Happy Labor Day Weekend!

There's nothing like a nice three day weekend to wrap up the summer (well, unofficial end of the summer anyway). While I'm a fan of wearing white year round, I love a good excuse like Labor Day weekend to don the crisp, clean hue. 

Also this weekend ...

• One of my fave traditions of Labor Day weekend is the sales! Bloomingdales, Edith Hart, Banana Republic, Lori's Shoes, and La Mer Timepieces are all offering deep discounts through Monday. Happy shopping!

• Maybe going for more of a vintage vibe? The Vintage Heaven sale is back this weekend. Maybe snag some white wear before the summer's up.

• It's supposed to be gorgeous weather, and who better to spend it with than Capital Cities and Passion Pit?! You can at the North Coast Music Fest in Union Park. Still want some more tunes? Go to Grant Park any evening this weekend to take advantage of the Summer Dance series. Learn new moves, enjoy more music ... and the last few weeks of summer.   

Have a fun holiday weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Call of the Wild

I know it's a balmy week here in Chicago, but I just can't stop looking forward to autumn style! Animal prints seem to pop up every season in some form or another, but there are some especially luxe leopard prints out there right now (in addition to those cool clutches I wrote about Monday) ...

Clockwise from top:  leopard cigarette pants  //  leather and leopard satchel  //  gray leopard blouse  //  sweater dress  //  oversized leopard scarf  //  calf hair pointy pumps  //  leopard swing coat 

Out to the Outlets

In the few weeks the Fashion Outlets of Chicago have been open, I've managed to make 3 trips there (I know, it's a problem). A nice departure from the typical outdoor outlets, the Fashion Outlets is a pretty and polished fancy pants mall, with sky lighting throughout and gourmet restaurants to boot. Sure the list of stores (Gucci, Prada, Vince, Tory Burch, etc ...) is enticing, but to be honest, the real bargains are found at the department stores. Bloomingdales Outlet, Saks Off 5th, and Neiman's Outlet all take the cake for the best deals. I scored a sleek tuxedo jacket and a pair of black ankle booties, both marked down considerably to a mere $40 at Bloomies (and really didn't find any steals at the smaller shops).

Sure you could go to Aurora or Pleasant Prairie, but why not head to an outlet where you can hit the Freshii juice bar in the food court and peruse pretty discounted designer duds?

The High and Low

You know the saying champagne taste on a beer budget? Well this also applies to designer apparel and accessories. Sure I love those black Saint Laurent ankle booties, but didn't love the serious price tag of $995, so I found some alternatives.  

I am a big fan of Clare Vivier's bags, especially those perfectly simple clutches. I'm also a sucker for animal prints for fall, so when I saw a similar bag at Forever21, I did a double take. I can't pass up a good bargain, and this pretty darn close to the original, right?

Clare Vivier foldover clutch, $198

Forever21 foldover clutch, $16.80

Have a Lovely Weekend!

It's the last weekend before labor day (which is the unofficial end to summer – event hough the warm weather extends well into September), so get out there and enjoy the lovely days! I can't hardly wait for the Wakeup Your Makeup event this Saturday at Neiman Marcus, where they'll be unveiling the brand spankin' new beauty section of the store (and offering treatments and makeovers!).  

Also this weekend ...

• Enjoy the sunny summer days with a cocktail outdoors. Have you been to Mott Street yet? They have a lovely deck outside and really, really yummy food (check out the above photo and tell me those spicy chicken wings don't look amazing!)

• Saturday and Sunday get your vintage fix at the Randolph Street Market. It's the usual amazingness ... vintage home goods, attire, and most important – the accessories.

• One of the best parts of Chicago summers? The street festivals! The Bash on Wabash is this weekend and it promises to be another spectacular event. Even better, there will be free workout classes (B.Y.O mat, of course).

Have an awesome weekend!

Photo courtesy of DNAinfo.com/Mott Street

Inspired Summer Style

The goods:
• sweater from Theory, available here
• white cutoff shorts by Citizens of Humanity, available here
• striped espadrille wedges from Toms, similar available here
• white sunglasses, similar available here
 

As September approaches, I'm itching to wear my summer pieces as much as I can. I was inspired by Bridget Bardot and other stars that would soak up the sun on the French Riviera – often donning nautical inspired fashion that could easily be seen on the beaches today. As excited as I am for fall attire, not much compares to easy summer duds like these.

Azza the Amazing

Last week I attended the show for Atelier Azza's "Algebra" collection. A departure from her typical elaborately beaded tent dresses, Azza's new line is slightly more tame, but no less stunning. I loved the neutral color palette, with a pop of citron thrown in. I swooned over the gorgeous details like bedazzled trims, architectural ruffles, and the accessories – heavily beaded collars, cuffs, and harnesses (tasteful, not racy). See below for some quick snaps from the event ... 

Click here to see each look in more detail, and visit her site here.

This Old House

I'm always down for perusing vintage stores – you never know what treasures are hiding amongst the piles of pretty things. Just like you can never have enough vintage garments or accessories, it's hard to pass up a one-of-a-kind item for the home. Be it an antique ashtray (for holding earrings), or a sturdy old chair (which I can't stop collecting), there is something for everyone at these amazing shops ...   

• Brimfield Andersonville - this amazing shop is chock-full (literally to the "Brim") with midcentury furnishings, vintage bar accessories, and every tartan blanket you can imagine.

• I've posted about P.O.S.H Chicago before because I've found no other shop in the city that can make me feel like I'm back in France like it does. Floor to ceiling shelves stock vintage drink ware, old silver trays and ice buckets, and every adorable little French knickknack a Francophile could want.

• I can't list my fave vintage home goods shops without mentioning Jayson Home & Garden. It's definitely a blow-your-budget spot, but easily the most beautifully curated shop in town. I could honestly walk in with my Starbucks, plop on one of their lovely oversized couches, and open a gorgeous coffee table book (while burning the best scented candles, and surrounded by the best foliage ... need I go on?) 

Photo courtesy of POSH Chicago

Bon Anniversaire, Coco

Chanel is synonymous with style, has stood the true test of time, and continues to be on every girl's ultimate wish list. Whether it's a small vial of one of Chanel's incredible scents, or a whole nine yards – a luxe leather bag, Chanel has something for everyone. In honor of Mademoiselle Chanel's birthday today, below are some of my fave items bearing her namesake ...  

1. the perfectly casual but chic Drawstring bucket bag 
2. simple and elegant Logo earrings
3. any vintage costume jewelry
4. clean and classic shopper
5. the large quilted tote
6. the perfect red lipstick
7. the light and airy scent, Gardenia 
8. the ultimate chic black jacket

above photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Here's to a gorgeous Chicago weekend ahead! Perfect for getting out and enjoying the Chicago Air & Water show. I hope to catch it from a sunny rooftop bar where we can avoid the crowds, while enjoying some food and cool drinks ... maybe here?

Also this weekend ...

• after the air show, stroll over to 900 N. Michigan to catch a sneak peek at local jewelry designer, Laura Lombardi's fall line of vintage-inspired goods this Saturday at Space519. 

• Hasana – purveyor of designer duds – is setting up a pop-up shop in Lakeview. All proceeds of the shop will fund educational programs for high school girls. Now that's some shame-free shopping! 

• It's still a month away, but it's time to map out your plan of attack for the Phillip Lim X Target collab. There's so many goodies coming, I challenge you to limit your wish list (I know I'm working on editing mine down!)

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Summer Citron

The goods:
• blouse by Theory (good news, it's on sale here!)
• blazer from Zara
• M2F shorts from Sophia
• sandals by Born Crown
 

It's perfect summer days like this that make me grab the brightest color from my closet. I love this nearly neon hue for making a bold statement ... or a more subtle pop of color when peeking out from under a jacket. Oh ... and I'm wearing my cut offs until the fall weather really kicks in.

Fall Footwork

I know I should be enjoying these last weeks of summer style, but it's so hard to ignore the pretty autumn fashions already in every store! In addition to a perfect black leather satchel, my first order of fall fashion business is to find a fantastic ankle bootie ... a classic black boot, not too high, perfect for pairing with skinny pants, long skirts and black tights. Of course I instantly fell in love with these lovely Saint Laurents, so I set out on a hunt for a more budget friendly version ...

Top row: Marvin Frolic  //  Chelsea Boot  //  Franco Sarto
Second row: French Connection  //  House of Harlow  //  Joie

Summer Ends

The goods:
• top by Theory
• jeans by Citizens of Humanity
• wedges by Nine West
• necklaces by Gorjana, Winifred Grace
• bangles by Stitch, IGWT, Winifred Grace

August means closet crunch time – time to wear all of the lightweight summer attire before fall makes an appearance in the coming months. I'm all about transitioning pieces throughout the year, but this issue-thin tank by Theory is one of those strictly summer tops. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Oh, Hello Again!

Well ... that was a bit longer of a break than I anticipated. I can plan all I want, but occasionally unforeseen circumstances can throw a wrench right in the middle of it – know what I mean? Thanks for your patience and here's to a fun, fashionable week ahead!

Image from Pinterest 

Gotta Run!

A little unexpected travel popped up, so have a magnificent weekend and I will be back next week!

Before I go, a couple amazing things to do this weekend ...

• The Fashion Outlets of Chicago open today! It's the closest outlet mall to the city of Chicago. This. Is. Huge.

• Join the music-loving masses at Lollapalooza this weekend. There's so many goodies, it would be hard to come up with my faves! (But I would definitely catch Mumford & Sons, The Killers, Ellie Goulding, and Lana Del Ray ... for starters). 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest