A Step Back

Trends always come and go – I wore bell bottoms back in the late 90s, then again when I bought this pair. I wore crochet tops in middle school, and now love pairing a pretty white one with slim jeans. Even pointy heels left for a few years while the round toe pump had it's hey day. But there's one trend I'm not sure I'll be revisiting ... the Birkenstock sandal. I wore these in my hippie days while my friend and I listened to Janis and burned our glowing candles and frankly, I kinda want to keep them there. Sure they are comfortable, but there's nothing feminine about the shape, and they toe the line between clunky and therapeutic. 

So while every designer seems to be coming out with one of these designs, my throwback shoe of choice this summer will be my Dr. Scholl's ... but if you're on board, go for it! Below are just a handful of the Birkenstock-inspired sandals out there ...

clockwise from top left: Givenchy, Proezna Schouler, Marni, Prada, Vince, Michael Kors, Isabel Marant, Zara

The Little White Dress

Spring – the season when I can add a very important color to my wardrobe of black, gray, and tan ... white! Skirts, tops, pants, jackets done in bright white create clean, crisp spring ensembles ... but nothing beats the LWD. From casual swing silhouettes to slim sophisticated dresses, swap out your go-to black for a spring white piece.   

All of these pretty pieces are available on Keaton Row.

Pretty and Potted

In my continued effort to bring a little European flair to our home, I just bought two potted olive trees. When we were visiting France, I kept noticing the beautiful plants – lining the cafe patios, potted outside boutiques, flanking entryways to adorable hotels – so naturally I had to have them too. I love the dusty green color of the leaves, slim shape, and with enough sun, they will produce olives that you can cure yourself! Below are a few fun ways to incorporate them into the home ...      

Photos courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Mother of a Weekend!

Happy Mother's Day weekend! Whether it's your mother, grandmother, or friend who recently became a mom, let's celebrate theses brave, beautiful women. I'm looking forward to spending the day with mom sharing a few of these.

Also this weekend ...

• My mom taught me all the tricks of the shopping trade. If the same is true for you, do what you do best and take her over to Dose Market this Sunday and see what fun finds you can score. 

• Need a last minute gift for her? One of my fave jewelry brands, Winifred Grace, just opened their first shop at 5642 N. Clark. Snag mom a pair of cool earrings or one of these amazing personalized pieces. 

• If you're looking for something a little more thrilling to do with mom, you could always test your nerves at the new Hancock observatory "tilt". Have you seen this? You stand against a window – 94 floors up – and it angles outward 30 degrees. Whoa mama – ha! 

p.s. The above photo is from my wedding, when my mom and I couldn't take a serious photo, but I love the authentic moment.

Have a great weekend!

The Stylish Staple

The Chanel boucle jacket is without a doubt an iconic and coveted item. While stylish ladies everywhere may agree on this, not everyone will own one (I mean, they cost upwards of $2k ... and that's preowned!). On a routine stroll through my local Zara the other day, I noticed not just one cute classic tweed jacket, but a bevy of this stylish spring staple (and at a much more wallet-friendly price) ...   

Clockwise from top: cream with black piping  //  mint green  //  navy blue with white piping  //  cream with zip details  //  navy jacket  //  teal contrast piping jacket 

Showering the Bride-to-be

My lovely little sister is getting married next month, and as the matron of honor, I'm "honored" to organize any and every celebratory occasion! This past weekend, I hosted a bridal shower for her, complete with a dozen bottles of bubbly, decadent sweets and her nearest and dearest friends and family. I took every opportunity to create pretty little decorations, design some funny games, and give some fizzy favors.   

 

Now, onto planning her bachelorette! (though I can't promise a post on that one :)

Mother's Day Gift Guide

As you *should* know, Mother's Day is this Sunday. Time to honor the woman who continues to spend her time wondering what you're doing/worrying if you're okay/giving you her unsolicited opinion on that new dress you bought. And while no gift could equal your love for this lady, a fun little knickknack doesn't hurt ...  

1. A reminder of how you see her - Kate Spade "Heart of Gold" bangle
2. Chevron infinity scarf - a gal can never have enough accessories
3. Relaxation meets happy hour - Diptyque Mimosa candle
4. Because every mom deserves a spa day
5. The most gorgeous peony bouquet 
6. Tom Ford Neroli body oil, a heavenly scent and perfect for the upcoming summer months
7. Whip up a round of these champagne cocktails and kick back with mom
8. Plan a picnic with mom for an upcoming Ravinia show this summer

Happy Birthday Mrs. Hepburn

In honor of Mrs. Hepburn's birthday yesterday, I want to share some of my fave shots of my fave leading lady. She was always adorable, often glamorous, and embodied classic style. While trimming our bangs, dying it dark (and maybe loosing 30 lbs) may not be immediately possible, there are a few items that can help us capture that trademark Audrey look ...      

Every time I swipe this liquid eyeliner on, I think of her perfectly "winged" eyes.


In almost every film, Audrey seemed to have the perfect rosy hued lips. I love this neutral satin lip pencil for all day use.


Audrey was a fan, as am I, of a classic Breton striped shirt. My fave is this St. James shirt.


A signature Audrey accessory were her simple ballet flats. I love them in all colors, but you can't beat basic black.

... regardless of her costume or character, Audrey always wore the best accessory a lady can, a megawatt smile.

Happy birthday Audrey!

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

Happy weekend all! It's going to be an action-packed weekend, what with the dynamic duo of the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo right around the corner. Saturday is supposed to be a lovely day in Chicago so it will no doubt be a fun day around town ...

Also this weekend ...

• It's the one weekend a year that I love going to the warehouse of a bar, Joe's on Weed, to watch the Derby and place a few dollar bets next door at the OTB. Even better, when the weather is nice you can sit outside (and still watch the race on their outdoor TVs). 

• If you're heading to a party, or just enjoying the race from the comfort of your very own couch, it's always fun to make a festive cocktail for the event – so in light of the dual "holiday", whip up a Mint Julep Margarita! Sounds like the tastiest, best of both worlds to me. 

• Or instead of drinking the day away, head to Plumbers Hall for the Modern Vintage Chicago sale. This is one seriously great event, full of fantastic finds (past scores include my vintage Chanel pleated skirt and floral maxi).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Tablespoon

The Ladylike Length

Lately I've been on a midi length kick (as evidenced here and here). I'm loving the ladylike silhouette and being able to head out on a windy day without fear of a flying skirt. The trick to this mid-calf hemline is to slip on a pair of high heels (none of this kitten or low heel business, I mean the big girl shoes). For girls on the shorter side, stick to the pencil skirt silhouette and always go for nude heels (they really lengthen the legs). 

It's no wonder I've been drawn to them lately, ever since I started styling for Keaton Row, I'm staring at these super adorable dresses all day! I love suggesting these options below for upcoming spring or summer events, pairing with a blazer for work, or with wedge sandals and a denim jacket for a chic weekend look ...    

All of these are available on Keaton Row's site (and I'd be happy to send one your way!).