A Frock for all Seasons

The goods:
• gray turtleneck from Forever21
• floral maxi dress by Free People
• knee-high leather boots by Candela
• black enamel necklace from Forever21
• gold bangle from Coach

I love this long dress, it's super soft and has just the right floral pattern without looking like gaudy wallpaper. So why should I let it collect dust all winter? I just added thick tights, leather boots and sweater and, voilà, a fall-weather appropriate get up. My rule is unless the garment is linen, seersucker or another summer material, layer it up and wear it throughout the year!

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

I love the holiday season for so many reasons ... one of my favorites is baking delicious, festive treats for friends and loved ones. I've been making this tasty recipe for spiced pumpkin bread for years now ... it's really easy and always a big hit! Wrap it up in foil and a cute wrap like this and it makes great gifts for holiday parties!

click through for the recipe

Windy and Wild

The goods:
• denim shirt from Banana Republic
• leopard sweater from Esprit
• black studded jeans by J Brand
• black pumps from Aldo

The windy city is living up to it's name today! I thought I had better embrace it and go a little wild with the curling iron since no delicate 'do would survive my walk to work. And since I could hear the wind howling, I instantly grabbed this leopard sweater. It may be three-quarter and look thin, but it's actually really warm and cozy.

Gray Day

The goods:
• gray ruffle coat and black knit hat from J.Crew
• black pencil skirt by Citizens of Humanity
• black HUE tights from Nordstrom Rack
• black wedge booties from Nine West

Thanks to the slightly sunny morning for helping me out of bed after such a nice long weekend! With 4 days off, I finally caught up on home projects, errands, and even started my holiday shopping with some black Friday deals! I didn't bother getting out too early though, since there were deals to be had all day long ... I reserve my early morning shopping for the after Christmas sales. Last year, I scored this coat and hat for a fraction of the original price at J.Crew. Let the countdown to the holidays (and post holiday bargains) begin!

Gift Guide: Hostess with the Mostess

Thanksgiving just ended, but holiday parties are just around the corner! I love this time of year ... the decor, the excitement, and most of all, buying gifts for loved ones. I've compiled some gift ideas here, all $55 or (way) under. If you hit the sales today, keep in mind that hostess with the mostess.

The gift goods: 
1. Nest candle in Bamboo, a fantastic home scent I love year round – $32, available here

2. French salted caramels. The individually wrapped candies come in a cute wooden box ... and go real fast! – $10, available here

3. Royal Rose brand lavender-lemon syrup, delicious mixed with a splash of champagne – $10.75, available here

4. Veuve Clicquot (complete with a cute "shopping" bag) – $54, available here. And my current favorite red wine, The Grinder Pinotage (flavors of espresso and dark chocolate, it's unlike anything else!) – $45, available at 694 Wine Bar

5. Mini holly-shaped sugar cookies. These tiny gems are delicious, perfectly soft with just the right crunch in the icing – half pound $10.50, available here

6. Vintage Cocktails by Assouline. This lovely book, with illustrations and beautiful photos, includes recipes for such classics like the Manhattan, Gin Fizz, or my favorite, the Moscow Mule – $50, available here

7. Crocheted mistletoe ornament. A cute keepsake for the holidays (and much more affordable than this amazing gold version) – $14, available here 

8. The Multi Decanter holds wine or water, fits in the refrigerator door and the glass stopper keeps other odors out (and it's pretty!) – $48, available here 

9. Spicy Apple tea lights. Aside from the adorable packaging, the festive scent is perfect for placing around during holiday parties! – $12, available here

10. Rifle Paper Co. Botanical 2012 calendar, with a dozen beautiful and whimsical illustrations, it doubles as wall art – $28, available here

Giving Thanks (for Door-Busting Bargains!)

The bird may be the star of the meal, but I prefer the sides and desserts! Mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce ... it's all so good! And no Thanksgiving meal is complete without at least one slice of pumpkin pie – always with a dollop of whipped topping.

But let's be honest, the real point of the meal is to provide fuel for Black Friday sales (this year, most big-name stores are even opening at midnight!). Refinery29 provides a great list of not to miss deals at local shops (though you'll have to wait until the sun rises for most of these bargains). Check it out here.

And while I always appreciate finding a fantastic deal, I truly am thankful for my family, friends and health everyday!

above photo from Smitten Kitchen

Black & White Wednesday

The goods:

• white dress from Aritzia
• black leggings by Tart from Nordstrom Rack
• black wedge booties from Nine West
• necklaces from Stitch and two vintage finds
• brass chain bracelet from J.Crew, IGWT gold bangle
• leopard ring from Topshop 

I told myself I was just going to window shop for myself in New York last weekend, but when I passed the wonderful windows of Aritzia in Soho, I had to stop in. The entire store was stocked with a beautiful mix of classic, tailored pieces and edgy silhouettes. I spent a good portion of the morning there, trying on anything and everything that caught my eye. I came away with this sweet, silk dress ... perfect for layering in cold months and pairing with sandals when it gets warmer. I know I said I don't buy things while traveling that I can find in Chicago, but it wasn't until I was checking out that the sales person told me there are two locations here! One at Water Tower Place and one at Northbrook Court. Best news I've heard in a while - until I saw they're having a big sale starting today!

Cheap and Chic

The goods:

• vintage white blouse from Salvation Army

• black pants from Forever21

• black and gold belt from Forever21

• vintage leather handbag from Village Thrift Shop, Antioch

• black and leopard booties from Vince Camuto

I found this blouse on sale at Salvation Army — and when Salvation Army has a sale, you can practically pay in coins. It was originally marked $2.75, the colored price tag meant it was half off (I would pay more for the pretty gold buttons alone!). A quick trip to the dry cleaners (always, and I love that it usually costs more than the garment) and the blouse is as good as new. Another a fab find was this black leather purse. I spotted it dangling from chest of drawers in a thrift shop (it always pays to check out thrift and vintage outside of the city ... a bag in this great condition surely would have been snapped up around here). It is beautiful, soft leather, and at only $9, I didn't think twice! I had one of the leather tabs holding the handle replaced and it was just like new. My entire outfit cost less than $30 (except for my $100 booties) ... I think that is a personal best.

The Price is Right

The goods:
• white tuxedo front shirt from Target
• green cardigan from Banana Republic
• dark jeans from Citizens of Humanity
• black knee-high boots from Candela
• rhinestone and enamel tiger bangle from Temptation II
• gold disk earrings from Valentina, Winnetka
• black and gold belt from Forever21

Typically, I won't buy anything on trips that I could buy in Chicago, that's just adding unnecessary weight to my carry-on. The exception, of course, is an amazing deal. My friend and I popped in Olive & Bettes, a cute little clothing store in Soho, where we found a rack of various Citizens of Humanity jeans. The sales girl came over and sort of whispered "they're all on sale". We looked at each other, wondered why she didn't mention the discount, and because it was just kind of weird. "They're all $50". This time we looked at each other in shock and started grabbing our sizes. I came away with these super soft and stretchy Avedon skinnies (which we're originally marked at $225!), and my friend picked up skinny black corduroys and a pair of fantastic bell Angie jeans. And with no sales tax on clothing under $100 in NYC, at $50 flat, these jeans were the find of the trip! (heck, of the year!).

From Big Shoulders to the Big Apple

I'm headed to New York for a girls weekend to celebrate the birthdays of two of my best friends! I'm looking forward to catching up with girlfriends, decadent dinners, and shopping around town (I'm definitely stopping in the only stateside Ladurée location on Madison ave!).

I used to stop in Henri Bendel whenever I visited NYC since they closed the Chicago location over 10 years ago. But no longer do I need to travel such distances for their lovely accessories and jewels ... Henri Bendel is opening in Water Tower Place today! Juuust in time for the holiday shopping season.




And on Saturday, Glenda Bailey, the editor in chief of Harper's Bazaar (my absolute favorite!), will be at Coach on Michigan Avenue signing copies of the book Harper's Bazaar: Greatest Hits (a top item on my holiday wish list! wink, wink).

image courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Have a great weekend!

Foxy Lady

The goods:
• vintage cashmere sweater dress from Runway Revival
• black leggings from H&M
• black boots by Ellen Tracy
• fox print scarf from Veer
• IGWT gold bangle and Barneys silver bangle

Cashmere can be pricey, even when it's second-hand, but I snagged this amazingly soft cashmere sweater dress at Runway Revival (which I wrote about on Monday) for only $25! It fit well so I couldn't pass it up. Aaand you may be wondering about this "fox print scarf" ... being a designer, I'm always on stock-art sites and Veer.com offers pretty cool merchandise besides just pictures. I had admired this scarf for a while — I loved how the image, when folded and tied, was distorted into a beautiful texture — I finally just had to order it!

Le Jacket Francais

The goods:
• vintage black and white jacket from France
• dark denim from J.Crew
• black and leopard wedge booties from Vince Camuto
• vintage gold clip on earrings from rummage sale
• black square ring from Lori's Shoes
• IGWT gold bangle and men's watch

I found this jacket in a little vintage shop in Nice, France last year (along with this dress). I first grabbed it for the black and cream color (I can't pass up a good black jacket), and I loved the structured shoulder pads and the strange-but-cool built in white vest with one button! The shop girl tried to convince me to wear it without anything underneath, but I have yet to try that (and I don't think the office is the place to test out the look).

Spring Style Tuesday

The goods:
• navy v-neck sweater from J.Crew outlet
• vintage gray skirt from Winnetka Thrift Store
• tan studded belt from J.Crew
• Coach tan boots from Nordstrom Rack
• gold disk earrings from Valentina, Winnetka
• gold bracelets from Banana Republic, J.Crew, IGWT

Clearly my legs haven't seen sun in forever, but I've got to take advantage of this unseasonably warm November day! I found this skirt at the thrift store for $6 and snapped it right up. The high-waist and a-line shape is so flattering, and the gray is a nice break from basic black. It will be great with tights too, when the weather does decide to get cold.

Divine Discovery: Runway Revival

Since the weather in Chicago was so nice Sunday, I took the opportunity to wander the shops in Lincoln Park. I happened across Runway Revival, a great consignment shop on Webster. Instead of the typical one or two nice finds, Runway Revival has loads of lovely items I wanted to take home (and subsequently had to talk myself out of). Below are some gems!

Revived goods, clockwise from top:
• the attractive window displays at the shop, chock full of vintage handbags, shoes and clothes
• vintage shoes from Givenchy, Armani, and Dior, from $150-$200
• vintage maroon DVF handbag, $65
• Alexander Wang bouclé jacket, $180
• amazing Christian Lacroix velvet and rhinestone shoes, $220 (aren't these perfect for holiday parties!?)

Dark Ages

The goods:
• peach lace and chiffon dress from American Apparel
• black cardigan from H&M
• black HUE tights from Nordstrom Rack
• black wedge booties from Nine West
• vintage gold belt from rummage sale
• vintage Casio watch, IGWT bangle, Barneys gold bangle

A woman approached me in a store this weekend to ask if the cardigan she was holding was stylish or not, said that she needed a younger woman's opinion (if I had to venture a guess, I'd say she was around 50). The cardigan in question was teal with a brick red and black leaf pattern on it. I told her that it was cute, and I would wear it with a pair of slim black pants. She then told me how, contrary to the popular belief that black always looks chic, when you're "her age" it actually ages you more. We only spoke for a moment — she thanked me and went to purchase it — but I thought about what she said for a while longer. I wondered if she was right and if I was aging myself with all the black that I wear. So today I grabbed a peach colored dress to break up my black ensemble ... in an effort to look younger (assuming her theory works backwards as well).

Stolen Goods

The goods:
• vintage tan sweater from my fiance's closet
• black pants from Forever21
• black/leopard booties from Vince Camuto
• vintage cocktail ring from Vintage Underground

Why is it our guy's cozy clothes are always better? No matter how many pairs of soft slippers I get, I always prefer his over-sized, well-worn ones. The same goes for big cozy sweaters! I stole this one out of his closet today, but I would argue that it fits me better. I love the monogram detail on the front (not Steve's, by the way ... random) and the color matched my new leopard wedge booties!