Diptyque Paris

I'm such a sucker for all things fragrant – perfume, lotions, and definitely candles. Always on the hunt for the best scents, I was thrilled when I heard Diptyque was opening an outpost right here in Chicago.

Since the first shop opened in 1961 at 34 blvd Saint Germain in Paris (as every label will tell you), Diptyque has cornered the home fragrance industry with their range of incredible scents, each more intoxicating than the next.

I finally popped in there over the weekend and spent my sweet time smelling everything from the spicy Cannelle (one of the original three scents) to the ever-popular Bias. The shop is like a gallery, perfectly laid out to lead you around the space, and the very knowledgeable shop girl will gladly help you find your perfect candle. Be sure to check out the gorgeous chandelier made up of the iconic glass containers.

I left with the most heavenly lavender candle I've ever smelled. These gems aren't necessarily a bargain at $60, but spend the time getting to know the scents and save up for your fave.

Have a Warm Weekend!

Until spring, we Chicagoans have to find pleasure in the small things - like a weekend with no plans. Saturday's weather is supposed to be pleasant so I hope to get out, maybe swing by the new Diptyque shop that opened in Wicker Park (I'd love to fill my home with this scent).

Below are a few more fun things to pick up this weekend ...

• Today is national hot toddy day! Mix up a warm recipe (like this one) and enjoy a night in!

• Add some shine to these dreary winter days with a sparkly piece.

• Practice for spring with a pretty sherbet hue.
• Be sure to make some reservations for Chicago Restaurant Week coming up next month! With prix fixe dinners priced at around $40/person, tables go fast at the hottest (and otherwise too pricey) spots during this week-long food feast.

Photo from Pinterest

Pile on the Pieces

The goods:
• shirt from Gap
• cardigan from Banana Republic
• pencil skirt and booties from Zara
• vintage gold belt, earrings, and Omega watch

Besides big cozy sweaters, one of the few fun elements of winter style is layering. I love sifting through my wardrobe, mixing and matching pieces. I pulled together these business classics, but kept it casual, leaving the shirt untucked and adding some gold accessories for polish. I particularly love graphic black and white patterns for this because you can pair it with any color (note to self: add bright hue skirt to continuous mental shopping list).

Tress Mess

I will take all the time I need in the morning enjoying my shower, playing with makeup, or sifting through my closet, but I don't like spending too much time doing my hair. I've pared my washing down to once per week, which means I have to get creative between shampoos. Below are a few fave do's, and a couple I'd love to try, all easy fixes for a not-so-fresh mane ...

clockwise from top:
messy side braid - this is one of my faves - make a deep side part, bring all hair to one side and loosely braid, letting pieces fall out.

side braid pulled back - starting with that side part again, braid a small section, pulling in pieces of hair as you make your way back. Tie back in a loose bun.

messy top knot - pull hair straight above head and start twisting, stopping when it reaches your crown. Wrap the twist around itself to create a loose bun and secure with bobbi pins or elastic. Let pieces fall out or pull some loose for this French-inspired do.

loose ponytail - as simple as it sounds, start with a center part, tease the crown slightly for some volume, and tie back with a pretty piece like the golden one in the photo.

tucked tresses - much easier than it looks, start by putting a thin elastic headband around your head. Starting in front, take sections of hair and start tucking them into the headband until the entire piece is wrapped around it. Continue all the way back on each side, tucking sections until you can't tuck any more! (bonus: sleep with this do and you'll have big, beachy waves the next day)

Black & Tan

The goods:
• sweater borrowed from my husband
• tuxedo stripe pants from J.Crew
• pumps from Zara
• earrings from H&M
• vintage turquoise ring

While I believe you should always look polished and put together, I'll be the first to admit that it can be hard to think stylish when all you want is to dress as warm as possible. These cold winter days have me reaching for the coziest sweater I can find ... which just happens to be hanging on Steve's side of the closet. I've paired this roomier piece with these clean tailored pant to create a neutral canvas for these rhinestone and turquoise sparklers from H&M. Maybe cozy can be clean and chic!

How to Tie a Scarf

I'm a sucker for beautiful scarves, both old and new, but it can be tricky figuring out just how to tie them in fun and different ways. In the spirit of my 2013 resolution to love what I've already got, I hope to find ways to incorporate all of those vintage treasures and flea market finds into my ensembles. Well, my fellow CakeStylists and I put together a little video tutorial, showing you stylish ways to tie 4 different types.

So snag those stylish silks next time you see them ... like this vintage multicolored scarf, or this lovely emerald find!

Resolution #3: Enjoy What I Have

We all have those things we reserve for special occasions – fancy champagne glasses, those vintage lace gloves, that pricey pair of sparkly heels tucked in the back of your closet for ... for what? My third resolution for this year is to quit waiting to use/wear/love the little things that make me happy. Why not drink a Sunday morning mimosa from these classy coupes? Or don this glittered pair with some skinny jeans and a cozy sweater? Even if no sees you, it's enough to put a smile on your face.

All of the resolutions I've made this week are about one thing: living a lovely life to it's fullest. I plan to swipe on some ruby red lipstick and eat a fine french cheese while kicking up my nicest heels ... because life's too short not to!

Have a great weekend and here's to a fantastic and chic new year!

Photo from ban.do

Resolution #2: Enjoy the Best in Beauty

Next up on my resolutions of 2013 ... enjoy the best the beauty department has to offer. I'm not saying I'm tossing my entire collection and starting fresh with the priciest products at Neimans, but instead of just admiring that perfect shade of creamy pink lipstick, or wondering just how miraculous that Creme De La Mer really is, I'm gonna try it. Of course, before you drop the big bucks on anything, test it out or ask for a sample. Every once in a while money can buy happiness ... and sometimes that happiness comes in pretty little cosmetic packages.

Photo from Pinterest

Resolution #1: Enjoy the Finer Foods

Sure I could resolve to only eat healthy in 2013, but I don't see myself giving up any of my guilty pleasures (um, ever). Instead I choose not deprive myself of what I really want, but resolve to eat only what I truly love. Instead of reaching for some cubes of cheddar, enjoy the unrivaled creamy taste of La Tur, or skip those dime-a-dozen chocolates and dive into a decadent bar of Cacao Prieto. 

And yes quality gourmet costs a little more, but make it a special event, maybe a monthly splurge. It's worth it ... and delicious! 

Photo from Little Brown Pen

Cheers to 2013!

I love the first day of the year ... a fresh start to 365 days of possibility and opportunity. 2012 was fantastic – Steve and I tied the knot and I started a new job – who knows what kind of fun 2013 holds?! And while we will inevitably claim to eat healthier and work out more, today is about relaxing and recovering. To make that easier, below are a couple of my favorite "cure-all cocktails"

The Nellcôte Bellini
A fantastically French twist on the classic champagne cocktail, Nellcôte on Randolph makes theirs with the following: prosecco, St. Germain, splash of pomegranate vodka, and lavender syrup

McClure's Bloody Mary
McClure's mix is the perfect blend of savory and spice, all you need to add is your favorite vodka and any additions you like in your Bloody (I like a meal - salami, pickle, cheese ... the works!)

Happy New Year!