Costume Couture

The goods:
• blazer from Nordstrom
• shirt by Ralph Lauren
• black pants from J.Crew
• booties by Nine West
• men's tie from BCBG
• cross necklace from Forever21
• fingerless gloves from Claire's 
• vintage rings

After dressing as Coco Chanel last Halloween, it seemed fitting that I pay homage to the modern day mogul behind the fashion label. Karl Lagerfeld makes it all too easy to copy his look – his uniform of a black suit, stiff white collar, fingerless gloves and his signature white locks was easily plucked right out of my closet (save for the wig, of course). While I don't think Karl would sport Calvin Klein shades or an RL shirt, I would like to think he would approve of my classic costume ... at least I wore one Chanel item (even if it was only Mademoiselle perfume).

Check out this snapshot of a day in Lagerfeld's life which ran in Harper's Bazaar a few months back – pretty interesting (fresh bed sheets every single day, and his hair isn't actually white!).

Happy Halloween!

Covetable Collection

I recently stumbled upon a harmonious blend of two of my favorite things – classic clothing and Paris. Caroll Paris is one of those perfectly cool brands that exudes that ridiculously effortless chic quality that makes us hate – err – love French women. Reading about Caroll, it's clear that their commitment has always been to make quality, feminine classics, but with great attention to detail and using only the finest materials. They're not just churning out wearable clothes, they're creating covetable collections. And boy do I covet ... just check out a few of their fantastic fall looks below (then share in my frustration that we cannot get them stateside, but only admire and draw inspiration ... le sigh).

It doesn't seem too far from the edgy classics available at Zara, so I'll have to be content shopping there until I can get back to Paris (funny enough, a search did turn up one Caroll boutique at The Galleria mall in Houston ... a plane ticket there would definitely be cheaper than Europe!).

Photos from Caroll

Polka Dots in Blue

The goods:
• shirt from Nordstrom
• skirt from H&M
• sandals from Forever21
• necklaces from Forever21, Soho NYC
• vintage Casio watch

It would seem the chilly weather is here to stay, so let's reminisce about the warm days we enjoyed last week. I took the opportunity during the autumn heatwave to sport a summery look with this swinging skirt and a lightweight shirt. While I will miss baring my legs, I must say I look forward coming up with creative ways to stretch these warm weather garments into the winter.

Have a Haunted Weekend!

This weekend begins pretty much kicks off the holiday season (after Halloween, the winter holidays aren't far behind). Steve and I will be putting the finishing touches on our costumes before heading out Saturday night, but will also make time for the other fun things happening around town ...

• The Modern Vintage sale is back this weekend and I. Can't. Wait. I spent a good portion of my day perusing the treasure trove last time I attended (having some excellent luck with this maxi skirt and this vintage Chanel).

• Steve and I recently discovered Interior Express Outlet in Bensenville (where we picked up an amazing upholstered banquette to update our dining set). Well looks like we're heading back in search of more deals at their warehouse sale this weekend (I've got my eye on this mid century Nelson bench)

• Uniqlo debuted their e-commerce site (!) Check out these adorable Orla Kiely blouses and dresses (all for under $40!)

... and finally, if you read my fave fashion glossy, Harper's Bazaar, you may have seen CakeStyle mentioned in Randi Zuckerberg's list of favorite styling sites! (and why not? Free styling services makes sense to me).  

Have a great weekend all!      

Edgy Femininity

The goods:
• top from Nordstrom
• jeans by J.Brand
• wedges by Nine West
• enamel leopard bangle from Forever21
• gold cuff from Coach

A few of this seasons trends come together in this top. The slim fit and natural waist peplum create a flattering silhouette, while the leather Peter Pan collar is an edgy take on a feminine detail. The mix of these fall trends, minus sleeves, makes it the perfect top for this warm autumn day. Bare arms and peep toe shoes in late October? Quite the awesome autumn.

Bold Burgundy

One of my favorite trends for the fall season is bold burgundy (also referred to as oxblood, but I kinda think that's a weird name). This deep, ruby hue is on everything from hats to pants, shoes to handbags, and it compliments the season perfectly. Below is a roundup of some fab finds (both frugal and, well, not) ...

Clockwise from top:

• leather and tweed blazer,  $169 – available here

• faux fur collar, $17.95 – available here
• calf hair pump, $228 – available here
• cropped jacket, $49.95 – available here
• coated skinny denim, $79.90 – available here
• keyhole blouse, $17.80 – available here
• calf hair crossbody bag, $174.99 – available here
• wool hat, $30 – available here

Caped Crusader

Today's high of 75 degrees certainly doesn't reflect a normal Chicago autumn (but really, what is a normal Chicago autumn?). When fall does decide to show up again, the cape is an adorable alternative to lightweight jackets. Draping the bright solids or pretty patterns over the shoulders makes a simple statement ... and these pieces by Leslie Tessler swing stylishly from the shoulders. Perfect for brisk walks to work, or bopping around town on the weekends, these are investment pieces to last a lifetime (and I love the chic look book) ...

These quality pieces may be on the pricier side, but here are a couple of more affordable, but still adorable, options. This cream jacquard piece polishes any outfit, and this tweed cape with brass buttons adds a vintage vibe.

Photos from Leslie Tessler

Mild Monday Moto

The goods:
• blouse from BCBG
• jacket and pumps from Zara
• pants from J.Crew
• vintage earrings and Omega watch
• bangles from Forever21 and IGWT

This mild fall weather lets me get some mileage out of this 3/4 sleeve studded jacket. It's perfect for throwing over lightweight blouses, or adding a warm, faux leather layer when winter comes. Like this outfit, it adds some sharpness to business basics. 

The Paris Apartment

Steve and I just enjoyed a magical honeymoon in French Polynesia (I haven't forgotten my promise to post photos!), but we're already dreaming of more travels next year. We're big fans of vacation rentals, we were able to score great apartment deals in some of the best areas of both Paris and Nice when we visited France a couple of years ago. It's still far off, but I can't help but peruse the rental sites now. Haven in Paris offers amazing luxurious apartment rentals in Paris (and other European cities), most of which are far out of our financial reach, but just so incredible to look at. So ... let's dream for a moment, shall we?

Hope this inspired some lovely Parisian dreams this weekend. Have a great one!

Photos of crazy amazing apartments from Haven in Paris

Remaining Neutral

The goods:
• shirt from Ralph Lauren
• sweater from Club Monaco
• tuxedo stripe pants from J.Crew
• two-toned pumps from Zara
• vintage Coach handbag
• vintage Omega watch
• tassel necklace from Forever21
• cameo necklace from Oui, Madame Winnetka

I lean toward neutral and black most of the year, and this cool and rainy weather doesn't exactly make me run for the bright colors. But that's what accessories are for! This bright red bag adds a pop to my black and tan. And while these beautiful necklaces by Extasia come in a bevy of colors, of course I chose the ivory colored cameo ... brights make fantastic accents, but neutrals do go with everything.

Hitchcock

I have been a lifelong fan of Hitchcock films, not just for the perfectly creepy stories, but the impeccable costuming by Edith Head (Grace Kelly in Rear Window has one of the most enviable wardrobes ever!). So I was delighted to see two new movies coming out about the famous filmmaker ... Hitchcock, starring Anthony Hopkins in some very convincing makeup, tells the love story between Alfred and his wife (played by Helen Mirren), during the making of Psycho. Also coming out, The Girl focuses on the relationship between Alfred and his leading lady in The Birds, Tippi Hedren (played by Sienna Miller). I can't wait to learn more about the man behind these famous films.

Also taking a fresh look at Hitchcock, these posters by Laz Marquez are a gorgeous modern take on the films iconography. I'd love to hang all four and host a Hitchcock themed Halloween party!

Photo of Hitchcock from tvtropes.com, poster images from lazmarquez.squarespace.com/