Bullseye

Prabal Gurung cape  -  $79.99

Just in time for holiday shopping, the Target + Neiman Marcus collaboration debuts this weekend! 24 amazing designers created more than 50 gifts for everyone on your list. There have been some great collaborations lately and I've only admired from afar ... but this one is too good to pass up, so my friend and I are methodically planning our Saturday (we're both determined to snag a pair of those edgy leather gloves!). You can view the entire collection here, but below I've shared a few of my faves - admittedly, mostly items on my own wishlist (shame). Good luck, get there early, and try to keep the hair pulling to a minimum, ladies. 

Have a great weekend!

Diane Von Furstenberg jewelry box  -  $49.99

Brian Atwood Leather Gloves  -  $49.99

Altuzarra Double Old Fashioned Glasses  -  $49.99,  black tray  -  $79.99 

Lela Rose dress  - $99.99

Alice + Olivia bike  -  $499.99

Warm Wear

The goods:
• top and jacket from Forever21
• jeans by J.Brand
• pumps from Zara
• vintage earrings and belt
• bracelet from J.Crew

Cold days make for cold office spaces! I've been layering up these past couple weeks since winter decided to show up. Detach the faux fur collar, add a couple accessories, and this lightweight jacket from Forever21 has all day wearability (bonus that it was under $30!). Paired with slim black pants and heels, this casual piece makes warm wear look good.

Fancy Footwork

You guys – After the rumor started a year ago, then confirmation that it was true, followed by months of anticipation (plus a mysterious opening date) ... Christian Louboutin finally opened on Oak. While I'm no frequent shopper of the brand, I am a constant admirer, so I'm excited to add the shop to my stops along Oak (more of a list of "pop-ins" really, since this girl's budget is more Lori's than Loubis. Let's admire together, shall we? Some stunners below ...


Clockwise from top left: Anita, Crazy Fur, Dugueclina, Love Me, Diptic, Pensee, Minochon, Diplonana, Ever

Check out Racked Chicago's peek inside the newly opened shop, then view his entire collection here.


above photo from AP, shoes from Christian Louboutin

Luxe Leather

The goods:
• sweater by Diesel
• faux leather pants from UO
• wedges by Christian Louboutin
• pearl necklace from Tahiti

I mentioned a few weeks back that I was on the hunt for a good pair of (faux) leather pants (because I'm not too keen on the idea of dropping $700 on a pair of real ones). Well I stumbled upon these totally real looking ones at Urban Outfitters - for a mere $69! I love them worn casual – like here with a cozy oversized sweater (borrowed from my husband's side of the closet) – or dressed up with heels and a jacket. So far, loving my luxe leather find.

Right on Pointe

There is one brand of footwear that the fine ladies of France have coveted for decades ... Repetto. They created their first pair of gorgeous ballet slippers in 1947, but they rose to cult status in 1956 when Mme. Repetto dedicated the "Centrillion" flat to Brigitte Bardot. It's easy to see why they're so popular ... not only are each pair a simply beautiful design, but made by hand (with amour, I'm sure).



Today the brand is a harmonious collection of their traditional slippers, their iconic flats and so much more ... they've added sneakers and heels to their footwear collection



... and beyond their tutus and tights, beautiful ballet sweaters and will soon launch their ready to wear collection of ballet-inspired dresses and day wear. Their leather goods include tote bags, clutches and crossbody bags ... all retaining the fluid lines of their initial inspiration ... dance.

And as if the brand couldn't be any more magical, the windows of the Repetto Paris shops depict the great classical ballets (Swan Lake is pictured above).

I like to challenge myself to decide which color I would purchase if I had two seconds to choose (and I fail every time, changing my mind for every shade of the rainbow that they come in!) Well, I will need to make that choice next time I'm in Paris, because I decided a pair will be my souvenir.

... and yes, I know you can get them here in the U.S., but where's the French fun in that!

Cyber Monday

 
Oh, the sales haven't ended yet! Hop online for some awesome deals today and get some holiday shopping done early (well, early if you're like me and wait until the last minute). Happy clicking!

• snag this adorable "be classy" print on sale today on Etsy (a perfect gift for a writer or bookworm right!)
• the always lovely Emerson Fry is offering 20% off site-wide (use code CYBERMONDAY2012)
• Anthropologie has free shipping (with no minimum)
• score some holiday beauty for 20% off at Nars (use code NARSFF2012)
• Mikkat Market added a ton of additions to their big sale
• find gifts for your fashionable friends on Need Supply and take an extra 20% off sale items (use code EXTRA 20)
• send out the cutest holiday cards from Pinhole Press, they're 20% today (use code CYBER20)
• asos, one of the coolest online shops for clothing, is offering 30% everything! (use code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL)

Sweet Taste of Savings

This weekend is one of my favorite holidays ... Black Friday! (you know, the day after that Thanksgiving business). Between this and the post Christmas sales, this season is the best for stocking up on bargain goods. And between the online and in-store deals this weekend, I can complete my closet – err, my holiday gift list.

Some spots to hit up this Black Friday ...

• Ann Taylor is already offering their Black Friday deal, take 40% off your full-price purchase (and 25% off sale items)

• Macys will offer half off women's coats, and further discount women's clothing and handbags
• Target will open at 9pm Thanksgiving day with slashes on almost everything (including the holiday, apparently)
• Nordstrom is taking part, and rumor has it will have a sale on a few cosmetics brands (now that's worth door busting!)
• Zara Home will offer 20% off and free shipping online all day Friday
• Sofia (now located on Walton Street) will be offering 23% off all merchandise
• The Body Shop will have 3 for $30 throughout the store on Friday - starts today online. (I'll be stocking up on these, if only the sold gallon size!)

Have a great holiday weekend and happy shopping spree!

Suit Supply

The goods:
• top and belt from Banana Republic
• jacket and pumps from Zara
• denim from Forever21

I'm all for pieces with an edge, and I don't just look to them for a wardrobe mix-up, but also for some longevity. This classic blazer gets a modern update in this metallic weave and gold zipper details. I purchased this piece last year, and plan to wear it for many more, since this quintessential cut will keep it relevant, but still a standout. Redefining classics seems to be Zara's strong suit (and I'll gladly follow that suit).

Golden Girl

I have long loved gold accessories and love that the metallic trend is popping up on shoes and clothing. I can't get enough of the shiny shade, and would love to sport any of the items below ... not just through the holiday season, but to brighten any ol' day.

Clockwise from top:

• gold sequin jacket,  $149 – available here

• gold filigree cuff, $5.80 – available here
• diamond pattern flats, $58.99 – available here
• jacquard peplum dress, $485 – available here
• coated skinny jean, $97 – available here
• glitter polish, $16 – available here
• gold bar necklace, $26 – available here
• gold leather booties, $348 – available here

Here's to a dazzling holiday season!

Have a Fun Weekend!

After last weekends drizzly weather, we deserve this mild autumn break. I will be continuing my hunt for the perfect chic-yet-comfortable-low-heels-black-boots (which may very well be these), and reconnecting with friends over dinner.

Also this weekend ...
• As if you need an excuse to dine on the deliciousness that is GT Fish & Oyster, a portion of their sales of east coast oysters this week will go to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief. I'll take two dozen!

• This weekend marks the last Vintage Heaven sale of the season. Snap up a vintage dress for the holidays, or pick up some baubles for holiday gifts!

• Practice for the feast next week and pick up the ingredients for this delicious pumpkin bread recipe

• Start your holiday shopping early by picking up some reclaimed goodness at Post27. The store is closing shop on Grand Ave and everything is marked way down (I love this lamp for beautifying a home workspace).

Have a fantastic weekend!      

Autumn Mix

The goods:
• cream dress from Aritzia
• sweater from J.Crew
• gold locket from Coach
• booties by Report

Dressing for autumn is a fine balance, often resulting in outfits that straddle the line between late summer layers and warm winter pieces. This delicate silk dress is one of my fave summer go-tos paired with simple sandals. But it gets a fall makeover by adding a cozy sweater and tights. I love finding ways to get the most wearability out of my wardrobe!

Holiday Style ... On Sale

The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are like the calm before the storm ... the last chance to chill out or do something for yourself before the holiday hurrah starts up. And while you may not be able to control all of the craziness (the shopping, the family get-togethers, the feasts!), you can make sure you do it in style. This month, you local Chicago ladies can book one-on-one shopping appointments with me and receive 10% off your entire purchase. Maybe you're looking for that perfect cocktail dress for a New Years party, or a cute pair of patterned jeans for hitting the Black Friday sales (or maybe just a super soft tunic for that Thanksgiving meal) it's all discounted this month when you come in and meet with me.

I would love to help (and meet) you! So if you're around, or have friends in Chi-town, sign up here.

For those not in Chicago, well then I can just ship a fun box of about 4-6 fab looks straight to your door! (the 10% discount is only for appointments right now, sorry!)

Burgundy Britches

The goods:
• white shirt, burgundy pants, and belt from Forever21
• black jacket from UO
• two toned pumps from Zara
• leopard cocktail ring from Topshop, bracelets from IGWT, Forever21

Fall is in full swing (was that a flurry last night?!) and this burgundy is the perfect autumn shade. I found these ankle zip pants at Forever21, but this color is everywhere right now (I rounded up a few fab finds in this post). The bold hue stands out against simple black and white, but I also love it as part of a color blocked look, paired with a light blue or navy stripes.

Home Improvement

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and enjoyed the mild (though a little wet) weather. Steve and I welcomed a new addition to our home ... a brand new closet! It's been a headache ever since we moved in almost 4 years ago, not just because it was a poor design (one measly wire rack in the dang thing!), but Steve and I both appreciate nice clothing ... okay, we love to shop.

So as a wedding present to ourselves, we finally rescued our clothes from the sad conditions they were jammed into. Now every garment has some breathing room, and best of all – my shoes sit in pretty rows on their new shelves! I can seeeach  pair (even a few open spots ... which I should really fill soon).

Below is the sad situation we started with ...

And our new and improved space ...

As a bonus, I was able to part with items that I honestly hadn't worn in years (fine, I suppose I can ditch those seriously distressed bell bottom jeans from Hollister I picked up circa 2001) - 5 bags to be exact!

Now I just need to get new pretty things to replace the old.

Have a Lovely Local Weekend!

Oh boy - do you know what's happening this weekend? The amazing Jayson Home and Garden Warehouse sale! I'm not talking about their flea market that I've posted about before – don't get me wrong, that is awesome – but this is a true warehouse sale. Tons of inventory marked down, sometimes reduced 90%. Last year Steve and I scored a few of their ridiculously good (and ridiculously pricey) planters for our rooftop ... and a few odds and ends I couldn't pass up. This year I'm on the hunt for a couple pieces of furniture (because we can't stop buying it, and at this point it's a challenge to see how much we can squeeze into our condo ). Like any good warehouse sale, get there early for the best selection. It's on today at 10am (through Sunday).

Also this weekend ...
• Luxury Garage Sale opened their brick and mortar outpost this week in Old Town. Check them out for gently used designer duds (I know I will!)

• Clotheshorse is a Chicago-based menswear company, making some pretty swanky pocket squares from ethically sourced fabrics, even donating a portion of proceeds to charity. Talk about sharp dressed do gooders! (maybe pick one up for your man to wear this upcoming holiday season - or better yet, holiday gifts!)

• Word on the street is NARS will be setting up shop in Chicago sometime soon and I can't wait! I'm 100% hooked on the velvet matte lip pencils - namely "Sex Machine" for everyday wear, and "Never Say Never" for a bold berry lip. I hope to build up the courage to try "Dragon Girl" next.

Have a fab weekend!      

In the Garden

I think I'm about overdue for a good ol' Paris daydream ... There is just too much beauty to see in this city, one cannot possibly cram it all into one trip. A few spots that are on my short list the next time I get to Paris are shown here, starting with the sunning Musée Rodin above. Right there in that center arch, that's gotta be just about perfect, with that breathtaking view of the gardens and museum ... of course, the inside looks just as grand.

The Hotel Particulier is quite literally a secret garden, tucked away behind ivy and gates down a hidden path. 



A different kind of garden, this rooftop terrace above the Hotel Raphael looks incredibly romantic and inviting (and those views! You can't find those at ground level).

And last – and definitely a space I cannot wait to see – is the Musée de Carnavalet (or, the Museum of Paris History). As soon as I stumbled across photos of the interior courtyards, I was sold. The setting looks like something out of a storybook!

I'll tell ya, the longer I wait to go back, the longer my list of "to-do's" gets (guess I'll need to plan an extended trip!).

Photos from the location's corresponding website