Have a Festive Summer Weekend!

Happy weekend! Looks like it's going to be perfect weather (again) for all your outdoor loveliness. We're taking it easy since this is the last weekend without major plans (um, pretty much for the rest of the summer!). Maybe I'll finally catch some rays and get a little color on my blindingly white legs.

Also this weekend ...

• The warm-up for Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival is this weekend. You can't go wrong with "Beck", and a friend recently introduced me to the rocking "Dum Dum Girls." We don't have tickets – and the site says sold out – but there's always a way, right?

• Festival fashion has become an institution in itself, and no one does it better than Free People. Get all your fringed frocks at Free People's Pitchfork prep parties tonight from 6-8pm – The Water Tower, Southport, and Wicker Park locations are all hosting events.   

• On the street festival side, this weekend there are a few good ones: Sheffield Garden Walk is always a fun time, Taste of River North sounds delicious, and the Chicago Craft Beer Festival has dozens of tasty brews (and a serious crowd – we went in the late afternoon last year and could barely take a sip without spilling).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Chicago Reader

The Summer Necklace

I like to keep accessories a little lighter in the summertime, so I'm loving the long lariat style necklace to layer on top of my everyday pieces. A far cry from the lariat style I wore in the 90's — a lot more beading, a lot less fine jewelry — these thin chains add just a hint of shimmer on top of a summer tan. I'm also pretty modest when it comes to showing any skin, but I love this look with a deep vneck or scoop neck blouse. The only question is which adorable one to get? My current faves ...    

From left: catbird gold bar  //  shark tooth lariat  //  Gorjana honeycomb  //  beaded lariat  //  Rayna Eye lariat

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's one of my fave events of the year – the Zara sale. It's no secret that it's pretty much my fave spot to shop, so when the decent prices are slashed to amazing prices, I'm there in a flash. Below are my top pics from the sale, currently on now ...   

layered printed dress – $59.99


combination blouse – $35.99


high waisted skinny jeans – $35.99


patent leather court shoe – $39.99


Triangle bikini top – $15.99


contrast dress – $39.99


cut work skirt – $59.99


dress with bow – $25.99


court shoe with bow – $59.99


coat with zips – $119.99

The Ultimate Pencil Skirt

You guys – I just discovered the best pencil skirt. I thought I'd do a simple sweep through Zara, no big deal – however – turns out this skirt caught my eye, and is amaze. I'm a curvy girl, right, and this skirt has a way of smoothing everything out, like spanx for real life. I'll definitely do this bad gal with crop tops or tuck a lightweight shirt in for a polished look. 

Going Green

The goods:
• dress from Zara
• wedges from Boutique 9 (I also love these)
• vintage silver necklace
 

Nothing says spring like a bright, bold hue (and this is coming from a girl who sticks to mostly black and white basics). I love Zara for it's clean classic silhouettes, I just tend to gravitate toward the neutrals and dark colors, but this kelly green number with it's cut in top and flirty skirt was perfect for my sister's rehearsal dinner last week. I dressed it up with my fave nude wedges and bright silver necklace, but I definitely plan to wear this frock with flat sandals to one of the fun fests this summer.  

Short Story

Lately I've been set on finding the perfect outfit for summer events. I wanted something casual yet chic, crisp but still comfortable – enter, the short suit. I love the idea that these tailored separates can dress up easily with a pair of heels, go casual with some espadrilles or wedges, and be worn separately for a stylish daytime look. Below are just a few of my faves to choose from ...

Rag & Bone jacket and shorts


Zara jacket and shorts


Forever21 jacket and shorts


Paul Smith jacket and shorts


Dolce Vita jacket and shorts

Spring Staples

I'm all for trying out new spring trends or incorporating patterns into my warm weather wardrobe, but I can't pass up a classic clothing staple, and season to season, Zara never disappoints. With the feminine lines, classic neutrals, and pops of bright red (my personal fave), these pieces from Zara's current collection are calling to me (and there are many more fun finds where these came from!) ...   

red flared skirt – perfect with a white tee and tan sandals  $59.90

double layer top, perfectly paired with jeans, skirts, shorts, etc ...  $49.90

high waisted skinny jeans – a fresh break from my super dark denim  $49.90

two-tone dress with embellished neckline - love this all-in-one summer piece  $59.90

nude crystal flats ... that go with everything  $59.90

red raffia coat – the perfect topper through summer  $139  

Summer Style Preview

It seems Chicago is pulling it's April fools' joke a little late in the month – snow showers, hilarious. Until we actually have consistent spring weather, let's fawn over the summery style at Coachella. Breezy dresses, short shorts, and plenty of sun – all of the makings of a warm weather fashion feast for the eyes ... 

 

Photos courtesy of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Refinery29

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 

Spring Snippet

As if we aren't already itching for spring weather, Zara's new lookbook makes me want to don shorts and a floppy hat, like, now. As you know Zara is pretty much my fave store of all time, so of course I want everything (even that tropical print crop top – which I could never pull off). At least I can day dream through these images of warmer days ahead ...  

See his entire collection here.

Spring Prep

What's a girl to do in this sub-zero weather besides daydream of spring? I've already laid out the perfect warm weather outfit in my head: rolled up jeans, a feathery top and espadrilles. I used to wear espadrilles as a kid – but the pairs available now are way cuter! I recently discovered the brand Kaanas – I was instantly drawn to their adorable patterns and designs – but fell in love when I read that each pair is handmade in Colombia in collaboration with a local weaving mill, inspired by the Wayuu tribe (which sustains itself through their traditional weavings).     

Hey ... it may be a few months before I can wear them, but I like to plan ahead!

Photos courtesy of Kaanas

A Dash of Sequins

The goods:
• top from French Connection, available here
• sequin skirt from Forever21, similar one here
• patent sling backs from Zara
• DIY necklace
• bangles from Winifred Grace, IGWT
 

For a night out last week, Steve and I decided to do it up a little more than usual, so I took this sequin mini out of hiding. I kept the look simple with a black cap sleeved tee and a nude heel. I also kept the jewelry to a minimum with this long simple gold bar necklace (more on that tomorrow) and my gold bangles. A simple look, but souped up with a little sparkle.   

New York State of Mind

I'm starting the weekend a little early and booked a last minute trip to the big apple. Steve has some biz and I plan to stroll the city, hopefully take in some fashionable sights during NYFW.  

Also this weekend ...
• One of my fave fests is this Saturday – The Guinness Oyster Fest! I can't get enough of the tasty little treats, and I love washing them down with a crisp stout. 

• If you're not fested-out, head to Lincoln Square for the German American fest – grab a big stein and brat and celebrate all things German. Prost!  

• Snag some crafty goods at the Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park this weekend. You can find some great gifts (or just some sweet stuff for yourself!).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

In the Buff

The goods:
• chambray shirt from Forever21
• skirt from BCBG
• shoes from Lori's Shoes
• vintage silver chain necklace 

One of my favorite pieces is also one of the trickiest ... this nude bandage skirt. But this skin-tight number is surprisingly versatile – it works with a cropped blouse and heels, or can go cozy casual with a tunic sweater and boots. You can find a similar one here, then snag a knit piece like this (pair with black tights and ankle booties and you're set for fall!)