Have and Oscar-Worthy Weekend!

In honor of this weekend's red carpet, I had to highlight this petite fashionista – which I hope you've seen by now. This little lady and her mom have been whipping (or ripping) up the most adorable paper dresses on her instagram account. I can't wait to see what they come up with after the Oscars this weekend (bonus points for host Ellen Degeneres!)

Also this weekend ...

• I can't wait to see who wins on Sunday, but instead of a full-blown oscar party, I prefer to cuddle up in my leggings and leave the high-fashion to the pros. But I do love a good Oscar-inspired cocktail for the event.

• If you're like me, you maybe go the weekend (okay, week) without washing your hair. To keep your tresses on trend, try this fun braid bun!

• Rarely do we think about the labor and love that go into our favorite scents – I love this short video about what goes into making one bottle of Chanel No. 5 (you'll never take a spray for granted again!)

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of instagram

Le Bubble

With Paris fashion week in full effect, why not journey back to a classic – but still very vogue – fashion shoot from 1960's. Fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky shot the spring collection for Harper's Bazaar in '67 and the outcome – his now iconic "bubble" series – started a trend toward conceptual and artistic fashion photography. The story starts with a full color shot of the bubble taking off from NYC and landing on the River Seine, where the designer-clad model then floats around the streets of Paris ... sort of a dream come true, right?     









Photos courtesy of Melvin Sokolsky

Instant Insta Faves

If you're like me, you can't help but peruse instagram, like, every 10 minutes. I like to fill my feed with the prettiest pictures from the people and places that I admire. I follow quite a few people, most of which center around fashion and France (no surprise there). So if you too like to look at lovely things, check out my favorite instagrammers ...

top row:  Blair Eadie of AtlanticPacific blog - one serious beauty with an even more seriously enviable wardrobe  \\  Paris in Four Months - a photographer living in Paris and her pretty pictures  \\  Glitter Guide - bits and pieces from the fab lifestyle site by the same name  

second row:  ZanitaZanita - dreamy shots from the Aussie photographer/model/traveler  \\  JustMarina - a German photographer shares clean, pretty shots of flowers, vignettes, and her cute cat  \\  Raspberrynrouge - pretty pretty pictures from this lovely lifestyle blogger  

third row:  ThisisGlamorous - gorgeous snaps from this blog by the same name  \\   Anna dello Russo - her crazy fashions and behind the scenes shots from the editor-at-large of Vogue Japan  \\  Alonso Mateo - easily the most fashionable kid around


... and if you'd like to follow me, I'm hotnhovey (who doesn't like a fun little play on words?)

Black & Tan

The goods:
• H&M turtleneck
• vintage Chanel skirt
• HUE tights
• Candela boots 

While I usually stick to neutrals and black (hey, it's at least 75% of my wardrobe), I do like to play with proportions. With a voluminous aline skirt, I always tuck a tight fitting top into it and pair it with slim boots or tights and ankle boots. My go-to tight top in winter is a black turtleneck. Every woman should have a good one, but think about replacing it every couple years once it starts to show signs of wear. This was my year to stock up and it was surprisingly hard to track down, but I finally had luck at Club Monaco and H&M ... where you can likely find them on sale now since spring is in the air!

Spring in Your Step

In my continued effort to drive winter out of the city by thinking spring, I've identified some of the cutest spring shoes, just waiting to be worn in the warmer weather. Seeing as you can't go wrong with black or tan options, I'm loving the pretty pairs below for everything from chic casual looks to sophisticated nights out. The best part? Each pair from Forever21 is under $40! (You thinking what I'm thinking? Buy em all!)    

Clockwise from top left:  tan wedge sandals  //  black strappy sandals  //  classic slingback sandal  //  tan faux leather plimsolls  //  tan d'orsay wedges  //  black slingback booties 

Have a Wonderful Weekend

Happy weekend people. It's like a heatwave here in Chicago (and by heatwave, I mean we almost hit 50 degrees yesterday), so I've started thinking spring. Gap just came out with their new lookbook with Rebekka Bay as creative director, and it. is. awesome. Of course, our mild weather won't last long, but I'll just flip through those Gap looks and day dream.

Also this weekend ...

• If you haven't been to Tanoshii sushi in Andersonville, you're seriously missing out. Now Steve and I don't have to travel 20 minutes north to enjoy our beloved "fish n' chips" dish (trust me, it's to die for). Tanoshii Sushi Mike's just opened up on Randolph and his signature dishes, as well as his incredible roll creations, have followed.

• Phantom of the Opera is in town, and while I've seen the show a number of times, the amazing music never gets old for me. Hey, take in a matinée and head to Tanoshii for dinner! Perfect plan.

• One of my favorite photographers (whom I've written about before) is Vivian Maier. She never had any formal training, but became essentially the first "street style" photographer (she actually started out as a nanny in Chicago!) Check out her beautiful work, on display at the Chicago History Museum.

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of Vivian Maier

A Break from Winter

If there's one thing I've learned over the past month, it's that there's no better cure for these winter blues than jetting off to warmer weather. Take a queue from the old school days and take a spring break – there are plenty of destinations only a few hours away, and with spring still weeks away, a break is definitely in order. 

Of course, one needs new spring staples for a spring vacation ...

Look 1:  MSGM tricolor dress  //  Matthew Williamson floral clutch  //  Proenza Schouler pumps 

Look 2:  Derek Lam top  //  Derek Lam shorts  //   Sergio Rossi perforated boots  //  Jason Wu clutch

Look 3:  Current Elliot denim jacket  //  10 Crosby top  //  MSGM sheer maxi skirt  //  Ancient Greek Sandals  //  Sergio Rossi two-tone clutch       

Merci Mr. Dior

If Christian Dior (or any fashion designer, for that matter) had been alive in 1700's France, he surely would have created exquisite garments for the lavish Marie Antoinette. Dior has now created a limited edition makeup line inspired by the Queen of all excess. With pretty pastels, hints of shimmer, even a polish that dries matte to resemble porcelaine, it's truly a royally beautiful assortment. After visiting Versailles in the fall, I can't wait to get my hands on these pretty Parisian products for spring ...  all available here.  

Cut Short

The goods:
• crop top from Zara
• skirt from H&M
• ankle boots from DSW 

I wore this crop top over a shirt in this post, because I'm not about to go all bare bellied. Well another fix for this flesh-baring fashion trend is pairing it with a high waisted skirt. Either an aline like this one or a slim pencil skirt, the high waist gives just a peek of skin – without going all 1980's crop top style. 

Have a Fun Lovin' Weekend

Happy Valentine's day! Like I mentioned yesterday, I'm looking forward to a cozy night in with Steve, whipping up some dinner and enjoying a (couple) bottles of good wine. 

Also this weekend ...

• There are always adorable heart-themed foods on Pinterest, so why not try them tonight? I love these heart-shaped potatoes, and I always love a good beet salad. And there's always room for dessert.

• The Chicago Auto Show runs through this weekend – contrary to what you may think, it's not just for car guys – it's actually an incredibly cool show, displaying all of the latest models, as well as fun concept cars. 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Small and Sweet

With Valentine's day tomorrow – and me in my old age – a night at home sounds better than a fancy pants dinner out. Staying home with your sweetie doesn't mean you have to stick to the same old routine (especially if that involves loungewear and laying on the couch), why not "spice things up" a little for the holiday with a few fun finds ...

Clockwise from top:

• Hanky Panky thongs are most women's comfy go-to, good thing they're pretty, but try going to a sultry red color on this holiday.

• The new Roses De Chloé is the perfect rose scent – not your grandmother's overpowering tea rose, but also strong enough to linger. It may be a tie with my other fave, Diptyque's Eau Rose.

• No need to spend the big bucks on lingerie that's only worn for a fleeting moment. This dainty lace bra is something you can wear anytime, but still super sexy for those Valentine's nights.

• I prefer minimal makeup on date night (most nights, really), but a little blush on the apples of the cheeks can really make the look. And with Nars Super Orgasm blush, well, let's just say this one sounds appropriate for the holiday (just try to say that name without blushing).

• Some bubbles are definitely in order for a romantic evening at home.

• Red lipstick may look hot, but it's not always the most kissable look. Red nails, on the other hand, are a sexy detail – especially scented ones!

Black/White

The goods:
• top from Club Monaco
• jeans from Henry & Belle
• ankle boots from DSW
• gifted j.crew clutch 

No matter how many pretty pieces are hanging in a store, I always gravitate toward a crisp black and white palette. I snagged this top at the post holiday sales at Club Monaco (and easily could've gone home with half that shop!). And as if my good friend knows my love for black and white, she gave me this amazing leather pouch. I love this for holding valuables as a clutch, important papers and notes for meetings, or small electronic for travel – a perfect accessory. 

Lounge Wear

Just like shoes, handbags, and lip products – a girl can never have enough pairs of perfect jeans. The Denim Lounge on Oak Street will be closing it's doors, but not before they liquidate all of their lovely loot with their "Leaving Oak Street Sale". All merchandise will be 30%-80% off, including my fave brands like Citizens and local love, Henry & Belle (and many more). Below are my current faves, that I would definitely head over to Oak Street to score ...  

James High Class Cigarette  //  Henry & Belle Skinny Ankle  //  Hudson High Waist Skinny   

Adios Polar Vortex

With this seemingly endless winter (and a dear friend celebrating her bachelorette) I'm off to Mexico for a few days. Having just come back from Puerto Rico – don't hate me, it just worked out this way – I have devised a pretty solid checklist of what to pack for a warm weather getaway. 


where to find it:
similar LBD  //  cropped denim jacket  //  similar gold disc earrings  //  crochet bikini  //  similar black top  //  nude bandage skirt  //  metallic clutch  //  similar patterned blouse  //  black mini skirt  //  gold bangles  //  silver wrap  //  turquoise sunglasses  //  cream and leather espadrilles  //  similar sheer tunic  //  similar sunhat  //  similar metallic sandals

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Happy weekend! Well it's that time again – another Target collab, another caffeine-fueled shopping spree. I'll admit I wasn't very familiar with Peter Pilotto before the collection announcement, but I must say I adore the springy prints combined with sexy silhouette (and I'm pretty much loving everything and anything spring these days – so sign me up). View the entire collection here, and good luck if you brave the store Sunday morning.   

Also this weekend ...

• The Olympics start today! I love the week of games and gold, and would love to have a gold-themed party with this detail. 

• There are two new spots to savor some scrumptious oysters – Bow & Stern opened on Chicago Ave. and Pearl Tavern on North Wacker. Since we have a couple more months of cold weather, why not belly up to the bar and enjoy some oysters and bubbly (twist your arm, I know). 

• Many of us lust after designer shoes, but rarely purchase a pricey pair, but if you've ever planned on owning your own pair of Manolos, now is the time. Mr. Blahnik himself will be at Barney's signing pairs of his capsule collection tonight from 5-7 on the 2nd floor (of course, this begs the question – do you dare wear them after his royal highness of heels signed his sig?). RSVP at shoeicon@barneys.com

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Target

Bucket List

You may think my collection's complete, but a girl can never have enough handbags. Since last season, I've been keeping an eye on bucket bags – I love their easy shape (and spacious interior that Mary Poppins would be proud of). As the weather warms (you know, in a few months), I think this shape will perfectly compliment my fun spring and summer looks.  

Clockwise from top:  black with chain detail  //  cream with gold hardware  //  blue with gold hardware  //  black with cutouts  //  classic tan  //  black and white faux fur

Load of Crop

The goods:
• chambray shirt from Forever21
• cropped sweater and pumps from Zara
• coated jeans from Aqua 

Crop tops are one of those trends that I'd normally scoff at (or just be jealous that I can't pull one off – I'm not about to bear this belly!). I like the idea because the bottom of a crop top highlights the slimmest part, right at the natural waist. Well with a little creativity, I realized I can incorporate this mini garment and still be my modest self. Since this tight little sweater doesn't allow for a bulky layer underneath, it's the perfect opportunity to don my sleeveless summer blouses. I will continue to figure out other ways to use this little gem.

Spring Snippet

As if we aren't already itching for spring weather, Zara's new lookbook makes me want to don shorts and a floppy hat, like, now. As you know Zara is pretty much my fave store of all time, so of course I want everything (even that tropical print crop top – which I could never pull off). At least I can day dream through these images of warmer days ahead ...  

See his entire collection here.

Lady Love

The beginning of February means the 14th isn't far off. Whether or not you have a significant other to share the big V-Day with, it's always fun to have a little something lovable on. Below are a few cutesy items to complete your look this month (of amour) ...   

Clockwise from top:  "Kiss Me" headband  //  heart nail polish  //  heart hoop earrings  //  Je T'aime bracelet  //  "Loved" ring