The Skinny

I'm a sucker for classic, black cigarette pants (as evidenced here, here, and here – they go with everything, and hey, Audrey rocked them regularly). So when I was flipping through Refinery29's slide show of awesome skinny jeans and came across this fantastic pair below from J.Crew and designer Nili Lotan, I was in love ...

... but then I saw the price and what the what!? They are a whopping $318. So I've rounded up some equally cute – but more affordable – options below.

The wallet-friendly goods: 

1. Gap really skinny – $59.95, available here

2. H&M pants – $34.95, available here

3. J.Crew mini pant – $98, available here

4. Zara trousers – $59.90, available here

5. H&M pants – $49.95, available here 

6. Forever 21 cigarette pant – $24.80, available here


photo of Audrey Hepburn from Flickr

Layered Lace

The goods:
• peach lace and chiffon dress from American Apparel
• black lace blouse from Old Navy
• HUE tights from Nordstrom Rack
• men's cashmere sweater from sample sale
• booties from DSW
• necklaces from Tiffany's
• bangles from Barneys
• vintage heirloom cocktail ring

Steve regularly purges his closet of outdated or hardly worn items, and often gives me grief for not joining him in this effort. I may not wear everything often, but on days like today, I'm glad I kept garments like this black lace blouse (let's just say the Old Navy tag design has been updated since this piece ... many times over). It's a classic wrap style, and black stands the test of time better than any color. Paired with this lace dress, the two patterns add some visual interest to an otherwise neutral outfit. I believe if it's a basic color and you can style the piece at least three different ways (I would also wear this top with black pants and a bright tank underneath, or paired with jeans and a blazer), then it's a keeper!

Way to Glo

The goods:
• sheer top from Forever21
• tuxedo stripe pants from J.Crew
• pumps from Aldo
• bangles from IGWT and Forever21
• choker from Forever21

There are bright accessories, and then there are neon accessories. On a recent sweep of Forever 21, it was evident that day-glo is back in a big way. I picked up this necklace, which mixes the hot hue with gold, the perfect introduction back into neon (since probably 1990, when I had no qualms about sporting caution yellow leggings and a hot pink scrunchie). Below, these accessories are a perfect way to incorporate super-bright colors for spring. And at Forever 21 prices, no need to approach with caution.

• patterned clutches – $24, available here
• neon straw bag – $19.80, available at Forever21 
• bracelets – $2.80, available here.

Shop: BHLDN Chicago

Last week my sister and I popped in to check out the Chicago outpost of BHLDN ... the dreamy site for everything wedding, brought to you by the stylish minds at Anthropologie. The downstairs displays gorgeous gowns and separates for bridesmaids while the upstairs is like a museum of vintage bridal wonder. Antiqued cases hold delicate antique jewels and accessories, a wall of busts display amazing headpieces, separate rooms show off whimsical decor and bridal intimates – and then the pièce de résistance – the gallery of gowns. Mannequins draped in silk crepe and beaded dresses stand about a room, each vintage-inspired dress topping the next. It's a must see for any bride to be ... or any bridal fashion fan.

The beholden goods, clockwise from top: 

• Bridal headpieces pop against a bright blue wall

• The gallery of vintage-inspired gowns 

• Shelves display vignettes of precious decor

• Mannequins don complete bridal looks

• Fancy footwear fills a window display

• Dreamy dresses are surrounded by rustic, vintage interiors

• Gorgeous bridal accessories range from vintage gloves and clutches to intricately beaded belts

• Cake stands display whimsical confections and favors

BHLDN Chicago
8 East Walton St.

Designer Discount

The goods:
• silk dress from Scoop NYC
• white tank from American Apparel
• HUE tights from Nordstrom Rack
• metallic striped jacket from Zara
• Report booties from DSW
• necklaces from Vintage Underground and Forever 21

I may consider myself a bargain shopper, but that doesn't mean I don't scope out higher end stores as well. I found this silk dress at Scoop NYC, on the sale rack for just under $40. The neutral color and classic cut make it a piece I can mix and match, season after season. So while vintage stores and bargain outlets are easy on the wallet and always great for fashionable finds, be sure to check those designer sale racks, you never know what you'll pick up for the right price.

A Sneak Peak at Nellcôte Chicago

The other night, our good friends invited us along to preview the much-anticipated Nellcôte on Randolph St. A French chateau-inspired eatery in our hood? Needless to say, I had been dying to see this new spot!

It's hard to remember how this place looked when it was Marché ... hundreds of glass vases – each with fresh lavender – cover the entryway wall, crystal chandeliers hang near the rustic, concrete pillars, and the sexy white marble bar nestles perfectly between the two levels of the dining room. And the food! I couldn't snap a photo because none of our dishes lasted very long. The beautifully presented small plates had incredible flavors, we all agreed the dessert course was top notch. We were lucky enough to tour the guts of the establishment too, even checking out their on-site flour mill (which in turn, makes one of the best French baguettes I've tasted since, well, France!). The most exciting leg of our tour was a sneak peek at their [soon to be finished] champagne salon, RM, located behind the restaurant. Accessible from the alley, this spot will undoubtedly be a neighborhood go to, with it's cozy fireplace, amazing bejeweled light fixtures, and mouthwatering list of wines. The real hidden gem is the patio space outside of RM. You'd swear you were transported a hidden café in 1950's Paris, this private cobblestone alleyway going to be a truly amazing summer spot.

I'm so glad we checked it out now ... I'm betting a res will be pretty hard to come by.

The intricate iron entry to the restaurant

Sprigs of french lavender greet diners

A look at the dining room from the elevated banquet table

The gorgeous bar

Amazing chandeliers drip from the ceiling

The best seats in the house are at this elevated counter

Nellcôte 

(opening March 3rd)

833 W. Randolph St.

RM Champagne Salon 

(opening late March)

116 N. Green

Spring Cleaning: Accessories Aplenty

To wrap up my spring cleaning of small spaces (I previously tidied up my purse collection and make-up drawer), I saved the biggest project for last. Over the years, I have collected a pretty gigantic collection jewelry and accessories. I kept my collection any and everywhere I could tuck it - in shoe boxes, top drawers, trays on my counter, in bags under my sink ... you can imagine how long it would take to find a specific piece (if I even remembered owning it!).

After ripping apart my hiding spots looking for a certain pair of earrings, I had finally had enough, so I picked up this great unit from Ikea (which earns bonus points for matching our existing bedroom set). 

This slender, six drawer dresser is perfect for accessories ... shallow drawers for rings and earrings, deeper drawers for stacking containers of bangles, chains, scarves and more. 

The top opens to reveal a felt lined compartment with a mirror, perfect for keeping all my jewels in one place while I try on. It's like a whole new bejeweled world! Every bauble I own is now right there when I open the drawer, which makes accessorizing any outfit a breeze

Modern Vintage

The goods:
• buttondown shirt from Gap
• cardigan from J.Crew
• pants from Forever21
• suede slingbacks from Nine West
• vintage necklaces
• vintage men's watch
• silver cuff from Nine West

I'm all for affordable, trendy accessories, but my favorite pieces come from times past. Vintage costume baubles are some of the most versatile pieces ... classic when worn alone, or piled on for a more updated look. Simple strands of beads like these are readily available at flea markets and vintage shops, combine a bunch for an instant statement necklace.

I {Heart} You

The goods:
• striped turtleneck from Forever21
• navy cords from J.Crew
• sequin heart from ban.do
• bangles from C. Wonder, Banana Republic
• nude pumps from Aldo

Statement pieces don't always have to come in the form of a big necklace or collection of bangles, adding a little sparkle to your hair can elevate a look instantly. It wasn't until I discovered ban.do, that I really started noticing hair accessories. Their line of sequin barrettes, gilded headbands and other amazing adornments add a peppy pop to any hairdo, giving my basic navy and white ensemble a whimsical twist. I started small with their mini heart ... maybe next I'll "upgrade" to one of their adorable giant bows.

Spring Cleaning: Clean (Cosmetic) Sweep

Inspired by my (early) spring cleaning spurt on Monday, I decided to clean up my chaotic drawer of makeup and beauty products. I admit to being a product junkie, I love getting my hands on any and all creams and concoctions. But combine my ever-growing collection with a quick morning routine and what's left behind is a mess of makeup. 

Look at this mess, impossible to find anything!

By simply cleaning out empty tubes and products that I no longer use, and grouping items by category, I've made it much easier to grab, get ready, and go in the morning (and even made room for some new makeups!)

A Bargain Basement off Michigan Ave

The goods:
• chambray shirt from J.Crew
• red denim from Marshall's
• two-tone heels from Zara
• belt from Forever21
• wrap watch by La Mer
• bracelets from IGWT, Forever21

I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of fire engine red pants for a while now. I came across plenty of options, but they were either too expensive, not the right fit or shade. I found this fantastic pair at Marshall's for just under $20! The Marshall's location downtown is quite literally a bargain basement ... in recent weeks I've found an amazing rose gold sequin Max Studio dress for $30, incredible plush hand towels for $7, gold-rimmed Vera Wang for Wedgewood dessert plates for $5, just to name a few. Marshall's joins Forever 21 on my list of "check points" for deeply discounted finds before settling on the more expensive versions. Now, I think need to head back for more of these jeans in blue and green ...

A Match Made in Style Heaven

Last week I posted about a decadent designer pairing between the French pastry house, Ladurée, and Japanese designer Tsumori Chisato. No less sweet – but definitely longer lasting – are the latest designer collabs in women's fashion. 

Starting next month, Marni's line for H&M is full of awesome geometric patterns, chunky accessories, and bright pops of color. I'm loving the striped cardigan that mixes neutral tones with a shock of chartreuse. Also, the amazing paillette collars, which would instantly elevate even a t-shirt and jeans.

Also exciting is the duet of J.Crew and Manolo Blahnik – a perfect blend of a classical and more whimsical brand. But as HuffPo and Lucky "warn", they won't be much cheaper than their big sisters, so the bargain shopper in me won't set my sights on a pair just yet.

And the award for the cutest (and pint-sized) upcoming collab goes to DVF for Gap Kids. The line of itty bitty pieces will get little ladies started early on their designer dud collection. Every girl needs a classic wrap dress in her closet ... no matter how old she is!

Marni photos from Refinery29, Manolo Blahnik photos from Huffington Post, DVF photos from Scoopcharlotte.