Have a Great Holiday Weekend!

Not only is it supposed to be a gorgeous weekend, but with the Easter holiday comes Easter candy! In my opinion, no holiday treat rivals the Cadbury Cream Egg (I'd love to try making my own - maybe with a dark chocolate shell). We're looking forward to spending time outdoors, with our families, and trying our hand at some extravagant Easter eggs like the ones above. 

Also this weekend ...

• Madewell on Rush is opening Wednesday at 10am - and the first 150 people will receive a mystery giftcard ranging from $10-$500! I love this lightweight sweater for spring, and how cute are these simple flats for casual weekend looks!?

• P.O.S.H Chicago is having their "Dish Ran Away With the Spoon" sale, where you can score fine French finds for your home for up to half off. Not in Chicago? You can shop it online, too.

• I'm not big into sci-fi or fantasy, but I married a pretty geeky guy, so I played along when he wanted to watch Game of Thrones. Well ... I'm hopelessly hooked now and definitely tuning in for Sundays season premiere (and catching the season finale of The Walking Dead). Zombies and dragons and thrones, oh my!   

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of sheknows.com

The Dark Side

The goods:
• t-shirt from Nordstrom
• jeans by Citizens of Humanity
• jacket and pumps from Zara
• leopard scarf from Mikkat Market   

I've been seeing deep plum lipstick everywhere, from last months runways to the street snaps, all claiming that it works with nearly every complexion. I picked up this shade a few weeks back and gave it a spin. I'm all for a bold lip – and this definitely is just that – but I think I may reserve this hue for after dark, perfect for taking a look from day to night.

Icons of Style: Mira Duma

I'm a huge fan of street style, after all, who better to draw sartorial inspiration from than those around you (or, you know, around the interwebs)? One lovely lady has been stylishly snapped many times over ... Miroslava (or Mira) Duma, the one time editor of Harper's Bazaar Russia and founder of Russian style site Buro 24/7, never disappoints in the fashion department. Whether she's sporting clean classics, a bright punch of color, or mixing patters, Mira constantly pushes the envelope and inspires me (and her fans) to do the same.

Party Dressed Down

The goods:
• dress by Free People
• cardigan by Aqua
• ankle booties from Zara
• bracelets from Forever21     

I spotted this sparkly little number and knew it would be a great versatile piece – a perfect little party dress, but also easy to dress down with some wintry layers for a casual ensemble. I love the tuxedo inspired front and the subtle metallic shimmer adds a fun detail to my festive work look. Don't save those dazzling dresses for events, pair with a jacket or cardi for a casual spin.

Cameo Appearance

Once while I was perusing this adorable french inspired shop in Winnetka, I discovered these lovely cameo and intaglio necklaces. Classic cameos often featured scenes or female portraits carved into gems or stone, and were admired as art, worn as jewelry, even given as gifts from royalty to their subjects. Extansia's line is inspired by these originals, but given a modern spin with bright hues and chunky chains. I love how these gorgeous pieces add an air of antiquity while providing an on-trend stylish statement.

 
Peruse the amazing collection here, or try them on at Oui, Madame Winnetka.

Have a Fun Filled Weekend

Phew, it's Friday! I tell ya, this winter has really overstayed it's welcome. With no mild temps in sight, we may as well revel indoors (maybe with a few of these while we daydream of warmer weather) ...

Also this weekend ...

• If you must leave the house, Uber just expanded their service to include the Chicago burbs. So remember that reveling with friends over cocktails? Well why not arrive in style. 

• While out and about, stop by American Junkie - a huge new 2 level spot opening in River North. Giant TVs, lobster mac, and a retractable rooftop - this place is sure to be perfect for those warm summer weekend nights (which will arrive ... when?)

• Finally, I could not stop laughing at these videos of real actors doing dramatic readings of actual Yelp reviews. This one makes me bust up every time!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Photo from Pinterest

Basics in Black

The goods:
• blouse from Forever21
• jacket, jeans and flats from Zara 
• YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Caress Pink  

There are countless mornings when I stand in my closet, staring at my gigantic collection of clothing, yet have nothing to wear. When in doubt (or undoubtedly running a little late), the easiest ensemble to pull together is black pants, a black blazer, and any top. For a casual look, any t-shirt (in an easy solid or graphic design), or for a little more polish, tuck in a silky blouse. This look can easily transition to dinner out by throwing on some heels, unbuttoning the top button and swapping out the sweet pink lipstick for a bold red. 

Coming Up Roses

I'm a sucker for sweet smelling goods – perfume, candles, flowers, beauty products – but nothing smells quite as fine as a fresh rose. As a perfume or candle, rose can gently fill a space with just a hint of feminine fragrance, and it turns out, rose makes a delicious delicate flavor when brewed as tea or added to pastries or baked goods. Below are some lovely finds inspired by this truly romantic aroma. 

Some sweet floral finds, from top right ...
• rose flavored tea, available at Laduree NY
• YSL Rouge Volupté lipstick in Opera Rose
• Votivo candle in Rush of Rose
• rose macarons, available most bakeries, but this recipe looks promising!
• rose body milk
• rose patterned shirt dress
• Diptyque Eau Rose perfume

... of course, nothing beats a bouquet of fresh cut roses

Sweat It Out

The goods:
• sweatshirt from Gap
• jeans from American Eagle
• pumps from Zara   

Going for comfort doesn't mean having to sacrifice all style. I'm loving relaxed boyfriend fit jeans for spring, and this washed blue pair comes from the deep archives of my closet. Typically reserved for ultra casual weekend wear, I've given this loungy look a more polished feel by tucking in the top, adding a belt and pumps, and swapping a ponytail (which often accompanies a sweatshirt) for some soft curls.

A Little Bit of Beauty

I guess you can call me a product junkie – make-up, hair stuff, skincare – I love it all. So I was thrilled when services like Birchbox and Sample Society popped up, offering to send a smattering of goods straight to my door. I've gotten a few shipments from Birchbox already, and I received my first Sample Society box last week. Think of it as Birchbox's big sister, with delux samples from great brands like Murad, Quidad, even a full-size Butter polish!. I look forward to sampling them all ... one beautiful mailing at a time. 

Have a Fun Holiday Weekend!

Perhaps you've seen this fun little video about the fashionable icon, the Chanel jacket. I love hearing Coco speak about creating movement and comfort in women's clothing (... though pretty much anything spoken in French sounds better). Merci madame Chanel for creating not only this classic, but an empire of enviable, dreamy pieces.

Looking forward to this weekend ...

• Celebrate St. Pat's with some delicious Irish treats. My faves include a tasty stout beer (Guinness is good, but I love Young's Double Chocolate Stout ... which, between you and me, is actually English), and I'd love to pick up some of this Guinness Bread mix!

• Through Sunday, get 30% off your entire purchase at Gap (and online with code GAPFRIENDS). Now's the perfect time to stock up on spring staples like this trench, this minty green clutch, or this go-to chambray shirt (I can't get enough, though Steve thinks my chambray collection is just about complete).

• As if the West Loop could get any better – restaurant-wise – the guys behind the Gage and Henri took over the Orange space at Grand and Halsted and are in the process of transforming into what is sure to be another hot West Loop spot (complete with a nice, big patio).

• DailyCandy Deals is offering up to 60% off Gorjana & Griffin accessories. I've been a long time fan of these simple, cool designs. My fave pieces I own are this ring and this necklace.

Have a great weekend!

Photo from Pinterest

Salvaged Sequin

The goods:
• vintage sequin shirt
• pants from Anthropologie
• pumps from Aldo 
• gold bangles from Forever21 and Barneys 

Who says sequins has to be reserved for special occasions? I saw this piece at Eskell, and sure it's a size large, but the more sparkle the merrier! Instead of keeping those bright, shiny pieces tucked away, I say throw them on with something as simple as a pair of jeans and rock it.

Back to Camp

Well only in Chicago do you get sunny skies teasing you while it snows, so let's focus on something brighter ... sweet, sweet summer. Nothing says summer like camping – but here's the thing about camping – set up is painful, tear-down is even worse, and the outhouses/spiders/fear-of-snapping-sticks-in-the-middle-of-the-night can be kind of awful. So I would jump at the chance to try out this vintage camp resort, sorta like sleepaway camp for adults! Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin is just that – with everything from canvas tents stocked with vintage Pendleton blankets, a cozy one room cabin overlooking the water, to glamorous touches like a magnificent antler chandelier in the Tree House. And it's just a short drive from Chicago ... sounds like a picture perfect summer weekend to me.

 

Go back in time by visiting the Camp Wandawega site.

Photos from Wandawega, Chicagomag

Pop of Poppy

The goods:
• orange top from Forever 21
• jacket and jeans from Zara
• wedge heels by Christian Louboutin   

Nothing says spring like a pop of color! ... well, it may not be spring yet, but I sure am ready for it. This orangey-red color makes this gray day just a little brighter, I even took it one step further and swiped on a pop of red lipstick in Passion from Chanel. Never mind the dreary weather, in here it's red hot.