Have a Festive Summer Weekend!

Happy weekend! Looks like it's going to be perfect weather (again) for all your outdoor loveliness. We're taking it easy since this is the last weekend without major plans (um, pretty much for the rest of the summer!). Maybe I'll finally catch some rays and get a little color on my blindingly white legs.

Also this weekend ...

• The warm-up for Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival is this weekend. You can't go wrong with "Beck", and a friend recently introduced me to the rocking "Dum Dum Girls." We don't have tickets – and the site says sold out – but there's always a way, right?

• Festival fashion has become an institution in itself, and no one does it better than Free People. Get all your fringed frocks at Free People's Pitchfork prep parties tonight from 6-8pm – The Water Tower, Southport, and Wicker Park locations are all hosting events.   

• On the street festival side, this weekend there are a few good ones: Sheffield Garden Walk is always a fun time, Taste of River North sounds delicious, and the Chicago Craft Beer Festival has dozens of tasty brews (and a serious crowd – we went in the late afternoon last year and could barely take a sip without spilling).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Chicago Reader

Have a Fantastic Father's Day Weekend!

My how time flies! I jet off for a few days and it's already the weekend (missed you!). We're looking at a lovely weekend ahead – maybe slightly cooler – but sun and fun for sure. Don't forget it's Father's Day so grab dad and head to any of the fun fests around town ...

Also this weekend ...

• My personal fave, Taste of Randolph, is Friday through Sunday. Some of the cities best restaurants set up shop along the rue (like De Cero – I say the best taco in town – pictured above). Plus there are always great bands at this fest. 

• Another gem is the Old Town Art Fair. More great food and music, plus the lovely cultural addition of artists galleries for your viewing (and buying) pleasure.

• After a full day of music and food, chill and catch a movie at one of the cities dozens of Movies in the Park options. Catch Gravity in Pulaski park, Rookie of the Year at Oz park, or Goonies at Revere park (or one of the many more). 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of TWO restaurant

Have a Festive Weekend!

It's going to be another beautiful weekend in Chicago! I'm especially happy because my little sister gets married Saturday, so the more sun the better. I will be busy with celebrations, but there is lots to do around the city ...

Also this weekend ...

• Another weekend of summer festivals starts with Ribfest up at Lincoln and Damen. I love me some finger lickin' good ribs – mix that with good tunes and cold beers and you've got a fantastic fest.

• Head to U.S. Cellular Field for another fun fest – the Chicago Food Truck Fest. For one day, the parking lot fills with fab food on wheels (including one of my faves, Tamale Spaceship).

• Last but not least, Andersonville's Midsommarfest will take place this weekend. I love the neighborhood on any given day, but even better when the streets fill with music and munchies.  

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of TWO restaurant

Have a Super Spring Weekend!

I love when the weekend creeps up on you after a short week! It's supposed to be a gorgeous spring weekend here in Chicago, so perfect timing for festival season to start!

Also this weekend ...

• Kick this year off with Mayfest in Lincoln Square. I loved the food in Germany when Steve and I visited, so I can't wait to get myself a schnitzel and a beer.

• Maybe you're a little more fancy than a giant mug of beer – so grab a glass of wine at the Roscoe Village Wine Stroll. Taste a number of red or whites as you hop from shop to shop around the neighborhood (sounds like my kind of shopping spree). 

• Do Division is this weekend and like every good Chicago street festival, it's got sidewalk sales, live music, and all sorts of good eats and treats. 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Great Loooong Weekend!

Since Steve and I are heading out of town, I figured I'd kick off the holiday weekend early on the blog too. Since Memorial Day is the unofficial start to the summer, here's hoping we get nice enough weather to do some grilling (or at least find an patio so someone else can do the grilling while you kick back with a frosty beverage). 

Also this weekend ...

• Chicago Craft Beer Week continues through this weekend with dozens of venues offering special taps and tastings. 

• Head to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (err ... Rosemont) for their (pretty much) mall-wide sale going on this weekend. Most of the shops are still pretty pricey, but I can tell you the department stores (Bloomies outlet and Neimans) are pretty good bargain bets. 

• Now that it's finally nice out, head to The Dawson on Grand and Halsted and check out their huge patio (seriously, there are tons of tables, an outdoor bar, a fireplace with couches, all the makings of an amazing outdoor area).

Have a fantastic holiday weekend!

Bundle Up!

You know it's cold when the condensation on the inside of your windows instantly freezes – true story. So in light of the cra-zy cold here in Chicago, I have to share some of my fave cold weather defenders. Sub-zero weather may not bring out the pinnacle of fashion, but you can still have an element of style ...    

Clockwise from top:  funnel neck down coat  //  super warm trapper hat  //  the warmest (and priciest) coat  //  can't beat a chunky cashmere scarf  //  my fave coat, for length and style

Happy Snow Day!

To say it's cold out there today would be an understatement ... it's downright dangerous! Some schools and businesses are closed today, so I say hunker down and stay indoors. Put on a fire, some warm clothes and take advantage of your extended weekend with one of the following fun activities ...

• Make a big pot of chili and let it simmer until dinner. I love this recipe from Smitten Kitchen, which I always add more spice to.

• Finally take the time to perfect that pastry you've always wanted to try. I love french macarons, and they sure do take patience, but I received this for xmas which should make it a much less stressful process.

• I can never bring myself to toss my finished candles in the trash ... there's precious remnants of (expensive) wax in there! I found this tutorial for a layered candle with those leftovers (genius!).

• Why not make a little spa day out of this snow day? I like to start with a facial steam. Heat a pot of water on the stove (add a camomile teabag for a little aroma therapy), lean over the pot and drape a small towel over your head for about 5-10 minutes. Next apply a mask, and finish with a rich moisturizer.        

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

Calm Before the Storm

So winter dropped a bomb on us yesterday! That's the funny thing about Chicago, it changes it's mind at the drop of a hat. Now's the time we can add winter accessories and layers and still look cute ... before the temps drop into the teens, all is lost, and we all resemble cinched sleeping bags. Below are a few fun cold weather pieces for that last ditch effort at an attractive winter ensemble.   

Cable knit leggings  //  rubber ankle boot  //  wool scarf  //  jeweled beanie  //  leather driving gloves

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 ...   

Have a Great Weekend!

Happy weekend! I hope you all stayed dry on Halloween. I'm in the thick of my mini-home redecorating and can't wait to show the before and afters (amazing what a difference a coat of paint, or a new piece of furniture can make!).

Also this weekend ...

• I'm looking forward to hunting for home treasures at the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles. It's a year round event, but this may be the last snow-free one.

• If it proves to be too rainy and chilly, stay indoors and explore the new exhibit at The Field Museum on the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, complete with artifacts and all of the details of that fascinating event.

• Cozy up in the brand new West Town restaurant The Dawson. The impressive space (with an amazing patio that will come in handy ... come spring), has an equally impressive menu – I have my eye on that funnel cake dessert! 

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of TWO restaurant

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

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

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!

Azza the Amazing

Last week I attended the show for Atelier Azza's "Algebra" collection. A departure from her typical elaborately beaded tent dresses, Azza's new line is slightly more tame, but no less stunning. I loved the neutral color palette, with a pop of citron thrown in. I swooned over the gorgeous details like bedazzled trims, architectural ruffles, and the accessories – heavily beaded collars, cuffs, and harnesses (tasteful, not racy). See below for some quick snaps from the event ... 

Click here to see each look in more detail, and visit her site here.

Have a Sunny Weekend!

It's supposed to be a beautiful summery weekend here in Chicago! You just know the patio at Big Star will be a solid three hour wait, so head to a beer garden a little less crazy – but a sunny spot nonetheless, like Twisted Spoke, Wells on Wells, or my fave neighborhood spot, Grandview. 

Also this weekend:

• If you're in the mood for vintage shopping (and when are you not?), head to the Vintage Garage Sale in Uptown, or the Great Parker Garage Sale in Bucktown. 

• It's tempting to catch some rays on a sunny day, but don't forget the sunscreen (remember, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!). Instead, slather on St. Tropez for a (faux) bronze glow ... hey, it gives Kate Moss a nice sun-kissed look! 

• Grab your man and head to Haberdash for their Hodinkee pop-up shop this weekend, showcasing a huge selection of vintage watches from brands like Rolex, IWC, Omega, and more.

Have a bright and sunny weekend!

Photo courtesy of Big Star

Have a Fun Filled Weekend

Phew, it's Friday! I tell ya, this winter has really overstayed it's welcome. With no mild temps in sight, we may as well revel indoors (maybe with a few of these while we daydream of warmer weather) ...

Also this weekend ...

• If you must leave the house, Uber just expanded their service to include the Chicago burbs. So remember that reveling with friends over cocktails? Well why not arrive in style. 

• While out and about, stop by American Junkie - a huge new 2 level spot opening in River North. Giant TVs, lobster mac, and a retractable rooftop - this place is sure to be perfect for those warm summer weekend nights (which will arrive ... when?)

• Finally, I could not stop laughing at these videos of real actors doing dramatic readings of actual Yelp reviews. This one makes me bust up every time!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Photo from Pinterest

Have a Fashionable Weekend!

When it comes to shopping, I'm always thinking ahead, so right now I'm in the thick of spring styles. I'm a longtime fan of Emerson Made – their styles are always simple but sophisticated, and with clean lines and timeless silhouettes, their spring line doesn't disappoint. You can shop the entire line here.

Also this weekend ...

• Anthropologie opens in Lincoln Park today ... that, along with Nordstrom Rack and Sephora slated to open nearby, Fremont and North Avenue is quickly becoming my new fave shopping area.

• Speaking of store openings, the vintage accessory authority, Lulu's at the Belle Kay, will open their second location right in the 900 North shops on Tuesday. So no more trekking it up (far) north to score her carefully curated vintage jewels.

• Finally! My favorite fasionistas are back on TV this week. The Rachel Zoe Project starts up again Wednesday on Bravo, followed by (err .... her once loyal assistant) Brad Goreski. I. Can't. Wait.

• And finally, an interesting breakdown (complete with charts!) of what runway trends will actually translate to the street.  

Have a fantastic weekend!

Photos courtesy of Emerson Made

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Happy weekend all! If you're in Chicago, I hope you have some yummy Restaurant Week reservations (my coworkers and I enjoyed tasty tacos at Mercadito last night, and this weekend Steve and I are looking forward to Le Colonial and TWO).

Also this weekend ...

• start planning your red hot look for Valentine's Day - see how we styled this fanastic red jacket 4 different ways

• Sunday marks the launch of the Prabal Gurung x Target collab. What are you drooling over? I'm loving this multicolored shirt dress - it's the perfect mix of edge and fem.

• Let's face it, most dudes need all the help they can get in the gift department - so why not make it easy for him this Valentine's Day and share this link to Dana Rebecca's lovely jewelry.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of TWO restaurant

Have a Warm Weekend!

Until spring, we Chicagoans have to find pleasure in the small things - like a weekend with no plans. Saturday's weather is supposed to be pleasant so I hope to get out, maybe swing by the new Diptyque shop that opened in Wicker Park (I'd love to fill my home with this scent).

Below are a few more fun things to pick up this weekend ...

• Today is national hot toddy day! Mix up a warm recipe (like this one) and enjoy a night in!

• Add some shine to these dreary winter days with a sparkly piece.

• Practice for spring with a pretty sherbet hue.
• Be sure to make some reservations for Chicago Restaurant Week coming up next month! With prix fixe dinners priced at around $40/person, tables go fast at the hottest (and otherwise too pricey) spots during this week-long food feast.

Photo from Pinterest