Cognac and Color

The goods:
• shirt from Ralph Lauren
• gray sweatshirt and black pants from Forever21
• suede booties by Levity
• heirloom necklace and multi-chain necklace from Forever21
• turquoise bangle from Forever21
• turquoise ring from Lori's Shoes
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew

Last week I told you about these amazing booties I scored at DSW for around $30. In that same trip, I found this awesome pair for the same price (always check that clearance section!). I love the cognac shade that will go with everything, and the fantastic heel ... is it a wedge or isn't it? I added a pop of color with turquoise accents and this bright pink lip balm from Mary Kay in Peony, after being inspired by this Target commercial (just try not to smile after watching that).

Pre-Spring Cleaning

They say the first step to getting help is admitting that you have a problem. I have a pretty serious handbag problem. No, not too many ... I just don't have adequate storage for my collection. 

Now, I consider myself an organized person, but evidently that only applies to outwardly visible spaces because this is the unfortunate (and incredibly embarrassing) state of affairs before.

I solved this by picking up a basic shoe rack for $15 from Home Depot. The more delicate bags and small clutches fit easily in the shelves, while the larger bags and satchels can sit on top and tucked on the side.

Now it's much easier to see just how many bags I can buy before taking over the entire closet!

Mild to the Maxi

The goods:
• floral maxi dress from Free People
• jacket from Forever21
• booties by Report
• wrap watch by La Mer
• bangles from IGWT, Banana Republic
• black square ring from Lori's Shoes 
• prism earrings from Forever21

I remember in the fall, meteorologists kept warning us Chicagoans just how brutal our winter was going to be. Well mother nature showed them who's boss and gave us some wonderfully mild months (with a few blustery storms thrown in, just for good measure). This week is no exception with mid-40 temps, giving me yet another opportunity to stretch this summer dress well past it's season (and right into warm weather again!). And I can't resist all of these pretty pastel polishes, so this lavender hue from Revlon is coming out early. Er – let's just hope I didn't jinx us ... we're in the homestretch here.   

Très Belle Bridal

Last night, Belle Vie on Oak Street hosted a wonderful wedding event showcasing the latest bridal fashions from Lanvin, Valentino, J. Mendel, and Vivienne Westwood. The show was a-mazing, full of dreamy dresses and incredible atmosphere. Delicious noshes, bottomless glasses of Dom Perignon, and glam girls circulated the beautiful Sinclair ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Elysian Hotel), making for a lovely evening! Here are some more snaps from the evening ...

Sweets, Sales, and Spade

Tsumori Chisato, the wonderfully whimsical designer, is the latest to collaborate with the decadent pastry house, Ladurée. This limited edition (available March 1st) is inspired by Japanese cherry blossom trees, and joins the likes of Christian Louboutin, John Galliano, and Marni who have collaborated with the sweet spot in the past.

Happening this weekend ...
• Until midnight tonight, bid on these gorgeous, vintage Hermès items up for auction.
• 900 North shops are tax free this presidents day weekend!
• Check out the latest bridal looks/accessories/gifts at the "So Dressed Up" event at Kate Spade on Oak this Sunday (more bridal bubbly and bites, please!). RSVP here
• Kokorokoko celebrates its 3 year anniversary with a sale as rad as the store itself ... buy any article of vintage clothing and get the second for only 3¢ (!). Accessories and shoes are 25% off. Feb 17- Mar 10. Sneak a peak here.

Seasonless Sweaters

The goods:
• cable sweater from J.Crew
• black silk polo from Banana Republic
• denim from Forever21
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage necklace from street vendor in NYC
• vintage watch by Casio
• bracelet from Banana Republic

Cable knit sweaters come in handy year-round. Worn here, over a polo, it adds winter warmth. But I look forward to throwing it over lightweight sundresses on cool summer nights. After cleaning up on cable knit this past holiday (see here, and here), I should be set through the rest of the year.

Frugal Footwear

The goods:
• tan dress from Mikkat Market
• drape vest from Forever21
• HUE tights from Nordstrom Rack
• booties by Report
• necklaces from Vintage Underground and Forever21
• bangles from IGWT and Forever21
• wrap watch by La Mer

Much like my clothing luck at Nordstrom Rack, I find the best bargains on shoes I've been lusting after at DSW. One such lucky break was this past weekend, when I went there looking for a pair of black booties that aren't wedges (which are a great and comfortable go-to, but a girl needs variety!). Rule of thumb is always check the clearance racks first ... some of the best deals can be found there, and even if it's toward the end of a season, you'll be so glad nabbed the bargain now instead of kicking yourself next winter! Not only did I find these awesome black booties for a ridiculous 80% off, but another pair of cognac colored booties at a whopping 75% off. Since the majority of our weather mild/cool, and these shoes were downright cheap, I figured why not stock up!

All Aboard!

Mrs. McManus, fashion editor at Vogue, aboard a train in 1955. Photo by Leombruno-Bodi

If you're like me, watching classic movies leaves you in awe of the glamorous travel aboard trains in the 50s (Eva Marie Saint and Cary Grant in North by Northwest were perfectly sexy and mysterious!). The gilded interiors of the dining cars seemed the perfect setting for the crisp, a-line dresses and well-coiffed hair. Well, this weekend you can transport yourself back to this glamorous era aboard the Dining with Pullman event! Departing from Union Station, the Pullman train is a fully restored locomotive – dining cars, lounge and all! – designed to emulate the trains of yesteryear. During your ride, you are treated to a 5 course gourmet meal from Chef Dan Traynor, before returning to Chicago.

I would love to don a vintage hat and gloves, while leaning off the platform to kiss someone goodbye (but getting Steve to play along may be difficult, as he would likely be busy playing out some scene from Harry Potter).

Check out some snaps below, and get more info on the retro ride here (be sure to sign up to receive word when they start overnight service across the country!).

photos of dining car and exterior, from Dining with the Pullman site

Almost Vintage

The goods:
• striped shirt from Forever21
• tweed wide-leg trousers by Max Studio
• nude pumps from Aldo
• vintage gold earrings
• bangles from IGWT, C.Wonder, Coach

Try as I might, I've never been able to regularly purge old clothes from my closet, even after admitting that I haven't worn a piece in months (okay ... years). I've had these pants since – wait for it – high school. Skinny jeans and slim trousers have overshadowed them for years, but I couldn't part with the high quality and classic cut. Not to say that wide-leg tweed pants are the must-have of the season, but they still fit like a glove and are the warmest bottoms I own. How does the saying go ... "make new friends, but keep the old"? Since everything comes back in style, I guess that applies to fashion, too.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm excited to cozy up at home tonight, cook a big, tasty dinner with Steve, and try my hand at this delicious (and super easy!) dessert. I love this holiday – not for the cheesy cards and sugar high – but for the excuse to celebrate love with every person in my life. Be sure to tell your friends and family how much you appreciate them and a very happy Valentine's Day! 

... oh, and just to be clear, I would still gladly accept any and all gifts of candy, chocolate, and sugary goodness.


"California Kiss" by Elliott Erwitt, 1955