Showing posts with label VALENTINE'S DAY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VALENTINE'S DAY. Show all posts

Friday, February 14, 2014

Have a Fun Lovin' Weekend

valentines day

Happy Valentine's day! Like I mentioned yesterday, I'm looking forward to a cozy night in with Steve, whipping up some dinner and enjoying a (couple) bottles of good wine. 

Also this weekend ...
• There are always adorable heart-themed foods on Pinterest, so why not try them tonight? I love these heart-shaped potatoes, and I always love a good beet salad. And there's always room for dessert.

• The Chicago Auto Show runs through this weekend – contrary to what you may think, it's not just for car guys – it's actually an incredibly cool show, displaying all of the latest models, as well as fun concept cars. 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Small and Sweet

valentines day

With Valentine's day tomorrow – and me in my old age – a night at home sounds better than a fancy pants dinner out. Staying home with your sweetie doesn't mean you have to stick to the same old routine (especially if that involves loungewear and laying on the couch), why not "spice things up" a little for the holiday with a few fun finds ...

Clockwise from top:
• Hanky Panky thongs are most women's comfy go-to, good thing they're pretty, but try going to a sultry red color on this holiday.

• The new Roses De Chloé is the perfect rose scent – not your grandmother's overpowering tea rose, but also strong enough to linger. It may be a tie with my other fave, Diptyque's Eau Rose.

• No need to spend the big bucks on lingerie that's only worn for a fleeting moment. This dainty lace bra is something you can wear anytime, but still super sexy for those Valentine's nights.

• I prefer minimal makeup on date night (most nights, really), but a little blush on the apples of the cheeks can really make the look. And with Nars Super Orgasm blush, well, let's just say this one sounds appropriate for the holiday (just try to say that name without blushing).

• Some bubbles are definitely in order for a romantic evening at home.

• Red lipstick may look hot, but it's not always the most kissable look. Red nails, on the other hand, are a sexy detail – especially scented ones!

Monday, February 3, 2014

Lady Love

The beginning of February means the 14th isn't far off. Whether or not you have a significant other to share the big V-Day with, it's always fun to have a little something lovable on. Below are a few cutesy items to complete your look this month (of amour) ...   

Valentines

Clockwise from top:  "Kiss Me" headband  //  heart nail polish  //  heart hoop earrings  //  Je T'aime bracelet  //  "Loved" ring  

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Heart Day

vintage Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day! I know it's a hyped up Hallmark holiday, but it's a great excuse to share some laughs and love (and sweets!) with those closest to you.  

Why not ...

Whip up this decadent – guilt-free! – dessert for yourself or to share with a valentine.

Sport something with a heart on it ... visible or not.

I'd love to find a wall in our home to do this!

Tell your loved ones how you feel with a fantastic - erm ... interactive? - valentine.


Enjoy your day! 

Photo from Pinterest (but would love to know the photographer!)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Dressing for V Day

Valentine's Day is a time to be with the ones you love ... be it family, friends, that special someone (or a book and your favorite bottle of wine!). Whatever you do, do it in style. Below are some pretty pieces to make the most out of this lovely holiday ... and add a touch of sweetness to the days that follow.


Valentines Day

Clockwise from top:
• pink tweed moto jacket, $32.80 
• rose gold mini heart necklace, $13
• heart pajama set, $18.80
• red bow dress, $80
• lace buckle flats, $49.90
• sheer polka dot blouse, $100.20

Friday, February 8, 2013

Have a Lovely Weekend!

vintage vogue

Happy weekend all! If you're in Chicago, I hope you have some yummy Restaurant Week reservations (my coworkers and I enjoyed tasty tacos at Mercadito last night, and this weekend Steve and I are looking forward to Le Colonial and TWO).

Also this weekend ...
• start planning your red hot look for Valentine's Day - see how we styled this fanastic red jacket 4 different ways

• Sunday marks the launch of the Prabal Gurung x Target collab. What are you drooling over? I'm loving this multicolored shirt dress - it's the perfect mix of edge and fem.

• Let's face it, most dudes need all the help they can get in the gift department - so why not make it easy for him this Valentine's Day and share this link to Dana Rebecca's lovely jewelry.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of TWO restaurant

Friday, October 19, 2012

Remaining Neutral


Chicago Stylist

Personal Style

Personal Style

Personal Stylist

The goods:
• shirt from Ralph Lauren

• sweater from Club Monaco
• tuxedo stripe pants from J.Crew
• two-toned pumps from Zara
• vintage Coach handbag
• vintage Omega watch
• tassel necklace from Forever21
• cameo necklace from Oui, Madame Winnetka

I lean toward neutral and black most of the year, and this cool and rainy weather doesn't exactly make me run for the bright colors. But that's what accessories are for! This bright red bag adds a pop to my black and tan. And while these beautiful necklaces by Extasia come in a bevy of colors, of course I chose the ivory colored cameo ... brights make fantastic accents, but neutrals do go with everything.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!


Valentine's Day


I'm excited to cozy up at home tonight, cook a big, tasty dinner with Steve, and try my hand at this delicious (and super easy!) dessert. I love this holiday – not for the cheesy cards and sugar high – but for the excuse to celebrate love with every person in my life. Be sure to tell your friends and family how much you appreciate them and a very happy Valentine's Day! 

... oh, and just to be clear, I would still gladly accept any and all gifts of candy, chocolate, and sugary goodness.

Elliott Erwitt
"California Kiss" by Elliott Erwitt, 1955

Heirloom Hearts


Beth Nelson

Beth Nelson style

Chicago Style

Chicago Style

Chicago Style

The goods:
• studded top from Banana Republic

• pencil skirt from Forever21
• HUE tights from Nordstrom Rack
• black wedge booties by Nine West
• wrap watch by La Mer
• gold bangle from IGWT
• vintage heart charms necklace
• initial necklaces from UO and Stitch

One of the best aspects of vintage jewelry is making it your own. Even better is taking meaningful pieces from your own past and blending them into your own style. This necklace combines two loves ... the brass heart is something I've had for years, and the mother-of-pearl heart was Steve's grandmother's. I had to wear at least a little something in honor of this loving holiday, and what better than something that has symbolized love in our families for years?

Friday, February 10, 2012

Lovely Loot

Steve and I decided to keep it simple next week for Valentine's day by staying in, putting on a fire, and making a nice dinner. We decided to keep any gifts to a limit of $5 (which can prove difficult, but also really fun! You have to get pretty creative). Below are a few fun and frugal finds that I wouldn't mind receiving ... some of which extend beyond a $5 budget.




The love loot goods: 
1. conversation heart cookies – $10, available on Etsy

2. adult Mad Libs – $3.50, available on Drugstore.com

3. personalized conversation heart necklace – $65, available from Erica Weiner

4. You & Me pencil set – $12, available on Etsy

5. pink salted vanilla caramels – $8.80, available at Theo Chocolate 

6. Ladurée Valentine macarons – available at Ladurée NYC

7. Boots bubble bath – $10.40, available on Drugstore.com

8. Cuddle Cider – $8, available at Terrain

9. Illinois Sparkling Co. brut – $32, available on Illinois Sparkling Co. (also at Pops for Champagne and City Provisions)

10. bejeweled compact – $2.80, available at Forever21



Thursday, February 9, 2012

Love Notes


With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's time to think of sweet-nothings to write my man. Growing up, I always made my valentine cards for classmates and friends (lots of construction paper mice). But there are just so many clever designs out there right now, I'm thinking of picking up one of these adorable and witty cards for the day of luuuv ...




The love greeting goods: 
1. Lookin' Good – $4.50, available on Egg Press

2. I Love You – $4, available on Rifle Paper Co.

3. We're a Perfect Match – $5, available on Etsy

4. Printable Valentine Scrabble Gram – free!, available on Oh Happy Day

5. Whatever You're Doing, It's Working – set of 6, $18, available on Felt & Wire 

6. Sealed with a Kiss – set of 10, $25, available at Kate Spade

7. You're a Fox – $4, available on Rifle Paper Co.

8. You Make My Heart Race – $5, available on Egg Press