Power Suit Steal

The goods:
• tank from American Apparel
• vintage blazer from Salvation Army
• denim from Forever21
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage watch and earrings from Modern Vintage Sale
• bracelets from J.Crew, Forever21

I'm always on the hunt for that rare designer treasure at flea markets or vintage shops (past scores include these red shoes, and this amazing skirt). But nothing beats uncovering a piece that I could have for the amount of change in the bottom of my purse. I found this vintage Giorgio Armani blazer jammed into the racks of old suit separates at my local Salvation Army, marked at a mere $3.50! I love the 1980's power suit silhouette with shoulder pads and extra long cut - I just keep it current with slim jeans and simple accessory styling. It's perfect outerwear for crisp fall days ... which decided to make a spring appearance today.

Summer Florals

Over the hot, sticky Memorial Day weekend, Steve and I took the opportunity to start prepping our rooftop for summer. We spend some time in the nursery, he gathered some supplies and I eyed some pretty petals that instantly make me dream of warm summer days. These summer florals are perfect for brightening any outdoor space (and your Wednesday!)

Antique Adornments

The goods:
• shirt from Gap
• denim by Emerson Fry
• vintage earrings, necklace, bracelet
• belt from Forever21
• shoes by Charles David

Vintage costume jewels are often tossed together in tubs at shops and flea markets, which makes for an exciting scavenger hunt, and rewards you well when you find that needle in the haystack. Unlike mass produced pieces, vintage baubles carry a history. I like to wonder who owned them before ... did they wear it someplace special? How would they have styled it? Of course I collect goods from all sorts of places (it's no secret Forever21 is one of my faves for affordable accessories), but wearing pieces that I worked a little harder to find and that have brought joy to others before me make an ensemble just that much more meaningful.

Some of my go-to spots for vintage adornments:
• Vintage Underground, 1834 West North Ave., Chicago
• Kane County Flea Market, St. Charles, IL
• The Vintage Bazaar, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago - next date is June 10
• Dovetail, 1452 West Chicago Ave., Chicago

Necessary Accessory

The goods:
• top from Gap
• skirt by Citizens of Humanity
• wedge espadrilles and necklace from Lori's
• belt from Forever21
• bangles from IGWT, Coach
• vintage Casio watch
• tote from Michael Kors

Accessories can add the finishing touches to perfect an ensemble, or be the focal point of an entire look. Necklaces, belts, scarves ... they all make up the fine details of an outfit, but one accessory that has to balance form and function is the handbag. A pretty petite clutch is perfect for a dinner date, but not so great for lugging stuff to work. This tote was one of the best purchases I've made in a long time. It's big enough to fit shoes when I walk to work, a lunch, umbrella, and all those other necessities I take everywhere. This cognac color goes with most everything and the luxe leather and simple form makes this piece a timeless tote for my treasures ... or, in short, the perfect accessory.

Michael Kors tote available here.

Fashion Faux Pas

Over the past week, I've shared a few classic pieces that should be in every woman's wardrobe. From the basic pencil skirt, to a crisp button down, these versatile basics keep any look perpetually in style. But with every 'hit' comes a big fat 'miss'. Below are just some of the trends that most of us are guilty of owning at one point ... and I pray never come back.

Harem Pants
I still cannot wrap my head around these — loose and comfortable? Sure, but they also appear to be designed to accommodate a full diaper.

Square Toe Shoes
I definitely donned this "witch-like" trend in the early 2000's. I know every trend seems fine when it's current, but these did nothing to flatter the foot.

The Very Oversized Overcoat
Big in the 80's, these coats were so huge they made women looked like linebackers. The lack of waist definition and addition of voluminous pleats gives the illusion that the owner has a shape like Humpty Dumpty.

Ultra Low-Rise Jeans

When Brittany Spears wore jeans so low that a good percentage of her thong was exposed, amazingly the trend took off. Seven Jeans made a pair, along with every major manufacturer, and we wore them! (I should note that I always wore my shirts long enough to cover my underwear, but if there was a gust of wind, hello!).


Ultimately, it's a balance of proportions that makes items stand the test of time. Classics are pieces that flatter the body, instead of distorting a woman's shape, show off her figure (not her flesh). There will of course be more "what was I thinking?" trends, but we will always have these eternal basics to fall back on.

Have a great long weekend! (and hit up the Memorial Day sales for some wardrobe basics!)

Plain White T

The goods:
• tshirt from American Apparel
• jacket from BCBG outlet
• gray denim by J.Brand
• sandals from Forever21
• vintage clutch, cocktail ring & watch
• rhinestone necklaces from Temptation

Probably the queen of all classic pairings is a simple t-shirt and jeans. Sure, styles of denim come and go, but the look always works. The white T is something that can dress up (I've work mine with a maxi skirt and piles of baubles) or dressed way down with leggings while lounging around the house (my aversion to wearing leggins as pants applies only to public spaces). This timeless piece is always comfortable, goes with everything, and you can never have enough. A perfect way to round out this week of classics!

Back to Basics

This week has been all about classic style that stands the test of time (as evidenced by these fashion legends). A timeless look boils down to tailored basics and simple silhouettes – you can sport the latest platform pump, peplum detail, or neon accessory, but you'll never say "I can't believe I used to wear that tasteful pencil skirt." Experiment by pairing your crisp white shirt with an illusion coral skirt, or play it safe with a classic pair of jeans. You could get away with these fundamental fashion pieces alone (a safe bet, sure, but shopping for the latest and greatest is just too fun!)

Like I said with this basic black maxi dress, classic pieces are worth investing in, but why spend a fortune? The sampling of staples below are all easy and classic ... and cheap!    

The style staples, clockwise from top right:
• dress shirt – $39.90, available at Zara

• nude pump – $155, available at Ann Taylor

• pencil skirt – $49.90, available at Zara

• trench coat – $89.90, available at Zara

• black pump – $59.90, available at Nordstrom

• merino wool cardigan – $69.50, available at J.Crew

• skinny dark jeans – $10.80, available at Forever21

• black blazer – $29.80, available at Forever21

Simple Summer Staples

The goods:
• top from Necessary Clothing NY
• pants from Forever21
• sandals from Lori's
• rhinestone necklace and pearl bangle from Forever21
• vintage gold chain and watch

Keeping with my easy, classic ensembles this week, I pulled these warm weather favorites. Like a summer version of a good ol' pair of jeans, white pants really do go with everything. But not always true of their blue denim counterpart, white can instantly add a crisp elegance to any look. And while black and white staples like these are the perfect base for any current statement accessories (like this awesome coral bib necklace!), I kept things simple with time-honored rhinestones and delicate gold.

The Many Sides of Maxi

The goods:
• cardigan from Banana Republic
• maxi dress from Forever21
• vintage belt
• Coach cuff
• sandals by Born

Maxi dresses may be having a moment right now, but a simple, long silhouette like this one is something that has been, and will be, in style for years to come. Such a basic piece can show off an edgy vest, contrast bright gold accessories, dress up formally, or go classic with this cardigan/skinny belt combo. Sure it's a piece worth investing in ... or you can snag one on the cheap like I did with this Forever21 find.

Icons of Style

Continuing what so far has been a week of classic style, I felt it only right to give credit where credit is due. Like I mentioned yesterday, I pull inspiration from all sorts of sources, but a major fashion influence is the set of style icons that hold a permanent place in my sartorial heart. Only a few of the lovely ladies that make up this fashionable force, the beauties below embody classic style and elegance. Spanning decades of style, what all women have in common is while they may introduce a telltale trend of their time, they always stayed true to well-tailored and timeless look.

The style mavens, clockwise from top right: Jackie Onassis, Diane Keaton, Katharine Hepburn, Princess Diana, Carolyn Bessette, Audrey Hepburn

photos from Vogue and Pinterest

Effortless Essential

The goods:
• shirt from Banana Republic
• denim from Gap
• pumps from Zara
• necklace from Forever21
• men's watch
• bangles from IGWT, Banana Republic

An oxford shirt is one of those items that never goes out of style. It's a blank slate to add a colorful jacket to, pile accessories over, or pair with a patterned skirt or bright pant. Simply pairing a crisp button-front shirt with jeans makes for an effortless – but still classic and clean – everyday look. The best part is, since a classic shirt changes very little over the years, you can snag these closet staples on sale and wear them forever.

Clean and Classic

The goods:
• sweater from J.Crew
• skirt from Zara
• pumps from Aldo
• scarf from Charming Charlie
• vintage earrings and watch
• cocktail ring from Target

I draw inspiration from many sources; fashion mags, old movies, my surroundings, my family, to name a few. I wouldn't necessarily place television at the top of the list (it would be a departure for me, to say the least, if I started channeling a N.J. Housewife), but one program with costumes I'm constantly drooling over is Mad Men. I've posted about the style of Mad Men before, here and here, but the inspirational outfits just keep getting better and better. I wasn't necessarily conscious of it while getting dressed, but it would seem that last night's episode brought out my inner Betty. Inspired by the 1960's, but still clean, crisp, and current, it's proof that classics never go out of style.

In the Nude

For a while I was all about the bright, spring nail trends. Don't get me wrong, they're awesome and I still love the way the color pops against my primarily neutral wardrobe, but lately I love the look of almost bare nails. Like a good, nude shoe elongates the leg, these blush hues make my digits look nice and dainty. Below are some of my current favorites ... 

The pretty polish goods: 

1. Sally Hansen "Shall We Dance"– super light, sheer pink (a personal fave) – available here

2. Essie "Fiji" – the popular, opaque light pink (the perfect pedi) – available here

3. Essie "Limo-Scene" – sheer, pink-so-light-it's-almost-white – available here

4. Butter "Yummy Mummy" – light metallic taupe (great when tan) – available here

5. Sally Hansen "Naked Ambition" – sheer, shimmery nude (which I'm wearing here)– available here

6. OPI "Mimosas for the Mr. & Mrs." – light, medium sheer pink – available here

Serious Score

The goods:
• top from Old Navy
• vintage skirt from Modern Vintage sale
• pumps from Zara
• bangles from IGWT, Forever21
• wrap watch by La Mer
• cocktail ring from Lori's

I love scouring vintage shops and events for a great blouse or fun bauble that you just can't find anywhere else ... but then there are those rare finds so good, all you want to do is scoop it up, twirl around and exclaim "oh yes oh yes oh yes!!" A few weeks ago, I found this great Chanel skirt .. in my fave go-with-everything tan color, adorable gold button details, and it fit! Ever the bargain shopper, I managed to talk the lady down in price, it's always worth asking. The sale proved to be a rare jackpot when I found this maxi skirt shortly afterward. Spot a perfect vintage find? Snag it! If I had walked away from these lovelies, I would have dreamed about them for the rest of my life (and you just don't pass up Chanel ... on sale).

Fresh Fish Tacos

The warm weather this week inspired me to make a fresh, summery dinner. Fish tacos are one of Steve's favorite meals, so I made a crisp, healthy recipe I found in Women's Health last year.

ingredients:
3 tbs olive oil
6 tbs fresh lime juice, divided
1 tsp ancho chile powder
1 tsp salt, divided
3/4 tsp black pepper, divided
1.5 pound skinless halibut fillets, cut into 6 (4oz) pieces
1/2 english cucumber, very thinly sliced (any organic, seedless variety will do)
1/2 small red onion, cut into thin strips
2 tbs fresh orange juice
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cups reduced fat mayo (I substitute greek yogurt)
1/4 cups reduced fat sour cream
12  5" corn tortillas
1 tsp seeded, finely minced serrano chile
1.5 cups pico de gallo or salsa

recipe:
Combine oil, 2 tbs lime juice, chile powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Toss with fish in glass dish and chill 15 minutes.

For relish: stir cucumber, onion, oj, 2 tbs lime juice, sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper in bowl. set aside

For cream sauce: combine yogurt, sour cream, 2 tbs lime juice, refrigerate

Prepare grill (or grill pan), spray and heat to med-high. Grill fish 3-4 min per side or until just opaque in center. Remove from grill and cool slightly. Warm tortillas on grill for 20 seconds on each side and wrap in foil to keep warm.

Add serrano chile to relish, spoon 2 tbs relish into each tortilla. Divide pieces of fish in half and flake each half into tortilla. Top with pico de gallo, drizzle with cream sauce, and serve!

And if you're in Chicago, pick up some halibut fillets at Isaacson & Stein Fish Co. on Fulton ... they're so fresh and tasty (and if you flash a friendly smile, you may even get a discount off the wholesale price!)

Black and White and Cheap All Over

The goods:
• top from Necessary Clothing
• cardigan, pants, wedges from Forever21
• bangles from Coach, Forever21
• necklaces from Forever21

Since trendy pieces won't necessarily be in the following season, thrifty shops like Forever21 are fantastic for scoring on-trend pieces for just a few bucks. But don't overlook the classic cuts and neutral basics here either. Almost every piece I put on today cost under $30 and they're simple enough to last (so far, quality has proven steadfast as well!) I'm a fan of editing outfits, but when donning classic black and white, I say pile on the jewelry!