Have a Fun Weekend!

It's not looking to be a hot and sunny weekend, but there is plenty of summery happenings around town. There's the Belmont Stakes race and the Stanley Cup playoffs for sports fans ... and a few fun fashionable events for us shopping fans ...

• If the weather holds up Sunday, hit up this open air flea market for locally made and vintage goods -Chicago Flea MKT

• The Vintage Heaven sale is back this weekend - it may not be the largest event, but it's a well curated collection of clothing and accessories for him and her.

• The most fashionable street fest takes place this weekend in the south loop. Fashion in the Street will feature food, vendors, a runway show, and local musical talent (including the gentlemen of Hey Champ).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Windy City Prints

A Pop of Pink

The goods:
• blazer, pants, flats from Zara
• chambray shirt from Forever21
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew   

So we've misplaced those summer-like temps, but have a last ditch effort to don some layers. In the spring spirit, I went for a bold pop of color with this fuchsia jacket, which manages to liven-up my go-to black and chambray. I don't wear pink too often, but every now and then the ladylike hue is perfect for brightening those not-so-bright days.

Crisp and Refreshing

The goods:
• tank from Old Navy
• skinny jeans from Forever21
• blazer by Elie Tahari
• wedges from Nine West
• necklace by Gorjana
• bangles from IGWT, Charming Charlie     

It's pretty clear from my outfit posts over the winter that a good tailored blazer is my go-to piece ... it's the easiest way to add polish to a simple dress or even a t-shirt and jeans. But what to do when the weather turns? Trade it in for a summery version, of course! I love this crisp white jacket by Elie Tahari. It's great worn casual like I'm doing here, but would also be a cool contrast to a little black dress for any summer events.

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

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.

The Long and Short of it

The goods:
• sweater from Banana Republic
• shorts by Theory
• wedges from Nine West
• bangles from IGWT, Stitch Chicago     

I'm trading in yesterday's wool coat for these tailored shorts (only in Chicago, right?), and letting these legs see the light of day! There's a fine line between a tasteful length and inappropriate exposure, but leave it to Theory to find that perfect hemline. Paired with a nude wedge for added height and neutral lightweight sweater, shorts are a breath of fresh spring air after this lingering winter.

Fresh Coat

The goods:
• coat and jeans from Zara
• flats from Stuart Weitzman  

If there's one perk to these cool spring days, it's the outerwear! I love lightweight coats and jackets, but between the typical freezing Chicago temps, and the boiling summer days, I can count the perfectly temperate days on one hand. This bright white coat is perfect for a fresh (maybe slightly crisp) spring day, complete with edgy leather detailing.

As much as I love outerwear though, I will gladly trade them all for warm summer days.

Mum's the Word

Hopefully you shower your mother with love all year, but be sure to do something a little extra special on Sunday (you know, Mother's Day). Whether you take her to brunch, bake her something yummy, or wrap up a small little token of your affection, make mom feel like the wonder woman she is! To help, below are some fun gift ideas for your favorite female ...

1. No one can resist something sparkly! This fuchsia and sequin scarf will be a perfect lightweight accessory for mom this spring and summer.

2. Make her something sweet ... like these delectable coconut thumbprint bites with salted caramel.

3. Moms make lists for everything, so remind her of one of her favorite things (you!) while she's jotting down groceries/errands/to-do's. Available here.

4. Like their rose lip balm, Christian Dior's cuticle cream is a perfect blend of amazing product and pretty packaging ... and every girl needs a perfect manicure kit.

5. Yes this colorful paper confetti is pretty to look at, but it also blooms! These paper flowers create a beautiful spring flower bed when planted in soil.

6. Easy espadrilles are a must this spring, and everything is better in a metallic finish.

So-Called Spring

The goods:
• dress from Scoop NYC
• turtleneck from Gap
• ankle booties from Zara
• bangles from IGWT, Stitch, Forever21
• vintage Omega watch     

While the weather tries to make up it's mind, we're left wondering if we continue with our warm winter pieces (that we're so sick of by now), or break out the light layers. I like to be prepared and wear a mix of them. This silk sundress is perfectly cool in the summer with a little denim jacket and metallic sandal, but get's a chilly weather makeover with a long sleeve layer over it and opaque tights. The same idea goes for maxi dresses too – add some layers to transition them into this so-called spring.

So Long Summer

The goods:
• blazer, pants, and ballet flats from Zara
• chambray shirt from J.Crew
• vintage watch and bracelets  

What a difference a day makes! Only in Chicago do we enjoy a balmy summer day and plummet down to the 60s the next. In all honesty, I don't know that I was 100% ready to give up on my blazers just yet. I love true spring weather – warm enough where you don't need a coat and you can get away with a little jacket and flats. I will welcome the summer weather ... you know, in summer.

Sienna Miller for Caroll Paris

Caroll Paris embodies clean modern designs (which I've raved about before here). So it came as no surprise that the face of their Summer campaign was none other than the amazing – and effortlessly gorgeous – Sienna Miller. Sienna dons rock-glam one moment, and saunters down the red carpet in classic couture the next (all the marks of a French woman, though she hails from England). Sneak a peek on set with Sienna Miller for Caroll above, and check out some of my faves from their new collection below ... 

Check out the entire collection here.

Photos courtesy of Caroll Paris

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.

Spring Picks from Zara

When I'm on the hunt for stylish basics (which is just about every other day), I always head to Zara. I rarely leave without a covetable new item ... and about 5 more pieces that I'll dream about for the next week. On a recent trip there, I spotted some new spring stuff that would instantly update my wardrobe for the warmer weather. See below for my current faves ... 

1. I love this fresh green color for spring. This blouse is perfect for pairing with skinny jeans, or tucking into a pencil skirt for a more business casual ensemble – bonus points for the edgy zipper detail.

2. I'm such a sucker for wedge heels in the spring and summer. I love this simple modern design, perfect contrast to sleek skinny black pants.

3. Maxi skirts are one of my favorite things for spring – easy and feminine, great paired with everything from a tank to a t-shirt to a structured blazer. 

4. I've been searching for a wide brim hat – not too floppy, but not a fedora silhouette. This one is the perfect blend of city and beach.

5. I've been seeing quite a few long waistcoats lately ... I love the clean tailored look of blazers to add polish to most looks, these vests achieve the same look, but are warm weather appropriate. 

6. These pink cropped trousers add a great pop of color and pair with everything from flats to wedges to heels depending on the look you're going for.  

... see more of Zara's fresh spring picks here.

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Chicago may not be warming up yet, but at least we have a dry weekend ahead. Steve and I are looking forward to dinners with friends (including this spot that gets rave reviews), and working our way through The Wire ... I know, we're a few years late to the game, but it's definitely as good as everyone says!

Also ...

• The Modern Vintage sale is back at Plumbers Hall! Last year I scored an amazing vintage Chanel skirt and floral maxi – I cannot wait to see what's waiting for me this year.

• I've been pining over Loeffler Randall's spring line for a while, so I finally snapped up these flats, perfect for summer and they'll go with everything. Similar style, available here.

• Speaking of go-with-everything classics, Theory is having their friends and family sale through Sunday. Score 30% off everything using code "Friends" ... I love these microprint pants and this tunic fit sweater (which I cannot wait to wear with cutt off denim shorts on cool summer nights).

Have a super weekend!

Photo from Modern Vintage Sale 2012

Printed Matter

The goods:
• printed blouse from Prabal Gurung for Target
• pants, pumps and blazer from Zara
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew  

I'm not one to shy away from bright patterns ... it's just that it's so easy to grab black (you know, when that's the dominant color in my closet). When poking around the Prabal line for Target a couple months back, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and pick up a few of his signature bold prints. I instantly fell in love with this top - the perfect contrast to my otherwise dark and neutral wardrobe. And it pairs so well with black.

Have a Fun Weekend!

Chicago finally gets a spring like weekend with pleasantly mild temps and supposedly our first dose of spring showers. No complaints here ... I get to sport my new rain boots and the fun umbrella Steve got for me (just like the one I had when I was little).

Also this weekend ...

• Fête Chicago is hosting various tastings, talks and tours with some of the best food and drink experts in the city – some tickets are still available here. 

• Derek Lam debuted his collab with Kohl's and there are some stylish standouts ... like this fresh, green sheath dress, and this easy striped number.

• The Vintage Heaven sale is back this weekend in Wicker Park ... it never disappoints! 

• and finally, Mad Men is back this Sunday with a 2 hour season opener. I can't wait to see what kind of spirals Don falls into this season ... but more importantly – what all the ladies are wearing!

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

A Rosy Outlook

Speaking of Miss Dior, perhaps you saw the splendor of the new perfume ad during the Oscars last week. The dreamy new spot, titled "La Vie en Rose", was directed by Sofia Coppola and stars Natalie Portman in pretty pale dresses, driving around in vintage cars with a handsome fella, and falling into a bed of roses ... pretty much all things that makeup the perfect girlie day dream.

Watch the "rosy" short below and see the making of the film here.

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

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