Have a Stylish Weekend!

Whoa! It's the weekend already. This week has been a whirlwind with projects and events, and it doesn't stop there, this weekend is going to be busy busy and I'm so excited for the Simply Stylist event tomorrow (it's not too late to get tickets!)

Also this weekend ...

• Saturday is supposed to be a gorgeous day out – how about chilling on a river front patio? River Roast opened this week and this ginormous, gorgeous place serves up some seriously good food and tasty beverages. 

• Wicker Park Fest is this weekend – you know the drill: tunes, tastes, a little shopping and some sips.

• Project Runway started up again this week and I'll be honest, I actually had a hard time picking a favorite! There were a number of looks I would wear in a heartbeat (okay this has nothing to do with weekend plans – unless you haven't watched it yet and plan to play the recording). 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

A Simply Stylish Event

When CakeStyle closed last year, I looked for a company that would allow me to continue to work with my clients both in Chicago and nationwide. I couldn't believe my luck when I came across Keaton Row – it was the answer to all of my stylist prayers. Keaton Row provides an incredible online platform that allows me to pull pieces from shops like Nordstrom, Shop Bop, and ASOS to create (free!) complete lookbooks for my clients. 

I'm thrilled to be one of three stylists to represent KR at the upcoming Simply Stylist Chicago event this Saturday! This awesome event includes Q&A and breakout sessions with industry big wigs, and a chance to network and rub shoulders with like-minded city stylists. If you're a stylist (or want to be), get your tickets here and swing by the Keaton Row table where you can sign-up to gain access to KR's seriously super (stylish) site. Hope to see you there!

Currently Craving: Eyelet

I am loving all of the pretty eyelet pieces right now. The traditional girlie material is a summer staple, then there's the modern square fabric which gives a feminine silhouette a bit of edge. Below are a few of my current faves ...  

From left: I love this matching skirt and top combo  //  eyelet gives these shorts a sweet summery feel  //  this white eyelet dress is perfect with sandals or dressed up with heels  //  this eyelet top is a warm weather take on the basic tee  //  pair this white skirt with a chambray shirt for an effortless summer look.

Snag these pieces here!

The Ladylike Length

Lately I've been on a midi length kick (as evidenced here and here). I'm loving the ladylike silhouette and being able to head out on a windy day without fear of a flying skirt. The trick to this mid-calf hemline is to slip on a pair of high heels (none of this kitten or low heel business, I mean the big girl shoes). For girls on the shorter side, stick to the pencil skirt silhouette and always go for nude heels (they really lengthen the legs). 

It's no wonder I've been drawn to them lately, ever since I started styling for Keaton Row, I'm staring at these super adorable dresses all day! I love suggesting these options below for upcoming spring or summer events, pairing with a blazer for work, or with wedge sandals and a denim jacket for a chic weekend look ...    

All of these are available on Keaton Row's site (and I'd be happy to send one your way!).

Row This Way

In my continued effort to make a stylish wardrobe easily attainable for all, I've partnered with Keaton Row – the super easy (and free!) online styling service. Like I've been doing for some time, I will happily shop for ladies seeking stylish staples, only this time I pull pieces from shops women already know and love, like Nordstrom, ASOS, and Shopbop. And like I mentioned, the service is free! You only pay for the items you choose to purchase. 

So if you need a dress for that upcoming wedding, new work staples, or just don't have time to shop for those fun spring pieces yourself, check it out Keaton Row here.      

In Holiday Mode

The holiday season is right around the corner and that means two things, spending quality time with your loved ones, and looking fab doing it! ModeWalk, the online purveyors of some seriously swanky duds, has marked down much of their collection in time for the holiday social season. Brands include contemporary faves J Brand, Theyskens' Theory, and Vince, but ModeWalk also introduces sophisticated designers like Martin Grant, Christine Phung, and so many more.

I've partnered with ModeWalk as a stylist, and armed with your sizing and wish list, can send styles for your consideration directly to your inbox. Think of it as shopping online usual, but having me pre-select items I think you'll love!     

Below are some of my faves that are on sale now on ModeWalk ...

Check out all of the stylish duds here.

In The Buff

The goods:
• jeans by Citizens of Humanity
• shirt and earrings from Forever21
• peep toe pumps from Oh Deer
• leopard cocktail ring from Topshop     

When I style clients, I always ask if there are colors they want to avoid, and more often than not they list tan/nude/blush (or any version of the shirt I'm wearing). I, on the other hand, love this go-to neutral, and trying to find ways to keep it from washing out my already pale complexion. Here I opted for some studded details, and added some gold and pink chandelier earrings to bring in some warmth (or maybe just a sparkly distraction from this fleshy tone). 

How to Tie a Scarf

I'm a sucker for beautiful scarves, both old and new, but it can be tricky figuring out just how to tie them in fun and different ways. In the spirit of my 2013 resolution to love what I've already got, I hope to find ways to incorporate all of those vintage treasures and flea market finds into my ensembles. Well, my fellow CakeStylists and I put together a little video tutorial, showing you stylish ways to tie 4 different types.

So snag those stylish silks next time you see them ... like this vintage multicolored scarf, or this lovely emerald find!

Holiday Style ... On Sale

The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are like the calm before the storm ... the last chance to chill out or do something for yourself before the holiday hurrah starts up. And while you may not be able to control all of the craziness (the shopping, the family get-togethers, the feasts!), you can make sure you do it in style. This month, you local Chicago ladies can book one-on-one shopping appointments with me and receive 10% off your entire purchase. Maybe you're looking for that perfect cocktail dress for a New Years party, or a cute pair of patterned jeans for hitting the Black Friday sales (or maybe just a super soft tunic for that Thanksgiving meal) it's all discounted this month when you come in and meet with me.

I would love to help (and meet) you! So if you're around, or have friends in Chi-town, sign up here.

For those not in Chicago, well then I can just ship a fun box of about 4-6 fab looks straight to your door! (the 10% discount is only for appointments right now, sorry!)

Have a Haunted Weekend!

This weekend begins pretty much kicks off the holiday season (after Halloween, the winter holidays aren't far behind). Steve and I will be putting the finishing touches on our costumes before heading out Saturday night, but will also make time for the other fun things happening around town ...

• The Modern Vintage sale is back this weekend and I. Can't. Wait. I spent a good portion of my day perusing the treasure trove last time I attended (having some excellent luck with this maxi skirt and this vintage Chanel).

• Steve and I recently discovered Interior Express Outlet in Bensenville (where we picked up an amazing upholstered banquette to update our dining set). Well looks like we're heading back in search of more deals at their warehouse sale this weekend (I've got my eye on this mid century Nelson bench)

• Uniqlo debuted their e-commerce site (!) Check out these adorable Orla Kiely blouses and dresses (all for under $40!)

... and finally, if you read my fave fashion glossy, Harper's Bazaar, you may have seen CakeStyle mentioned in Randi Zuckerberg's list of favorite styling sites! (and why not? Free styling services makes sense to me).  

Have a great weekend all!      

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

With Halloween only a few weeks away, it's time to start planning that costume! CakeStyle (my new styling job!) came up with some adorable inspirations for fashionable costumes, built with pieces you can later style for everyday life (without looking a day-old Wicked Witch). Check out all of the looks here.

And speaking of CakeStyle, I want to thank you all for the kind words of encouragement as I start this exciting new gig! (Free personal styling for women? I doesn't get any better!) You can sign up here for some free styling and personal shopping from yours truly.

Also this weekend ...
• The Chicago Architecture Foundation is holding their annual Open House Chicago this weekend, where you can go behind the scenes of over 150 of Chicago's architectural gems ... for free!

• The Vintage Heaven sale pops up again this weekend in Wicker Park. It's not the biggest ever, but they stock it with some well-curated fashions and accessories (keep an eye out for costume components to create those looks CakeStyle suggested above!)

• After the vintage sale, stroll up the block to Eskell for their anniversary sale for savings and some sips (including their very own brew, made special for the event).

Have a great weekend all!      

photo from CakeStyle

A Piece of Cake

It's no secret that I love to shop. Yes it's fun to get new things, but my favorite part is styling the item to create new looks. Well now I can help you come up with fab new looks! I am starting a new job at CakeStyle, a fantastic company that offers busy women (or those who admittedly just need a little styling advice) a shopping and personal styling service, making style "a piece of cake!" 

It works like this: after you sign up on CakeStyle's site, your newly appointed Cake Stylist (that's me!) will get in touch with you to discuss what you are looking for, sizing, likes and dislikes. Then just sit tight, and a box of hand-picked looks, complete with accessories, will arrive on your doorstep. Included is a video by yours truly, explaining why I chose each piece and suggested styling tips. You keep what you love and ship back what you don't using the supplied packing materials and label. That's it! Fabulous brands like Milly, DVF, and Theory come straight to you with your own (free) stylist as an awesome bonus! 

I've helped friends before and am so excited to help other women find great ensembles. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do everything with confidence! 

Let me pick out some great garments that will spruce up your fall looks, be the best dressed business woman, or help you find that perfect outfit for an upcoming event.

Sign up here and let's get started!  

Hey Chicagoans - come to the CakeStyle showroom downtown for a one-on-one appointment. Instead of receiving your looks in a box, I will go through each ensemble with you in person – think, trying on clothes, that were hand-picked for you, with a very stylish friend! Sign up here and let's meet.

photo from Pinterest