Have a Sale-Filled Weekend!

It's officially spring and the weather is juuust starting to cooperate, which means it's time to do some spring cleaning! (which really means just making room for new fun finds). There are a ton of sales going on this weekend, all of them awesome and not to be missed ...

• Hope you got your tix for the Gilt City Warehouse sale happening tomorrow (don't worry, you can get them here). Big, huge brands up to 90% off ... those are some serious deals to be had!

• If vintage is more your thing, swing by the Randolph Street Market Saturday or Sunday to score anything and everything from vintage baubles to antique home goods.

• Spring cleaning isn't just for the closet – swap out your tired looking lamp or side chair with a vintage-inspired piece from the Bonus Jayson Home Warehouse Sale happening tomorrow only! If it's anything like their annual fall warehouse sale, get there early, grab what you can and enjoy!

• Snag new duds online too with all of the friends and family sales going on: Take an extra 25% off Theory's sale with code TSPRINGFF, and 25% off Tory Burch's with code FRIENDLY, and 30-50% off J.Crew with code GOSHOP.

Happy shopping!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Plaid Prep

The goods:
• plaid shirt, my grandmother's (also love this classic)
• skinny navy cords from J.Crew (also loving these Lauren Conrad ones!)
• heels from Zara (these kitten heel sling backs are perfect for spring)
• bag by Michael Kors
• vintage pearls
 

Often times the easiest pieces make casual, chic ensembles. This plaid shirt was uncovered from my grandmother's closet – I paired it here with my super soft cords from J.Crew. Now, normally that combo doesn't scream style ... but add high heels and pearls and I'm comfy and current. This shirt is also a great casual counterpart to a slim pencil skirt ... add that (and now that it's warm, a bit of tanning lotion to these white gams) and this look is a plaid professional look.

The Heirloom Shirt

The goods:
• grandmother's shirt
• jeans by Citizens of Humanity
• grandfather's watch - similar here 

It's hard to top the perfect white button down shirt – but my grandmother did it when she had this one monogrammed, adding a perfect but subtle detail that turns this classic into an heirloom. Spotting the lovely small, bright red lettering on the cuff gave me a thought – what a fun hand-me-down to have made and pass from generation to generation. In that case, it's important to go for a quality shirt, one that can withstand washings and won't loose too much of it's luster over time. I think it's time we bring back this delicate personalized detail and leave a classy and fashionable legacy.

Land's End and JCrew both offer monogram services on oxford shirts. 

Black/White

The goods:
• top from Club Monaco
• jeans from Henry & Belle
• ankle boots from DSW
• gifted j.crew clutch 

No matter how many pretty pieces are hanging in a store, I always gravitate toward a crisp black and white palette. I snagged this top at the post holiday sales at Club Monaco (and easily could've gone home with half that shop!). And as if my good friend knows my love for black and white, she gave me this amazing leather pouch. I love this for holding valuables as a clutch, important papers and notes for meetings, or small electronic for travel – a perfect accessory. 

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

Polished and Patriotic

The Fourth of July is one of my fave holidays – it's a perfect summer celebration. The best way to dress for the day is in comfortable pieces that are perfect for a BBQ with friends during the day, and lounging on a lawn at night during the festive fireworks show. Below are some easy staples that, when put together, create a polished patriotic look for the upcoming holiday ...

a classic denim jacket  \\  an easy white sleeveless blouse  \\  cherry red shorts  \\  a vintage red white and blue handbag  \\  comfortable nude wedge sandals

Our Wedding: What We Wore

Today marks one month since Steve and I tied the knot! It feels like just yesterday, I remember every moment – how handsome Steve looked, how delicious the champagne tasted out of our glasses, and most of all, the smiling faces of everyone we know (so surreal!).

Steve and I kept our outfits a secret from each other (though I nearly slipped a few times, I was so excited about my look). Steve did own a tuxedo already, but wanted this outfit to be extra special, so he went to Nicholas Joseph on Grand Avenue to have one custom made. In true Steve fashion, he donned some swanky socks, and details like his gear-shift cufflinks and favorite watch.

My sisters, mom and I set out in search of my dress within a couple months of Steve and I getting engaged. Even though it was out of order, it was love at first sight when I spotted these nude glitter slingbacks at Nordstrom. I pointed and said "those are the shoes I will wear on my wedding day." Stashing these beauties away for almost two years was the hardest part!

For my dress, I knew I wanted a slim silhouette in a soft fluid fabric. I hit a slew of beautiful bridal boutiques in the city, but settled on the reliable and lovely dresses at J.Crew (I love how thick and luxurious the fabrics are and the fine details of each gown). I decided on a headband in lieu of a veil, fashioning my own out of a necklace I found.

I wore vintage bracelets that I had collected from flea markets and vintage shops. One of my favorite things was carefully choosing vintage jewels for my sisters, sister-in-law, and my mother to go with their neutral-tone chiffon dresses (from Joanna August). I found some spectacular gold and rhinestone pieces at Vintage Underground on North Avenue. 

Getting ready that day was a breeze ... my mom, sister and I strolled to Starbucks, popped in a bookstore (so I could grab some literature on French Polynesia since I hadn't had time to even think about the honeymoon yet!), and relaxed on the terrace in our hotel suite. I was so happy to spend the time with my family, sipping on some bubbly, and chatting while the very talented Frankie and Aga did our hair and make-up.

Next Up: Our First Look 

Black & Tan

The goods:
• top from Club Monaco
• tux stripe pants from J.Crew
• wedges by Nine West
• bangles from Forever21, J.Crew
• rings from Forever21, Topshop

Sticking with my neutral palette this week, I swapped out black and white for black and tan. These tuxedo stripe pants, which I found on the sale rack of J.Crew a couple of years ago, have built in magic ... the vertical stripe up each side gives the illusion of length (something my legs are not naturally blessed with). Paired with a nude heel and I instantly add a couple of inches, a clean and crisp look with a side of confidence!

The Skinny

I'm a sucker for classic, black cigarette pants (as evidenced here, here, and here – they go with everything, and hey, Audrey rocked them regularly). So when I was flipping through Refinery29's slide show of awesome skinny jeans and came across this fantastic pair below from J.Crew and designer Nili Lotan, I was in love ...

... but then I saw the price and what the what!? They are a whopping $318. So I've rounded up some equally cute – but more affordable – options below.

The wallet-friendly goods: 

1. Gap really skinny – $59.95, available here

2. H&M pants – $34.95, available here

3. J.Crew mini pant – $98, available here

4. Zara trousers – $59.90, available here

5. H&M pants – $49.95, available here 

6. Forever 21 cigarette pant – $24.80, available here


photo of Audrey Hepburn from Flickr

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.

Perfect Present

The goods:
• white shirt from Forever21
• white cable-knit sweater from J.Crew
• dark denim from J.Crew
• tan booties from Zara
• studded bangles from Forever21
• black square ring from Lori's 
• gold post earrings from Guess

I have had a white cable-knit sweater like this on my radar for some time now, but since it's the holiday season, just couldn't justify buying one for myself. Proving once again that the man's got taste, my brother gave me this lovely one for my birthday over the weekend! It's made from super soft angora and just the right, slightly cropped fit I've been looking for. I see it becoming my go-to, snugly sweater on cold winter days.

Gray Day

The goods:
• gray ruffle coat and black knit hat from J.Crew
• black pencil skirt by Citizens of Humanity
• black HUE tights from Nordstrom Rack
• black wedge booties from Nine West

Thanks to the slightly sunny morning for helping me out of bed after such a nice long weekend! With 4 days off, I finally caught up on home projects, errands, and even started my holiday shopping with some black Friday deals! I didn't bother getting out too early though, since there were deals to be had all day long ... I reserve my early morning shopping for the after Christmas sales. Last year, I scored this coat and hat for a fraction of the original price at J.Crew. Let the countdown to the holidays (and post holiday bargains) begin!

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.