A Festive Feast

Get your stretchy pants ready! Tomorrow is the big feast. I'm looking forward to my old standbys, and also trying some new twists on the classics. I'll be signing off for the weekend to hang with family (and hit up some sales!).

Also this weekend ...
• I'll be making my spiced pumpkin bread – it's so easy, and always a hit!

• Shopbop is having a spend more, save more sale ... how perfect is this for hiding that post-meal food baby tomorrow!

• Sure there's Black Friday, but don't forget about Small Business Saturday. Support local businesses and get started on that holiday shopping. Some of my faves? Eskell for jewelry and unique clothing, Merz Apothecary for amazing bath products, and Stitch has by far the best hostess gifts. 

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have A Warm Weekend!

Happy weekend everyone! I hope you've all licked your wounds after the slaughter that was Isabel Marant X H&M (did you score? I was a big zero, oh well). It's supposed to be a cool and rainy weekend, so I'm playing hostess and having friends over for dinner one night, and family the other (it's just so much easier when people come to you!). 

Also this weekend ...

• The Atwood Cafe is starting their holiday tea service this weekend. Nothing is better than teeny tiny sandwiches and cookies ... except maybe the tea and champagne.

• Speaking of holidays, The Golden Triangle (the posh and pretty home store downtown) is holding their holiday market, complete with an opening day discount of 20%. I may have to hit this up ... I won't – er – can't stop with the home makeover

• While you're out and about shopping Saturday, swing over to to Wicker Park/Bucktown for ChillFest. 100 bands will be performing at "venues" like Antique Taco, Alliance Bakery, Penelope's and more ... how chill is that?!

Have a super weekend!

Photo from Pinterest

Natural History, Naturally Beautiful

While we're all busy leading our lives, it's easy to take for granted all of the grand sights in our very own city. People come from all over to see Chicago's museums, so having not been in many years, we headed down to the Field Museum this past weekend. While we went for the 1893 World's Fair special exhibit, I ended up being more enamored with the old building itself ...   

Cable Gal

I don't know about you, but I've been living in my cozy sweaters this week! And nothing seems to be warmer than a thick cable knit. I love how in addition to being the perfect fall layer, these have the look of a well-loved hand-me-down. Below are few to warm up your wardrobe ...

Clockwise from top:  J.Crew  //  BB Dakota  //  Barbour  //  Club Monaco  //  Zara  //  Urban Outfitters  //  ASOS

Cozy/Cool/Classic

Without fail, Coach releases an array of lovely pieces with every new collection. With luxe leather and golden touches, this season is no exception. What an amazing addition any of these pieces would make to fall ensembles ...   

Clockwise from top:  cable knit sweater  //  wool and leather coat  //  leather trousers  //  jaguar print cape  //  plaid tunic dress  //  polished mini borough bag  //  gold and black heel

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Happy weekend! Sporting any fun costumes this weekend for Halloween? Last year I was Karl Lagerfeld, and Coco Chanel the year before that, so I suppose it's only right I continue my fashion-related get ups ... maybe Anna or the eternally stylish Iris Apfel.

Also this weekend ...

• Before the winter weather really hits, hit up the Randolph Street Market, and maybe even score some last minute halloween accessories for your fashionable costume.

• I've always wanted to take the Haunted Chicago bus tour, which visits a number of sites around town (and unnervingly passes by my building all the time, hmmm). What better time that halloween?!

• I love Longman & Eagle for their warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in this chilly weather. This Sunday they are having a pumpkin carving party, complete with hot cider, s'mores, whiskey ... oh my! 

Have a spooky weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Pretty and Petite

The other day I posted some of the pretty scenes from the Palace of Versailles – and as gorg as it was, my heart swelled when we visited one of the smaller residences on the grounds ... Petit Trianon. Marie-Antoinette would retreat here, trading in the incredibly ornate palace for the much more simple, but no less beautiful, Petit Trianon, a little over a mile down the most lovely tree-lined road. With a lot less gold and more stunning stone work and white washes, this place made me instantly rethink my entire home decor ... 

Fall at Your Fingertips

I typically wear nude nail polish year round, but when autumn hits, I can't resist the deep, romantic shades. Below are a couple colors that really fit the fall bill ... plus my good ol' pales polishes that are always in season.

Mad for Plaid

It just got chilly here in Chicago, which means we're in full-blown fall fashion mode. I'm loving the plaid pieces that are everywhere right now – it's the perfect way to incorporate color this season. Below are some great finds that will continue to add color well into winter ...

From Top: 
Zara Jacket  //  Plaid Scarf
Satchel  //  Plaid Sleeve Sweatshirt
Sheer Blouse  //  Pencil Skirt
Tunic Top  //  Plaid Sweater
  

Have a Lovely Weekend!

The weekend is here! Maybe not as lovely as last weekend's sunny warm weather, but a nice break nonetheless. If the drizzle has you staying in, just hit up one of the many online sales - save 25% all Shopbop orders, 15% off Loeffler Randall (with code LRXCATBIRD) and score extra savings on sale items at Madewell, J.Crew, and Mikkat Market. Or make a big pot of warm soup for the chilly weekend - after my couple weeks in France, I couldn't wait to try my hand at this French Onion Soup recipe (which turned out pretty tasty!)

Also this weekend ...

• the annual Chicago Architectural Foundation's Open House is this weekend. It's a rare glimpse behind the scenes of our city's most famous (and it's less famous) architectural wonders - like the lovely Monroe building pictured above.

• One of my favorite vintage events in the city is this Saturday and Sunday. Held at Plumbers Hall in the West Loop, Modern Vintage has everything from designer duds to dollar costume jewelry.

• after returning from France with a seriously heavy suitcase full of beauty products (which I'll post about soon), I loved reading these expert secrets on French skincare.

• Perhaps one of the last festivals of the season, Shaw's Oyster Fest is taking place tonight. In addition to tasty oyster treats, they will offer other seafood snacks, beer, wine and of course, tunes.

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of Monroe Vintage

Prima Ballerina

I love those perfect autumn days when lightweight layers pair with cool weather staples – the ideal weather for the flouncy feminine ballerina skirt. The longer length is just warm enough, and paired with a sweater or cropped leather jacket, makes for one cool ladylike look.

Clockwise from top right:  red midi skirt  //  black sheer striped skirt  //  burgundy pleated skirt  //  denim aline skirt  //  pink ballerina skirt  //  embroidered leather aline skirt

photo of Jessica Alba courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Très Bien Ensemble

All of the lovely ladies overseas wear the easiest ensembles, comprised of clean classics that are comfortable, but still polished and pretty. I've been inspired and living in my new oversized white button down and slim black pants – with either ballet flats or black ankle booties depending on my plans. One of my fave things I layer on is Huile Prodigieuse – a super moisturizing oil with a subtle but heavenly scent that I picked up from the pharmacie in Paris (but also available here). I finish my look with my trench and my new navy leather tote from Printemps (an adorable similar one below) and I'm ready for my day. 

Have a Fabulous Fall Weekend!

Happy Friday! If this spectacular weather keeps up this weekend, get out and enjoy it ... cheer on the marathon runners Sunday, head to the Lincoln Park Zoo (it's perfect just as the leaves start to turn), or enjoy a drink on the Terrace at Trump Tower before it's too cold (definitely on my end of summer to do list).

Also this weekend ...

• Instead of perusing the sales online like usual, head to the Gilt City Warehouse Sale tomorrow to score the best that the fashionable site has to offer. 

• On the vintage side of things, check out designer duds when Decades sets up shop in Space 519 once again. Bonus: the chance to meet owners Christos and Cameron!

• Grab Sunday brunch at the original breakfast joint in the West Loop, Ina's. After 33 years, Ina's will be closing it's doors at the end of this year. But now you can make her delicious dishes thanks to her new recipe book. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Le Packing List

Tomorrow Steve and I jet off to France! (with a little jaunt over to Champagne country on the way to Germany, also). I've come up with a few looks to avoid overpacking (I learned my lesson the hard way last time, leaving very little room for fun new French fashions). I find the easiest thing to do is stick to one or two colors so you can get the most out of each piece. Below are my staple pieces, which can be mixed and matched to create additional monochromatic looks.

Clockwise from top:  white blouse  //  classic trench  //  skinny jeans  //  metallic ballet flats  //  crossbody bag (similar one here)


Clockwise from top right:  Chanel velvet lipstick  //  Chanel jumbo flap bag  //  black strapless tiered maxi  //  stacked heel ankle bootie  //  black leather jacket 


 Clockwise from top right:  tiger print tee  //  nude pump  //  black cigarette pants  //  black single-button blazer  //  tan cashmere wrap

Have an Awesome Autumn Weekend!

It's supposed to be in the mid 60's this weekend, aka, the perfect fall fashion weather. In addition to a leather jacket, I'm loving all of the flannel pieces out there right now. This dress above would be perfect for fun weekend activities, paired with a fun moto or ankle bootie (it's by Hatch, the awesome brand I've wrote about here). 

Also this weekend ...

• Nothing says fall like an Apple Fest! Head to Logan Square for some tasty treats including honey crisps apples (my fave), hot apple cider, and music.

• Stop by the Warby Parker pop up shop in Wicker Park. Look for the big yellow school bus parked at Division and Hoyne and check out their entire line of eyeglasses and sunglasses. The helpful chicks on board the bus can help you find the best frame for you. 

• Possibly one of the coolest spots in town, The Rebuilding Exchange, is holding their Collectors Bazaar this Saturday. Everything random you can think of, from hardware to vintage materials to props, are for sale at their Lincoln Park store.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Hatch

Falling for Zara

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... autumn fashions are now in store! Most notable, per usual, is Zara. Every season that store draws me in with their classically clean pieces. Below are just a handful of my faves ...

wool cape  \\  tie back dress  \\  moto boot  \\  chunky knit sweater


tuxedo stripe pants  \\  plaid jacket  \\  cobalt gloves  \\  leather pencil skirt

Pick your faves here.

One and Done

The goods:
• button down shirt from Gap
• short-alls from American Apparel
• nude wedges from Nine West 
• brass bangles from IGWT, Winifred Grace

I've been spotting short-alls a lot lately – mostly in denim – and wasn't sure how I felt about them. Then I remembered this black pair by American Apparel which have been hiding in my closet for years. The black makes them feel a little more sophisticated, and paired with a black shirt, they make for an interesting layered look, instead of a contrasting piece. A perfect segue into fun fall layering. 

Happy Leather-Jacket-Weather Weekend!

Fall arrived today! Time to bust out that lovely leather jacket you've been waiting to wear (I was this close to donning mine, but when temps were in the mid 90s, that's just crazy). Just about every shop has a fantastic version of the black leather biker jacket (which Kate always seems to effortlessly add to any look) – Zara has a few of my faves with this one, and this one. 

Also this weekend ...

• It's not for another week, but Christie's is auctioning art starring the super model of all super models, the amazing Kate Moss. In my book, she can do no wrong (style-speaking, that is), so I'll take any excuse to take a look back at the many looks of Kate the great. 

• I've been a fan of Jeni's Splendid ice cream for some time. It's been hard to find, but a little grocer nearby carries just a few of the incredible flavors like salty caramel, Riesling poached pear, and wildberry lavender. Now I can get any flavor, any time because Jeni's is opening a Chicago outpost on Southport! There is a preview party tonight ... with free ice cream.

• Sunday is thee day ... the 3.1 Phillip Lim X Target collab launches at 8am sharp. See you there!

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

On Top of the Trends

It's hard to stay in the summer style mind frame when all of the shop windows are full of fetching fall clothes. Of course, it's easy to get overwhelmed and wonder what fall trends are worth investing in and what you can live without. Stop by Topshop tonight to hear a few local style experts (including Kait from Hunter Style) dish on their picks for fall, and treat yourself to a little manicure and tasty beverage while you take in all of fall's finest fashions. I'm looking forward to trying on these fun Topshop finds below ...       

Clockwise from top:  the perfect biker jacket  //  chic two-toned heels  //  a perfect versatile statement necklace  //  bold animal print dress  //  seriously cool biker boot

In the Buff

The goods:
• chambray shirt from Forever21
• skirt from BCBG
• shoes from Lori's Shoes
• vintage silver chain necklace 

One of my favorite pieces is also one of the trickiest ... this nude bandage skirt. But this skin-tight number is surprisingly versatile – it works with a cropped blouse and heels, or can go cozy casual with a tunic sweater and boots. You can find a similar one here, then snag a knit piece like this (pair with black tights and ankle booties and you're set for fall!)