Quick Change Artist

I've lived in my neighborhood for about four years (minus the short time I spent in Philly) and it has changed so quickly. It seems like it's accelerating. Truth be told, I think I'm about to get priced out — I found out my landlord is selling my building. I can't blame him, though, because property in Logan Square (and many neighborhoods in Chicago) have gone up hugely in the past couple years.

For example, this corner building has been vacant for as long as I can remember. It was ugly and drab, and then one day on my way home I saw workers painting it and gutting the inside. Someone had bought the building and was converting it — rehabbed apartments on the top level and a property management company below. It's strange to see a business on my street considering that I live in a residential area, but I suppose it makes sense that people are taking the locations as they can get them. It is a pleasant change to see something that's not a bar in Logan Square. I've loved this area of Chicago in my time here, but I'm frankly sick of the weekend crowds it brings now-a-days. People come over here to party. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I'd much rather prefer boutiques and restaurants to nightlife as of late. If I do have to move out of my apartment (I'm crossing my fingers because I love my space!), I don't know what area I'd venture to. Maybe Andersonville or somewhere up north? That's a bridge to hypothetically cross later on.

I'm back to black. I love all black. It's so simple and clean. I previewed these sandals in a post last week and did hint that I would share more info on them. They're really not quite what they seem!

Alterre was kind enough to send me these — I had my heart set on the Mule style, but they provided me with the Lift. What is so fun is that you can change the straps. Yup.

I was wearing the black in the photos above, but with the simple change of a little leather-punch whole, I can get a totally different look! It's really easy and the shoes are made solid. These are great casual sandals for on-the-go.

What's even more fun is that they have a lot of different styles and hopefully will be releasing more. I would love to see some polka dots or leopard print straps come into the mix! There are about a million ways they could go with this, so I'm excited to see what they do next. Check out their website for all current styles!

Babydoll tank, UO Surplus (similar)
Studded Necklace, gift (similar)
Paisley Shorts, Forever 21 (similar)
Lift Sandal, c/o Alterre

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