Here Comes the Bride ...

Well this is it! After a nice long engagement, our wedding weekend is here. We are so excited to celebrate with our closest friends and family (though does anyone else find it fascinating to have everyone in you know in one room? It's like an episode of This Is Your Life, it seems like it will be totally surreal).

We leave the next day for our honeymoon, and to be honest, I don't see myself sitting at my computer everyday, so I will be signing-off for the next two weeks. We were told our professional photos would be waiting for us when we return (likely the only thing I would reason from paradise for), so I will be sure to share some favorites.

Before I receive ours, I'm sharing a wedding photo of my grandparent's above. It perfectly captures my Nana's personality; glamorous, effortless, and always fun. I'm thrilled she will be present to witness our vows this weekend.

In the meantime, I will share a smattering of fun finds from my past posts.
 

Have a great one, and see you mid-September!
(unless, of course, I can't wait and decide to post a mid-honeymoon brag session)

Something Blue

The goods:
• polka dot shirt from Nordstrom Rack
• shorts from Banana Republic
• wedges from Nine West
• bangles from IGWT, Coach
• initial necklace from Stitch

After donning summer whites this week, including these silk shorts, I'm prepping for the weekend by wearing "something blue". This shirt is a fantastic mix of casual and chic – the tiny polka dots elevate it from simple staple, to simply adorable. Too bad it's not fancy enough to add to my ensemble this weekend, this shirt is "spot on" for upholding that blue tradition.

A similar shirt is available here!

What's Old is New

The goods:
• eyelet dress from Old Navy
• sheer blouse from Forever21
• wedges by Nine West
• bangles from Forever21, Banana Republic
• vintage chain bracelet

I have a habit (good or bad, depending on how you look at it) of keeping every single thing – I mean, I'm about 12 years overdue for a good closet clean out. One of the perks is digging out pieces that I can breathe new life into. This summery eyelet dress is a baby doll style (likely circa 2000, and definitely not a silhouette I would grab nowadays). By tying a shirt snug around the waist, I've given the voluminous white mass a more flattering figure ... and a few more years in my closet!

Styled for Summer

The goods:
• dress from Aritzia
• wedges by Andre Assous
• vintage clutch and gold pendant necklace
• bangles from Forever21
• initial necklace from Stitch Chicago

Like I mentioned yesterday, I'm not a fan of packing my white clothing away come Labor Day. When mixed with season-appropriate attire, almost any white frock can make the transition. I love this dress because it's an easy, wispy summer dress and a fantastic fall piece all in one. Paired with thick tights or leggings, I can wear it year round. Who says autumn can't have it's bright whites, too?

Counting Down

The goods:
• blouse from Zara
• denim by J Brand
• pumps from Aldo
• vintage Omega watch
• bangles from Forever21, IGWT
• initial necklace from Stitch

It's the week before Labor Day and that means two things ... 1. Last call for wearing white (a rule I don't really adhere to, I say the more blanc, the better!), and 2. I finally get to wear my favorite white dress (ever) this weekend! With our wedding days away and summer winding down, I'm inspired to pull out all the feminine white wear I can, with a little side of sparkle, of course. This flowy blouse and delicate gold accents create a feminine look, comfortable but classic. And this rose gold clutch adds a glittery touch to any ensemble (perhaps even a wedding dress!).     

Have a Sweet Summer Weekend

It's the last weekend of August already! Enjoy these remaining weeks of summer by heading to the beach, eating alfresco with friends, and soaking up the sun (before these days start getting shorter/darker/colder ... I know, I shouldn't speak of such things yet!)

• Steve and I are throwing on our best white ensembles and joining our friends at Saturday's Chicago In White dinner. The Parisian-inspired "pop-up" dinner is held in a secret location (we won't find out until we meet at a designated spot!). My friend and I scored tix last year as well and enjoyed a lovely white dinner in Daley Plaza. The event is sold out, but maybe try for tonight's equally achromatic Diner En Blanc.

• We still have a few weeks of warm weather, so sport all the short shorts you can (on the weekends, of course). These polka dot ones are super cute.

• Wouldn't this floral jumpsuit be sweet for a warm, summer dinner on Piccolo Sogno's patio? (I have yet to try a jumpsuit, but they always catch my eye).

• Steve and I cannot get enough of the plump, juicy blueberries this summer! I'd love to take advantage of the fleeting season by making these amazing looking blueberry crumb bars.

• Stock up on summer duds (and homegoods, accessories, and more) at the Last Call Sidewalk Sale this weekend in Wicker Park. Fave spots like Stitch, Penelope's, Eskell (and so. many. more!) are making room for fall merch. 
 

Have a fantastic weekend!

photo by Ali Mitton

Freshly Squeezed Friday

The goods:
• top from Old Navy
• denim from Forever21
• wedges by Nine West
• bangle from Barneys
• vintage necklaces

Like I mentioned earlier this week, colors not only brighten your look, but your mood – so I'm finishing the week strong with this bright orange top (another score from my sister's giveaway pile - have I taught her nothing about holding onto bold basics? Oh well, one sister's trash is another's treasure!) A bold hue to start the weekend off right, and I'll need the energy boost to get through Steve's and my giant checklist for the weekend (final dress fitting, finalize the menu, prepare for family to come in town next week, just to name a few ...) Have a wonderful Friday!

Basically the Best

The goods:
• peplum top from Theory
• denim from Gap
• espadrilles by Andre Assous
• tote by Michael Kors
• vintage necklace and watch
• bangle from IGWT

Anyone who's asked me where to find something (my skirt/necklace/handbag/shoes/hairdresser), knows I will enthusiastically launch into a story about where <insert item here> is from, why it's so great, and how I scored a deal on it. Often it's the most basic pieces get the most attention. I carry this tote with me everywhere I go because I can dump anything I need right into it – umbrella, lunch, shoes, notebooks, laptop – it fits it all. I had my eye on this perfect purse for some time, finally collecting enough Nordstrom giftcards to pick one up for myself – which, I say, counts as a deal!

End of Summer Blues

The goods:
• tank from Forever21
• skirt from H&M
• belt from J.Crew
• bracelets from Forever21, vintage, Banana Republic
• sandals, cocktail ring and earrings from Forever21

Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, which means summer is winding down (already?!). I'm making an effort to sport some seasonal shades and take advantage of this beautiful summer weather. I snatched up this bright aqua tank at Forever21. At around $5 a pop, I was able to load up on all of the punchy hues, perfect for wearing alone or under jackets, when my mood is brighter than basic black.

Emerald City

The goods:
• cardigan from Banana Republic
• skirt from Forever21
• wedges by Nine West
• bracelets from Barneys, J.Crew, Charming Charlie
• vintage cocktail ring and earrings

It's so easy to fall back on black and white (as evidenced in my outfits the past couple of weeks ... or all time), but sometimes those brightly colored garments are too fun to pass up. I love this emerald hue, but don't own a ton of it, so when I pull it out, it feels almost like a special occasion. There's something about bold shades that gives a little boost of confidence, make me more alert, and generally lead to a good day. 

So sport a lively color and have a great one!

Summer Sale

The goods:
• top from Old Navy
• pants and sandals from Forever21
• bracelets from J.Crew, IGWT, Forever21
• necklaces from Underground Vintage and Forever21

Savoring these last weeks of summer, but also dressing for the cooler temps, I'm pairing some white jeans with a thin, summery top. Together, these thrifty finds (the jeans were only $13 from Forever21 and this top was rescued from my sister's give-away pile!) make an easy summer look, and perfect base to show off some gold accessories.

p.s. - right now is the best time to find summery garments like these on sale! These white skinny jeans from Old Navy are a great cut and a bargain. Or try the ever affordable Forever21 for similar basic blouses. 

Weekend in Bloom

The goods:
• tank from Aritzia
• vintage maxi skirt
• vintage denim jacket
• sandals by Via Spiga
• vintage rings
• earrings by La Mer

Okay, enough of the muted outfits ... it's a beautiful Friday so I'm busting out a big, bright floral. This weekend is looking to bring perfectly pleasant weather - ideal for combining flowy summer frocks like this and mild weather staples like denim jackets and cool blazers. I plan on taking full advantage of the fine weather with dinners with friends and bopping around the city (including a stop at the Vintage Garage Sale this Sunday) as Steve and I put finishing touches on our impending celebration in a couple of weeks!

Have a fantastic weekend (and I hope to post more than just my attire next week!)

Quiet Contrast

The goods:
• blouse from Nordstrom Rack
• pants, wedges, bangles, necklace from Forever21
• cocktail ring from Lori's
• wrap watch by La Mer

My favorite part of pulling an outfit together is the accessories. These details are the icing on the cake, adding polished touches to my often muted palette of attire. Even subtle additions, like this black enamel necklace and black and gold ring and bangles, offer a metallic contrast to my flowy blouse. Contrast doesn't always come in the form of colorful opposites, mixing materials, even in the same hues, works too.