The Dr. Is In

I came across a pair of original Dr. Scholl's the other day (when the weather was nice) and I must say they are quite comfy. I've always loved the simple design, the quality materials and the gold buckle across the foot, and I remembered years ago my mom telling me how Dr. Scholl's original sandals were designed to workout the legs. Well turns out she's right ... Dr. William Scholl was a podiatrist here in Chicago and designed the simple wood sandal in the 60's to maximize flexing and exercise the leg while walking (a way cuter alternative to those Sketcher sneakers). I love this classic shoe with slim jeans and a blouse when spring comes back and can't wait to pair it with a little white sundress this summer (or with short shorts as advertised!).

Photos courtesy of Dr. Scholl's and Pinterest

Midi on My Mind

The goods:
• top from Zara (also love this one)
• skirt and clutch, my grandmother's
• pumps from Aldo
 

After searching what seems like forever for the perfect black high-waisted midi pencil skirt (quite the checklist), I end up finding it in my grandmother's closet. I love the pleats, the pockets, and the way it pairs perfectly with this white dolman sleeve crop top (which I wondered how to pair for a while). I have no problem with all black and white, but I love this deep red clutch she had and swiped on my favorite deep red lipstick for a pop of color. Of course now I'm seeing these skirts everywhere and I'm loving this one from ASOS.

All Hail the Hair

I've never been into fantasy or sci-fi movies, never interested in wizards or any magical characters ... but I must admit, I am now a devoted fan of Game of Thrones. Of the dozens of characters and winding family trees, my fave is the fearless female lead, Khaleesi. She's a pretty kick ass queen, with the largest army, and seriously killer hair. 

And thanks to Harper's Bazaar for tapping the show's hair stylist, Kevin Alexander, for his steps to creating her signature waves ...

1. To give the hair texture, we start with wet hair and Paul Mitchell mousse, then do an old fashioned scrunch dry.

2. We mist inch-and-a-half sections with a setting spray like L'Oreal Techni Art Pli Thermo-Fixing Spray, then wrap them around a hot curling iron. It's important to let each section fall off the tongs when they're hot, but not to brush them out.

3. Once the entire head is done and the spirals have cooled, rake fingers through strands and give everything a good shake. That's how you get that tousled look.

(as seen on Harper's Bazaar.com)

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Sale-Filled Weekend!

It's officially spring and the weather is juuust starting to cooperate, which means it's time to do some spring cleaning! (which really means just making room for new fun finds). There are a ton of sales going on this weekend, all of them awesome and not to be missed ...

• Hope you got your tix for the Gilt City Warehouse sale happening tomorrow (don't worry, you can get them here). Big, huge brands up to 90% off ... those are some serious deals to be had!

• If vintage is more your thing, swing by the Randolph Street Market Saturday or Sunday to score anything and everything from vintage baubles to antique home goods.

• Spring cleaning isn't just for the closet – swap out your tired looking lamp or side chair with a vintage-inspired piece from the Bonus Jayson Home Warehouse Sale happening tomorrow only! If it's anything like their annual fall warehouse sale, get there early, grab what you can and enjoy!

• Snag new duds online too with all of the friends and family sales going on: Take an extra 25% off Theory's sale with code TSPRINGFF, and 25% off Tory Burch's with code FRIENDLY, and 30-50% off J.Crew with code GOSHOP.

Happy shopping!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

To the Left, To the Left

It's pretty obvious that Zara is my favorite store – and you'd think these images are Zara, right? Well turns out Zara has a discount little sister (right? Who knew?). Lefties (short for leftovers) has been around for some time ... just not stateside. Originally it was a sort of warehouse for last season's goods, but now they're revamping their brand, coming up with their own stuff, and becoming an even more affordable version of big sis Zara. Nothing is confirmed, but rumor has it they're looking to roll out an e-commerce site and eventually cross the pond our way. Here's hoping!

Photo courtesy of Lefties

Plaid Prep

The goods:
• plaid shirt, my grandmother's (also love this classic)
• skinny navy cords from J.Crew (also loving these Lauren Conrad ones!)
• heels from Zara (these kitten heel sling backs are perfect for spring)
• bag by Michael Kors
• vintage pearls
 

Often times the easiest pieces make casual, chic ensembles. This plaid shirt was uncovered from my grandmother's closet – I paired it here with my super soft cords from J.Crew. Now, normally that combo doesn't scream style ... but add high heels and pearls and I'm comfy and current. This shirt is also a great casual counterpart to a slim pencil skirt ... add that (and now that it's warm, a bit of tanning lotion to these white gams) and this look is a plaid professional look.

Rosy B*tch

As the warm weather months approach, it's time to start thinking about fun, refreshing beverages. A few weeks back, my sisters, mother and I got creative and came up with our new favorite drink – the "Rosy Bitch". We were inspired by my glamorous grandmother's drink of choice, a red wine spritzer, and seriously upped the lady-like factor with this pink hue, rose flavor, sparkling wine, and fruit of choice (we did strawberries, but I always love the way raspberries absorb the bubbly!) 

Warning: these are really, really tasty ... so it's easy to polish off both bottles pretty quickly. 

Fill a flute half way with any prosecco (I haven't found a bottle I don't like), add Belvior Elderflower & Rose Presse (I've found it at Treasure Island) and finish with berries ... enjoy!

Spring Staples

I'm all for trying out new spring trends or incorporating patterns into my warm weather wardrobe, but I can't pass up a classic clothing staple, and season to season, Zara never disappoints. With the feminine lines, classic neutrals, and pops of bright red (my personal fave), these pieces from Zara's current collection are calling to me (and there are many more fun finds where these came from!) ...   

red flared skirt – perfect with a white tee and tan sandals  $59.90

double layer top, perfectly paired with jeans, skirts, shorts, etc ...  $49.90

high waisted skinny jeans – a fresh break from my super dark denim  $49.90

two-tone dress with embellished neckline - love this all-in-one summer piece  $59.90

nude crystal flats ... that go with everything  $59.90

red raffia coat – the perfect topper through summer  $139  

Have an Excellent Easter Weekend!

Happy weekend all! Well it's not supposed to be the summer city weather Chicago had last weekend, but maybe we'll at least get some sun. Even though my brother and sisters and I are grown, we still decorate eggs and have a hunt around the house – I love the idea of using a white paint pen on brown eggs (and kinda surprised I didn't think of this sooner!)

Also this weekend ...

• Bring a whimsical snack to your Easter gathering with these dark chocolate easter egg nests (they're so easy ... and delicious ... and messy).

• If you're a fan of musicals, chances are you're a fan of singing along to them ... well if you're a Grease fan, this Saturday you can throw on your best Sandy costume (there's a contest!) and sing along to the hits at the Music Box Theater.

• Since warm weather isn't here yet, I will just have to day dream about it. I just ordered a bottle of this body oil and I'm embarrassingly excited (monoi oil comes from French Polynesia and I got hooked on the fragrant oil when we honeymooned there a couple years ago). Now I can be reminded of our trip and smell amazing all the time (and when the warm weather does arrive, this stuff also soothes sunburn).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

High-Waisted Vintage

The goods:
• my grandmother's skirt, belt, and bag
• Zara crop top (similar one here, and I also love this ballet-inspired one)
• Zara pumps (similar ones here)
 

Turns out my grandmother hid some gems in the depths of her closet for years. I uncovered this fantastic high-waisted midi skirt, which happened to fit and was just begging to be paired with my black cropped top (finally a high enough waist - and inch is pretty much all I'm willing bare there). Paired with this classic leather bag that she also stowed away, I'm balancing vintage with new in this black and tan. 

Homeward Bound

It may not have been an Alaskan adventure or Route 66, but Steve and I found hidden gems along our road trip from New Jersey home to Chicago. Legs of the trip seemed to alternate between scenic and lovely, to flat and, well, boring, but we had fun! Some highlights below ... 

 

Clockwise from top:
• Steve with our new (old) SUV. I love driving bigger cars so I was excited to take this baby out on the open road.

• Hershey, PA is exactly like my inner 6 year old imagined it – everything is chocolate related! The street lamps resembled Kisses, roads are named after the candy bars, and there is even a chocolate theme park in it's center!

• My family used to stop at Big Boy when we went up to Wisconsin, but since that one closed years ago, I hadn't spotted one since ... turns out he just moved out east a little (and west to California, and north to Michigan).

• There were covered bridges along our entire trip – sure we had to exit the expressway to spot them, but shots like this were worth it.

• Steve and I have a weakness for antique malls. We love sifting through the endless aisles of old loot to spot those gems. This time we came back with a brass bed, vintage patio furniture, and a pedestal table (good thing we picked up that SUV!)

• Many of the smaller towns we stopped in had the most adorable little buildings. A little town called Olmstead Falls restored their "downtown" to it's original glory, so sights like this amazing little house weren't uncommon. 

Summer Style Preview

It seems Chicago is pulling it's April fools' joke a little late in the month – snow showers, hilarious. Until we actually have consistent spring weather, let's fawn over the summery style at Coachella. Breezy dresses, short shorts, and plenty of sun – all of the makings of a warm weather fashion feast for the eyes ... 

 

Photos courtesy of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Refinery29

Have a Perfect Spring Weekend!

Remember how Steve and I were going to roadtrip from Arkansas, through Nashville, back to Chicago? Yeah, that didn't happen. New plan: We're flying to New Jersey (to pick up our new car) and roadtripping home from there. We're pretty pumped to try our first philly cheese steak in Pittsburg (and I really want to ride this!), and hit some antique malls and breweries on the way home (taking the beer to go of course, we don't drink and drive).

Also this weekend ...

• It's supposed to amazing weather Saturday in Chicago (of course we're away that day - sigh). Get yourself over to Big Star early and revel in the perfect patio day.

• Maybe you're not a perfect weather kinda person – or you have an affinity for silent films – either way, head to the Music Box for the Charlie Chaplin 100th anniversary marathon.

• Friday through Sunday, the Chicago Botanic Gardens is hosting their Antiques and Garden Fair. Lovely weather, lovely gardens, amazing antique finds? What more could you ask for?

Have a great weekend and I'll be back on TUESDAY.

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Gilt-Free Shopping

It's that time again, the Gilt City Warehouse sale is coming up at the end of the month! If you haven't shopped this event before, get your tickets now (it always sells out). Almost anything and everything you've seen on the fab site Gilt – from housewares to handbags, kids shoes to serious designer duds – it's all marked way way down at this sale. 

Past deals I've spotted were a beautiful Marni maxi dress for $145, a classic pair of Prada pumps for $85, and a killer John Varvatos men's suit for $180. Even if you only walk away with a $20 pair of sunglasses, it's worth it (cause those used to be $300!).

Get your tickets here and I'll see you there

photo courtesy of So Much To Smile About

Row This Way

In my continued effort to make a stylish wardrobe easily attainable for all, I've partnered with Keaton Row – the super easy (and free!) online styling service. Like I've been doing for some time, I will happily shop for ladies seeking stylish staples, only this time I pull pieces from shops women already know and love, like Nordstrom, ASOS, and Shopbop. And like I mentioned, the service is free! You only pay for the items you choose to purchase. 

So if you need a dress for that upcoming wedding, new work staples, or just don't have time to shop for those fun spring pieces yourself, check it out Keaton Row here.      

The Heirloom Shirt

The goods:
• grandmother's shirt
• jeans by Citizens of Humanity
• grandfather's watch - similar here 

It's hard to top the perfect white button down shirt – but my grandmother did it when she had this one monogrammed, adding a perfect but subtle detail that turns this classic into an heirloom. Spotting the lovely small, bright red lettering on the cuff gave me a thought – what a fun hand-me-down to have made and pass from generation to generation. In that case, it's important to go for a quality shirt, one that can withstand washings and won't loose too much of it's luster over time. I think it's time we bring back this delicate personalized detail and leave a classy and fashionable legacy.

Land's End and JCrew both offer monogram services on oxford shirts. 

Retro Wrist Candy

Last week I told you about my glamorous grandmother and her accessories, but behind every stylish woman is a dapper gent. My grandfather had a style all his own as well, including bolo ties, rings, and his bright, two-tone watches (which I was thrilled to uncover at my Nana's house over the weekend). He wasn't a big spender, but he loved a little bling, so while it's no Rolex, I love this retro timepiece just the same. 

Below are a few similar finds, some new, some vintage, all just the right balance of fashion and flashy ...

From Top: Men's two tone Peugeot watch  //  Michael Kors chronograph two tone watch  //  vintage Elgin men's watch   //  vintage Gruen two tone, similar to mine

Geriatric Starlets

As my family and I organize all of my grandmother's things, I couldn't help but draw a comparison between her and fashion icon Iris Apfel. Both women wouldn't dream of leaving the house without lipstick and her accessories (turquoise, rhinestones, scarves – you name it), and their homes both house tons (and tons) of collectables, treasures, and trinkets. With a collection that I'm sure is bursting at the seams, Mrs. Apfel will be selling off many of her goods through One Kings Lane this Saturday. Score items that she has picked up over the years from her many travels to places like Paris, Marrakech, Santa Fe, and more ... and work on starting your own coveted collection.   

You can read Iris' thoughts on the sale here. 

Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest and Pinterest