A Festive Feast

Get your stretchy pants ready! Tomorrow is the big feast. I'm looking forward to my old standbys, and also trying some new twists on the classics. I'll be signing off for the weekend to hang with family (and hit up some sales!).

Also this weekend ...
• I'll be making my spiced pumpkin bread – it's so easy, and always a hit!

• Shopbop is having a spend more, save more sale ... how perfect is this for hiding that post-meal food baby tomorrow!

• Sure there's Black Friday, but don't forget about Small Business Saturday. Support local businesses and get started on that holiday shopping. Some of my faves? Eskell for jewelry and unique clothing, Merz Apothecary for amazing bath products, and Stitch has by far the best hostess gifts. 

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Wrap Star

Lately I've been cuddling up in my oversized scarf – a warm layer when I leave the house, and it doubles as a cozy blanket in front of the fireplace. I've decided that they're so versatile, I probably need more color/pattern options besides my neutral camel (this is one of those instances where I justify purchasing unnecessary items that are so totally necessary). Below are a few I've been eyeing ...   

Clockwise from top:  leopard print  //  fringed plaid print  //  charcoal shawl wrap  //  light gray wrap  //  jacquard blanket wrap

above photo from Pinterest

Crossing the Threshold

Sure, all of the pretty home pics on Pinterest are inspiring – the marble countertops, gilded mirrors, and mid century finds – but I'll tell ya, it's amazing how expensive home decor can be (I was totally shocked how pricey even the littlest lamps are!). Well how about a home line that is actually attainable. Threshold at Target is the perfect mix of seriously stylish furniture and accessories, but at those oh-so-awesome Target prices. Easily mistaken for a designer piece or vintage treasure, the entire line adds a dose of cool to any abode ...       

A few fab finds from the always wallet-friendly, Target:  gold bar cart  //  faux fur throw blanket  //  mercury glass hurricane  //  side chair  //  industrial stool  //  marble coasters  //  plaid floor pillow  //  mirrored cabinet  //  starburst mirror  //  glass feather figure  //  brass floor lamp

Have a Fun Weekend!

Happy Friday! While I do love the holidays, I wait patiently (or impatiently) until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. But it's only a week away, so nothing's stopping me from admiring all the fancy, frosted decor in stores this weekend ... or better yet, getting a head start on my own with the dipped DIY above.

Also this weekend ...

• It's time to start buying holiday gifts for your loved ones, so hit the holiday sale at the School of the Art Institute Chicago. It's a great opportunity to meet the student artists while they show and sell their unique, one of a kind items like paintings, ceramics, and sculptures.

• Not waiting until after Thanksgiving to start the Christmas cheer is the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, starting Tuesday. And after visiting Germany last month, I cannot wait to get some bratwurst and hot mulled wine while perusing all of the handmade gifts.

• Even if you aren't a bride to be, there's no denying BHLDN is a gorgeous store. All of their sparkly shoes/accessories/dresses aren't just for weddings, they work for the holidays too! So try your luck at winning a $200 giftcard with their colorful online contest.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Keepin' it Cozy

The goods:
• jacket (from my mom's closet)
• leggings from Nordstrom Rack
• sweater dress (underneath) by Elizabeth and James
• ankle boots from Zara
• Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Cherry
 

Whoa! It's been too long since I've done an outfit post. Now, I practice what I preach, so don't worry, I'm not wearing leggings as pants, there's a short sweater dress under there. And since the snow hasn't hit, but it's too chilly for my classic trench, I've been sporting this wool jacket which I snagged from my mom (she relied on this pretty plaid number in college ... and my sisters and I did the same).

I mentioned my love for plaid pieces for autumn before, but I also love these vintage pieces similar to mine – this button down coat, this mini cape, and this pretty plaid cape.

Icons of Style: Linda Rodin

I read a recent interview with the incredible Linda Rodin, and found myself laughing, being inspired, and scrambling to get my hands on her beauty line.

The silver foxy lady went from model, to editor of Harper's Bazaar, to (the original) boutique owner in SoHo, to major stylist, to beauty maven with her best selling line of oils (phew!). She's an incredibly chic inspiration to businesswomen of all ages, with one seriously cool wardrobe. Just check out some of my fave looks from this 65 year old! (and someone pass me some Olio Lusso so I can look that good at her age) ...
   

Photos from Pinterest

The Cozy Collection

Now that the temps are steadily dropping, it's time to get cozy. My go-to piece is a big, warm sweater – but that doesn't mean sacrificing style. I like to pair an oversized sweater with skinny jeans and ankle boots for a chic, but ultra comfortable ensemble. Below are some of my faves for a stylish winter ahead.

Clockwise from top:  cashmere cardigan  //  gray cashmere poncho  //  light gray oversized turtleneck  //  multi-way sweater  //  cape cardigan

In Holiday Mode

The holiday season is right around the corner and that means two things, spending quality time with your loved ones, and looking fab doing it! ModeWalk, the online purveyors of some seriously swanky duds, has marked down much of their collection in time for the holiday social season. Brands include contemporary faves J Brand, Theyskens' Theory, and Vince, but ModeWalk also introduces sophisticated designers like Martin Grant, Christine Phung, and so many more.

I've partnered with ModeWalk as a stylist, and armed with your sizing and wish list, can send styles for your consideration directly to your inbox. Think of it as shopping online usual, but having me pre-select items I think you'll love!     

Below are some of my faves that are on sale now on ModeWalk ...

Check out all of the stylish duds here.

Have A Warm Weekend!

Happy weekend everyone! I hope you've all licked your wounds after the slaughter that was Isabel Marant X H&M (did you score? I was a big zero, oh well). It's supposed to be a cool and rainy weekend, so I'm playing hostess and having friends over for dinner one night, and family the other (it's just so much easier when people come to you!). 

Also this weekend ...

• The Atwood Cafe is starting their holiday tea service this weekend. Nothing is better than teeny tiny sandwiches and cookies ... except maybe the tea and champagne.

• Speaking of holidays, The Golden Triangle (the posh and pretty home store downtown) is holding their holiday market, complete with an opening day discount of 20%. I may have to hit this up ... I won't – er – can't stop with the home makeover

• While you're out and about shopping Saturday, swing over to to Wicker Park/Bucktown for ChillFest. 100 bands will be performing at "venues" like Antique Taco, Alliance Bakery, Penelope's and more ... how chill is that?!

Have a super weekend!

Photo from Pinterest

Intimate Gathering

Last night was the Victoria's Secret fashion show, which won't air until December, but Instagram and Twitter were abuzz with the "Angles" posting all of their fancy pants ensembles (or lack thereof). It got me thinking – very little, if anything, of what goes down that runway is actually wearable. In reality, I'd say most women opt for comfort over sexy ... but there is a balance that can be struck. Below are some cute but still coquettish pieces that I would happily don (in private, not on the runway) ...  

Clockwise from top:  blue and white teddy  //  black cotton robe  //  navy swissdot panty  //  black dot set  //  pink jersey robe  //  pink swissdot set  //  lace trim romper

La Maison

When Steve and I moved in together years ago, I think we did a fairly good job of blending my vintage style with his more contemporary. But after being so inspired by the amazing interiors in France, we immediately got to work giving our place a mini-makeover upon return. It didn't take much to brighten our living space and give it a bit more sophistication ...

Our entry wall before ...

After ... 
A much more functional use of space, this salvaged shelving unit from Nadeau actually serves a pretty purpose with added storage.


Our living space before ...

After ... 
a new coat of paint and new couch, my handy husband added reclaimed wood to our CB2 coffee table, we swapped out the old artwork for this bright mirror, and I made over our Ikea side tables to be gold with white lacquer top. 



Next up ... An update to our bedroom and a french-inspired guest room.

Calm Before the Storm

So winter dropped a bomb on us yesterday! That's the funny thing about Chicago, it changes it's mind at the drop of a hat. Now's the time we can add winter accessories and layers and still look cute ... before the temps drop into the teens, all is lost, and we all resemble cinched sleeping bags. Below are a few fun cold weather pieces for that last ditch effort at an attractive winter ensemble.   

Cable knit leggings  //  rubber ankle boot  //  wool scarf  //  jeweled beanie  //  leather driving gloves

Natural History, Naturally Beautiful

While we're all busy leading our lives, it's easy to take for granted all of the grand sights in our very own city. People come from all over to see Chicago's museums, so having not been in many years, we headed down to the Field Museum this past weekend. While we went for the 1893 World's Fair special exhibit, I ended up being more enamored with the old building itself ...   

Have a Très Bien Weekend!

Woo hoo, it's the weekend! If you're in Chicago, I already told you to hit up the Jayson Warehouse Sale today through Sunday (it's what warehouse sale dreams are made of! Seriously, it's like my Christmas morning)

Also this weekend ...

• Channel your inner french femme (like I try to every single day) by shopping the pretty boho french collection from Cotélac. Get 20% off (with code 20ANS) in honor of their 20th anniversary, both at their Lincoln Park shop and online. This sweet shirtdress reminds me of a french school girl. 

• Just down the block from Cotélac, The Left Bank (purveyors of all pretty things Parisian and bridal) is hosting their annual sample sale. All you brides-to-be should head over to score deep discounts on wedding jewelry, sashes, veils, and more.

• While we're tallkin' jewelry ... snag some seriously cool bling at the Dana Rebecca trunk show at Sofia. It doesn't get much better than shopping for amazing jewelry in a boutique full of already amazing stuff! I adore the Sylvie Rose ring ... an early xmas present to myself?

Have a great weekend!

Illustration by Garance Doré

Cable Gal

I don't know about you, but I've been living in my cozy sweaters this week! And nothing seems to be warmer than a thick cable knit. I love how in addition to being the perfect fall layer, these have the look of a well-loved hand-me-down. Below are few to warm up your wardrobe ...

Clockwise from top:  J.Crew  //  BB Dakota  //  Barbour  //  Club Monaco  //  Zara  //  Urban Outfitters  //  ASOS

A Whale of a Sale

Usually I post about weekend activities on Friday, but for this I just couldn't wait. This weekend, Jayson Home and Garden is having their annual warehouse sale ... and I mean this event is a blowout! The huge space is filled with all of the rustic luxuries that make Jayson so fabulous, all for 50-90% off (I know!).   

See you there!

Le Collection

You guys — in less than 10 days the Isabel Marant collection hits H&M stores. I mentioned the collab back when it was announced over the summer and it's finally here. I've always been a fan of the french label (but not a huge fan of the price tag), luckily all of us bargain hunters can get in on l'action. Below are a few highlights, but you can see all of the glamorous goodies (and prices!) here.

Photos courtesy of Vogue UK

La B&B (Best and Beautiful)

To complete my French vacation highlights, I have to share a little sliver of French country perfection. Our bed and breakfast in the Champagne region was better than I could've dreamt! The old four story house was impeccably decorated with a mix of French country traditional and modern elements. Steve and I sat eating croissant and café one morning and we agreed to do a mini home makeover of our place right then and there. La Parenthèse is a little slice of French heaven (complete with it's own secret garden!) which I highly recommend.