Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I have decided what my next project is... Can you guess?

Every day I see our cheap $5 full-length mirror leaning up against the wall, sitting on an upside down hamper for height. True story. This comes after not having a full length mirror in our apartment for the first two years we lived in Chicago.  IT IS TIME! Obviously all the tall, wood, leaning floor mirrors I love and of course would work perfectly in our home :) are WAY out of the price range. 

This West Elm Parson's mirror is gorgeous and $499.

Now originally I had planned to DIY that little cheap-o mirror. Not anymore. I figure, the mirror really isn't that great and wouldn't make me as happy with the end result, especially as a longer term item I am hoping it could be.  I would spend money on the wood supplies and such, all that work putting it together, and use a crummy mirror. Doesn't make sense right? So I am looking to possibly buy the IKEA STAVE mirror, not necessarily cheap at $50, that would upgrade the entire product without breaking the bank.  As for the process, I am looking to mix a bit of Swoon Style and Home with Bower Power Blog. I like the idea of using pine wood that has the grooves for the glass to fit but for a more substantial heft and support I also like the idea of having a thin plywood backing.

Bad note: we live in an apartment in Chicago and don't tend to do many woodworking projects- we have no power tools! I was thinking I might try to have them cut it where I decide to buy the wood, but I would rather be able to do it at home while putting it together so I could make appropriate adjustments as I go. 

What is a girl to do? I just might ask my father-in-law how realistic it is for him to bring it with them when they come up for Thanksgiving... 

So in the meantime... time to gather supplies! Looking forward to this weekend- little material shopping and relaxation coming up! Oh- and some Hunger Games!! SO EXCITED!

xo Jess xo

Baby It's Cold Outside..

If this winter, is anything like last winter... we are looking at another polar vortex here in Chicago. This year I am finally investing in winter essentials. (I bet my mother is saying "I told you so".. I have always hated to coat up or anything in the winter.)

So far in my winter essential stock up:

I splurged on a Northface stocking cap with built in ear-warmer (I bought it in the light grey version! so cute!)

I have asked for some good all-weather winter boots by Sorel for Christmas. It was between these and L.L. Beans or J.Crew's... but these Sorel boots just had such good reviews for holding up and comfort that I decided to go that route.  I keep flip flopping though. Such a tough choice...


And Macy's is having a large 3-day sale right now, including coats, in addition to already marked down prices. Definitely worth a look!!!! I had been looking at black, long, puffer coats for a year now and this coat checks off the boxes.  It will be on it's way to me soon! :)
 

Gloves... I tend to just find a pair I like and stick with them until I lose them... nothing too fancy on that end.
Boot Socks... I have bad luck with my socks getting holes in the toes. So far, I haven't found my favorites. J. Crew's Boot socks are good, but I could still go for thicker. I'll be on the hunt this year.
Scarves.. again, nothing fancy. I likes it, I gets it. haha



While in searching for coats, I came across something I didn't know. Forever 21 has some cute and affordable coats (around $50-$60)!  I can't verify the quality as I haven't bought one or anything, but I am loving some of these coats and wouldn't mind adding them to my closet once I have my essentials.... for instance:
      


Anyone else trying to get winterized? And maybe trying to jazz up the look in order to be ok with already having to bundle up?

xo Jess xo