Last week's color-blocked dress aside, I'm noticing a bit of a trend in my style lately - apparently I'm just really into matchy separates. They're comfortable and easy to wear, and I feel polished without putting a ton of effort into worrying about what goes with what.

I'm wearing a corset with this look - the Orchard Corset CS-426 in mesh, which is a longline underbust style. I have a tendency to think that if something zips up, it fits, so there are a few items in my closet that are a bit too small for me to wear easily, including this skirt. The corset does an amazing job cinching things in and smoothing them out, though, and it's surprisingly comfortable. I spent a few hours over the course of a week wearing it around to house to break it in before wearing it for this shoot. I was worried that I'd have to take it off at some point in the day (I also went to a vintage fair after taking photographs), but even after 8 hours in it I was fine. I don't know if I'm going to become someone who wears them everyday, but they're quite nice for a special occasion when you want to feel extra curvy.

I've been trying to find new places to take photos, and the historic Chicago Water Tower on Michigan Avenue seemed like a natural fit. It was built in 1869, and was one of the few structures in the area to survive the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It's now home to an art gallery.
I normally like to give myself a wider variety of shots to choose from, but I was so. freaking. cold. I'd put my coat on to warm up, but I was bare legged and didn't bring my gloves - I'm terrible at following my own advice about dressing for the weather!

Of course, I think the best part of the day had to have been shopping afterwards! The Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Fair attracts sellers from all over the country. I went with a friend from work, and it was quite fun being her expert - yes, that's a good price on on that hat; no, don't buy that dress because it's subtly falling apart. I was trying to stick to a budget, and while I went a little over, I picked up a couple of great pieces of jewelry and the most amazing little 1930s jacket, all of which I'm sure will be appearing here soon!

Sweater, Pencil Skirt, Brooch: Knee Deep Vintage
Scarf: Thrifted
Shoes: Kate Spade
Belt: Amazon