Have a Wonderful Weekend

Happy weekend people. It's like a heatwave here in Chicago (and by heatwave, I mean we almost hit 50 degrees yesterday), so I've started thinking spring. Gap just came out with their new lookbook with Rebekka Bay as creative director, and it. is. awesome. Of course, our mild weather won't last long, but I'll just flip through those Gap looks and day dream.

Also this weekend ...

• If you haven't been to Tanoshii sushi in Andersonville, you're seriously missing out. Now Steve and I don't have to travel 20 minutes north to enjoy our beloved "fish n' chips" dish (trust me, it's to die for). Tanoshii Sushi Mike's just opened up on Randolph and his signature dishes, as well as his incredible roll creations, have followed.

• Phantom of the Opera is in town, and while I've seen the show a number of times, the amazing music never gets old for me. Hey, take in a matinée and head to Tanoshii for dinner! Perfect plan.

• One of my favorite photographers (whom I've written about before) is Vivian Maier. She never had any formal training, but became essentially the first "street style" photographer (she actually started out as a nanny in Chicago!) Check out her beautiful work, on display at the Chicago History Museum.

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of Vivian Maier

Sweat It Out

The goods:
• sweatshirt from Gap
• jeans from American Eagle
• pumps from Zara   

Going for comfort doesn't mean having to sacrifice all style. I'm loving relaxed boyfriend fit jeans for spring, and this washed blue pair comes from the deep archives of my closet. Typically reserved for ultra casual weekend wear, I've given this loungy look a more polished feel by tucking in the top, adding a belt and pumps, and swapping a ponytail (which often accompanies a sweatshirt) for some soft curls.

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

Emerald City

The goods:
• sweater from Urban Outfitters
• star-print jeans from Gap
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage silver necklace and bangle

I love small accents of color, but sometimes these dreary winter days call for more pop. One of my favorite colors this season is bold emerald green, and I must say, this sweater definitely brightens my day. I paired it with these silver star jeans from Gap for a little extra sparkle.

A Match Made in Style Heaven

Last week I posted about a decadent designer pairing between the French pastry house, Ladurée, and Japanese designer Tsumori Chisato. No less sweet – but definitely longer lasting – are the latest designer collabs in women's fashion. 

Starting next month, Marni's line for H&M is full of awesome geometric patterns, chunky accessories, and bright pops of color. I'm loving the striped cardigan that mixes neutral tones with a shock of chartreuse. Also, the amazing paillette collars, which would instantly elevate even a t-shirt and jeans.

Also exciting is the duet of J.Crew and Manolo Blahnik – a perfect blend of a classical and more whimsical brand. But as HuffPo and Lucky "warn", they won't be much cheaper than their big sisters, so the bargain shopper in me won't set my sights on a pair just yet.

And the award for the cutest (and pint-sized) upcoming collab goes to DVF for Gap Kids. The line of itty bitty pieces will get little ladies started early on their designer dud collection. Every girl needs a classic wrap dress in her closet ... no matter how old she is!

Marni photos from Refinery29, Manolo Blahnik photos from Huffington Post, DVF photos from Scoopcharlotte.

Cozy Cool

The goods:
• over sized gray sweater from Gap
• navy skinny cords from J.Crew
• chartreuse suede slingbacks from Nine West
• men's watch, IGWT bangle
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew

It's one of those perfect 60 degree autumn days where you can get away with a big, warm sweater and no jacket. I scored this cozy, gray number (with one of those hand-warmer-pouch-things I love) at the rummage sale for a whopping $3 (I mean, the dry cleaning cost more!). It's one of those pieces that you just want to cuddle up in with a big cup of hot cocoa ... unfortunately work got in the way of that plan today. I broke up the dark gray and navy with my super-bright shoes! These suede slingbacks are another autumn-appropriate pair of kicks for this lovely fall weather.

Vintage Speedy

The goods:
• cream sheer blouse and taupe jacket from Forever21
• Gap jeans
• tan pumps from Aldo outlet on Ashland
• vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy
• vintage silver necklace
• men's watch, In God We Trust gold bangle
• rose gold and rhinestone flower ring, $3 from Forever21
• gold and rhinestone earrings from Temptations II


When I was in high school, my mom, sisters and I would make occasional trips to "The Purse Lady". I don't think I ever knew her name, she was a friend of a friend of my mom's, but this woman's downtown apartment was her shop, selling the best faux purses I have ever seen (note: I don't purchase fake bags anymore, but at age 16, all I knew was they were affordable). I can't actually recall what purchases I made from her — I think I remember a Gucci wallet, maybe a small Prada crossbody purse (because every girl had one) — but my best score came after one of these trips. We stopped by a friend of my mom's in the neighborhood and when she asked why we were in town, my mom told her how we just stopped by this lady who sells faux designer bags. She said "that reminds me of this great LV bag once ... actually, I think it's around here somewhere ..." and she rummaged deep into her closet and pulled out this poor, dusty Speedy bag. "Here, since you like designer stuff, you can have it, it's just sitting back there." I nearly died ... and then I went to Louis Vuitton on Michigan Ave. where they replaced the broken zipper pull for free and I was good to go with my very own Speedy. I still love it, it fits the world inside, and it was the best. bargain. ever!

Silver and Gold

The goods:
• white and gold metallic coat from Forever21
• Gap 1969 jeans from Gap
• silver flats by Audrey Brooks, DSW
• vintage camel suede clutch
• silver and gold disk earrings from Valentina, Winnetka
• men's watch, jeweled bangle


I picked up this coat a few years ago — proof that some items from Forever21 do last! — and I have worn it to everything from weekend shopping trips to work days to weddings. I've gotten so much mileage out of this piece and it only cost around $22! It's one of my many, many, in-between season coats that I cram into the 2 mild months we get each year here in Chicago.

The earrings are my favorites ... one of my best friends gave me this pair for my birthday one year and I wear them all. the. time. I get tons of compliments on them and they can be worn with everything. Steve even noticed how much I love them so he modeled my engagement ring after the design! I even bought a second pair in all gold so that I could give my other pair a break. I haven't found them anywhere else besides Valentina in Winnetka, they sell for about $35.

Cozy Cashmere Tuesday

The goods:
• vintage cashmere sweater from Salvation Army
• Gap 1969 jeans from Gap
• beige flower slingbacks by Bandolino
• initial necklace from Stitch Chicago


When vintage shopping, I always check the garment labels for brand, material, and cleaning instructions, finding an occasional big name designer but mostly no-name treasures. I found this sweater for a mere $3 at Salvation Army in perfect condition. It's made from thick, ultra soft cashmere and the over-sized fit is so cozy! When I checked the label I was surprised to find an original Abercrombie & Fitch tag. I knew A&F used to be a legitimate outfitter — purveyor to the "sporting elite" from the early 1900s until the mid 60s, selling everything from fishing poles to guns, hiking boots to camping gear — but I had never seen a piece for myself. The quality is superior to anything I've purchased recently and this sweater has quickly become my staple for chilly fall days like today. 

Thanks to Mr. Abercrombie and Mr. Fitch for establishing such a fine brand (and thanks for nothing, The Limited Inc., for not continuing your legacy of quality and sophistication).

Into the Woods

Steve and I are going camping this weekend with some friends. I'm excited to get away for a couple days, enjoy the campfire and s'mores, and the state park we are camping in is supposed to have amazing hiking trails and gorgeous views (especially if leaves have started changing!). Being late September though, it's going to get pretty cold in the evenings so I will be packing lots of layers, but that doesn't mean I need to sacrifice all style. Below are some pretty cute options for my inner outdoorsy girl (and by outdoorsy, I mean we are probably bringing our Aerobed to put in our tent).

Clockwise from top:
• fair isle sweater by BB Dakota, $74 (available on ModCloth)
• J. Crew henley, $36
• fleece lined wellies from Topshop, $85
• Gap 1969 corduroy leggings, $59
• cargo vest from Old Navy, $25
• canvas backpack from Urban Outfitters, $69

Oh! P.S., Since bringing s'more fixings was my job, I thought I'd go gourmet and make homemade marshmallows! It was surprisingly easy and they turned out pretty well (well, we'll see how they toast over a campfire). I'll share the recipe next week.