My Favorite Under $30 Little Black Dress & Some Weekend Updates

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Today, I wanted to talk to you guys about my best recent purchase, my favorite under $30 little black dress. But first, a little about the weekend.

On Friday, I dropped by a Refinery 29 + Rimmel event for a little bit. It was very crowded, so I didn’t stay long. After I got home, Chris and I finished watching the last season of New Girl. (We first started watching 6 years ago! It always feels kind of weird when a show you’ve been watching forever is over.)

Then, on Saturday morning, we went to Orange Theory for the first time. I have to say, I had really high expectations after hearing several bloggers rave about  the classes (as well as my friend Maya), but I was not really a fan. Even though we showed up early so the instructor could walk as through what we needed to know, I felt kind of lost during the class (although maybe that’s just me). Chris was also given a broken heart rate monitor. While he was still able to follow along, he could never see which zone he was in.  Personally, I feel like that’s one of the distinguishing factors of Orange Theory – pushing yourself to be in the orange and red zones, so it was a bummer that it didn’t work.

Additionally, I wonder if they didn’t calculate my zones correctly. The orange zone is supposed to feel uncomfortable, and the red zones constitutes “all out effort” – you’re supposed to only be in red zone for a few minutes. But I was pretty much in the orange and red zones the entire class, without feeling like I was working out very hard. Like the red zone felt less strenuous than yoga! Anyways, I thought it was kind of misleading, and I’m on the fence about whether I want to go back for one more attempt. I’d love to hear you guys’ thoughts if you’ve been to Orange Theory.

After class, we walked by our new construction condo to check on its progress, and tried to go Chicago Waffles, a brunch spot in the West Loop. But they closed earlier than we thought. It was during the awkward period when a lot of restaurants are closed before reopening for dinner, so we went to Nando’s Peri-Peri, which was open.

Later that evening, some of my girlfriends and I were texting. Our friend Michaela told us that she went to an outdoor bar to order a glass of wine and read her book, and she got hit on more than ever, despite the fact that she was wearing her wedding ring!

I find that both semi-interesting and semi-offensive. On one hand, maybe that’s a good way for single gals to meet someone and bond over a book? On the other hand, why can’t a girl sit by herself and enjoy reading without a guy thinking that she must be lonely and want to be talked to? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts! Anyways, after some discussion, Michaela, Kara, and I realized we were all free (and Chris and Kara’s husband) and we made impromptu plans for dinner at Maude’s Liquor Bar and drinks at BLVD. It was my first time at BLVD – the space is STUNNING, even the bathroom!

On Sunday, I had to do some work, but we also went to the new West Loop location for Ramen-San, which is probably my favorite place to get ramen. The staff at the River North location recognizes me, I go so often, haha! If you go, you have to order the kimchi fried chicken ramen. I know the combo sounds a little strange but it is the BEST. I’ve dragged so many people there and made them try it, and they all have loved it.

Little Black Dress

Ok, now on to my favorite under $30 little black dress! I only ordered it a few weeks ago, but I’ve worn it 5+ times. My favorite things about it:

1. The price! It’s currently $29.40! You can’t beat that.
2. The cut – It’s very flattering without being tight. Perfect for dinner dates where you want to eat!
3. The fabric – It doesn’t really wrinkle! (You might see a couple wrinkles in these photos because it was literally crumpled in a ball on the floor of my bedroom before I threw it on). I’ve washed it/put it in the dryer twice so far. It also doesn’t catch lint.
4. The versatility – I first wore this on the plane to Arizona with flip flops and an ombre gray silk scarf. It was very comfortable for the 4 hour flight! And I looked put together when I landed despite the fact I wasn’t wearing any makeup. (I did swipe on some bold lipstick after touching down). I also wore this to work with a cardigan (a blazer would also work). And I wore this to dinner/drinks over the weekend! If you have a party or night time event, wear this dress with heels and some statement jewelry. It looks great paired with a leather jacket as well! It’s also the perfect option for when you don’t know what else to wear. A couple of times, I was at home wearing PJs or a robe, and I just put this dress on with sandals or flats to run errands. This fall/winter, I can also wear this dress with leggings, a sweater, and boots.
5. The colors/patterns – If for whatever reason you don’t want to get this dress in black, it comes in a million other solid colors and patterns. I also bought this dress in a mint green with a floral design.

Check out some more black dresses below!

 

Have a great day!