Lindsay, Susan and Sari (three of our wonderful buyers) went vintage shoe shopping with Ty from Jeffrey Campbell during their recent buying trip to Berlin.

And in case you missed it Friday, the story even made it to JC’s blog!

Here’s how it went down: “Ty caught wind of an epic vintage shoe store in the same area where we’d seen a few great vintage stores (read Lindsay’s post about the other stores here), so we woke up early one morning and headed over!” Lindsay told me. “The experience itself was worth more than its weight in heels (and that means a lot coming from me).”

Inside the vintage shoe store Calypso

Sari told me about what they found in that lovely shop: “We picked out some amazing and unique vintage styles. My favorite was a pair of 1960s-style pointed toe oxfords. Another stand-out was a pair of thigh-high black leather boots that buckled at the waist (think chaps meet boot) that Ty picked out!”

I also asked Lindsay to tell me more about Ty and Jeffrey.  “I’m not sure where to start. Have they been canonized yet?” she responded.

Oh, how we love the guys of Jeffrey Campbell! And…for those of you who just can’t get enough of JC, we’re going to be posting my interview with Jeffrey tomorrow!

Liz & I both showed up to work on Friday wearing a freshly restocked ModCloth favorite: the Sidecar Tour Dress! We each styled it in our own unique way, and we just couldn’t resist taking a picture together. Is this dress part of your wardrobe too (or will it be soon)? How do you wear it?

(Image above: Writing is Awesome! taken from Blog.ModernMechanix.com)

Last week, I attended the AWP writer’s conference in Chicago. Not only did I get to see some amazing lecture and readings, but I also went to fantastic restaurants and saw some Chicago sights! Thanks to you all for suggesting cool places to visit…I wish I had more time to try them all!

Read all about my trip here…

(Images above clockwise from top left: Me at the Bookfair, Chicago Diner, Artist’s Cafe, Valentine’s Day Heart at Grant Park)

Thursday, we decided to start things off right with a breakfast burrito at Angela’s Burrito Style in Lincoln Park. Although we were the only ones there for breakfast, we were assured that the lunch crowd gets intense, and with the amount of chilies they were grilling, I believed them! The featured item? Chilaquiles Ultimate Hangover Cure – refried beans (vegetarian), fried eggs, pico de gallo, rice, sour cream and gauc resting on a bed of crisp corn tortillas, smothered in cheese. Wow.

After our burritos (honestly, the best I have ever had), we got a coffee at Lincoln Perk and headed to the conference. I had planned to see a few panel discussions, but got completely consumed by the Bookfair – over 800 book sellers, journals, and independent and university presses all in one place. It was overwhelming, but I got to talk with some really interesting people from all over the country. A few of my favorites include Bat City Review from Austin, TX and Fringe Magazine, whose editor is a fashionista with a very distinct look – think Janeane Garofalo in Reality Bites with shocking red lipstick! I ended the day with a tote full of books, no cash, and tons of bumperstickers, pins and bookmarks. It was great.

Friday, I spent the day in panels covering topics like ‘promoting your work’ and ‘the duty of writers.’ I heard a few poets who I’m now obsessed with – Jeff McDaniel, Josh Bell, and Nancy Krygowski top the list. I had lunch with Pittsburgh poet Michelle Stoner at The Artist’s Cafe, went to more readings, and ended the evening at a Mucca Pazza show. For those of you unfamiliar, Mucca Pazza call themselves a ‘circus punk marching band,’ and they do not disappoint. It was like a high school pep rally on steroids – funky cheerleaders doing back flips, tuba players running through the crowd, and a full drumline! It made me sad I stopped playing the clarinet.

Saturday was Valentine’s Day, so I met my hubbie for brunch at the Chicago Diner in Boys Town. I’ve never had a better Bloody Mary or seitan Ruban sandwich! Later that afternoon, I meandered through a snow sculpture exhibit in Grant Park, and I got to hear my favorite poet, D.A. Powell, read. Dinner was at the quaint Bourgeois Pig, a European-style bistro in Lincoln Park. We tried to get into Second City for some comedy, but is was sold out, so we tried another comedy troupe called Chemically Imbalanced Comedy. Avant garde, quirky, creative improv in an intimate space – the perfect end to a great V-day!

We hit the road Sunday morning, vowing to visit the Windy City again soon…when it’s a bit warmer!

Dana waits patiently for a touch-up. Honestly, she doesn’t need make-up at all! I know, it’s not fair.

We use Polyvore to plan each outfit. On the day of the photoshoot, we print out each set and tape it on the wall. This keeps everyone super organized! (Tip: this is also a great way to stay organized while traveling.)

Of course, no ModCloth event is complete without a dog (or two, or three…).  Danielle’s jack russell terrier Rad was around to provide non-stop amusement. I learned two things about Rad: he REALLY likes balloons… almost as much as he likes Winston.

Don’t forget to check out the finished product right here, and let me know what you think!