Staple Sale Scores

It's kind of hard to think about wearing a thick, leather jacket in July, but now is the best time to score a sweet deal on this wardrobe staple. I came across this gem on deep discount and couldn't resist (especially given the similarity to my beloved Acne Rita jacket). With fall attire starting to fill stores, peruse those sale racks now for a fantastic classic leather jacket (tip: it goes with everything!)   

Clockwise from top left:  tan Michael Kors moto jacket   //  black denim-style leather jacket  //  white longline jacket  //  grey suede moto jacket  //  classic biker jacket  

The Reduced Republic

After my weekly sweep through Zara (it helps that my husband pretty much exclusively shops there as well), we were drawn to the giant "sale" signs in the neighboring Banana Republic. I always find some great classics here and this trip was no different ... even better, all of my faves were on the sale rack! I came away with the cream colored jacket below and cannot wait to wear it (obviously after this heatwave subsides). Below are a few items I may have to head back for ... like immediately 

Clockwise from top left:

faded chambray shirtdress  //  versatile nude wedges  //  cream textured jacket  //  striped halter dress  //   navy maxi dress  //  polka dot buttondown  //  eyelet aline dress  //  tailored sailor shorts 

Food, Fun, and Fireworks

After a relaxing holiday week (and unintentional hiatus from my little blog due to down interwebs) it's good to be back! I hope everyone had a lovely Fourth weekend ... ours was full of good food (my fave local BBQ and the largest micheladas in town!), quality friend and family time (over patriotic ice cream cake and beer), and of course, some fireworks (I wait all year for this show set to music). Well it's back to the grindstone, so here's to a fantastic week ahead.  
   

Have a Perfect Summer Weekend!

Happy weekend! Isn't it amazing that we get foggy/rainy/cool weekdays, but gorgeous weekends? If the forecast of 80 and sunny holds true, I'm hoping to finally grab brunch at The Dawson on their awesome patio (above) ... I just can't decide between the incredible salmon breakfast or decadent french toast ... 

Also this weekend ...

• The 45th Annual Pride Parade kicks off in Uptown this Sunday. This day long event is always a fantastic time, full of fun loving people, definitely not to be missed!

• I'm a huge (huge) Beatles fan, so since I'll never fulfill my dream of seeing them live, I "settle" for the solo shows by Paul and Ringo. Ringo Starr and His All Star Band will take the stage at the Chicago Theater this Saturday – a perfect venue for this old Beatle.

• Another summer weekend, another fun summer festival! Lincoln Park Summerfest, to be specific, and this one has all the bells and whistles – BBQ, live music, beers in the park, and shopping. 80 and sunny out? Perfect. 

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of TWO restaurant

The Summer Shoe

I am still loving my Kaanas espadrilles that I picked up a few months ago – they're comfortable and stylish and pretty much the perfect summer shoe. Well this summer staple isn't only for us gals, I'm definitely digging the espadrilles for dudes. I like the slip ons, but the lace up versions are the perfect warm weather wear for your man friend. They look awesome with casual cuffed trousers, tailored shorts, or my fave, the summer short suit. Below are a few good pairs to send his way ...

Ben Sherman Pril Lace Up, $70


Keds Champion Jute, $39.95


Sperry Top-Sider Espadrille, $64

Out of Juice

Well folks, it's the end of an era – Juicy Couture will close all of it's U.S stores this month. Sure we all had (or wanted) one of those covetable velour tracksuits ... but really, this wasn't the best look. Yeah it was comfortable for class back in the early 2000's, but sweats in public? No. Just, no. 

While we're talking fashion regret, let's remember some of the other fashion faux pas many of us (myself included) were guilty of ...

These skirts! Everyone owned at least one of these gems. The shorter the better was our motto – seriously, sometimes those cutoff denim skirts could be confused for belts on the hanger. And those ruffles – tiers of regret from 2000. 


The handkerchief tops. Somehow these stuck around for a few years – because nothing says sexy like showing your love handles and pointing straight to your crotch (?).


The hair – oh god the hair. I definitely sported both of these looks at one point (I even had the butterfly clips and "cornrow" look done at a salon for a dance!).

... of course, there will come a day when I look back at something (some things?) I'm wearing now and I'll shake my head. Here's to sticking to timeless classics!

Blossoming Bridesmaids

A little over 2 weeks ago, my younger sister got married! It was a fabulous day, full of fun, friends and family ... and flowers. My youngest sister and I were the only bridesmaids, so we went simple and romantic with long cream gowns (by the same designer that my sisters wore in my wedding), and donned traditional babysbreath floral wreaths. It was elegant but whimsical ... and likely the only excuse we'll ever have to wear a flower crown! I will share more photos later, but wanted to share a peek at our summer wedding ensembles ...

the merry maids


the lovely couple

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's one of my fave events of the year – the Zara sale. It's no secret that it's pretty much my fave spot to shop, so when the decent prices are slashed to amazing prices, I'm there in a flash. Below are my top pics from the sale, currently on now ...   

layered printed dress – $59.99


combination blouse – $35.99


high waisted skinny jeans – $35.99


patent leather court shoe – $39.99


Triangle bikini top – $15.99


contrast dress – $39.99


cut work skirt – $59.99


dress with bow – $25.99


court shoe with bow – $59.99


coat with zips – $119.99

Have a Culture-Filled Weekend!

Here's hoping the rain holds off this weekend so we can get out and do fun things! This is the first weekend in a while that we don't have any major plans so I'm looking forward to chilling and seeing where the days take me. 

Also this weekend ...

• If you feel like taking a break from the bustling city summer festivals, head north to Winnetka for Art in the Village. This juried art show takes over part of Lincoln avenue Saturday and Sunday and includes amazing artists from all over (like Armando Pedroso, above). After you've absorbed all the art you can, pop in the cute shops or grab a bite at my fave little european cafe. 

• Head up to Winnetka Saturday, then check out the Green Music Fest Sunday. This 2-day eco-friendly focused fest has crafts, drinks and snacks – but most importantly, tunes. Check out my personal faves, The Features, Sunday night.

• Perhaps the most festive of festivals this weekend is Chicago Pridefest. The pride parade is still a week away, but the revelry starts this weekend with a huge celebration including food, drinks, and crafts – plus pop and dance performances. Talk about a serious summer kick off party!

Have a super weekend!

Photo courtesy of Armando Pedroso

The Ultimate Pencil Skirt

You guys – I just discovered the best pencil skirt. I thought I'd do a simple sweep through Zara, no big deal – however – turns out this skirt caught my eye, and is amaze. I'm a curvy girl, right, and this skirt has a way of smoothing everything out, like spanx for real life. I'll definitely do this bad gal with crop tops or tuck a lightweight shirt in for a polished look.