Prima Ballerina

I love those perfect autumn days when lightweight layers pair with cool weather staples – the ideal weather for the flouncy feminine ballerina skirt. The longer length is just warm enough, and paired with a sweater or cropped leather jacket, makes for one cool ladylike look.

Clockwise from top right:  red midi skirt  //  black sheer striped skirt  //  burgundy pleated skirt  //  denim aline skirt  //  pink ballerina skirt  //  embroidered leather aline skirt

photo of Jessica Alba courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Favorite French Spot: Un

Of course every nook and cranny of Paris is a gorgeous wonder ... which makes the main attractions all that much more impressive! The Musee D'Orsay is no exception. The artwork alone is an amazing sight, not to mention the old train station that it's housed in. At true beaut in the most beautiful city...

 

Très Bien Ensemble

All of the lovely ladies overseas wear the easiest ensembles, comprised of clean classics that are comfortable, but still polished and pretty. I've been inspired and living in my new oversized white button down and slim black pants – with either ballet flats or black ankle booties depending on my plans. One of my fave things I layer on is Huile Prodigieuse – a super moisturizing oil with a subtle but heavenly scent that I picked up from the pharmacie in Paris (but also available here). I finish my look with my trench and my new navy leather tote from Printemps (an adorable similar one below) and I'm ready for my day. 

The French Doors

Even the smallest side streets in Paris are prettier than any other in the world. Amongst my fave details (in addition to the gray rooftops, stone facades, and stunning spiraling staircases) are the incredibly detailed old doors. From the beautiful colors, to the knockout door knockers, these entryways are downright gorgeous ...
  

Have a Fabulous Fall Weekend!

Happy Friday! If this spectacular weather keeps up this weekend, get out and enjoy it ... cheer on the marathon runners Sunday, head to the Lincoln Park Zoo (it's perfect just as the leaves start to turn), or enjoy a drink on the Terrace at Trump Tower before it's too cold (definitely on my end of summer to do list).

Also this weekend ...

• Instead of perusing the sales online like usual, head to the Gilt City Warehouse Sale tomorrow to score the best that the fashionable site has to offer. 

• On the vintage side of things, check out designer duds when Decades sets up shop in Space 519 once again. Bonus: the chance to meet owners Christos and Cameron!

• Grab Sunday brunch at the original breakfast joint in the West Loop, Ina's. After 33 years, Ina's will be closing it's doors at the end of this year. But now you can make her delicious dishes thanks to her new recipe book. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Le Leather Jacket

There's no better place for scoping street style than Paris. While there, I of course saw the French staples (ballet flats, classic trench, skinny pants), and just about everyone was sporting a leather biker jacket. It's no surprise that the fashion capital of the world is wearing thee fashionable item for fall, but it was inspiring none the less to see them style their jacket with everything from skinny jeans to mini skirts. Below are a few fantastic leather finds ... 

Clockwise from top:  Mackage  //  Topshop  //  Aqua  //  Andrew Marc  //  Zara

A Très Bien Trip

Bonjour, it feels good to be back! (that's a lie – I could stay in Paris my whole life for real). There's so much to share and pictures to post, but all in good time. For now, below are just a few of my fave moments ...

My new favorite place on Earth ... Le Petite Trianon


Hands down the best bar ever – the Veuve Clicquot tasting room 


A perfect view out of our window in the Champagne region of France


Not just for the boys ... the Porsche Museum was one pretty place.  

Blast From the Past: Pretty, Pretty Pages

While I'm Away ... Some Faves (originally posted in June)

No matter what aesthetic I go for in our home – whether its our cool contemporary bedroom, or cozy modern living area – one element is always there ... magazines. Some people say print is dead, and sure I love perusing online blogs and digital magazines, but there's nothing like thumbing through a glossy mag. I've got back issues filed in holders, stacked in corners, and piled on coffee tables, I just can't get rid of the pretty pages. 

It will be many years before my collection is considered vintage, so I love scoping out old back issues. Bookman's Alley in Evanston (which is still open, btw) has a fantastic collection of vintage and antique periodicals, and if you ever find yourself in Paris, Les Archives de la Presse houses an endless collection of magazines covering fashion, decor, design, and more.

Below are some simple, yet stunning ways to display your pretty paper ...

 

Images courtesy of Pinterest

Blast From the Past: A Sparkling Spot

While I'm Away ... Some Faves (originally posted in May)

In my never ending fascination with all things French, I read the book French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano, the former president and CEO of Clicquot, Inc. (yes, as in Veuve Clicquot). The book was a lovely read about being a fantastic French woman, but I was more fixated on the mere mention of her position at Clicquot. I have a very serious love affair with champagne, specifically with the delicious bubbles from Veuve.

Steve and I have plans to visit France in the fall, and we certainly hope to make a pit stop at the Veuve cellars in Reims. Check out the tres jolie grounds that produce these beautiful bubbles ...

Photos from Pinterest, David Liebovitz, Veuve Clicquot

Blast From the Past: Happy Earth Day

While I'm Away ... Some Faves (originally posted in May)

We all know the three Rs to help save our planet – reduce, reuse, and recycle. That last one is my favorite, I love discovering vintage goods to outfit my home and mix in with my wardrobe. Even more fun is fining new and creative ways to use goods, both old and new. Below are some Earth-friendly ideas, up-cycled decorative touches for the home in honor of this Earth Day ...

Candle jars and a mix of vintage china makes organizing the powder room easy and pretty





Follow this DIY to create your own lampshade using a pretty vintage fabric (like this French striped linen).



Vintage tins make perfect containers for an herb garden.



A few boards of reclaimed barnwood add a rustic touch to a clean, simple bedroom.



Photos from Pinterest, Design*Sponge