Haute Halloween

photo of Coco Chanel from Pinterest

I rarely shop for my Halloween costume, opting instead to create one from pieces I already own. This year I paid homage to the ever-classy Coco Chanel. All I added were these two toned pumps for $4, and the quilted leather bag with chain strap for $15, both found at the Salvation Army! Of course, the brown wig (on hand from past costumes), black hat and fake cigarette were key in completing my Coco costume. Happy Halloween!

The goods:
• tweed jacket with pearl trim from T.J.Maxx
• black sweater with white piping from H&M, with added black satin bow
• Mark Jacobs pencil skirt, found on sale for $45 at Bloomingdales
• vintage gold belt, pearl necklace and pearl bracelet from rummage sale
• black hat and pearl beads from Doolin's Party Supplies
• vintage gold cocktail ring from Vintage Underground
• quilted leather handbag and two-toned pumps from Salvation Army 
• vintage gold bangle and earrings, family heirlooms

Cool and Confident

The goods:
• vintage striped shirt by Saint James
• black pants, vest and belt from Forever21
• wedge Louboutins from Davis Miller, Winnetka
• gold necklace and sunglasses from Forever21
• gold cuff from J.Crew

Last night, some girlfriends and I were discussing personal style and we agreed that confidence makes all the difference. You can throw together seemingly random pieces, but wear it like you mean it and that confidence pulls them together as a stylish ensemble. I sort of feel that way about this outfit — the stripes under the vest, accessorized with jewels and the belt — kind of a lot going on here. If I walked around feeling awkward all day, it would fail ... instead I'm telling myself it's a great look, comfortable and unexpected (you may disagree, just don't tell me how random I actually look!).

Miss Manners

Emily Post's name is synonymous with proper etiquette and manners and today marks her birthday! I received the 17th edition of her book, Etiquette, as a birthday gift from my mom in 2004, and I love having a printed record of what is currently socially acceptable. Since then, I peruse thrift stores and flea markets for vintage etiquette books to add to my collection, fascinated by the antiquated (and sometimes outrageous!) "social norm".




a few gems ...

On gentleman callers ...

"A gentleman attending ladies should seldom if ever be seated while they are standing. He should be prompt to serve them as to their parcels, parasols, shawls, etc. and is not touch the piano unless invited to do so."

—Home and Health and Home Economics, 1880

On calling for a woman ...

"A man always exits his car to greet the lady, unless he is driving and for some reason cannot leave his place at the wheel. No man should sit in a car and allow a woman to climb in by herself, no matter how many attendants may be around to open and shut building and car doors for her."

—Vogue's Book of Etiquette, 1969

On the well-mannered woman ...

"A well-groomed woman is carefully girdled, if necessary, from the time she gets up until she undresses for the night. Her hankerchief is always clean and when not in use, safely on her. The fastidious woman always understands how much the appearance of her hair has to do with that of her whole person."

—Amy Vanderbilt's Etiquette, 1972

Bargain Basics

The goods:
• white t-shirt from H&M
• long knit tank from Martin + Osa
• black pants from Forever21
• black boots from Ellen Tracy
• multi-chain and beaded necklace from Forever21
• gifted cocktail ring
• gifted studded bangle

Last year, I discovered the brand Martin + Osa just as it announced it would be closing for good. While it is sad to see anything close, it turned out to be perfect timing as everything was on super clearance (and when I say clearance, I mean most items, including this tank, were $5!) I seized the opportunity to load up on basics like tanks, t-shirts, and sweaters, since those are the easiest layering pieces. When in doubt on what to wear (er, when running a little late in the morning) I just throw some accessories over neutral pieces and I'm ready to go. And thanks to Steve for my new smokey quartz cocktail ring (my souvenir he picked out in San Francisco!), it adds a little something sparkly to my basic outfit.

Les Macarons Ladurée

I can't seem to go a week without day dreaming of Paris, but this week I was able to make one french dream a reality ... I took a stab at french macarons! I fell in love with these delicate confections years ago and died happy when I got the chance to enjoy Ladurée macarons in Paris last year, THE best in my opinion. I came back and died again when Ladurée: The Sweet Recipes was released in English  ... you mean I can make my own? All for me?! C'est manifique!

The hard cover book is amazing in and of itself, presented in one of their signature boxes and wrapped in tissue paper. The gilded pages house all of the recipes that make Ladurée the sweet paradise that it is.

read on to see the recipe and my finished macarons!

Well-heeled Wednesday

The goods:
• red silk top from Banana Republic
• leggy denim jeans from J.Crew
• tan boots from Zara• vintage gold necklaces from Vintage Underground
• vintage Casio watch, IGWT gold bangle

In typical Chi-town fashion, one day it's sunny and near 70 and today it's a chilly 50 degrees. No matter, that means I get to sport new fall shoes! I love the back zipper detail on these Zara booties. Bonus: they are surprisingly comfortable since I didn't really know what to expect from Zara heels. While some of the shoes at Zara seem pretty pricey — there was an amazing pair of cobalt blue loafers, but at $150, they weren't very practical — these were $99, more affordable than most of the leather tan boots I was scoping out online. I never pass up a good pair of tan shoes, they go with everything!

Back to the Windy City

The goods:
• black button-down top from H&M
• tuxedo stripe pants from J.Crew
• Andre Assous espadrilles from Lori's Shoes
• vintage gold chain from Vintage Underground
• sunglasses from Forever21
• IGWT gold bangle

The first day back from vacation is always a little rough, luckily the weather welcomed us home with some mild temps and sun (and a little wind!). I loved these J.Crew pants the minute I spotted them in the catalog last year — patience paid off when they were all of $20 on sale a couple months later. I find the ankle-length great for in-between weather since they seem to be worn best with sandals or pumps ... and I will definitely take this opportunity to squeeze one more sandal-day in before the weather takes a turn for the worse (and knowing Chicago, that could mean snow by the end of the week).

Mendocino, California

Our long weekend in Mendocino was sublime, the views around every turn are enough to relax anyone at the drop of a hat. Everyone we talked to there used to be part of the fast-paced, city life and sought serenity in this perfect, little coastal town — and it's very easy to see why. In between our wine tastings and delicious meals, we strolled the bluffs, snapping away (and we have hundreds of photos to prove it!) Below are just a smattering, but shots that really capture the beautiful town ... which I highly recommend to anyone!

clockwise from top: 

• our first sunset from a park near our suite

• the warm sun on the bluffs of Mendocino

• Esterlina vineyard in the Anderson Valley (one of our faves ... some of the best Pinot anywhere!)

• cypress tree grove, an incredibly romantic spot (they host dozens of weddings there every year, what a dream!)

• the calming view of Mendocino from the bluffs

• photographer-Steve hard at work capturing the sunset

• the color palette of the rock, surf and sky is calm and fluid and everywhere you look!

• MacCullum House Inn, our stunning accommodations which also houses an award winning restaurant. We've been before and will absolutely stay again!

Wrapping the Week with a Little Wine

The goods:
• black wrap cape from Von Maur
• black pants from Forever21
• tan booties from Zara
• vintage black lizard belt with gold buckle (another $2 find from the best rummage sale)
• gifted handbag
• gold disk earrings from Valencia, Winnetka

Today we drove up the California coast to Mendocino for a weekend of wine tasting! Steve and I vacationed here on our first trip almost 4 years ago ... it's one of the most beautiful places (and where I discovered my love of Pinot Noir!). I packed this fringed wrap cape I found for only $45 (I knew I should have grabbed it every color) since it seemed like the perfect wine tasting accessory — plus the coast gets cool quickly, so having a built-in blanket is quite convenient! I can't put into words how lovely the scenery is here, I'll just have to share photos next week.

Shakin' It in San Fran!

The goods:
• silver striped top from H&M
• black jacket from BCBG outlet
• J.Crew leggy denim jeans
• silver flats by Audrey Brooke
• gifted silver pashmina
• vintage silver chain buckle belt ($2! from the best rummage sale)
• gifted handbag
• sunglasses from Forever21
• gold disk earrings from Valencia, Winnetka

Steve and I were seeing the sights in San Francisco today! We've been here before but neither of us had been to touristy spots, like Alcatraz! We took an afternoon ferry out and we are so glad we did, it's like walking onto a movie set! There's so much history and amazing stories — a tour guide even told us that since the island is made of bedrock, occupants of the island didn't feel the Great San Fran earthquake of 1906, or the one in 1989. Funny he should mention it ... while we were on The Rock, San Fran had a 4.2 magnitude earthquake! We didn't feel a thing, but did feel the aftershock around 10:30pm (a first for both of us! It was strange and we actually laughed in disbelief).

After our three-hour-tour, we walked down to a great little spot I heard had $1 oysters and $5 pints during happy hour. Hog Island Oyster Co. was clearly popular during these Monday and Thursday deals, but well worth the 10 person wait. We shared a couple dozen of the Blue Pools and a couple seasonal brews. We left full and happy and ready to take on wine country tomorrow!

Rainy Day Comforts

The goods:
• bird print dress from Urban Outfitters
• cream cardigan from Urban Outfitters
• black leggings from H&M
• Frye boots (I always cringe at the prices but they really do last for.ev.er)
• gold initial necklace from Stitch Chicago
• vintage gold heard necklace

It's always hard to get going on cool, rainy mornings, so comfort is usually my top priority. I don't believe in wearing sweatpants to work — or in public, for that matter — so leggings are the next best thing (disclaimer: I definitely do not wear them as pants. Leggings are not pants and should not be worn as such ... you may as well paint a thin layer of black on your lower half and head out the door. Gross). I look to leggings for a thicker alternative to tights on cooler days, and layered with a gauzy dress and cozy sweater, it's comfort disguised at cute a outfit! This ensemble will take me from day to night seamlessly (and by night, I mean snuggling up on the couch immediately after work if this rain continues).

My So-Called Style

I was home sick today, so I never got out of my t-shirt and leggings, but I did catch a mini marathon of My So-Called Life on the Sundance channel! I loved this show when it first aired (Jordan Catalano was reason enough to watch!). I couldn't help but notice how "in" Angela is right now ... the hiker boots, the layers ... her entire wardrobe can be found in stores now.

clockwise from top:
• plaid shirt, $19 from Forever21
• vintage Levi sherpa jacket, $35 from Etsy
• brown hiker boots, $59 from ModCloth
• floral dress, $45 from Mikkat Market
• brown crossbody bag, $39 from Urban Outfitters

... of course this wouldn't be complete without a shot of Jordan. 

Cozy Cool

The goods:
• over sized gray sweater from Gap
• navy skinny cords from J.Crew
• chartreuse suede slingbacks from Nine West
• men's watch, IGWT bangle
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew

It's one of those perfect 60 degree autumn days where you can get away with a big, warm sweater and no jacket. I scored this cozy, gray number (with one of those hand-warmer-pouch-things I love) at the rummage sale for a whopping $3 (I mean, the dry cleaning cost more!). It's one of those pieces that you just want to cuddle up in with a big cup of hot cocoa ... unfortunately work got in the way of that plan today. I broke up the dark gray and navy with my super-bright shoes! These suede slingbacks are another autumn-appropriate pair of kicks for this lovely fall weather.

A Dose of Vintage

It seems like every weekend this fall has been chock full of fun flea and vintage events (like the Vintage Bazaar and Fall Flea at Jayson Home & Garden last month). This weekend is no exception with two amazing events ... 

If you watch The Rachel Zoe Project (and you should because it's hilarious/ridiculous/amazing), you are probably familiar with her love of the vintage mecca, Decades. The L.A. shop is setting up a temporary stock inside Space519 at 900 N. Michigan (which is a cool store itself, selling hard to find apparel, accessories, home accents and furniture).

 Photos of the Decades L.A. shop, courtesy of Decades

Also this weekend is the monthly Dose Market at the River East Art Center. Dose has dozens of local vendors selling everything from beautiful vintage clothing, to fine foods and baked goods, to vintage home decor and fresh flowers. There is live music and a bar to round out the already awesome lineup, making it pretty much the coolest market around. 

Photos from past Dose Markets, courtesy of Dose Market