October Shopping Roundup

It's been a long time since I've last done a shopping post, and that's for several reasons. One: when I do shop, I don't buy a lot at once/around the same time anymore, and that's because of two: I don't have as much money to spend on clothes as I used to now that I'm paying off student loans. Three: I'm trying to save money and buy less clothes (or at least really think about how much I'll wear the clothes I'm buying).

But this month has brought a bit of a change ― a good one. First of all, October is my birthday month, so I was gifted with money to spend. Second, I went on vacation that included a trip to the Mall of America, which is in Minnesota, and Minnesota exempts clothing from sales tax! Third, I finally got a job and realized I need more clothes for work. So I splurged this month and treated myself to celebrate my birthday and new job. After all, "Treat yo'self" Day is in October.

TJ Maxx/Marshalls

Freshman 1996 striped knit sweater

Fall has finally arrived, and so has sweater weather. I actually don't own a lot of sweaters, which probably isn't a good thing considering I live in the Chicago suburbs where we actually experience all four seasons, including rather cold winters. And most of the sweaters I do own are pretty plain and just solid, so to add some variety, I purchased this cute striped sweater. The colors are so fun and perfect for fall, and the knit material it's made of is super soft. I like that it's a little loose and oversized because that just makes it comfier.

One Clothing plaid shift dress

Obviously short sleeves aren't ideal when it comes to fall and winter in Illinois, but I couldn't pass up this dress. It was in the clearance section at Marshalls for only $10, and I can use it for work ― it's the perfect length and isn't too long or too short ― or a casual outing. It's always a plus when something can be used for multiple occasions.

The plaid is super trendy right now but is a classic kind that will never go out of style, which is great. The black stripes on the side are a fun little touch, too. I have a short sleeve shirt that has pearls on the collar, and I think it would look so chic under this dress and make me feel like Veronica Lodge from Riverdale. I didn't try it on in the store, but when I got home, I did, and it was really comfy and easy to move it, which is perfect if I wear it for work because being in communications is definitely not a 9-5 job where you sit behind a desk all day.

My September Favorites

When I first began thinking of what to include for this post, I only had two things on my list. Then I found one more to include but still felt like it wasn't enough. Two things didn't feel like enough content for a post, and it all related to one person, so it was kind of weird. Plus I didn't want to leave it at that. Eventually I found something else to include to diversify it a bit, which is partially why this post is happening so late into the next month. The first few weeks of October have been pretty busy, so although this installment of my monthly favorites series is still a short one, it's a great one for anyone who likes dance or performing arts or even just art in general.

Michael Dameski's routine to "Madness" by Ruelle on World of Dance

If you've seen any of my monthly favorites post from this past summer, you know I love Michael Dameski and his dancing, so it really should come as no surprise more of his dances are in the latest installment of my monthly favorites.

What I loved about this dance was that it was different and much more theatrical and dramatic than the preceding ones. The ninja concept was awesome and wasn't overplayed or too gimmicky. Dameski literally put on a show with this routine by taking advantage of everything he could, from the costume to the graphics and the video board to the lighting effects. His performance was amazing here, and I don't know what you were watching if you didn't believe he was an actual mad ninja in this dance. 

That's So Fetch: My Favorite Mean Girls Merch

Photo: Joan Marcus

"It's October 3rd."

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink."

Those are two of the most iconic lines from Tina Fey's 2004 film Mean Girls. And since today is Wednesday, October 3rd, it's the ultimate Mean Girls Day!

The movie may be 14 years old now, but its popularity has only grown since. Now with Mean Girls on Broadway, there are more ways to watch and celebrate the iconic piece of pop culture. Here are 10 of my favorite Mean Girls inspired merchandise items that will totally "make fetch happen." Click on the header for each item to buy it or learn more!

Mean Girls on Broadway cast recording vinyl

Old school things often come back as trends decades after the height of their popularity, like vinyls and record players and instant cameras. One of the coolest Mean Girls Broadway merchandise items is the cast recording on vinyl. Not only is it retro, but it looks fabulous because the vinyl itself is pink! I would definitely buy a record player just so I could get this vinyl and listen to it.