Calm Before the Storm

So winter dropped a bomb on us yesterday! That's the funny thing about Chicago, it changes it's mind at the drop of a hat. Now's the time we can add winter accessories and layers and still look cute ... before the temps drop into the teens, all is lost, and we all resemble cinched sleeping bags. Below are a few fun cold weather pieces for that last ditch effort at an attractive winter ensemble.   

Cable knit leggings  //  rubber ankle boot  //  wool scarf  //  jeweled beanie  //  leather driving gloves

Natural History, Naturally Beautiful

While we're all busy leading our lives, it's easy to take for granted all of the grand sights in our very own city. People come from all over to see Chicago's museums, so having not been in many years, we headed down to the Field Museum this past weekend. While we went for the 1893 World's Fair special exhibit, I ended up being more enamored with the old building itself ...   

Have a Très Bien Weekend!

Woo hoo, it's the weekend! If you're in Chicago, I already told you to hit up the Jayson Warehouse Sale today through Sunday (it's what warehouse sale dreams are made of! Seriously, it's like my Christmas morning)

Also this weekend ...

• Channel your inner french femme (like I try to every single day) by shopping the pretty boho french collection from Cotélac. Get 20% off (with code 20ANS) in honor of their 20th anniversary, both at their Lincoln Park shop and online. This sweet shirtdress reminds me of a french school girl. 

• Just down the block from Cotélac, The Left Bank (purveyors of all pretty things Parisian and bridal) is hosting their annual sample sale. All you brides-to-be should head over to score deep discounts on wedding jewelry, sashes, veils, and more.

• While we're tallkin' jewelry ... snag some seriously cool bling at the Dana Rebecca trunk show at Sofia. It doesn't get much better than shopping for amazing jewelry in a boutique full of already amazing stuff! I adore the Sylvie Rose ring ... an early xmas present to myself?

Have a great weekend!

Illustration by Garance Doré

Cable Gal

I don't know about you, but I've been living in my cozy sweaters this week! And nothing seems to be warmer than a thick cable knit. I love how in addition to being the perfect fall layer, these have the look of a well-loved hand-me-down. Below are few to warm up your wardrobe ...

Clockwise from top:  J.Crew  //  BB Dakota  //  Barbour  //  Club Monaco  //  Zara  //  Urban Outfitters  //  ASOS

A Whale of a Sale

Usually I post about weekend activities on Friday, but for this I just couldn't wait. This weekend, Jayson Home and Garden is having their annual warehouse sale ... and I mean this event is a blowout! The huge space is filled with all of the rustic luxuries that make Jayson so fabulous, all for 50-90% off (I know!).   

See you there!

Le Collection

You guys — in less than 10 days the Isabel Marant collection hits H&M stores. I mentioned the collab back when it was announced over the summer and it's finally here. I've always been a fan of the french label (but not a huge fan of the price tag), luckily all of us bargain hunters can get in on l'action. Below are a few highlights, but you can see all of the glamorous goodies (and prices!) here.

Photos courtesy of Vogue UK

La B&B (Best and Beautiful)

To complete my French vacation highlights, I have to share a little sliver of French country perfection. Our bed and breakfast in the Champagne region was better than I could've dreamt! The old four story house was impeccably decorated with a mix of French country traditional and modern elements. Steve and I sat eating croissant and café one morning and we agreed to do a mini home makeover of our place right then and there. La Parenthèse is a little slice of French heaven (complete with it's own secret garden!) which I highly recommend.    

Have a Great Weekend!

Happy weekend! I hope you all stayed dry on Halloween. I'm in the thick of my mini-home redecorating and can't wait to show the before and afters (amazing what a difference a coat of paint, or a new piece of furniture can make!).

Also this weekend ...

• I'm looking forward to hunting for home treasures at the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles. It's a year round event, but this may be the last snow-free one.

• If it proves to be too rainy and chilly, stay indoors and explore the new exhibit at The Field Museum on the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, complete with artifacts and all of the details of that fascinating event.

• Cozy up in the brand new West Town restaurant The Dawson. The impressive space (with an amazing patio that will come in handy ... come spring), has an equally impressive menu – I have my eye on that funnel cake dessert! 

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of TWO restaurant

Trick or Treat

It seems that there are two parties on Halloween – those who love the holiday and those who don't. 
I do love it, but not for the costume parties ...

Halloween always has built-in decor with the autumn foliage 

I absolutely love scary movies (with a light on, next to Steve, from behind a blanket)


I love candy all year round, but have a serious weakness for candy corn and those mellowcreme pumpkins 


I love pumpkin season, funny how a gourd can make such pretty decor 



Happy Halloween!

La Maison

After returning from Europe (where all of the interiors are lovely and French and fabulous), Steve and I were determined to update our place. I immediately got to work perusing all of the amazing home decor sites and collecting inspiration. We've started swapping some furniture and I can't wait to share our updates. In the meantime, I have to share my fave new sites that have become my daily reads ...

Remodelista – calls itself the sourcebook and it really is
The Hunted Interior – a whimsical, colorful site, often with DIYs
Domaine – clicking through this site is like thumbing through a gorgeous, picture filled home mag
Habitually Chic – another dose of pretty pics
    

Pictured in collage above: vintage jars, vintage framed silhouette, antique silver teapot, Voluspa candle, mansard mirror, olive branches, gold rock lamp, tufted loveseat, bronze table