Have a Festive Weekend

It's supposed to be a perfect summer weekend (perfect if you like hot hot heat!), and there are a ton of fun things to do ...


• Old Town Art Fair is Saturday and Sunday and it's always a good time! Even better, the three fine men of Hey Champ take the stage Sunday at 12:30pm.

• The North Shore Art League's annual Art on the Plaza takes place this weekend in Wilmette. Cruise just 20 minutes north on Lakeshore Drive to check out the juried art show (quick, find a friend with a convertible).

• Head to Andersonville for their Midsommarfest. In between street vendors and libations, pop into the amazing shops up there (Brimfield and Scout top my list!). 

• Break from the heat at The Vintage Bazaar, returning Sunday to the Aragon Ballroom. Peruse the market for fun vintage finds (I'll be on the lookout for some vintage drinkware, nothing says summer like serving iced tea in a retro glass pitcher).

Happy weekend!


photo by Max Wagner

A Sneak Peek at Drumbar Chicago

I woke up a tad too late to do my outfit post today ... likely due to the delicious glasses of bubbly last night at the sneak peek of the new Drumbar atop the Raffaello Hotel. Officially opening tonight, the new space is a lovely mix of modern and vintage - and very cool people. There's a cozy corner fireplace surrounded by gilded tables, an impressive marble bar with plush stools (likely what kept us there for said glasses of champagne), a second, more intimate corner bar, and the tiled corridor of cocktail tables for breaking from the crowd. And then there's the terrace. The large space feels cozy, surrounded on two sides by brick archways and spacious booths. While the view isn't as impressive as from other rooftops, towering over the west side is the Hancock building from across the street. Definitely be back ... and it will definitely be a popular spot.

Modern lighting and vintage inspired interiors at Drumbar, complete with an appropriate drum performance by the Chicago Bucket Boys to celebrate the opening.

Drumbar • 201 East Delaware Place

Très Chic

When we visited Paris a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a shop full of the most gorgeous clothing. Maje is a French line of amazingly feminine but also impossibly cool attire. Each piece is perfectly tailored and embodies classic aesthetic, often incorporating a slight edge (you can snag a pair of classic jeans ... and a black leather and feather mini skirt). I wouldn't consider Maje an affordable line, but almost the entire collection seems to be on sale right now on their site. If nothing else, pick yourself up some inspiration from these pretty Parisian pieces! 

Maje
Sadly, none of their beautiful brick-and-mortar shops are in Chicago yet, but it is available at Bloomingdales at 900 N.

Bringing Summer to Work

The goods:
• vintage Saint James top
• skirt by Citizens of Humanity
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage gold belt worn as necklace
• locket necklace from Coach
• green bangle from C.Wonder
• gold bangle from Forever21

I've posted before about how nautical stripes make summer weekend staples, but what about incorporating them into a work appropriate outfit? While a striped shift dress may be perfect for perusing the farmers markets on the weekend, it can be a difficult piece to carry over to the office. While I usually pair this top with denim shorts and sandals, I'm creating a classic look with this pencil skirt, pumps, and gold accessories. I may not be able to spend this lovely day at the beach, but at least some summer stripes will keep me company at my desk!

Puttin' on the Glitz

The goods:
• sweater, denim, sandals, and clutch from Forever21
• vintage Casio watch
• oversize rhinestone bracelet, thin gold bangle, gifted
• rhinestone necklace worn as bracelet, from Temptation

Few items can make a girl feel pretty quite like some sparkly accessories. Delicate and feminine, or piled on in bedazzled bulk, they always complete the look. Editing is important to remember ... you can definitely have too much of a good thing. This "arm party" I have going on would be overkill if I had a ton of necklaces on as well, but keeping the focus on one area balances the glitz and keeps the look clean.

Almost in Paris

There are a ton of French restaurants in the city, all claiming to transport diners to the city of light or the romantic European country side through their dishes. But tucked downtown Winnetka, is an unassuming café that is nearly identical to the corner spots that Steve and I would frequent in the Marais neighborhood in Paris. Mirani's on Elm Street is like walking into a pretty Parisian bistro, complete with the rattan chairs, antique crystal chandeliers, and delicious red wine. On a warm Saturday night a few weeks ago, my parents and I stopped in after dinner to check out the space ... and the dessert menu. One of the friendly owners brought over almost half a cake and a few generous pours of wine. I can't wait to get back to try out the amazing lunch and dinner menus (and pretend I'm back in Paris).

Mirani's • 727 Elm Street, Winnetka

Shade of Gray

The goods:
• dress from Sophia (which is closing and selling all merch at deep discounts right now!)
• vest, pants, and bangles from Forever21
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage necklace

Pieces like this dress are easy and versatile ... I can throw it over a bathing suit in the summer, pair it with tights and a structured blazer in winter, or layer pieces for this spring look. Keeping colors neutral means easier mixing and matching for an effortless and comfortable ensemble. Of course, adding classic heels and metallic accessories finishes any look.

A Favorite Frugal Find

The goods:
• dress by DVF
• jacket from BCBG Outlet
• shoes, belt, necklace, bangle, and earrings from Forever21

There are pieces you pine over for years, scores that were so good that you can't help but smile when you see them hanging in your closet, glad that fashion fate brought you together. I spotted this strapless dress at Saks a few years ago, the dark navy, pleat and pocket details made it a perfect, versatile go-to for any event. I could dress it up with jewels and chic shoes, throw a blazer over for work, or even sandals and a hat on hot summer weekends. Yes, I would get my money's worth out of this classic staple, but I just couldn't swallow dropping around $400. Patience paid off when I spotted a lone size 4 at Nordstrom Rack about 4 months later for about $100! It fit like a glove and the rest is history. Unless it's one of a kind, it's always worth the wait.

Something Sparkly

I always keep my eyes peeled for fun, affordable accessories, but lately I've been eyeing pretty bridal pieces to add some sparkle to my wedding day attire. Traditional pearls and silver are always lovely, but I can't help but gravitate toward sequin, rhinestones, and shiny metallics to add a shimmery pop. Below are some twinkling treasures to add to a bridal look ... or even a simple jeans and t-shirt!

The glittering goods: 

1. crystal swirl brooch – $130, available on Ban.do

2. gold sequin bow clutch – $180, available at BHLDN

3. sheer lace gloves – $60, available at BHLDN

4. braided rhinestone belt – $120, available on Etsy

5. vintage deco rhinestone earrings – $46, available on Etsy 

6. rhinestone cluster cuff  – $10.80, available at Forever21 

7. vintage seafoam rhinestone earrings – $12, available on Etsy 

8. blue rhinestone necklace – $14.80, available at Forever21 

9. beaded vine hairpiece – $78, available on Etsy 

10. lace clutch – $278, available at J.Crew

11. antique embellished sash – $400, available at Nicole Miller

12. vintage hair combs – $185, available on Etsy

13. gold sequin heart – $10, available on Ban.do

14. eyelet rose hair clip – $3.80, available at Forever21
 
 

Mad, Mad World

The goods:
• dress from Banana Republic
• metallic coat from Forever21
• shoes, clutch, gloves, scarf and jewelry all vintage

This may have been a short week, but it sure felt extra long. The best way to top it off is with an old fashioned party ... and by old fashioned, I mean a midcentury, Mad Men inspired party! This afternoon, my office is transforming into "Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce" and lettin' loose with some throwback cocktails, games, and of course, the appropriate fashions. I've posted about Mad Men style before (here and here), and being a vintage junkie, I was able to pull all of the necessities from my closet. I kept things classic and simple with a pencil dress and jacket, and added some Betty Draper inspired accessories with gloves, pearls and the silk scarf. All I'm missing now is the requisite chain smoking habit and a scotch in hand.