Best of 2013: Packing for France

Planning my packing list for France was almost as fun as the actual trip! To be honest, the outfits below are my go-to no matter where I am.
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Tomorrow Steve and I jet off to France! (with a little jaunt over to Champagne country on the way to Germany, also). I've come up with a few looks to avoid overpacking (I learned my lesson the hard way last time, leaving very little room for fun new French fashions). I find the easiest thing to do is stick to one or two colors so you can get the most out of each piece. Below are my staple pieces, which can be mixed and matched to create additional monochromatic looks.

Clockwise from top:  white blouse  //  classic trench  //  skinny jeans  //  metallic ballet flats  //  crossbody bag (similar one here)


Clockwise from top right:  Chanel velvet lipstick  //  Chanel jumbo flap bag  //  black strapless tiered maxi  //  stacked heel ankle bootie  //  black leather jacket 


 Clockwise from top right:  tiger print tee  //  nude pump  //  black cigarette pants  //  black single-button blazer  //  tan cashmere wrap

Best of 2013: Pretty in Print

A very simple outfit, made fun by this colorful printed blouse by Prabal Gurung for Target.









The goods:
• printed blouse from Prabal Gurung for Target
• pants, pumps and blazer from Zara
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew  

I'm not one to shy away from bright patterns ... it's just that it's so easy to grab black (you know, when that's the dominant color in my closet). When poking around the Prabal line for Target a couple months back, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and pick up a few of his signature bold prints. I instantly fell in love with this top - the perfect contrast to my otherwise dark and neutral wardrobe. And it pairs so well with black.

Best of 2013: The Girlie Girl

Another fave outfit from last year, mostly black (of course), but with feminine touches like the mini aline skirt and statement necklace.









The goods:
• chambray dress from Marshalls
• white shirt from Banana Republic 
• sweater from Nordstrom
• necklace from Forever21
• platform booties by Report   

I often dip into my summer dress collection to create winter ensembles. This chambray dress is great in warm weather with simple sandals and a hint of tan, but paired with warm tights and some added layers, it's a subtle nod to summer in the middle of winter weather. There's just something sweet and summery about chambray fabrics - maybe that's my subconscious reason for snapping up all the fun pieces I find.

Best of 2013: Simple Material Mixing

I just like any casual outfit that can incorporate sleek leather and cozy knits.









The goods:
• blouse from Forever21
• sweater by Velvet
• faux leather pants from Urban Outfitters
• pumps from Zara
• necklaces from Stitch Chicago  

I'm all for the edgy look of leather-like pants, but to avoid a biker babe ensemble, you have to balance them out with something softer. I paired these tight pants with a feminine flowy top and cozy open-weave sweater. Add a few sparkly accessories and just a hint of sweet pink lipstick, and I've steered clear of being mistaken for a member of Hells Angels.

Away We Go

After the polar vortex had it's way with us, and with no spring in sight quite yet, Steve and I are taking off in search of a sunnier spot for a few days. While I'm away I will share my fave posts from 2013, and also let you know that this year, I plan to bring outfit posts back (at least weekly, if not more). 

Have a great weekend!

Luggage painting by Chris Stott

Goods from the Globes

There's a bit of a lull between the holiday season and beginning of spring ... thankfully awards season is here (and by awards season, I of course mean red carpet season). Sunday's Golden Globe styles didn't disappoint. Below are my top 5 stunners ... 
  

Emma Watson's Christian Dior dress featured pants – I love the unexpected, but totally cool, twist. 


Lupita Nyong'o ruled the red carpet in this caped dress by Ralph Lauren Collection 


Olivia Wilde was the most stunning mama-to-be in this emerald Gucci sparkler


Naomi Watts was stunning in this metallic Tom Ford dress.


Maria Menounos looked amazing in this shocking pink gown from Max Azria Atelier

Vegan, Gluten-Free NIbbles

As part of my healthy 2014, I've been experimenting in the kitchen, trying to find some tasty treats (instead my secret stash of candy). With limited ingredients in my cupboards and an obsession with testing the limits of my new blender, I decided to get creative and came up with these super easy (and super healthy) cookies. Steve was so excited that he can finally enjoy his fave treats without worry, I've learned to double my recipe for next time. 

Vegan, Gluten-Free Cookies (makes 1 dozen)

ingredients
2 C raw almonds
1 C rolled oats
2 tsp vanilla
5 tbsp agave nectar

I added a handful of dark chocolate chips to mine. I also want to try adding coconut or walnut pieces.

recipe
Blend almonds and oats until they make a coarse flour. Add vanilla and agave and blend. Fold in chocolate chips (or optional addition of your choice), then roll into 1 inch balls. Place on parchment-lined plate and chill. 

Enjoy!

Have a Wonderful Winter Weekend!

Hard to believe it's already the weekend (due in part to those "snow days" earlier this week). If you're like me, you've probably resolved to be healthier in 2014. All week, instead of the same old boring cereal or piece of fruit, I've been making some delicious smoothies and juices for breakfast (thanks to my Ninja I received for Christmas - holy moly does this thing blend!). I'm loving this recipe in particular. 

Also this weekend ...

• Make your reservations now for the upcoming Chicago Restaurant Week (Jan 27-Feb 6). All of the favorites are there, plus some hip new-comers (maybe I'll finally try The Dawson, til now I've only enjoyed their delicious drinks). 

• Steve and I have seen more movies in the past couple weeks than we did all year – but we have yet to see Saving Mr. Banks. It looks adorable, plus Science and Industry is showing the Treasures of Walt Disney exhibit right now, where you can see original drawings, props, costumes and more from Mary Poppins and other greats.

• I love that as our apartments become more grown-up, Target seems to grow right along with it. The Nate Berkus collection for Target is always right on point, and the new stuff doesn't disappoint. It's always hard to pick favorites, but I'm loving this gold lamp, and this runner for the front entrance. 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Photo courtesy of Honest Cooking

Updating Our Ikea Tables

Ikea is often associated with college apartments, not grown-up condos, but when Steve and I decided to give our place a mini refresh a few months back, we had to pick and choose where we would spend the money. After getting our new charcoal gray sectional, I knew our old Ikea side tables definitely needed a brighter update. So I got to work reworking them!  
 
To update the flat, gray legs, I spray painted them with shiny gold spray paint. And instead of the dark wood tops, I wanted a white lacquer look. I applied 2-3 coats of white acrylic paint, then finished with high-gloss polyurethane. This also added a slightly yellowed look to the white, which I loved since it gave these a vintage vibe.

New Year, New Products

I'm a true beauty junkie, as evidenced by my new Sephora VIB level card (do you know how much you have to spend in a year to get that? hint: a lot). I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing – don't get me wrong, I have my true loves – but until a product proves itself, I move on to find one that honestly gives results. A few of the items I've been testing out have just about secured their status on my go-to list ...  

From left ...

I've heard of the legendary Embryolysse Lait-Creme Concentre and it's "miraculous" properties, so when I was in Paris, I picked up a few tubes at the pharmacies. I haven't been using long enough to really see a miracle yet, but hot damn does this stuff moisturize! I like to slather it on and let it soak in before applying BB cream. So far, no dry patches this winter. Score. 

It is surprisingly hard to find concealer with SPF in it (which is weird to me since the eye area is the most delicate, first to show signs of aging, and therefore the place I want to protect most!). Perricone M.D. No Concealer Concealer not only includes SPF 35, but has anti aging properties to boot!

When everyone started buzzing about serums, I went straight to the source and asked my dermatologist if they're worth it. Like my trusty Clarisonic, she instantly said yes, it's definitely beneficial when applied to clean skin and before moisturizer. I've given two serums the entire-bottle-test, but saw no results. Then I tried a sample of Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Serum and that very next day, my husband and two other people complimented my glowing skin. Sold.

Since I started playing with products in middle school, one of my fave treatments is a good mask. I have many favorites, but during these cold months I'm loving the Boost Mask by Somme Institute. It gently heats as you apply it, smoothes skin, and even has a delicious scent.

Oh, and don't worry, I haven't forgotten ... I'm still getting through all of my Parisian pharmacie products and will be sure to report my findings! (I need to test them out before I decide if they're good or not :)