Steal vs. Splurge

One of my favorite looks for spring is a simple top, flowy skirt and a statement necklace (here's hoping I get to actually wear this sometime soon, not such a cool look when it's still snowing). I've been seeing a lot of sparkly options around lately, luckily covering every price point.

From left: $11.80, Forever21  //  $138, JCrew  //  $400, Lulu Frost

... and to be honest? I'm actually digging the Forever21 find the most!

Spring in Your Step

In my continued effort to drive winter out of the city by thinking spring, I've identified some of the cutest spring shoes, just waiting to be worn in the warmer weather. Seeing as you can't go wrong with black or tan options, I'm loving the pretty pairs below for everything from chic casual looks to sophisticated nights out. The best part? Each pair from Forever21 is under $40! (You thinking what I'm thinking? Buy em all!)    

Clockwise from top left:  tan wedge sandals  //  black strappy sandals  //  classic slingback sandal  //  tan faux leather plimsolls  //  tan d'orsay wedges  //  black slingback booties 

My Winter Uniform

We're in for a warm up! That's right people, it's going to be in the 20's for the next few days. I try to reserve the serious sleeping-bag-down-coat for the real cold (which, in Chicago, means sub zero), so when the "normal" winter weather is around, I like to use my plethora of coats and add warm layers. I've pretty much been living in the uniform below – it's warm and comfortable, but chic enough to go from lunch to shopping to drinks and dinner.    

black coat with zippers  //  buckle biker boot  //  slim turtleneck  //  skinny black jeans  //  cable knit slouch cap  //  faux fur vest  //  black satchel  

8 Fab Finds at Forever21

It may be called Forever 21, but for me, it will forever be (insert my age here). It's no secret that you need patience and time to sift through the hundreds of items in store, but finding diamonds in the rough like the round-up below are worth it ... and none cost more than $60!      

black knotted jacket  //  studded stiletto boot  //  cream beaded tank  //  baroque midi skirt



French terry dress  //  bouclé coat  //  illusion black shift dress  //  studded sandals

The High and Low

You know the saying champagne taste on a beer budget? Well this also applies to designer apparel and accessories. Sure I love those black Saint Laurent ankle booties, but didn't love the serious price tag of $995, so I found some alternatives.  

I am a big fan of Clare Vivier's bags, especially those perfectly simple clutches. I'm also a sucker for animal prints for fall, so when I saw a similar bag at Forever21, I did a double take. I can't pass up a good bargain, and this pretty darn close to the original, right?

Clare Vivier foldover clutch, $198

Forever21 foldover clutch, $16.80

Going Green

The goods:
• blouse and slingbacks from Zara
• jeans from Forever21
• tassel bracelet from Oui Madame
• bangle and necklace from Winifred Grace 

This recent heat wave made me realize that as much as I love Chicago summers, anything over 80 degrees is too toasty – I mean, it's hard to look stylish while sweaty! I prefer light airy layers like this Zara blouse (similar one here), and the pop if green is also a bold break from my black and white wardrobe ... perfect for a bright and breezy summer day. 

Max Heat

The goods:
• maxi dress and denim jacket from Forever21 (similar jacket available here)
• vintage Coach belt
• brass bangles from IGWT, Winifred Grace, Stitch 

I love an airy maxi to keep cool, but the tricky thing about steamy summer days is finding that comfortable balance between the outdoor heat and the indoor AC. It seems strange to grab a sweater or knit when the temp is almost 100, so a denim jacket is the perfect summer layer.  

Chic in Chambray

I've just about worn holes in my fave chambray shirt – I just love the ease and versatility of casual denim pieces. I love pairing the simple solids with everything from bright red pants, to tying my shirt over a sundress, to pairing denim cutoffs with a sleek black blazer. Below are some of my summer denim staples (which I definitely put to good use this past holiday weekend) ...

clockwise from top: a comfy chambray shirt dress  \\  easy aline skirt  \\  classic cutoffs  \\  my go-to shirt  \\  a crisp denim vest

Wedge of White

The goods:
• top and wedges from Zara
• jeans from Forever21
• bangles from IGWT, Winifred Grace
• vintage IWC watch 

It's an unfortunate truth that once the temps get warm enough to wear your favorite summer duds, the office turns arctic. While I could be totally comfortable in a wispy little dress outdoors, I'm sporting some lightweight pieces to stay warm indoors. My fav summery white jeans go mod paired with these white hot wedges and black tunic top ... a cool look for a hot day.

Couple of Cats

The goods:
• blouse from Forever21
• jeans by Citizens of Humanity
• flats from Zara
• necklace from Charming Charlie 

For an effortlessly stylish look, my go to is a blouse and skinny jeans (you can bet it's white or black, coming from my closet). Easy pieces like this make a clean canvas for accessories like this chunky cheetah necklace, which adds a little polish to my simple look.

Similar one, available here. 

Lightweight Leather

The goods:
• blouse from Zara
• jeans, jacket, earrings, and shoes from Forever21
• necklace by Gorjana

It may be June, but I won't put the leather away just yet - it adds some edge to these "spring" looks, like this simple blouse and jeans. I'll admit that I'm alright with these cooler days, I know they're numbered and it gives me a chance to get some extra wear out of my lightweight jackets (a similar one to the above, available here).

Lightweight Lace

The goods:
• blouse and bangles from Forever21
• coated pants by Aqua
• lace blazer and pumps from Zara
• necklaces by Gorjana  

It looks like we finally have spring weather here, and while I'm still getting a few more uses out of my winter pants, I'm balancing them out with this lacy jacket. I love lightweight layering pieces for spring and summer – updated classics done in warm-weather fabrics like lace and eyelet. Even when spring temps arrive, AC and strong Chicago breezes still require at least a light layer.

Minty Fresh

The goods:
• maxi dress from Forever21
• jacket from Zara
• necklaces by Gorjana
• gold bangle by IGWT   

Here we've been waiting for spring weather and – bam – we get a hot summer day! I had been on a search for a flowy maxi dress and found this romantic mint green number at Forever21. To balance out the delicate silhouette, I threw on this cropped studded jacket. When summer really hits, this dress will go to weekend brunch or to a hot summer wedding.

Swing into Spring

The goods:
• top and bag from Zara
• black pants and coat from Forever21
• vintage Christian Louboutin wedges

You cannot go wrong by sticking to the classics: a tailored coat, simple black shoes, and a classic black handbag. I started with a simple black crewneck sweater and pants, and added this metallic cream swing coat (which goes with everything). I found this structured black leather bag from Zara, and voila, black and white done right.

Top It Off

We welcomed the spring weather this weekend by peeling off some wintry layers, even enjoyed some drinks alfresco! This in-between weather is perfect for sporting some spring layers, and there are plenty of cute coats and jackets to top off these light looks. Below are a few fun finds for this mild season (that has finally arrived!) ...  

From top:
• cropped denim jacket, $30 – Old Navy
• cream anorak, $58 – Nasty Gal
• cheetah swing coat, $159 – Zara
• floral sleeved trench, $188 – Anthropologie
• knit and leather moto jacket, $22.80 – Forever21
• classic trench, $98 – Gap

Basics in Black

The goods:
• blouse from Forever21
• jacket, jeans and flats from Zara 
• YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Caress Pink  

There are countless mornings when I stand in my closet, staring at my gigantic collection of clothing, yet have nothing to wear. When in doubt (or undoubtedly running a little late), the easiest ensemble to pull together is black pants, a black blazer, and any top. For a casual look, any t-shirt (in an easy solid or graphic design), or for a little more polish, tuck in a silky blouse. This look can easily transition to dinner out by throwing on some heels, unbuttoning the top button and swapping out the sweet pink lipstick for a bold red. 

Have a Sweet Weekend!

In an effort to eat healthier, I've been pining over recipes on Pinterest. I have a serious weakness for french fries, so I thought I'd try a healthy version with carrot fries — they're really good! (they taste sorta like sweet potato fries). I dip every fry into ketchup and Tabasco, so really these healthy alternatives taste just to me as good as their fried cousin.

Also ...

• This weekend, I hope to try out this recipe in the photo above for faux chocolate mousse (it's made from avocado!)

• I've mentioned before that I'm a big fan of NARS velvet lip pencils – also for awesome velvety matte lips I recently discovered (and quickly fell in love with) the new Ultimate Suede lipstick from Revlon. I want every shade, but started with Trendsetter - a bright berry shade, and Preview - a pretty neutral, like your natural color, but better. Maybe I'll don a bright lip and sip champagne while I watch the Oscars on Sunday!

• Continuing my day dream of warmer weather ... I'd love to sport this maxi dress as soon as the weather cooperates. I love the flattering cut of the halter, and the print is spot on for spring. It would even be great with a stack of gold bangles and sleek wedges for a summer wedding.

Have a great weekend!

Photo by James Ransom

Winter Blues

The goods:
• maxi dress from Forever21
• jacket from Zara
• ankle booties by Report

I'm not one to let my pretty pieces collect dust in my closet all winter, so I busted out this blue maxi dress, typically reserved for steamy summer days. Throw on some tights, pair it with ankle booties and a leather jacket and this dress easily transitions to cold winter wear.

Though truth be told - I'd much prefer this dress minus the layers, plus the 80 degree summer day!

Pretty Pretty Polka Dots

There's something springy about polka dots - maybe it's that they look like tiny blossoms, or spring rain – whatever it is, don some dots this upcoming season! Below are some fun finds for adding some pops of polka to your look ... 

 

Pretty polka dotted pieces ...1. navy swing coat - $296.43
2. skinny calf hair belt - $24.95
3. fold over clutch - $58
4. metallic bow tie - $25
5. chambray shirt dress - $149.09
6. lavender socks (so you can sport springy sandals now!) - $12.50
7. denim vest - $27.80
8. navy capri pants -$98
9. iphone case - $40

Free Flowing

The goods:
• blouse from Forever21
• pants from Urban Outfitters
• pumps from Aldo
• necklaces from Stitch, Urban Outfitters  

I've noticed a pattern lately ... no matter what shop I go into, I keep gravitating toward flowy, relaxed blouses and tops. Inspired by menswear and the classic structured shirt, but redone in feminine silky fabrics with longer, a-line silhouettes, these easy pieces now make up most of my closet (the only difference is which shade of neutral, and the occasional embellishment). Tunic blouses have become a go-to for me - they're comfortable but still polished ... but I always balance out the volume with slim pants or leggings.