Minty Fresh

The goods:
• maxi dress from Forever21
• jacket from Zara
• necklaces by Gorjana
• gold bangle by IGWT   

Here we've been waiting for spring weather and – bam – we get a hot summer day! I had been on a search for a flowy maxi dress and found this romantic mint green number at Forever21. To balance out the delicate silhouette, I threw on this cropped studded jacket. When summer really hits, this dress will go to weekend brunch or to a hot summer wedding.

The Fab Five

Whether you wear it or not (even like it or not), there is no denying that Chanel No. 5 is the most famous perfume since it's creation in 1921. Named for the 5th formula presented to Mlle. Chanel, the intoxicating blend of Rose, Ylang Ylang, and copious amounts of Jasmine, has been worn by women from all walks of life, from your grandmother to Marilyn Monroe. This week in Paris, Chanel will open an exhibition titled No.5 Culture Chanel, focusing on Chanel's life and her inspirations surrounding the fragrance. While I haven't yet had the pleasure of spritzing on the spicy scent, I like to dream about someday throwing on a classic trench, slipping on some ballet flats and No.5 and walking the streets of Paris. 

For more on the story behind this iconic fragrance, check out this video by Chanel's master perfumer.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Great Weekend!

So it's finally supposed to be a pleasant spring weekend! Just in time too, a friend of mine is getting married tomorrow so we have some fun events planned and good friends in town. 

Also this weekend ...

• DVF launched round two of her collab with Gap Kids. It's so cute, I may need to focus my styling on my nieces and nephews for a minute.

• Naha restaurant welcomed a French sister to Chicago, Brindille. I'm a sucker for all things French (especially the food), so I definitely want to check this place out. Plus the photos on their site are like a mouthwatering still life painting!

• I'm a firm believer that accessories make the outfit - even better are the ones that tell time. I love La Mer Collection timepieces (I have this interchangeable set, and love this pyramid watch). Refinery29 has an offer good for $100 toward the watch of your choice – hurry – it's only good through the weekend.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Rainbow Bright

The goods:
• shirt dress by Prabal Gurung for Target
• ankle booties by Report 

Unlike the black and white palette that I've been wearing all week, I'm busting out every color of the rainbow! I usually go for solids and simple pieces, but this painterly pattern is balanced out nicely with the solid black backing. I kept things simple with black tights, black shoes and let the dress do all the (incredibly loud) talking.

Spring Picks from Zara

When I'm on the hunt for stylish basics (which is just about every other day), I always head to Zara. I rarely leave without a covetable new item ... and about 5 more pieces that I'll dream about for the next week. On a recent trip there, I spotted some new spring stuff that would instantly update my wardrobe for the warmer weather. See below for my current faves ... 

1. I love this fresh green color for spring. This blouse is perfect for pairing with skinny jeans, or tucking into a pencil skirt for a more business casual ensemble – bonus points for the edgy zipper detail.

2. I'm such a sucker for wedge heels in the spring and summer. I love this simple modern design, perfect contrast to sleek skinny black pants.

3. Maxi skirts are one of my favorite things for spring – easy and feminine, great paired with everything from a tank to a t-shirt to a structured blazer. 

4. I've been searching for a wide brim hat – not too floppy, but not a fedora silhouette. This one is the perfect blend of city and beach.

5. I've been seeing quite a few long waistcoats lately ... I love the clean tailored look of blazers to add polish to most looks, these vests achieve the same look, but are warm weather appropriate. 

6. These pink cropped trousers add a great pop of color and pair with everything from flats to wedges to heels depending on the look you're going for.  

... see more of Zara's fresh spring picks here.

Lip Service

The goods:
• vintage vest/blazer from France
• jeans from Gap
• pumps from Zara
• bangles from Forever21  

Do not adjust your screen, that is an actual pop of color you see! While I may be donning my usual black and white, I couldn't help but be inspired by the (no doubt fleeting) spring day we had yesterday, and added a bright red. It took me a while to build up the courage to buy a bold red, and even to shop for that perfect shade that isn't too orange or too pink. I settled on this one and I love how it elevates a simple jean and jacket ensemble ... a teeny swipe that packs a punch.

Happy Earth Day!

We all know the three Rs to help save our planet – reduce, reuse, and recycle. That last one is my favorite, I love discovering vintage goods to outfit my home and mix in with my wardrobe. Even more fun is fining new and creative ways to use goods, both old and new. Below are some Earth-friendly ideas, up-cycled decorative touches for the home in honor of this Earth Day ...

Candle jars and a mix of vintage china makes organizing the powder room easy and pretty





Follow this DIY to create your own lampshade using a pretty vintage fabric (like this French striped linen).



Vintage tins make perfect containers for an herb garden.



A few boards of reclaimed barnwood add a rustic touch to a clean, simple bedroom.



Photos from Pinterest, Design*Sponge

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Chicago may not be warming up yet, but at least we have a dry weekend ahead. Steve and I are looking forward to dinners with friends (including this spot that gets rave reviews), and working our way through The Wire ... I know, we're a few years late to the game, but it's definitely as good as everyone says!

Also ...

• The Modern Vintage sale is back at Plumbers Hall! Last year I scored an amazing vintage Chanel skirt and floral maxi – I cannot wait to see what's waiting for me this year.

• I've been pining over Loeffler Randall's spring line for a while, so I finally snapped up these flats, perfect for summer and they'll go with everything. Similar style, available here.

• Speaking of go-with-everything classics, Theory is having their friends and family sale through Sunday. Score 30% off everything using code "Friends" ... I love these microprint pants and this tunic fit sweater (which I cannot wait to wear with cutt off denim shorts on cool summer nights).

Have a super weekend!

Photo from Modern Vintage Sale 2012

My Own Throwback Thursday

The goods:
• dress from bebe
• jacket from Urban Outfitters
• ankle booties from Zara
• bracelets and earrings from Forever21     

Remember when I was going to introduce more color and pattern into my spring wardrobe? Well, as soon as spring shows up, I will uphold my end of the bargain. I dug deep into my black and white archives for this dress, which I bought at bebe for my 8th grade graduation (now that's gotta be a record, even for me who keeps nearly everything). The squared neckline and short skirt are very 90's, but also proof that clean classics have staying power.

Look Who Moo'ved Into Town ...

Steve and I spent a day at Soho House Miami last year and I became fully obsessed with their line of organic bath and body products from Cowshed. I made unnecessary trips to the rest room just to wash my hands with the jasmine-scented soap, washed the beach off in the ladies locker room with the grapefruit body wash, and slathered myself in the lavender lotion. Ever since, I scoured the web searching for any shops or stocklists, but Cowshed was exclusive to (the even exclusive-er) Soho House properties ... until now! Their products are finally available at Barney's stores, and they've unveiled a US site. I can finally rest easy now that my fave fragrant shower gels are just a click away.

Check out the entire line here, and don't tell me you're not moo'ved by the intoxicating fragrances!

Photo courtesy of Babington Houae

Happy Tuesday

I love clothes as much as the next girl, but how about we take a moment to remember what's really important? I think Mr. Rogers said it best, no matter what, it's nice to know there is still so much good. Happy Tuesday!

Matchbook Memories

I've always picked up matchbooks whenever a restaurant/bar/hotel offers them. At first, I collected the colorful packets to display on my counter, but over the years, they served another purpose, as souvenirs from fun nights out with friends, fantastic vacations, or neighborhood spots I used to frequent. Sure I'll grab one from the jar whenever I light my favorite scented candle, but there are a few that I'll hold onto forever ...

1. La Esquina in Soho, where Steve and I rest our legs and enjoy a tasty margarita when we visit every summer.

2. The Poop Deck in Nassau, Bahamas, where my girlfriends and I had an amazing meal on vacation while in college.

3. The Second City where my family and I took in a show (only one of the two times I've been all my years here in Chicago!)

4. China Poblano in the Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas – one of my favorite meals while there for my bachelorette party last year.

5. One of the monogrammed matchbooks my parents gave as a favor at their wedding.

6. The Grand Bahia Principe, Punta Cana, where I vacationed years ago with my boyfriend of the time.

7. Tavern on the Green, where I had brunch with friends years ago in NYC – I'm glad to have enjoyed it before it closed!

8. GT Fish & Oyster, where I celebrated my 30th birthday with my best girlfriends.

9. Tilly's in Lincoln Park was around the corner from where I lived for years, but is now gone.

10. Intercontinental French Polynesia, one of the amazing resorts Steve and I enjoyed on our honeymoon in the South Seas ... and definitely a keeper from the collection.

Happy Weekend!

One of my favorite things to do each week is sleep in, then slowly roll out of bed and find a yummy brunch somewhere. Last weekend it was Wishbone (which has a fantastic lox and bagel platter), and this weekend I hope to check out The Savoy (we had a fantastic dinner there a few weeks ago, and I've heard their brunch is outstanding).

Also this weekend ...

• Speaking of brunch ... Dose Market is back this Sunday, with their tasty treats and vendors galore.

• I'm just about finished with my tube of Lashem – a serum that claims to lengthen and thicken your lashes. Well ... it totally worked! I'll have to share more later, but check it out for yourself in the meantime.

• Don't forget – tomorrow is the Gilt City warehouse sale, where you can snag goods for guys and gals at up to 90% off! They will replenish throughout the day, so don't worry if you didn't get tickets for the earliest time slot.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Printed Matter

The goods:
• printed blouse from Prabal Gurung for Target
• pants, pumps and blazer from Zara
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew  

I'm not one to shy away from bright patterns ... it's just that it's so easy to grab black (you know, when that's the dominant color in my closet). When poking around the Prabal line for Target a couple months back, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and pick up a few of his signature bold prints. I instantly fell in love with this top - the perfect contrast to my otherwise dark and neutral wardrobe. And it pairs so well with black.

Sailing the Stylish Seas

Like my black skinny pants, tailored blazer, and nude pumps, my striped shirt is a well loved staple in my wardrobe. I found my Saint James top in a little vintage shop in Paris and found that this comfortable piece really does go with everything. I've tucked mine into a pencil skirt, worn it over cut off shorts, and paired it with my black pants as my weekend uniform.

Saint James has operated out of a small town in the Normandy region since 1850. They are known for their famed fisherman sweater, designed to protect sailors from the elements, and part of the official French naval uniform since 1871. According to an old lore from Brittany, the 21 stripes each correspond to a naval victory of Napoleon's French fleet against the British.

Great for keeping fishermen warm, but better for keeping modern ladies looking effortlessly chic! 



Photos courtesy of Pinterest

In The Buff

The goods:
• jeans by Citizens of Humanity
• shirt and earrings from Forever21
• peep toe pumps from Oh Deer
• leopard cocktail ring from Topshop     

When I style clients, I always ask if there are colors they want to avoid, and more often than not they list tan/nude/blush (or any version of the shirt I'm wearing). I, on the other hand, love this go-to neutral, and trying to find ways to keep it from washing out my already pale complexion. Here I opted for some studded details, and added some gold and pink chandelier earrings to bring in some warmth (or maybe just a sparkly distraction from this fleshy tone). 

So Long Lilly

The fashion world lost one of its most colorful women yesterday – Lilly Pulitzer died surrounded by her family in the place that inspired an empire, Palm Beach. Pulitzer was known for her cotton summer dresses in simple silhouettes and bold, bright patterns.

What some may not know, is that Lilly didn't set out to become a fashion star at first. When she opened a juice stand outside of her husband's orange groves in Palm Beach, she fashioned a simple shift dress, cool and comfortable for working, and in a playful pattern to hide juice spills. Suddenly, every woman in Florida had to have one, and soon any woman looking for a preppy pop of color for the beach was snapping up a Lilly.



Even if you're not into overly feminine details like lace edging or painterly florals, there's no denying some of her simple designs are classic colorful summer staples. I love this vintage pale maxi dress, and this floral wrap dress. Thanks for brightening our vacations, Lilly.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Fun Weekend!

Chicago finally gets a spring like weekend with pleasantly mild temps and supposedly our first dose of spring showers. No complaints here ... I get to sport my new rain boots and the fun umbrella Steve got for me (just like the one I had when I was little).

Also this weekend ...

• Fête Chicago is hosting various tastings, talks and tours with some of the best food and drink experts in the city – some tickets are still available here. 

• Derek Lam debuted his collab with Kohl's and there are some stylish standouts ... like this fresh, green sheath dress, and this easy striped number.

• The Vintage Heaven sale is back this weekend in Wicker Park ... it never disappoints! 

• and finally, Mad Men is back this Sunday with a 2 hour season opener. I can't wait to see what kind of spirals Don falls into this season ... but more importantly – what all the ladies are wearing!

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

A Walk on the Wild Side

The goods:
• leopard dress from Mikkat Market
• blazer and ankle booties from Zara
• vintage gold belt  

Whoa – so I've been living in a black and white world lately, it's all I wear! I'm switching it up and going a little wild. An all leopard print dress can be a risky move, but I loved this cute little swing number on Mikkat Market and toned it down with some solid black tights and a sleek blazer. Just make sure to steer clear of any cheesy animal print pieces – stick to clean silhouettes and a good pattern.

Hot Ticket Item!

Well grab your credit card and shopping stamina and snag your ticket to the Gilt City Chicago Warehouse sale! Featuring top brands for men, women, and home – up to 90% off – this day long sale is sure to be chock full of amazing bargains. Your ticket gets you two hours of shopping, as well as requisite fuel (a.k.a. drinks from Aquahydrate, Coco Café and La Marca). Get all the deets here and I'll see you on Saturday, April 13th!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Swing into Spring

The goods:
• top and bag from Zara
• black pants and coat from Forever21
• vintage Christian Louboutin wedges

You cannot go wrong by sticking to the classics: a tailored coat, simple black shoes, and a classic black handbag. I started with a simple black crewneck sweater and pants, and added this metallic cream swing coat (which goes with everything). I found this structured black leather bag from Zara, and voila, black and white done right.