Wrap Star

Lately I've been cuddling up in my oversized scarf – a warm layer when I leave the house, and it doubles as a cozy blanket in front of the fireplace. I've decided that they're so versatile, I probably need more color/pattern options besides my neutral camel (this is one of those instances where I justify purchasing unnecessary items that are so totally necessary). Below are a few I've been eyeing ...   

Clockwise from top:  leopard print  //  fringed plaid print  //  charcoal shawl wrap  //  light gray wrap  //  jacquard blanket wrap

above photo from Pinterest

Crossing the Threshold

Sure, all of the pretty home pics on Pinterest are inspiring – the marble countertops, gilded mirrors, and mid century finds – but I'll tell ya, it's amazing how expensive home decor can be (I was totally shocked how pricey even the littlest lamps are!). Well how about a home line that is actually attainable. Threshold at Target is the perfect mix of seriously stylish furniture and accessories, but at those oh-so-awesome Target prices. Easily mistaken for a designer piece or vintage treasure, the entire line adds a dose of cool to any abode ...       

A few fab finds from the always wallet-friendly, Target:  gold bar cart  //  faux fur throw blanket  //  mercury glass hurricane  //  side chair  //  industrial stool  //  marble coasters  //  plaid floor pillow  //  mirrored cabinet  //  starburst mirror  //  glass feather figure  //  brass floor lamp

Have a Fun Weekend!

Happy Friday! While I do love the holidays, I wait patiently (or impatiently) until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. But it's only a week away, so nothing's stopping me from admiring all the fancy, frosted decor in stores this weekend ... or better yet, getting a head start on my own with the dipped DIY above.

Also this weekend ...

• It's time to start buying holiday gifts for your loved ones, so hit the holiday sale at the School of the Art Institute Chicago. It's a great opportunity to meet the student artists while they show and sell their unique, one of a kind items like paintings, ceramics, and sculptures.

• Not waiting until after Thanksgiving to start the Christmas cheer is the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, starting Tuesday. And after visiting Germany last month, I cannot wait to get some bratwurst and hot mulled wine while perusing all of the handmade gifts.

• Even if you aren't a bride to be, there's no denying BHLDN is a gorgeous store. All of their sparkly shoes/accessories/dresses aren't just for weddings, they work for the holidays too! So try your luck at winning a $200 giftcard with their colorful online contest.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Keepin' it Cozy

The goods:
• jacket (from my mom's closet)
• leggings from Nordstrom Rack
• sweater dress (underneath) by Elizabeth and James
• ankle boots from Zara
• Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Cherry
 

Whoa! It's been too long since I've done an outfit post. Now, I practice what I preach, so don't worry, I'm not wearing leggings as pants, there's a short sweater dress under there. And since the snow hasn't hit, but it's too chilly for my classic trench, I've been sporting this wool jacket which I snagged from my mom (she relied on this pretty plaid number in college ... and my sisters and I did the same).

I mentioned my love for plaid pieces for autumn before, but I also love these vintage pieces similar to mine – this button down coat, this mini cape, and this pretty plaid cape.

Icons of Style: Linda Rodin

I read a recent interview with the incredible Linda Rodin, and found myself laughing, being inspired, and scrambling to get my hands on her beauty line.

The silver foxy lady went from model, to editor of Harper's Bazaar, to (the original) boutique owner in SoHo, to major stylist, to beauty maven with her best selling line of oils (phew!). She's an incredibly chic inspiration to businesswomen of all ages, with one seriously cool wardrobe. Just check out some of my fave looks from this 65 year old! (and someone pass me some Olio Lusso so I can look that good at her age) ...
   

Photos from Pinterest

The Cozy Collection

Now that the temps are steadily dropping, it's time to get cozy. My go-to piece is a big, warm sweater – but that doesn't mean sacrificing style. I like to pair an oversized sweater with skinny jeans and ankle boots for a chic, but ultra comfortable ensemble. Below are some of my faves for a stylish winter ahead.

Clockwise from top:  cashmere cardigan  //  gray cashmere poncho  //  light gray oversized turtleneck  //  multi-way sweater  //  cape cardigan

In Holiday Mode

The holiday season is right around the corner and that means two things, spending quality time with your loved ones, and looking fab doing it! ModeWalk, the online purveyors of some seriously swanky duds, has marked down much of their collection in time for the holiday social season. Brands include contemporary faves J Brand, Theyskens' Theory, and Vince, but ModeWalk also introduces sophisticated designers like Martin Grant, Christine Phung, and so many more.

I've partnered with ModeWalk as a stylist, and armed with your sizing and wish list, can send styles for your consideration directly to your inbox. Think of it as shopping online usual, but having me pre-select items I think you'll love!     

Below are some of my faves that are on sale now on ModeWalk ...

Check out all of the stylish duds here.

Have A Warm Weekend!

Happy weekend everyone! I hope you've all licked your wounds after the slaughter that was Isabel Marant X H&M (did you score? I was a big zero, oh well). It's supposed to be a cool and rainy weekend, so I'm playing hostess and having friends over for dinner one night, and family the other (it's just so much easier when people come to you!). 

Also this weekend ...

• The Atwood Cafe is starting their holiday tea service this weekend. Nothing is better than teeny tiny sandwiches and cookies ... except maybe the tea and champagne.

• Speaking of holidays, The Golden Triangle (the posh and pretty home store downtown) is holding their holiday market, complete with an opening day discount of 20%. I may have to hit this up ... I won't – er – can't stop with the home makeover

• While you're out and about shopping Saturday, swing over to to Wicker Park/Bucktown for ChillFest. 100 bands will be performing at "venues" like Antique Taco, Alliance Bakery, Penelope's and more ... how chill is that?!

Have a super weekend!

Photo from Pinterest

Intimate Gathering

Last night was the Victoria's Secret fashion show, which won't air until December, but Instagram and Twitter were abuzz with the "Angles" posting all of their fancy pants ensembles (or lack thereof). It got me thinking – very little, if anything, of what goes down that runway is actually wearable. In reality, I'd say most women opt for comfort over sexy ... but there is a balance that can be struck. Below are some cute but still coquettish pieces that I would happily don (in private, not on the runway) ...  

Clockwise from top:  blue and white teddy  //  black cotton robe  //  navy swissdot panty  //  black dot set  //  pink jersey robe  //  pink swissdot set  //  lace trim romper

La Maison

When Steve and I moved in together years ago, I think we did a fairly good job of blending my vintage style with his more contemporary. But after being so inspired by the amazing interiors in France, we immediately got to work giving our place a mini-makeover upon return. It didn't take much to brighten our living space and give it a bit more sophistication ...

Our entry wall before ...

After ... 
A much more functional use of space, this salvaged shelving unit from Nadeau actually serves a pretty purpose with added storage.


Our living space before ...

After ... 
a new coat of paint and new couch, my handy husband added reclaimed wood to our CB2 coffee table, we swapped out the old artwork for this bright mirror, and I made over our Ikea side tables to be gold with white lacquer top. 



Next up ... An update to our bedroom and a french-inspired guest room.