The Stylish Staple

The Chanel boucle jacket is without a doubt an iconic and coveted item. While stylish ladies everywhere may agree on this, not everyone will own one (I mean, they cost upwards of $2k ... and that's preowned!). On a routine stroll through my local Zara the other day, I noticed not just one cute classic tweed jacket, but a bevy of this stylish spring staple (and at a much more wallet-friendly price) ...   

Clockwise from top: cream with black piping  //  mint green  //  navy blue with white piping  //  cream with zip details  //  navy jacket  //  teal contrast piping jacket 

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

Happy weekend all! It's going to be an action-packed weekend, what with the dynamic duo of the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo right around the corner. Saturday is supposed to be a lovely day in Chicago so it will no doubt be a fun day around town ...

Also this weekend ...

• It's the one weekend a year that I love going to the warehouse of a bar, Joe's on Weed, to watch the Derby and place a few dollar bets next door at the OTB. Even better, when the weather is nice you can sit outside (and still watch the race on their outdoor TVs). 

• If you're heading to a party, or just enjoying the race from the comfort of your very own couch, it's always fun to make a festive cocktail for the event – so in light of the dual "holiday", whip up a Mint Julep Margarita! Sounds like the tastiest, best of both worlds to me. 

• Or instead of drinking the day away, head to Plumbers Hall for the Modern Vintage Chicago sale. This is one seriously great event, full of fantastic finds (past scores include my vintage Chanel pleated skirt and floral maxi).

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Tablespoon

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.

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!

Le Packing List

Tomorrow Steve and I jet off to France! (with a little jaunt over to Champagne country on the way to Germany, also). I've come up with a few looks to avoid overpacking (I learned my lesson the hard way last time, leaving very little room for fun new French fashions). I find the easiest thing to do is stick to one or two colors so you can get the most out of each piece. Below are my staple pieces, which can be mixed and matched to create additional monochromatic looks.

Clockwise from top:  white blouse  //  classic trench  //  skinny jeans  //  metallic ballet flats  //  crossbody bag (similar one here)


Clockwise from top right:  Chanel velvet lipstick  //  Chanel jumbo flap bag  //  black strapless tiered maxi  //  stacked heel ankle bootie  //  black leather jacket 


 Clockwise from top right:  tiger print tee  //  nude pump  //  black cigarette pants  //  black single-button blazer  //  tan cashmere wrap

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 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

The Fab Five

Whether you wear it or not (even like it or not), there is no denying that Chanel No. 5 is the most famous perfume since it's creation in 1921. Named for the 5th formula presented to Mlle. Chanel, the intoxicating blend of Rose, Ylang Ylang, and copious amounts of Jasmine, has been worn by women from all walks of life, from your grandmother to Marilyn Monroe. This week in Paris, Chanel will open an exhibition titled No.5 Culture Chanel, focusing on Chanel's life and her inspirations surrounding the fragrance. While I haven't yet had the pleasure of spritzing on the spicy scent, I like to dream about someday throwing on a classic trench, slipping on some ballet flats and No.5 and walking the streets of Paris. 

For more on the story behind this iconic fragrance, check out this video by Chanel's master perfumer.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Fun Holiday Weekend!

Perhaps you've seen this fun little video about the fashionable icon, the Chanel jacket. I love hearing Coco speak about creating movement and comfort in women's clothing (... though pretty much anything spoken in French sounds better). Merci madame Chanel for creating not only this classic, but an empire of enviable, dreamy pieces.

Looking forward to this weekend ...

• Celebrate St. Pat's with some delicious Irish treats. My faves include a tasty stout beer (Guinness is good, but I love Young's Double Chocolate Stout ... which, between you and me, is actually English), and I'd love to pick up some of this Guinness Bread mix!

• Through Sunday, get 30% off your entire purchase at Gap (and online with code GAPFRIENDS). Now's the perfect time to stock up on spring staples like this trench, this minty green clutch, or this go-to chambray shirt (I can't get enough, though Steve thinks my chambray collection is just about complete).

• As if the West Loop could get any better – restaurant-wise – the guys behind the Gage and Henri took over the Orange space at Grand and Halsted and are in the process of transforming into what is sure to be another hot West Loop spot (complete with a nice, big patio).

• DailyCandy Deals is offering up to 60% off Gorjana & Griffin accessories. I've been a long time fan of these simple, cool designs. My fave pieces I own are this ring and this necklace.

Have a great weekend!

Photo from Pinterest