Fall Furniture Festival

This weekend is the second annual Design Harvest in West Town. This festival celebrates all things home by showcasing furnishings and accessories from local designers and shops, as well as antique and vintage furniture vendors. The fest is put on by the West Town chamber of commerce and Post 27 , one of my all time fave home stores. In between perusing the home goods, enjoy live music from The Hideout, hay rides, pumpkins from Grand Street Gardens and fall treats like cider and sweets. If the rain lets up for the weekend, sounds like a perfect fall activity!

Below are some snaps from the 2010 Design Harvest ...

Photos from Design Harvest 2010 by http://www.rep3.com, courtesy of Design Harvest

Bewitched by Stitch

I've mentioned Stitch before, it's where I got this initial necklace that I adore. Stitch is a fantastic shop on Damen that sells amazing jewelry, handbags, home decor and furniture (and guy stuff too, like messenger bags, scarves and wallets). They offer items at every price point which makes it the perfect shop to find gifts for everyone and every occasion. I frequent the shop so much that the lovely shop ladies have started to smile and say "Good to see you again! Finally coming in to get that <insert latest coveted item here> for yourself?".

A great service they offer is their wishlist registry. It's like a wedding registry, except it's just for you and you note all the items you desire in the store (um, can you check off entire store?), and then boyfriends/husbands/friends can shop from your pre-approved list of items. Now, if I could only figure out how to leave out a note hinting I'm registered at Stitch, since I'm not big into the whole telling-you-exactly-what-I-want business.

Clockwise from top:
• Stitch's interior is clean, modern and inviting, you could almost move in!
• most pieces of their mid-century inspired furniture are customizable, offering a multitude of fabric and finish options
• just a glimpse of the beautiful baubles they offer

• contemporary home accents like graphic dessert plates and crisp lighting blend well with the warm wood accent furniture they sell.
• handbags of every size, shape and price adorn one of the walls

Vintage Speedy

The goods:
• cream sheer blouse and taupe jacket from Forever21
• Gap jeans
• tan pumps from Aldo outlet on Ashland
• vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy
• vintage silver necklace
• men's watch, In God We Trust gold bangle
• rose gold and rhinestone flower ring, $3 from Forever21
• gold and rhinestone earrings from Temptations II


When I was in high school, my mom, sisters and I would make occasional trips to "The Purse Lady". I don't think I ever knew her name, she was a friend of a friend of my mom's, but this woman's downtown apartment was her shop, selling the best faux purses I have ever seen (note: I don't purchase fake bags anymore, but at age 16, all I knew was they were affordable). I can't actually recall what purchases I made from her — I think I remember a Gucci wallet, maybe a small Prada crossbody purse (because every girl had one) — but my best score came after one of these trips. We stopped by a friend of my mom's in the neighborhood and when she asked why we were in town, my mom told her how we just stopped by this lady who sells faux designer bags. She said "that reminds me of this great LV bag once ... actually, I think it's around here somewhere ..." and she rummaged deep into her closet and pulled out this poor, dusty Speedy bag. "Here, since you like designer stuff, you can have it, it's just sitting back there." I nearly died ... and then I went to Louis Vuitton on Michigan Ave. where they replaced the broken zipper pull for free and I was good to go with my very own Speedy. I still love it, it fits the world inside, and it was the best. bargain. ever!

Silver and Gold

The goods:
• white and gold metallic coat from Forever21
• Gap 1969 jeans from Gap
• silver flats by Audrey Brooks, DSW
• vintage camel suede clutch
• silver and gold disk earrings from Valentina, Winnetka
• men's watch, jeweled bangle


I picked up this coat a few years ago — proof that some items from Forever21 do last! — and I have worn it to everything from weekend shopping trips to work days to weddings. I've gotten so much mileage out of this piece and it only cost around $22! It's one of my many, many, in-between season coats that I cram into the 2 mild months we get each year here in Chicago.

The earrings are my favorites ... one of my best friends gave me this pair for my birthday one year and I wear them all. the. time. I get tons of compliments on them and they can be worn with everything. Steve even noticed how much I love them so he modeled my engagement ring after the design! I even bought a second pair in all gold so that I could give my other pair a break. I haven't found them anywhere else besides Valentina in Winnetka, they sell for about $35.

Cozy Cashmere Tuesday

The goods:
• vintage cashmere sweater from Salvation Army
• Gap 1969 jeans from Gap
• beige flower slingbacks by Bandolino
• initial necklace from Stitch Chicago


When vintage shopping, I always check the garment labels for brand, material, and cleaning instructions, finding an occasional big name designer but mostly no-name treasures. I found this sweater for a mere $3 at Salvation Army in perfect condition. It's made from thick, ultra soft cashmere and the over-sized fit is so cozy! When I checked the label I was surprised to find an original Abercrombie & Fitch tag. I knew A&F used to be a legitimate outfitter — purveyor to the "sporting elite" from the early 1900s until the mid 60s, selling everything from fishing poles to guns, hiking boots to camping gear — but I had never seen a piece for myself. The quality is superior to anything I've purchased recently and this sweater has quickly become my staple for chilly fall days like today. 

Thanks to Mr. Abercrombie and Mr. Fitch for establishing such a fine brand (and thanks for nothing, The Limited Inc., for not continuing your legacy of quality and sophistication).

Homemade Marshmallows

I've seen beautiful, fluffy, cubed marshmallows at specialty food stores before, but never thought I would be able to make them myself. When I agreed to bring the s'more fixings on our weekend camping trip, I figured this was as good a time as any to give 'em a try (and bring some Jet Puffed as backups). I scanned my go-to recipe sites for the least daunting one and found this recipe on Smitten Kitchen. I followed her step-by-step instructions and was surprised to find myself breezing through it. I was happy with the final product, which toasted perfectly over our campfire and drew rave reviews.

The only step missing from the instructions seemed like a crucial one ... when turning the chilled marshmallow sheet onto the cutting board, be sure to dust either the top of the mallow or the cutting board with confectioners sugar before plopping it down. Once that mallow (with a consistency of taffy) hits the board, it won't budge, and thus makes for quite a work out when scraping them off.
















As an added bonus to my marshmallow success, I recently came across this sea salt caramel hot cocoa at Target! I whipped up a mug, and I must say, it's a match made in marshmallow heaven! 

Monday's look — back to basics

The goods:
• shirt, pants and belt from J. Crew
• black slingbacks from Target (I've had these suckers since 2004, you could almost call these vintage!)
• initial necklace from Stitch Chicago
• vintage gold and white hearts necklace

After a chilly (and kinda wet) camping trip this weekend, I went for comfortable, cotton basics. J. Crew's leggy denim are amazing, they have some stretch and they don't loose their shape like some slim denim does. Definitely worth grabbing when you see a sale at J. Crew. The "Perfect Shirt", as it's called, is great too. It's made of super soft cotton, like you've owned it for decades, and really does fit well. I found this for $29 at the J.Crew outlet in Michigan City. Sadly, our car was so full of camping equipment this weekend, we couldn't stop at the outlet mall we passed on the way up to Wisconsin ... sigh.

And to welcome us back to the work week this morning, in between the windy rain showers, a big, bright rainbow appeared across the sky (which doesn't seem to translate very well in photos). It was lovely, buuut the weather still makes me want to cuddle on the couch with a thick blanket and hot cocoa.

Into the Woods

Steve and I are going camping this weekend with some friends. I'm excited to get away for a couple days, enjoy the campfire and s'mores, and the state park we are camping in is supposed to have amazing hiking trails and gorgeous views (especially if leaves have started changing!). Being late September though, it's going to get pretty cold in the evenings so I will be packing lots of layers, but that doesn't mean I need to sacrifice all style. Below are some pretty cute options for my inner outdoorsy girl (and by outdoorsy, I mean we are probably bringing our Aerobed to put in our tent).

Clockwise from top:
• fair isle sweater by BB Dakota, $74 (available on ModCloth)
• J. Crew henley, $36
• fleece lined wellies from Topshop, $85
• Gap 1969 corduroy leggings, $59
• cargo vest from Old Navy, $25
• canvas backpack from Urban Outfitters, $69

Oh! P.S., Since bringing s'more fixings was my job, I thought I'd go gourmet and make homemade marshmallows! It was surprisingly easy and they turned out pretty well (well, we'll see how they toast over a campfire). I'll share the recipe next week.

Fall flea at Jayson Home & Garden

Tomorrow through Sunday, Jayson Home & Garden in Chicago hosts their fall flea market. The store itself is impeccably curated and chock-full of beautiful vintage home finds and fantastic furnishings. Whenever I walk in there, I roam and admire every inch of the space. Their pop-up flea markets are not to be missed and always feature lovely antique decor, furniture and "curiosities", as they call them. Find the flea in the tent outside the store, but be sure to browse the beautiful interior and fun offerings inside!

A few snaps from my last trip to Jayson Home & Garden

Thursday's look — a cool end to summer

The goods:
• peach lace chiffon dress, American Apparel (with AA nude slip underneath)
• black jacket, Forever21
• black opaque tights by Hue from Nordstrom Rack (every year I pick up a few pairs from the Rack, they have tons and for pretty cheap)
• black wedge booties from Nine West


There aren't many items in my closet that can't make the transition from season to season. When autumn came a day early today, I grabbed one of my lightest sundresses and just added black tights and a jacket to make it fall-appropriate. Unless an article of clothing is linen, wool or another season-specific material, simply adding layers, the right shoes and accessories can keep something like a summer dress in the "year-round" section of my closet*

*I should mention I do not actually organize my closet this way, in fact, mine is way too packed to adhere to any rules really.

Wednesday's look — windy (wild) city

The goods:
• leopard print sweater by Esprit
• black dress by Hardtail
• gifted handbag
• Christian Louboutin wedges (here's a better look at these $80 wedges I picked up at Davis Miller designer consignment, the wedge is an awesome metallic pewter)

It wasn't until I actually wrote this down that I realized my outfit is straight out of 1998 — literally. I have had this dress and sweater since high school (further proof that I. Keep. Everything). This also proves that if it's a classic cut and color/print, it can stand the test of time. It's worth holding onto staples, adding modern accessories to update the look. Other pieces in my closet, however (I'm looking at you, denim mini skirt), should be donated immediately.

Tuesday's look — September summer day

The goods:
• floral maxi dress by Free People
• denim jacket, found at McShane's Exchange on Armitage for $2!
• vintage sunglasses from Paris, vintage Casio watch
• Andre Assous Paloma espadrilles

I'm taking advantage of this beautiful summer-like day and wearing a maxi dress and sandals. I have to admit though, I'm kind of excited to experiment with the dress in fall, trying it with a chunky sweater and boots. It's one of my most comfortable pieces and packs so easily, just roll it up, toss it in my bag and the stretchy fabric doesn't wrinkle. I fell in love with it at the Free People store, but I always Google items first and I found it on the Neiman Marcus Last Call site for less than half! It always pays to shop around.

Monday's look - a (very slight) nod to Brigitte

The goods:
• top and pants from Forever21
• Preview International flats
• Aqua sweater
• gold hammered bangle by In God We Trust, silver venetian link necklace (as bracelet) from Tiffanys

It was gloomy this morning, making getting up and ready a little extra hard. Inspired by the effortless yet enchanting style of Brigitte Bardot, I went for ease and comfort in a striped top and black pants. I did manage to throw a punch of color in there too with my ruby slippers – I mean – red shoes.

Brigitte made a simple ensemble with flats sexy with her winged eyeliner and that je ne sais quoi it seems only French women have. She was often photographed donning slim pants and boat neck tops, with her signature locks either pulled back in a headband and updo or flowing down her shoulders. Below are a few of my favorites from Ms. Bardot and her lovely locks ...

above photo courtesy of edwardquinn.com