Friday Fancies: Date Night

Who doesn't love a good date? I was so excited when {av} wanted date night to be this week's theme. This would be for a fancier date, but I love that with a drop of a hat, you can change the look for a more casual vibe. Jackets are fantastic aren't they? I'm still smitten with this color and I love those nude shoes!! I would want the special guy to surprise me with something fancyish but still low keyish enough to have a romantic feel! What's your perfect date night? What's the best date you've ever been on? Spill!

I hope you all have lovely weekends! I'm not doing too much...just graduating! I'm so excited for that on Sunday so for now I'll just be relaxing, blogging, throw a run or two in there and eat some ice cream. Ice cream sounds good! What are you up to this weekend?

Whatever it is make it a good one and check out the rest of the fancies over at Long Distance Loving!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: the future is exciting!

Source: habituallychic.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Yes, I'm very cliché but I just thought the topic was appropriate for me, especially since I graduate on Sunday (still hasn't set in yet).

But here's the deal: I don't think it matters where you are in life right now. Whether you're finishing school, starting a new job, quitting a job you hate, starting a new relationship, unfortunately ending an old relationship, in a new home, meeting new people, what have you (and trust me I could probably go on forever!), the future is exciting. I'm extremely excited for it and I don't even know what it's throwing my way yet! Part of the reason why people get scared is they think that horrible things are going to happen and they are not going to know how to react, which makes in turn the good things not as good because they're solely focused on those scary, what if, bad things that might occur. There are two choices: you can go that route and probably be just a nervous wreck, or you can turn around, with your head held high, and just float along embracing each new day.

Maybe I'm having lots of early 20s optimism, but I'm finding that so many people are scared for the unknown, the future. Rather than be scared, I think that embracing it, having faith, and going with your gut instincts makes the future that much more exciting.

So wherever you are in your career, your relationships, your personal life, your family life: relax. The future's going to be just fine!

(also maybe why I'm so excited about the future is the future of my room is looking great! haha, I know what a transition! Clean closets can really boost your mood!)

Happy Thursday ladies!

~Susan

"I'm Cleaning out my closet!"

(remember when that was a song? Way back when? Ok yes moving on!)


Yes, it's that time that I've been both dreading and looking forward to: cleaning my closet. Seriously it's been such a long battle. Thankfully, a few weeks ago, the lovely Liz from Sequins and Stripes gave advice on how to organize her closet, so I might take her advice. Though, while we're on the subject of closets, I love looking at these gorgeous walk ins. Do you know anyone who has a big walk in? I'd die. (if I have courage I might show before and afers. But right now, the shame is too high!)

S

Source: tinyurl.ms via Kelly on Pinterest

My closet looks nothing like this. It does need some TLC though, like cute new knobs and purging of items that are pretty old. I quite like the second and third! What would your dream closet look like?

How do you organize your closet now? Any tips? Seriously I'm looking for a new system that will work. So, please, help!

~Susan

Weekend Highlight: just fun

Happy Monday ladies! Thank you so much for all your fantastic wishes from Friday. They honestly meant so much and I cannot wait to start this next chapter, you guys are the sweetest!

I had an absolutely fantastic weekend bringing one of my best friends up to Chicago and having just a wonderful time. She's never had Sprinkles before, so she had to experience that:

How could you not love it? I had milk chocolate she had s'more. They were both delicious, needless to say. We ended up having drinks and appetizers at Cheesecake Factory with one of Rachel's friends who lives in Chicago too and we had a great time. Sunday we met up with more friends to go see Evgeny Kissin give an unbelievable concert at Symphony Center. It was literally fantastic and so worth it!

We truly had a wonderful weekend and I'm so happy that I have such a great friend as Rachel to share in all of these fun experiences.

What were you up to this weekend?

~Susan

Friday Fancies: Picnic in the Park

Since I was little, I've always loved a good picnic. We used to have them in the park that our yard backed up to and I have some of the fondest memories from those picnics. Now, when I think of a picnic, I have more romantic thoughts in mind (that's not bad right?). I think this linen dress is light and perfect for when it gets a bit warmer. I love these striped blazers and I like nude wedges with those gorgeous Kate Spade bangles. Is it just me or has Kate Spade gotten amazing in the past year? They've really done a beautiful job with all of their creations! I'd stuff everything in my L.L.Bean bag, because those things can hold everything. I love a good picnic! Hopefully I'll get in a few good ones when I venture out to Ravinia this summer! (outdoor music festival in the Chicago area. If you've never been, make it a goal to go this year!)

On another note, I am officially done with school!! (I'm trying to keep cool and collected...not happening! Also, that's why I was MIA all week. Papers and presentations got the better of me). So now that I'm done, I'm officially jobless, but that means the search is just beginning and I know that I can make my dreams realities. My friends, family and sites like The Everygirl and Makeunder My Life keep me going. I know that I will find the right fit for me, whenever and wherever that is. I'm willing to put in all of the hard work to make it happen, and I'll keep you all updated when I do find one. I'm really excited to start this next chapter in my life, really, really excited!

As for now, I'll be enjoying the weekend, sharing Chicago with a few friends. We're going to the CSO on Sunday to see Kissen play the piano, which will be amazing and I'm going to show them all of the amazing little bits and pieces that makes Chicago so great. What are you up to this weekend?

Whatever it is, have a happy one! and check out the other gorgeous fancies over at Long Distance Loving!

~Susan

Sweet Sixteen on the 17th

Happy Birthday to my hilarious other half, my littlest sister Mary. It's her SWEET SIXTEEN!

That's her, the big smile in the middle. And isn't she just the biggest fashionista? She has me beat just about every single day of the week. She spent her day actually over the weekend with her two best friends pictured above watching a marathon of Downton Abbey. Classiest 16 year old ever.

I'm so blessed to have had Mar for sixteen years of my life. She has filled our family with so many laughs, smiles and have I mentioned laughs? I'm so proud of everything she is; gorgeous, compassionate, hysterical, unbelievably smart, (a little too)witty, my running partner in crime and she deserves nothing but the best for the next 16. I love you Mary! Happy Birthday!

and just for laughs I'll show you how she adds to our family dynamic...

*keeps smiling while the rest of us are in shambles...
(also I want my CO tan back. That was marvelous!)

Weekend Highlight: lay low

Happy Monday friends! I have to say that I had a very interesting weekend. I heard one of the most beautiful orchestra concerts. When you combine Copland, Barber and Holst all in one concert, good things happen let me tell you! (yes, this is my music obsessed nature coming out, hope you don't mind!). Also, because of an injury I had suffered that had kind of severe consequences (I'm fine now, thank goodness!), I spent a lot of time in my bed watching TV. And eating this:

This was a delicious, delicious calzone. BBQ chicken to be exact. Sometimes you just need one of those comfort nights with hot foot, good friends, and lots of TV (we finished Pan Am and, more importantly, I finished Downton Abbey Season 2. OMG! Wow wow wow. Season 3 needs to come right now!).

On top of that, my friend played a gorgeous piano recital. It was an eventful weekend to say the least, but I am so blessed and thankful that I have friends and family like I do to help me through weekends like this. I can't ever thank them enough for everything they do for me.

Here's to starting this week off on the right foot! (or for me my left foot!)

~Susan

Friday's Fancies: Pastel Perfection!

I have to say I don't have very many pastels. But they've been so in this season, so I couldn't help but try my hand at {av}'s theme! When I stumbled upon this mint green skirt, I loved the slight ruffle and I wanted to put it with a bolder coral (I love this combo together!) and add a sleek blazer to top it off. I just snagged that nail polish color this week and am hoping to try it out this weekend, it looks fabulous! Keeping everything else in neutral is what I would think would be best and it's perfect for this spring like weather we're having. I'll take the whole thing please!

This weekend I'm busily preparing for presentations, papers and exams which will be done next week. I get to see an orchestra concert and one of my best friends is giving a recital so it should be another busy, but fun weekend. What are you all up to?

Have wonderful weekends! I can't wait to catch up on my blog reading in my free time this weekend (and trust me, I want to make time!)

Make sure to check out the rest of the pastel perfect fancies on Long Distance Loving!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: you can be good

Source: observando.net via Susan on Pinterest

I swear, sometimes my Pinterest and I must share the same brain, because literally when I stumbled across this pin, I couldn't believe the irony of it.

My mom and I were just talking about this topic the other night and I couldn't help but pass it on to all of the other perfectionists out there.

Now, I would never consider myself a perfectionist. I'm not a neat freak, and I don't always strive to beat my best mile time, but this year, I have held my expectations for myself way higher than I ever have in my life. Expectations that are almost unattainable. I don't know why this is either. (Now I think it's good to have high expectations, but not higher than what is humanly possible for you)

I've been comparing myself to others, also not a "me" trait, but for some reason I just have. I feel the need to compete with the level that they are at, or achieve just as much as they have. I've spent the last nine months worrying about achieving these standards for myself that are just too darn high, and after chatting with my mom, and other important people in my life, I've realized that you don't have to perfect (I know, what a shocker!).

This is probably one of the most cliché messages ever, so I'm sorry if you're disappointed reading this today. But I think that just being good makes being perfect look bad. There's something sweet about being good and I've definitely lost sight of that. So here's to just being plain good! I think people notice that goodness more, and that just kicks perfection to the back of the line.

Don't be like me ladies. Be good! (or great, great works too. Do you think Steinbeck would mind if I changed the quote? Just kidding!)

Happy Thursday!

~Susan

I'm totally down with more Downton!

Recently, as in over the weekend recently, I became addicted to the show Downton Abbey. Do any of you guys watch it? It describes the tails of a Lord and his family, and all of their servants, at their huge place of residence, Downton Abbey. It takes place in Edwardian England, right before and during WWI. I honestly just can't get enough! It's been on for a few years and I don't know why it has taken me this long to jump on the wagon, but I'm so down with Downton!

The plot is so addicting and I'm absolutely in love with the clothes. Seriously, can we just have one day where we go back in time and can wear whatever we want from a certain era? Because I would definitely sport a few of these "frocks," as they refer to them on the show:

Source: vixenvintage.blogspot.com via Isis on Pinterest

Source: clickztrax.com via Bob on Pinterest

Source: pinterest.net-pin.info via Vernetta on Pinterest

Source: helixzone.info via darlena on Pinterest

Source: squidoo.com via frogcreekwoods on Pinterest

Source: uliweber.blogspot.com via Isis on Pinterest

Ok, so I'm kind of obsessed with Lady Mary's clothes. And don't they look fabulous when they're shooting for Vogue? Ahh!
Also, I'm totally keen on some of the guys. I mean, come on. How could you not be?

Source: bit.ly via Philomena on Pinterest

I could go on and on all day, but I'll spare you all and let you find out for yourselves. So who watches it? I'm already on Season 2 and it's my little break for keeping me sane!

What's the tv show that does that for you?

 Happy Tuesday!

 ~Susan

Weekend Highlight: sweetness

This weekend was just all around pretty sweet! My beautiful friend put on a gorgeous recital, Ellen, Cody, his friend and I went out on Friday night, and I was so dead tired!

We spent Saturday visiting Ellen hard at work at J.Crew (can I still say I'm insanely jealous of her employee discount?!) and I enjoyed my first episode of Downton Abbey (ok, more about that later this week, because I'm obsessed!)

We had a lovely Easter Sunday! I love indulging in a few too many sweet treats! My gran made a delicious lemon meringue pie and we all sat around and were hooked with the Masters! Before I left she made sure to gift me a little bit of sweetness for the week (or two weeks if I can. We'll see how much self-control I have!). I have to say, I love a bit of Easter leftovers! And I love all of these pastel colors! They're so gorgeous!

Hoe you all had lovely Easter/Passover holidays! How'd you spend yours?

Here's to a great week ahead!

~Susan

Friday Fancies: Flower Power

floral by susanhager featuring 18k earrings

I don't normally do a lot of florals, but this print is very classic and could easily be dressed up or down. When {av} proposed this theme, I wanted a more dressy look, but still casual enough to pull off at a moment's notice. This does it, all the way from the nude heels and the quick switch of either the sweater or the jacket. I'd go for either! I'd top it off with the perfect shopper tote and pretty mint and gold jewelry. Not too shabby if I do say so myself!

I'm headed home to see my family for Easter. I hope you all have lovely holidays however you choose to spend them. It should be a great weekend! I'm looking forward to good food, good family, and a wonderful Master's tournament, as is tradition in our family. Happy Easter!

Don't forget to check out the other fancies at Long Distance Loving!

 ~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: make yourself Shine!

Source: tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest

So this is something that we always forget about this time of year. We start well at the beginning of the year and then we let ourselves go, in more areas than one. It's not just our physical well being, but our mental and social as well. We get caught up in the daily grind, and sometimes lose sight of us.

Let's not let this happen! This is our time to shine, whether it's with your job, your family, your biggest challenge, your exercise, your school work, your colleagues, your friends.

Make yourself Shine.

It's worth it when we let ourselves have the opportunity. Do whatever you can to make yourself shine You'll feel better, and not in a self-centered way, but a self-fulfilled way.

Give them a smile and show them what you're made of! (I did yesterday, unintentionally, and I have to say, people noticed!)

Happy Thursday!

~Susan

Lovely Lips

So a few weeks ago, I recently was given a pretty tube of lipstick from my mother. It was gorgeous and when we were out, she treated me to it. Now mind you, I haven't had lipstick in awhile, and at first I was a bit nervous to take the plunge.. (Let's say last time I looked like a clown! It was bad, let's not go there).

So I was given this beautiful tube! It's Terry Flirty Rosy, a splurge gift given to me by my mother. I love it and when used lightly, it's perfect for my skin tone and face structure. It's very neutral, but it gives me a little something more. I have to say, I've been loving that lipstick has been making a comeback. I always think it's so classy, mainly because when I think of gorgeous lips, I think of my grandma who always sports Mac Vegas Volt and rocks it every day! If I had to get another tube, I'd go for another subtle shade, or a fun coral or light pink. Here's what I'd go for, especially those cheap, budget friendly options on the top row!

lips I love by susanhager featuring a lip makeup

What colors do you gravitate towards? Are you bold or neutral? Gloss or stick? What do you guys think?

 ~Susan

Only better with Age

Happy Birthday to my Grandpa, Phil, who turns 85 today!

Wow, 85, I've finally discovered today that that's a big number.

My grandpa is so incredibly special to me. He always gives me the best advice. He taught me how to play tennis, how to take a spelling test, map our way around our first trip to Marshal Field's, find the perfect milkshake, have too much fun, spend lots of time outside, be a little reserved, appreciate different genres of classical music, watch sports all day long on TV, and to use correct grammar. He's always been my motivator, one of my biggest fans. He has faith in me when I don't have faith in myself. I love him so much and I wish that he has another great year and gains strength back to be able to move around better.

He's had 85 incredible years and I know that he's bound to have some great years ahead too!

Isn't it funny sometimes how you never think of someone as that old and then it just hits you! Have you ever experienced that? I do think though that, in ways, he's gotten better with age (actually I believe several family members of mine have!). He's wiser, hilarious, humble, and so incredibly sweet!  Although the past year has been a difficult one, I know that he can push hard to make this next one even better!

Though I can't be there to celebrate with him, I wish him the best year yet!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

 ~Susan

Weekend Highlight(s)

Happy Monday friends! I have to say this was quite a wonderful weekend! It was so insanely busy, but I had so much fun! My friend married her best friend, and I'm so happy I was able to see it. The ceremony and the reception were just so beautiful. And so was my friend the bride!

Yes, my dress is almost too similar in color to hers! I felt awful, (I knew I should've worn black!) but no one said anything, so I guess I'm ok right? I forgot she said it was off white...

But she was gorgeous, and my friends and I had a wonderful time! The table was beautiful (flowers in Mason jars and coffee beans to take with), toasts with Pellegrino, and one of the best dances to Loveshack I've had in a while!

Also this weekend, I spent time in the sun. It was 85 here yesterday! Yes, it was! I spent time with these lovely ladies below. My friend Kelsey, who is the recent baldy in the picture, shaved her head and gave all of her gorgeous locks to the St. Baldrick's foundation that helps cure kids' cancer. She and five other ladies I knew gave of their hair for the better of kids. These ladies are some of the strongest and bravest I know, and each of them look oh so beautiful.

I also snapped a few pictures of the flowers in my neighborhood. I couldn't resist!

And as if you haven't read enough from me, I'll share a funny story. For months, I thought my camera was broken, so I haven't been using it. It would take pictures but you couldn't see what you were taking a picture of. I was so upset a few months ago when I discovered it. Flash forward four months: my friend Ella at the wedding was going to take a picture and I said it was on the verge of death. Low and behold, she pushes the display button and what comes back to life? My camera! Works perfectly!! Sometimes pushing the wrong button is all it takes! I can't thank her enough :) So don't give up on your technology the minute it goes haywire!

What did you do this weekend? I hope whatever you did you had a wonderful one!

 ~Susan