Have a Fun Weekend!

It's not looking to be a hot and sunny weekend, but there is plenty of summery happenings around town. There's the Belmont Stakes race and the Stanley Cup playoffs for sports fans ... and a few fun fashionable events for us shopping fans ...

• If the weather holds up Sunday, hit up this open air flea market for locally made and vintage goods -Chicago Flea MKT

• The Vintage Heaven sale is back this weekend - it may not be the largest event, but it's a well curated collection of clothing and accessories for him and her.

• The most fashionable street fest takes place this weekend in the south loop. Fashion in the Street will feature food, vendors, a runway show, and local musical talent (including the gentlemen of Hey Champ).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Windy City Prints

Pearly Whites

The goods:
• blouse from BCBG
• skirt and cardigan from Forever21
• pearls from Charming Charlie
• wedges from Nine West 

There's something about a strand of pearls that instantly makes you feel more ladylike. Inspired by this feeling, I pulled together a full feminine ensemble – a flirty skirt, girlie ponytail, and the pearly strand. I'm all for mixing edgy and feminine together, but sometimes a girl's gotta just be girly. 

Cut Short

Like my black skinny pants are my cool weather go-to, I live in cut off jeans shorts on warm summer weekends. Now that the heat is turned back on in Chicago, I'm itchin' to dig out my well-loved pairs in white, black, and blue denim. Below are some fun finds, perfect for throwing with a swimsuit and leather sandals, or dressing up with a t-shirt and blazer and adding a nude wedge. Or better yet ... cut your own with this fool-proof tutorial (finally, a new way to style that old pair of Sevens collecting dust in your closet). 

vintage wash cut offs, $78, by Blank Denim

red frayed shorts, $39.50, from Madewell


tailored chambray shorts, $15.80, from Forever21 


crisp white cut offs, $79.50, J.Crew


top photo courtesy of Pinterest

A Luxurious Sale

What do chocolates, paper goods, jewelry, and stylish wares for her and for home have in common? How about one awesome sale! Tomorrow from 11am to 8pm, check out the Luxury Warehouse sale on Carpenter Street (at Fulton) and shop stylish goods from a bunch of local designers, including Jewelry from Winifred Grace, pretty paper goods from Snow & Graham, denim from M2F, and much much more, all hosted by Vosges Haut Chocolate.

Pick up gifts for friends, some chocolates for dad (father's day is June 16th), or just some fun finds for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Snow & Graham Chicago

Have a Relaxing Holiday Weekend!

Happy holiday weekend! Since it's supposed to be a cooler than average Memorial day – not exactly ideal for a summer BBQ – I plan on taking the opportunity to relax and visit with friends (sure I say that now, but "down time" has a funny way of quickly filling up with fun things).

Around town this weekend ...

• This weekend marks the summer kick-off of the Randolph Street Market. Throw on a spring jacket and peruse the huge array of art, antiques, live music, and tasty treats.  

• For all of you brides-to-be ... on a budget, check out the Glamour Closet annual sample sale. All gowns are $499, $999, or $1499!

• Not on a budget? Head to the Scoop NYC gold coast location during your Monday off for the Chanel trunk show, featuring gorgeous vintage jewelry and handbags. 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

A Pop of Pink

The goods:
• blazer, pants, flats from Zara
• chambray shirt from Forever21
• rhinestone earrings from J.Crew   

So we've misplaced those summer-like temps, but have a last ditch effort to don some layers. In the spring spirit, I went for a bold pop of color with this fuchsia jacket, which manages to liven-up my go-to black and chambray. I don't wear pink too often, but every now and then the ladylike hue is perfect for brightening those not-so-bright days.

The Perfect Dress

There is an art to the perfect summer dress – a flowy fabric that drapes into a lovely silhouette and floats in the breeze, plus a choice of pretty pastel, bold hue, or versatile neutral. While perusing the lovely bridal blogs last year, I fell in love with Joanna August. Her feminine designs are simple and versatile, perfect for dressing up for a formal affair, or throwing on with a denim jacket for a chic casual ensemble. I chose the dresses below for my sisters to wear for our wedding ... and couldn't resist the State Street dress in the long version for myself (the black one above). I know it will be my go on hot summer days ... and on the other days, well, the thing about sisters is you share everything!

Top photo courtesy of Joanna August

Crisp and Refreshing

The goods:
• tank from Old Navy
• skinny jeans from Forever21
• blazer by Elie Tahari
• wedges from Nine West
• necklace by Gorjana
• bangles from IGWT, Charming Charlie     

It's pretty clear from my outfit posts over the winter that a good tailored blazer is my go-to piece ... it's the easiest way to add polish to a simple dress or even a t-shirt and jeans. But what to do when the weather turns? Trade it in for a summery version, of course! I love this crisp white jacket by Elie Tahari. It's great worn casual like I'm doing here, but would also be a cool contrast to a little black dress for any summer events.

Tie One On

One of the best summer accessories is a lightweight scarf – you can tie it any number of ways to add polish to any look (even wear it as a top when the heat turns up). There are bold colors and fun new patterns available everywhere, but just what do you do with those lovely old scarves you see at vintage shops? Portero Luxury, the online designer consignment shop, shows us how to tie those beautiful vintage Hermes scarves into a fun, summer headband ... perfect for – well – every single summer weekend. 

 

Of course, the first order of business is to get your hands a lovely vintage Hermes scarf for yourself. I love this floral print one, and this classic in black and white.

Photo courtesy of Hermes.

Have a Sunny Weekend!

It's supposed to be a beautiful summery weekend here in Chicago! You just know the patio at Big Star will be a solid three hour wait, so head to a beer garden a little less crazy – but a sunny spot nonetheless, like Twisted Spoke, Wells on Wells, or my fave neighborhood spot, Grandview. 

Also this weekend:

• If you're in the mood for vintage shopping (and when are you not?), head to the Vintage Garage Sale in Uptown, or the Great Parker Garage Sale in Bucktown. 

• It's tempting to catch some rays on a sunny day, but don't forget the sunscreen (remember, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!). Instead, slather on St. Tropez for a (faux) bronze glow ... hey, it gives Kate Moss a nice sun-kissed look! 

• Grab your man and head to Haberdash for their Hodinkee pop-up shop this weekend, showcasing a huge selection of vintage watches from brands like Rolex, IWC, Omega, and more.

Have a bright and sunny weekend!

Photo courtesy of Big Star

Lightweight Lace

The goods:
• blouse and bangles from Forever21
• coated pants by Aqua
• lace blazer and pumps from Zara
• necklaces by Gorjana  

It looks like we finally have spring weather here, and while I'm still getting a few more uses out of my winter pants, I'm balancing them out with this lacy jacket. I love lightweight layering pieces for spring and summer – updated classics done in warm-weather fabrics like lace and eyelet. Even when spring temps arrive, AC and strong Chicago breezes still require at least a light layer.

A Sparkling Spot

In my never ending fascination with all things French, I read the book French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano, the former president and CEO of Clicquot, Inc. (yes, as in Veuve Clicquot). The book was a lovely read about being a fantastic French woman, but I was more fixated on the mere mention of her position at Clicquot. I have a very serious love affair with champagne, specifically with the delicious bubbles from Veuve.

Steve and I have plans to visit France in the fall, and we certainly hope to make a pit stop at the Veuve cellars in Reims. Check out the tres jolie grounds that produce these beautiful bubbles ...

Photos from Pinterest, David Liebovitz, Veuve Clicquot

The Long and Short of it

The goods:
• sweater from Banana Republic
• shorts by Theory
• wedges from Nine West
• bangles from IGWT, Stitch Chicago     

I'm trading in yesterday's wool coat for these tailored shorts (only in Chicago, right?), and letting these legs see the light of day! There's a fine line between a tasteful length and inappropriate exposure, but leave it to Theory to find that perfect hemline. Paired with a nude wedge for added height and neutral lightweight sweater, shorts are a breath of fresh spring air after this lingering winter.

Sunshine State

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – just in time to check up and stock up on sunscreen for those warm days head. Being a skincare junkie, I have tested more than my fair share of sun protection products and have narrowed my collection down to my fave products. Below are items I use year round, even take with me wherever I go ...

clockwise, from top:

• Smashbox BB Cream SPF 35 — I love BB creams ... sunscreen, skin brightening and anti-aging properties and moisturizer all rolled into one.

 

• Peter Thomas Roth SPF 45 mineral powder —I've mentioned this one before ... whenever I need a mattifying touch up in the summer or some added protection, this little brush is always on hand.

 

• Fresh Sugar Rosé lip treatment SPF 15 — sunscreen + a ton of moisture + a hint of pink color = a perfectly protected pout.

 

• L'Oreal Sublime Bronze lotion SPF 15 — I apply this moisturizing lotion with a hint of color as the perfect base each day.

 

• Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry SPF 30 — this lotion applies completely dry and is perfect for those midday touch-ups without getting your clothes or handbag all greasy. 

 

• Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 — I apply this moisturizing lotion as part of my daily post-shower routine.

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

Yay weekend! Steve and I have lots of family plans, which of course include showering our mothers with love (hey mom, where was my adorable mini trench coat when I was a kid??)

Also this weekend ...

• Bring mom to the Chicago History Museum to view Vivian Maier's Chicago. The original street photographer, Vivian snapped gorgeous candids all around the city in the 1960s and 70s.

• Or take mom out for a brew at the American Beer Classic at Soldier Field. Sample hundreds of beers while listening to local bands play. In between sips, you can even also take a full tour of the stadium.

• I'm sure by now you've heard the super duper news that the next Target capsule collection will be 3.1 Phillip Lim! Oooh boy, this is gonna be good. 

• If you find yourself in the northern burbs on Mother's Day, take mom and check out the free North Shore Flea in Highwood. You never need an excuse to peruse rare jewels and vintage finds!  

Have a good one!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Fresh Coat

The goods:
• coat and jeans from Zara
• flats from Stuart Weitzman  

If there's one perk to these cool spring days, it's the outerwear! I love lightweight coats and jackets, but between the typical freezing Chicago temps, and the boiling summer days, I can count the perfectly temperate days on one hand. This bright white coat is perfect for a fresh (maybe slightly crisp) spring day, complete with edgy leather detailing.

As much as I love outerwear though, I will gladly trade them all for warm summer days.

Mum's the Word

Hopefully you shower your mother with love all year, but be sure to do something a little extra special on Sunday (you know, Mother's Day). Whether you take her to brunch, bake her something yummy, or wrap up a small little token of your affection, make mom feel like the wonder woman she is! To help, below are some fun gift ideas for your favorite female ...

1. No one can resist something sparkly! This fuchsia and sequin scarf will be a perfect lightweight accessory for mom this spring and summer.

2. Make her something sweet ... like these delectable coconut thumbprint bites with salted caramel.

3. Moms make lists for everything, so remind her of one of her favorite things (you!) while she's jotting down groceries/errands/to-do's. Available here.

4. Like their rose lip balm, Christian Dior's cuticle cream is a perfect blend of amazing product and pretty packaging ... and every girl needs a perfect manicure kit.

5. Yes this colorful paper confetti is pretty to look at, but it also blooms! These paper flowers create a beautiful spring flower bed when planted in soil.

6. Easy espadrilles are a must this spring, and everything is better in a metallic finish.

So-Called Spring

The goods:
• dress from Scoop NYC
• turtleneck from Gap
• ankle booties from Zara
• bangles from IGWT, Stitch, Forever21
• vintage Omega watch     

While the weather tries to make up it's mind, we're left wondering if we continue with our warm winter pieces (that we're so sick of by now), or break out the light layers. I like to be prepared and wear a mix of them. This silk sundress is perfectly cool in the summer with a little denim jacket and metallic sandal, but get's a chilly weather makeover with a long sleeve layer over it and opaque tights. The same idea goes for maxi dresses too – add some layers to transition them into this so-called spring.

Newly Hatched

I've been a fan of HATCH Collection for a while – the chic easy pieces are timeless and versatile – but they're also meant to dress up a baby bump! While each piece is brilliantly meant to be worn during and after your pregnancy, I still had a block when ordering maternity wear.

Well they finally hatched a new collection for the non-expectant woman ... HATCH Plage. Like their regular line, each piece is easy yet sophisticated and perfectly comfortable for summer (and forgiving enough to work if you are, you know, starting to show).

Below are some of my faves from the new collection ... and check out the entire collection here.