Wrapped up in Paisley

The goods:
• silk tank from Old Navy
• paisley wrap skirt - too old to remember
• sandals by Born
• bangles from J.Crew, Forever21, vintage
• necklace from Forever21

Hotter the weather, the lighter the layers. This paper-thin wrap skirt will keep me cool during the day, and take me right into my weekend travel plans. It's airy and comfortable, two necessities for bopping around town on hot Chicago days. I pulled this one from my archives ... I have fond memories of wearing this skirt the day I graduated from middle school (proof that wrap skirts truly do adjust to any size!).

On the Road Again ...

It's already the weekend! Steve and I are setting out on the road again to see more family, then celebrating his birthday with good friends and good eats. I'm excited to see loved ones, and hopefully make it back in time to take advantage of a few fun things in the city this weekend ...

• The Vintage Heaven sale is back this weekend! It may not be the largest sale, but boy is it jam packed with accessories and attire.

• Flea market-inspired mecca, Jayson Home, is holding a summertime sale, with discounts on floor models, vintage finds and home accessories up to 50%

• The semi annual sale at Zara started yesterday, with many items marked way down. I'm totally pining over these white sandals, and this cut-out LBD.

• We totally want to check out the new Wes Anderson flick, Moonrise Kingdom. All of his films are visually stunning, but this one looks especially dreamy, like living in an Instagram photo. Check out its kitschy, cool site here!

... And can your guy tie a mean bow tie?? Have him submit a video of him in the act for Bow Tie Day 2012.

Happy weekend!

photo from Pinterest

Sizzling Style

The goods:
• maxi dress from Free People
• earrings by La Vie (available here)
• bangles from Valentina, IGWT, Barneys
• cocktail ring from BCBG
• espadrilles by Andre Assous

Today is going to be a scorcher - there's no way around it, whatever you wear is going to be too much clothing. In an attempt to stay cool the moments spent getting from point A to point B today, I went for one lightweight layer. This maxi dress, while figure-hugging, keeps things simple and chic. Styling made easy by pulling my hair up and keeping accessories to a minimum, all in an effort to stay cool while, you know, staying cool.

Awesome Adornments

There's just something about summer that calls for fun accessories (probably the fact we wear as little as possible, we've got to layer with something). Dannijo is a line of jewels that perfectly mixes metals and bright hues, bohemian and rocker, ideal for adding a statement to a light summer look (just a few of the foxy pieces are pictured above). I love every piece (especially this bib necklace!) but I just don't have the budget for one.

Luckily, I've tracked down a few finds inspired by the lovely originals. Until I can muster up a few pretty pennies for a beautiful piece from Dannijo, these budget-friendly jewels will do!

1. rhinestone and chain necklace – $10.80, available at Forever21
2. jeweled facets bracelet – $7.80, available at Forever21
3. knot necklace – $39, available at Ann Taylor
4. spike and rhinestone cuff – $12.80, available at Forever21
5. jeweled chain necklace – $98, available at Ann Taylor
6. spiked stacking rings – $2.80, available at Forever21
7. gem cluster ring – $5.80, available at Forever21
8. turquoise horn necklace – $12.80, available at Forever21

Beat the Heat

The goods:
• top by Blu Heaven
• denim from Forever21
• wedges from Nine West
• mostly vintage bangles, thin rhinestone from Valentina Winnetka, pearl bangle from Forever21

The heat is back and that means keeping my look light ... and not just lightweight, but often barely-there colors tend to feel just that, barely there. When an ensemble is this clean and simple, I like to at least add some metallic touches, so I'm sporting a cluster of lovely delicate bracelets that I scored at an antique mall over the weekend. I couldn't resist the sparkle and shine of these well-loved pieces, and they add a focal point to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Sheer Bliss

The goods:
• cardigan and denim from Forever21
• silk tank from UO
• wedges from Nine West
• bangles from Banana Republic, Valentina, IGWT
• necklaces from Stitch, UO
• vintage cocktail ring

It's no secret that I love vintage finds – romantic pieces with delicate deco details – but a close second is a super affordable vintage inspired piece. This lovely rose colored cardigan from Forever21 has all the makings of a vintage score, without the years of wear that can breakdown delicate fabrics like this. Rose gold beading adds a fine finish that can add sparkle to casual denim shorts on the weekend, or dress up a short cocktail dress.

Home Again, Home Again ...

I got a late start today after a wonderful weekend in Michigan with my family. Vacation never lasts long enough, but at least Chicago welcomes us back with a perfect 75 degree summer day. Below are a few of highlights from the quick jaunt to the other side of the lake (which, totally strange, but always gets me lost since I know here, the lake is always East) ... 

 • Hitting my absolute fave antique spots (where I scored some sparkly vintage pieces and couldn't resist some awesome brass beaded garland ... who knows what I'll do with it) 

 • The fresh and fragrant roadside markets offered a gorgeous array of vegetables, fruit and shrubs (and gorgeous Michigan cherry pies!). 

 • Steve's highlight was taking his car to a nearby race track (we're talking the works - Racing helmet, number decal, technique tutorials - It's becoming a serious hobby)..

Michigan Bound

Steve and I are heading to Michigan this weekend. I have family in Saugatuck, so every year we make the short trip to this adorable small town, full of fun things to do (and taste! What with all the local breweries and wineries). Below are just a few things my family and I can look forward to on our first summer trip ...

Have a great weekend!

Playfully Polished

The goods:
• vintage top from France
• skirt from Zara
• wedges from Nine West
• vintage pearl bracelet
• gifted rhinestone bracelet
• belt from Banana Republic
• little inspiration card courtesy of kate spade

Going for comfort doesn't mean sacrificing style. These super basic pieces get a pop of color with a pink belt and lipstick, and a glimmer of glitz with pearl and jumbo rhinestone accessories ... all make for a polished but playful look. Or, as Kate Spade might agree, lighthearted, but always a lady.

Fashion Fry

There are pieces that I keep for certain occasions – like my vintage black and gold jacket with sizable shoulder pads ... that's reserved for a serious night out, or my white sequin maxi skirt ... a very cool formal event – but it's the classic staples that are the most versatile and that I pull most often. Emerson Fry makes the most amazing pieces, with top notch quality and attention to detail that is hard to come by. It's not exactly Forever 21 prices, but receive one of these pieces (perfectly packaged in a drawstring bag and lavender sachet tucked inside) and you instantly know it's a keeper. 

Below are just a few of their latest pieces I'm coveting (yup, that black strapless dress belongs in my closet. Now).

Emerson Fry

Be sure to check out their "ends" sale ... that's where I scored these beautiful bells!

Lacy Summer Days

The goods:
• dress from UO
• top and clutch from Forever21
• bangles from Forever21, Valentina
• necklaces from flea market, UO, Stitch
• flats by Audrey Brooks

Nothin' like starting off summer with a hot hot day. Layering may not be comfortable in this heat wave, but does lace count as a layer? (I mean, there's probably more exposed flesh than fabric). I love challenging myself to find new ways to wear items (like I did here also), so I buttoned this top behind my back, turning it into a vest. I love a simple, little black sundress, but adding the feminine, lacy topper and delicate metal and rhinestone jewels, it's a sweet look for the first day of summer.

One Last Spring Fling

The goods:
• top from Gap
• vintage skirt and earrings
• sandals from Forever21
• wrap watch by La Mer
• bangles from Coach, C.Wonder, Forever21

It's the last full day of spring (a sweltering one, at that) so I'm donning a flowy floral. I couldn't bear the thought of confining garments today – a fitted pencil skirt wasn't cool enough, and pants, forget it. The airier the better and this vintage frock is super lightweight and still work appropriate. Since layering was out of the question, the floral print and bright colors add some dimension to my look. Stay cool!

70 and Still Unsurpassed

A happy birthday to the incredibly talented, impossibly cool Sir Paul McCartney today! I inherited my mothers love of all things Beatles (funny fact: my mothers name is Linda and my dad is Paul - just like McCartney and his first wife). While I didn't get to scream my heart out at the Beatles concert like my mom did, I did get to see Paul play Wrigley last summer (hands down, thee best show of my life!). I don't believe anyone who says they don't like the Beatles ... they have such a vast range of songs that there is something for everyone.

Also ... did you know, his song "Yesterday" has the most cover versions of any song ever written?! Whoa.

Steve and me at last summers show! We kept these goofy grins all night.

Business Basic

The goods:
• vest and skirt from H&M
• tank from J.Crew
• pumps from Aldo
• clutch from Forever21
• vintage earrings and Casio watch
• bracelets from Banana Republic, Coach, Charming Charlie, IGWT, Valentina Winnetka

My work environment doesn't require suits, but structured pieces like this vest can elevate a simple summer look to a business (very) casual one. During the cooler months, vests make great layering pieces, but in summer the sleeveless frock can shine on it's own. For an added boost, a whole bunch of bangles and a couple pops of pink should do the trick!

A Case of the Blues

The goods:
• maxi dress and sandals from Forever21
• sequin studded cardigan by velvet
• necklace from Tiffanys
• bracelets from Mexico

When temps reach into the 90s, dressing for work can get tricky. I want to dress appropriately for the hot walk to the office, but once inside, it's as cold as ice (as most lofted buildings are in Chicago, impossible to temp control). Breezy garments like this maxi dress are my go-to for hot summer days (perfect for keeping cool at weekend street festivals!), but also make great layered pieces by adding a cardigan or jacket. The cobalt dress, pale blue cardigan, and turquoise bangles create a harmonious look, sure a black jacket goes over any bright hue, but another easy way to layer is to stick to one color family.

So bust out a feather light frock and beat the heat this weekend. Me? I'll be at Taste of Randolph sampling all the delicious treats I can (hopefully Nellcote has some tasty bites!). Have a great weekend!

Gift Guide: Dear Ol' Dad

He taught you life lessons (sometimes learned the hard way when you broke the rules), he told the requisite dad jokes (and received the appropriate eye-rolls), and passed along traits that not until adulthood, did you realize you've fully adopted. While it would be impossible to repay your dad for all he's done for you, fun gifts make small symbols of your appreciation. Below are some nicely-priced last minute gift ideas for pops!

The daddy dearest goods: 

1. leather monogram ipad case – $69.50, available at Pottery Barn

2. Elvis boxed set – $38, available on Amazon

3. 6-pack of his favorite beer – $8.99, available at Binnys

4. stuffed burger press (um ... and subsequent drop-ins from his favorite child for dinner) – $14.95, available at Williams Sonoma

5. quarter zip sweater (a required part of the dad uniform) – $98, available on Salmon Cove 

6. sandalwood shaving cream  – $22, available at Art of Shaving 

7. retro-inspired am/fm/mp3 player (if your dad is like mine, there is a radio on wherever he is. wherever - he - is.) – $29, available at Restoration Hardware 

8. croquet set – $129, available on L.L.Bean 

9. classic Sperry Top-Siders – $90, available on Zappos

Tie One On

The goods:
• tank from J.Crew
• cardigan from Banana Republic
• skirt from Forever21
• shoes by Jessica Simpson
• vintage watch, earrings, and clutch
• cuff from Coach
• scarf, my mothers

Growing up, I loved rummaging through my mom's closet of accessories. She had belts in every color, beaded clutches and Bermuda bags, and a fantastic collection of scarves. What a fun accessory that we don't wear enough of – they come in every shape and color, can be tied into hair, around the neck, wrist or handbag for a super simple way to add a pop of color. Just now, I've made the decision to wear them more, even if it's stuffing one in my bag for a quick and easy way to change up an outfit after work.

Of course there are beautiful options in stores now, but I prefer to peruse vintage shops for retro inspired prints (and often better prices), like this geometric Givenchy, and this summery scarf.