Feliz Weekend!

Happy weekend everyone! Sunday is Cinco de Mayo, so hang this festive garland and whip up some tasty drinks like this classic margarita, or my favorite, the spicy michelada.

In between sips of margs, here are some more fun things this weekend ...

• Sunday starts the newest addition to the Chicago market scene ... the Chicago Flea Market in Wicker Park will feature local artisans and tasty treats.

• If you're looking to do some spring cleaning, why not do it for the kids? Closet Angels is a consignment business that accepts donations of your gently worn high-end men's and women's clothing and accessories. All proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (extra points for making room in your closet for new spring finds!).

• Don't forget to don your fanciest hat for the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. Even though the warm weather won't be around for the race, you can still make a refreshing mint julep.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

So Long Summer

The goods:
• blazer, pants, and ballet flats from Zara
• chambray shirt from J.Crew
• vintage watch and bracelets  

What a difference a day makes! Only in Chicago do we enjoy a balmy summer day and plummet down to the 60s the next. In all honesty, I don't know that I was 100% ready to give up on my blazers just yet. I love true spring weather – warm enough where you don't need a coat and you can get away with a little jacket and flats. I will welcome the summer weather ... you know, in summer.

Sienna Miller for Caroll Paris

Caroll Paris embodies clean modern designs (which I've raved about before here). So it came as no surprise that the face of their Summer campaign was none other than the amazing – and effortlessly gorgeous – Sienna Miller. Sienna dons rock-glam one moment, and saunters down the red carpet in classic couture the next (all the marks of a French woman, though she hails from England). Sneak a peek on set with Sienna Miller for Caroll above, and check out some of my faves from their new collection below ... 

Check out the entire collection here.

Photos courtesy of Caroll Paris

Minty Fresh

The goods:
• maxi dress from Forever21
• jacket from Zara
• necklaces by Gorjana
• gold bangle by IGWT   

Here we've been waiting for spring weather and – bam – we get a hot summer day! I had been on a search for a flowy maxi dress and found this romantic mint green number at Forever21. To balance out the delicate silhouette, I threw on this cropped studded jacket. When summer really hits, this dress will go to weekend brunch or to a hot summer wedding.

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 Great Weekend!

So it's finally supposed to be a pleasant spring weekend! Just in time too, a friend of mine is getting married tomorrow so we have some fun events planned and good friends in town. 

Also this weekend ...

• DVF launched round two of her collab with Gap Kids. It's so cute, I may need to focus my styling on my nieces and nephews for a minute.

• Naha restaurant welcomed a French sister to Chicago, Brindille. I'm a sucker for all things French (especially the food), so I definitely want to check this place out. Plus the photos on their site are like a mouthwatering still life painting!

• I'm a firm believer that accessories make the outfit - even better are the ones that tell time. I love La Mer Collection timepieces (I have this interchangeable set, and love this pyramid watch). Refinery29 has an offer good for $100 toward the watch of your choice – hurry – it's only good through the weekend.

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Rainbow Bright

The goods:
• shirt dress by Prabal Gurung for Target
• ankle booties by Report 

Unlike the black and white palette that I've been wearing all week, I'm busting out every color of the rainbow! I usually go for solids and simple pieces, but this painterly pattern is balanced out nicely with the solid black backing. I kept things simple with black tights, black shoes and let the dress do all the (incredibly loud) talking.

Spring Picks from Zara

When I'm on the hunt for stylish basics (which is just about every other day), I always head to Zara. I rarely leave without a covetable new item ... and about 5 more pieces that I'll dream about for the next week. On a recent trip there, I spotted some new spring stuff that would instantly update my wardrobe for the warmer weather. See below for my current faves ... 

1. I love this fresh green color for spring. This blouse is perfect for pairing with skinny jeans, or tucking into a pencil skirt for a more business casual ensemble – bonus points for the edgy zipper detail.

2. I'm such a sucker for wedge heels in the spring and summer. I love this simple modern design, perfect contrast to sleek skinny black pants.

3. Maxi skirts are one of my favorite things for spring – easy and feminine, great paired with everything from a tank to a t-shirt to a structured blazer. 

4. I've been searching for a wide brim hat – not too floppy, but not a fedora silhouette. This one is the perfect blend of city and beach.

5. I've been seeing quite a few long waistcoats lately ... I love the clean tailored look of blazers to add polish to most looks, these vests achieve the same look, but are warm weather appropriate. 

6. These pink cropped trousers add a great pop of color and pair with everything from flats to wedges to heels depending on the look you're going for.  

... see more of Zara's fresh spring picks here.

Lip Service

The goods:
• vintage vest/blazer from France
• jeans from Gap
• pumps from Zara
• bangles from Forever21  

Do not adjust your screen, that is an actual pop of color you see! While I may be donning my usual black and white, I couldn't help but be inspired by the (no doubt fleeting) spring day we had yesterday, and added a bright red. It took me a while to build up the courage to buy a bold red, and even to shop for that perfect shade that isn't too orange or too pink. I settled on this one and I love how it elevates a simple jean and jacket ensemble ... a teeny swipe that packs a punch.

Happy Earth Day!

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