His and Hers

The goods:
• tanks from American Apparel
• men's cardigan from Forever21
• pants from Anthropologie
• bangles from Barneys and Nine West
• vintage necklace
• silver sandals from Lori's Shoes

I have a habit of stealing items from Steve's closet – his sweaters and cardigans are so cozy and the perfect oversized fit. To balance out the comfortable basics, I added chunky, silver accents with the necklace, bangles, and shoes. I'd offer to return the favor and lend something of mine to Steve, but unless he's lookin' for something like a floral maxi dress, this is pretty much a one way deal.

Gift Guide: Mommy Dearest

Sunday is Mother's Day, and while no gift can make up for her scraped knee mending skills, lessons in bargain shopping, and true honest opinions (be it a new purchase ... or new boyfriend), we can take this holiday to show her our gratitude for her unconditional love.

Below are some fun finds for mom, small tokens to show her you care (though she doesn't need a holiday to hear how great she is, right?).

The small tokens of our affection: 

1. Jo Malone rose candle – $65, available at Bloomingdales

2. "She Walks in Beauty" a collection of essays inspired by the love of poetry passed down from mother Jackie Kennedy to her daughter, Caroline  – $24.99, available at Anthropologie

3. L'Occitane rose pearlescent body cream – $36, available at Nordstrom

4. vintage-inspired rhinestone necklace – $98, available at Ann Taylor

5. peach and gold stud earrings – $5.80, available at Forever21 

6. ultrasoft ruffle nightshirt  – $58, available at Nordstrom  

7. succulent garden – $35, available on Terrain  

8. gold coin necklace inscribed with the latin translation of "confidence, courage, nobility of soul" – $68, available on Emersonmade  

9. white truffle oil, amazing with olive oil for dipping bread or added to pasta dishes – $31.34 for 2, available on amazon  

10. Harney & Sons tea sachets – $10, available on amazon, illustrated "step brightly" cup & saucer set – $30, available at kate spade 

Pink Pout

The goods:
• shirt from Polo RL
• top from Mikkat Market
• denim by J.Brand
• pumps from Zara
• vintage earrings
• bangles from Banana Republic, Coach

Incorporating color into my outfits is sometimes a challenge (a peek in my closet reveals a very neutral rainbow of mostly tans, blacks, and whites). This palette doesn't help when a gloomy day can subconsciously dictate an equally muted ensemble ... but adding a swipe of pink on the lips can lift the spirit just like that. Bright lips can boost attitude in a funny way, tricking me into thinking my entire outfit is bright and cheery ... and that's a much better way to start my day!

My favorite pinks all come from Mary Kay (I find them to be the most moisturizing and long lasting). Today I'm wearing the MK tinted lip balm in Peony (top).

Rainy Weekend Ahead

Chicago is supposed to be warm but rainy all weekend – great for hunkering down and watching the Derby, finding a yummy margarita for Cinco de Mayo – or treasure hunting at the always awesome Vintage Heaven sale in Wicker Park! Last time, I scored an amazing 1980s cocktail dress and a couple vintage chokers.

Since mother's day is only a week away, it would be a perfect opportunity to scope out a unique vintage gift for mom ... maybe a pretty beaded clutch that she wouldn't normally buy herself or an antique mint julep cup she can use for makeup brushes or pretty little flowers.

I'll share more gift ideas for mom next week. Have a great weekend!

photos from This Is Glamorous

Flowy and Floral

The goods:
• vintage skirt from Modern Vintage sale
• tank from J.Crew
• jacket from Francesca's
• vintage earrings from Modern Vintage sale
• bangles from Forever21
• wrap watch by La Mer

I spotted this vintage Wayne Clark maxi skirt at the Modern Vintage sale a couple of weeks ago and instantly fell in love. The incredible flowy lines with uneven hem, saturated colors, and deep pockets make it a cool, comfortable staple for warm days ahead. I went there looking for wedding jewelry, but you just don't pass up a piece like this ... that fits ... that you negotiated down to a good price.

A Day at the Races

This weekend marks the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby, and while it's fun wagering and cheering on the best horse name (I mean ... best horse), one of the best parts is dressing up! Sometimes the weather is too cool for fancy floral dresses, but the occasion always calls for a fun hat. Below are some affordable finds fit for the races ... and for sunny summer days following. 

The derby goods, clockwise from top right:

• black wide brim hat – $14.80, available at Forever21

• Ralph Lauren "Gatsby" floppy hat – $45, available at Nordstrom
 

• Kate Spade patent bow hat  – $98, available on Zappos

• tan cloche hat – $28, available at Nordstrom

• coral floppy hat – $10.80, available at Forever21

• corsage pillbox hat – $63.63, available on ASOS

• wide brim straw fedora – $12.80, available at Forever21


... and just for the record, going on "best name" has always worked for me!

Electric Avenue

The goods:
• top and denim from Forever21
• pumps from Aldo
• bangles from IGWT, Charming Charlie, Banana Republic
• earrings from Francesca's

Balmy days call for bright colors – but also a balance between cool and warm weather clothing (80 degrees outside means office spaces crank frigid AC temps). A super affordable find at Forever21, this electric blue top adds a cool, crisp edge to classic jeans and pumps, tailored summer shorts, or uncinched with a slim pencil skirt for a more business casual look. I added a few fun accessories (like this fab rhinestone, leather, and chain bracelet – only $7 at Charming Charlie) to complete this simple, spring look.

Fair Weather Find

The goods:
• sheer maxi dress from Nordstrom Rack
• jacket from UO
• sandals from Forever21
• long necklace from Forever21, handcuff necklace by Lucid NY
• bangles from Forever21, IGWT, vintage watch

Finally, a warm day to bust out a summery dress! I found this flowy frock on the sale rack at Nordstrom Rack (a clearance on already reduced items, that's some serious savings!). It was marked down to $18, and the delicate floral pattern is subtle enough to make it a versatile piece – I see it with chunky sweaters on cool summer nights, structured blazers and heeled sandals for date night, or a big sunhat and wedges to a street fair. I look forward to summery days when light pieces like this become my uniform.

Backpack Comeback

I was digging through my handbags and found a blast from the past – this old leather backpack I remember loving and using all the time. I'm thinking I'll bust it out this summer, a perfect handsfree pack for festivals, street fairs and flea markets. I've seen backpacks make a comeback over the last year, so I rounded up a few fun option below – some totally attainable, while something like the The Row bag is totally not (with that price tag? I know what you're thinking and the answer is no, it does not come full of gold bricks).

The carryall goods, from left:
• classic black leather bag – $278, available at Coach

• summery striped sack – $155, available on Etsy
 

• the outrageous touch-with-your-eyes-only bag – $3,900, by The Row

• studded leather backpack – $268, available at Urban Outfitters

• vintage cobalt blue bag – $62, available on Etsy


... and if you think The Row backpack is pricey, check out the alligator version (warning: you should sit down for this one).

Bargain en Blanc

The goods:
• eyelet top from Ann Taylor LOFT
• white denim from Forever21
• vintage jacket from rummage sale
• pumps from Aldo
• necklaces from flea market, Stitch, Lucid NY

It's finally a supposed to be springlike temps today, so I'm honoring the season with some white pants. I know they're typically reserved for the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but I wear them year round, pairing them with items like this vintage blazer, or here with contrasting black for balance. I've been spotting cute pairs all over the place, but these were the best bargain at Forever21 for just $13. Heck, pick up two pairs so you're never without clean, white pants this summer.