family could guess that our first stop after arriving in Norman on Thursday evening was Hideaway Pizza.  Nestled in the middle of campus corner, this pizza place was a consistent favorite for my parents when I was at OU, so much so that my dad would have me pick up a pizza before heading home to Dallas when I went home to visit.  Yes, that's right, it would sit in my car for two and half hours before my dad got it.  I told you they liked this place.

Next stop, the Library, one of my absolute favorite places in Norman to be on a weeknight.  This place is tiny, dark, and usually has a bit of an older crowd, but I spent more weeknights here in college than I probably should have, either with one of my best friends Kristin or my BFF coworker Robbie.  Never in a million years though did I think I would be there with my little brother!  Unfortunately for him, he had to order a coke straight up :)

The next morning, we took the official OU campus tour, and I tried my best to keep my enthusiasm quiet.  I want Ryan to make his own decision...

Look what we found on the tour!  This plaque in the union is for all the students in the past who have received the Regent's Award for Outstanding Junior.  I didn't even know this plaque existed and I was super excited to find it and point out my name.  (I think there is a fine line is living in the past and reminiscing about the past, and I like to think I'm on the reminiscing side of that line...)

Friday night we headed to the homecoming pep rally so Ryan could get a feel for what life is like as a student at OU.  We had VIP seats (thank you Quy)!

Me and Quy, the provider of our fabulous VIP seats.  Quy and I worked together at Recruitment Services while we were students at OU and were also on homecoming court together.  He is now working for OU as CAC's main man, and of course, doing an incredible job.  You know those people who you know you miss, but you forget how much until you see them?  Definitely applies here as I forgot just how much I adore this guy :)

Of course, the night wasn't complete without a trip to Rusty's (for those non-Sooners, frozen custard heaven.)  I realize I am posing in front of a penguin and I am ok with that.

Saturday is gameday, which is Norman, is the best day.  Here me, my dad, and my brother pose on the South Oval on the way to the festivities.

We meet up with my BFF Jacque, who I had been counting down the days to see.  Beyond excited to see her!

After lunch at OConnell's, Matt and I head to tailgate with Jack and her family.  This was Matt's first OU gameday experience, and I was SO excited to share my OU obsession with him.  Not sure how crazy he thought we all were, but he kept it cool :)

Of course, we had to make a trip to the Kappa house.  No words needed to explain this picture :)

We meet up with my dad and Ryan at the homecoming parade.  You'd think they'd never eaten before the way they were flagging down the candy throwers in the parade :)  PS: I think Ryan looks right at home in his crimson, don't you?

Love this pic and this guy :)

Heading into the game, I run into Angie, who works at Recruitment Services.  She made work way more fun than it probably should have been in college, and I heart her more than she knows!

In the stadium and ready to cheer on the Sooners!

BOOMER!

I think my brother is ridiculously cool.  Seriously.  Check out the glasses.  (And yes, I bought a pair and fully plan to rock them as a grown up!)

Me and my favorite guys :)

Hahahahha, this picture makes me ridiculously happy!  TOUCHDOWN!

Oh dear.  I think that looks like a pretty convinced potential Sooner :)

Last stop on the Norman trip...Classics.  Nothing beats a Diet Dr. Pepper with sour straws.  Don't knock it till you've tried it :)

Heading out the next morning, back to the real world, boooo.  But we had such a fabulous time; I could not have imagined a more fun filled weekend!  BOOMER SOONER!