uniform

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While I try to mentally plan out what I'm wearing a day or two in advance, there are days when I fall behind and I don't have the time or the wherewithal to do anything more than to put some clothes on with the sole purpose of avoiding indecent exposure. On those days, I reach for my uniform - dark skinny jeans, a basic tee with an interesting detail (i.e. stripes!), a go-to pair of shoes (pumps if I need to dress up, ankle boots if I need to be mobile), sunglasses, and a structured, semi-large bag (it needs to be large because I carry a lot with me, but the structure is crucial if I ever want to find anything). I almost always wear a watch (I hate to be late, and I've never gotten in the habit of checking my phone for the time), and if I can eke out the time, I throw on simple studs and a delicate necklace to look a little bit more put together. 

What's your uniform?

recent purchases

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 Hello, all! I am not fully recovered yet from my sinus headache/cough/cold/mild asthma bug, but today is the best I've felt in over a week. I still have wicked coughing fits, but the interminable headache is gone, as is the overwhelming congestion. Progress.

Lately, it's been hard to remember what it feels like to not be sick, but my recent purchases are evidence that, yes, I once felt good enough physically to have gone on a little shopping trip with my sister.  

What I bought:

Express holographic pumps (sold out) || I'd been wanting silver pumps but didn't want to spend too much money. I finally found this pair on major sale for $24. The quality is decent. The heel is a bit steep (4") but these aren't shoes I'd wear all day anyway.

Clarins Splendours bronzer and eyeshadow palette || My obsession with Clarins started with this lipgloss. After hearing great things about this collection here and here,  my curiosity was piqued. These are definitely a splurge. I haven't tried them yet - the design is so pretty that I'm afraid to touch it! When I do, I'll definitely do a post on them.

Gap leopard print sandals (sold out online) || These sandals are currently unavailable online save for a random pop-back, but I found mine in store, so definitely check stores near you if they catch your fancy. I wanted a sandal that was no fuss but was slightly dressier than a flip flop. I was going to go for the simple black pair for a neutral sandal, but leopard's a neutral, too, right?

 Banana Republic x Milly elephant shorts || With an in-store promo and an additional 10% off for using my BR card, these shorts came to $25. I had given up on ever finding them in store in my size once they sold out online, so I was excited to not only have found a pair but for such a great prize. I've already taken them out for a spin and making plans to do so again. If you can't find a pair at a BR store, there are some on eBay.

Banana Republic x Milly elephant makeup case || This, too, was bought with a promo for ~$25. Super adorable, but I'm undecided as to whether I'm keeping. I have other makeup bags, so I don't really need it. That being said...ELEPHANTS. I love them.

Old Navy knotted-back dress || This dress was a surprise purchase. I didn't have high hopes for it when I picked it up off the rack, but I tried it on anyway, and I'm glad I did. A casual dress that draws attention to curves in the best possible way. The length is good, and it drapes nicely on me. This was bought during Old Navy's one-day dress sale for $8. 

It feels good to be back. Thanks for checking in.  

working for the (long) weekend

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The long weekend is almost here, you guys! My sister's high school graduation is on Sunday, and right after, my family, James and I will be heading up to Lake Geneva for some R&R lakeside. New Glarus beer, here I come. 

I've learned over the years to pack minimally for a long weekend. I like to stick to tried-and-true basics - chinos and white jeans with easy tanks and a jean jacket. Sunglasses, a scarf, a pair of comfortable shoes, and a crossbody are all I need accessories-wise. 

What do you wear on a long-weekend getaway?

white tank || khaki green chinos || jean jacket || sunnies || scarf (sold out, try this)

crossbody || boat shoes || printed tank || white jeans

dress me

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Warmer weather brings out the more feminine side of me. When the sun is shining, all I want to do is wear dresses. Whether it's a casual, perfectly draped maxi or a more dressed up blue and white stunner, the thing I look for in summer dresses is comfort and ease, because when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, things are simple and uncomplicated - why dress differently?

dresses: grey maxi :: b & w stripes :: red jersey :: blue & white :: print :: pink & coral

What's your warm weather uniform?

gift guide: mother's day

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Can you believe Mother's Day is less than two weeks away? I've already bought my mom a present, but when I was still in need of one and searching far and wide, I came across so many things my mom would like but wouldn't actually buy for herself for one reason or the other, and I thought it would be nice to put them together for a little gift guide.

Every mom deserves a little bling. This bracelet is such an elegant statement piece without being too over the top.

For as long as I can remember, my mom has always done her nails. She's always stuck with neutral, office appropriate colors, so this red nailpolish with a lipstick to match would be a little push to live it up on the weekends.

Who doesn't need a new iPhone case? This striped case is a little nautical and fun.

This yellow case would be a compact way to hold her essential cards in a smaller purse, like this one that can be monogrammed.

These soaps are so pretty, are super moisturizing, and have a lovely scent. Bonus: they say "good mother" in French. Sitting on the matching soap holder, they'd instantly add a dose of chic to her bathroom.

Scarves are always a great accessory. This patterned scarf would be a great addition to her collection. 

Of course, the classics never get old. Flowers and a special little dessert are a great way to show your mom how much she means to you. 

Last but not least, no matter what you get her, make sure you wish your mom a Happy Mother's Day through a special card, on the phone, or, even better, in person. Tell her how much she means to you. It's the best gift!

blue jeans baby

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Taking a recent inventory of my closet, I realize I am sadly lacking in the jeans department. I only had a handful of jeans to start with, and all of them were either the wrong size, of very poor quality, generally ill-fitting, or all of the above, save for one white pair I found at H&M and one black pair I found at Banana Republic (and never found again). 

I've never had very good luck with jeans - I'm 4'11, curvy, with a short torso and even shorter, very athletic legs. I never really found a pair that accounted for all of that, so I think I just waved the white flag and moved on, until now. Nothing is quite as versatile or as cool as blue jeans, and I'd like to get a handful of really good pairs of various styles (straight, skinny, and bootcut. Flares are not my friend.). I currently have one pair of skinny jeans in my closet: Gap's 1969 legging jean in indigo rinse. I love that Gap offers it in the ankle length, which on me is that perfect "scrunched" length. I am flirting with the idea of just ordering 2 more of this style, but I thought I'd ask for a little back-up first.

Do you have any jeans you swear by that I should give a try? Please do let me know!

spring wishlist

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 The weather in Chicago has been ridiculous lately. In the past week, we've had snow, freezing rain, and fluctuations of 20 degrees in temperature. Today is 45 and drizzling, tomorrow will be 62 and storming, and by Thursday will be at 19 and possible snowing. Needless to say, I have no idea how to dress appropriately much less presentably, and I am truly, truly earnestly waiting for spring to arrive. Which explains why I've been aimlessly perusing the web for anything spring related and why I now have a spring wishlist:

1. cognac colored tote + crossbody

2. chambray shirt

3. simple, bold watch

4. pretty, soft nails

5. warmer season, lighter scent

6. animal print flats

7. chic flip flops

8. nude wedges you can dress up or down

9. classic, flat sandal

10. timeless shades

11. delicate earrings, necklaces, and bracelets  

 

sweater weather

From top to bottom: J. Crew Tippi sweater in burgundy and purple, J. Crew classic merino long cardigan in forest green, Tippi sweater in blue, kelly green, gray, and black, Gap Studio sweater in white, ASOS "Bonjour" sweater in cream/black, J. Crew Factory "heart me" sweater in acorn/black



 I could not be any happier that the weather is finally getting cooler. Case in point, my sweater collection has grown exponentially these past two weeks, and particularly this weekend. The boyfriend and I strolled down Michigan Avenue and enjoyed a great fall weekend of good eats, good wine, and good shopping.

Enjoy the cooler weather!

 

recent purchases (Labor Day weekend)

polyvore set here

one: J. Crew Sydney sandal  // two: Gap striped cardigan

three: J. Crew cabochon fan necklace in peach

four: BR Jenna pump // five: J. Crew painter boatneck striped tee  // six: J. Crew cafe capri 

seven: Gap academy blazer // eight: Cole Haan Victoria tote 

nine: Zara cowboy ballerinas // ten: BR Jocelyn wedge 

eleven: J. Crew factory shorts // twelve: J. Crew factory heart sweater

thirteen: J. Crew biennial satchel // fourteen: Shoemint sandal  // fifteen: BR panama hat 

sixteen: Garance Dore for Kate Spade iPhone case

I went a little crazy this Labor Day weekend. On the downside, my wallet is a lot lighter. On the upside, my closet is ready for fall, and then some. All items listed above were purchased for a minimum of 30% off the regular price, except for the Zara flats. Oftentimes, discounts were combined whenever possible. I'll probably return some items (a pair or two of shoes, one of the bags, maybe the hat) after I really assess what I need, but all the above was less than $750. I'd like to get that number down to $500.00. (I'm not counting the necklace and the Shoemint shoes since they were gifts from the boyfriend.)

I don't usually spend this much money, but fall is always when I add the most to my closet, and aside from the $120 spent in August, I really haven't gotten shopping since back in March, and I don't anticipate that I'll want or need to go shopping again until the holidays. 

What are recent additions in your closet?

when the leaves start changing...

1. Gap black leather jacket (couldn't find this exact one, but similar) 2. Fitzwell brown leather riding boots 

3. butter London in Royal Navy 4. Gap light chambray shirt 5. Dolce&Gabbana the one

6. Michael Kors gold watch 7. Donna Karan Woman

Autumn is my favorite season. I love everything about it, but especially the smell of crisp, cool air, the explosion of color as the leaves change, apple picking and pumpkin pie, my birthday, our anniversary...and of course, great fashion. 

I'm really trying to buy investment pieces for the upcoming season: a leather jacket, well-made riding boots, a timeless over-sized watch, oh-so-versatile chambray. In addition, I'm looking forward to switching to a deeper, more sensual perfume for the cooler weather. I love Dolce&Gabbana the one, (and the rose version, too ), but I smelled Donna Karan's new perfume, Woman, and I was intrigued (and the bottle is like a mini sculpture). As for my nails, I love the darker moody colors - stormy greys, rich hunter greens, and vampy purples. Now I'm looking to add a saturated navy blue to my polish collection. It's classic yet edgy, and a surprisingly versatile and softer take on black. 

What's on your fall wish list?